How a vacuum cleaner works: features of the design and functioning of various types of vacuum cleaners
Understanding how a vacuum cleaner works, its structure and the main differences between different designs of similar equipment makes the choice easier for a potential buyer. After all, its quality characteristics, consumer properties and maintenance rules depend on the operating principle and design features of the device.
All these points have been studied by us and described in detail in the article. The information presented will help you understand the specifics of the functioning of various types of vacuum cleaners, as well as choose the most suitable option among the variety of designs.
The content of the article:
Device and design features
The design of the unit has not changed much over the past hundred years, nor has its performance. Having gone from an electric broom, a manually driven machine, to a gas-powered pneumatic carpet “renewer”, the vacuum cleaner technically settled on the James Spangler model.
An Ohio janitor has created a revolution by creating an upright and portable machine out of a broom, a pillowcase and an electric motor. Spangler's invention was sold under the Hoover brand. The modern device inherits the same design of the electrical part, brush and dust collector.
The main components of a conventional vacuum cleaner:
- Centrifugal compressor - creates a vacuum and pumps air.
- Commutator motor — drives the compressor.
- Air purifier — separates dust from the air and collects it in special containers.
- Set of attachments and brushes for various purposes.
The device body itself is made of durable plastic. An engine, compressor, dust collector, filters, and control unit are built inside it.
The standard household design of a vacuum cleaner is equipped with a flexible air hose and extension tube. The exceptions are small-sized manual models and devices where the compressor is built into a tube with a nozzle or brush.
In order to expand the scope of application, manufacturers equip the devices with different attachments.
The universal one is always present in this set. It is designed for cleaning flat horizontal surfaces and carpets. The design includes switches, rollers for maneuverability, and brushes with different bristles.
A separate variety is represented by turbo brushes, the structure of which allows you to collect wool and hair from carpets. Relatively recently, electric brushes, cylindrical rollers, nozzles for parquet, metal debris, cleaning siphons and others have appeared.
How do different types of devices work?
All vacuum cleaners perform one function - cleaning. Why do devices, invented and manufactured with a single purpose, differ so much from each other in shape, size, and principle of operation?
When you first get acquainted with the device, the location of the dust collector, the number of wheels, or the material from which the hoses are made do not seem important. Understanding the significance of each detail comes during operation.
Let us analyze the design features and operating principle of the devices depending on the types of dust collector and the functionality of the devices.
Vacuum cleaner with bag or container
Schematically, the operating principle of this device can be represented as follows. Through the nozzle and hose, dust-filled air enters the device, namely into the dust collector - a bag or cyclone filter.
Then one part of the dirt remains in the container, the other moves through the pores and vortex flows of the storage tank towards the motor. To protect it, a coarse filter was invented.
But it is not ideal either - the dirt travels to the outlet and approaches the fine filter (HEPA).
Compact vertical units
The peculiarity of this design is the absence of a hose. It is sometimes included in the kit and can be used to perform individual manipulations. The role of the main dust absorber goes to the brush - turbo or “beater”.
The motor and dust collector in the device are located in a pipe - the body of the unit. The motor does not so much create suction force as it rotates the brush shaft. In this case, the garbage seems to be “swept” into the dust collector.
IN vertical models There is also a suction module. But it is used when the device is used as a horizontal one.
Water filtered design
IN vacuum cleaners with aqua filter a different method is provided for cleaning the incoming air, hence the structural features. The device is externally similar to a conventional container-type vacuum cleaner - it includes a nozzle and a hose, from which debris falls into the dust collector-aquafilter.
But the latter is made in the shape of a flask with water. The engineers' idea is for debris and dirt to sink under the influence of vortex flows.
What creates these flows? A turbine or separator rotating inside the flask. This visible part of the engine swirls dust and creates high pressure. The latter “captures” particles regardless of size, immerses them in water and does not give them a chance to get out.
In such devices, the shape of the turbine and its rotation speed are important. Manufacturers still have to add filters to designs that are not technically well thought out. The statement applies to budget separator models.
These vacuum cleaners cannot be called completely filterless either, because they contain a protective filter for the motor. Only German engineers managed to get rid of it, who “sewed up” the motor into a stainless steel capsule.In this case, the motor is securely protected from dust and wet dirt.
Complex built-in modifications
These devices are not portable and are mostly mounted inside the walls. Their nozzles and hoses are not connected to the body of the vacuum cleaner, but are inserted into pneumatic sockets located throughout the intended operation area of the device.
A complex chain of air ducts is installed in the walls, through which the collected waste is directed to a common dust collector. The latter is located in utility rooms or in the basement, if available.
The unit itself includes both the engine and filters. The power plant is also often located in utility rooms.
Features of washing machine models
The main design difference between washing machines and models with a bag and container is the presence of a reservoir for clean and dirty water. Small and large fractions of dirt sink in such a container.
The main advantage of such a tank is that the owner does not have to breathe dust while emptying the tank.
But in design washing vacuum cleaners The motor is also protected from moisture, which significantly increases the cost of the vacuum cleaner. And wet dirt accumulates on the HEPA filter, which creates a breeding ground for many bacteria.
There are washing vacuum cleaners with a steam generator. This device allows you to clean surfaces with steam without the use of chemicals.
High-tech robotic vacuum cleaners
Robot vacuum cleaners only appeared about 10 years ago. Their designs are constantly updated and improved. The devices are created according to a block design. This ensures ease of maintenance and ease of replacement of parts during repairs.
Common Elements robot vacuum cleaner, which are available in all models:
- side brush;
- block module;
- charging base;
- sensors for detecting obstacles, pollution, height differences.
The operation of such a device is based on a cleaning unit, navigation, drive mechanisms and a battery device.
Gadget navigation systems
The state-of-the-art navigation system consists of a laser, camera, internal and external sensors. The camera reads a map of the room. Rangefinder lasers transmit information to her about the presence of objects in the room and the distances between them.
The device moves in straight lines both during cleaning and during the process of returning to the base.
There are still models on sale whose operating principle is based only on sensors. They are located on the outer body of the device and inside it.
With their help, the robot navigates in space and adjusts its work, and also notices the most contaminated areas and is more careful in cleaning them.
Magnetic tape can also be used to navigate the robot. It creates a virtual barrier beyond which the device does not move. If the cleaner is equipped with a camera, it takes readings from the ceiling and walls.
Cleaning process
Here the models differ in types of cleaning - for dry cleaning and washing robot vacuum cleaners. In the first, the side brush picks up all the dirt and directs it to the central brush. The central one has a fleecy surface and is capable of collecting hair and wool.
Then these two parts send the garbage to the dust collector, where it is compressed by air currents. And the air passes through the filters to the outside.
Depending on the manufacturer, robot designs differ in the following nuances:
- Main brushes. Most models have two of them - fleece and rubber. They work in pairs. Some devices are equipped only with rubber.
- Side brushes. There are devices that have an additional side brush built into them.
- Filters. The robots are equipped with both standard “napkins” and multilayer HEPA.
- Container + motor power. The waste collection container can have a volume from 0.4 to 1 liter. The power of such devices is 40-65 watts. If the first numbers are important during operation, then the second ones are unimportant due to the small range.
The main consumer part of robotic vacuum cleaners is the main brush. The quality of cleaning depends on it, and not on the engine, as with conventional units.
A wet vacuum cleaner has in its design a system of a water tank and a sprinkler. It can collect debris, spray liquid, polish the floor and collect dirty water back into the tank.
There are robot models designed for mixed cleaning. The principle of their operation is to clean smooth surfaces with a rag, and carpet surfaces with basic brushes.
Return to base
The final stage of the robot’s work is its return to the mother base.The device is powered by batteries. If they are discharged, the device turns off.
The device automatically reacts to a low charge percentage. Using a special sensor, it detects an infrared beam from the base and begins to move towards it. As soon as it finds it, it docks with it and charges.
Constructive details and quality of cleaning
Some design features of the device affect the quality of cleaning and ease of use. For example, a hose. It must be of sufficient diameter (at least 5 cm) so that it does not become clogged frequently.
The strength of the material is also important, otherwise the part will crack, which will reduce the suction power.
In addition to the main components, the quality of operation of the device is also influenced by seals, bushings, and bearings. If the joints are made of fluoropolymers, this ensures their tightness.
Bushings and bearings made of fluoroplastic and polyamide extend the life of the moving parts of the device.
For more information about different types of vacuum cleaners, as well as tips for choosing the right unit, see this article.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Analysis of the design and operating principle of a vacuum cleaner with pressure sensors and two electric motors - in the brush and the body of the device.
The examples of several designs of vacuum cleaners clearly show that, regardless of the type, they all serve equally as “dust cleaners.”Their effectiveness depends on the filtration system, engine power, and the presence of various nozzles.
Which vacuum cleaner did you choose for your home or apartment? Please tell us why you chose a particular model, and whether you are satisfied with the performance of the purchased equipment. Add reviews, comments and ask questions - the contact form is below.
For many years I suffered with vacuum cleaners that collected garbage in bags. It is very difficult to throw garbage out of the bag; it turns out that dust scattered around the entire perimeter near the bucket. Now we bought a powerful vacuum cleaner with a container, now the cleaning process is very simple and labor costs are minimal. I would like to buy an upright vacuum cleaner, but it is much more expensive than a regular corded model.
It is much easier to throw away the garbage from a bagged vacuum cleaner than to shake out and clean the container. You just opened the lid, pulled the label, the hole was sealed and you go throw it away with clean hands, rather than open the container, be afraid that some of the garbage will fly in your direction, then go wash your hands after cleaning the container.. Not for the faint of heart.
In addition, the cleaning quality of bags is higher than that of containers.
but if you don’t need special quality and the problems with cleaning the container don’t bother you, then, of course, you can use a container one
It is important for me that the vacuum cleaner has high power, because there is a cat in the house with long hair. It is necessary that the vacuum cleaner can efficiently clean carpets and furniture. It’s good that there are convenient nozzles for furniture: both flat and narrow, so that you can also remove crumbs. The cord should be long enough to reach the end of the room.
Vacuum cleaner with water filter, the best choice for home. After cleaning, no shaking, just poured the dirty water into the toilet and put the vacuum cleaner back in place.
Oh, I wouldn’t say that everything is so rosy for vacuum cleaners with an aqua filter. I struggled with the Thomas washing vacuum cleaner with an aqua filter for quite some time. The vacuum cleaner is bulky and heavy. Perhaps for you, as a man, this is not a minus, but for me it was not easy to clean. And it’s not enough to just pour out the water, as you write. After EVERY cleaning you need to wash the containers; they take a long time to dry, and if you don’t dry them properly, they begin to smell kind of musty. As I remember, it shudders.
Now I want to buy some compact and convenient vacuum cleaner with a cyclone. They write that one of its significant disadvantages is its poor ability to remove animal hair, but I don’t have any, so this is not a problem.