GB2409710A

GB2409710A - A bearing assembly for the brush unit of a vacuum cleaner

Info

Publication number: GB2409710A
Application number: GB0427016A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Byung-Jo Lee
Original assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co Ltd
Current assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Priority date: 2003-12-30
Filing date: 2004-12-09
Publication date: 2005-07-06
Anticipated expiration: 2024-12-09
Also published as: GB0427016D0; US20050138765A1; AU2004237868A1; GB2409710B; AU2004237868B2

Abstract

A bearing assembly for the brush unit of a vacuum cleaner comprises, a pair of bearing holders 220, a pair of bearings 230, a shaft 240, a pair of end-caps 250 and a pair of pressing rings 260. Each bearing holder 220 is connected to, or integrally formed with, a respective end of the brush body 210. The bearings 230 have an inner race 231 and an outer race 232. The shaft 240 penetrates each of the inner races 231 of the bearings 230, and is connected to the end-caps 250. Each pressing ring 260 is interposed between its bearing holder 220 and its bearing 230 to prevent rotation of the outer race 231 of that bearing. Accordingly, when the brush body 210 rotates, the bearing holders 220 are not damaged by frictional contact with the bearings 230. The pressing ring 260 preferably includes a radially inwardly extending protrusion (262, fig 5) and at least one fixing protrusion (263, fig 5) which extends radially outwardly, thus contacting the bearing holder 220.

Description

N 2409710 Brush Unit for a Vacuum Cleaner This invention relates to a

vacuum cleaner, and in particular to a brush unit for a vacuum cleaner.

A conventional vacuum cleaner draws in dust and foreign substances (hereinafter referred to as "dust") horn a surface to be cleaned using a vacuum generated by an internal motor.

Vacuum cleaners can largely be classed into upright, canister, and stick vacuum cleaners, according to their structure and general appearance.

Figure I shows a conventional upright vacuum cleaner having a cleaner body 10 provided with a dust-collecting chamber lOa and a motor drive chamber (not shown), and a nozzle unit 20 connected to a lower part of the cleaner body. The dust-collecting chamber lOa is m fund communication with the motor drive chamber and the nozzle unit 20, and contains a dust bag that filters out the dust from the air that is drawn into the nozzle unit 20 via a suction port 20a. motor 40 is mounted inside the motor drive chamber to generate a vacuum. When the motor 40 (shown in phantom lines) is driven, a vacuum is generated in the dust-collecting chamber lOa, and dust-carrying air is drawn into the dust bag through the suction port 20a. Then, the air flows out of the dust bag, while the dust is collected therein. The cleaned air is discharged to a discharge unit Ill, after passing through the motor drive chamber.

A housing 21 ol the nozzle unit 20 houses a brush unit 100 above the suction port 20a. The brush unit l OO agitates the surface to be cleaned, and loosens dust embedded in that surface.

The brush unit 100 is rotated by the motor 40, or by a turbine apparatus mounted In the nozzle unit 20.

Referring to Figure 2, the brush unit 100 comprises a drum body 110 mounted on a shaft 140, a respective bearing holder 120, bearing 130, and end-cap ISO being provided at each end of the drum body 110. A spiral brush 111 Is attached to the outer circumference of'the drum body 110, and a drive belt 30 (see Figure 1) is connected adjacent to one side of the outer circumference of the drum body. The bearing holders 120 are securely inserted, one in each end of the drum body 110, and a respective washer 160 is inserted into each bearing holder. Each bearing 130 comprises a respective outer race 131 and a respective inner race 132. The shai't 140 penetrates through the centre of the drum body 110 so that the ends thereof are inserted into the inner races 132 ot'the bearings 13(). '-the end-caps I SO are connected, one to each of the ends of the drum body 110. Each end cap ISO is provided with a central shaft-receiving hole ISOa t'or engagement with a respective end of the shaft 140.

As shown in Figure 3, each end-cap ISO is connected to the housing 21, and the shat't 140 extends through the respective inner race 132, and Is connected to an end of that end-cap.

As a result, the end-caps ISO, the shaft 140 and the inner races 132, in combination, form a stationary assembly which is fixed relative to the housing 21. The outer races 131, the bearing holders 120 and the drum body 110, in combination, form a rotatable assembly.

The washers 160, which are inserted between the bearing holders 120 and the axial surfaces of the bearings 130, secure the outer races 131 of the bearings 130 to the bearing holders 120. Therefore, when the drive belt 30 Is driven to rotate the drum body 110, the combination of the drum body, the bearing holders 120 and the outer races 131 all rotate with respect to the shaft 140.

However, with this conventional brush unit 100, the outer races 131 of the bearings 130 can rotate within their seats in the bearing holders 120, or can rotate together with the bearing horders 120, due to vibration caused by the rotation of the drum body 110.

Therefore, frictional heat may be generated between bearing holders 120 and the outer races 13 1. When used for an extended period of time, the bearing holders 120, which may be made of a plastics material or other similar materials, become worn out, and may be damaged by the heat. Furthermore, the drum body 110 may vibrate due to eccentric motion when rotating. Thus, what is needed is a mechanism that will retain stationary the parts that should be stationary.

An aim of the invention is to provide a brush unit for a vacuum cleaner, which brush unit does not cause damage to its bearing holders, by preventing the outer races of bearings inserted into the bearing holders from rotating.

The present invention provides a brush unit for a vacuum cleaner, the brush unit comprising: a drun1 body provided with a brush disposed on the circumference thereof; a bearing holder mounted at one end of the drum body; a bearing mounted in the bearing holder, the bearing comprising an outer race and an mner race; a shaft inserted into the inner race of the bearing; an end-cap connected to, and supporting an end of, the shaft; and a pressing ring interposed between the bearing holder and the bearing.

In a preferred embodiment, the bearing holder is integrally formed with the drum body.

This reduces the number of component parts, and reduces manufacturing costs.

Preferably, the pressing ring comprises: a collar; and at least one protrusion formed on the collar.

The or each protrusion may protrude inwardly from the inner surface of the collar.

Advantageously, the brush unit further comprises at least one fixing protrusion extending outwardly from one circumferential edge of the collar.

The pressing ring is preferably made of stamless steel.

Prel'erably, the bearing holder is provided with a fixing rib which is m tight contact with the outer race of the bearing.

Advantageously, the brush unit further comprises a locking groove formed inside said end of the drum body, a corresponding locking protrusion being formed on the outer circuml'erence of the bearing holder for insertion into the locking groove. s

Conveniently, the brush is constituted by a plurality of bristle tufts.

In a preferred embodiment, a respective bearing holder is provided at each end of the drum body, a respective bearing, a respective shaft, a respective end-cap and a respective pressing ring being associated with each bearing holder.

The invention also provides a cleaner body having a vacuum generating device for generating a suction force, and a dust-collecting chamber for collecting dust, a nozzle unit having a suction port connected to the dust-collecting chamber, and a brush unit rotatably mounted in the nozzle unit, wherein the brush unit is as defined above.

The drum rotation body and the bearing holder may be integrated to save the number of component parts and manufacturing processes.

The invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure I is a perspective view of a conventional upright vacuum cleaner; figure 2 is a perspective, exploded view of the brush unit of the cleaner of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a sectional view of the brush unit of Figure 2 in an assembled state; Figure 4 is a perspective, exploded view of a first form of brush unit according to the present invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a fixing ring of the brush unit of Figure 4; Figure 6 Is a sectional view of the brush unit of Figure 4 in an assembled state; Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a second form of brush unit constructed according to the invention; and Figure 8 is a sectional view of the brush unit of Figure 7 in an assembled state.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 4 shows a brush unit 200 having a brush body 210 mounted on a shaft 240, a respective bearing holder 220, bearing 230, end-cap 250 and pressing ring 260 being provided at each end of the body. Figure 4 shows only one each of bearing holder 220, the bearing 230, the end-cap 250 and the pressing ring 260. IIowever.

it will be understood that these elements are provided in pairs at both ends of the brush body 210. It will be understood, therefore, that a mirror image of the connection structure illustrated and described is disposed at the other end of the bnsl1 body 210.

The brush body 210 Is provided with a brush 211 constituted by one or more spirally disposed rows of bristle tufts 211, the tufts bemg connected along an outer surface of the brush body to loosen and dislodge dust on a surface to be cleaned. At least one locking groove 212 is provided on the inner surface of each cud of the brush body 210. Preferably, a plurality of equispaced locking grooves 212 is provided, as shown in Figure 4. An annular belt-receiving groove 213 is formed at one end region of the brush body 210. The belt-receiving groove 213 is used for engagement with the drive belt (not shown, but similar to the belt 30 of Figure 1) for transmitting a rotational drive force to the brush body 210.

Each bearing holder 220 has a plurality of equispaced locking protrusions 221 for engagement with the locking grooves 212 of the brush body 210. Each bearing 230 includes an outer race 231 and an inner race 232, and is mounted in the associated bearing holder 220, which Is connected to an end of the brush body 210. A respective fixing rib 222 (see Figure 6) is provided inside each bearing holder 220, each fixing rib being in tight contact with the associated bearing 230 so as to prevent relative axial motion between that bearing holder and the outer race 231 of that bearing. Each fixing rib 222 tightly contacts the outer race 231 of the respective bearing 230, thereby reinforcing engagement between the associated bearing holder 220 and that outer race.

The shaft 240 is mounted in the brush body 210 so that each end thereof protrudes beyond the adjacent end ol the brush body. A first knurled portion 241 is formed at each end of the shaft 240. The shaft 240 is forcibly inserted into the inner races 232 of the bearings 230 to form an interference fit therebetween as shown in Figure 6, the ends of the shaft protruding from the inner races 232 for connection to the end-caps 250.

Each end-cap 250 covers the adjacent end of the brush body 210, and supports the inner race 232 of the respective bearing 230 and the shaft 240. A respective boss 251 (see Figure 6) protrudes inwardly at the centre of each end-cap 250, a respective connection hole 251a (see lTigure 4) being formed in each boss 251. The ends of the shaft 240 are inserted into the connection holes 251a. A respective second knurled portion 252 is provided on the inner surface of each boss 251, the second knurled portions corresponding to the first knurled portions 241 for engagement therewith. When the shaft 240 is inserted into the connection holes 251a, the second knurled portions 252 tightly contact the first knurled portions 241 with an interference fit, thereby fixing the shaft to the end-caps 250. Each boss 251 also tightly contacts the inner race 232 of the respective bearing 230, and retains its relative position as a result of frictional force.

One of the pressing rings 260 is shown in greater detail in Figure 5, and comprises an annular collar 261 formed by curving an elongate metal band, and a plurality of inwardly- extending protrusions 262. The protrusions 262 may be formed by a pressing operation.

The shape of the protrusions 262 can vary, and it is not limited to the form shown in Figure S. A plurality of fixing protrusions 263 are formed on an outer circumferential edge of the collar 261, these protrusions also being formed by a pressing operation. The pressing rings 260 arc preferably made of stainless steel having high strength, and resistance against corrosion that may otherwise result from oil leaking from the bearings 230.

Each pressing ring 260 is interposed between an inner annular surface of the respective bearing holder 220 and the outer race 231 of the respective bearing 230, as shown in Figure 6, that outer race being fixed to that bearing holder. Since the fixmg protrusions 263 of the pressing rings 260 tightly contact the inner circumferences of the bearing holders 230, the pressing rings cannot easily be withdrawn from the bearing holders 220.

Figures 7 and 8 show a modified form of brush unit 300 having a brush body 310 mounted on a shaft 340, a respective bearing holder 320, bearing 230, end-cap 250 and pressing ring 260 being provided at each end of the drum body. As with the embodiment of' Figures 4 to 6 only one of each of these assemblies will be described in detail. Each bearing holder 320 is integrally fonned with the adjacent end of the brush body 310, thereby supporting the outer race 231 of the respective bearing 230. A respective fixing rib 322 (see Figure 8) is provided inside each bearing holder 320, each fixing rib being in tight contact with the associated bearing 230. Each fixing rib 322 tightly contacts the outer race 231 ol' the respective bearing 230, thereby reinforcing engagement between the associated bearing holder 220 and that outer race.

At'ter assembly, the brush unit 200 or 300 is mounted in a housing 21 of the nozzle unit (not shown, but similar to the nozzle unit 20 of Figure 1), with the end- caps 250 fixed to the housing 21, and the brush 211 protruding out of a suction port (not shown, but similar to the suction port 20a of Figure 1) which extends underneath the housing. Because the end-caps 250 arc t'ixed so as to avoid rotation, the shaft 240 and the inner races 232 are also fixed in place. The outer races 231, the bearing holders 220 or 320 and the brush body 210 or 310 together constitute a rotatable assembly, which rotates with respect to the shat't 240.

During operation, a motor (not shown, but similar to the motor 40 of Figure 1) in the cleaner body is driven, thereby generating a vacuum in a dust-collecting chamber of the cleaner.

Additionally, the drum body 210 or 310 is rotated by a drive force applied by the drive belt.

The dust lying on a surface to be cleaned under the suction port is loosened and dislodged by the brush 211 of the brush body 210 or 310, and is then drawn into the suction port.

When the brush body 210 or 310 rotates, the pressing ring 260 between the bearing holders 220 or 320 and the outer races 231 inhibit the relative rotation of the bearing holders 220 or 320 with respect to the outer races. Therefore, the drum body 210 or 310 can rotate in a

stable manner.

As will be apparent, the pressing rings 260 are provided to prevent the bearing holders 220 or 320 and the outer races 231 from rotating relative to each other. As a result, rotation of the brush body 210 or 310 does not cause abrasion or damage to the bearing holders 220 or 320.

Moreover, the drum body 210 or 310 is inhibited from eccentric vibration when rotating.

An additional advantage of the embodiment of Figures 7 and 8 Is that, since the brush body and the bearing holders are integrally formed, the number of component parts and manufacturing processes can be reduced, thereby improving productivity of the brush unit.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made. \

Claims

Claims I. A brush unit for a vacuum cleaner, the brush unit comprising: a

drum body provided with a brush disposed on the circumference thereof; a bearing holder mounted at one end of the drum body; a bearing mounted in the bearing holder, the bearing comprising an outer race and an Inner race; a shaft inserted into the inner race of the bearing; an end-cap connected to, and supporting an end of, the shaft; and a pressing ring interposed between the bearing holder and the bearing.
2. A brush unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bearing holder is integrally formed with the drum body.
3. A brush unit as claimed in claim I or claim 2, wherein the pressing ring comprises: a collar; and at least one protrusion formed on the collar.
4. A brush unit as claimed in claim 3, wherein the or each protrusion protrudes Inwardly from the inner surface of the collar.
5. A brush unit as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, further comprising at least one fixing protrusion extending outwardly from one circumferential edge of the collar.
6. A brush unit as claimed in any one of claims l to 5, wherein the pressing ring is made of stainless steel.
7. A brush unit as claimed in any one of claims I to 6, wherein the bearing holder is provided with a fixing rib which is in tight contact with the outer race of the bearing.
8. A brush unit as claimed in any one of claims I to 7, further comprising a locking groove formed inside said end of the drum body, a corresponding locking protrusion being formed on the outer circumference of the bearing holder for insertion into the locking groove.
9. A brush unit as claimed in any one of claims I to 8, wherem the brush is constituted by a plurality of bustle tufts.
10. A brush unit as claimed in any one of claims I to 9, wherein a respective bearing holder is provided at each end of the drum body, a respective bearing, a respective shaft, a respective end-cap and a respective pressing ring being associated with each bearing holder.
11. A vacuum cleaner comprising a cleaner body havmg a vacuum generating device for generating a suction force, and a dust-collecting chamber for collecting dust, a nozzle unit having a suction port connected to the dust-collecting chamber, and a brush unit rotatably mounted in the nozzle unit, wherein the brush unit is as claimed in any one of claims I to 10.
12. A brush unit for a vacuum cleaner, the brush unit being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated by, Figures 4 to 6 or Figures 7 and 8 of the drawings.
13. A vacuum cleaner substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated by, Figures 1 and 4 to 6 or Figures 1, 7 and 8 of the drawings.