VACUUM CLEANER WITH ENHANCED BACKSTROKE PICK-UP

Abstract

A nozzle assembly that is designed for use on a vacuum cleaner includes a pivotable outlet configured for engagement with a suction tube of the vacuum cleaner and a suction chamber coupled to the pivotable outlet via a pivot axis such that the suction chamber can rotate about the pivot axis. The suction chamber includes a rotatable inlet positioned along a rear-facing edge of the suction chamber. The rotatable inlet is configured to rotate between a first state that allows air to pass through the rotatable inlet and a second state that blocks the passage of air through the rotatable inlet.

Claims

1. A nozzle assembly configured for use on a vacuum cleaner, the nozzle assembly comprising: a pivotable outlet configured for engagement with a suction tube of the vacuum cleaner; and a suction chamber coupled to the pivotable outlet via a pivot axis such that the suction chamber can rotate about the pivot axis, the suction chamber comprising a rotatable inlet positioned along a rear-facing edge of the suction chamber and configured to rotate between a first state that allows air to pass through the rotatable inlet and a second state that blocks the passage of air through the rotatable inlet.

2. The nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the suction chamber further comprises an agitator.

3. The nozzle assembly of claim 2, wherein the suction chamber further comprises a suction port arranged such that air passes through the rotatable inlet and into the suction port when the rotatable inlet is in the first state.

4. The nozzle assembly of claim 3, wherein the first state of the rotatable inlet allows air to pass through the rotatable inlet and into the suction port without passing across or through the agitator.

5. The nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the rotatable inlet is a first rotatable inlet and the suction chamber further comprises a second rotatable inlet positioned along a forward-facing edge of the suction chamber and configured to rotate between a first state that allows air to pass through the second rotatable inlet and a second state that blocks the passage of air through the second rotatable inlet.

6. The nozzle assembly of claim 5, wherein the first rotatable inlet and the second rotatable inlet are coupled together such that rotating the first rotatable inlet from the first state to the second state simultaneously rotates the second rotatable inlet from the second state to the first state and vice versa.

7. The nozzle assembly of claim 6, wherein the first rotatable inlet is configured to rotate from the first state to the second state and the second rotatable inlet is configured to rotate from the second state to the first state in response to the suction chamber being pushed forward across a surface.

8. The nozzle assembly of claim 6, wherein the first rotatable inlet is configured to rotate from the second state to the first state and the second rotatable inlet is configured to rotate from the first state to the second state in response to the suction chamber being pulled backward across a surface.

9. The nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the nozzle assembly further comprises one or more wheels such that the one or more wheels rotate when the suction chamber is moved across a surface.

10. The nozzle assembly of claim 9, further comprising one or more mechanical linkages coupled between the one or more wheels and the rotatable inlet.

11. The nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the suction chamber includes one or more angled or sloped walls that taper towards the rotatable inlet.

12. The nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the rotatable inlet is coaxially coupled to one or more wheels, such that rotation of the one or more wheels causes the rotatable inlet to rotate between the first state and the second state.

13. A nozzle assembly configured for use on a vacuum cleaner, comprising: a pivotable outlet configured for engagement with a suction tube of the vacuum cleaner; and a suction chamber coupled to the pivotable outlet via a pivot axis such that the suction chamber can rotate about the pivot axis, the suction chamber comprising: a sealing structure positioned along a forward-facing edge of the suction chamber and configured to block or reduce a suction path from the front of the suction chamber; and a rotatable inlet positioned along a rear-facing edge of the suction chamber and configured to rotate between a first state that allows air to pass through the rotatable inlet and a second state that blocks the passage of air through the rotatable inlet.

14. The nozzle assembly of claim 13, wherein the suction chamber further comprises an agitator and a suction port arranged such that air passes through the rotatable inlet and into the suction port when the rotatable inlet is in the first state.

15. The nozzle assembly of claim 14, wherein the first state of the rotatable inlet allows air to pass through the rotatable inlet and into the suction port without passing across or through the agitator.

16. The nozzle assembly of claim 13, wherein the rotatable inlet is a first rotatable inlet, and the sealing structure is a second rotatable inlet configured to rotate between a first state that allows air to pass through the second rotatable inlet and a second state that blocks the passage of air through the second rotatable inlet.

17. The nozzle assembly of claim 16, wherein the first rotatable inlet and the second rotatable inlet are coupled together such that rotating the first rotatable inlet from the first state to the second state simultaneously rotates the second rotatable inlet from the second state to the first state and vice versa.

18. The nozzle assembly of claim 13, wherein the sealing structure comprises a roller.

19. The nozzle assembly of claim 13, further comprising: one or more wheels such that the one or more wheels rotate when the suction chamber is moved across a surface; and one or more mechanical linkages coupled between the one or more wheels and the rotatable inlet.

20. The nozzle assembly of claim 13, wherein the suction chamber includes one or more angled or sloped walls that taper towards the rotatable inlet.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Features and advantages of embodiments of the claimed subject matter will become apparent as the following Detailed Description proceeds, and upon reference to the Drawings, in which:

[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric, three-dimensional view of a vacuum cleaner, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0005] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate some topside views of a nozzle assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0006] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate some bottom-side views of the nozzle assembly showing rotatable frontside and backside suction inlets, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate various views of the operation of the frontside and backside suction inlets on the nozzle assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate views of the nozzle assembly showing mechanical linkages to operate the backside and/or frontside suction inlet, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate views of another example of a nozzle assembly with a roller on the frontside, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom-side view of another example of a nozzle assembly having a rotatable backside inlet and a static frontside configuration, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 8 illustrates a backside view of the nozzle assembly showing flaps behind the wheels, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] Although the following Detailed Description will proceed with reference being made to illustrative embodiments, many alternatives, modifications, and variations thereof will be apparent in light of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] As noted above, there are some non-trivial issues with the designs of most vacuum cleaners. Many of the issues pertain to matters of convenience for the user. For example, vacuum cleaners include a nozzle assembly having a brush roll or similar agitation member to facilitate the collection of debris off of a surface. While this may provide an effective cleaning operation when the nozzle assembly is pushed forward across a surface, it may not provide effective suction of debris during the backstroke of the nozzle assembly across the surface. Indeed, while many vacuums are designed to pick up dirt or debris on the forward stroke of the nozzle assembly, the backstroke of the nozzle assembly often causes the debris to pile up on the back of the nozzle assembly or simply not be drawn into the vacuum cleaner. Additionally, in cases where multiple agitators are incorporated into the nozzle assembly, the force to move the vacuum forward or backward may be greater than desired and can lead to user fatigue.

[0014] Thus, a vacuum cleaner nozzle assembly is disclosed that provides a separate rear-facing suction inlet to facilitate the collection of dirt and debris on the backstroke of the nozzle assembly. According to some embodiments, the nozzle assembly includes a suction chamber that houses one or more agitators and both a front-facing suction inlet and a rear-facing suction inlet. The front-facing and rear-facing suction inlets are designed to be rotatable such that on a forward stroke of the nozzle assembly, the front-facing suction inlet is open to allow air to pass through and the rear-facing suction inlet is closed to cut off airflow, and on a backstroke of the nozzle assembly, the front-facing suction inlet is closed to cut off airflow and the rear-facing suction inlet is open to allow air to pass through. In this way, an effective suction path can be provided either from the front of the nozzle assembly or the rear of the nozzle assembly depending on the movement direction of the nozzle assembly. In some embodiments, the front-facing suction port has a castellated design to allow for the collection of large debris. In some embodiments, the front-facing suction port does not rotate (i.e., is always open) in conjunction with a front-side roller to restrict the airflow from the frontside during a backstroke of the nozzle assembly. The rotation actuation of the rear-facing suction inlet may be performed using one or more mechanical linkages between the rotatable inlet and one or more wheels of the nozzle assembly. Similar mechanical linkages can also be used to rotate the front-facing suction inlet, such that the front-facing and rear-facing suction inlets rotate together with one inlet rotating to an open state and the other inlet rotating to a closed state.

[0015] According to an embodiment, a nozzle assembly that is designed for use on a vacuum cleaner includes a pivotable outlet configured for engagement with a suction tube of the vacuum cleaner and a suction chamber coupled to the pivotable outlet via a pivot axis such that the suction chamber can rotate about the pivot axis. The suction chamber includes a rotatable inlet positioned along a rear-facing edge of the suction chamber. The rotatable inlet is configured to rotate between a first state that allows air to pass through the rotatable inlet and a second state that blocks the passage of air through the rotatable inlet.

[0016] According to another embodiment, a nozzle assembly that is designed for use on a vacuum cleaner includes a pivotable outlet configured for engagement with a suction tube of the vacuum cleaner and a suction chamber coupled to the pivotable outlet via a pivot axis such that the suction chamber can rotate about the pivot axis. The suction chamber includes a sealing structure positioned along a forward-facing edge of the suction chamber and configured to block or reduce a suction path from the front of the suction chamber, and a rotatable inlet positioned along a rear-facing edge of the suction chamber. The rotatable inlet is configured to rotate between a first state that allows air to pass through the rotatable inlet and a second state that blocks the passage of air through the rotatable inlet.

[0017] According to another embodiment, a vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly at a distal end of the vacuum cleaner, a handle at a proximal end of the vacuum cleaner, a waste receptacle, and a motor configured to draw air through the nozzle assembly and into the waste receptacle. The nozzle assembly includes a suction chamber and a pivotable outlet coupled to the suction chamber. The suction chamber includes a rotatable inlet positioned along a rear-facing edge of the suction chamber. The rotatable inlet is configured to rotate between a first state that allows air to pass through the rotatable inlet and a second state that blocks the passage of air through the rotatable inlet.

[0018] According to another embodiment, a nozzle assembly that is designed for use on a vacuum cleaner includes a pivotable outlet configured for engagement with a suction tube of the vacuum cleaner, a suction chamber coupled to the pivotable outlet via a pivot axis such that the suction chamber can rotate about the pivot axis, a wheel coupled to a portion of the suction chamber or the pivotable outlet, and a compliant flap arranged behind the wheel.

[0019] These and other such embodiments will be described in more detail herein.

[0020] The description uses the phrases in an embodiment or in embodiments, which may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments. Furthermore, the terms comprising, including, having, and the like, as used with respect to embodiments of the present disclosure, are synonymous. When used to describe a range of dimensions, the phrase between X and Y represents a range that includes X and Y.

[0021] Spatially relative terms, such as beneath, below, lower, above, upper, and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective three-dimensional view of a vacuum cleaner 100, according to an embodiment. Vacuum cleaner 100 has the general shape of an upright vacuum, however, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein with regards to the nozzle assembly may be used on any type of vacuum cleaner, such as a stick vacuum cleaner, canister vacuum cleaner, or upright vacuum cleaner. In some embodiments, vacuum cleaner 100 includes a nozzle assembly 102 at a distal end of vacuum cleaner 100 while a handle 104 may be coupled to a proximal end of vacuum cleaner 100. Nozzle assembly 102 can include any number of rotating brush heads for facilitating the gathering of debris from a surface. The surface is typically a floor, but may also include furniture, walls, ceiling, or vehicle interiors.

[0023] According to some embodiments, vacuum cleaner 100 also includes at least a motor 106 and a waste receptacle 108. Motor 106 may be any suitable vacuum motor, such as a universal motor, that draws air up through nozzle assembly 102 and into waste receptacle 108.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the waste receptacle 108 may have a substantially cylindrical shape to fit with the overall form factor of vacuum cleaner 100. Waste receptacle 108 may have any suitable elongated geometry.

[0025] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate perspective front and back views of nozzle assembly 102, according to some embodiments. Nozzle assembly 102 includes a suction chamber 202 coupled to an outlet 204 to allow nozzle assembly 102 to engage with the distal end of a vacuum cleaner and connect its air suction tube to that of the vacuum cleaner. Accordingly, outlet 204 may slidably engage with a portion of any type of vacuum cleaner. As mentioned above, nozzle assembly 102 may be designed to engage with any type of vacuum, such as a stick vacuum, canister vacuum, upright vacuum, or handheld vacuum, to name a few examples. In some examples, outlet 204 may pivot about a ball-in-socket joint and/or other structures involving tube sections that are flexible or rotate into one another to allow for pivotable movement of outlet 204 with respect to suction chamber 202. Any type of pivot joint or flexible joint may be provided between suction chamber 202 and outlet 204.

[0026] According to some embodiments, suction chamber 202 includes a rigid or semi-rigid body of a lightweight material (e.g., hard plastic or molded plastic). Suction chamber 202 may be designed to house the cleaning elements of the vacuum cleaner, such as any rollers, brushes, liquid sprayers, etc. According to some embodiments, suction chamber 202 is coupled to outlet 204 by one or more pivot structures that allow suction chamber 202 to rotate about a pivot axis passing through an end of outlet 204 where it meets suction chamber 202. The range of rotational motion of suction chamber 202 may be limited to less than 90 degrees, but may be as great as 180 degrees in some examples.

[0027] According to some embodiments, nozzle assembly 102 includes one or more wheels 206 to balance a rear portion of nozzle assembly 102 when placed onto a surface. In some embodiments, one or more wheels 206 are coupled to a base unit 208 at the rear of suction chamber 202. A width of suction chamber 202 along the Y-axis is greater than a width of base unit 208 along the Y-axis. In some examples, the width of suction chamber 202 is at least 1.5, at least 2, or at least 2.5 greater than the width of base unit 208. Outlet 204 may be seated into a pivot base structure that is coupled to or is an integral part of base unit 208, which allows outlet 204 to at least pivot forward and backwards as indicated by the arrows. In some examples, outlet 204 and the pivot base structure form a ball-in-socket joint that allows outlet to swivel in any direction. Other types of pivotable joints may be used as well. According to some embodiments, wheels 206 have a concave shape to reduce the amount of surface contact when rolling along a surface, and also to allow debris to pass beneath them during a backstroke of nozzle assembly 102.

[0028] According to some embodiments, some structures may be arranged around wheels 206 to push debris away from wheels 206 during a backstroke of nozzle assembly 102. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of nozzle assembly 102 where either a portion of suction chamber 202 or a portion of base unit 208 includes a flange 802 that wraps around a portion of each of wheels 206, according to some embodiments. Flange 802 may include the same hard plastic material as either base unit 208 or the housing of suction chamber 202. According to some embodiments, flange 802 may curl around the outside of wheels 206 with a larger radius of curvature compared to wheels 206.

[0029] According to some embodiments, a compliant flap 804 may be coupled to an end of flange 802 behind one or more of wheels 206. Compliant flap 804 may include a soft polymer material that can bend and scrape along a surface as suction chamber 202 moves across the surface. Accordingly, during a forward stroke of suction chamber 202, a distal end of compliant flap 804 may drag (e.g., flexing backwards) on the floor behind one or more wheels 206. This dragging does not create enough friction force to affect the forward stroke movement of suction chamber 202. During a backstroke of suction chamber 202, the distal end of compliant flap 804 also drags on the surface (e.g., flexing forwards) and protects the one or more wheels from rolling over any debris (e.g., the compliant flap 804 runs into the debris and moves it to one side or the other). In some examples, compliant flap 804 may be shaped to assist in pushing debris to the sides, such as having a wedge shape.

[0030] It should be understood that compliant flap 804, as discussed above, may be used with the wheels on any type of vacuum nozzle assembly and/or with any type of suction chamber to divert debris away from the wheels during a backstroke of the nozzle assembly and/or suction chamber.

[0031] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate views from beneath nozzle assembly 102. According to some embodiments, a first rotatable inlet 302 is provided on a rear portion of suction chamber 202 and a second rotatable inlet 304 is provided on a front portion of suction chamber 202. First rotatable inlet 302 may be positioned along a rear-facing edge of suction chamber 202 while second rotatable inlet 304 is positioned along a front-facing edge of suction chamber 202. According to some embodiments, one or more wheels 306 may also be provided at or near a front edge of suction chamber 202 to provide additional stability. In some embodiments, a rear-facing edge of suction chamber 202 includes sloped or angled walls 308 to direct debris and airflow towards first rotatable inlet 302. Suction chamber 202 may also include a roller 310. As used herein, a roller refers to any cylindrical cleaning structure that can include various parts, such as a rigid core and softer cleaning elements such as bristles, fabrics, or foams. Rollers are one example of agitators used to clean a surface.

[0032] According to some embodiments, each of first rotatable inlet 302 and second rotatable inlet 304 are designed to rotate between a first open state and a second closed state. In the open state, air and debris can pass through the inlet and in the closed state, no debris and substantially no air can pass through the inlet. During a forward stroke of nozzle assembly, first rotatable inlet 302 is rotated to and/or remains in the closed state while second rotatable inlet 304 is rotated to and/or remains in the open state. During a backstroke of nozzle assembly, first rotatable inlet 302 is rotated to and/or remains in the open state while second rotatable inlet 304 is rotated to and/or remains in the closed state. The opening and closing of first rotatable inlet 302 and second rotatable inlet 304 can be accomplished in several different ways, with some examples provided herein.

[0033] According to some embodiments, second rotatable inlet 304 rotates in front of a castellated forward-facing edge 312 of suction chamber 202. Castellated forward-facing edge 312 may include one or more sloped or angled walls 314 that direct larger debris towards openings 316. In the open state, second rotatable inlet 304 may also include one or more sloped or angled walls that align with sloped or angled walls 314.

[0034] According to some embodiments, a bottom surface of the back end of suction chamber 202 includes one or more scraper structures 316. In some examples, scraper structures 316 may be located adjacent to walls 308 or follow the contours of walls 308. Scraper structures 316 may have a length that is designed to drag or scrape along a surface during a forward stroke or backstroke of suction chamber 202 upon the surface. During the backstroke, scraper structures 316 may aid in directing dirt and other debris towards first rotatable inlet 302. According to some embodiments, scraper structures 316 include a compliant polymer material or a fabric-based material. Scraper structures 316 may have a flap-like design or include a plurality of bristles that scrape along the surface.

[0035] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate cutaway views through suction chamber 202 during a forward stroke (FIG. 4A) and a backstroke (FIG. 4B) of nozzle assembly on a surface 402, according to some embodiments. Surface 402 may represent any type of surface that suction chamber 202 can be placed upon to perform a cleaning operation. In some examples, surface 402 represents a hard surface such as hardwood or tile. In some examples, surface 402 represents a carpeted surface.

[0036] Turning to FIG. 4A, suction chamber 202 is pushed across surface 402 as indicated by the direction of the large arrow. One or more wheels 206 may make direct contact with surface 402 to facilitate movement of nozzle assembly 102 across surface 402. According to some embodiments, the forward movement of suction chamber 202 causes first rotatable inlet 302 to close and second rotatable inlet 304 to open. According to some embodiments, first rotatable inlet 302 and second rotatable inlet 304 remain in their respective closed and open states for as long as suction chamber 202 is pushed forward or until suction chamber 202 is pulled backward across surface 402.

[0037] According to some embodiments, second rotatable inlet 304 includes a conduit 404 that allows air to pass through second rotatable inlet 304 when conduit 404 is rotated into the open state. The smaller black arrows indicate the flow path for air and debris being sucked into the vacuum cleaner through second rotatable inlet 304 during a forward stroke operation. Accordingly, air and debris pass through conduit 404 and across or through roller 310 before being sucked into a suction port 406 that eventually leads up outlet 204. Suction port 406 may be located at a rear portion of suction chamber 202 or along a top surface of suction chamber 202.

[0038] According to some embodiments, first rotatable inlet 302 includes a conduit 408 that is rotated away such that air and debris cannot pass through conduit 408. This maintains a primary airflow path from conduit 404 through suction port 406 that maximizes the vacuum force from the front of suction chamber 202 to pick up any dirt and debris on surface 402 during a front stroke of suction chamber 202.

[0039] According to some embodiments, a front of suction chamber 202 has a first height h.sub.1 from surface 402 while a back end of suction chamber 202 has a second height h.sub.2 from surface 402. Second height h.sub.2 is greater than first height h.sub.1 to reduce plowing of dirt and/or debris during a backstroke operation. In some examples, second height h.sub.2 is between about 8 mm and about 10 mm.

[0040] According to some embodiments, a ramp 410 may be provided on a bottom surface of suction chamber 202 behind roller 310 (e.g., between roller 310 and suction port 406). In some designs, ramp 410 may be positioned beneath a portion of roller 310. Ramp 410 includes an inclined surface to direct dirt and debris towards suction port 406 after it has passed beneath roller 310. According to some embodiments, a debris shield 412 is coupled to ramp 410 or coupled behind ramp 410 and extends downward towards surface 402. Debris shield 412 may be a fixed element that blocks any debris from shooting out the back of suction chamber 202 after it passes roller 310 during a forward stroke operation. In some examples, debris shield 412 has a length that is designed to drag or scrape along surface 402 during a forward stroke of suction chamber 202. In this way, debris shield 412 also forms a seal along surface 402 to prevent or substantially reduce the flow of air beneath debris shield 412. The formation of a seal behind roller 310 along surface 402 can provide a greater suction force during a forward stroke operation. According to some embodiments, debris shield 412 includes a compliant polymer material or a fabric-based material. Debris shield 412 may have a flap-like design or include a plurality of bristles that scrape along surface 402.

[0041] Turning to FIG. 4B, suction chamber 202 is drawn back across surface 402 as indicated by the direction of the large arrow. According to some embodiments, the backward movement of suction chamber 202 causes first rotatable inlet 302 to open and second rotatable inlet 304 to close. According to some embodiments, first rotatable inlet 302 and second rotatable inlet 304 remain in their respective open and closed states for as long as suction chamber 202 is pulled backward or until suction chamber 202 is pushed forward across surface 402.

[0042] According to some embodiments, first rotatable inlet 302 includes conduit 408 that allows air to pass through first rotatable inlet 302 when conduit 408 is rotated into the open state. The smaller black arrows indicate the flow path for air and debris being sucked into the vacuum cleaner through first rotatable inlet 302 during a backstroke operation. Accordingly, air and debris pass through conduit 408 and into suction port 406 that eventually leads up outlet 204. In some examples, conduit 408 provides an airpath that leads directly into suction port 406 when first rotatable inlet 302 is in its open state. Conduit 404 of second rotatable inlet 304 is rotated away such that air and debris cannot pass through conduit 404. This maintains a primary airflow path from conduit 408 through suction port 406 that maximizes the vacuum force from the back of suction chamber 202 to pick up any dirt and debris on surface 402 during a backstroke of suction chamber 202.

[0043] FIGS. 4C and 4D illustrate perspective views from underneath suction chamber 202 to show the open and closed configurations of both first rotatable inlet 302 and second rotatable inlet 304, according to some embodiments. In FIG. 4C, first rotatable inlet 302 is closed while second rotatable inlet 304 is open. Conduit 404 can be seen as having one or more sloped surfaces to match up with the castellated pattern at the front of suction chamber 202 to help draw debris towards openings 316. First rotatable inlet 302 has been rotated such that no openings are present for air to pass through the back end of suction chamber 202.

[0044] In FIG. 4D, second rotatable inlet 304 is closed while first rotatable inlet 302 is open. Conduit 408 can be seen open towards the back of suction chamber 202 to allow dirt and debris to be drawn into conduit 408 during a backstroke of suction chamber 202. Second rotatable inlet 304 has been rotated such that no openings are present for air to pass through conduit 404 at the front end of suction chamber 202.

[0045] Each of first rotatable inlet 302 and second rotatable inlet 304 may be cylindrical in shape. According to some embodiments, first rotatable inlet 302 may rotate about a first axis passing through its center along the Y-axis and second rotatable inlet 304 may similarly rotate about a second axis passing through its center along the Y-axis.

[0046] The rotation of first rotatable inlet 302 and/or second rotatable inlet 304 may be mechanically linked with one or more of the wheels of nozzle assembly 102, such as one or more wheels 206. FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate different views of mechanical linkages 502a/502b that may be used to actuate the rotation of first rotatable inlet 302 and/or second rotatable inlet 304, according to some embodiments. In the illustrated example, at least one of the linkages is coupled to at least one of one or more wheels 206, such that rotation of one of one or more wheels 206 causes a respective rotation of first rotatable inlet 302 and/or second rotatable inlet 304. In some embodiments, a first linkage 502a is coupled between a wheel of one or more wheels 206 and a first axel 504. First axel 504 may be directly coupled to first rotatable inlet 302 such that rotation of first axel 504 causes a corresponding rotation to first rotatable inlet 302. In some embodiments, a second linkage 502b is coupled between first axel 504 and a second axel 506, as shown more clearly in FIG. 5B. Second axel 506 may be directly coupled to second rotatable inlet 304 such that rotation of second axel 506 causes a corresponding rotation to second rotatable inlet 304. In this way, the rotation of both first rotatable inlet 302 and second rotatable inlet 304 can occur simultaneously such that first rotatable inlet 302 closes while second rotatable inlet 304 opens and vice versa, according to some embodiments.

[0047] The rotation direction of one or more wheels 206 dictates the corresponding rotation direction of first axel 504 and second axel 506, thus determining which inlet is rotated to the open position, according to some embodiments. When suction chamber 202 is pushed forward across a surface, the counter-clockwise rotation of one or more wheels 206 causes respective rotation directions of first axel 504 and second axel 506 to rotate first rotatable inlet 302 into a closed state and second rotatable inlet 304 into an open state. Similarly, when suction chamber 202 is drawn backward across a surface, the clockwise rotation of one or more wheels 206 causes respective rotation directions of first axel 504 and second axel 506 to rotate first rotatable inlet 302 into an open state and second rotatable inlet 304 into a closed state. A gear and clutch assembly may be provided to allow one or more wheels 206 to continue rotating after first rotatable inlet 302 and/or second rotatable inlet 304 have reached their respective open or closed states. In some embodiments, there is only one rotating suction inlet (e.g., first rotatable inlet 302), in which case second linkage 502b and second axel 506 are omitted.

[0048] It should be understood that any other suitable mechanisms may be used to determine the travel direction of suction chamber 202 along with rotation actuation of first rotatable inlet 302 and/or second rotatable inlet 304. For example, an encoder may be used to determine the travel direction of suction chamber 202 and a corresponding signal may be sent to a motor to rotate first rotatable inlet 302 and/or second rotatable inlet 304. In another example, one or more accelerometers may be used to determine the travel direction of suction chamber 202 and a corresponding signal may be sent to a motor to rotate first rotatable inlet 302 and/or second rotatable inlet 304.

[0049] As noted above, some examples of suction chamber 202 do not include second rotatable inlet 304. In such examples, other mechanisms may be provided to block or reduce the suction path from the front of suction chamber 202 when first rotatable inlet 302 is open (e.g., during a backstroke operation). FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate different views of another example nozzle assembly 102 having a roller 602 disposed adjacent to a forward-facing edge of suction chamber 202. For example, roller 602 may be located in the same position, or near the same position, as second rotatable inlet 304. According to some embodiments, roller 602 remains in contact with a surface when suction chamber 202 is placed upon the surface. Roller 602 may include a compliant material, such as a foam or soft plastic material, that allows dirt and other debris to still pass beneath roller 602 during a forward stroke operation, but will block or substantially reduce the passage of air beneath the roller. As such, roller 602 can aid in the creation of a suction seal beneath suction chamber 202 during both the forward stroke and the backstroke. As seen in FIG. 6A, roller 602 may be located directly in front of roller 310. According to some embodiments, roller 602 replaces second rotatable inlet 304 and any castellated structure at the front of suction chamber 202. In some other examples, a castellated structure is still provided behind roller 602 (e.g., between roller 602 and roller 310). According to some embodiments, roller 602 may be rotated by friction between roller 602 and the surface. In some examples, roller 602 is coupled to wheels 604 and can be rotated by corresponding rotation of wheels 604 along the surface. In some embodiments, roller 604 is coupled to a motor that causes rotation of roller 604. The rotation of roller 604 may be based upon the movement speed of suction chamber 202 across the surface, or it may be actuated to rotate faster (such as via a motor) to actively ingest debris during a forward stroke operation.

[0050] FIG. 7 illustrates another example nozzle assembly 102, according to an embodiment. In this example, a front-facing edge of suction chamber 202 has a castellated pattern 702 as described above, but without any other blocking feature (e.g., without roller 602 or second rotatable inlet 304). Accordingly, the front of suction chamber 202 remains open to airflow during both the forward stroke and the backstroke.

[0051] According to some embodiments, a rear suction inlet 704 may be coupled to corresponding wheels 706 at opposite ends of rear suction inlet 704. During forward or backward movement of suction chamber 202 across a surface, the rotation of wheels 706 cause a corresponding rotation to rear suction inlet 704 to either open or close rear suction inlet 704. On a forward stroke, the counter-clockwise rotation of wheels 706 closes rear suction inlet 704 and on a backstroke, the clockwise rotation of wheels 706 opens rear suction inlet 704. Wheels 706 may be coaxially aligned with the rotation axis of rear suction inlet 704. A gear and/or clutch assembly may be provided to allow wheels 706 to continue rotating after rear suction inlet 704 has reached its open or closed state.

[0052] Other friction-based mechanisms could be used as well to open and/or close rear suction inlet 704. For example, instead of wheels 706, rear suction inlet 704 may be coupled to one or more flaps that contact the surface beneath suction chamber 202. According to some embodiments, the forward or backward movement of suction chamber 202 across the surface causes the one or more flaps to move and correspondingly rotate rear suction inlet 704 into an open or closed state.

[0053] It should be understood that the nozzle assembly 102 illustrated, for example, in any of FIGS. 2A-7 can be utilized within any type of vacuum cleaner. For example, the illustrated nozzle assembly 102 can be used within any standard upright vacuum cleaner, any stick vacuum cleaner, any canister vacuum cleaner, or any automated (e.g., robot) vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, the suction chamber 202 described herein can be used with any other nozzle assembly designs without substantially altering the design or operation of suction chamber 202.

[0054] Numerous specific details have been set forth herein to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. It will be understood in light of this disclosure, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known operations and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments. It can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments. In addition, although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described herein. Rather, the specific features and acts described herein are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.