ES2911275T3 - Surface cleaning head including openable agitator chamber and detachable agitators for use in the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A surface cleaning head for a vacuum cleaner (100, 700, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, 2800, 2900), the surface cleaning head comprising: a cleaning head housing (110, 710) having a part front end (112), a rear end part (114), laterally disposed sides (113, 115), an upper part (116) and a lower part (118), in which the upper part extends over the lower part d the cleaning head housing; an agitator chamber (120, 720) located at the front end portion (112) of the cleaning head housing (110, 710), the agitator chamber having a top opening (117) through the top (116 ) of the cleaning head housing and a bottom opening (119) through the bottom (118) of the cleaning head housing, and wherein the agitator chamber includes a non-driven side and a driven side; an agitator drive mechanism (150, 750) including a drive member on the driven side of the agitator chamber and an agitator drive motor (752) coupled with the drive member, wherein the drive mechanism is enclosed within the cleaning head housing; an outer cover (122, 722, 2422, 2522, 2622, 2722, 2822, 2922) mounted to the cleaning head housing to cover the top opening of the agitator chamber, the outer cover being movable between a closed position and a closed position. open position, in which the agitator chamber (120, 720) is covered when the outer cover is in the closed position and accessible through the top opening when the outer cover is in the open position, and in which the part upper part of the cleaning head housing remains on the lower part of the cleaning head housing when the outer cover is moved to the open position; and a rotary driven stirrer (130, 730) removably mounted within the stirrer chamber such that the stirrer is configured to contact a surface through the bottom opening (119), wherein the stirrer is accessible and removable through the top opening (177) when the outer cover is in the open position, wherein the rotating driven agitator includes a non-driven end (134, 754) mounted on the non-driven side of the rotating agitator chamber. such that the agitator rotates freely at the non-driven end and a driven end (132, 732) including a driven element, wherein the driven element is axially conjugated and engages the driving element of the drive mechanism such that the element The impeller transmits torque and rotation to the driven member and the rotating driven agitator, wherein the rotating driven agitator comprises: a shaft (791) extending from the non-driven end of the body stirrer po; a bushing (792) rotatably mounted on the shaft; and an end cap (790) mounted to the socket and configured to be non-rotatably mounted to a surface cleaning head agitator chamber, wherein the end cap includes a radially extending tab (796) configured to be grasped by a user for ease of removal and insertion of the non-driven end into a shaker chamber.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Surface cleaning head including openable agitator chamber and detachable agitators for use in the same

technical field

The present invention relates to vacuum cleaners and, more particularly, to a vacuum cleaner surface cleaning head including an openable agitator chamber and removable agitators for use therein.

background information

The following is not an admission that anything discussed below is part of the prior art or part of common general knowledge of one skilled in the art.

A surface cleaning appliance, more commonly known as a vacuum cleaner, can be used to clean a variety of surfaces using at least suction. Various types of vacuum cleaners are known including, without limitation, upright vacuum cleaners, bagless vacuum cleaners, stick vacuum cleaners, and central vacuum systems. A surface cleaning apparatus typically includes a surface cleaning head with an inlet. Some vacuum cleaners include some or all of the operating components (for example, the suction motor and air treatment elements) in a different location from the surface cleaning head to allow for a lighter or smaller surface cleaning head. . An upright vacuum cleaner, for example, may include an upright section containing at least one air treatment element that is mounted to a surface cleaning head. A bagless vacuum cleaner may include a canister body containing at least one air treatment element and a suction motor that is connected to a surface cleaning head by a flexible hose and handle. Another type of vacuum cleaner includes the suction motor and air treatment elements (for example, one or more cyclones) placed in the surface cleaning head.

A surface cleaning apparatus, such as any of the aforementioned vacuum cleaners, may also include one or more mechanical agitators, such as a rotating brush, in the surface cleaning head to facilitate cleaning of a surface. A problem with mechanical agitators, particularly rotating brushes, is the difficulty in removing debris (eg hair) that becomes entangled. The surface cleaning head must often be turned upside down to determine if the agitator is tangled or clogged and to remove debris. It can also be difficult to remove debris from the mechanical agitator located inside the surface cleaning head, especially through the limited opening at the bottom of the surface cleaning head. Failure to properly remove debris can result in decreased performance and even damage to the mechanical agitator and/or vacuum.

On some conventional vacuums, the agitator may not be suitable for all surfaces and/or conditions. A rotating brush, for example, may be desirable to provide agitation on a carpet, but not on a hardwood floor. This can further limit the performance and versatility of the vacuum. US5309601 discloses an upright vacuum cleaner having an assembly to optimize the assembly and operating characteristics of the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum's ground contact unit has a two-piece body that includes a base and hood that snap together. A motor is rotatably mounted within the body at the end of a handle assembly. The handle assembly, which also functions as a conduit for dirty air to travel to a disposable filter bag, has an electrical connector that connects the motor to power. The handle further provides a stop that mates with a hose hook that slides over the top of the handle, the stop being located such that the hose hook is properly positioned to support a hose during storage. the same. A filter bag, which is mounted to the handle at a location spaced downward from the top of the filter bag, is provided with a wire frame to help support the weight of the disposable filter bag. The motor is provided with a foot switch actuator assembly that allows activation of the motor switch regardless of the radial position of the motor switch. A cylindrical brush, which is rotatably driven by the motor, includes a pair of mounting end caps. The end caps include outwardly extending projections that are received by the base, releasably mounting the roller therein. The invention reduces the time, labor and material required to manufacture and assemble an upright vacuum cleaner. US5960514 discloses a wheel driven suction nozzle having an upper body attached to a lower body. An opening is formed in the front of the upper body providing access to a suction cavity. A foam-covered agitator is rotatably and removably mounted within the cavity and extends partially out the bottom of the lower body for cleaning and polishing bare floors. A cover is hingedly mounted to the upper body and can be moved between an open position that provides access to the cavity and allows removal of the stirrer and a closed position that covers the cavity and prevents removal of the stirrer. A front toothed pulley is attached to one end of the agitator. A toothed belt is driven by a rear toothed pulley and engages the front pulley, whereby rotation of the rear pulley rotates the agitator. A forward gear is rigidly connected to the rear pulley and meshes with a rear gear that is rigidly connected to a half shaft. A toothed wheel is attached to each end of the axle shaft so rotation of the wheels rotates the rear gear which, in turn, rotates the rear gear. front gear, the rear pulley and therefore the agitator.

Compendium

According to the invention, there is provided a surface cleaning head for a vacuum cleaner as set forth in claim 1.

Other features of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

Also disclosed is a removable rotary agitator assembly for use in a surface cleaning head of a vacuum cleaner. The removable rotary agitator assembly includes an agitator body having a driven end and a non-driven end and at least one agitator element located in at least a portion of the agitator body between the driven end and the non-driven end. The removable rotary agitator assembly further includes a driven element located at the driven end of the agitator body. The driven element is configured to axially mate and engage with a drive element of a drive mechanism in the surface cleaning head. The removable rotary agitator assembly further includes a shaft extending from the non-driven end of the agitator body, a bushing rotatably mounted on the shaft, and an end cap mounted on the bushing and configured to non-rotatably mount in an agitator chamber. surface cleaning head.

Also disclosed is a removable rotary agitator assembly including an agitator body having a driven end and a non-driven end, at least one agitator element located in at least a portion of the agitator body between the driven end and the non-driven end , and a splined driven element located at the driven end of the agitator body. The splined driven element is configured to coaxially engage and engage with a splined drive element in a drive mechanism on the surface cleaning head.

Also disclosed is a removable non-powered agitator for use in an agitator chamber of a surface cleaning head. The removable non-powered agitator includes an agitator body defining first and second elongated air inlets, an air outlet, and an air path between the at least one air inlet and the air outlet. The elongated air inlets are located along at least a portion of the bottom of the agitator body, and the air outlet is located on the agitator body in a position that allows coupling with a dirty air inlet at the agitator chamber of the surface cleaning head. The lower part of the agitator body has a width corresponding to the width of a lower opening of the agitator chamber. The first and second ends of the agitator body are configured to engage the agitator chamber without engaging a drive member in the agitator chamber. The removable non-powered agitator also includes at least one cleaning pad supported on a pad support member on at least one side of the bottom of the agitator body and a gasket around the air outlet.

Brief description of the drawings

These and other features and advantages will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning head including an openable agitator chamber covered by an outer cover with a transparent region, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 1A is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head shown in Figure 1 taken along line 1A-1A.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner with the surface cleaning head shown in Figure 1 connected to a wand and handle.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the surface cleaning head shown in Figure 1 with an outer cover removed to show an upper opening into the agitator chamber.

Figure 3A is a bottom view of the surface cleaning head shown in Figure 1, showing a bottom opening in the agitator chamber.

Figures 4A and 4B are different perspective views of one embodiment of a rotary brush agitator for use in the surface cleaning head shown in Figure 1.

Figure 4C is a cross-sectional view of the brush roller agitator shown in Figure 4B taken along line 4C-4C.

Figures 5A and 5B are side and perspective views, respectively, of another embodiment of a rotary brush agitator for use in the surface cleaning head shown in Figure 1.

Figure 5C is a cross-sectional view of the rotary brush agitator shown in Figure 5B taken along along line 5C-5C.

Figure 5D is a side view of another embodiment of a rotating agitator for use in the surface cleaning head shown in Figure 1.

Figure 6A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a non-powered agitator for use in a surface cleaning head, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 6B is an end view of the non-driven agitator shown in Figure 6A.

Figure 6C is a top view of the non-driven agitator shown in Figure 6A.

Figure 6D is a bottom view of the non-driven agitator shown in Figure 6A.

Figures 7A and 7B are different perspective side views of a surface cleaning head with an outer cover in an open position and with an agitator removed from the agitator chamber, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 8 is a top view of the agitator chamber and outer cover of the surface cleaning head shown in Figures 7A and 7B.

Figure 9 is a side view of the surface cleaning head shown in Figures 7A and 7B.

Figure 10 is a top view of the surface cleaning head shown in Figures 7A and 7B including a rotating agitator and drive mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 is a top view of the surface cleaning head including a non-driven agitator received in the agitator chamber, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 12 is a bottom view of the surface cleaning head including the non-driven agitator shown in Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a drive mechanism for use in the surface cleaning head shown in Figure 10.

Figure 14 is an exploded view of the drive mechanism shown in Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a close perspective view of a splined drive element and a splined driven element of the drive mechanism shown in Figure 13.

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a splined coupling between the splined driver element and the splined driven element taken along line 16-16 in Figure 13.

Figure 17 is a side cross-sectional view of the splined driven element taken along line 17-17 in Figure 15.

Figure 18 is an exploded view of a non-driven end of one embodiment of a rotary agitator for use in the surface cleaning head shown in Figure 10,

Figures 19 and 20 are different perspective side views of one embodiment of an end cap for use in the rotary shaker shown in Figure 18.

Figure 21 is a top perspective view of a non-driven side of the agitator chamber in the surface cleaning head of Figure 10 without a rotary agitator.

Figure 22 is a top perspective view of the non-driven side of the agitator chamber in the surface cleaning head of Figure 10 with the non-driven end of the rotating agitator received therein. Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the agitator end cap seated in the agitator chamber in the surface cleaning head of Figure 10 with the cap closed.

Figure 24 is a perspective view of a stick vacuum cleaner including a cleaning head with an openable agitator chamber, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 25 is a perspective view of an upright vacuum cleaner including a cleaning head with an openable agitator chamber, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 26 is a side view of a surface cleaning head including a rearwardly pivoting outer cover, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 27 is a side view of a surface cleaning head including a multi-piece outer shell, consistent with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 28 is a top view of a surface cleaning head including an outer cover that slides back or forth to open the agitator chamber, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 29 is a top view of a surface cleaning head including an outer cover that slides to the side to open the agitator chamber, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

The drawings included herein are to illustrate various examples of teaching articles, methods, and apparatus herein and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way.

Detailed description

A surface cleaning head, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, may be configured to receive a removable rotating powered agitator, such as a rotating brush, or a non-powered agitator. Any of these agitators can be located in an openable agitator chamber in order to remove debris and/or remove the agitator. The openable agitator chamber may be covered by an outer cover which is movable between an open position and a closed position. A sealing element may be located between the outer cover and the surface cleaning head housing and around the perimeter of the agitator chamber. A surface cleaning head, consistent with other embodiments of the present disclosure, includes a removable rotating agitator, such as a rotating brush, that is driven by a drive mechanism that axially engages the driven end. The removable stirrer can be secured in the stirrer chamber by the outer cover. The surface cleaning head may also include one or more transparent regions (eg, a window in the outer shell) to allow visual inspection of the agitator during use.

The non-powered agitator may include an agitator body including a bottom that supports one or more cleaning pads. The non-driven agitator body may also define one or more air inlets, an air outlet, and an air passageway extending therebetween to facilitate passage of air through the surface cleaning head. Different removable agitators with different characteristics can be used interchangeably on the surface cleaning head.

In the illustrated embodiments, the openable agitator chamber, outer cover, removable rotary agitator, and other features described herein are used in an "all-in-head" type vacuum cleaner in which the functional components u operating fluids (eg, air) for transporting and treating are substantially all contained within the surface cleaning head. The openable agitator chamber, outer cover, removable rotary agitator, and other features described herein may also be implemented, within the scope of this description, in a surface cleaning head for any type of cleaning apparatus. surface cleaning or vacuuming, including but not limited to upright vacuums, bagless vacuums, stick vacuums, robotic vacuums, and central vacuum systems.

As used herein, a "surface cleaning head" refers to a device configured to contact a surface for the purpose of cleaning the surface through the use of suction airflow, agitation, or a combination of the above. themselves. A surface cleaning head may be pivotally or directionally coupled by a rotary connection to a wand to control the surface cleaning head and may include motorized attachments as well as fixed surface cleaning heads. A surface cleaning head can also work without a wand or handle. As used herein, "agitator" refers to any item, element, or structure capable of agitating a surface to facilitate the movement of debris in a suction airflow into a surface cleaning head. As used herein, "transparent" means capable of allowing enough light to pass through so that objects on the other side can be seen.

Referring to Figures 1-3A, one embodiment of a surface cleaning head 100 is shown and described in greater detail. As shown in greater detail in Figure 2, a wand 102 is directionally coupled via a rotary connection. to the surface cleaning head 100 and includes a handle 104 at one end to allow the user to control the surface cleaning head 100 during use. The wand 102 may have a telescoping configuration to provide length adjustment. Handle 104 may include controls 106 (eg, a switch and/or speed control) to control the operation of surface cleaning head 100. In other embodiments, surface cleaning head 100 may be provided without a wand or handle. (for example, in a robotic vacuum surface cleaning head or in a motorized attachment surface cleaning head).

The surface cleaning head 100 includes a cleaning head housing 110, an agitator chamber 120 located in the housing 110, and a rotary agitator 130 located in the agitator chamber 120. The rotary agitator 130 rotates about an axis of rotation. 2 (FIGS. 1A and 3) which may be generally orthogonal to direction of travel 4 of surface cleaning head 100. In the illustrated embodiment, agitator chamber 120 can be opened to provide access to agitator 130. Providing access to agitator 130 within the agitator chamber 120 may allow a user to inspect and/or clean the agitator 130 without having to remove the agitator and without having to touch a dirty shaker. Rotary agitator 130 can also be removed from agitator chamber 120 for inspection, cleaning, and/or replacement. In other embodiments, the openable agitator chamber 120 may include a fixed, non-removable agitator, a non-rotating or non-powered agitator, or any type of cleaning element.

Cleaning head housing 110 may generally include one or more parts that enclose or encompass components of surface cleaning head 100. In the illustrated embodiment, surface cleaning head 100 is used in an all-in-one type vacuum cleaner. head". As such, the cleaning head housing 110 encloses or encompasses an air handling and conveying system 140 (shown schematically in Figures 1 and 3). The air handling and treatment system 140 includes, for example, a suction motor 142, a cyclone including a cyclone chamber 144 and a dirt collection chamber 146 external to the cyclone chamber 144, and one or more filters. 148. An air flow path 141 extends from a dirty air inlet 143 located in the agitator chamber 120 to a clean air outlet 145. The suction motor 142 causes air to be sucked into the dirty air inlet. 143, through the cyclone chamber 144 and out the clean air outlet 145. As dirt passes through the cyclone chamber 144, the dirt is collected in the dirt collection chamber 146. Smaller particles are also collected. can collect in the filter(s) 148. The air handling and handling system 140 may be similar to those used in known or existing "all-in-the-head" vacuum cleaners, for example, as described in US Patent No. 7,329,29 4, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The cleaning head housing 110 includes a front end portion 112, a rear end portion 114, laterally disposed sides 113, 115, an upper portion 116, and a lower portion 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the wand 102 is directionally coupled with the rear end portion 114, and the agitator chamber 120 is located in the forward end portion 112 and extends between an upper opening 117 in the upper part 116 and a lower opening 119 in the lower part 118. The rotating agitator 130 is located in agitator chamber 120 and configured to contact a surface to be cleaned through bottom opening 119. Top opening 117 and bottom opening 119 allow rotary agitator 130 to be accessed from the top or bottom. bottom, or from the top and bottom simultaneously, which can help facilitate inspection or maintenance of the agitator. For example, a user can clean the agitator 130 through the upper opening 117 while allowing debris separated from the agitator 130 to fall out of the chamber through the lower opening 119. The rotating agitator 130 can also be removed from the chamber. of agitator 120, for example, through the upper opening 117, as will be described in greater detail below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the top opening 117 of the agitator chamber 120 has a width greater than the width of the agitator 130 to help provide access to the entire agitator 130 and/or to allow the rotating agitator 130 to be removed. embodiments, the width of the upper opening 117 of the agitator chamber 120 may be shorter. Bottom 118 includes one or more bottom shields or bars 111a, 111b that extend through bottom opening 119 (FIG. 3A).

In the illustrated embodiment, an outer cover 122 is mounted to the top 116 of the cleaning head housing 110 to cover the top opening 117 of the agitator chamber 120 (FIG. 1). The shaker chamber 120 can thus be opened while the surface cleaning head 100 rests on the floor, thus eliminating the need to lift or reposition the surface cleaning head to access the shaker chamber 120. The outer cover 122 can be removed. move between a closed position (eg figure 1) and an open position (eg figure 3). In the closed position, the outer cover 122 forms the top of the agitator chamber 120. Therefore, the agitator chamber 120 and agitator 130 can be easily accessed (for example, without having to remove other walls or covers). ) simply by moving the outer cover 122 to the open position. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer shell 122 extends substantially the full width of the surface cleaning head 100 but may be shorter in other embodiments as well.

In the illustrated embodiment, surface cleaning head 100 includes one or more transparent regions 124 that allow visual inspection of agitator chamber 120. Transparent region 124 may be made of a polycarbonate material. In this embodiment, transparent region 124 is in the form of a window located on outer cover 122. Additionally or alternatively, one or more transparent regions may be located at other locations on cleaning head housing 110 that allow visual inspection of the agitator. 130 in the shaker chamber 120, for example, on the sides 113, 115. The transparent region 124 together with the movable outer cover 122 thus facilitate a determination of the debris in the shaker chamber 120 and/or the shaker 130 and subsequently disposal of these wastes.

Outer cover 122 may be locked in the closed position using any suitable mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, outer cover 122 includes one or more latch releases 126a, 126b for releasing respective latching mechanisms (not shown) that hold outer cover 122 in engagement with cleaning head housing 110, as will be described. in greater detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, release latches 126a, 126b are located near respective sides 113, 115. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more releasable latches may be provided at other locations on the outer cover 122 and/or on the housing. of cleaning head 110. Outer cover 122 may be pivotally or movably coupled with cleaning head housing 110, as will be described in more detail below, or may be completely removable from cleaning head housing 110 ( figure 3).

Surface cleaning head 100 may also include one or more lights, such as LEDs 129, on outer shell 122. In this embodiment, wiring (not shown) extends from housing 110 to outer shell 122 and through the interior. from the cover 122 to the LEDs 129. The lights can also be mounted in other locations on the cleaning head housing 110.

In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1A, rotary agitator 130 is coupled with an agitator drive mechanism 150 at a driven end 132 and rotates freely at a non-driven end 134 of rotary agitator 130. The agitator drive mechanism 150 drives driven end 132 to cause rotary stirrer 130 to rotate in use about axis of rotation 2. Drive mechanism 150 can be axially engaged with driven end 132 of rotary stirrer 130 without engaging rotary stirrer 130 with a belt and in a manner that allows the agitator 130 to be easily removed and inserted, as will be described in greater detail below.

As shown in FIG. 2, an agitator cart 160 can be mounted on the rod 102 to support one or more spare agitators, such as a rotating powered agitator or a non-powered agitator. Agitator cart 160 may be removably mounted or attached to wand 102. In other embodiments, agitator cart 160 may be mounted at other locations on surface cleaning head 100 or wand 102. The illustrated embodiment of the shaker cart 160 includes a container 162 sized and configured to receive at least one shaker and a lid 164 pivotally coupled with container 162 on a hinge 165. In other embodiments, shaker cart 160 may include a lidless container or may include other structures configured to receive and contain an agitator

The illustrated embodiment of shaker cart 160 further includes one or more mounting arms 166 extending from container 162. The mounting arms engage rod 102 to mount cart 160 to rod 102. Mounting arms 166 may have similar in shape to the contours of rod 102 and may be sized such that arms 166 flex and apply pressure against rod 102 in order to hold shaker cart 160 in place and prevent cart 160 from tipping over. slide. In other embodiments, shaker cart 160 may include other structures to engage and mount to wand 102 and/or surface cleaning head 100.

In this embodiment, as shown in greater detail in FIGS. 4A-4C, rotary agitator 130 is a rotary brush that includes brush agitator elements 136. Brush agitator elements 136 may include brush bristles, such as bristles. extending substantially radially from an agitator body 131. In this embodiment, brush agitator elements 136 are arranged in one or more helical patterns 135a, 135b around agitator body 131. The helical patterns 135a, 135b include, for example, opposing helical patterns 135a, 135b that meet at a location 137 on the agitator body 131, forming a chevron-shaped pattern. The location 137 where the helical patterns of the agitator elements 136 meet (i.e., the tip of the chevron) may correspond to the location of the dirty air inlet 143 in the agitator chamber 120 when the agitator is inserted into the chamber. . As shown in FIG. 4C, the agitator elements 136 may be inclined with respect to radial lines extending radially from an axis of rotation of the agitator 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the agitator elements 136 are inclined toward a direction of rotation.

This embodiment of the rotary agitator 130 also includes one or more cutting slots 138 that extend substantially axially along at least a portion of the agitator body 131. The cutting slots 138 are recessed below one surface of the agitator body. agitator 131 and are deep enough to accommodate a cutting tool (eg scissors or knife). Therefore, the cutting tool may be inserted under strands of hair, string, or other debris that may wrap around the rotating agitator 130 during use. The cutting tool can then be moved along the cutting slot 138 to cut hair or other debris entangled around the agitator 130. The rotating agitator 130 can be manually rotated to allow access to the cutting slot 138 through the opening. upper 117 or through the lower opening 119 of the chamber 120. If the rotary agitator 130 is removable, the agitator 130 can be removed to cut hair and other entangled debris. This embodiment of rotary shaker 130 further includes spaces 139a, 139b to accommodate bottom shields or bars 111a, 111b such that rotary shaker 130 extends partially through bottom opening 119 (see FIG. 1A).

The agitator body 131 can be solid, hollow or partially solid/hollow. The shaker body 131 may also include wheel weights to balance the rotating shaker 130 when driving. An example of wheel weights (not shown) may include screws threaded into the body 131. It may not be necessary to weigh a hollow agitator body.

A rotary stirrer or rotary brush may also include other types of stirrer patterns and/or stirrer elements including, but not limited to, cloth material (for example, knit, felt, or polyester), rubber material, and bristles of varying thickness and thickness. / or materials. Rotary shakers with different shaker patterns and/or shaker elements can be used for different surfaces, functions and/or applications. A rotary shaker with stiffer bristles can be used, for example, for carpets and/or deep cleaning. A rotary shaker with softer bristles or cloth can be used, for example, for hardwood floors and/or quick delicate cleaning. Therefore, different rotating brushes having different stirring characteristics can be easily interchanged on one head. cleaner with an openable agitator chamber, according to the embodiments described herein, to increase the functionality and improve the performance of the vacuum cleaner.

As shown in Figures 5A-5C, another embodiment of a rotary shaker 530 includes shaker elements 536 arranged in helical patterns 535 extending from one end to the other end of the shaker body 531. In this embodiment, the shaker elements stirrer 536 include bristles that extend in a substantially continuous row with two gaps or spaces 539a, 539b to accommodate lower shields or bars 111a, 111b so that rotating stirrer 530 extends partially through bottom opening 119 when placed in the shaker chamber 120 shown in Figure 1A.

In this embodiment, stirrer elements 536 may also be different, for example, bristles of a different material, thickness, and/or height compared to stirrer elements 136 on stirrer 130. In one example, stirrer 130 shown in Figures 4A-4C may include stiffer nylon bristles for carpet surfaces or deep cleaning applications and the agitator 530 shown in Figures 5A-5C may include softer nylon bristles for hard surfaces or delicate applications. The stiffer nylon bristles of the rotating carpet brush agitator 130 can be coarser (for example, 0.23 ± 0.02 mm diameter) and shorter (for example, a height from the agitator body 131). rotating brush diameter 8.0 ± 0.6 mm). The softer nylon bristles of the hard surface rotary brush stirrer 530 can be finer (for example, 0.04 ± 0.02 mm diameter) and longer (for example, height from the stirrer body 531). rotary brush diameter 13 ± 0.2 mm). When the rotary brush stirrer 530 has longer bristles, the diameter of the rotary brush stirrer body 531 can be smaller so that the entire outer diameter can fit into the stirrer chamber. In the example embodiment, the rotary brush stirrer 130 with thicker, shorter bristles has an overall outside diameter of approximately 54 ± 0.3 mm and the rotary brush stirrer 530 with thinner, longer bristles has a total outside diameter of approximately 54 ± 0.3 mm. about 55 ± 0.4mm.

According to another embodiment, a rotary shaker 530', shown in FIG. 5D, may include cloth material 536' wrapped around at least a portion of a shaker body 531'. Fabric material 536' may include, for example, a felt material. This embodiment of the rotary shaker may also be suitable for hard surfaces and/or delicate applications. A rotary stirrer can include any combination of stirrer elements, such as a soft stirrer element (for example, a cloth material or soft bristles/brush) and a relatively rigid stirrer element (for example, a rubber blade). or stiff bristles/brush) .

In further embodiments, a surface cleaning head 100 with an openable agitator chamber 120 may be configured to receive non-rotating and non-powered agitators in addition to rotating powered agitators. An undriven agitator is configured to engage each side of agitator chamber 120 without engaging drive mechanism 150 on the driven side of the chamber, as will be described in greater detail below. The non-powered agitator is also configured to mate with the dirty air inlet 143 to allow air flow through the non-powered agitator to the air handling and conveying system 140. A non-powered agitator may be suitable for flat, hard surfaces such as hardwood floors or other surfaces or conditions where a rotary shaker may not be desirable.

An embodiment of a non-powered shaker 630 is shown in Figures 6A-6D. In this embodiment the non-powered shaker 630 includes a shaker body 631 that includes a bottom with a pad support member 633 that supports one or more pads. cleaning 635a-635c. The agitator body 631 may be a single casting or may be assembled from two or more castings that are joined together, such as by screws or other joining methods. As shown, cleaning pads 635a-635c extend generally the length of the non-driven agitator 630 with gaps or spaces 639a, 639b to accommodate lower guards or bars through the lower opening of the agitator chamber in the head. surface cleaning. Although the illustrated embodiment shows three cleaning pads 635a-635c, other numbers of cleaning pads may be used.

Cleaning pads 635a-635c may include textile or cloth pads, such as felt pads or other sheets or pads having a wool or pile suitable for cleaning a surface. Cleaning pads 635a-635c may also include brush pads that have bristles extending therefrom. Like the rotating brushes described above, different non-powered agitators may have different types of cleaning pads for different cleaning applications, such as stiff bristle brush pads and soft bristle brush pads. In one example, a soft bristle brush pad may have finer nylon bristles (eg, 0.04 ± 0.02 mm diameter).

Cleaning pad(s) 635a-635c may also be removably attached to lower support member 633, for example, using hook and loop fasteners such as VELCRO® or other attachment methods. Other attachment mechanisms, such as clips, may be used. Therefore, different cleaning pads with different textures can be attached to the non-driven agitator 630 for use in different applications. Removable cleaning pads or blades can also be attached to other locations on the agitator body 631, for example, the blades or pads can be wrapped around the pad support member 633 and attached to the top of the body. of agitator 631. Combinations of different types of cleaning pads can also be used at the same time or at different times to provide different cleaning characteristics. The cleaning pads can also be reusable or disposable. In other embodiments, non-powered agitator 630 may include permanent cleaning or abrasive material adhered thereto to provide cleaning or scouring, in addition to, or instead of, removable cleaning pads or sheets.

In this embodiment of the non-powered agitator 630, the agitator body 631 also defines one or more air inlets 636a, 636b, an air outlet 638, and an air path between them such that the inlet(s) 636a , 636b are in fluid communication with outlet 638. Air inlets 636a, 636b are elongated and extend along at least a portion of pad support member 633 adjacent the pad(s). s) cleaning 635a-635c. Although the illustrated embodiment shows cleaning pad(s) 635a-635c on one side of air inlets 636a, 636b, cleaning pads 635a-635c can be located on both sides of air inlets 636a, 636b. . Air is directed from air inlets 636a, 636b along the air path (as indicated by arrows) to air outlet 638. When non-driven agitator 630 is placed in agitator chamber 120 (Fig. 3), the air outlet 638 is coupled in fluid communication with the dirty air inlet 143 and the air inlets 636a, 636b are located in the lower opening of the agitator chamber 120 in such a way that the conveying system and Air treatment 140 causes air to be drawn in through air inlets 636a, 636b and air outlet 638. Non-driven agitator 630 thus facilitates airflow through the surface cleaning head while simultaneously Provides a non-rotating cleaning pad.

Air outlet 638 may include a gasket 639 around its perimeter to provide a seal between air outlet 638 and dirty air inlet. Seal 639 may be made of an elastomeric or other suitable sealing material and may be of any known configuration, such as a lip seal or a face seal, capable of forming a seal against a flat face. Alternatively, air outlet 638 may be configured to fit a gasket around the dirty air inlet into the agitator chamber.

The illustrated embodiment of the non-driven agitator 630 also includes one or more projections 637 on the bottom of the agitator body 631. The projections 637 are configured to be received in associated slots in the agitator chamber, as will be described in greater detail below. . These projections 637 are generally spaced along the bottom of the body 631 on the other side of the air inlets 636a, 636b. Non-driven agitator 630 may also include at least one wing 631a extending from at least one end of agitator body 631 (FIG. 6A). Wing 631a is configured to be positioned under a drive element in the agitator chamber, as will be described in greater detail below.

Referring to Figures 7-9, an embodiment of a surface cleaning head 700 with a rotating outer cover 722 is described in greater detail. In this embodiment, the surface cleaning head 700 includes a cleaning head housing 710. including an agitator chamber 720 and pivoting outer cover 722 hingedly coupled 723 to a front portion 712 of cleaning head housing 710. Pivoting outer cover 722 pivots on hinge 723 between a closed position (not shown) and an open position (shown). If the pivoting outer cover 722 includes lights, the wiring (not shown) for the lights can pass through hinge 723. In this embodiment, the pivoting outer cover 722 pivots forward relative to the housing 710 to open the camera. stirrer 720 (FIG. 9). In the open position, stirrer chamber 720 is accessible and the stirrer can be removed from stirrer chamber 720 as shown. This embodiment of the surface cleaning head 700 can also be used with a non-removable rotary agitator, so that the external rotary cover 722 is simply opened to remove debris that has accumulated on the rotary agitator. Rotating outer cover 722 may also include a transparent window 724 extending through a central region of (FIG. 8) for viewing agitator chamber 720 when the cover is in the closed position.

A sealing element 725 may also be located between the rotating outer cover 722 and the cleaning head housing 710 and around the perimeter of the agitator chamber 720. Thus, a removable agitator (not shown) may be mounted on the agitator chamber 720 within sealing element 725. In the illustrated embodiment, rotating outer cover 722 includes sealing element 725 that extends around an inner perimeter of cover 722. In the closed position, sealing element 725 seals against cleaning head housing 710 around the perimeter of chamber 720. Sealing element 725 is capable of forming a substantially air-tight seal at the interface between cover 722 and cleaning head housing 710 with a substantially equal pressure around the perimeter of chamber 720 to prevent air and/or debris from passing through.

Sealing element 725 may be made of an elastomeric or other suitable sealing material and may have any known configuration capable of forming a seal against a flat face or rib. A lip seal or face seal may be used, for example, on the pivotable outer cover 722 to facilitate alignment and sealing when the cover is pivoted to the closed position. In other embodiments, sealing element 725 may be provided on cleaning head housing 710.

Surface cleaning head 700 may also include a latch mechanism to secure rotating outer cover 720 in the closed position. The latch mechanism may provide multiple points of engagement around the perimeter between outer cover 720 and cleaning head housing 710 such that sealing element 725 engages with substantially equal pressure around the perimeter of chamber 720.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rotating outer cover 722 includes latch mechanisms 770a, 770b on one side hinge 723. Latch mechanisms 770a, 770b may include slide actuators 772a, 772b with hooks 774a, 774b that releasably engage slots 776a, 776b in cleaning head housing 710. Each of the Latch mechanisms 770a, 770b include two hooks 774a, 774b to provide four separate attachment points between cover 720 and housing 710.

Slide actuators 772a, 772b translate in a transverse direction between a locked position and an unlocked position. Slide actuators 772a, 772b may be biased toward the latched position, for example, by springs (not shown). Slide actuators 772a, 772b are operatively engaged with release latches 726a, 726b to move slide actuators 772a, 772b against spring bias, thereby releasing hooks 774a, 774b from slots 776a, 776b (as indicated by arrows in figure 8). In other embodiments, latch mechanisms 770a, 770b may be located on cleaning head housing 110 and slots 776a, 776b may be located on outer cover 722. Although two latch mechanisms and four hooks are shown, they may also be used. other quantities of latch mechanisms and hooks.

Referring to Figure 10, this embodiment of surface cleaning head 700 may receive a removable rotary agitator 730 that is driven by drive mechanism 750. In this embodiment, drive mechanism 750 axially engages a driven end 732 of the agitator. rotatable 730 on a driven side of an agitator chamber 720 and a non-driven end 734 of the rotatable agitator 730 is mounted for free rotation on a non-driven side of the agitator chamber 720. Both the driven end 732 and the non-driven end 734 of the removable rotary shaker 730 are mounted to the shaker chamber 720 in a manner that allows the shaker 730 to be removed when the outer cover 722 is in an open position.

In this embodiment, outer cover 722 is configured to secure removable rotary shaker 730 in shaker chamber 720. 730. In other embodiments, an agitator coupling member 739 may be movably mounted to the surface cleaning head housing 710 to move and engage the non-driven end 734 of the detachable rotating agitator 730. agitator 739 is shown schematically, but may be in the form of a clip, slide, or latch and can slide and/or pivot into and out of engagement with agitator 130.

Although this embodiment shows a rotatable outer cover 722 similar to that shown and described above, the removable rotatable shaker 730 in this embodiment can also be used with other types of openable outer covers.

Surface cleaning head 700 may also include an off switch that stops power to drive mechanism 750 when rotating outer cover 722 is in the open position. A kill switch driver 721 is located at a point along the perimeter of the shaker chamber 720 to activate the kill switch when rotating outer cover 722 is opened. In the example embodiment, the kill switch driver 721 biases to an open position which opens the kill switch. When rotating outer cover 722 is in the closed position, cover 722 engages kill switch actuator 721 to close the kill switch, allowing drive 750 to receive power. When rotating outer cover 722 is moved to the open position, actuator 721 is moved to the forced open position to open the kill switch, stopping power to drive mechanism 750. In one embodiment, kill switch actuator 721 can be recessed to prevent it from being actuated by a user, and may be propelled by a protrusion (eg, a small rod) extending from cover 722. Pusher 721 may also be in other locations and may be actuated in other ways.

In accordance with this embodiment of surface cleaning head 700, agitator chamber 720 is also configured to receive non-powered agitators, for example, as described above. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the non-driven agitator 630 described above can be placed within the agitator chamber 720 without engaging the drive mechanism 750. In this embodiment, the wing 631a at the end 632 of the agitator body 631 slides under a drive member 770 of the drive mechanism 750 and provides sufficient clearance for the drive member 770 to rotate without contacting the agitator 630. The bottom of the agitator body 631 has a width corresponding to the width of a bottom opening of agitator chamber 720 (see Figure 11).

When the non-powered agitator 630 is placed inside the agitator chamber 720, the air outlet 638 connects with a dirty air inlet 743 on the surface cleaning head 700 (see figures 7A, 8 and 11) and the Projections 637 on the bottom of agitator body 631 are received in slots 713 along one side of agitator chamber 720 (see Figures 8 and 12). Due to the resiliency of the gasket 639 around the air outlet 638, the projections 637 can fit firmly within the grooves 713 so that the non-driven agitator 630 snaps into place within the agitator chamber 720. The elastic gasket 639 applies a force thus holding the non-driven agitator 630 in place. When properly seated within the agitator chamber 720, the slots 713 receive the bosses 637 with a friction fit, the spaces 639a, 639b in the bottom of the agitator body 631 receive the lower guards or bars 711a, 711b which are extend through the bottom opening of the agitator chamber 720 and cleaning pad(s) 635a-635c extend(s) through the bottom opening of the agitator chamber 720 (see Figure 12) .

As shown in greater detail in Figures 13 and 14, the drive mechanism 750 includes a motor 752, a rotation transfer mechanism 754, and a splined drive element 770. In this embodiment, the rotation transfer mechanism 754 includes a belt 755 frictionally engaging a drive wheel 753 coupled to the motor output 752 and frictionally engaging a drive wheel 755 coupled to the splined drive member 770. The drive mechanism 750 may be capable of rotating the agitator 730 at low speeds of 700 ± 100 RPM and high speeds of 3500 ± 500 RPM. In other embodiments, other rotational transfer mechanisms may be used including, but not limited to, a gear train or direct drive coupling between the motor and the splined drive member. In other embodiments, a motor may be located internally within the rotary shaker. In additional embodiments, the drive mechanism may include other mechanisms capable of imparting rotation to the rotary agitator including, without limitation, an air-driven turbine.

As shown in greater detail in Figure 15, driven end 732 of removable rotary agitator 730 includes a splined driven element 780 configured to axially engage splined drive element 770. Splined drive element 770 and splined driven element 780 thus form a splined coupling or joint that transmits rotation and torque without using a belt. Slotted drive member 770 and slotted driven member 780 have slotted teeth 772, 782 oriented radially with respect to an axis of rotation of the agitator. The splined teeth 772, 782 have corresponding shapes and spaces 778, 788 between the splined teeth 772, 782 such that the splined teeth 772, 782 mesh when the elements 770, 780 engage axially, as shown in Figure 16.

The illustrated embodiment shows the grooved drive element 770 with external grooves and the grooved driven element 780 with internal grooves. In other embodiments, the splined drive member 770 may include the internal splines and the splined driven member 780 may include the external splines.

In the illustrated embodiment, splined teeth 772, 782 on splined driver element 770 and splined driven element 780 are generally wedge-shaped with a radially outer portion 771, 781 that is wider than a radially inner portion 773, 783 (see figure 16). The splined teeth 772, 782 also have conical sidewalls 774, 775, 784, 785 that taper outwardly from the radial faces 776, 786 of the splined teeth 772, 782. As shown in Figure 17, the splined teeth 782 on the splined driven element 780 also have a tapered or chamfered radial face 786 that tapers inward (i.e., toward the non-driven end of the agitator) and forms an acute angle with respect to a radial line 708 in a range of about 30° to 60°. The splined teeth 772 on the splined driver element 770 may have a tapered or chamfered axial face 777 that tapers inwardly toward the axis of rotation.

The shape and configuration of the spline teeth 772, 782 in the illustrated embodiment provide self-alignment and facilitate engagement of the spline 780 with the spline 770. The spline 770 and spline 780 can engage in a number of different angular positions and therefore do not require precise angular alignment for engagement. The shape and configuration of the splined teeth 772, 782 in the illustrated embodiment can also reduce or eliminate backlash when the splined drive member 770 actuates the splined drive member 780.

One or both of the knurled pusher element 780 and the knurled pusher element 770 may also be made of an elastomeric material, such as a thermoplastic rubber having a higher hardness (eg, 90 or greater). The elastomeric material may facilitate engagement of the splined teeth 772, 782 and may provide vibration reduction or isolation when the splined drive member 770 drives the splined drive member 780. Thus, the drive mechanism 750 may rotate the agitator 730 at Higher RPM with reduced vibrations.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the splined drive elements 770 and splined driven element 780 have six (6) splined teeth 772, 782 arranged in a star configuration about an axis of rotation. The six splined teeth are capable of withstanding the desired driving forces and torques while facilitating alignment and preventing backlash; however, other numbers of fluted teeth may be possible. Other shapes and configurations of splined teeth on splined driver element 770 and splined driven element 780 may also be possible. In addition, other couplings or mechanisms may also be used to axially couple rotating shafts to transmit torque and rotation, including, but not limited to , a dog clutch, a slip clutch, a Hirth joint and a Curvic coupling.

As shown in greater detail in Figure 18, the non-driven end 734 of this embodiment of the removable rotary shaker 730 includes an end cap 790 secured to a bushing 792 that is rotatably mounted on a shaft 791. Shaft 791 is fixed within and extends from agitator body 731. End cap 790 is configured to be supported within agitator chamber 720 and to secure bushing 792 such that shaft 791 rotates within bushing 792 and rotary agitator 730 rotates around its axis of rotation. In this embodiment, end cap 790 is removably attached to bushing 792 with a friction fit, but end cap 790 may also be attached to bushing 792. In other embodiments, bushing 792 may be configured to mount directly within the chamber. 720 shaker without end cap. Various other configurations may also be used to rotatably support the non-driven end 734 of the rotary agitator 730 within the shaker chamber 720.

As shown in greater detail in Figures 19 and 20, the end cap 790 includes a tab 796 that is shaped to be easily grasped in order to remove the non-driven end 734 of the agitator 730 from the agitator chamber 720. The end cap 790 also includes one or more stabilizer structures 793, 795, 797 that mate with coupling structures within the agitator chamber to prevent end cap 790 from rotating so that bushing 792 remains stationary, allowing the shaft to 791 rotates freely within bushing 792 when the rotary agitator is driven at driven end 732. This embodiment of end cap 790 also includes an elastomeric pad 799 that mates with mating structure 728 on outer cover 722 when the end cap is closed. closed to secure agitator 730 in agitator chamber 720. End cap 790 further includes elastomeric ring 798 for frictional engagement bushing 792. Elastomeric pad 799 and elastomeric ring 798 may advantageously prevent or isolate vibrations when agitator 730 is rotating in agitator chamber 720 and both may be molded together from the same rubber material. End cap 790 may further include a washer 794 (for example, a felt washer) that contacts an end surface 736 of agitator body 731 to keep debris away from bearing 792.

Referring to Figures 21-23, the engagement of end cap 790 with agitator chamber 720 is described in greater detail. On the non-driven side, chamber 720 includes mounting rails 727a, 727b defining a recessed region 729. which receives an end cap end portion 790. The end cap end portion 790 can slide between mounting rails 727a, 727b as shown in Fig. 22. As shown in Fig. 23, stabilizer structures 793, 795, 797 mate with corresponding structures on mounting rails 727a, 727b, and mating structure 728 within cover 722 mates with elastomeric pad 799. Thus, end cap 790 and bushing 792 remain stationary when rotates agitator 730. Additionally or alternatively, cover 722 may engage other portions of end cap 790 (e.g., tab 796) to hold end cap 790 in chamber 720. In this embodiment, stabilizer structures 793, 795, 797 have a particular configuration designed or keyed to mate with mounting rails 727a, 727b (see Figure 23) in a particular orientation so that end cap 790 is correctly positioned to mate with cover 722.

To mount rotary agitator 730 within agitator chamber 720, driven end 732 is angled in chamber 720 to engage splined drive member 770 with splined driven member 780 (see FIG. 16). End cap 790 can then be used to lower non-driven end 734 of agitator 730 into chamber 720 until end cap 790 fits between mounting rails 727a, 727b (see Figure 22). When stirrer 730 is properly seated within chamber 720, outer cover 722 can be closed to cover chamber 720 and secure swivel stirrer 730 within chamber 720. To remove swivel stirrer 730, the user can grasp tab 796 in order to slide end cap 790 out from between mounting rails 727a, 727b and thereby lift non-driven end 734 out of chamber 720. The user may continue to lift agitator 730 until the splined drive member 770 and splined driven member 780 are disengaged. The user can then clean the stirrer 730 and/or insert another type of stirrer.

Referring to FIG. 24, a stick vacuum surface cleaning head 2400 may include an openable agitator chamber covered by an outer cover 2422 and containing a removable agitator. The outer cover 2422 and the openable chamber and removable agitator located on the surface cleaning head 2400 may be implemented in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein.

Referring to FIG. 25, an upright vacuum cleaner surface cleaning head 2500 may include an openable agitator chamber covered by an outer cover 2522 and containing a removable agitator. The outer cover 2522 and the openable chamber and removable agitator located on the surface cleaning head 2500 may be implemented in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein.

A movable outer cover can also have other configurations, for example, as shown in figures 26-29. Figure 26 shows another embodiment of a surface cleaning head 2600 with a rotating outer cover 2622 that rotates rearward relative to the cleaning head housing 2610 to the open position. Figure 27 shows another embodiment of a surface cleaning head 2700 with a multi-piece rotatable outer cover including a cover portion 2722a that pivots forward and another cover portion 2722b that pivots rearward relative to the head housing. 2710. Figure 28 shows yet another embodiment of a surface cleaning head 2800 with a sliding outer cover 2822 that slides or rolls in a longitudinal direction relative to the cleaning head housing 2810, for example, similar to a garage door. Figure 29 shows another embodiment of a surface cleaning head 2900 with a sliding outer cover 2922 that slides laterally relative to the cleaning head housing 2910.

In any of these embodiments, the outer shell may be latched, for example, using a latch-latch mechanism as described above or any other latch mechanism. In any of these embodiments, the outer shell can be sealed, for example, using a sealing element as described above or any other sealing element. In each of these embodiments, the outer cover is movable between open and closed positions while remaining engaged with the surface cleaning head housing. In other embodiments, the outer cover can be completely removed from the head housing. surface cleaning. Other variations and locations for the outer shell are also within the scope of this disclosure.

Accordingly, a surface cleaning head, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, includes an openable agitator chamber to facilitate inspection, cleaning, maintenance, and/or replacement of an agitator in the surface cleaning head. The removable agitator may include a rotating powered agitator that engages a drive mechanism in the agitator chamber or a non-rotating, non-driven agitator that is received within the agitator without engaging the drive mechanism.

While the principles of the invention have been described herein, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made by way of example only and not as a limitation on the scope of the invention. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. One skilled in the art will appreciate that a surface cleaning apparatus may incorporate any one or more of the features contained herein and that the features may be used in any particular combination or sub-combination. Modifications and substitutions by one skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not limited except by the following claims.

Claims (6)

1. A surface cleaning head for a vacuum cleaner (100, 700, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, 2800, 2900), the surface cleaning head comprising: a cleaning head housing (110, 710) having a front end portion (112), a rear end portion (114), laterally disposed sides (113, 115), an upper portion (116), and a lower portion (118). ), in which the upper part extends over the lower part of the cleaning head housing; an agitator chamber (120, 720) located at the front end portion (112) of the cleaning head housing (110, 710), the agitator chamber having a top opening (117) through the top (116 ) of the cleaning head housing and a bottom opening (119) through the bottom (118) of the cleaning head housing, and wherein the agitator chamber includes a non-driven side and a driven side; an agitator drive mechanism (150, 750) including a drive member on the driven side of the agitator chamber and an agitator drive motor (752) coupled with the drive member, wherein the drive mechanism is enclosed within the cleaning head housing; an outer cover (122, 722, 2422, 2522, 2622, 2722, 2822, 2922) mounted to the cleaning head housing to cover the top opening of the agitator chamber, the outer cover being movable between a closed position and a closed position. open position, in which the agitator chamber (120, 720) is covered when the outer cover is in the closed position and accessible through the top opening when the outer cover is in the open position, and in which the part upper part of the cleaning head housing remains on the lower part of the cleaning head housing when the outer cover is moved to the open position; Y a rotary driven stirrer (130, 730) removably mounted within the stirrer chamber so that the stirrer is configured to contact a surface through the bottom opening (119), wherein the stirrer is accessible and removable through the top opening (177) when the outer cover is in the open position, wherein the rotary driven agitator includes a non-driven end (134, 754) mounted on the non-driven side of the agitator chamber so that the agitator rotates freely at the non-driven end and a driven end (132, 732) including a driven element, wherein the driven element is axially conjugated and engages the driving element of the driving mechanism such that the driving element transmits torque and rotation to the driven element and the rotating driven agitator, wherein the rotating driven agitator comprises: a shaft (791) extending from the non-driven end of the agitator body; a bushing (792) rotatably mounted on the shaft; Y an end cap (790) mounted to the socket and configured to be non-rotatably mounted to a surface cleaning head agitator chamber, wherein the end cap includes a radially extending tab (796) configured to be grasped by a user in order to facilitate removal and insert the non-driven end into a shaker chamber. 2. The surface cleaning head of claim 1, wherein the motor (752) is coupled to the drive member via a belt. 3. The surface cleaning head of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the outer cover (722) engages the non-driven end (734) of the agitator (730) in the closed position to maintain the agitator in the agitator chamber (720) and wherein the outer cover disengages from the non-driven end of the agitator when it is moved to the open position. 4. The surface cleaning head of any of claims 1-3, further comprising an agitator coupling member (729) movably mounted to the cleaning head housing to move and engage the non-driven end ( 734) of the rotary driven stirrer (730) to hold the stirrer in the stirrer chamber (720). 5. The surface cleaning head of any of claims 1-4, wherein the rotary agitator: (i) is a rotating brush including bristles (136) extending substantially radially from the agitator body (131,531); either (ii) includes a fabric material (536) that covers at least a portion of the agitator body (531). 6. The surface cleaning head of claim 1, wherein the end cap: (i) is removably mounted to the bushing with a friction fit; me (ii) includes an elastomeric pad (799) for engaging a mating structure on an outer shell in a closed position on the surface cleaning head; me (iii) includes stabilizer structures (793, 795, 797) configured to mate with corresponding structures in the agitator chamber.