WO2022180388A1 - Tête de nettoyage destinée à un aspirateur - Google Patents

Tête de nettoyage destinée à un aspirateur Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022180388A1
WO2022180388A1 PCT/GB2022/050491 GB2022050491W WO2022180388A1 WO 2022180388 A1 WO2022180388 A1 WO 2022180388A1 GB 2022050491 W GB2022050491 W GB 2022050491W WO 2022180388 A1 WO2022180388 A1 WO 2022180388A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
agitator
skirt
cleaner head
vacuum cleaner
housing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2022/050491
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Oliver DODGSON
Original Assignee
Dyson Technology Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dyson Technology Limited filed Critical Dyson Technology Limited
Priority to CN202280017369.6A priority Critical patent/CN116981385A/zh
Publication of WO2022180388A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022180388A1/fr

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Classifications

    • 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
    • A47L9/02—Nozzles
    • A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
    • A47L9/0461—Dust-loosening tools, e.g. agitators, brushes
    • A47L9/0488—Combinations or arrangements of several tools, e.g. edge cleaning tools
    • 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
    • A47L5/24—Hand-supported suction cleaners
    • 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
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/4077—Skirts or splash guards
    • 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
    • A47L5/225—Convertible suction cleaners, i.e. convertible between different types thereof, e.g. from upright suction cleaners to sledge-type suction cleaners
    • 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
    • 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
    • A47L9/02—Nozzles
    • 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
    • A47L9/02—Nozzles
    • A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
    • A47L9/0461—Dust-loosening tools, e.g. agitators, brushes
    • A47L9/0466—Rotating tools
    • 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
    • A47L9/02—Nozzles
    • A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
    • A47L9/0461—Dust-loosening tools, e.g. agitators, brushes
    • A47L9/0466—Rotating tools
    • A47L9/0472—Discs
    • 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
    • A47L9/02—Nozzles
    • A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
    • A47L9/0461—Dust-loosening tools, e.g. agitators, brushes
    • A47L9/0483—Reciprocating or oscillating tools, e.g. vibrators, agitators, beaters

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner.
  • the invention also relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising a cleaner head.
  • the present invention relates primarily but not exclusively to hand held vacuum cleaners for cleaning a floor.
  • a vacuum cleaner is the Dyson VI 1 AbsoluteTM
  • this vacuum cleaner comprises a main body which houses a motor for providing suction, a separation system for removing dirt and debris from the air and a battery for providing power to the motor.
  • the main body is attached to a neck mounted to a detachable cleaner head, which comprises a bottom surface for engaging with the floor onto which a movable cleaning element is attached.
  • the cleaner head also comprises a housing in which the cleaning element, a motor and parts of the drive mechanism for the cleaning element are provided.
  • the cleaner head housing also defines a suction airflow path which passes through an inlet in the housing.
  • This airflow path extends from the cleaner head, up through the neck and into the main body of the vacuum cleaner via a conduit, which extends into the separation system.
  • the separation system will typically comprise either a bag which acts as a filter to remove debris from the air and/or a cyclonic separation system.
  • the cleaning element is typically driven to move in a way that agitates dust and debris from the floor and allows it to be entrained in the airflow being sucked into the cleaner head via the airflow path.
  • Vacuum cleaners of the prior art also include upright vacuum cleaners, configured to be able to stand on the floor and be self-supporting, which are typically bigger and heavier than hand held vacuum cleaners.
  • the cleaning element used in a vacuum cleaner is typically provided in the form of a roller with bristles, filaments, brushes or the like that is arranged to rotate about an axis parallel to the floor and to agitate the floor covering / floor surface in order to dislodge dirt and debris that is then sucked up into the cleaner.
  • the planform of the housing may surround the cleaning element. Depending on the configuration the housing may prevent the cleaning element from agitating a surface close to a wall, particularly where two walls meet at a corner in a room.
  • Exposing one or more portions of the cleaning element may assist in enabling a cleaning element in reaching into a corner, but may risk reduction in effective suction (that would otherwise be assisted by the seal with the floor provided at leas ⁇ in part by the housing) and/or risk a moving par ⁇ of the cleaning element interfering with the wall/skirting board or the like, which might be scratched marked or otherwise damaged.
  • US201 1 225763 discloses a flexible impact-cushioning bumper which can be fited onto a variety of vacuum cleaner heads in order ⁇ o protect them and the surrounding furniture from scuffing and denting during use.
  • JP2002369771 discloses a passive suction tool for a vacuum cleaner, with no moving agitators, ⁇ ha ⁇ can distort when pressed into corners due ⁇ o its elastic main body.
  • US201 8206686 discloses an autonomous robot vacuum cleaner with a body in the shape of a rounded triangle ⁇ ha ⁇ is able ⁇ o provide improved corner cleaning due ⁇ o the pointed shape of its body.
  • I ⁇ is an object of the present invention ⁇ o provide an improved cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner.
  • i ⁇ is an object of the present invention ⁇ o provide a cleaner head capable of improved cleaning into corners or tight spaces.
  • the present invention provides a cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner.
  • the cleaner head comprises an airflow path for providing suction ⁇ o a surface ⁇ o be cleaned, a housing and a ⁇ leas ⁇ one driven agitator for engaging the surface ⁇ o be cleaned.
  • the a ⁇ leas ⁇ one driven agitator is mounted within the housing.
  • An outer skirt is arranged around the perimeter of the housing and is arranged ⁇ o be able ⁇ o contact the surface ⁇ o be cleaned during use. In embodiments, such an arrangement may be advantageous as i ⁇ allows the outer skirt ⁇ o improve the suction provided by the cleaner head by creating a partial seal against the surface ⁇ o be cleaned.
  • the outer skirt is sufficiently flexible such ⁇ ha ⁇ i ⁇ is able ⁇ o contact and be deformed by the agitator during use.
  • such an arrangement may be advantageous as i ⁇ allows the agitator ⁇ o ge ⁇ closer in towards a wall or corner during use, allowing the cleaner head ⁇ o clean into hard-to-reach spaces.
  • the agitator is arranged ⁇ o be driven relative ⁇ o the cleaner head, preferably moving in a plane.
  • This plane may be parallel ⁇ o the surface ⁇ o be cleaned.
  • This plane may be generally aligned with the surface ⁇ o be cleaned.
  • the agitator may be arranged ⁇ o perform rotational and/or translational movement within the plane, and optionally a combination of two or more different types of motion (e.g. two different types of rotational motion). This may effectively allow the agitator ⁇ o perform a scrubbing and sweeping motion simultaneously, which may be able ⁇ o remove dirt and debris more effectively than either motion individually.
  • the agitator may be arranged ⁇ o move with only rotational movement within the plane.
  • the agitator may be arranged to move with only translational movement within the plane, for example side to side, or sweeping out a closed loop path of motion in a cyclical manner.
  • the agitator may comprise a brush bar which rotates about a longitudinal axis parallel to the surface to be cleaned.
  • This brush bar may be cylindrical in shape.
  • the surface of this brush bar may be covered in a multitude of bristles. This embodiment may be advantageous when cleaning carpeted surfaces as the bristles of the brush bar may be able to engage with the carpet fibres along a curved path, causing dust and debris that is buried in the fibres of the carpet to be brought to the surface as the brush bar rotates.
  • the agitator may be arranged to be driven relative to the cleaner head so that it rotates in one direction (e.g. clockwise or anticlockwise) about a moving axis which moves around a path in an opposite direction (e.g. moving in an anticlockwise or a clockwise direction around the path).
  • the agitator may be so arranged that the moving axis is moved around a closed path in cycles at a frequency which is higher than the frequency of rotation of the agitator.
  • the moving axis may complete three cycles of movement around the closed path for every complete rotation of the driven agitator.
  • the driven agitator is typically arranged to be driven such that it rotates about an axis perpendicular to the plane of its planform.
  • the (optionally moving) axis of rotation will therefore typically be vertical, assuming that the floor is flat and horizontal.
  • the agitator may be arranged so that the path around which the moving axis moves is a round path, preferably a closed round path.
  • the notional closed path traced by the centre of the driven agitator may be a circle.
  • a circular path of motion is relatively easy to implement.
  • Embodiments of the invention enable the use of rotating driven agitators which can reach into the corners of a room, using a combination of rotational motion.
  • the path around which the moving axis moves may be a non-circular path, and in other embodiments the path may be a rounded square.
  • I ⁇ may be that the agitator has a substantially triangular planform. Each of the sides of the triangular planform may be formed by convexly curved lines. Each of the convexly curved lines may have a constant radius of curvature.
  • the triangular planform may be in the shape of a Reuleaux triangle.
  • the agitator may have a substantially square planform.
  • the agitator may have a planform having a pointed end. This pointed end may be arranged to move in such a way as to assists in cleaning into corners.
  • the rotational motion of the driven agitator is so arranged that the planform of the area covered (swept out) by the driven agitator includes at least one substantially straight edge. It may be that the rotational motion of the driven agitator is so arranged that the planform of the area covered (swept out) by the driven agitator has four discernible sides. The sides may be generally straight or slightly curved. The corners of the four sided shape may be rounded.
  • the shape and rotational motion of the driven agitator may be so arranged that the planform of the area (within the frame of reference of the cleaning head) covered (i.e. swept out) by the driven agitator covers more than 90% (optionally more than 95%, and possibly more than 98%) of a notional rectangle or square that envelopes the entire area so covered (swept out).
  • the notional rectangle or square has straight edges and corners that are formed by 90 degree right-angles. Such good coverage of a rectilinear shape may be of benefit in a floor cleaning apparatus designed to clean the floor of rooms that have straight walls and / or right-angled corners.
  • the agitator may comprises multiple bristles. In other embodiments the agitator may have brushes. In other embodiments the agitator may comprise a pad.
  • the cleaning head may comprise at least two driven agitators for example arranged side by side such that the planform of the area (within the frame of reference of the cleaning head) covered (swept out) by the driven agitators covers more than 90% (optionally more than 95%, and possibly more than 98%) of a notional rectangle that envelopes the entire area so covered (swept out).
  • the cleaner head may comprise a pair of driven agitators in the housing which are configured to move within an oblong envelope of movement.
  • a pair of agitators is able to provide more effective cleaning than that provided by a single agitator, as it is less likely that there will be dead spots within the cleaner head where dust and debris accumulates without being sucked into the airflow path.
  • the agitators may be configured to move within a square envelope of movement.
  • the cleaner head may comprise more than two driven agitators. It may be that the housing of the cleaner head has an oblong planform shape. In other embodiments the housing of the cleaner head may have a rounded shape. The cleaner head may have a substantially rectangular shape. The top surface of the cleaner head housing may have a hard outer shell. The cleaner head housing may be a hard outer shell from which the outer skirt extends.
  • the cleaner head may be arranged such that the outer skirt extends to provide a protective barrier around the agitator during use.
  • This protective barrier is advantageous as it acts to reduce the occurrence of scratches or dents caused by any interaction between the driven agitators and any external objects that the cleaner head might come into contact with.
  • the outer skirt is made of a resilient material, such that it is able to be deformed and then return to a neutral position.
  • the outer skirt may be made of silicone.
  • the outer skirt may be made of rubber or a rubber-like material.
  • the outer skirt may be made of any resilient material that is able to return to a neutral position after it has been deformed by an external force. This will allow the user to press the cleaner head into corners and tight spaces during cleaning without fear of damaging the cleaner head, the agitator(s) therein, or the walls surrounding the floor area.
  • the skirt may be configured to be deformed by a maximum deflection beyond which the skirt would be permanently deformed or damaged. Preferably such a maximum deflection would not be caused during routine use of the vacuum head.
  • the skirt may have a maximum deflection which is less than 1 0cm and optionally less than 5cm.
  • the skirt may have thickness greater than 2mm.
  • the outer skirt when the outer skirt is in its neutral non-deformed position it may always intersects the path of the agitator at least once during a complete cycle of movement of the agitator. In other embodiments, when the outer skirt is in its neutral non-deformed position it may not intersect the path of the agitator during a complete cycle of movement of the agitator. In another embodiment, when the outer skirt is in its neutral non-deformed position it may continuously intersect the path of the agitator as the agitator is driven. This may be advantageous as it allows the agitators to clean over an area that may be greater than the area defined by the planform of the cleaner head housing and/or of the planform of the skirt of the cleaner head.
  • I ⁇ may be that the skirt is so configured that an external force which causes a first portion of the skirt to move inwardly from the perimeter of the planform shape of the skirt when in its neutral position will also cause a second portion of the free end of the skirt to move outwardly from the perimeter of that planform shape.
  • This may enable the skirt to adopt a shape which conforms more closely to the shape of an object against which the skirt is pushed. This is advantageous as it improves the cleaner head's ability to clean into corners and allows the outer skirt to create a partial seal around the area to be cleaned.
  • the outer skirt may improve the suction into the corner by directing airflow through the deformed edge of the cleaner head. It may be that pushing the skirt into a corner causes sides of the skirt to be urged inwardly and the portion of the skirt nearest the corner to extend outwardly, thus intruding further into the corner.
  • the outer skirt may extend from the housing and terminate at a free end.
  • the free end of the skirt may define a closed loop.
  • the outer skirt may extend around at least 90% of the outer perimeter of the cleaner head without defining a closed loop.
  • the skirt may be configured such that it extends from the housing and flares downwardly and outwardly away from the top surface of the housing towards the surface to be cleaned.
  • the planform of the area surrounded by the base of the outer skirt would be larger than the planform of the area of the cleaner head housing itself.
  • the skirt may be arranged to assist in applying suction to a particular region of the surface to be cleaned. It may be that the outer skirt completely surrounds the area of the surface to be cleaned over which suction is applied.
  • a vacuum cleaner head comprising a housing and a resilient outer skirt arranged around the perimeter of the housing.
  • the resilient outer skirt may have a neutral position which the outer skirt reverts to when not deformed by an external force.
  • the outer skirt may extend from the housing and terminate at a free end which defines a first planform shape when the skirt is in its neutral position.
  • the skirt may be configured such that an external force which causes a first portion of the free end of the skirt to move inwardly from the perimeter of the first planform shape is able to cause a second portion of the free end of the skirt to move outwardly from the perimeter of the first planform shape.
  • This may enable the free end of the skirt to adopt a second planform shape which conforms more closely ⁇ o the shape of an object against which the skirt is pushed than the first planform shape.
  • This provides the cleaner head with an improved ability to clean into corners and tight spaces without causing any damage to the cleaner head or the walls abutting the area to be cleaned.
  • the cleaner head of this embodiment preferably also includes a driven agitator which is mounted within the housing, but as mentioned above, the skirt and agitator do not necessarily need to be able to contact each other during normal use.
  • a vacuum cleaner which has a cleaner head as described herein.
  • the vacuum cleaner may be in the form of a dry cleaner.
  • the vacuum cleaner may be in the form of a wet cleaner.
  • Figure 1 shows an external view of a vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a side view of the cleaner head according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 3 shows a schematic planform representation of the agitators positioned on the base of the cleaner head according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 4 shows a schematic planform representation of the base of the cleaner head where the cleaner head is pushed against a vertical surface according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 5 shows a schematic planform view of a pair of agitators on the base of the cleaner head according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 6 shows a schematic planform view of a single agitator in a starting position according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 7 shows a schematic planform view of a single agitator in successive positions as it is driven along its path according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 8 shows a schematic planform view of a single agitator in successive positions as it is driven along its path according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 9 shows a schematic planform view of a single agitator in successive positions as it is driven along its path according to a first embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 1 0 shows a schematic planform view of a pair of agitators on the base of the cleaner head according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows an external view of a vacuum cleaner 1 00 according to a first embodiment of the invention.
  • the vacuum cleaner 1 00 comprises a cleaner head 1 14, a neck 1 08, a main body 1 02, a handle 1 06 and a bin 1 04.
  • the handle 1 06 is mounted directly onto the main body 1 02 and is positioned such that a user can operate the vacuum cleaner from a standing position.
  • the main body 1 02 and handle 1 06 move together as a relatively rigid body.
  • the handle 1 06 comprises a user interface (not shown) which enables the vacuum cleaner functions to be controlled by the user.
  • Mounted within the main body 1 02 is a motor (not shown) which provides suction to the cleaner head 1 14 via a conduit which extends from the main body, down the neck 1 08 to the cleaner head 1 14. This conduit forms an airflow path (illustrated by arrow 1 1 0) from the cleaner head 1 14, where air, dust and debris is sucked in, to the main body 1 02 of the vacuum cleaner.
  • a separation system is also mounted within the main body. The air is passed through this system, which separates the dust and debris into the bin 1 04 and then passes through a post filter (not shown) before being released back into the atmosphere.
  • a battery (not shown) is also mounted within the main body 1 02, which provides power to the motor and to elements of the cleaner head 1 1 4.
  • the bottom surface of the cleaner head 1 14 faces and is in contact with the surface to be cleaned.
  • the neck 1 08 which is in the form of a long cylindrical shaft, attaches at one end to the cleaner head 1 14 and at its other end to the main body 1 02, and provides the length needed such that the user does not need to bend over in order to maintain contact between the cleaner head and the floor.
  • the cleaner head 1 1 4 is pivotally attached to the neck, at an attachment point 1 1 2, such that when the user applies a force to the vacuum cleaner 1 00 the cleaner head 1 14 is able to twist in accordance with that motion.
  • the pivoting connection between the cleaner head 1 1 4 and the main body 1 02 allows the user to move the vacuum cleaner back and forth over the floor, with the angle of the shaft of the neck 1 08 relative to the floor changing, while the cleaner head remains parallel to the floor.
  • the cleaner head 1 14 is detachable from the neck 1 08, and the neck is detachable from the main body 1 02.
  • the cleaner head 1 1 as illustrated by a schematic in figure 2, comprises a housing 1 1 8, an airflow path (illustrated by arrow 1 1 0), two driven agitators 1 22 and their drive mechanisms 1 20, a motor (not shown) that drives that agitators and is powered by the battery in the main body 1 02 and a flexible outer skirt 1 1 6 arranged around the perimeter of the housing 1 1 8.
  • the cleaner head 1 14 When in use the bottom surface of the cleaner head 1 14 faces the surface to be cleaned.
  • the top surface of the cleaner head housing 1 1 8 has a hard shell.
  • the cleaner head 1 14 is arranged to be detachably connectable to the neck 1 08 of the vacuum cleaner, which provides a conduit for the airflow path 1 1 0. Dust and debris that is loosened by the agitators 1 22 is sucked up through this airflow path into the main body 1 02 of the vacuum cleaner 1 00.
  • the housing 1 1 8 of the cleaner head 1 1 4 has a pair of driven agitators 1 22 mounted within it, which are arranged to be driven relative to the cleaner head with movement in a plane that is parallel to the bottom surface of the cleaner head.
  • Each agitator 1 22 is arranged to rotate about a first axis. The first axis is movable and is driven around a closed round path.
  • each agitator 1 22 has a generally triangular shape, with each side of the triangle being curved.
  • the curved sides are convex, and are in the shape of an arc of a circle.
  • the shape is in the same form as a Reuleaux triangle.
  • the three sides meet at three vertices.
  • the triangle thus has three generally pointed regions, each corresponding to a respective vertex.
  • each agitator 1 22 is covered in a plurality of bristles (not shown) which allows the agitator to agitate dust and debris as it sweeps across the surface to be cleaned.
  • the sides of the agitator, perpendicular to the plane of the planform, also include a plurality of bristles which stick out in a direction generally parallel to the plane of the planform of the agitator.
  • the flexible outer skirt 1 1 6 is mounted on the housing 1 1 8 such that it flares downwardly and outwardly away from the top surface of the housing towards the surface to be cleaned, terminating in a free end.
  • Figure 3 shows a neutral position of the skirt as a solid line 1 1 6, when it is not subject to any external forces. After the skirt has been deformed by an external force, it will return to the neutral position.
  • the skirt is attached to the housing 1 1 8 so that the top edge of the skirt 1 1 6 is flush with the top surface of the housing.
  • the skirt runs completely around the oblong perimeter of the planform of the housing 1 1 8.
  • the skirt forms a closed loop.
  • the planform of the area surrounded by the free end of the skirt is larger than the planform of the area of the cleaner head housing itself.
  • the skirt is made of silicone which is resilient and will return to its neutral shape when no ⁇ deformed by an external force (e.g. when the user pushes the cleaner head up against an object).
  • the skirt completely surrounds the area of the surface ⁇ o be cleaned over which suction is applied.
  • the flexible outer skirt 1 1 6 has a thickness of 4mm.
  • the vertical distance from the top surface of the cleaner head housing 1 1 8 ⁇ o the bottom surface of the cleaner head is 50mm. Since the skirt is flared and is made up of a closed loop, i ⁇ has an inner perimeter which is smaller than its outer perimeter.
  • the inner perimeter surrounds the planform of the cleaner head housing and is 600mm, the outer perimeter surrounds the area of the surface ⁇ o be cleaned and is 700mm.
  • the flexible outer skirt 1 1 6 extends down towards the surface ⁇ o be cleaned such ⁇ ha ⁇ in use the free end of the skirt is jus ⁇ able ⁇ o make contact with the floor.
  • the flexible outer skirt 1 1 6 will deform inwardly and will be pressed in more tightly against the floor, creating a partial seal and allowing an increased level of vacuum suction into the corner.
  • this may cause another part of the skirt ⁇ o be pushed outwards from its neutral position, allowing the skirt ⁇ o deform ⁇ o a shape ⁇ ha ⁇ is complementary ⁇ o the shape of the area ⁇ o be cleaned.
  • the skirt has a rigidity such ⁇ ha ⁇ when deformed the planform of the area surrounded by the skirt will only change by a maximum of 1 0% when an external force is applied.
  • each agitator 1 22 As each agitator 1 22 is driven around its closed path, i ⁇ sweeps ou ⁇ an area ⁇ ha ⁇ is generally square (as shown in figure 9). The pair of agitators side by side sweep ou ⁇ an area ⁇ ha ⁇ is generally oblong. Over 90% of the area bounded by the rectangle illustrated by the dashed line 1 24 in figure 3 is covered by the movement of the agitators. The rectangle 1 24 also contains all of the area covered by the movement of the agitators. As shown in figure 3, this rectangle 1 24 extends beyond the planform of the area surrounded by the base of the skirt 1 1 6. In use, as each driven agitator 1 22 moves through a complete cycle of movement a ⁇ leas ⁇ one part of the agitator is continuously in contact with the outer skirt 1 1 6.
  • the skirt When the agitator 1 22 pushes against the skirt, the skirt deforms and allows the agitator ⁇ o continue along its driven path.
  • the skirt is arranged around the perimeter of the cleaner head so ⁇ ha ⁇ the skirt provides a barrier between the side edge of the agitator and any external objects or vertical surfaces ⁇ ha ⁇ the cleaner head comes into contact with.
  • the agitators 1 22 are each arranged to rotate clockwise about an axis of rotation 1 26 that remains fixed in position relative to the agitator. Each agitator's axis of rotation is perpendicular to the plane of the agitator.
  • the agitator's axis of rotation 1 26 is positioned at the centre of the agitator.
  • the drive mechanism 1 20 for each agitator 1 22 causes the agitators axis of rotation 1 26 to move around a circular path 1 32 in an anticlockwise direction as the agitator 1 22 rotates clockwise. For every complete rotation of an agitator about its axis (in the frame of reference of the cleaner head) the agitator completes three circuits of the circular path 1 32 it follows.
  • the moving axis 1 26 of the agitator 1 22 is moved around the circular path 1 32 in cycles at a frequency which is three times higher than the frequency of rotation of the agitator 1 22.
  • each agitator 1 22 and their motion are the same for each agitator, so the following description whilst limited primarily to a single agitator applies to both.
  • the motion of each agitator and the notional square 1 36 encompassing the area swept out (within the reference frame of the cleaner head) by it are illustrated by figures 6 to 9.
  • Figure 6 shows an agitator 1 22 in a starting position.
  • An arrow 1 34 is provided on the drawing of the agitator shown in Figure 6 merely to aid understanding of the motion, the arrow 1 34 extending from the axis of rotation 1 26 of the agitator (the centre of the agitator) to a first pointed region of the agitator.
  • the pointed region of the agitator is shown extending into the corner of the notional square 1 36 shown as broken lines.
  • Figure 7 shows the agitator in the same position as shown in Figure 6, together with two further images of the agitator in two successive positions. From one position to the next, the agitator 1 22 is shown having rotated 1 0 degrees clockwise and its centre 1 26 having moved around one twelfth of the circular path (i.e. 30 degrees around) in the opposite direction (anticlockwise).
  • Figure 8 shows the agitator 1 22 in the same position as shown in Figure 6, together with five further images of the agitator 1 22 in five such successive positions.
  • Figure 9 shows 1 2 positions in total, equating to the agitator 1 22 having performed a third of a complete rotation and its centre having moved around the circular path 1 32 once. Only the arrows for the first and twelfth agitator positions are shown in Figure 9, to assist in seeing the first (arrow 1 34) and last (arrow 1 40) positions of the agitator 1 22 for the first third of a complete cycle.
  • the first pointed region of the agitator 1 22 has moved from the top left corner of the notional square 1 36, has traced along the top edge, has reached into the top right corner of the square, without quite touching the vertex of the square 1 36, and has progressed about a third of the way down the right hand side.
  • the other vertices of the agitator 1 22 have progressed along the remaining outline of the square, and have reached into the other corners of the square.
  • the curved edges of the agitator also sweep out an area that extends very close to, if not touching, the edge of the square.
  • the notional square 1 36 is drawn to be the smallest square that contains the area swept out by the movement of the agitator 1 22, without any part of that area extending beyond the square. It will be seen that vast majority of the area of the notional square is covered. In this embodiment it is believed that at least about 95% of the area of the notional square 1 36 is swept out by the movement of the agitator 1 22.
  • two agitators 1 22 are provided side by side, each sweeping out a generally square shape, the square shapes sharing a common boundary 1 30 (the broken line shown in Figure 5) such that the two agitators together sweep over a generally oblong area.
  • a square edged area of coverage allows for effective cleaning in the corners of a room.
  • Figure 1 0 illustrates a second embodiment which differs from the first embodiment primarily in the positioning of the agitators 222 in relation to the flexible outer skirt 21 6.
  • the pair of agitators 222 side by side sweep out an area that is oblong in shape and contained with the rectangular broken line 224 shown in Figure 1 0.
  • This rectangle 224 lies within the planform of the area surrounded by the base of the skirt 21 6, such that as each driven agitator moves through a complete cycle of movement it does not come into contact with the skirt, when the skirt is in its neutral position.
  • the skirt 21 6 is arranged around the perimeter of the cleaner head 214 so that the skirt provides a barrier between the side edge of the agitator 222 and any external objects or vertical surfaces that the cleaner head 21 4 comes into contact with.
  • the flexible outer skirt 21 6 extends down towards the surface to be cleaned such that in use it is just able to make contact with the floor.
  • the flexible outer skirt 21 6 will be deformed inwardly such that it is pressed in more tightly against the floor and it may make contact with the agitators 222.
  • the skirt will create a partial seal against the floor, allowing an increased level of vacuum suction into the corner. This aids in the collection of the dust and debris that has been agitated by the agitators.
  • the skirt 21 6 is forced into contact with one of the agitators 222 it will deform and allow the agitator to continue moving along its driven path.
  • the agitator may thus be urged into closer proximity with a wall or corner than would be possible with a non-deformable skirt or hard-shelled housing with no skirt.
  • the agitators which are described in the first embodiment as being constantly in contact with the skirt, could instead make contact with the skirt at least once during each complete cycle of movement. This would allow the skirt to return to its neutral position when not exposed to any force from the agitators.
  • the flexible skirt may extend around, partly or wholly, each agitator separately. There may for example be a separate flexible skirt associated with each agitator.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)

Abstract

Tête d'aspirateur (114) destinée à un aspirateur et comprenant un trajet d'écoulement d'air destiné à fournir une aspiration sur une surface à nettoyer, un boîtier et au moins un agitateur entraîné (122) destiné à venir en prise avec la surface à nettoyer. L'au moins un agitateur est monté à l'intérieur du boîtier. Une jupe extérieure (116) est disposée autour du périmètre du boîtier et agencée pour pouvoir entrer en contact avec la surface à nettoyer pendant l'utilisation, par exemple pour fournir une étanchéité partielle afin d'améliorer l'aspiration. La jupe externe (116) est suffisamment souple, de sorte qu'elle peut entrer en contact avec l'agitateur et être déformée par celui-ci, pendant l'utilisation. Cette souplesse peut permettre à la tête de nettoyage de mieux nettoyer les coins.
PCT/GB2022/050491 2021-02-26 2022-02-22 Tête de nettoyage destinée à un aspirateur WO2022180388A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN202280017369.6A CN116981385A (zh) 2021-02-26 2022-02-22 用于真空吸尘器的吸尘器头

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2102786.7A GB2604168B (en) 2021-02-26 2021-02-26 Cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner
GB2102786.7 2021-02-26

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2022180388A1 true WO2022180388A1 (fr) 2022-09-01

Family

ID=75377380

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2022/050491 WO2022180388A1 (fr) 2021-02-26 2022-02-22 Tête de nettoyage destinée à un aspirateur

Country Status (3)

Country Link
CN (1) CN116981385A (fr)
GB (1) GB2604168B (fr)
WO (1) WO2022180388A1 (fr)

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH08206043A (ja) * 1995-02-08 1996-08-13 Tec Corp 電気掃除機の吸込口体
EP0800783A2 (fr) * 1996-03-01 1997-10-15 Unilever N.V. Appareil pour nettoyer le sol
DE19718497A1 (de) * 1997-05-02 1998-11-05 Vorwerk Co Interholding Gerät zur Bodenpflege
JP2002369771A (ja) 2001-06-15 2002-12-24 Mizuho Mukouyoshi 電気掃除機の吸引具
JP2007159816A (ja) * 2005-12-14 2007-06-28 Sharp Corp 電気掃除機
US20110225763A1 (en) 2010-03-16 2011-09-22 Drake Paula R Bumper for a vacuum cleaner
WO2014122114A1 (fr) * 2013-02-05 2014-08-14 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Système de buse muni d'une brosse et d'une raclette
US20180206686A1 (en) 2014-10-10 2018-07-26 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Autonomous travel-type cleaner

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU6705874A (en) * 1973-03-22 1975-09-25 John Galbraith Quiros Worledge Vacuum cleaning device
US4701976A (en) * 1985-10-15 1987-10-27 Hako Minuteman, Inc. High speed floor burnisher
JPH01155823A (ja) * 1987-12-14 1989-06-19 Amano Corp 集塵機能付き床面艶出機
FR2980353B1 (fr) * 2011-09-28 2013-10-25 Seb Sa Suceur d'aspirateur

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH08206043A (ja) * 1995-02-08 1996-08-13 Tec Corp 電気掃除機の吸込口体
EP0800783A2 (fr) * 1996-03-01 1997-10-15 Unilever N.V. Appareil pour nettoyer le sol
DE19718497A1 (de) * 1997-05-02 1998-11-05 Vorwerk Co Interholding Gerät zur Bodenpflege
JP2002369771A (ja) 2001-06-15 2002-12-24 Mizuho Mukouyoshi 電気掃除機の吸引具
JP2007159816A (ja) * 2005-12-14 2007-06-28 Sharp Corp 電気掃除機
US20110225763A1 (en) 2010-03-16 2011-09-22 Drake Paula R Bumper for a vacuum cleaner
WO2014122114A1 (fr) * 2013-02-05 2014-08-14 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Système de buse muni d'une brosse et d'une raclette
US20180206686A1 (en) 2014-10-10 2018-07-26 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Autonomous travel-type cleaner

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2604168A (en) 2022-08-31
GB202102786D0 (en) 2021-04-14
GB2604168B (en) 2023-12-27
CN116981385A (zh) 2023-10-31

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