VACUUM CLEANER WITH 360 DEGREE ROTATION

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vacuum cleaner that comprises an optimized movement system, which enables its rotation in both vertical and horizontal planes up to 360 degrees in a free environment.

Background

[0002] Nowadays, most of the conventional vacuum cleaners have three or four wheels in order to try and optimize their mobility by placing revolving wheels to reduce the value of the force that is needed to interact with the vacuum cleaner. In opposite, vertical vacuum cleaners, though promoting a better posture, force the user to apply more force when using them.

[0003] Regarding matters related to the mobility, both the conventional and vertical vacuum cleaners are, nowadays, subject to modifications trying to make them as compact as possible (e.g. US 20140289998, US 20130305484, CA2954157, US 5781960, US7079923), with remote control (e.g. WO2017010724, US7079923) or even with mobility sensors - which make them autonomous (e.g. US 20140289998, US 20130305484, WO2016208944, CN 104688138). However, these last ones have some limitations regarding their accessibility to difficult-to- access areas (e.g. corners), due to not having different "mouth pieces" and only allowing for the aspiration of waste from the ground.

[0004] The movement is commonly achieved with a front/backwards movement over a first axis, and left/right over a second axis (US2016235268, AU2006328165, GB2469053, US20110119862, US20160235268, WO2015041499, US2648396, US8056181, US20140013538), achieving an advance or rotation of the main body on a horizontal plane.

[0005] In the patent document WO2016184483A1, it is only for cordless vacuum cleaners, although in physical terms the rotation is possible it is just mentioned to be applied to the resting position. That document considers the conventional structure of a vacuum cleaner that as an upper and lower housing, in which the upper side has the controls, the access to the dust bag and other interaction elements. Since these elements are just place in one of the housings, when the vacuum cleaner is at work the side that has the interaction elements needs to be upwards. Therefore, although the rotation of the vacuum cleaner around the wheels' axis is possible, it is not practical when at work, since the side that has the interaction elements could be in a facing down position disabling the interaction with the user.

[0006] These facts are disclosed in order to illustrate the technical problem addressed by the present disclosure.

General Description

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a vacuum cleaner that comprises an optimized movement system, which enables its rotation up to 360 degrees in a free environment. Regarding vacuum cleaners, the definition covers all the equipment that capture particles (solid or liquid), having a body which is big enough to be comfortably and freely maneuvered by a regular user.

[0008] The rotational movement mentioned in the previous paragraph is reduced to a value that is slightly above 180 degrees on a work environment - that is when the vacuum cleaner's body finds an obstacle, such as the ground. This value (180 degrees) is largely dependent on the shape of the object, the bigger the body on its extremity, the lower its total rotation value.

[0009] The optimized movement comprises a dimensioning the wheels (1,2), in which their diameters are larger than height of the vacuum cleaner's main body (3), preventing its contact with the ground and the body (3) to rotate around an axis (E2), which is located on the centre of the wheels (figure 6). Regarding the axis, the definition covers all the used mechanism which enables the wheels (1,2) to be rotatably mounted on the vacuum cleaner body (3) without impairing its mobility. It can contain a system with shafts, ledges, fittings, spindles, bearings, docking protrusions, etc., as long as it makes it possible for the rolling equipment to function, thus allowing the conversion from linear movement to rotational movement.

[0010] Several vacuum cleaners already include dimensioning of the wheels, by adding, at least, one extra wheel for stabilization (US 8869345 B2, WO 2012116436 Al). However, this mechanism limits the rotation range, by blocking part of it. As such, although the wheels are bigger, it is not possible to move the vacuums cleaner body around the wheels' axis. [0011] The present disclosure has the advantage of enabling vacuuming from opposite extremities without having the need to completely rotate horizontally the vacuum cleaner towards each extremity - the wheels stay on the same position, the rotating part is then the body of the vacuum cleaner around the wheels' axis. Thus, when it is intended to move the vacuum cleaner hose to the opposite direction, there is no need to make a horizontal movement to the left or to the right by simply rotating the vacuum cleaner body in a vertical plane around the axis that connects the two wheels the first end of the longitudinal line (top view) of the vacuum cleaner body rises until this line is perpendicular to the ground and then goes down towards the opposite extremity, reaching the intended position. This optimized movement avoids moving the vacuum cleaner over the ground.

[0012] Thus, the position of the extremity (x) dictates the direction of the vacuum cleaner's movement. This extremity (x) coincides with the entry door (i) which, in turn, refers to the vacuum cleaner's hose fitting (5).

[0013] The present disclosure relates to the optimization of the mobility system, which has the advantage of having the rotation degree of the vacuum cleaner body in two planes - horizontal and vertical, in which none of the positions is compromised. In sum, the vacuum cleaner rotates around the wheels' axis, in a movement that changes the working plane to another plane that has an angular intersection with the first, therefore independently of the position plane, the vacuum cleaner is always operational.

[0014] Due to the fact that the vacuum cleaner is an electric device, it has an engine that is commonly noisy, which in turn makes vacuuming somewhat uncomfortable. Because of this, one of the best materials to use in soundproofing is the cork, which has excellent noise reduction characteristics.

[0015] The present disclosure comprises an optimized movement system, which can be adapted to the technology that is presented in cyclone vacuum cleaners (e.g. Dyson(tm) vacuum cleaners).

[0016] The present disclosure is related to a vacuum cleaner which has an optimized movement system, around its axis/bearing or any other fixation device that connects the two wheels and the body of the vacuum cleaner, which allows for a 360-degree rotation if there are no obstacles. [0017] This rotation is reduced to a value that is slightly superior to 180 degrees on a work environment, when the vacuum cleaner finds an obstacle, such as the ground. This last value depends on the shape of the object, that is, the bigger the dimension of the body on its x extremity, the smaller the total rotation value will be.

[0018] This angular movement is achieved by a system in which the wheels are bigger than the height of the body of the vacuum cleaner and these components fit on their centres, which enables the body of the product to never touch the ground on this y extremity. The location of the centre of mass allows the existence of a rest position when the extremity X is near the ground, and touching the ground by one of the two casters (4).

[0019] It is disclosed a vacuum cleaner with 360-degree rotation comprising: a main body;

two wheels Rotatably mounted on said main body, defining a rotation axis (E2) between said two wheels;

a hose fitting;

wherein said main body comprises main part and a projecting part extending outwards from said rotation axis and beyond an outline bounding the perimeter of the two wheels; wherein said hose fitting is fitted on an end of said projecting part.

[0020] In an embodiment, the vacuum cleaner has a centre of mass located in a plane perpendicular to a line segment between the mid-point of the rotation axis and the end of said projecting part, wherein said plane passes through said line segment at a point located between the midpoint of the rotation axis and the end of said projecting part.

[0021] In an embodiment, said plane passes through said line segment at a point that is located further away from the rotation axis than the radius of either wheel.

[0022] In an embodiment, said plane passes through said line segment at a point that is located closer to the rotation axis than the midpoint of said line segment.

[0023] An embodiment comprises two supports for bearing weight of the vacuum cleaner and placed in opposed faces of said projecting part along an axis which is perpendicular to said rotation axis. [0024] In an embodiment, said supports are bidirectional casters.

[0025] In an embodiment, said supports are located proximal to said end of the projecting part.

[0026] An embodiment comprises a vacuum cleaning operative switch, wherein said switch is located in a face of the projecting part coincident with said hose fitting, or

in a face of the projecting part between the faces of said two supports.

[0027] In an embodiment, wherein the vacuum cleaning operative switch is for switching on or off the vacuum cleaner.

[0028] An embodiment comprises a hose for securing to said hose fitting.

[0029] In an embodiment, the vacuum cleaner is a cyclone vacuum cleaner.

[0030] In an embodiment, the vacuum cleaner is a conventional ventilator vacuum cleaner.

[0031] An embodiment comprises: an inlet intake door, an outlet exit door, an electric engine, a ventilator coupled to the electric engine, a bag or storage container, an engine filter, and an air filter.

[0032] In an embodiment, said main body and/or two wheels comprise cork.

[0033] In an embodiment, said projecting part has a shape narrowing towards the end of the projecting part.

[0034] In an embodiment, said projecting part has a conical shape narrowing towards the end of the projecting part.

[0035] In an embodiment, said main part is confined within or coinciding with the outline bounding the perimeter of the two wheels.

[0036] In an embodiment, said main part is confined within the outline bounding the perimeter of the two wheels.

[0037] In an embodiment, wherein the diameter of the two wheels is the same.

[0038] In an embodiment, the maximum main body length is less than or equal to two times the diameter of the wheels. [0039] In an embodiment, the two wheels are rotatably mounted on said main body on a shaft, ledge, fitting, spindle, bearing, or docking protrusion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0040] The following figures provide preferred embodiments for illustrating the description and should not be seen as limiting the scope of invention.

[0041] Figure 1 is a schematic representation (side view) of an embodiment the vacuum cleaner and its components, stating its operating system, on which the following numbers represent:

CI - Vacuum cleaner;

1 - Wheel A;

3 - Body of the vacuum cleaner comprising a substantially cylindrical part and a substantially conical part;

4 - Supports for the vacuum cleaner's body, which aim to avoid direct contact between the body (3) and the ground;

5 - Hose fitting, coincident with the extremity x of the vacuum cleaner's body (3);

6 - Vacuum cleaner's hose.

[0042] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the movement that is achieved by an embodiment the vacuum cleaner, in the vertical plane (side view) on a free environment, wherein the axis of the body of the vacuum cleaner can be considered as the line between the hose fitting and the mid-point between the rotation centres of the two wheels, on which the following letters represent:

X - first end of the axis of the body of the vacuum cleaner;

Y - second end of the axis of the body of the vacuum cleaner, coincident with the wheels' axis, i.e. the rotation axis that connects the centres of the two wheels.

[0043] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the movement that is achieved by an embodiment the vacuum cleaner, in the horizontal plane, i.e. viewed from the top, which is the same both on a free environment and on a work environment, on which the following letters represent:

X - first end of the axis of the body of the vacuum cleaner;

Y - second end of the axis of the body of the vacuum cleaner, coincident with the wheels' axis, preferably coincident with the body's centre of mass.

[0044] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the axes and the points, which illustrate the operating system of an embodiment the vacuum cleaner (CI), on which the following initials represent:

X - first end of the axis of the body of the vacuum cleaner;

Y - second end of the axis of the body of the vacuum cleaner, coincident with the wheels' axis, preferably coincident with the body's centre of mass.

El - The axis of the body of the vacuum cleaner (line segment);

E2 - Wheels' axis (rotation axis);

E3 - Vertical axis which goes through the body's centre of mass.

[0045] Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the planes on which the fundamental components, that illustrate an embodiment of the vacuum cleaner's operating system, are attached, on which the following numbers represent:

PI - Vertical plane, coincident with the wheel 1;

P2 - Vertical plane, coincident with the wheel 2, parallel to PI;

PE1 - Horizontal plane, coincident with the axis El, coincident with the vacuum cleaner's horizontal cutting plan;

PE2 - Vertical plane, coincident with the rotation axis (E2), coincident with the vacuum cleaner's vertical cutting plan which goes through the centre of the wheels;

PE3 - Vertical plane, coincident with the axis E2, coincident with the vacuum clea ner's vertical cutting plan that is parallel to PI and P2;

Px - Vertical plane of the hose fitting (5), coincident with the x extremity and parallel to PE2. [0046] Figure 6 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the vacuum cleaner's fundamental components, and the axes (top and side view), which illustrate its operating system, on which the following numbers represent:

1 - Wheel A;

2 - Wheel B;

3 - Vacuum cleaner's body;

4 - Vacuum cleaner's body support points, e.g. casters;

5 - Hose's fitting, coincident with the x extremity;

6 - Vacuum cleaner's hose;

El - Horizontal axis of the vacuum cleaner's body (3) (line segment); E2 - Wheels' rotation axis, which can be real* or imaginary**; E3 - Vertical axis which goes through the vacuum cleaner's centre of mass; X - first end of the axis of the vacuum cleaner's body;

Y - second end of the axis of the vacuum cleaner's body, coincident with the wheels' axis, preferably coincident with the body's centre of mass.

[0047] Figure 7 is the schematic representation of the forces that are applied to an embodiment of the vacuum cleaner on a work environment, on which the following initials represent:

F - Force that is applied on the act of working, corresponding to the traction that results from the man/object interaction;

Fa - Friction force which results from the object/ground interaction;

Fg - Gravitational force, which is the force that is exerted by Earth on the bodies, on its surface or near it, responsible for the falling of the bodies - it is represented by a vector, directed vertically relative to the body, preferably starting on the centre of mass and aiming towards the centre of the Earth;

Rn - Normal reaction, which is the contact force that a surface exerts on a body, specifically, on this situation, the force that the ground exerts on the vacuum cleaner, perpendicular to the surface and aiming upwards from it; reaction force between the ground and the vacuum cleaner, this reaction exists anytime there is some form of contact between the body (vacuum cleaner) and the supporting surface (ground), regardless of the surface being horizontal or not. The direction of the force is always perpendicular to the supporting surface.

[0048] Figure 8 is a schematic representation of the basic elements that constitute an embodiment of the vacuum cleaner's air circulation system, on which the following letters represent:

(i) - Intake door;

(ii) - Exit door;

(iii) - Electric engine;

(iv) - Ventilator, attached to the engine (iii);

(v) - Bag;

(vi) - Engine filter;

(vii) - Air filter;

3 - Vacuum cleaner's body.

[0049] Figure 9 is a schematic representation of the basic elements that constitute a n embodiment of the vacuum cleaner's air circulation system, with cyclone technology, on which the following letters represent:

(i) - Intake door;

(ii) - Exit door;

(iii) - Electric engine;

(iv) - Ventilator, attached to the engine (iii);

(v) - Bag;

(vi) - Engine filter;

(vii) - Air filter. [0050] Figure 10 is a schematic representation of the working movement, when the force is exerted on the vertical plane. Considering that x and y are the extremities of the El axis - axis which changes its direction. In El, y stays fixed, because it coincides with the body's centre of mass, so, the body's cutting plan (PE2), which is a plane that coincides with the E2 axis, and, in turn, x rotates on the vertical plan, originating the direction and aim of the applied force (F). Thus, the following letters represent:

F - Force that is applied on the act of working, corresponding to the traction that results from the man/object interaction;

X - Extremity of the axis of the vacuum cleaner's body;

Y - Extremity of the axis of the vacuum cleaner's body, coincident with E2, preferably coincident with the body's centre of mass.

[0051] Figure 11 is a schematic representation of one of the possible movement, of those which can be achieved with this system, where both wheels move towards the same direction. It is applicable when the vacuum cleaner is moved translationally, on which the following initials represent:

1 - Wheel A; 2 - Wheel B; E2 - Wheels' rotation axis.

[0052] Figure 12 is a schematic representation of another of the possible movement that can be achieved with this system, which is the opposite of the previous movement, in which the two wheels move towards the same direction, which is opposite to the previous one of fig. 11. It is applicable when the vacuum cleaner is moved translationally, on which the following initials represent:

1 - Wheel A; 2 - Wheel B; E2 - Wheels' rotation axis.

[0053] Figure 13 is a schematic representation of another of the possible movement that can be achieved with this system, in which the wheels move in opposite directions. It is applicable when the rotation is made on a horizontal plane, parallel to the ground, on which the following initials represent:

1 - Wheel A; 2 - Wheel B; E2 - Wheels' rotation axis.

[0054] Figure 14 is a schematic representation of the possible rotational directions which happen on the centre of the rotation axis, in which all the rotation movements are independent. Thus, on this point (y), while working - man/object interaction -, there is always a rotation, whether the wheels are immobile or one (or both) of the wheels rotate. On this image, the following initials represent:

1 - Wheel A; 2 - Wheel B; E2 - Wheels' rotation axis. PE3 - Vertical plane that couples the axis (E2) of the vacuum cleaner's body (3), as well as the centre of the components (4), parallel to PI and P2.

Detailed Description

[0055] The present disclosure relates to a vacuum cleaner (CI), figure 1, which comprises a mobility system that allows for its mobility in two planes with a full rotation, 360 degrees on a free environment, that is, without obstacles (figures 2 and 3). The mobility system is set on the axis El or line segment, figure 4, perpendicular to the plane PE2, figure 5, which is the wheels' rotation axis (E2), figure 4. The axis E2 is the only rotation axis on the present disclosure, because the number of wheels is reduced to two, unlike the three or four which are commonly found on this type of devices.

[0056] At the centre of the axis E2, there is also the extremity (y) of the axis of the vacuum cleaner body's centre (El), while the extremity x coincides with the plane Px of the hose fitting. The axis El (line segment), which originates from the path between x and y creates the traction axis from which the direction of the F (F) force comes from (y to x), made by the user of the vacuum cleaner while moving it.

[0057] In turn, the user, by altering the position of the x point, changes the vacuum cleaner's route, while point y becomes the rotation point. In this point y, the rotation is independent, as figure 14 indicates. Therefore, the rotation of the vacuum cleaner always depends on point x:

If x is moved along the vertical plane, the rotation direction in 1, 2 and y is the same, figure 11;

If x is moved along the vertical plane, on an opposite direction regarding the last one, the rotation direction in 1, 2 and y is the same, to the opposite direction, figure 12; If x is moved along the horizontal plane, y can stay without rotating, and the rotation is made just in 1 or in 2, figure 13;

The rotation in y is dependent from the position of x, but independent of the rotation of 1 and/or 2, figure 13.

[0058] Therefore, this system makes it so the movement of the vacuum cleaner is optimized, setting itself apart from common vacuum cleaners, in which it is possible to vacuum opposing extremities without the need to completely rotate CI.

[0059] An embodiment of the present disclosure comprises:

An axis (E2), figure 4), which comprises all the mechanism which allows for the fixation of the wheels to the body without harming its mobility. It can consist on a system with spindles, bearings, docking protrusions, etc.;

Two wheels (1,2), figure 6, bigger than the height of the body of the vacuum cleaner (3), which dimension is enough to make it so the body of the vacuum cleaner (3) does not touch the ground, while allowing for the two wheels to cover the sides of the body completely;

Vacuum cleaner's hose's fitting (5), figure 6, located on a plane (Px) that is parallel to the plane PE2, figure 5, where the force of traction (F) is applied, figure 7;

Two support casters (4), figure 6, located as close as possible to the extremity (5), relative to the wheels (1,2), if necessary, in order to avoid contact between the body of the vacuum cleaner (3) and the ground, thus minimizing potential damage that would be caused on the first one, by the second. These support casters can be parts that can rotate in order to provide auxiliary movement when the body (3) is moving and in contact with the ground.

The vacuum cleaner's body (3) comprises the components which are commonly incorporated on a conventional vacuum cleaner. As such, the vacuum cleaner body comprises seven basic elements (figure 8 and 9): (i) intake door, (ii) exit door; (iii) electric engine; (iv) ventilator -coupled with the engine; (v) bag or storage container; (vi) engine filter, that can be attached to the storage container; (vii) air filter. The vacuum cleaner's body (3) is the component which preferably supports all these elements, rightly oriented according to their working order, namely, the air flow order, which has already been illustrated on figure 8.

When the engine (iii) is turned on, the ventilator is activated (iv). This one has tilted blades which rotate and force the air into moving towards the exit door (ii). This a ir movement creates the necessary directed suction towards the inside of the vacuum cleaner, which circulates from the entry door to the exit door. This direction can be in a straight line or through a path along the vacuum cleaner. As for example the case of the cyclone vacuum cleaner, with the cyclone technology, where the air goes through a curvilinear path (figure 9). While the air moves, it goes through the bag (v) or the storage container and the engine's filter (vi), in the case of not being attached to the storage container, before reaching the blades. Here, most of the dust grains are retained, because the material from which these components are made of has particles which are small enough to allow for just the air to pass through, as well as microscopically sized particles.

[0060] It is disclosed a system that presents all the elements above-mentioned

[0061] It is disclosed a device that has the components 1 and 2 attached on opposite sides of the component 3, figure 6, whether by ledges, fittings, bearings, connection shafts or any other connection device which enables its rotation. These components (1,2) should have a diameter larger than the height of the component 3.This height is the measure of 3 in the plane PE2 when measured perpendicularly to E2. This differential of dimensions allows the wheels (1,2) to touch the ground and preventing the body (3) from touching the ground, on the extremity y, thus enabling its free movement.

[0062] It is disclosed a system that comprises the component 5 attached on the extremity x of the vacuum cleaner's body (3), figure 6, in the plane Px which is parallel to the plane PE2 , figure 5. This extremity (x), connected by an imaginary line to the extremity (y) (figure 6), originates the traction axis (El), from which the force F (figure 7) is applied. This force (F), which is exerted by the user of the vacuum cleaner, enables the translation and rotation movement of the system (figure 10).

[0063] It is disclosed a body of the vacuum cleaner (3) that has seven basic components (figure 8): (i) intake door; (ii) exit door; (iii) electric engine; (iv) ventilator; (v) bag; (vi) engine filter; (vii) air filter. Elements oriented towards the airflow's direction, in which: the intake door is the component 5; the exit door is on the opposite extremity regarding the component 5 on the vacuum cleaner's body (3); the electric engine (iii) should be, preferably, as close as possible to the wheels' rotation axis (E2), in order to try to move the vacuum cleaner's centre of mass to this axis (E2), as close as possible, using weight distribution; the ventilator should be incorporated on the engine, because not only it guides the airflow, but also avoids the overheating of the device; the bag (v) or storage container must be immediately after the intake door (i), and, consequently, the component 5; the engine filter (vi) should be between the bag (v) and the electric engine (iii) or on the container, if it exists; the air filter should be between the electric engine (iii) and the exit door (ii).

[0064] It is disclosed that the centre of mass is in the plane PE3, between point y and the centre of component 4, preferably closer to the plane PE2 but not coincident. Considering that the length of the component 3 is preferably, at the most, two times the diameter of the wheels, the centre of the mass should be located in an interval larger than 25% and smaller than 75% of the overall length of the vacuum cleaner. With a vacuum cleaner with smaller dimension (less than two times the diameter of the wheels), the lower percentage should be larger than 50% of the diameter of the wheels and, the higher percentage should be smaller than 50% of the length between the wheels' extremity and extremity x. When the the centre of mass moves towards x direction, moving way from the centre of the wheels (1,2), results in the rest position of the vacuum cleaner, where the caster (4) touches the ground. The closer the centre of mass is to y, less force will be necessary to use the vacuum cleaner, since the resulting force required to achieve a movement of rotation or translation is proportionally less because there is an approximation to the equilibrium point. It is this resulting force F that makes the body to turn around the axis E2.

[0065] Thus, if the centre of gravity is closer to the rotation axis of the wheels, the vacuum cleaner tilts more easily along a vertical plane, but the vacuum cleaner rotates horizontally less easily. If the centre of gravity is further away from the rotation axis of the wheels, the vacuum cleaner rotates horizontally more easily but tilts less easily along a vertical plane. The location of the centre of gravity provides a compromise between stability and instability that improves the mobility of the vacuum cleaner. [0066] It is disclosed that the casters (4) can be bidirectional casters located in opposed faces near the extremity x and should be of a sufficient size to prevent contact between the body 3 of the vacuum cleaner and the ground.

[0067] It is disclosed that the switches and all the controls of the vacuum cleaner, that need interaction with the user can be located preferably in the face coincident with the plane Px or in the faces that are perpendicular to the faces of the casters (4). This positioning allows the vacuum cleaner to remain operational when there is a movement rotation and x is shifted to opposing positions.

[0068] It is disclosed that one of the best materials, due to its excellent soundproofing properties, is cork, preferably applied to the components 1, 2 and 3. It is also possible for any other material to be used, as long as it has good soundproofing, vibration and impact characteristics.

[0069] Preferably, the method a user should employ, in order to use this vacuum cleaner, primarily regarding the movements that were achieved with this system, comprises:

Placement of the hose (6) on the product body (3) by attaching it, preferably, by fitting, on the component 5;

Make the rotation movement around E2 on a free environment, that is, without obstacles;

Make the rotation movement around E2 on a work environment;

Make the rotation movement around E2 unchangeable for both environments.

[0070] The disclosure should not be seen in any way restricted to the embodiments described and a person with ordinary skill in the art will foresee many possibilities to modifications thereof.

[0071] The above described embodiments are combinable.

[0072] The following claims further set out particular embodiments of the disclosure.