US20040000022A1 - Resiliently-coupled drive wheel assembly for self-propelled vacuum cleaner - Google Patents
Resiliently-coupled drive wheel assembly for self-propelled vacuum cleaner Download PDFInfo
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- US20040000022A1 US20040000022A1 US10/184,391 US18439102A US2004000022A1 US 20040000022 A1 US20040000022 A1 US 20040000022A1 US 18439102 A US18439102 A US 18439102A US 2004000022 A1 US2004000022 A1 US 2004000022A1
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- Prior art keywords
- drive member
- drive
- wheel
- wheel casing
- resilient coupling
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/009—Carrying-vehicles; Arrangements of trollies or wheels; Means for avoiding mechanical obstacles
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
- A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
- A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
- A47L5/28—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
Definitions
- the present invention relates to wheel constructions. It finds particular application in conjunction with a resiliently-coupled drive wheel assembly for a self-propelled vacuum cleaner, and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it should be appreciated that the wheel constructions disclosed herein can find use in a variety of other applications.
- a transmission assembly associated with a floor nozzle assembly mechanically transfers rotational power from an electric motor to a drive axle.
- the drive axle supports powered or otherwise driven wheels at opposing ends thereof.
- the driven wheels are directly connected to or otherwise fixed for positive mechanical rotation with the drive axle.
- a control mechanism associated with the transmission assembly governs the direction of rotation of the drive axle, and hence, the direction of travel of the vacuum cleaner.
- the control mechanism is typically actuated by articulating or pivoting the upright handle portion of the vacuum cleaner relative to the floor nozzle to effectuate either forward or reverse travel of the vacuum cleaner.
- a wheel assembly for a vacuum cleaner that has a drive axle mechanically coupled to a drive source.
- the wheel assembly includes a drive member rotatably secured to the drive axle, a wheel casing at least partially surrounding the drive member, and a resilient coupling that establishes a rotational engagement between the drive member and the wheel casing after a predetermined amount of rotation of the drive member relative to the wheel casing.
- a self-propelled vacuum cleaner includes a drive motor, a drive axle coupled to the drive motor, and at least one drive wheel assembly including a drive member rotatably secured to the drive axle, an outer wheel casing surrounding the drive member, and a resilient coupling that establishes a positive rotational engagement between the drive member and the wheel casing after the predetermined amount of rotation of the drive member relative to the wheel casing.
- a method for propelling a vacuum cleaner that includes a drive motor, a drive axle coupled to the drive motor, and at least one drive wheel assembly having a drive member rotatably secured to the drive axle, an outer wheel casing surrounding the drive member, and a resilient coupling that establishes a positive rotational engagement between the drive member and the wheel casing after the predetermined amount of rotation of the drive member relative to the wheel casing.
- the method includes rotating the drive axle and the drive member while maintaining the outer wheel casing stationary for a predetermined period of time, and establishing a positive rotational engagement between the drive member and the outer wheel casing after the predetermined period of time has elapsed to cause the outer wheel casing to rotate.
- the invention may take form in various components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps.
- the drawings are only for purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the same.
- FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an exemplary upright vacuum cleaner that incorporates a drive wheel assembly according to the present invention
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged, exploded view of a first embodiment of the drive wheel assembly of FIG. 1 from a first perspective;
- FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the drive wheel assembly of FIG. 2 from a second perspective
- FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the drive wheel assembly of FIG. 2 from a third perspective
- FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the drive wheel assembly of FIG. 2 in an assembled configuration
- FIG. 6 is a section view of the drive wheel assembly of FIG. 5 taken along line 6 - 6 ;
- FIG. 7 is a section view of the drive wheel assembly of FIG. 6 taken along line 7 - 7 ;
- FIG. 8 is a section view of the drive wheel assembly of FIG. 5 taken along line 8 - 8 ;
- FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of a drive wheel assembly according to the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a section view of the drive wheel assembly of FIG. 9 taken along the line 10 - 10 ;
- FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the drive wheel assembly of FIG. 9.
- FIG. 1 shows an exemplary upright vacuum cleaner housing A having an upright handle assembly B including a dirt holding chamber, and a floor nozzle assembly C.
- the upright handle assembly B is joined to the floor nozzle assembly C by conventional pivot means D.
- the floor nozzle assembly C includes two powered or otherwise driven wheel assemblies 10 and two non-powered wheel or caster assemblies 12 .
- vacuum cleaner A is illustrated as being of an upright type, it should be appreciated by those of average skill in the art that the wheel construction illustrated herein can also be employed for use on canister-type vacuum cleaners, wet/dry vacuum cleaners, carpet extractors, etc., and in a variety of other wheeled environments.
- each wheel assembly 10 includes a drive member 14 , a wheel housing 16 , and a wheel housing cover 18 .
- the wheel housing 16 and the wheel cover 18 can be collectively referred to as an outer wheel casing.
- the wheel housing 16 is formed from a cylindrical side wall 20 and, as best shown in FIG. 3, a disk-shaped end wall 22 . Located on a free edge of the cylindrical side wall 20 is an annular flange 24 .
- a central aperture 26 extends through the end wall 22 .
- the aperture 26 is adapted to receive a bearing 28 .
- the bearing 28 is an oil impregnated, sintered bronze radial bearing.
- the wheel cover 18 is formed as a circular disk having a cylindrical side wall 30 , an outer surface 32 a , and, as shown in FIG. 4, an inner surface 32 b .
- an annular slot 34 is defined in the inner surface 32 b proximate the side wall 30 .
- the slot 34 is sized and shaped to accommodate the annular flange 24 of the wheel housing 16 in an assembled state of the wheel assembly 10 .
- the wheel housing 16 and the wheel cover 18 cooperate to enclose or otherwise surround the drive member 14 .
- a central aperture 36 extends through the center of the wheel cover 18 .
- the aperture 36 is adapted to receive a bearing 38 such as an oil impregnated, sintered bronze radial bearing.
- the drive member 14 is generally formed as a spool or reel with first and second disk-shaped end walls 40 , 42 and a reduced-diameter cylindrical portion 44 located between them.
- a circumferential channel or groove 45 is defined in the member 14 .
- a central aperture 46 extends axially through the member 14 .
- a transverse groove or channel 48 is defined in the first end wall 40 .
- the transverse groove 48 communicates with the aperture 46 .
- an arcuate or C-shaped (i.e. semi-circular) groove or channel 50 is defined in the second end wall 42 .
- the drive member 14 is coupled to the wheel housing 16 and wheel cover 18 by a resilient coupling including a resistance means.
- the resistance means takes the form of at least one, and preferably two or more, elastic members 52 , 54 such as coil springs and the like.
- each coil spring 52 , 54 includes fastening means associated with each end thereof.
- the fastening means takes the form of inner and outer hook-shaped end portions 56 , 58 , respectively of each coil spring.
- the inner hook portion 56 of each spring is retained within the annular groove 45 by a transverse pin 60 that extends through corresponding apertures 62 associated with each end wall 40 , 42 .
- the apertures 62 are spaced approximately 180° apart.
- the outer hook portion 58 of each spring is supported by a transverse pin 64 that extends through corresponding apertures 66 associated with the wheel housing 16 and the wheel cover 18 .
- the apertures 66 are also spaced approximately 180° apart.
- a wheel drive pin 68 is mounted in an aperture 70 associated with the wheel housing end wall 22 .
- a free end of the wheel drive pin 68 projects into the arcuate channel 50 associated with the end wall 42 in an assembled state of the wheel assembly 10 .
- the radial bearings 28 , 38 and the aperture 46 are axially aligned to rotatably support a drive axle 72 of the vacuum cleaner A.
- a free end of the drive axle 72 includes a transverse notch 74 that accommodates a drive pin or key 76 positioned within the channel 48 associated with the end wall 40 . Accordingly, the drive pin 76 transfers power from the drive axle 72 to the drive member 14 during operation of the vacuum cleaner.
- Power is directly coupled from the drive axle 72 to the drive member 14 , via the drive pin 76 , when the vacuum cleaner drive control mechanism is actuated (such as by pivoting the vacuum cleaner upright handle portion C forward or backward relative to the floor nozzle portion B).
- the vacuum cleaner drive control mechanism is actuated (such as by pivoting the vacuum cleaner upright handle portion C forward or backward relative to the floor nozzle portion B).
- the depending arcuate notch 50 rotates relative to the stationary wheel drive pin 68 , and the elastic members 52 , 54 are increasingly tensioned or otherwise stretched to apply a gradually increasing torque force to the outer wheel casing.
- a certain amount of backlash can be designed into vacuum cleaner drive train (including the drive wheel assembly) so that when power to the drive axle 72 is suspended (such as when moving the vacuum cleaner drive control mechanism from a first drive position—such as forward—to a neutral position, or through the neutral position to a second drive position—such as backward), a centering force is generated by the springs 52 , 54 .
- the centering force causes the drive member 14 to slightly rotate relative to the outer wheel casing thereby repositioning (i.e. centering) the inner arcuate channel 50 relative to the wheel drive pin 68 .
- a subsequent actuation of the drive control mechanism results in establishing a time-delayed and less abrupt engagement of the drive wheel assemblies 10 as described above.
- each of the drive member 14 , wheel housing 16 , wheel cover 18 , and associated pins 60 , 64 , 68 , and 70 can be manufactured (e.g. molded, cast, turned, stamped, machined, cut, etc.) from suitable materials, such as a plastic material, a composite material, a resin material, a metal material, a wood material, etc.
- suitable materials such as a plastic material, a composite material, a resin material, a metal material, a wood material, etc.
- the side walls 20 , 30 defining outer wheel casing can include a textured (e.g rubberized) surface or a layer of tread material to improve the traction of the wheel assemblies 10 .
- the springs 52 , 54 are preferably formed from steel. It should also be recognized that resistance means other than coil springs 52 , 54 can be utilized to reduce the velocity with which the drive member 14 impacts the wheel drive pin 68 to establish positive rotational engagement.
- FIGS. 9 - 11 A further embodiment of a driven wheel assembly 110 according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 9 - 11 , where reference numerals offset by a factor of 100 are used to denote the same or similar components of the wheel assembly 10 described and illustrated in FIGS. 1 - 8 .
- the wheel assembly 110 includes a drive member 114 , a wheel housing 116 , and a wheel housing cover 118 .
- the wheel housing 116 and the wheel cover 118 is collectively referred to as an outer wheel casing.
- the wheel housing 116 is formed from a cylindrical side wall 120 and a disk-shaped end wall 122 that cooperate to define a contoured open cavity 180 .
- a central aperture (such as e.g. 26 , FIG. 3) extends through the end wall 122 and is sized and shaped to receive at least one of a radial bearing 128 and a radial fluid seal 182 (in the case of one embodiment of the invention described further below).
- a plurality of projections 184 are formed integral with the cylindrical side wall 120 and extend radially inward from an inner surface thereof within the open cavity 180 . As best shown in FIG. 10, in the embodiment being described, four projections 184 are circumferentially-spaced approximately 90° apart from each other to define four chamber portions 186 that generally converge at a central cavity portion 188 . The width of each projection 184 tapers in a radially inward direction, and the side surface of each projection is shaped or otherwise contoured to define a land or seat 190 .
- the wheel cover 118 is formed as a circular disk.
- a central aperture 136 through the cover 118 is adapted (i.e. sized and shaped) to receive at least one of a bearing 138 (such as an oil impregnated, sintered bronze radial bearing) and a second fluid seal 182 .
- a bearing 138 such as an oil impregnated, sintered bronze radial bearing
- a second fluid seal 182 .
- the wheel cover 118 can include a cylindrical side wall (e.g. 30 , FIG. 4) with an annular slot (e.g. 34 , FIG. 4) that is sized and shaped to accommodate an annular flange (such as e.g. 24 , FIG.
- the wheel cover 118 can mate with a planar open end surface of the wheel housing 116 and be positively secured thereto with conventional attachment means such as nuts, bolts, screws, adhesive, threads, etc.
- a gasket (not shown) can be interposed between the wheel cover 118 and the open end surface of the wheel housing 116 to provide a fluid-tight seal therebetween.
- the drive member 114 is generally formed as an impeller with a plurality of vanes 192 extending radially outward from a central hub 194 .
- a passage or aperture 146 extends axially through a side wall defining the central hub 194 .
- four vanes 192 are circumferentially-spaced approximately 90° apart from each other. The width of each vane 192 tapers in a radially inward direction, and the side surface of each vane is shaped or otherwise contoured to define a land or seat 196 .
- the fluid seals 182 and/or radial bearings 128 , 138 are axially aligned with the drive hub passage 146 and rotatably support a drive axle 172 of the vacuum cleaner.
- the drive member 114 is rotatably secured to, or otherwise fixed for rotation with, the drive axle 172 .
- the drive axle 172 can be splined, threaded, keyed, etc. to fixedly secure the drive member 114 to the axle 172 .
- the wheel housing chamber portions 186 each accommodate a respective drive member vane 192 while the central cavity portion 188 of the wheel housing 116 accommodates the drive member central hub 194 .
- the drive member 114 is coupled to the wheel housing 116 by a resilient coupling including at least one of a resistance means and a damping means.
- the resistance means takes the form of at least one, and preferably two or more (e.g. four), elastic members 152 such as coil springs and the like
- the damping means takes the form of at least one, and preferably two or more (e.g. four), damping members 198 such as dashpots and the like.
- the damping means can also take the form of a fluid 200 within the cavity 180 . In such as case, the seals 182 prevent such fluid from leaking from the cavity 180 .
- the elastic members 152 provide a directly proportional and substantially linear resistance versus displacement characteristic
- the damping members 198 or damping fluid 200 provide a directly proportional and substantially linear resistance versus velocity characteristic.
- Each of the at least one elastic members 152 is interposed between the mutually opposed lands 190 , 196 of the wheel housing projections 184 and drive member vanes 192 , respectively. It is contemplated that the lands 190 , 196 can be recessed or otherwise bored to retain respective ends of a coil spring. Alternatively, a retainer pin(s) 202 can project from one or both lands 190 , 196 to hold a coil spring in place between a projection 184 and an adjacent drive member vane 192 . Likewise, each of the at least one damping members 198 is interposed between the mutually opposed lands 190 , 196 of the projections 184 and drive member vanes 192 , respectively.
- the lands 190 , 196 can be recessed or otherwise bored to retain respective ends of a damping member. Further, maintaining the elastic members 152 and damping members 198 in slight compression at a resting state of the wheel assembly 110 assists in maintaining the position of the respective elastic and damping members 152 , 198 between the drive member 114 and wheel housing 116 .
- the wheel assembly 110 can be configured with at least two elastic members 152 , or with at least two damping members 198 , or preferably, with a combination of elastic members 152 and damping members 198 .
- the wheel assembly 110 can be configured with at least two elastic members 152 , or with at least two damping members 198 , or preferably, with a combination of elastic members 152 and damping members 198 .
- the wheel assembly 110 includes four elastic members 152 and four damping members 198 with i) a first chamber portion 186 housing two elastic members 152 on opposing sides of a first drive member vane 192 , ii) a second chamber portion 186 housing two damping members 198 on opposing sides of a second drive member vane 192 , and iii) third and fourth chamber portions 186 housing an elastic member 152 and a damping member 198 on opposing sides of third and fourth drive member vanes 192 , respectively.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a resting or equilibrium state of the wheel assembly 110 . That is, the drive axle 172 is not applying rotational power to the drive member 114 . Accordingly, there are no tension forces and compression forces, or at least minimal and substantially equal tension forces and compression forces, generated by the elastic members 152 and damping members 198 such that the drive member vanes 192 are substantially centered within the respective wheel housing chamber portions 186 . A rotational force is directly coupled from the drive axle 172 to the drive member 114 when the vacuum cleaner drive control mechanism is actuated (such as by pivoting the vacuum cleaner upright handle portion C forward or backward relative to the floor nozzle portion B).
- Positive rotational engagement can occur when the leading edge elastic elements and/or damping elements are fully compressed, or can occur at some point less than full compression of the elastic elements and/or damping elements.
- the abruptness with which a positive rotational engagement between the drive member 114 and the wheel housing 116 is established can be controlled by purposeful selection of the elastic characteristics of elastic members 152 and of the damping characteristics of the damping members 198 . Accordingly, actuation of the drive wheel assembly 110 in response to an input from the vacuum cleaner drive control mechanism is controlled by gradually applying a torque force to the wheel housing 116 over a predetermined period of time.
- the damping means can be a fluid within the housing cavity 180 .
- the level of damping provided by such fluid can be regulated by i) the viscosity of the damping fluid, and/or ii) throttling the flow of fluid within the cavity 180 , such as through one or more channels 210 defined between the ends of each drive member vane 192 and the inner surface of housing side wall 120 , and/or through one or more channels 212 defined between the ends of each housing projection 184 and the drive member center hub 194 .
Abstract
A wheel assembly for a self-propelled apparatus such as a vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The self-propelled apparatus includes a drive motor, a drive axle coupled to the drive motor, and at least one drive wheel assembly. The drive wheel assembly includes a drive member rotatably secured to the drive axle, an outer wheel casing at least partially surrounding the drive member, and a resilient coupling mechanism for establishing a rotational engagement between the drive member and the outer wheel casing after a predetermined amount of rotation of the drive member relative to the outer wheel casing.
Description
- The present invention relates to wheel constructions. It finds particular application in conjunction with a resiliently-coupled drive wheel assembly for a self-propelled vacuum cleaner, and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it should be appreciated that the wheel constructions disclosed herein can find use in a variety of other applications.
- Self-propelled vacuum cleaners are well-known in the art. In a typical self-propelled upright vacuum cleaner arrangement, a transmission assembly associated with a floor nozzle assembly mechanically transfers rotational power from an electric motor to a drive axle. The drive axle supports powered or otherwise driven wheels at opposing ends thereof. The driven wheels are directly connected to or otherwise fixed for positive mechanical rotation with the drive axle. A control mechanism associated with the transmission assembly governs the direction of rotation of the drive axle, and hence, the direction of travel of the vacuum cleaner. The control mechanism is typically actuated by articulating or pivoting the upright handle portion of the vacuum cleaner relative to the floor nozzle to effectuate either forward or reverse travel of the vacuum cleaner.
- One problem associated with the illustrated drive arrangement is that when the upright handle portion is pivoted about the floor nozzle portion, the direct mechanically coupling of the electric motor output shaft to the drive wheels results in an abrupt or sudden start or acceleration of the vacuum cleaner in either the forward or reverse directions. Such “jump starts” can be disturbing to the user during a vacuuming operation.
- Accordingly, it has been considered desirable to develop a new and improved drive wheel assembly for a self-propelled vacuum cleaner that meets the above-stated needs and overcomes the foregoing difficulties and others while providing better and more advantageous results.
- In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a wheel assembly is disclosed for a vacuum cleaner that has a drive axle mechanically coupled to a drive source. The wheel assembly includes a drive member rotatably secured to the drive axle, a wheel casing at least partially surrounding the drive member, and a resilient coupling that establishes a rotational engagement between the drive member and the wheel casing after a predetermined amount of rotation of the drive member relative to the wheel casing.
- In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a self-propelled vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The self-propelled vacuum cleaner includes a drive motor, a drive axle coupled to the drive motor, and at least one drive wheel assembly including a drive member rotatably secured to the drive axle, an outer wheel casing surrounding the drive member, and a resilient coupling that establishes a positive rotational engagement between the drive member and the wheel casing after the predetermined amount of rotation of the drive member relative to the wheel casing.
- In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a method is disclosed for propelling a vacuum cleaner that includes a drive motor, a drive axle coupled to the drive motor, and at least one drive wheel assembly having a drive member rotatably secured to the drive axle, an outer wheel casing surrounding the drive member, and a resilient coupling that establishes a positive rotational engagement between the drive member and the wheel casing after the predetermined amount of rotation of the drive member relative to the wheel casing. The method includes rotating the drive axle and the drive member while maintaining the outer wheel casing stationary for a predetermined period of time, and establishing a positive rotational engagement between the drive member and the outer wheel casing after the predetermined period of time has elapsed to cause the outer wheel casing to rotate.
- The invention may take form in various components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the same.
- FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an exemplary upright vacuum cleaner that incorporates a drive wheel assembly according to the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged, exploded view of a first embodiment of the drive wheel assembly of FIG. 1 from a first perspective;
- FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the drive wheel assembly of FIG. 2 from a second perspective;
- FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the drive wheel assembly of FIG. 2 from a third perspective;
- FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the drive wheel assembly of FIG. 2 in an assembled configuration;
- FIG. 6 is a section view of the drive wheel assembly of FIG. 5 taken along line6-6;
- FIG. 7 is a section view of the drive wheel assembly of FIG. 6 taken along line7-7;
- FIG. 8 is a section view of the drive wheel assembly of FIG. 5 taken along line8-8;
- FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of a drive wheel assembly according to the present invention;
- FIG. 10 is a section view of the drive wheel assembly of FIG. 9 taken along the line10-10; and
- FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the drive wheel assembly of FIG. 9.
- Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting same, FIG. 1 shows an exemplary upright vacuum cleaner housing A having an upright handle assembly B including a dirt holding chamber, and a floor nozzle assembly C. The upright handle assembly B is joined to the floor nozzle assembly C by conventional pivot means D. In the embodiment being described, the floor nozzle assembly C includes two powered or otherwise driven
wheel assemblies 10 and two non-powered wheel orcaster assemblies 12. While the vacuum cleaner A is illustrated as being of an upright type, it should be appreciated by those of average skill in the art that the wheel construction illustrated herein can also be employed for use on canister-type vacuum cleaners, wet/dry vacuum cleaners, carpet extractors, etc., and in a variety of other wheeled environments. - With reference now to FIG. 2, each
wheel assembly 10 includes adrive member 14, awheel housing 16, and awheel housing cover 18. Thewheel housing 16 and thewheel cover 18 can be collectively referred to as an outer wheel casing. Thewheel housing 16 is formed from acylindrical side wall 20 and, as best shown in FIG. 3, a disk-shaped end wall 22. Located on a free edge of thecylindrical side wall 20 is anannular flange 24. With continued reference to FIG. 3, acentral aperture 26 extends through theend wall 22. Referring to FIG. 4, theaperture 26 is adapted to receive abearing 28. In the embodiment being described, thebearing 28 is an oil impregnated, sintered bronze radial bearing. - Referring again to FIG. 2, the
wheel cover 18 is formed as a circular disk having acylindrical side wall 30, anouter surface 32 a, and, as shown in FIG. 4, aninner surface 32 b. With continued reference to FIG. 4, anannular slot 34 is defined in theinner surface 32 b proximate theside wall 30. With reference to FIG. 7, theslot 34 is sized and shaped to accommodate theannular flange 24 of thewheel housing 16 in an assembled state of thewheel assembly 10. As such, thewheel housing 16 and thewheel cover 18 cooperate to enclose or otherwise surround thedrive member 14. Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, acentral aperture 36 extends through the center of thewheel cover 18. Theaperture 36 is adapted to receive abearing 38 such as an oil impregnated, sintered bronze radial bearing. - With continued reference to FIGS.2-4, the
drive member 14 is generally formed as a spool or reel with first and second disk-shaped end walls cylindrical portion 44 located between them. As such, a circumferential channel orgroove 45 is defined in themember 14. Further, acentral aperture 46 extends axially through themember 14. As shown in FIG. 2, a transverse groove orchannel 48 is defined in thefirst end wall 40. Thetransverse groove 48 communicates with theaperture 46. As shown in FIG. 4, an arcuate or C-shaped (i.e. semi-circular) groove orchannel 50 is defined in thesecond end wall 42. - The
drive member 14 is coupled to thewheel housing 16 andwheel cover 18 by a resilient coupling including a resistance means. In the embodiment being described, the resistance means takes the form of at least one, and preferably two or more,elastic members coil spring shaped end portions inner hook portion 56 of each spring is retained within theannular groove 45 by atransverse pin 60 that extends throughcorresponding apertures 62 associated with eachend wall apertures 62 are spaced approximately 180° apart. Likewise, theouter hook portion 58 of each spring is supported by atransverse pin 64 that extends throughcorresponding apertures 66 associated with thewheel housing 16 and thewheel cover 18. Theapertures 66 are also spaced approximately 180° apart. - As best shown in FIG. 3, a
wheel drive pin 68 is mounted in anaperture 70 associated with the wheelhousing end wall 22. A free end of thewheel drive pin 68 projects into thearcuate channel 50 associated with theend wall 42 in an assembled state of thewheel assembly 10. - Referring again to FIG. 2, the
radial bearings aperture 46 are axially aligned to rotatably support adrive axle 72 of the vacuum cleaner A. As best shown in FIG. 7, a free end of thedrive axle 72 includes atransverse notch 74 that accommodates a drive pin or key 76 positioned within thechannel 48 associated with theend wall 40. Accordingly, thedrive pin 76 transfers power from thedrive axle 72 to thedrive member 14 during operation of the vacuum cleaner. - Referring now to FIG. 8, in a “resting” or equilibrium state of the wheel assembly10 (i.e. the
drive axle 72 is not applying rotational power to the drive member 14), there is minimal or no spring force generated by thesprings wheel drive pin 68 is substantially centered along the length of thearcuate notch 50 in theend wall 42. - Power is directly coupled from the
drive axle 72 to thedrive member 14, via thedrive pin 76, when the vacuum cleaner drive control mechanism is actuated (such as by pivoting the vacuum cleaner upright handle portion C forward or backward relative to the floor nozzle portion B). During initial rotation of thedrive member 14, the dependingarcuate notch 50 rotates relative to the stationarywheel drive pin 68, and theelastic members - Continued rotation of the
drive member 14 results in driving an end wall of thearcuate notch 50 into contact with thewheel drive pin 68 against a tension force generated by theelastic members drive member 14 and thewheel housing 16 andwheel cover 18. The velocity with which the notch end wall impacts thewheel drive pin 68 can be controlled (i.e. reduced) by purposeful selection of the elastic characteristics of theelastic members - It is recognized that the gradual application of torque results in a less abrupt acceleration of the vacuum cleaner. That is, a predetermined time period elapses from the instant that the drive control mechanism is actuated to the point that positive rotational engagement of the outer wheel casing is established. During this time period, the elastic members are gradually tensioned and a torque force is gradually applied to the outer wheel casing. Accordingly, actuation of the
drive wheel assembly 10 in response to an input from the vacuum cleaner drive control mechanism is controlled by i) providing a delay interval from the moment that the drive control mechanism is actuated, and ii) gradually increasing a torque force to the outer wheel casing to the point that a positive rotational engagement is established. - It is further recognized that a certain amount of backlash (such as with a clutch, etc.) can be designed into vacuum cleaner drive train (including the drive wheel assembly) so that when power to the
drive axle 72 is suspended (such as when moving the vacuum cleaner drive control mechanism from a first drive position—such as forward—to a neutral position, or through the neutral position to a second drive position—such as backward), a centering force is generated by thesprings drive member 14 to slightly rotate relative to the outer wheel casing thereby repositioning (i.e. centering) the innerarcuate channel 50 relative to thewheel drive pin 68. Thereafter, a subsequent actuation of the drive control mechanism results in establishing a time-delayed and less abrupt engagement of thedrive wheel assemblies 10 as described above. - It is contemplated that each of the
drive member 14,wheel housing 16,wheel cover 18, and associatedpins side walls wheel assemblies 10. - It should be recognized that suitable screws, bolts, nails, cotter pins, etc. can be used in place of any one or more of the
pins springs drive member 14 impacts thewheel drive pin 68 to establish positive rotational engagement. - Further, it should be recognized that if the tension forces generated by the stretched springs52, 54 are strong enough, it is possible that a rotational connection between the drive member and the wheel housing can be established by the springs alone without the positive rotational engagement that is provided by the
channel 50 and thewheel drive pin 68. In either case, as thesprings - A further embodiment of a driven
wheel assembly 110 according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 9-11, where reference numerals offset by a factor of 100 are used to denote the same or similar components of thewheel assembly 10 described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-8. - With particular reference now to FIG. 11, the
wheel assembly 110 includes adrive member 114, awheel housing 116, and awheel housing cover 118. Thewheel housing 116 and thewheel cover 118 is collectively referred to as an outer wheel casing. Thewheel housing 116 is formed from acylindrical side wall 120 and a disk-shapedend wall 122 that cooperate to define a contouredopen cavity 180. A central aperture (such as e.g. 26, FIG. 3) extends through theend wall 122 and is sized and shaped to receive at least one of aradial bearing 128 and a radial fluid seal 182 (in the case of one embodiment of the invention described further below). - A plurality of
projections 184 are formed integral with thecylindrical side wall 120 and extend radially inward from an inner surface thereof within theopen cavity 180. As best shown in FIG. 10, in the embodiment being described, fourprojections 184 are circumferentially-spaced approximately 90° apart from each other to define fourchamber portions 186 that generally converge at acentral cavity portion 188. The width of eachprojection 184 tapers in a radially inward direction, and the side surface of each projection is shaped or otherwise contoured to define a land orseat 190. - Referring again to FIG. 11, the
wheel cover 118 is formed as a circular disk. Acentral aperture 136 through thecover 118 is adapted (i.e. sized and shaped) to receive at least one of a bearing 138 (such as an oil impregnated, sintered bronze radial bearing) and asecond fluid seal 182. (FIG. 9). It is contemplated that thewheel cover 118 can include a cylindrical side wall (e.g. 30, FIG. 4) with an annular slot (e.g. 34, FIG. 4) that is sized and shaped to accommodate an annular flange (such as e.g. 24, FIG. 4) of the wheel housing to enclose and/or seal thedrive member 114 within thehousing cavity 180. Alternatively, thewheel cover 118 can mate with a planar open end surface of thewheel housing 116 and be positively secured thereto with conventional attachment means such as nuts, bolts, screws, adhesive, threads, etc. In both cases, a gasket (not shown) can be interposed between thewheel cover 118 and the open end surface of thewheel housing 116 to provide a fluid-tight seal therebetween. - With continued references to FIGS. 10 and 11, the
drive member 114 is generally formed as an impeller with a plurality ofvanes 192 extending radially outward from acentral hub 194. A passage oraperture 146 extends axially through a side wall defining thecentral hub 194. In the embodiment being described, fourvanes 192 are circumferentially-spaced approximately 90° apart from each other. The width of eachvane 192 tapers in a radially inward direction, and the side surface of each vane is shaped or otherwise contoured to define a land orseat 196. - Referring again to FIG. 9, in an assembled state of the
Gwheel assembly 110, the fluid seals 182 and/orradial bearings drive hub passage 146 and rotatably support adrive axle 172 of the vacuum cleaner. Thedrive member 114 is rotatably secured to, or otherwise fixed for rotation with, thedrive axle 172. Thedrive axle 172 can be splined, threaded, keyed, etc. to fixedly secure thedrive member 114 to theaxle 172. As best shown in FIG. 10, the wheelhousing chamber portions 186 each accommodate a respectivedrive member vane 192 while thecentral cavity portion 188 of thewheel housing 116 accommodates the drive membercentral hub 194. Thedrive member 114 is coupled to thewheel housing 116 by a resilient coupling including at least one of a resistance means and a damping means. - In the embodiment being described, the resistance means takes the form of at least one, and preferably two or more (e.g. four),
elastic members 152 such as coil springs and the like, and the damping means takes the form of at least one, and preferably two or more (e.g. four), dampingmembers 198 such as dashpots and the like. The damping means can also take the form of a fluid 200 within thecavity 180. In such as case, theseals 182 prevent such fluid from leaking from thecavity 180. It should be appreciated that, within a specified operating range, theelastic members 152 provide a directly proportional and substantially linear resistance versus displacement characteristic, whereas the dampingmembers 198 or dampingfluid 200 provide a directly proportional and substantially linear resistance versus velocity characteristic. - Each of the at least one
elastic members 152 is interposed between the mutuallyopposed lands wheel housing projections 184 and drivemember vanes 192, respectively. It is contemplated that thelands lands projection 184 and an adjacentdrive member vane 192. Likewise, each of the at least one dampingmembers 198 is interposed between the mutuallyopposed lands projections 184 and drivemember vanes 192, respectively. It is contemplated that thelands elastic members 152 and dampingmembers 198 in slight compression at a resting state of thewheel assembly 110 assists in maintaining the position of the respective elastic and dampingmembers drive member 114 andwheel housing 116. - It is contemplated that the
wheel assembly 110 can be configured with at least twoelastic members 152, or with at least two dampingmembers 198, or preferably, with a combination ofelastic members 152 and dampingmembers 198. For instance, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, thewheel assembly 110 includes fourelastic members 152 and four dampingmembers 198 with i) afirst chamber portion 186 housing twoelastic members 152 on opposing sides of a firstdrive member vane 192, ii) asecond chamber portion 186 housing two dampingmembers 198 on opposing sides of a seconddrive member vane 192, and iii) third andfourth chamber portions 186 housing anelastic member 152 and a dampingmember 198 on opposing sides of third and fourthdrive member vanes 192, respectively. - FIG. 10 illustrates a resting or equilibrium state of the
wheel assembly 110. That is, thedrive axle 172 is not applying rotational power to thedrive member 114. Accordingly, there are no tension forces and compression forces, or at least minimal and substantially equal tension forces and compression forces, generated by theelastic members 152 and dampingmembers 198 such that thedrive member vanes 192 are substantially centered within the respective wheelhousing chamber portions 186. A rotational force is directly coupled from thedrive axle 172 to thedrive member 114 when the vacuum cleaner drive control mechanism is actuated (such as by pivoting the vacuum cleaner upright handle portion C forward or backward relative to the floor nozzle portion B). - During initial rotation of the
drive member 114, theelastic members 152 and dampingmembers 198 located on the leading edge of eachdrive member vane 192 are compressed, while theelastic members 152 and dampingmembers 198 located on a trailing edge of eachdrive member vane 192 are tensioned. Continued rotation of thedrive member 114 results in gradually increasing the compressive and tensile forces acting on theelastic members 152 and/or the dampingmembers 198, and hence a gradually increasing torque force acting on the wheel housing until a positive rotational engagement between thedrive member 114 and thewheel housing 116 is established. This generally occurs when the rotational driving force acting on thedrive member 114 overcomes the compressive and/or tensile forces generated by theelastic members 152 and/or the dampingmembers 198. - Positive rotational engagement can occur when the leading edge elastic elements and/or damping elements are fully compressed, or can occur at some point less than full compression of the elastic elements and/or damping elements. In either case, the abruptness with which a positive rotational engagement between the
drive member 114 and thewheel housing 116 is established can be controlled by purposeful selection of the elastic characteristics ofelastic members 152 and of the damping characteristics of the dampingmembers 198. Accordingly, actuation of thedrive wheel assembly 110 in response to an input from the vacuum cleaner drive control mechanism is controlled by gradually applying a torque force to thewheel housing 116 over a predetermined period of time. - Referring again to FIG. 10, the damping means can be a fluid within the
housing cavity 180. In such case the level of damping provided by such fluid can be regulated by i) the viscosity of the damping fluid, and/or ii) throttling the flow of fluid within thecavity 180, such as through one ormore channels 210 defined between the ends of eachdrive member vane 192 and the inner surface ofhousing side wall 120, and/or through one ormore channels 212 defined between the ends of eachhousing projection 184 and the drivemember center hub 194. - The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
Claims (29)
1. A wheel assembly for a vacuum cleaner having a drive axle mechanically coupled to a drive source, the wheel assembly comprising:
a drive member rotatably secured to the drive axle;
a wheel casing at least partially surrounding the drive member; and
a resilient coupling that establishes a rotational engagement between the drive member and the wheel casing after a predetermined amount of rotation of the drive member relative to the wheel casing.
2. The wheel assembly of claim 1 , wherein the resilient coupling includes a resistance means and a damping means, the resistance means exhibiting a linear resistance versus displacement characteristic and the damping means exhibiting a linear resistance versus velocity characteristic.
3. The wheel assembly of claim 1 , wherein the resilient coupling includes at least one of a resistance means and a damping means, the resistance means exhibiting a linear resistance versus displacement characteristic and the damping means exhibiting a linear resistance versus velocity characteristic.
4. The wheel assembly of claim 1 , wherein the resilient coupling includes at least one elastic member secured to the drive member and the wheel casing, the elastic member exhibiting a linear resistance versus displacement characteristic.
5. The wheel assembly of claim 1 , wherein the resilient coupling includes at least one coil spring having a first end secured to the drive member and a second end secured to the wheel casing.
6. The wheel assembly of claim 1 , wherein the resilient coupling includes at least one damping member secured between the drive member and the wheel casing, the damping member exhibiting a linear resistance versus velocity characteristic.
7. The wheel assembly of claim 1 , wherein the resilient coupling includes at least one dashpot having a first end secured to the drive member and a second end secured to the wheel casing.
8. The wheel assembly of claim 1 , wherein the wheel casing includes a wheel housing having a cavity that accommodates the drive member, the cavity having a plurality of projections that cooperate to define a plurality of chamber portions, and the drive member having a plurality of vanes each positioned within a respective chamber portion.
9. The wheel assembly of claim 8 , wherein the resilient coupling includes at least one coil spring positioned between one of the plurality of drive member vanes and one of the plurality of projections.
10. The wheel assembly of claim 9 , wherein the resilient coupling further includes at least one dashpot positioned between another one of the plurality of drive member vanes and another one of the plurality of projections.
11. The wheel assembly of claim 8 , wherein the resilient coupling includes at least one dashpot positioned between one of the plurality of drive member vanes and one of the plurality of projections.
12. The wheel assembly of claim 1 , wherein
the wheel casing includes a wheel housing having a cavity that accommodates the drive member and a wheel cover that encloses the cavity,
the drive member includes first and second disk-shaped end walls separated by a reduced diameter cylindrical portion that defines a channel, and
the resilient coupling includes at least one elastic member having a first end secured to the drive member within the channel and a second end that is fixed for rotation with the wheel casing.
13. The wheel assembly of claim 12 , wherein the resilient coupling further includes an arcuate groove defined in the first disk-shaped end wall, and a drive pin fixed for rotation with the wheel casing, a free end of the drive pin extending into the arcuate groove, the drive member rotating into abutment with the drive pin to establish a positive rotational engagement between the drive member and the wheel casing after the predetermined amount of rotation of the drive member relative to the wheel casing.
14. A self-propelled vacuum cleaner comprising:
a drive motor;
a drive axle coupled to the drive motor; and
at least one drive wheel assembly including a drive member rotatably secured to the drive axle, an outer wheel casing surrounding the drive member, and a resilient coupling that establishes a positive rotational engagement between the drive member and the wheel casing after the predetermined amount of rotation of the drive member relative to the wheel casing.
15. The vacuum cleaner of claim 14 , wherein the resilient coupling includes at least one spring linking the drive member to the outer wheel casing.
16. The vacuum cleaner of claim 15 , wherein the resilient coupling further includes at least one dashpot linking the drive member to the outer wheel casing.
17. The vacuum cleaner of claim 14 , wherein the wheel casing includes a wheel housing having a cavity that accommodates the drive member, the cavity having a plurality of projections that cooperate to define a plurality of chamber portions, and the drive member having a plurality of vanes each positioned within a respective chamber portion.
18. The vacuum cleaner of claim 17 , wherein the resilient coupling includes at least one coil spring positioned between one of the plurality of drive member vanes and one of the plurality of projections.
19. The vacuum cleaner of claim 18 , wherein the resilient coupling further includes at least one dashpot positioned between another one of the plurality of drive member vanes and another one of the plurality of projections.
20. The vacuum cleaner of claim 17 , wherein the resilient coupling includes at least one dashpot positioned between one of the plurality of drive member vanes and one of the plurality of projections.
21. The vacuum cleaner of claim 14 , wherein
the wheel casing includes a wheel housing having a cavity that accommodates the drive member and a wheel cover that encloses the cavity,
the drive member includes first and second disk-shaped end walls separated by a reduced diameter cylindrical portion that defines a channel, and
the resilient coupling includes at least one elastic member having a first end secured to the drive member within the channel and a second end that is fixed for rotation with the wheel casing.
22. The vacuum cleaner of claim 21 , wherein the resilient coupling further includes an arcuate groove defined in the first disk-shaped end wall, and a drive pin fixed for rotation with the wheel casing, a free end of the drive pin extending into the arcuate groove, the drive member rotating into abutment with the drive pin to establish a positive rotational engagement between the drive member and the wheel casing after the predetermined amount of rotation of the drive member relative to the wheel casing.
23. A method of propelling a vacuum cleaner including a drive motor, a drive axle coupled to the drive motor, and at least one drive wheel assembly having a drive member rotatably secured to the drive axle, the at least one drive wheel assembly further including an outer wheel casing surrounding the drive member, and a resilient coupling that establishes a positive rotational engagement between the drive member and the wheel casing after the predetermined amount of rotation of the drive member relative to the wheel casing, the method comprising:
rotating the drive axle and the drive member while maintaining the outer wheel casing stationary for a predetermined period of time; and
establishing a positive rotational engagement between the drive member and the outer wheel casing after the predetermined period of time has elapsed to cause the outer wheel casing to rotate.
24. The method of claim 23 , wherein
the step of rotating includes the subsidiary step of rotating a semi-circular channel associated with the drive member about a drive pin associated with the outer wheel casing, and
the step of establishing includes the subsidiary step of contacting the wheel drive pin with an end wall of the semi-circular channel.
25. The method of claim 24 , wherein
the step of rotating further includes the subsidiary step of tensioning at least one spring linking the drive member to the outer wheel casing.
26. The method of claim 23 , wherein the step of rotating further includes the subsidiary step of compressing at least one elastic member linking the drive member to the outer wheel casing.
27. The method of claim 26 , wherein the step of rotating further includes the subsidiary step of tensioning at least another elastic member linking the drive member to the outer wheel casing.
28. The method of claim 26 , wherein the step of rotating step further includes the subsidiary step of compressing at least one damping member linking the drive member to the outer wheel casing.
29. The method of claim 23 , wherein the step of rotating further includes the subsidiary step compressing at least one elastic member and at least one damping member, and tensioning at least another elastic member and at least another damping member.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/184,391 US20040000022A1 (en) | 2002-06-27 | 2002-06-27 | Resiliently-coupled drive wheel assembly for self-propelled vacuum cleaner |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/184,391 US20040000022A1 (en) | 2002-06-27 | 2002-06-27 | Resiliently-coupled drive wheel assembly for self-propelled vacuum cleaner |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20040000022A1 true US20040000022A1 (en) | 2004-01-01 |
Family
ID=29779342
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/184,391 Abandoned US20040000022A1 (en) | 2002-06-27 | 2002-06-27 | Resiliently-coupled drive wheel assembly for self-propelled vacuum cleaner |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20040000022A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060213026A1 (en) * | 2002-12-19 | 2006-09-28 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Suction attachment for a vacuum cleaner |
US20170251894A1 (en) * | 2016-03-07 | 2017-09-07 | Hyun Tae Kim | Dust Remover for Vacuum Cleaner |
US20210153707A1 (en) * | 2018-07-20 | 2021-05-27 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. | Self-propelled vacuum cleaner |
WO2022168154A1 (en) * | 2021-02-02 | 2022-08-11 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Wheel device |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ROYAL APPLIANCE MFG. CO., OHIO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:RUKAVINA, STEPHEN P.;REEL/FRAME:013066/0033 Effective date: 20020528 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |