MXPA99000477A - Vacuum that includes fan to form an air current that flows along the axial direction of the rotating brush to the succ member - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, characterized in that it comprises: a) a main body, and b) a floor nozzle coupled pivotally to the main body, wherein the main body includes a-1) a body cover, and -2) a fan motor and a powder containment portion both disposed within the main body, the floor nozzle includes b-1) a floor nozzle cover having an opening in a surface thereof in contact with a floor, and a suction element on a wall thereof against the main body, and including an outside air inlet on a portion opposite the ventilating fan, b-2) a rotating brush element arranged to face the opening and activated by the fan motor, b-3) a ventilation fan provided at one end of the rotating brush element, attached to a rotational axis of the rotating brush element, and rotating according to the rotation of the element or rotary brush, and b-4) a pulley attached to one end of the rotating brush element, and wherein the main body further includes a-3) a hose with one end connected to the suction element and the other end connected to the the dust containment portion; the vacuum cleaner further comprises c) exciting means for exciting the rotating brush element and the ventilating fan, wherein the exciting means includes a band suspended between the fan motor and the pulley; ventilation is formed inside the pol

Description

VACUUM THAT INCLUDES FAN TO FORM A CURRENT OF AIR THAT FLOWS ALONG THE AXIAL DIRECTION OF BRUSH SUCTION MEMBER ROTATING DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, and particularly to a vacuum cleaner with an improved dust collection capacity.

Description of the Previous Technique Vacuum cleaners are generally classified as boat or horizontal type and vertical type. When cleaning with a boat type vacuum, one should drag through a long hose the body of the vacuum cleaner, in which an electric motor is stored, to move its suction opening to a Play that is going to be cleaned. However, in the vertical type vacuum cleaner, which has a body with such a suction opening and an electric motor integrated thereto, which allows easy operation.

REF. 28980 With reference to Figures 1 and 2, a conventional vertical type vacuum includes a main body; a handle 1-1 attached to an upper portion of the body 1 for operating the vacuum cleaner; wheels 2 attached to the lower portion of the body 1 and rotating correspondingly to the operation of the handle 1-1; a fan motor 3 for aspirating, contained in the lower portion of the body 1; a bag 1-2 of dust collection contained within the body 1 above the fan motor 3; a hose 11; a nozzle 5 for the floor, pivotally connected to the body 1 with an angle in a certain interval by a joining means by a coaxial shaft 4 of the fan motor 3 in its pivot, and in communication with the bag 1-2 of collection of waste by means of hose 11; a rotary brush member 7 provided within the floor nozzle 5; a pulley (not shown) attached to one end of a rotating brush member 7; a band ß suspended between the coaxial shaft 4 of the motor 3 of the fan and the pulley for transmitting the power of the motor 3 of the fan to the member 7 of the rotating brush; an extension tube 11-1 and a nozzle 11-2 for narrow spaces, both connected to the end tip of the hose 11 when cleaning the corner of a room, a space between pieces of furniture, etc., for cleaning such difficult narrow spaces for inserting the nozzle 5 for the floor therein; and a power supply cable (not shown). In the lower portion of the main body 1 an ejection outlet 12 is formed for the fan motor 3. The rotating brush member 7 has a surface with bristles placed spirally thereon. When a carpet is cleaned, the dust is collected by these bristles and is sucked and sent to the bag 1-2 of dust collection. When a floor or the like is cleaned, the rotation of the rotating brush member 7 can be stopped. A wall is provided around the rotating brush member 7 to form a suction opening. From the suction opening, one side opens in contact with the floor surface, while the other side is in contact with the floor and is separated from the outside air, and the dust sucked from the suction member is connected to the hose 11 and it is sent to a dust collection bag. The suction member is provided in the vicinity of the central portion of the rotating brush member 7, or in a structure, as shown in FIG. 1, at a portion opposite an end of the rotary brush member 7. The negative pressure around the rotating brush member decreases in proportion to the volume of the powder sucked during cleaning; the suction force decreases further away from the suction member. With a conventional vacuum, the dust collected by the rotating brush member has been sucked only with the suction force provided by the suction member by the fan motor 3. This has resulted in poor efficiency in dust suction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been carried out to solve the problems described above, and one of its objectives is to provide a vacuum with high efficiency in the suction of dust. Another object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum with greater efficiency in the suction of dust compared to a conventional one, with a comparable particle count. A vacuum cleaner according to one aspect of the present invention includes a main body and a floor nozzle pivotally coupled to the main body. The body includes a body cover, and within the body a fan motor and a bag assembly portion for dust collection. The floor nozzle includes a floor nozzle cover that has an opening in its surface, in contact with the floor and a suction member in its wall against the body; a rotating brush member positioned to face the opening and driven by the fan motor; and a fan provided at one end of, and rotating in accordance with the rotation of the rotating brush member. The body further includes a hose with one end connected to the suction member and the other end to the assembly portion of the dust collection bag. The vacuum cleaner further includes a drive member for driving the rotating brush member and the fan. Providing a fan allows an air stream to be formed from one end of the rotating brush towards the suction member. This facilitates the introduction of dust into the suction member, thereby improving the efficiency of dust suction. Preferably, the floor nozzle cover has an outside air inlet in a position opposite the fan. The air stream from the end of the rotating brush to the suction member can be increased in volume by the existence of an outside air inlet so that the dust suction efficiency is further improved. In addition, the fan is preferably attached to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush member. The integration of the fan with the rotating brush member ensures easy handling of the fan. Preferably, the floor nozzle further includes a pulley attached to one end of the rotating brush member. The drive member includes a band suspended between the fan motor and the pulley. The fan is formed inside the pulley. To the extent that a fan is provided within the rotating pulley of the rotating brush member, there is no need to extend the floor nozzle. It also becomes unnecessary to increase the parts accounts due to such a simple structure. The foregoing and other objects, features and aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a vacuum cleaner of the conventional vertical type. Figure 2 is a rear plan view of the conventional vertical type vacuum cleaner. Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of a vertical type vacuum cleaner, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a main portion of the vacuum cleaner of the vertical type according to the first embodiment.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the main portion of the rotating brush member and the bearing bracket according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of a vacuum cleaner of the vertical type according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the main portion of the rotating brush member and a bearing support, according to the second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES First Modality With reference to Figures 3 and 4, a vacuum cleaner of the vertical type according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a main body 1; an output fan motor 3 contained in a lower portion of the body 1, and a body cover 1; a hose 11; a nozzle 25 for the floor, pivotally joined by an arbitrary joining means with a coaxial shaft 4 of the fan motor 3 as its pivot to the body 1 at an angle in a certain interval, and in communication with the dust collection bag ( not shown) mounted on a dust collection bag assembly portion (not shown) by hose 11; a rotating brush member provided within the nozzle 25 for the floor; a pulley 9 attached to one end of the rotating brush member 7; a band 6 suspended between the coaxial shaft 4 of the fan motor 3 and the pulley 9 for transmitting power from the fan motor 3 to the member 7 of the rotating brush; and a fan 9a formed within the pulley 9. The floor nozzle 25 includes a top cover 25a, a bottom cover 25b, and a wall 25d provided within the top cover 25a. The upper cover 25a and the wall 25d form a suction opening 25e. An exterior air inlet 25c is provided on a surface of the wall of the upper cover 25a, opposite the fan 9a. A suction member 10 is provided in a portion of the wall 25d, to communicate the suction opening 25e with the dust collection bag through the hose 11. The vertical type vacuum includes further bearing supports 8a and 8b provided at the respective ends of the rotary brush member 7 for attaching the rotating brush member 7 to the upper cover 25a of the floor nozzle 25. The rotating brush member 7 is contained within the suction opening 25e. From the suction opening 25e, a portion corresponding to a floor surface is open, and the powder is sucked therefrom. The sucked powder is sent via a suction member 10 and hose 11 to the dust collection bag. The fan motor 3 sucks the powder. With reference to Figure 4, a lower portion of the upper cover 25a of the floor nozzle 25 is covered with the lower cover 25b, while a portion of the rotating brush member 7 opposite the floor is opened. The bearing bracket 8a has a vent opening 8c at one end of the rotating brush member 7 which is secured to the upper and lower covers 25a and 25b. With reference to Figure 5, the rotating brush member 7 includes a rotatable body 7a formed by resin molding, a rotation shaft 7c inserted within a hollow portion of the center of, and integrated with the rotating body 7a, and a brush 7b placed spirally on the periphery of the rotary body 7a. As described in the above, the pulley 9 is fixed to one end of the rotating body 7a, inserted in and coupled to the rotation axis 7c. The fan 9a is formed inside the pulley 9. The opposite ends of the rotation shaft 7c are detachably supported by bearing supports 8a and 8b with the bearings 13a and 13b interposed, respectively. The rotation axis 7c prevents it from detaching from the bearing supports 8a and 8b, by screwing nuts 14a and 14b at the respective ends of the rotation shaft 7c. The fan opening 8c for introducing air into the suction opening 25e is provided in a flat portion of the bearing bracket 8a, opposite the fan 9a. The rotation of the pulley 9 causes the rotating brush member 7 to rotate, and thus rotates the fan 9a. The air introduced from the ventilation opening 8c by the rotation of the fan 9a is directed, as shown by an arrow in figure 5, and therefore an air current is generated along the rotating brush member 7, towards the suction member 10. As described above, the bearing supports 8a and 8b are fixed by the upper and lower covers 25 a and 25 b. The fan 9a with a larger diameter is more preferred, although it is defined based on the diameter of the pulley 9. Preferably, the diameter of the fan 9a is produced larger compared to the rotating body 7a so that as much current is obtained of air as possible. The volume of air introduced from the outside can be altered by adjusting the number of rotation of the fan, as well as the number and angle of blades or fan blades. When the maximum negative pressure generated by the rotation of the fan motor 3 is represented as 100%, the vacuum is generally adjusted to operate only with 70 to 80% of the pressure for dust suction, by providing a space between its nozzle and a floor surface. This is because an excess in negative pressure leads to difficulties in moving the vacuum cleaner. Although a certain volume of air can be introduced into the suction opening of the floor nozzle by the fan provided at the end of the rotating brush member, there will be little effect on the suction force of the vacuum cleaner, due to the range of the negative pressure. The air stream formed by the fan along the rotating brush member will send the powder towards the suction member. As a result, the efficiency in the suction will be increased in its entirety. • 10 Second Modality With reference to figures 6 and 7, a vertical type vacuum cleaner according to the second embodiment of the present The invention is basically the same as that which is presented according to the first embodiment, shown in Figures 3 to 5. It differs only in that the first one includes a suction member 10 provided opposite the center of the rotating brush member, and in Consequently, fans 9a and 9b are provide on the respective sides of the rotating brush member 7. The ventilation openings 8c and 8d respectively are provided in portions of the respective bearing supports 8a and 8b, opposite the ventilation fans 9a and 9b. The floor nozzle 35 includes a top cover 35a, a lower cover 25b (not shown) and a wall 35d provided within the upper cover 35a. The upper cover 35a and the wall 35d constitute a suction opening 35e. Although not shown, external air inlets are provided on the respective sides of the side surface of the upper cover 35a, opposite the fans 9a and 9b. With reference to Figure 7, the fan 9b at the opposite end of the pulley 9 is formed to surround the outside of a bearing portion of the bearing 13b of the bearing support 8b. With such a structure, it is possible to decrease the width of the nozzle for the floor by the length of the superposed portion. In accordance with the present invention, the fan provided in the rotating brush member draws air from the outside air inlet in the side wall of the floor nozzle member. In this way air flow is generated along the rotating brush member towards the suction member, which can send the suctioned powder from the suction opening located in a lower portion of the rotating shaft member, towards the suction member . This improves efficiency in the suction of dust. The integration of the fan with the rotating brush member ensures easier handling of the fan. Providing the fan with a pulley that rotates the rotating brush member eliminates the need to expand the floor nozzle or increase the number of parts. A vacuum cleaner of the vertical type has been described in the above embodiments. However, the present invention is also applicable to a boat-type or horizontal vacuum, only if a dedicated electric motor for driving a rotating brush body and a fan is provided with the floor nozzle. Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that it is by way of illustration and example only. It should not be considered as a limitation, since the spirit and scope of the present invention are limited only by the terms of the appended claims. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it relates. Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following:

Claims (15)

1. A vacuum cleaner, characterized in that it comprises: a) a main body; and b) a floor nozzle pivotally coupled to the main body; wherein the main body includes a-1) a cover for the body; and a-2) a fan motor and a portion containing dust, both placed inside the main body; a floor nozzle that includes: b-1) a floor nozzle cover that has an opening in the floor surface in contact with a floor and suction member on a wall thereof, against the main body , b-2) a rotating brush member positioned to face the opening and driven by a fan motor, and b-3) a fan provided at one end of a rotary brush member and rotating according to the rotation of the rotating brush member; and wherein the main body further includes a-3) a hose with one end connected to the suction member and the other end connected to the powder-containing portion; the vacuum cleaner further comprises: c) a driving means for driving the rotating brush member and the fan.

The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that the floor nozzle cover includes an exterior air inlet on a portion opposite the fan.

3. The vacuum cleaner in accordance with the claim 2, characterized in that the fan is connected to a rotating axis of the rotating brush member.

4. The vacuum cleaner in accordance with the claim 3, characterized in that the floor nozzle further includes a pulley attached to one end of the rotating brush member; a drive means including a band suspended between the fan motor and the pulley; and the fan is formed inside the pulley.

5. The vacuum cleaner in accordance with the claim 4, characterized in that: the suction member is formed on the wall near one end of the rotating brush member; and the fan is provided at the other end of the rotating brush member.

The vacuum cleaner according to claim 4, characterized in that: the suction member is formed in the wall near the center of the rotating brush member; and a fan is provided in each of the rotating brush members.

7. The vacuum cleaner in accordance with the claim 3, characterized in that: the suction member is formed on the wall near one end of the rotating brush member; and a fan is provided at the other end of the rotating brush member.

The vacuum cleaner according to claim 3, characterized in that: a suction member is formed on the wall near the center of the rotating brush member; and a fan is provided, one at each end of the rotating brush member.

The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, characterized in that: the floor nozzle further includes: a pulley attached to one end of the rotating brush member; a drive means including a band suspended between the fan motor and the pulley; and a fan is formed inside the pulley.

10. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, characterized in that: the suction member is formed on the wall near one end of the rotating brush member; and a fan is provided at the other end of the rotating brush member.

The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, characterized in that the suction member is formed on the wall near the center of the rotating brush member; and a fan is provided near each end of the rotating brush member.

The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that the fan is joined to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush member.

The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that the floor nozzle further includes: a pulley attached to one end of the rotating brush member; a drive means including a band suspended between the fan motor and the pulley; and the fan is formed inside the pulley.

The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that the suction member is formed on the wall near one end of the rotating brush member; and a fan is provided at the other end of the rotating brush member.

15. The vacuum cleaner in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that a suction member is formed on the wall near the center of the rotating brush member; and a fan is provided, one at each end of the rotating brush member.