EP4090209A1 - Floor cleaner - Google Patents
Floor cleanerInfo
- Publication number
- EP4090209A1 EP4090209A1 EP20845526.1A EP20845526A EP4090209A1 EP 4090209 A1 EP4090209 A1 EP 4090209A1 EP 20845526 A EP20845526 A EP 20845526A EP 4090209 A1 EP4090209 A1 EP 4090209A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- agitator body
- cleaning head
- vane
- brushroll
- extending
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 84
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 210000004209 hair Anatomy 0.000 abstract description 38
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 abstract description 6
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 229920001410 Microfiber Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000003658 microfiber Substances 0.000 description 3
- 125000000391 vinyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])=C([H])[H] 0.000 description 3
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 238000013019 agitation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004745 nonwoven fabric Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002759 woven fabric Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007123 defense Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- -1 felt Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000005764 inhibitory process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002725 thermoplastic elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
- A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
- A47L9/0461—Dust-loosening tools, e.g. agitators, brushes
- A47L9/0483—Reciprocating or oscillating tools, e.g. vibrators, agitators, beaters
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
- A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
- A47L9/0461—Dust-loosening tools, e.g. agitators, brushes
- A47L9/0466—Rotating tools
- A47L9/0477—Rolls
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B13/00—Brushes with driven brush bodies or carriers
- A46B13/001—Cylindrical or annular brush bodies
- A46B13/006—Cylindrical or annular brush bodies formed by winding a strip tuft in a helix about the body
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B7/00—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body
- A46B7/04—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body interchangeably removable bristle carriers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B7/00—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body
- A46B7/06—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body movably during use, i.e. the normal brushing action causing movement
- A46B7/10—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body movably during use, i.e. the normal brushing action causing movement as a rotating cylinder
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
- A46B9/06—Arrangement of mixed bristles or tufts of bristles, e.g. wire, fibre, rubber
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
- A46B9/08—Supports or guides for bristles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
- A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
- A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
- A47L5/28—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
- A47L5/30—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle with driven dust-loosening tools, e.g. rotating brushes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
- A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
- A47L9/0405—Driving means for the brushes or agitators
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
- A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
- A47L9/0455—Bearing means therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/30—Brushes for cleaning or polishing
- A46B2200/302—Broom
Definitions
- the present invention relates to cleaning heads for floor cleaners.
- a floor cleaner including a dirt collection chamber and a cleaning head in fluid communication with the dirt collection chamber.
- the cleaning head includes a housing, a brushroll chamber, and a brushroll.
- the brushroll chamber has an opening in a bottom side of the housing.
- the brushroll is operably mounted in the brushroll chamber.
- the brushroll includes an agitator body with a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a longitudinal axis that extends through the first end and the second end.
- the agitator body is rotatable about the longitudinal axis and includes a first and a second concentric annular protrusion on the first end, extending along the longitudinal axis.
- the cleaning head further includes a bearing in rotatable communication with the first end of the agitator body.
- the end cap retains the bearing and is removable mounted to the housing, positioning the first end of the brushroll in the brushroll chamber.
- the end cap includes an outer side facing away from the agitator body and an inner side facing the first end of the agitator body.
- the inner side includes a first and a second concentric annular rib. The first and the second annular ribs and the first and the second annular protrusions overlap, so as to form a plurality of annular recesses between the adjacent annular ribs and the annular protrusions. An outermost annular recess is formed between the first annular rib and the first annular protrusion.
- the cleaning head includes a plurality of agitating members extending along the agitator body between the first end and the second end extend through the opening.
- a deformable member extends from the agitator body transverse to the longitudinal axis and is positioned along a circumference of the agitator body between the plurality of agitating members and the end cap. The deformable member is positioned adjacent the outermost annular recess and configured to inhibit debris from encountering the outermost annular recess.
- a cleaning head for a floor cleaner including a housing, a brushroll chamber, and a brushroll.
- the brushroll chamber has an opening in a bottom side of the housing.
- the brushroll is operably mounted in the brushroll chamber.
- the brushroll includes an agitator body extending between a first end and a second end opposite the first end.
- the agitator body includes a plurality of agitating members extending through the opening and configured to contact a surface to be cleaned.
- the agitating members include a vane extending longitudinally along the agitator body.
- the vane is connected to the agitator body along a first vane edge and a second vane edge such that the vane forms a loop extending outwardly from the agitator body.
- the vane includes a plurality of apertures along the longitudinal direction, aligning with a corresponding plurality of bristle holes in the agitator body under the loop.
- a row of bristles extending from the plurality of bristle holes in the agitator body through the corresponding plurality of apertures aligned therewith. The bristles are configured to contact the surface to be cleaned.
- a cleaning head for a floor cleaner comprising a housing, a brushroll chamber, a brushroll assembly.
- the brushroll assembly is mounted in the brushroll chamber.
- the brushroll assembly includes an agitator body and a cleaning member coupled to the agitator body between a first end and a second end.
- the cleaning member includes a plurality of cylindrical portions extending outwardly from the agitator body spaced in a longitudinally extending pattern along the agitator body. Each cylindrical portion is connected to the adjacent spaced cylindrical portion by a webbed portion. The webbed portion extends outwardly from the agitator body.
- a cleaning head for a floor cleaner including a housing, a brushroll chamber, and a brushroll.
- the brushroll chamber has an opening in a bottom side of the housing.
- the brushroll is operably mounted in the brushroll chamber.
- the brushroll includes an agitator body extending between a first end and a second end opposite the first end.
- the agitator body includes a plurality of agitating members extending through the opening during operation to contact a surface to be cleaned.
- the agitating members include a vane extending longitudinally along the agitator body.
- the vane is connected to the agitator body along a first vane edge and a second vane edge such that the vane forms a loop extending outwardly from the agitator body.
- the vane includes a plurality of bristle receptacles integrally molded along the longitudinal direction. A row of bristles are tufted into the bristle receptacles and extending outwardly from the loop, such that the row of bristles are configured to contact the surface to be cleaned.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a floor cleaner according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the floor cleaner of Fig. 1.
- FIG. 3 is a view of a brushroll assembly of the floor cleaner of Fig. 1.
- Fig. 3a is an exploded view of the brushroll assembly of the floor cleaner of Fig. 1 showing two deformable members in a removed position.
- Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the brushroll assembly of the floor cleaner of Fig. 1 showing a bearing and an end cap in a removed position.
- Fig. 4a is an exploded view of an alternate brushroll assembly of the floor cleaner of Fig. 1 showing an alternate deformable member in a removed position.
- Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view through the housing and the brushroll assembly of Fig. 1.
- Fig. 6 is an alternate cross-sectional view through the housing and the brushroll assembly of Fig. 1.
- Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view through the brushroll assembly of Fig. 3 showing an end cap and a bearing of the brushroll assembly.
- Fig. 7a is a detail view of the cross-section of Fig. 7.
- Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate brushroll embodiment of the floor cleaner of Fig. 1.
- Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate brushroll embodiment.
- Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate brushroll embodiment.
- Fig. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternate brushroll embodiment.
- Fig. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternate brushroll embodiment.
- Fig. 13 is a schematic perspective view of the brushroll of Fig. 11, shown without bristles.
- Fig. 13a is a schematic perspective view of the brushroll of Fig. 11, shown with bristles.
- Fig. 14 is a perspective view of an alternate brushroll embodiment.
- Fig 15 is a cross-sectional view of the alternate brushroll shown in Fig. 14.
- the disclosure relates to a brushroll assembly 20 for a floor cleaner, such as a vacuum cleaner, an extractor, or the like.
- Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a floor cleaner 10
- the floor cleaner 10 includes a cleaning head 12 having a housing 14, a brushroll chamber 16, and a longitudinal brushroll assembly 20
- the brushroll assembly 20 is rotatably mounted within the housing 14 and configured to rotate about a bearing 28 located on at least one end thereof.
- the brushroll assembly 20 includes a deformable member 38 adjacent the bearing 28 configured to inhibit ingress of debris, hair, threads, and the like from entering the bearing 28
- the deformable member 38 is an annular felt material.
- the brushroll chamber 16 includes an opening 18 in a bottom side of the housing 14.
- the brushroll assembly 20 is operably longitudinally mounted in the brushroll chamber 16 and extends through the opening 18 to contact a surface 50 to be cleaned.
- the brushroll assembly 20 includes an agitator body 22 that rotates relative to the housing 14 about a longitudinal axis 100.
- the longitudinal axis 100 extends through a first end 24 and a second send 26 of the agitator body 22.
- the bearing 28 facilitates rotation of the agitator body 22 about the longitudinal axis 100.
- the brushroll assembly 20 further includes an end cap 30 on one or both ends of the brushroll body 22 rotationally supporting and positioning the brushroll in the brushroll chamber 16.
- the cleaning head 12 may include an agitator drive mechanism in the housing 14.
- the brushroll body 22 includes one end cap 30 positioning the first end 24 of the brushroll in the brushroll chamber 16, and the drive mechanism includes a drive element 54 operably engaging the second end 26 of the agitator body 22, such as by a coaxial spline or gear drive engaging a splined recess 55 on the second end.
- the brushroll assembly 20 includes the end cap 30 on the first end 24 and on the second end 26 and the drive element 54 operably engages the brushroll body, such as by a gear or belt.
- the drive mechanism drives rotation of the agitator body 22 about the bearing 28 forming the longitudinal axis 100 shown in Fig. 3.
- the bearing 28 may be operably mounted on the end cap 30.
- the agitator body 22 is rotatable to agitate, wipe, and clean the surface 50 to be being cleaned.
- the agitator body 22 includes a plurality of agitating members 32.
- the agitating members 32 include a plurality of vanes 34 and at least one row of bristles 36.
- the agitating members 32 extend between the first end 24 and the second end 26, and are spaced around the circumferential surface 47 of the agitator body 22, extending outwardly from the agitator body 22.
- the bristles 36 are shown schematically. Any suitable material may be used for the bristles, such as polymer bristles, fiber or rubber bristles, cloth strips or pads, beater bars, wipers, bristle strips, microfiber, and the like.
- the agitator body 22 extends along the longitudinal axis 100, with the end cap 30 received on the agitator body 22 to surround the bearing 28, and the deformable member 38 positioned around a circumferential surface of the agitator body 22.
- the deformable member 38 is in contacting engagement with at least one of the end cap 30 and the agitator body 22, however, the deformable member 38 may be in contacting engagement with both the end cap 30 and the agitator body 22.
- the deformable member 38 is positioned between the plurality of agitating members 32 and the end cap 30.
- the deformable member 38 extends radially outwardly from the agitator body 22 and is configured to inhibit the ingress of hair and debris into the bearing 28.
- the agitating members 32 extend from the agitator body a radial distance, and in one embodiment, the deformable member 38 extends beyond the radial distance of the agitating members 32. In one embodiment, the deformable member 38 extends through the opening 18 during operation to contact the surface 50 to be cleaned.
- the deformable member 38 may be composed of a felted material, tufted bristles, microfiber, felt, thermoplastic elastomeric, rubber, sponge, foam, nonwoven fabric, woven fabric, or a similar material.
- the deformable member 38 is compressible and configured to allow the brushroll assembly 20 to be removed out a lateral side 15 of the housing for cleaning and/or maintenance.
- the end cap 30 includes an outer side 53 facing away from the agitator body 22 and an inner side 51 facing the first end 24 of the agitator body.
- the outer side 53 forms a portion of an exterior surface 57 of the housing.
- the inner side 51 includes a plurality of concentric annular ribs facing the first end 24.
- the first end 24 of the agitator body includes a corresponding plurality of concentric annular protrusions 66 extending axially towards the end cap 30.
- first concentric annular protrusion 66’ located radially outward of a second concentric annular protrusion 66”.
- the first and the second annular ribs 64’, 64” are configured to overlap the corresponding first and second annular protrusions 661, 66”, so as to form a plurality of annular recesses 67 between the adjacent annular ribs and the annular protrusions.
- An outermost annular recess 67’ is formed between the first annular rib 64’ and the first annular protrusion 66’.
- the deformable member 38 is positioned adjacent the outermost annular recess 67’ and configured to inhibit debris from encountering the outermost annular recess 67’.
- the deformable member 38 is an annular seal adjacent the first end 24 of the agitator body and adjacent the end cap 30, where the deformable member 38 is configured to inhibit debris from encountering the outermost annular recess 67’ of the end cap.
- the deformable member 38 In order for the deformable member 38 to effectively inhibit debris ingress to the bearing 28 or adjacent area, it is useful for the deformable member 38 to be received and retained between the plurality of agitating members 32 and the end cap 30.
- the circumferential surface 47 of the agitator body 22 includes a groove or depression 37 at the first end 24 between the plurality of agitating member 32 and the end cap 30. The groove 37 is configured to receive and retain the deformable member 38 during operation of the floor cleaner 10.
- the groove 37 inhibits the movement of the deformable member 38 during operation, specifically movement along the longitudinal axis 100 inward, away from the end cap 30.
- the deformable member 38 fits within the groove 37 such that the outer diameter of the deformable member 38 corresponds with the end cap 30.
- the deformable member 38 is attached to the agitator body in the groove 37 by friction fit, adhesive, press-fit, mechanical fasteners, or a similar mechanism.
- the deformable member 38 includes an interior region and an exterior region, the interior region having a first connecting member 43 that is coupled to a second connecting member 45 on the circumferential surface 47 of the agitator body 22, retaining the deformable member 38 on the agitator body 22 in operation.
- the interior region may be a rigid material and a deformable exterior region having a flexible elastomer coupled to the circumferential exterior forms the rest of the deformable member 38.
- the deformable exterior region may have a felt, foam, microfiber, or other deformable material coupled to the circumferential exterior to complete the deformable member 38.
- the brushroll assembly 20 further includes a second deformable member 38’.
- the second deformable member 38’ extends from the agitator body 22 between the plurality of agitating members 32 and the drive element 54.
- the second deformable member 38’ is configured to inhibit ingress of debris into the drive mechanism.
- the second deformable member 38’ may be received and retained by a second groove 37’ on the agitator body 22.
- the height of the second deformable member 38’ extending outwardly from the agitator body 22 is greater than or equal to the height of the adjacent agitating member 32 extending outwardly from the agitating body 22, such that any hair or debris wrapped around the agitating member 32 is obstructed by the second deformable member 38’ prior to reaching the drive mechanism.
- the hair or debris on the agitating member 32 exceeds the height of the second deformable member 38’, the hair or debris then may enter the drive mechanism.
- the height of the deformable member 38 and the second deformable member 38’ extending outwardly from the agitator body 22 is equal to or slightly less than the height of the adjacent agitating members 32.
- the deformable member 38 and second deformable member 38’ act as a first defense to inhibit hair and debris reaching the bearing 28 and the drive mechanism, respectively.
- a labyrinth seal 52 arrangement defined in the relationship between overlapping relationship of the annular ribs 64 of the end cap and the annular protrusions 66 of the agitator body.
- the labyrinth seal 52 creates a tortuous path to inhibit hair and debris that overcomes the deformable member 38 from entering the bearing 28 through the outermost annular recess 67’.
- the plurality of annular recesses 67 create space, making the path more difficult for hair and debris to reach the bearing 28.
- the labyrinth seal 52 arrangement between the end cap 30 and the agitator body 22 inhibits hair and debris from entering the bearing 28 or the drive element 54.
- the agitator body 22 extends between the first end 24 and the second end 26 opposite the first end 24.
- the agitating members 32 rotate along with the agitator body 22, contacting the surface 50 through the opening 18 and facilitating surface debris pick-up.
- the agitator members 32 are configured to improve surface debris pick-up and reduce brushroll maintenance by inhibiting hair and debris wrap around the brushroll.
- the agitating members 32 include only a plurality of vanes 34.
- the plurality of vanes 34 inhibit hair wrap, in part, by increasing the circumference of the agitator body 22, and preventing hair and debris below a predetermined length from wrapping fully around the agitator body 22.
- the solid nature of the vanes 34 from the first end 24 to the second end 26 create a surface that is more difficult for hair to wrap around when compared to tufted bristles with gaps between adjacent tufts.
- the vanes 34 can be made of rubber, nylon, vinyl, thermoplastic elastomer, nonwoven fabric, woven fabric, among other materials. The flexibility of the vanes 34 allows bending and flexing during operation, which further reduces debris wrap around the agitator body 22 by not allowing the hair and debris a stationary portion to wrap around.
- the plurality of vanes 34 have a first vane end 31 adjacent the first end 24 and a second vane end 33 adjacent the second end 26.
- the vanes 34 include a surface engaging portion 35 longitudinally extending along the agitator body 22 between the first vane end 31 and the second vane end 33.
- the surface engaging portion 35 promotes surface debris pick-up and inhibits hair and debris wrap around the agitator body 22.
- the deformable member 38 is positioned between the first vane end 31 and the end cap 30 to inhibit debris from encountering the end cap 30.
- the second deformable member 38’ is positioned between the second vane end 33 and the drive element 54 to inhibit debris from encountering the drive element 54.
- the plurality of agitating members 32 wrap around the agitator body 22 between the first end 24 and the second end 26 in a helical pattern.
- the helical pattern can be defined by a single helix, such that all of the agitating members 32 he in a single, common helix with respect to the longitudinal axis 100.
- the agitating members 32 may be a plurality of vanes 34 and bristles 36 that have the same helical pattern around the brushroll assembly 20, however each having a different starting point.
- the congruent helical pattern of the agitating members 32 helps provide even and consistent debris pick-up, while inhibiting hair and debris wrap around the brushroll 20.
- the helical pattern of the plurality of vanes and the helical pattern of the bristles extend around the agitator body in opposite directions.
- the plurality of vanes 234 wrap helically approximately 180 degrees around the agitator body between the first end 224 and the second end 226 in a first direction, while the bristles 236 wrap helically approximately 360 degrees around the agitator body in a second direction, opposite the first direction.
- the plurality of vanes 234 wrap helically between approximately 200 degrees and 400 degrees around the agitator body in the first direction, while the bristles 236 wrap helically approximately 360 degrees to 720 degrees in the second direction.
- a greater difference between the opposing helical patterns i.e. where the opposing helical patterns have higher rotations about the agitator body, results in a greater intersection angle where the vanes 234 and the bristles cross 236.
- a greater intersection angle can be advantageous because it results in less bristles being removed due to interference with the vanes.
- the vanes 34 define a constant helical pattern about the agitator body 22 from the first end 24 to the second end 26, and the one or more rows of bristles 36 define an oscillating or variable pattern about the agitator body 22 from the first end 24 to the second end 26.
- the oscillating pattern of the bristles 36 extends between two adjacent vanes 34. This oscillating pattern allows for a variable distance between the row of bristles 36 and the adjacent vanes 34, which can result in improved cleaning and reduced wrapping of hair and debris around the agitator body 22. Further, it has been found that hair and debris wrap is most prevalent in the space between adjacent tufted bristles. Having bristles with an oscillating pattern creates a more angled path for hair and debris to get embedded in the space between adjacent bristles, thus making for a more difficult path and reducing hair and debris wrap around the agitator body 22.
- an agitator body 322 has two or more cleaning members 332 extending between a first end 324 and a second end 326 of the agitator body 322.
- the cleaning members 332 includes a plurality of spaced cylindrical portions 336 between the first end 324 and the second end 326 that are connected by a webbed portion 334.
- the spaced cylindrical portions 336 provide agitation to the surface 50 to be cleaned to enhance debris pick-up, while the webbed portion 334 inhibits hair, threads, and debris from becoming wrapped between the cylindrical portions 336, and around the agitator body 322.
- the cleaning members 332 may be elastomeric, vinyl, or any suitable material. This arrangement has been found to increase the time between required cleaning and maintenance, while providing desired surface debris pick-up.
- the brushroll assembly 420 has a plurality of couplers 440a, 440b circumferentially arranged on a circumferential surface of the agitator body 422, extending axially along the agitator body 422.
- a first cleaning vane434 has a longitudinal first edge 434a and a longitudinal second edge 434b.
- the first edge 434a and the second edge 434b of the cleaning vane 434 slidably connect to a corresponding first coupler 440a and second coupler 440b of the plurality of couplers 440.
- the cleaning vane 434 covers the length of the agitator body 422, however, in other embodiments, the cleaning vane 434 covers only a portion of the length of the agitator body 422.
- the first end 434a and the second end 434b of the cleaning vane 434 are integrally molded with the first coupler 440a and second coupler 440b, respectively.
- the first cleaning vane 434 forms a loop 435 between the longitudinal edges that extends outwardly away from the agitator body 422.
- the cleaning vane 434 includes a plurality of holes 442 extending through the cleaning vane 434 between the first edge 434a and the second edge 434b.
- a row of bristles 436 may be tufted through the plurality of holes 442 in the cleaning vane 434 and attached to a corresponding plurality of bristle holes 437 on the agitator body 422 (Fig. 11). In the embodiment shown in Fig.
- a plurality of bristle receptacles 439 are integrally molded with the cleaning vane 434 along the length of the cleaning vane.
- the row of bristles 436 are tufted into the bristle receptacles 439.
- the bristle receptacles 439 secure and retain the bristles 436.
- the bristles 436 and bristle receptacles 439 are separate and apart from the agitator body 422.
- the first cleaning vane 434 may be composed of an elastomeric material, vinyl, woven fiber or a similar material.
- the flexibility of the first cleaning vane 434 material increases durability and longevity of the cleaner. Further, the flexibility of the first cleaning vane 434 allows the cleaner to flex and bend during operation, which reduces debris wrap around the agitator body 422 by not allowing the hair and debris a stationary portion to wrap around.
- the row of bristles 436 provide agitation to the surface 50 to be cleaned to improve cleaning performance and debris pick-up.
- the loop 435 of the first cleaning vane 434 increases the circumference of the agitator body 422.
- the agitator body 422 may include secondary cleaning members 444 configured to further enhance debris pick-up and inhibit debris and hair wrap around the agitator body 422.
- the secondary cleaning members 444 may be composed of the same material as the first cleaning vane 434, or a different material.
- the housing 14 further includes an extending portion or protrusion 56 directed inwardly towards the agitator body 22.
- the extending portion or protrusion 56 may extend from a central location of the housing 14, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, however the protrusion may extend anywhere in the housing 14 between the first end 24 and the second end 26.
- the extending portion 56 is configured to contact the surface engaging portion 35 of the agitating members.
- the extending portion 56 provides a flicking-type action to the agitating members 32 to inhibit hair and debris wrap around the agitator body 22.
- the flicking action inhibits hair and debris wrap primarily by creating vibration and movement of the agitating members 32 that then vibrate and move the hair and debris, facilitating removal through a suction opening 58.
- Another beneficial aspect of the flicking action by the extending portion 56 is the direct contact with the hair and debris. This direct contact helps inhibit the hair and debris from becoming tightly wound around the agitator body 22.
- the extending portion 56 is positioned adjacent the suction opening 58 to facilitate the uptake of the dislodged hair and debris into the working air path.
- the extending portion 56 has a length along the brushroll axis in the longitudinal direction between 3 and 25 millimeters contacting the surface engaging portion 35 of the vane as the vane rotates past the extending portion 56 in operation.
- the extending portion 56 has a length in the longitudinal direction of between 25 and 50 millimeters contacting the surface engaging portion 35 of the vane as the vane rotates past the extending portion 56 in operation.
- the extending portion 56 also inhibits hair and debris overcoming the deformable member 38 and entering the bearing 28.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)
- Organic Low-Molecular-Weight Compounds And Preparation Thereof (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US202062960826P | 2020-01-14 | 2020-01-14 | |
PCT/US2020/067288 WO2021146050A1 (en) | 2020-01-14 | 2020-12-29 | Floor cleaner |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP4090209A1 true EP4090209A1 (en) | 2022-11-23 |
Family
ID=74206218
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20845526.1A Pending EP4090209A1 (en) | 2020-01-14 | 2020-12-29 | Floor cleaner |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20210212535A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4090209A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN115243591A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2020423700A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2021146050A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD987926S1 (en) * | 2021-04-26 | 2023-05-30 | Bissell Inc. | Brushroll for a floor cleaner |
CN114953603B (en) * | 2022-07-04 | 2023-09-19 | 北京顺造科技有限公司 | Stirrer, surface cleaning device, and method for manufacturing endless belt for stirrer |
Family Cites Families (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1999696A (en) * | 1933-05-05 | 1935-04-30 | Hoover Co | Suction cleaner |
US2734211A (en) * | 1950-04-07 | 1956-02-14 | vance | |
US2707792A (en) * | 1950-11-24 | 1955-05-10 | Henney Motor Company Inc | Rotary brush for suction cleaners |
FR1077106A (en) * | 1953-03-21 | 1954-11-04 | Boyer Metallurg | Improvements made to devices such as bearings, in particular for conveyor rollers |
EP0015738B1 (en) * | 1979-03-09 | 1984-03-07 | Skf (U.K.) Limited | Bearing assemblies for conveyor rollers fitted with end covers |
US5272785A (en) * | 1989-12-26 | 1993-12-28 | The Scott Fetzer Company | Brushroll |
US5465451A (en) * | 1989-12-26 | 1995-11-14 | The Scott Fetzer Company | Brushroll |
US5435038A (en) * | 1994-03-10 | 1995-07-25 | Sauers; Carl B. | Brush roller assembly for vacuum cleaner sweeper |
US6591441B2 (en) * | 2001-10-10 | 2003-07-15 | The Scott Fetzer Company | Brushroll having improved cleaning capability |
US6810559B2 (en) * | 2002-02-27 | 2004-11-02 | Superior Brush Company | Agitator assembly for vacuum cleaner |
DE102004046383B4 (en) * | 2004-09-24 | 2009-06-18 | Stein & Co Gmbh | Device for brushing roller of floor care appliances |
GB2440282B (en) * | 2005-06-07 | 2008-05-14 | Electrolux Home Care Prod Na | Vacuum brushroll edge cleaner |
US20060272122A1 (en) * | 2005-06-07 | 2006-12-07 | Dennis Butler | Vacuum brushroll edge cleaner |
EP2273906B1 (en) * | 2008-03-17 | 2018-11-14 | Electrolux Home Care Products, Inc. | Agitator with cleaning features |
JP5505158B2 (en) * | 2010-07-20 | 2014-05-28 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Floor suction tool and electric vacuum cleaner using the floor suction tool |
US9693663B2 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2017-07-04 | Bissell Homecare, Inc. | Tufting method and brushroll for vacuum cleaner |
CN110494062B (en) * | 2017-03-10 | 2022-01-25 | 尚科宁家运营有限公司 | Agitator with remover and hair removal |
CN111787836B (en) * | 2017-12-27 | 2022-10-14 | 尚科宁家运营有限公司 | End cap assembly |
-
2020
- 2020-12-29 WO PCT/US2020/067288 patent/WO2021146050A1/en unknown
- 2020-12-29 US US17/136,450 patent/US20210212535A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2020-12-29 CN CN202080096061.6A patent/CN115243591A/en active Pending
- 2020-12-29 EP EP20845526.1A patent/EP4090209A1/en active Pending
- 2020-12-29 AU AU2020423700A patent/AU2020423700A1/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2021146050A1 (en) | 2021-07-22 |
CN115243591A (en) | 2022-10-25 |
US20210212535A1 (en) | 2021-07-15 |
AU2020423700A1 (en) | 2022-07-28 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20240172907A1 (en) | Floor cleaner | |
US4912805A (en) | Dual-purpose rotating brush for vacuum cleaner | |
KR102546702B1 (en) | A vaccum cleaner | |
US20210212535A1 (en) | Floor cleaner | |
KR100470557B1 (en) | Suction brush assembly having a rotating roller for sweeping dust | |
CN108926290B (en) | Brush for autonomous cleaning robot | |
CN112888352B (en) | Stirrer for surface treatment apparatus and surface treatment apparatus having the same | |
JP4559005B2 (en) | Floor vacuum cleaner | |
US20220257072A1 (en) | Cleaner | |
EP1827193B1 (en) | Agitator for suction nozzle in vacuum cleaner | |
EP3731714B1 (en) | Cleaning apparatus with selectable combing unit for removing debris from cleaning roller | |
US8533905B1 (en) | Vacuum accessory tool | |
US11672393B2 (en) | Cleaning apparatus with selectable combing unit for removing debris from cleaning roller | |
CN211355278U (en) | Round brush structure and dust collector | |
CN217792883U (en) | Fluff rolling brush with multiple spiral raised lines and dry/wet cleaning equipment | |
KR100480142B1 (en) | Suction head of vacuum cleaner | |
EP4041040B1 (en) | Cleaner head for a vacuum cleaning appliance | |
CN219538179U (en) | Rolling brush, ground brush assembly and cleaning equipment | |
CN216704230U (en) | Agitator for a vacuum cleaner and surface cleaning head having such an agitator | |
CN213757078U (en) | Rolling brush and cleaning device with same | |
JP2023545771A (en) | Stirrer for surface treatment equipment and surface treatment equipment with it | |
KR100677258B1 (en) | Agitator for robot cleaner | |
JP2022111676A (en) | Brush and rotary brush | |
JPH04314411A (en) | Inlet port of vacuum cleaner |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE |
|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20220711 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
DAV | Request for validation of the european patent (deleted) | ||
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20240215 |
|
GRAJ | Information related to disapproval of communication of intention to grant by the applicant or resumption of examination proceedings by the epo deleted |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |