ROTATING BAFFLE FOR USE IN A VACUUM CLEANER

Abstract

A rotatable baffle is described that includes a frame having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of struts extending between the first end and the second end, and a plurality of rotatable structures. An opening of a plurality of openings exists between adjacent struts of the plurality of struts around an outside surface of the frame. At least one rotatable structure of the plurality of rotatable structures is arranged within the opening of the plurality of openings. The at least one rotatable structure is configured to rotate inwards towards a center of the frame.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner, comprising: a waste receptacle; a first air intake coupled to the waste receptacle; a filter adjacent to the waste receptacle; a rotatable baffle; a motor; a conduit coupled between the motor and the rotatable baffle; and a second air intake coupled to the motor, wherein, in a first state, the motor is configured to move air, in order, through the first air intake into the waste receptable, through the filter, through the rotatable baffle, and through the conduit towards the motor, and wherein, in a second state, the motor is configured to move air, in order, through the second air intake towards the motor, through the conduit away from the motor, through the baffle, through the filter, and through the waste receptacle.

2. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, further comprising a pistol grip.

3. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the waste receptacle comprises a door at a distal end of the waste receptacle.

4. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein passage between the second air intake and the motor is closed when the motor is in the first state.

5. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the motor is configured to rotate between the first state and the second state.

6. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the filter is arranged around the rotatable baffle, and wherein the rotatable baffle is configured to rotate independently of the filter.

7. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the rotatable baffle comprises: a frame having a plurality of openings around the frame; and a plurality of rotatable structures, such that each rotatable structure is situated within a corresponding opening of the plurality of openings.

8. The vacuum cleaner of claim 7, wherein each rotatable structure is configured to rotate between at least a closed state and an open state within each corresponding opening.

9. The vacuum cleaner of claim 8, wherein, in the closed state, each rotatable structure is positioned to reduce a size of the corresponding opening, and, in the open state, each rotatable structure is positioned to increase the size of the opening compared to the closed state.

10. The vacuum cleaner of claim 8, wherein the frame has a cylindrical profile and each rotatable structure is curved such that each rotatable structure is configured to align with the cylindrical profile of the frame when in the closed position.

11. The vacuum cleaner of claim 7, wherein the frame has first end and an opposite second end, the first end comprising: one or more openings arranged circumferentially around a central structure; and one or more vanes extending radially between the central structure and an outer edge of the first end.

12. The vacuum cleaner of claim 11, wherein the one or more vanes include curved or sloped sidewalls to cause rotation of the rotatable baffle when air is passed over the one or more vanes.

13. A baffle configured for use within a vacuum cleaner, the baffle comprising: a frame having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of struts extending between the first end and the second end, such that an opening of a plurality of openings exists between adjacent struts of the plurality of struts around an outside surface of the frame; and a plurality of rotatable structures, wherein at least one rotatable structure of the plurality of rotatable structures is arranged within the opening of the plurality of openings, and wherein the at least one rotatable structure is configured to rotate inwards towards a center of the frame.

14. The baffle of claim 13, wherein the first end of the frame includes one or more openings arranged around a central structure and one or more vanes extending between the central structure and an outer edge of the first end.

15. The baffle of claim 14, wherein the one or more vanes include curved or sloped sidewalls to cause rotation of the baffle when air is passed over the one or more vanes.

16. The baffle of claim 13, wherein the plurality of struts extend in a longitudinal direction between the first end and the second end, and the at least one rotatable structure is configured to rotate about an axis extending along one side of the at least one rotatable structure in the longitudinal direction.

17. The baffle of claim 13, wherein the first end has a circular shape and the second end has a circular shape.

18. The baffle of claim 13, wherein the at least one rotatable structure is configured to rotate between an open state and a closed state.

19. The baffle of claim 18, wherein, in the closed state, the at least one rotatable structure is positioned to reduce a size of the corresponding opening, and, in the open state, the at least one rotatable structure is positioned to increase the size of the opening compared to the closed state.

20. The baffle of claim 18, wherein the frame has a cylindrical profile and the at least one rotatable structure is curved such that the at least one rotatable structure is configured to align with the cylindrical profile of the frame when in the closed state.

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-2E illustrate various views of a handheld unit of the vacuum cleaner, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0006] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate cross-section views showing different airflow paths through the handheld unit of the vacuum cleaner, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIGS. 4A-4F illustrate various views of a rotating baffle for use within a vacuum cleaner, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] 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

[0009] 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 waste receptacle for holding the debris picked up by the suction. Waste receptacles only hold a particular volume of dirt and debris before it needs to be emptied. These waste receptacles often have a particular geometry to fit the given vacuum cleaner and may be difficult to empty completely based on their geometry. For example, dirt and other debris may be stuck in areas of the waste receptacle not near the door, or may be stuck against the filter screen in parts of the waste receptacle that are difficult to access. Furthermore, the emptying of the waste receptacle often forms a dust plum that can redeposit the dirt and debris into the environment. It is similarly difficult to effectively clean the filter provided in or near the waste receptacle.

[0010] Thus, and in accordance with some embodiments, a vacuum cleaner is described having a motor that can change its air suction path between two states: a first state that sucks air and debris into the waste receptacle and a second state that expels air and debris out of the waste receptacle. By changing the direction of the air path, debris trapped on the filter can also be effectively blown off of the filter by reversing the air flow through the filter. To facilitate the movement of air across the filter in both directions, a baffle is provided adjacent to the filter, according to some embodiments. As air passes through the baffle, one or more rotatable structures along the outside of the baffle open or close depending on the direction of the airflow. The structures may be flaps, vanes, panels, or generally any movable surface that either restricts or enables airflow based on its position. In the open state, air passes more easily through the baffle (e.g., through relatively large openings) to minimize any restriction to the airflow. The open state of the structures may be used when the motor operates in the first state to draw air and debris into the waste receptacle and then through the filter and baffle arrangement. In the closed state, the structures may reduce the size of the openings through the baffle, which causes the air to escape through the narrower openings at a higher velocity. The closed state of the structures may be used when the motor operates in the second state to blow air through the filter and baffle arrangement and out of the waste receptacle. In either state, the baffle may be designed to rotate due to the flow of air across it.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner includes a first air intake coupled to the waste receptacle. When the motor is in the first state, air is drawn through the first air intake and into the waste receptacle where dirt and debris is deposited. The air then continues through one or more filters and across the baffle on its way towards the motor. The flow of air against the outside of baffle may be sufficient to push open the structures on the outside of the baffle to their open state. The air may then be expelled from the motor through another filter before being vented into the atmosphere around the vacuum cleaner. According to some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner also includes a second air intake. When the motor is in the second state, air is drawn through the second air intake and into the motor. The air is then expelled from the motor and directed in the opposite direction through the baffle first followed by the filter. According to some embodiments, the filter is arranged around the outside of the baffle, such that air exiting from the baffle impinges directly upon the filter. Since the air now flows against the inside of the baffle, the air may push the structures on the outside of the baffle to their closed state, thus reducing the size of the openings through the baffle. Accordingly, the air may flow at a higher velocity when exiting the baffle and impinging upon the filter to more effectively remove dirt and debris from the filter. As noted above, in some embodiments, the flow of air also causes the baffle to rotate such that air can be blown across a greater surface of the filter. In some embodiments, the baffle remains stationary and the filter rotates around the outside of the baffle such that air blows from the baffle across a greater surface of the filter.

[0012] According to an embodiment, a vacuum cleaner includes a waste receptacle, a first air intake coupled to the waste receptacle, a filter adjacent to the waste receptacle, a motor, a rotatable baffle, a conduit coupled between the motor and the rotatable baffle, and a second air intake coupled to the motor. The motor is configured to change between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the motor is configured to move air, in order, through the first air intake into the waste receptable, through the filter, through the rotatable baffle, and through the conduit towards the motor. In the second state, the motor is configured to move air, in order, through the second air intake towards the motor, through the conduit away from the motor, through the baffle, through the filter, and through the waste receptacle.

[0013] According to an embodiment, a baffle includes a frame having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of struts extending between the first end and the second end, and a plurality of rotatable structures. An opening of a plurality of openings exists between adjacent struts of the plurality of struts around an outside surface of the frame. At least one rotatable structure of the plurality of rotatable structures is arranged within the opening of the plurality of openings. The at least one rotatable structure is configured to rotate inwards towards a center of the frame.

[0014] These and other such embodiments will be described in more detail herein.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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 a stick vacuum, however, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein with regards to a rotating baffle may be used on any type of vacuum cleaner, such as a stick vacuum cleaner, canister vacuum cleaner, upright vacuum cleaner, or handheld 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. Handle 104 may be formed as a pistol grip. Nozzle assembly 102 can include a rotatable brush head or any other type of cleaning head for facilitating the gathering of debris from the floor or other surfaces.

[0018] According to some embodiments, vacuum cleaner 100 includes an air suction tube 106 that extends between nozzle assembly 102 and a handheld unit 108. Nozzle assembly 102 may include various elements that aid in lifting dirt and debris from a floor surface. In other examples, nozzle assembly 102 is a simple opening or attachment at the end of handheld unit 108. Nozzle assembly 102 may include one or more adapter features to connect with various cleaner attachments. Generally speaking, nozzle assembly 102 refers to the distal end of any vacuum cleaner where air is initially drawn into the vacuum cleaner. During operation, air is drawn from nozzle assembly 102 through air suction tube 106 into handheld unit 108.

[0019] According to some embodiments, handheld unit 108 includes various vacuum cleaner components, such as a waste receptacle where dirt and other debris is deposited, a vacuum motor to create the suction of air through vacuum cleaner 100, and one or more filters designed to remove particles from the air before it is drawn into the motor. The motor may be any suitable vacuum motor, such as a brushed or brushless DC motor, that draws air up through nozzle assembly 102 and into the waste receptacle. As will be discussed in more detail herein, and in accordance with some embodiments, the motor is configured to operate in a first state or a second state. In an example first state, the motor draws air through air suction tube 106 and into the waste receptacle before being expelled through vent 110. In an example second state, the motor draws air through another air inlet and expels the air into the waste receptacle and out of an open end of the waste receptacle.

[0020] FIGS. 2A-2E provide various views of handheld unit 108. FIG. 2A illustrates an isometric view of handheld unit 108 with air suction tube 106 removed. Handheld unit 108 includes a waste receptacle 202 having a door 204 that covers a distal end of waste receptacle 202. Door 204 may be coupled to a hinge or similar structure such that it can be rotated open about the hinge, and a latch or similar structure to hold the door shut against the distal end of waste receptacle 202. The user may be able to actuate a button, lever, or similar structure to disengage the latch from door 204 to allow it to swing open.

[0021] According to some embodiments, handheld unit 108 includes a first air intake 206 that couples to air suction tube 106 or to any other nozzle adapter. Dirt and other debris may be drawn through first air intake 206 and into waste receptacle 202 when the motor operates in the first state. According to some embodiments, handheld unit 108 includes a second air intake 208. When the motor operates in the second state, it draws air through the second air intake and expels the air into the waste receptacle and out of the open distal end (e.g., with door 204 open).

[0022] According to some embodiments, the motor may be coupled to a mount 210 that is configured to rotate the motor between the first operating state and the second operating state. According to some embodiments, mount 210 may include an interface structure 212 as illustrated in FIG. 2A that allows a user to manually rotate mount 210 between the aforementioned first and second states. Accordingly, the user may manually change a rotation direction of the motor coupled within mount 210 to affect the airflow direction through handheld unit 108. In this way, a user could decide to switch the operation of the motor to the second state, open door 204, and blow dirt and debris out of waste receptacle 202. Interface structure 212 may have the form of a twist knob, a sliding button, or any other suitable mechanism to cause rotation of mount 210.

[0023] FIG. 2B illustrates mount 210 removed from handheld unit 108. According to some embodiments, mount 210 includes a first port 214 and a second port 216. Rotation of mount 210 causes corresponding rotation of ports 214 and 216 to align with different airflow paths within handheld unit 108. FIG. 2C illustrates motor 218 coupled within mount 210. According to some embodiments, the motor inlet is aligned with first port 214 and the air is expelled from the other end of the motor through second port 216.

[0024] FIG. 2D illustrates mount 210 in the first state, and FIG. 2E illustrates mount 210 in the second state with the motor removed such that first port 214 and second port 216 of mount 210 can be more easily seen, according to some embodiments. In the first state (FIG. 2D), air is pulled through first air intake 206 and (after passing through waste receptacle 202) through first port 214 and exits through second port 216 where it can ultimately exit through vent 110. The opening into second air intake 208 is blocked by a wall or closed port of mount 210. In the second state (FIG. 2E), air is pulled through second air intake 208 and through first port 214 and exits through second port 216 where it blows through waste receptacle 202 and out of the distal end of waste receptacle 202 (e.g., after opening door 204). The wall or closed port of mount 210 closes off the pathway towards vent 110 when in the second state, according to some embodiments.

[0025] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the airflow through various elements of handheld unit 108 when motor 218 operates in the first state (FIG. 3A) and in the second state (FIG. 3B), according to some embodiments. When motor 218 operates in the first state, air is drawn through first air intake 206 and into waste receptacle 202, according to some embodiments. Dirt and debris are trapped within waste receptacle 202 as the air moves through a conical mesh or screen 302 and through a filter 304. Filter 304 may be a foam filter, pleated filter, or any other suitable filter media used in vacuum cleaners. After passing through filter 304, the air passes through a baffle 306 and a conduit 308 on its way towards motor 218. Baffle 306 is described in more detail with regards to FIGS. 4A-4F. Briefly, the air pushes open one or more rotatable structures on the outside of baffle 306 as it continues into conduit 308 and on towards motor 218. The air may then be expelled from motor 218 and out of vent 110.

[0026] When motor 218 operates in the second state, air is drawn through second air intake 208 towards motor 218 and is expelled from motor 218 through conduit 308, according to some embodiments. The air continues through baffle 306 and blows through filter 304, thus dislodging dirt or other debris on filter 304. According to some embodiments, the blowing of air on the inside surface of baffle 306 causes the one or more rotatable structures on baffle 306 to close, those reducing the size of the openings on the outside of baffle 306 for the air to pass through. The air continues into waste receptacle 202 where it is then blown out of the distal end of waste receptacle 202 (e.g., with door 204 open).

[0027] The movement of air through baffle 306 may also cause baffle 306 to rotate with respect to filter 304. Accordingly, filter 304 may remain stationary while baffle 306 rotates. In some examples, filter 304 has a cylindrical or truncated cone shape and baffle 306 has the corresponding cylindrical or truncated cone shape while being situated within filter 304 as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B. While operating in the second state, the air blows out of openings along the outside of baffle 306 and the rotation of baffle 306 facilitates the blowing of air across the entire surface or substantially the entire surface of filter 304. In some embodiments, baffle 306 remains stationary and filter 304 rotates around the outside of baffle 306 when motor 218 operates in the second state. In this way, air blowing out of openings along the outside of baffle 306 impinge across the entire surface or substantially the entire surface of the rotating filter 304.

[0028] FIGS. 4A-4F illustrate various view of baffle 306, according to some embodiments. FIG. 4A illustrates baffle 306 with airflow moving from the outside of baffle 306 towards the interior of baffle 306 (e.g., when motor 218 operates in the first state), and FIG. 4B illustrates baffle 306 with airflow moving from the inside of baffle 306 towards the outside of baffle 306 (e.g., when motor 218 operates in the second state).

[0029] Baffle 306 includes a frame having a plurality of struts 402 extending longitudinally between a first end 404 and a second end 406. In some examples, both first end 404 and second end 406 are circular such that baffle 306 has generally a cylindrical shape or a truncated cone shape. In some examples, second end 406 may be closed while first end 404 includes one or more openings 408 through first end 404. Air may pass through openings 408 either into or from a conduit within a vacuum cleaner. According to some embodiments, one or more openings 408 are arranged around a central structure 410. One or more vanes 412 may extend radially from central structure 410 towards an outer edge of first end 404. Each opening 408 may be arranged between adjacent vanes 412. According to some embodiments, vanes 412 include curved or sloped sidewalls such that the movement of air through one or more openings 408 causes baffle 306 to rotate either clockwise or counterclockwise as indicated by the double ended arrow.

[0030] According to some embodiments, baffle 306 includes additional one or more openings 414 between struts 402. Thus, one or more openings 414 may also extend longitudinally between first end 404 and second end 406 of baffle 306. According to some embodiments, each opening 414 includes a corresponding rotatable structure 416 arranged to at least partially cover its corresponding opening 414. Rotatable structure 416 may be arranged to rotate about an axis passing longitudinally along one side of rotatable structure 416, such that rotatable structure 416 can move between at least an open position and a closed position. According to some embodiments, when rotatable structure 416 is rotated to its open position as illustrated in FIG. 4A, air can pass through a relatively large portion of opening 414 as rotatable structure 416 is rotated inwards towards the center of the frame of baffle 306. According to some embodiments, when rotatable structure 416 is rotated to its closed position as illustrated in FIG. 4B, air passes through a relatively narrow portion of opening 414 (e.g., as opposed to when rotatable structure 416 is in its open position) as rotatable structure 416 is rotated outwards away from the center of the frame of baffle 306. In some examples, rotatable structure 416 is curved such that rotatable structure 416 aligns with the cylindrical or truncated cone profile of the frame of baffle 306 when rotatable structure 416 is in its closed state.

[0031] As noted above, the direction of airflow may be sufficient to move rotatable structures 416 into the open or closed state. For example, air being drawn through waste receptacle 202 and towards motor 218 (e.g., when motor 218 operates in the first state) would impinge the outside of rotatable structures 416, thus pushing rotatable structures 416 inwards into their open position and creating a larger portion of opening 414 to traverse through. When pushed into their open position, rotatable structures 416 may stop against one or more features on, for example, second end 406. However, air being blown through openings 408 into the center of baffle 306 (e.g., when motor 218 operates in the second state) would impinge the inside of rotatable structures 416, thus pushing rotatable structures 416 outwards into their closed position and creating a narrower portion of opening 414 to traverse through. When pushed into their closed position, rotatable structures 416 may stop against, for example, an adjacent strut 402.

[0032] FIGS. 4C and 4D illustrate rotatable structures 416 in their open position (FIG. 4C) and closed position (FIG. 4D) with first end 404 removed, according to some embodiments. FIGS. 4E and 4F illustrate top-down views of rotatable structures 416 in both the open position (FIG. 4E) and the closed position (FIG. 4F) with first end 404 removed, according to some embodiments. Each rotatable structure 416 may be arranged to rotate about an axis passing through a hinge 418. Hinge 418 may be any suitable pin and socket, or ball and socket connection to allow for rotation of rotatable structure 416. Although only four rotatable structures are illustrated, it should be understood that the disclosed principles may be applied to any number of rotatable structures around baffle 306.

[0033] 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.