JP4709163B2 - Cleaning tool with reciprocating or rotating brush head - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a hand-held cleaning tool having a brush head that reciprocates or rotates.

  Cleaning at home is a never-ending task. There are many types of sponges and brushes specially designed to clean large open surfaces such as countertops, sinks, and bathtubs, but in gaps, corners, or anywhere else in the house that are difficult to clean There are few means that can be used in certain hard-to-reach places. Conventional sponges and brushes can certainly be used to clean corners and other hard-to-reach areas, but due to the configuration and size of such conventional cleaning tools, they can reach such places. Hateful. Users often need to apply great force with their fingertips to push the cleaning tool into the gap or corner to be cleaned. Such a cleaning process is a laborious task and often causes hand and / or finger cramps.

  This problem is exacerbated by the fact that corners and gaps are generally more soiled, moldy, bathing, and other undesirable things, and are more likely to accumulate. Therefore, extra energy or power is often required to clean such places.

  Conventional toothbrushes are often used to clean these hard to reach areas. The problem with toothbrushes, however, is that the toothbrush is designed specifically to brush the teeth around sensitive gums, so it is generally too soft and does not have an angle suitable to rub hard surfaces widely. Further, since the handle of the toothbrush is thin, if it is rubbed strongly using a toothbrush, hand fatigue and convulsions also occur in this case.

  Therefore, there is a need for an improved cleaning tool that can be used to clean narrow and hard-to-reach areas, is durable, can be used to scrape over a wide area, and can be extremely low in fatigue associated with use. Yes.

  Various embodiments of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention.

  The present invention relates to a cleaning tool having a reciprocating brush head or a rotating brush head. This cleaning device is generally designed for home use for cleaning narrow, hard-to-reach places such as gaps, corners, grooves and cracks. For example, the cleaning tool can be used to clean the corners of a kitchen table or shower room and around a faucet. This cleaning device can also be used to scrape material such as fabrics and carpets. However, the instrument can of course also be used to clean any type of surface for commercial, residential or any other application. However, this cleaning implement is not designed for use as a toothbrush.

  1-3 show one embodiment of a cleaning implement 4 incorporating features of the present invention. The cleaning implement 4 generally comprises a body assembly 5 having a detachable head assembly 6. The head assembly 6 includes a head housing 7 having an upper head housing 22 and a lower head housing 24 coupled thereto. Head housings 22 and 24 each extend between a proximal end 32 and an opposite distal end 34.

  The head assembly 6 further includes a rotatable brush head 14 to which a brush 16 is attached. As described in more detail below, the brush head 14 includes an annular carrier plate 122 having a top surface 124 and an opposite bottom surface 125. FIG. 4 shows a plurality of tuft holes 170 formed on the bottom surface 125. In one embodiment, the tufted holes 170 are circular and the diameter of each hole ranges from about 1 mm to about 4 mm, with about 2 mm to about 3 mm being more common. In the figure, the tufted holes 170 are arranged in the form of concentric rings. Alternatively, the tufted holes 170 can be arranged randomly or in other patterns.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the tuft hole 170 extends from an outer ring 172 to an intermediate ring 174, an inner ring 176, and a central tuft hole 178. As can be seen in FIG. 3, a tuft 180 composed of a plurality of hairs 182 is disposed in each tuft hole 170. The tufts 180 are combined to form the brush 16. The bristles 182 can be made of a variety of different materials of different lengths and diameters. By adjusting the properties of the bristles 182, brushes 16 with different stiffnesses that better fit different usages can be formed. In general, hair having a short length and a large diameter has high rigidity.

  The hair 182 can be made of a variety of different natural or synthetic materials. In one embodiment, the bristles 182 are made of a polymer material such as nylon. In other embodiments, such as for use in cleaning barbecue grills, the bristles 182 may be made of a metal such as brass, stainless steel, or copper. As shown in FIG. 1, each hair is exposed by a length L, which is typically in the range of about 0.3 cm to about 2.5 cm, but about 1 cm to about 2 cm. More general. The brush 16 shown in the figure is comprised of a generally cylindrical cylinder with a maximum diameter D, which is typically in the range of about 1 cm to about 5 cm, with about 1 cm to about 3 cm being common. About 1.5 cm to about 2.5 cm is more common. Larger brush diameters can range from about 3 cm to about 5 cm. In alternative embodiments, the brush 16 can be configured as desired to function for a particular purpose and can be of any desired dimensions, including greater length and diameter. .

  Since the head assembly 6 is detachable from the body assembly 5, it can be appreciated that a variety of different head assemblies 6 can be made, each having a brush 16 of different configuration and / or characteristics. For example, a head assembly 6 can be formed, each having a brush 16 with soft, medium, firm, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the soft bristle is made of a polymeric material, and its diameter ranges from about 0.15 mm to about 0.25 mm, with about 0.18 mm to about 0.23 mm being more common. Medium polymer hair diameters typically range from about 0.30 mm to about 0.48 mm, with about 0.37 mm to about 0.42 mm being more common. Finally, the diameter of the stiff polymer bristles typically ranges from about 0.48 mm to about 0.75 mm, with about 0.52 mm to about 0.58 mm being more common. In comparison, toothbrush bristle diameters are typically less than 0.15 mm so that they are not stiff enough to damage the gums or tooth enamel.

  In one embodiment that combines bristles 182, tuft holes 170 (FIG. 4) in outer ring 172, middle ring 174, and inner ring 176 are filled with medium bristles and central tuft hole 178. Are filled with stiff hairs to form a stop tuft. Stopping tuft hairs are shorter than other hairs. In use, the stiffness of the resting tuft helps to limit the fall of other tufts when the brush is pressed against the surface to be cleaned. This helps to scrape off so that the tip of the hair is mainly used instead of the sides. Different characteristics of the hair can also be defined in relative proportions. For example, in a brush having a stop tress and a cleaning tress, the length of the cleaning tress is at least 20%, or at least 30% longer than the length of the lock tress, The diameter of the tuft hair can be at least 30%, or at least 40% thinner than the diameter of the stopping tuft hair.

  Similarly, in one embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the brush 16 can comprise a group of central tufts 8 surrounded by an outer tuft 9. The outer tuft 9 is slightly longer and softer than the central tuft 8. Thus, when the brush 16 is lightly touched, it is softly rubbed by the outer tuft 9, and when the brush 16 is urged more strongly, the central tuft 8 engages the surface and is thereby rubbed harder. In alternative embodiments, all tufts / hairs can be the same length, diameter, or stiffness, or any combination of length, diameter, and stiffness can be used.

  The body assembly 5 includes a substantially cylindrical body housing 12. The body housing 12 can be circular, oval or any other desired cross section and is dimensioned to fit well in the user's hand. In one embodiment, the maximum diameter of the body housing 12 ranges from about 2.5 cm to about 4.5 cm. Other dimensions can also be used. The main body housing 12 includes an upper main body housing 18 and a lower main body housing 20 coupled thereto. Body housings 18 and 20 also each extend from proximal end 26 to opposite distal end 28. The upper body housing 18 has an opening 21 in which a flexible button 23 is attached (see FIG. 5). An end cap 30 is detachably attached to the proximal end 26 of the body housing 12. It should be noted that the button 23 is positioned on one side of the cleaning tool 4 and the brush 16 protrudes from the other side of the cleaning tool 4. With this configuration, the user can easily operate the button 23 during use of the cleaning tool 4. Furthermore, by configuring in this way, it is possible to press the brush against the surface to be cleaned using the force used to press the button 23 with the thumb of the user.

  The head housing 7, the main body housing 12, and the end cap 30 are combined to form a housing 36. The housing 36 has a generally cylindrical configuration and its length extending between the distal end 34 and the end cap 30 typically ranges from about 15 cm to about 35 cm, but from about 20 cm to about 30 cm. Is more common. Other dimensions can also be used. In alternative embodiments, the housing 36 can have a variety of other configurations. Although the housing 36 may not be perfectly symmetric along its entire length, the housing 36 has a generally central longitudinal axis 38 extending therethrough.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the body housing 12 defines a battery compartment 40, a motor compartment 42, and a shaft compartment 43. A partition 44 is formed between the compartments 40 and 42, and a partition 46 is formed between the compartments 42 and 43. The battery compartment 40 is available through an opening 48 formed at the proximal end 26 of the body housing 12. The opening 48 is selectively closed by the end cap 30. An annular sealing ring 50 provides a liquid tight seal between the body housing 12 and the end cap 30.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cleaning implement 4 further includes a motor assembly 58. The motor assembly 58 includes a motor 60 having a proximal end 62 and an opposite distal end 64 that is attached to the motor compartment 42. From the distal end 64 of the motor 60, the drive shaft 66 projects into the shaft section 43 and terminates at the first joint 68. The first joint 68 terminates at the end face 70. The end surface 70 includes a pair of inclined surfaces 72 connected by stepped shoulders 74. The annular shaft seal 76 surrounds the first joint 68 and forms a liquid tight seal between the first joint 68 and the main body housing 12.

  Battery compartment 40 is configured to receive a plurality of batteries. For example, in this embodiment, battery compartment 40 is configured to receive four AA batteries 78. In alternative embodiments, the size and number of batteries can be changed. The positive electrode of battery 78 biases first contact plate 80 that is in electrical communication with motor 60. The negative electrode of the battery 78 biases the second contact plate 82 attached to the end cap 30.

  The elongated switch 88 has a first end 90 that is in electrical communication with the second contact plate 82 when the end cap 30 is attached to the body housing 12. The switch 88 includes an elongate base 92 extending along the battery compartment 40, a rising portion 94 extending along the partition 44, and a flexible lever arm protruding so as to be disposed between the button 23 and the motor 60. 96. When the button 23 is pushed in manually, the lever 96 is urged against the motor 60 and the circuit energized by the battery 78 is closed. When this circuit is closed, the motor 60 rotates the drive shaft 66 by the energy from the battery 78. When the button 23 is released, this circuit is disconnected and the motor 60 is turned off. It can be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, a variety of different switching mechanisms can be used to drive the motor 60 continuously without the need to continue to push the button 23 manually. Further, it can be understood that an electrical cord can be used in place of the battery 78.

  With further reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the head assembly 6 further comprises a drive shaft 100. As shown in FIG. 8, the drive shaft 100 comprises an elongate shaft 102 having a proximal end 104 and an opposite distal end 106. The distal end 106 terminates at the distal end face 108. An annular flange 109 radially surrounds the shaft 102 at the distal end 106 and projects outwardly from the shaft 102. A bearing or bushing 162 (FIG. 7) is attached to the shaft 102 and biases the flange 109. A second joint 110 having an end face 112 complementary to the end face 70 of the first joint 68 is attached to the proximal end 104 of the shaft 102. That is, the second joint 110 is configured to engage with the first joint 68 so that the shoulders 74 with the stepped portions are biased with each other. As a result, the rotation of the drive shaft 66 by the motor 60 is transmitted through the joints 68 and 110, thereby rotating the shaft 102.

  A stem 114 extends from the end face 108 of the distal end 106 of the shaft 102. A round head 116 is attached to the end of the stem 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the head 116 is spherical or nearly spherical. It should be noted here that the shaft 102 has a rotational axis and a central longitudinal axis 118, as described in more detail below. These axes are the same in the embodiment shown in the figure. The stem 114 has a longitudinal central axis 120. The stem 114 is mounted eccentrically with respect to the end face 108 of the shaft 102, so that the longitudinal central axis of the stem 114 is offset from the longitudinal central axis 118 of the shaft 102. The rotation shaft 118 can be the same as the rotation / longitudinal central axis of the drive shaft 66, or can be the same as the longitudinal central axis 38 of the housing 36 (FIG. 1).

  Returning to FIG. 5, the brush head 14 comprises an annular carrier plate 122 having the top surface 124 described above. A spindle 126 protrudes from the upper surface 124. The spindle 126 includes a mandrel 128 from which arms 130 protrude from both sides. The rotating shaft 127 extends through the spindle 126, around which the brush 16 and the brush head 14 rotate. The rotation shaft 127 can also be the central axis of the brush 16 and the brush head 14. A hub 132 is attached to the spindle 126. As shown in FIG. 9A, the hub 132 has opposing side surfaces 136 and 138 that extend between a top surface 140 and an opposite bottom surface 142. The hub 132 also includes a front surface 144 and an opposite back surface 146. A passage 148 extends from the top surface 140 to the bottom surface 142. The side groove 150 extends through the side surfaces 136 and 138 adjacent to the bottom surface 142 and intersects the passage 148.

  During assembly, the hub 132 is received on the spindle 126 so that the mandrel 128 extends through the passage 148 and the arm 130 is received in the side groove 150. A bearing or bushing 151 (FIG. 5) is attached to the mandrel 128 at the top surface 140 of the hub 132. In this configuration, the hub 132 engages the spindle 126 so that rotation of the hub 132 facilitates rotation of the spindle 126 and thus the rest of the brush head 14. It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the hub 132 may be integrally formed with the brush head 14.

  Hub 132 further includes a groove 152 formed in front surface 144 that extends to upper surface 140. The groove 152 is vertically aligned with the passage 148 and is defined by a first engagement surface 156, a spaced apart second engagement surface 158, and an inner surface 159 extending therebetween. The engagement surface 156 and the engagement surface 158 face each other and are aligned substantially in parallel. A locking groove 160 is formed as a recess along each engaging surface 156 and 158. Each locking groove 160 is elongated and slightly arcuate along its length. The distance between the engagement surfaces 156 and 158 of the hub 132 is smaller than the diameter of the round head 116.

  However, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the hub 132 is configured such that the head 116 snaps between the engaging surfaces 156 and 158 so that the head 116 is formed on the engaging surfaces 156 and 158. It is configured to be caught elastically in the stop groove 160. In this configuration, the head 116 is elastically biased between the surfaces 156 and 158.

  In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 9B, the locking groove 160 can be eliminated so that the engagement surfaces 156 and 158 are substantially flat. In this embodiment, the head 116 can be dimensioned to fit snugly or loosely between the engagement surfaces 156 and 158.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the head housing 7 is closed on the drive shaft 100 and the hub 132, so that the head housing 7 is supported by the bearings 151 and 162. A bayonet slot 164 is formed at the distal end 28 of the body housing 12, and a bayonet projection 166 projects from the proximal end 32 of the head housing 7. Therefore, the head assembly 6 can be detachably connected to the body assembly 5 using this bayonet connection (FIG. 1).

  In the assembly assembled as described above, the joints 68 and 110 are joined. Thus, when the button 23 is depressed, the motor 60 is energized, thereby causing the drive shaft 66 and the drive shaft 100 to rotate about their rotational axes or longitudinal central axes, respectively. Since the stem 114 and the round head 116 are eccentrically attached to the shaft 102, the head 116 rotates in a circle. That is, as the shaft 102 rotates, the head 116 begins to rotate in a large circle, thereby biasing the engagement surface 158 of the hub 132 so that the hub 132 and the brush head 14 and brush connected thereto. 16 is rotated around the mandrel 128 in the first direction. Due to the length of the locking groove 160 and the arcuate shape, the head 116 rotates freely within the locking groove 160.

  As the head 116 moves to its farthest in one direction, the head 116 begins to bias the opposing locking surface 156 so that the hub 132 together with the brush head 14 and brush 16 coupled thereto is a mandrel. Rotate around 128 in the opposite direction. Therefore, when the drive shaft 100 rotates at a high speed together with the head 116, the hub 132 reciprocates at a high speed together with the brush head 14 and the brush 16 connected thereto. By fastening the head 116 in the locking groove 160, a snug engagement between the hub 132 and the head 116 can be formed. This fitting optimizes the transmission of movement between the drive rod 100 and the hub 132. In other words, the backlash between the hub 132 and the drive rod 100 is eliminated by this fitting even after the head 116 starts to wear in the locking groove 160.

  When the cleaning tool 4 is energized, the brush 16 can urge the surface to be cleaned. It should be noted that the brush 16 is positioned in an orientation relative to the housing 36 to optimize convenience and use. For example, referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the brush 16 protrudes with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the body assembly 5 or the head assembly 6 to form a predetermined internal angle θ with the longitudinal central axis. This angle typically ranges from about 90 ° to about 180 °, with about 110 ° to about 140 ° being more common. Other angles can also be used. In other words, the rotational axis 127 of the brush head 14 or brush 16 intersects the rotational axis 118 of the longitudinal axis 38 of the drive shaft or housing 36 to form the predetermined interior angle θ described above. By making this angle θ from about 110 ° to about 140 °, the user can more conveniently arrange and use the brush 16 while holding the housing 36.

  The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. The embodiments described above are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the locking groove 160 need not simply be recessed in the inner sidewalls 156 and 158, and may of course pass completely through the hub 132. Furthermore, the head 116 need not be spherical. In alternative embodiments, the head 116 can be elliptical or can have a variety of other configurations that mate with complementary locking grooves.

  FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a cleaning implement 200 that incorporates features of the present invention. Similar elements of the cleaning implement 4 and cleaning implement 200 are identified by similar reference symbols. The cleaning implement includes a head assembly 202 and a body assembly 204. Turning to FIG. 12A, the body assembly 204 includes a body housing 206 molded as a tubular member. Body housing 206 includes a handle portion 208 having a proximal end 210 and an opposite distal end 212. The distal end 212 terminates at an end surface 214 from which a tapered cylindrical mandrel 216 protrudes. A pair of opposing bayonet slots 217 are formed along the mandrel 216. The handle portion 208 and mandrel 216 are typically made of a generally rigid plastic, such as ABS. A cover 218 made of a softer flexible plastic such as TPE or rubber is molded over a portion of the handle portion 208. The cover 218 improves the feeling of holding the cleaning tool 200.

  The body housing 206 has an inner surface 220 that defines a chamber 222. Turning to FIG. 12B, guide 224 is secured within chamber 222. Guide 224 includes an elongated partition wall 226 having a proximal end 228 and an opposite distal end 230. The side surface of the partition wall 226 is curved so that the battery 78 can be complementarily received on each side surface. A cantilever latch 232 is formed at both the top and bottom of the partition wall 226 at the proximal end 228. Each latch 232 terminates at a return 234. A spring 236 is positioned between the partition wall 226 and each latch 232 such that each latch 232 is selectively compressed toward the partition wall 226 and when released, each latch 232 rebounds elastically. . As shown in FIG. 13, a hole 235 is formed through each side of the handle portion 208 at the proximal end 210. The engagement portion 238 of the cover 218 is molded over the hole 235. Guides 224 are positioned in chamber 222 such that each latch 232 is aligned with a corresponding hole 235. In this manner, the user can manually push the flexible engagement portion 238 of the cover 218 inward to selectively push the latch 232 inward.

  The latch 232 is used to secure the end cap 240 to the proximal end 210 of the body housing 206. Specifically, end cap 240 has an inner surface 242 and a pair of opposing fasteners 244 formed thereon. As the end cap 240 is pushed into the proximal end 210 of the body housing 206, the barbs 234 of the latch 232 engage the fasteners 244 to securely lock the end cap 240 to the body housing 206. To remove the end cap 240, the engagement portion 238 is manually pushed in as described above to flex the latch 232 inward, thereby releasing the barbs 234 from the fasteners 244.

  Returning to FIG. 12B, a cup-like support 246 is formed at the distal end 230 of the partition wall 226 and is used to support the motor 60. The motor 60 rotates the primary shaft 250, which causes the drive shaft 254 to rotate. A head 255 is formed at the distal end of the drive shaft 254. The cross section of the head 255 is typically non-circular so that it can engage the fittings described in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the head 255 is a flattened portion of the drive shaft 254. In alternative embodiments, the cross-section of head 255 can be any number of different polygons or non-circular shapes.

  The conventional gear assembly 252 extends between the primary shaft 250 and the drive shaft 254 so that the torque generated by the drive shaft 254 is about 1.5 relative to the torque generated by the primary shaft 250. Adjusted in a ratio ranging from 1 to about 3.5: 1. By increasing the maximum torque of the drive shaft 254, the brush 16 can continue to reciprocate or rotate even when a large pushing force is applied to the brush 16 during the scraping operation. This is in contrast to many conventional electric toothbrushes where it is desired that the brush stops moving or is much slower so that the toothbrush does not damage the gums when excessive force is applied.

  It should be understood that there are a variety of different mechanisms that can be used to transfer electricity from the battery 78 to the motor 60. In the embodiment shown in the figure, four batteries 78 are arranged in parallel. The negative electrodes of the two rear batteries 78 urge the corresponding springs 256. Each spring 256 is in electrical communication with the transmission spring 258. These springs are attached to a plate 255 that is secured within the end cap 240. The transmission spring 258 biases the contact 260. Electrical lead 262 extends from contact 260 to motor 60. The positive electrodes of the two front batteries 78 energize the corresponding contacts 264. Each of these contacts 264 is in electrical communication with a flexible switch 266. Switch 266 is positioned over motor 60 such that when switch 266 energizes motor 60, the circuit is closed and motor 60 is energized.

  In an alternative embodiment, the batteries 78 can be positioned in series rather than in parallel. In this embodiment, the springs 256 are in electrical communication with each other, and the transmission spring 256, contact 260, and lead 262 are eliminated. Similarly, the two contacts 264 are separated from each other. One of the contacts 264 is in direct electrical communication with the motor 60 and the other contact 264 remains connected to the switch 266. Placing batteries 78 in series increases the voltage and provides more power to the motor.

  Returning to FIG. 12A, an opening 270 is formed in the upper surface of the body housing 206 so as to communicate with the chamber 222. Opening 270 is aligned with motor 60 and switch 266. A flexible partition wall 272 is fixed to the opening 270. The partition wall 272 has a top surface 274 and a bottom surface 276 on the opposite side. A protrusion 278 is formed on the upper surface 274. Cover plate 280 has an elongated hole 282 extending therethrough and is secured over opening 270 such that hole 282 is aligned with protrusion 278. Button 284 is slidably attached to cover plate 280 by fasteners 286 and retainer 288.

  As shown in FIG. 14A, button 284 includes a generally cup-shaped body 290 having an inner surface 292 and a mandrel 294 protruding therefrom. The button 284 is typically made of a flexible elastic material that is natural rubber or synthetic rubber. The retainer 288 includes a generally circular frame 296 that has an opening 298 extending therethrough. The opening 298 is at least partially defined by the lip 300. The cage 288 is made of a substantially rigid material or at least a material that is more rigid than the material used for the button 284. Button 284 is secured to retainer 288 such that mandrel 294 passes through opening 298. In one embodiment, the button 284 is secured to the retainer 288 by molding directly into the retainer 288 during the formation of the button 284, such as an overmolding process.

  Fastener 286 (FIG. 14B) includes a base 302 having an opening 304 extending therethrough. A pair of return protrusions 306 protrude upward from the upper surface of the base 302 on the opposite side surfaces of the opening 304. Fastener 286 is used to secure button 284 on cover plate 280. Specifically, the button 284 and the retainer 288 are positioned on the upper surface of the cover plate 280 such that the mandrel 294 is aligned with the opening 282 of the cover plate 280. At this time, the protrusion 306 of the fastener 286 is pushed up through the opening 282 from the bottom surface of the cover plate 280, and the protrusion and the lip 300 are engaged by snap fitting connection.

  In the assembled structure, the button 284 can selectively slide on the cover plate 280 between the off position shown in FIG. 14A and the on position shown in FIG. 14C. In the off position, the protrusion 278 of the septum 272 is positioned between the mandrel 294 of the button 284 and the switch 266 and is at least partially positioned within the opening 304 of the fastener 286. In this position, the switch 266 is spaced from the motor 60, thereby preventing electrical contact. The user can energize the motor 60 from the off position in two ways. In one approach, as shown in FIG. 14B, the user can simply press the center of the button 284 down. In this way, the mandrel 294 pushes the protrusion 278 down, which causes the protrusion 278 to push the switch 266 down and the switch 266 contacts the motor 60, thereby energizing the motor 60. When the user releases the button 284, the button 284 returns to the off position due to elasticity.

  In the second approach, the user manually slides the button 284 along the cover plate 280 as shown in FIG. 14C. In this way, the base 302 of the fastener 286 rests on the protrusion 278, which pushes the protrusion 278 downwards, again in this case the switch 266 contacts the motor 60, thereby energizing the motor 60. . The motor 60 remains energized until the button 284 returns to the off position again. Thus, this button assembly allows one integrated button to activate the motor in two different modes of operation.

  Returning to FIG. 12A, the head assembly 202 includes a head housing 201 that includes an upper head housing 22 and a lower head housing 24 having a proximal end 32 and an opposite distal end 34, respectively. The head housing 201 defines a side groove 314 that extends along its length. The side groove 316 is at least partially divided by complementary partition walls 317 formed in the housings 22 and 24. At the proximal end 32, an engagement ring 312 is secured between the housings 22 and 24. The engagement ring 312 has an opposing bayonet protrusion 318 formed on the inner surface thereof. The head assembly 202 inserts the mandrel 216 of the body housing 206 into the proximal end 32 of the head assembly 202 such that the bayonet protrusion 318 is received in the bayonet slot 217 and then relative to the body assembly 204. The head assembly 202 is removably fixed to the body assembly 204 by rotating the head assembly 202.

  Head assembly 202 includes a drive shaft 320 having a proximal end 322 and an opposite distal end 324. Proximal end 322 has a fitting 326 secured thereto. The coupling 326 has a socket 328 formed at its free end and designed to removably engage a head 255 of a drive shaft 254 extending from the motor 60. Specifically, the socket 328 has a complementary configuration to the head 255 so that when the head 255 is received within the socket 328, the drive shaft 320 can be rotated by rotation of the drive shaft 254. Head 255 is removably received in socket 328 when head assembly 202 is removably coupled to body assembly 204 as described above.

  Large diameter disc 330 is secured to distal end 324 of drive shaft 320. In the illustrated embodiment, the disc 330 has a generally cylindrical configuration that includes a proximal end surface 332 and an opposite distal end surface 334. The distal end 324 of the drive shaft 320 is secured to the center of the proximal end surface 332. In contrast, the mandrel 114 and the round head 116 are attached to the distal end face 334 at a location spaced radially outward from the rotational axis of the drive shaft 320. That is, the mandrel 114 is eccentrically attached to the end surface 334 in the same manner as described above with respect to the cleaning implement 4.

  It should be noted that centrally positioning the large diameter disc 330 at the end of the drive shaft 320 helps stabilize the drive shaft 320 during rotation of the eccentrically mounted round head 116. However, in alternative embodiments, the drive shaft 320 can have the same diameter as the disc 330, or the disc 330 can be eliminated and an arm formed between the drive shaft 320 and the mandrel 114. The round head 116 can also be eccentrically positioned using other conventional techniques. The cylindrical bush 336 surrounds the drive shaft 320 toward the distal end 324 and is supported by a support portion 338 formed on the inner surface of the head housing 201.

  As with the cleaning tool 4, the cleaning tool 200 includes a brush head 14. The brush head 14 includes a carrier plate 122 having a bottom surface 125, and the bottom surface 125 includes a brush 16 made of bristles formed thereon. Plate 122 also has an upper surface 124 that includes a spindle 126 and an arm 130 extending therefrom. The mandrel 128 protrudes from the center of the spindle 126 and has a rotational axis extending therethrough. The cylindrical bush 340 is fixed to the upper head housing 22 and surrounds the mandrel 128 (FIG. 13). Mandrel 128 and spindle 126 are received in a hub 342 that includes a wear plate 341 positioned between bushing 340 and spindle 126.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the hub 342 includes a front surface 346, a back surface 348, and a generally cylindrical base 344 having opposing side surfaces 350 and 351 that extend between a bottom surface 354 opposite the top surface 352, respectively. . The passage 356 extends through the base 344 from the top surface 352 to the bottom surface 354 and extends to the center. The side groove 358 faces the bottom surface 354 and extends through the side surfaces 350 and 351 and intersects the passage 356. The side groove 358 is configured such that the arm 130 is received in the side groove 358 when the spindle 126 is received in the passage 356, thereby causing the hub 342 to engage the brush head 14. The wear plate 341 also has tabs that protrude from the sides thereof. These tabs are received in the side grooves 358 of the hub 342, thereby securing the wear plate 341 to the hub 342. In one embodiment where the bushing 340 is metal and the spindle 126 is plastic, the wear plate 341 can prevent the bushing 340 from excessively wearing the spindle 126.

  A guide 360 protrudes from the back surface 348 of the base 344. The guide 360 includes a first side wall 362, a spaced apart complementary second side wall 364, and a rear wall 366 extending therebetween. The guide 360 partially defines a side groove 368 that is aligned vertically with the passage 356. The side groove 368 is defined by a first engagement surface 370, a spaced second engagement surface 372, and an inner surface 374 extending therebetween. Engagement surfaces 370 and 372 face each other, are substantially flat, and are aligned substantially parallel. The spacing between the engagement surfaces 370 and 372 of the hub 342 is approximately equal to the diameter of the round head 116.

  Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 and as shown in FIG. 13, the round head 116 is received in the side groove 368. As the round head 116 rotates continuously around the axis of rotation of the drive shaft 320 by rotation of the drive shaft 254, the round head 116 alternately pushes the opposing engagement surfaces 370 and 372, thereby causing the hub 342. The brush head 14 and the brush 16 reciprocate in a rotational pattern around a rotation axis extending through the spindle 126.

  As in the case of the cleaning tool 4, in the cleaning tool 200, the rotation axis of the drive shaft 320 intersects with the rotation axis of the brush head 14 to form an inner angle θ. This interior angle θ is typically greater than 95 °, but more commonly ranges from about 110 ° to about 140 °. As the round head 116 moves according to its circular pattern, the round head 116 moves along the length of the side walls 362 and 364 in the longitudinal direction. Because of the angled orientation of the brush head 14 as described above, the round head 116 is located away from the axis of rotation of the brush head 14 when the round head 116 is at the bottom of the side walls 362 and 364. And when the round head 116 is on top of the side walls 362 and 364, it is near the axis of rotation of the brush head 14. Thus, the side walls 362 and 364 are wider at the bottom than at the top so that the round head 116 is securely held in the side groove 368 as it moves in a circle.

  In one embodiment, the round head 116 has a generally spherical configuration. This design has several advantages. For example, in part, because the orientation of the brush head 14 is angled as described above, the round head 116 is a round head spaced longitudinally from near to far and from top to bottom. 116 contacts the engagement surfaces 370 and 372 along several different points. This ensures that the round head 116 has a spherical shape and ensures continuous minimal contact between the round head 116 and the engagement surfaces 370 and 372, thus helping to minimize wear. Become.

  In addition, due to tolerances in attaching the brush head 14, the brush head 14 often tilts slightly when the brush 16 urges the surface to be cleaned so that the distal end of the round head 116 is in contact with the hub 342. The inner surface 374 is biased (FIG. 15). This contact between the round head 116 and the inner surface 374 helps to stabilize and strengthen the brush head 14. By making the round head 116 spherical, the contact surface between the round head 116 and the inner surface 374 is minimized. It should also be noted that both sidewalls 362 and 364 terminate at outer edge 376. These outer edges 376 can help the outer edge 376 bias the distal end surface 334 of the disk 330 to stabilize and reinforce the brush head 14 when the brush head 14 tilts during use. Designed as such.

  In the above embodiment, the orientation of the brush 16 relative to the body assembly 204 is fixed. In one alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 16, a cleaning implement 386 is provided having a head assembly 388 that can pivot the brush 16 along arrow 390 to selectively adjust the orientation of the brush 16 relative to the body assembly 204. Is done. Similar elements of the head assembly 202 and head assembly 388 are identified with similar reference symbols.

  The head assembly 388 includes a proximal head housing 392, a distal head housing 394, and a hinge 396 that pivotally connects the housings 392 and 394. As shown in FIG. 17, the proximal housing 392 has a distal end 398. An opening 399 is formed at the distal end 398 through which the drive shaft 320 extends (FIG. 18A). Hinge 396 includes a pair of round projections 400A and 400B that project from opposite sides of opening 399. Hinge 396 includes two isomorphic parts, and the components of these two isomorphic parts are identified by subscripts A and B. Here, only one of these isomorphous portions will be described in detail. It should be understood that the other isomorphic part is the same. A circular ring 402A protrudes from the outer surface of the protrusion 400A. The ring 402A is formed with a pair of opposed notches 404A.

  The hinge 396 also includes a pair of round arms 406A and 406B that project from the proximal end of the distal head housing 394. The arm 406A has an inner surface 410A and an outer surface 412A. On the inner surface 410A, a substantially circular pocket 414A having a concave portion is formed. The pocket 414A has a plurality of round notches 416A formed on opposite side surfaces of the peripheral edge of the pocket 414A. Each notch 416A is separated by a ridge 417A. A circular recess 408A is formed in the bottom surface of the pocket 414A and is dimensioned to receive the ring 402A.

  A spring 418A is provided and is made of a flexible elastic material, such as a metal commonly used in springs. Spring 418A includes a ring body 420A having an outer surface 422A and an inner surface 424A. The pair of round tabs 426A protrude from opposite sides of the outer surface 422A of the ring body 420A. Similarly, the pair of rectangular tabs 428A protrude from the opposite side of the inner surface 424A of the ring body 420A.

  During assembly, the tab 428A of the spring 418A is received in the corresponding notch 404A of the protrusion 400A, thereby securing the spring 418A to the protrusion 400A. The arm 406A is then positioned so that the spring 418A is received in the pocket 414A and the ring 402A is received in the recess 408A. Tabs 426A are received in corresponding notches 416A so that arm 406A is fixed relative to protrusion 400A. When it is desired to change the orientation of the brush 16, a force is applied to the distal head assembly 394 along arrow 390 (FIG. 16). This force causes spring 418A to rotate within pocket 414A. Specifically, the spring 418A bends when the tab 426A passes over the edge 417A and then rebounds elastically when the tab 426A enters the adjacent notch 416A. For one, the movement resistance of the distal head assembly 394 is based on the stiffness of the springs 418A and 418B.

  As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the hinge 396 allows the brush head 14 to rotate more than an angle of 90 °. For example, the previously described angle θ can be selectively adjusted from about 90 ° to about 180 °. As also shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the internal components of head assembly 388 are substantially the same as the internal components of head assembly 202. However, the shape of the hub 342 is slightly modified so that when the round head 116 moves in a circular pattern, the head 116 is held between the side walls 362 and 364 regardless of the orientation of the brush head 14. ing. It should be noted from FIG. 16 that the diameter is larger than the brush 16 shown above, and that some of the hairs 182 are longer than the other hairs. Of course, the present invention can comprise a kit having a single body assembly and a plurality of different head assemblies that can be selectively secured to the body assembly. Each head assembly can have brushes that differ in size, configuration, and / or physical properties, such as bristle stiffness. For example, FIG. 19 shows the brush 16 having a conical tip 434 that better reaches and rubs inside the corner.

  In the embodiment described above, the head assembly is designed such that the brush reciprocates. In an alternative embodiment, the head assembly can be designed so that the brush rotates continuously in a circle. For example, FIG. 20A shows a head assembly 436. Similar elements of head assembly 436 and head assembly 388 are identified by similar symbols. Head assembly 436 includes a proximal head housing 392, a distal head housing 394, and a hinge 396. The brush head 438 has a first surface from which the brush 16 protrudes, and an opposite second surface from which the spindle 440 protrudes. The spindle 440 is coupled to the universal joint 441. A drive shaft 442 is disposed within the proximal housing 392. The drive shaft 442 has a joint 326 attached to its proximal end and a universal joint 441 attached to its distal end.

  As shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the universal joint 441 includes a cup 444 and a ball 446. The spindle 440 projects from one side of the cup 444 and a round socket 448 is formed on the opposite side of the cup 444. The socket 448 is defined by an inner surface 450 from which a pair of opposed circular protrusions 452 extend adjacent the mouth of the socket 448. Ball 446 is round and is adapted to fit within socket 448. An elongated round slot 454 is provided as a recess in each opposing surface of the ball 446. The slot 454 is configured such that the protrusion 452 is received in the corresponding slot 454 when the ball 446 is received in the socket 448. In one embodiment, slots 454 can be combined to form one long slot. In the assembled structure, the ball 446 is rotated by the continuous rotation of the drive shaft 442, and thereby the protrusion 452 and the slot 454 are engaged, so that the cup 444, the spindle 440, The brush head 438 and the brush 16 rotate continuously.

  Further, since the slot 454 is elongated, the ball 446 can rotate within the socket 448 by a protrusion 452 that slides longitudinally within the elongated slot 454. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, the spindle 440 is free to pivot relative to the drive shaft 442 so that the distal head assembly 394 is moved closer by the hinge 396 previously described. Pivot relative to the displacement head assembly 392.

  FIG. 22 shows an alternative embodiment of the cleaning implement 200. In this embodiment, a light source 460, such as a light emitting diode (LED), is attached to the bottom surface of the body assembly 204 toward its distal end. The light source 460 directs the light toward the brush 16 to improve the visibility of the cleaning surface during use. Lead wire 462 extends from light source 460 to motor 60 such that light source 460 is energized when motor 60 is energized. In an alternative embodiment, a second button switch for the light source 460 may be provided.

  FIG. 23 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the cleaning tool 200. In this embodiment, light source 460 is attached to the bottom surface of head assembly 202 to direct light toward brush 16. Also in this case, the lead wire 462 extends between the light source 460 and the motor 60. However, in this embodiment, a contact point 464 is provided at a connection portion between the head assembly 202 and the main body assembly 204.

  The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the scope and purpose of the claims are included within the scope of the claims.

It is a side view of one Embodiment of the cleaning implement of this invention. It is a top view of the cleaning instrument shown in FIG. It is a front view of the cleaning instrument shown in FIG. It is a front view of the front surface of the brush head shown in FIG. It is an exploded view of the cleaning instrument shown in FIG. It is a sectional side view of the cleaning instrument shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the subassembly of the cleaning tool shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the drive shaft shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the hub shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9B is an enlarged perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the hub shown in FIG. 9A. FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a coupling portion shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cleaning implement. It is an exploded view of the cleaning instrument shown in FIG. It is an exploded view of the cleaning instrument shown in FIG. It is a sectional side view of the cleaning instrument shown in FIG. It is an expanded sectional side view in the OFF position of the button switch assembly shown in FIG. FIG. 14B is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the button switch assembly shown in FIG. 14A at a momentary position. FIG. 14B is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the button switch assembly shown in FIG. 14A in the on position. FIG. 12B is an enlarged perspective view of the hub shown in FIG. 12A. FIG. 6 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a cleaning implement having a swirling brush head. It is an exploded view of the hinge of the cleaning instrument shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a side sectional view of the head assembly shown in FIG. 16 at one pivot position. FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view of the head assembly shown in FIG. 16 at different pivot positions. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a brush having a conical tip. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a head assembly configured to continuously rotate the brush head. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a head assembly configured to continuously rotate the brush head. It is a disassembled perspective view of the universal joint shown to FIG. 20A. It is a perspective view of the universal joint shown to FIG. 21A. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a cleaning implement with a light source attached to the body assembly. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a cleaning implement with a light source attached to the head assembly.

Claims (57)

In cleaning utensils,
An elongated housing defining a chamber;
A motor at least partially disposed within the chamber of the housing;
A drive shaft disposed at least partially within the chamber of the housing and coupled to the motor such that the drive shaft continuously rotates about its axis of rotation during a selection operation of the motor; A drive shaft;
A brush head to which a plurality of hairs forming a brush are attached;
A hub disposed in the brush head, the hub having an elongated side groove defined by an inner surface and a pair of spaced engagement surfaces;
A spherical head disposed in the side groove so as to selectively bias the engaging surface, so that the spherical head reciprocates the brush head when the drive shaft rotates continuously. A spherical head arranged eccentric to the drive shaft;
The equipped,
The brush head has a rotation axis around which the brush head reciprocates. The rotation axis of the brush head intersects the rotation axis of the drive shaft and is approximately 110 ° between the rotation axes. Forming an interior angle in the range of about 140 °, the interior angle being constant during the reciprocating rotation of the brush head, the housing being divided into two parts, one of the two parts being selectively with the other A cleaning implement, wherein the drive shaft is coupled to the brush head by being configured to couple .   The cleaning implement according to claim 1, further comprising a groove formed in one of the engagement surfaces, wherein the spherical head is received at least partially in the groove.   The cleaning tool according to claim 1, wherein the spherical head biases the inner surface of the side groove when a force is applied to the brush head.   A large-diameter disk having a first surface and an opposite second surface is further provided, the drive shaft is attached to the center of the first surface, and the spherical head is biased to the second surface of the disk. The cleaning implement according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning implement is arranged in a center.   The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the hub has an outer surface that selectively biases the second surface of the disc when a force is applied to the brush head.   2. The cleaning implement of claim 1, wherein the brush is substantially cylindrical and has a maximum diameter in the range of about 1 cm to about 5 cm.   The cleaning instrument according to claim 1, wherein a diameter of at least a part of the bristles is greater than 0.30 mm.   The said housing is provided with the main body housing arrange | positioned in front, and the head housing arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip, The said main body housing and the said head housing are couple | bonded together so that attachment or detachment is possible. The cleaning device described in 1. In cleaning utensils,
(I) a body assembly,
An elongated body housing having a chamber;
A motor disposed at least partially within the chamber of the body housing;
A body drive shaft at least partially disposed within the chamber of the housing, wherein the body drive shaft is coupled to the motor such that the body drive shaft continuously rotates about its axis of rotation during the selection operation of the motor; A main body drive shaft,
A body assembly comprising:
(Ii) a first head assembly,
An elongated head housing;
A first head drive shaft disposed in the head housing and having a rotating shaft rotating around the head housing;
A brush head having a support plate to which a plurality of bristles are attached and having a rotation shaft that rotates around the support plate, the brush head being attached to the head housing, and being continuously rotated by the head drive shaft. Coupled to the first head drive shaft for ease of rotation, the rotation axis of the brush head intersects with the rotation axis of the drive shaft to form an interior angle in the range of about 110 ° to about 140 °. The inner angle is constant during the reciprocal rotation of the brush head, and the head assembly is selectively coupled to the body assembly such that the body drive shaft is coupled to the first head drive shaft. A brush head adapted to,
A cleaning tool characterized by comprising: The cleaning implement according to claim 9, wherein the diameter of each hair is larger than 0.30 mm. The cleaning tool according to claim 10, wherein the carrier plate has a plurality of tufts attached thereto, and each of the plurality of tufts includes the plurality of hairs. 10. A cleaning implement according to claim 9, wherein each hair has a diameter greater than 0.40 mm. The head housing terminates at a distal end surface having a maximum diameter, and the carrier plate is disposed directly adjacent to the end surface of the head housing and has a maximum diameter greater than the maximum diameter of the end surface of the head housing. The cleaning implement according to claim 9, wherein the cleaning implement is provided. The cleaning implement according to claim 9, wherein a plurality of bristles combine to form a brush, the brush being substantially cylindrical and having a maximum diameter between 1 cm and 4 cm. An activation button is further provided at a position on the first side of the body housing, and the brush head protrudes from a second side of the body housing opposite the first side. 9. A cleaning implement according to 9. The cleaning device according to claim 9, wherein the head housing is detachably attached to the main body housing by selectively swiveling in the main body housing. 10. A cleaning implement according to claim 9, wherein the brush is substantially cylindrical and has a maximum diameter between 3 cm and 5 cm. A gear assembly is further provided between the motor and the body drive shaft, the gear assembly configured to generate a torque generated by the motor on the drive shaft in a ratio of about 1.5: 1 to about 3.5: 1. The cleaning implement according to claim 9, wherein the cleaning implement increases. In cleaning utensils,
An elongated body housing defining a chamber;
A motor disposed at least partially within the chamber of the body housing;
A first drive shaft at least partially disposed within the chamber of the body housing, wherein the first drive shaft continuously rotates about its axis of rotation during a selection operation of the motor; A first drive shaft coupled to the motor;
A head housing comprising a proximal head housing and a distal head housing, wherein the distal head housing is selectively pivotable with respect to the proximal head housing over an angle of at least 45 °; A head housing detachably coupled to the body housing;
A brush head attached to the distal head housing and having a plurality of bristles, the brush head having a rotation axis around which the brush head rotates;
A second drive shaft having a first end coupled to the first drive shaft and a second end engaged with the brush head;
The equipped,
The rotation axis of the brush head intersects with the rotation axis of the second drive shaft to form an inner angle between about 110 ° and about 140 ° between the rotation axes, and the inner angle is the rotation of the brush head. The second drive shaft is coupled to the first drive shaft by the head assembly having the head housing being configured to selectively couple with the body assembly having the body housing. Characteristic cleaning equipment. The cleaning tool according to claim 19 , wherein the brush head rotates continuously or reciprocally when the first drive shaft rotates continuously. 20. The cleaning implement according to claim 19 , further comprising means for reciprocatingly rotating the brush head around the rotation axis when the first drive shaft rotates continuously around the rotation axis. The means for reciprocatingly rotating the brush head includes:
A hub attached to the brush head and having a pair of spaced engagement surfaces;
A round head disposed between the engagement surfaces, wherein the round head reciprocally rotates the brush head when the drive shaft rotates continuously. The cleaning implement according to claim 21 , wherein the cleaning implement is arranged eccentrically. The cleaning implement according to claim 19 , wherein the combined length of the main body housing and the head housing ranges from about 20 cm to about 30 cm. Further comprising a universal joint disposed in the head housing, the universal joint,
A cup having an inner surface defining a socket, and a first protrusion and a second protrusion spaced apart from the inner surface;
A ball having a first slot formed therein, wherein the ball is received by the socket of the cup, so that the first protrusion is received by the first slot, and the second drive shaft is received by the ball or cup. 20. A cleaning implement according to claim 19 , wherein the cleaning implement is combined with one of the two. The cleaning tool of claim 24 , further comprising a second slot formed in the ball, wherein the second protrusion is received in the second slot. In cleaning utensils,
An elongated housing defining a chamber and having a length of less than 35 cm;
A motor at least partially disposed within the chamber of the housing;
A drive shaft disposed at least partially within the chamber of the housing and coupled to the motor such that the drive shaft rotates continuously about its axis of rotation during a selection operation of the motor; A drive shaft;
A brush head coupled to the drive shaft and having a plurality of bristles attached thereto, the brush head having a rotation shaft around which the brush head continuously rotates or reciprocates;
A light source attached to the housing to emit light toward the brush head;
The equipped,
The rotation axis of the brush head intersects the rotation axis of the drive shaft to form an inner angle between the rotation axes in a range of about 110 ° to about 140 °, and the inner angle is a reciprocating rotation of the brush head. The housing is divided into two parts, and the drive shaft is coupled to the brush head by being configured to selectively couple one of the two parts to the other . A cleaning implement characterized by that. The housing includes a main body housing in which the motor is disposed, and a head housing to which the brush head is coupled. The main body housing and the head housing are detachably coupled together, and the light source is coupled to the main body housing. 27. A cleaning implement according to claim 26 , wherein the cleaning implement is attached to the cleaning implement. The housing includes a main body housing in which the motor is disposed, and a head housing to which the brush head is coupled. The main body housing and the head housing are detachably coupled together, and the light source is coupled to the head housing. 27. A cleaning implement according to claim 26 , wherein the cleaning implement is attached to the cleaning implement. 27. The cleaning tool according to claim 26 , wherein the brush head reciprocates when the motor is energized. 27. The cleaning implement according to claim 26 , wherein the light source is an LED. The housing includes a generally cylindrical body, the body having a first side extending along its length and an opposite second side, wherein the brush head and the light source are disposed on the body. 27. The cleaning implement according to claim 26 , wherein the cleaning implement is attached to each spaced location on the second side. 32. The cleaning implement of claim 31 , further comprising an activation button located on the first side of the housing. In cleaning utensils,
An elongated housing defining a chamber;
A motor at least partially disposed within the chamber of the housing;
An electrical contact selectively in electrical communication with the motor;
A drive shaft at least partially disposed within the chamber of the housing, wherein the drive shaft is coupled to and driven by the motor such that the drive shaft continuously rotates about its axis of rotation during the selection operation of the motor; A shaft,
A brush head coupled to the drive shaft and having a plurality of bristles attached thereto, the brush head having a rotation axis around which the brush head rotates;
A button including a body having a top surface and a bottom surface on the opposite side, wherein a stem projects from the bottom surface, and the body and stem are integrally molded from a flexible elastic material;
A fastener formed with an opening, wherein the button is along the housing and the electrical contact is biased to electrically communicate with the motor; and the electrical contact is electrically connected to the motor. The button is fixed to the housing so as to be selectively slidable between a second position not communicating with the button, and the stem of the button is bent when the button is pushed in. The stem biases the electrical contact into electrical communication with the motor and when the button is released, the button rebounds elastically, thereby causing the electrical contact to communicate with the motor. A fastener aligned with the opening of the fastener so as not to
The equipped,
The rotation axis of the brush head intersects the rotation axis of the drive shaft to form an inner angle between the rotation axes in a range of about 110 ° to about 140 °, and the inner angle is a reciprocating rotation of the brush head. The drive shaft is coupled to the brush head by being configured to be selectively coupled to one of the two portions, the housing being divided into two portions. A cleaning tool characterized by. And further comprising a retainer made of a material that is more rigid than the material forming the button, the retainer having an opening formed thereon, and wherein the stem is at least partially in the opening of the retainer. The cleaning implement according to claim 33 , wherein the cleaning implement is fixed to the button so as to be disposed. 35. The cleaning implement of claim 34 , wherein the button is molded as a cover for the retainer, thereby securing the button to the retainer. The cleaning implement according to claim 34 , wherein the retainer is coupled to the fastener. The apparatus further comprises a flexible partition attached to the housing, and the partition has a protrusion formed thereon, and the protrusion is disposed between the stem and the electrical contact. The cleaning implement according to claim 33 . The housing includes a main housing, the main housing having an opening and a cover plate formed thereon, the cover plate having a slot extending therethrough, and the cover plate having the main plate Fixed on the opening of the housing, and the button and the fastener are each partially disposed on opposite surfaces of the cover plate with the stem extending through the slot of the cover plate. 34. A cleaning implement according to claim 33 . In the cleaning system kit,
(I) a body assembly,
An elongated body housing having a chamber;
A motor disposed at least partially within the chamber of the body housing;
A main body drive shaft disposed at least partially within the chamber of the main body housing, wherein the main body drive shaft is continuously rotated about its rotational axis during the selection operation of the motor; A combined body drive shaft;
A body assembly comprising:
(Ii) a first head assembly,
A first head housing;
A first head drive shaft disposed within the first head housing and having a rotating shaft rotating around the first head housing;
A first brush head having a support plate to which a plurality of bristles are fixed, and having a rotation shaft that rotates around the support plate, is attached to the first head housing, and is continuously rotated by the first head drive shaft. The first brush head is coupled to the first head drive shaft so that the first brush head can be easily reciprocated, and the rotation axis of the first brush head intersects the rotation axis of the first drive shaft. Forming an internal angle between the rotation axes in a range of about 110 ° to about 140 °, the internal angle being constant during reciprocal rotation of the first brush head, and the first head assembly including the body drive shaft. A first brush head adapted to be selectively coupled to the body assembly to be coupled to the first head drive shaft;
A first head assembly comprising:
(Iii) a second head assembly,
A second head housing;
A second head drive shaft disposed within the second head housing and having a rotation axis that rotates about the second head housing;
A second brush head having a support plate to which a plurality of bristles are fixed, and having a rotation shaft that rotates around the support plate, is attached to the second head housing, and is continuously rotated by the second head drive shaft. The second brush head is coupled to the second head drive shaft so that continuous rotation of the second brush head is facilitated, and the rotation axis of the second brush head intersects with the rotation axis of the second drive shaft. Forming an inner angle between about 110 ° and about 140 ° between the rotation axes, the inner angle being constant during the reciprocal rotation of the second brush head, and A second brush head adapted to be selectively coupled to the body assembly to be coupled to the second head drive shaft;
A second head assembly comprising:
Cleaning system kit characterized by comprising 40. The cleaning system kit according to claim 39 , wherein at least a part of the bristles of the first brush head has a characteristic different from that of the bristles of the second brush head. 40. The cleaning system kit according to claim 39 , wherein at least a part of the bristles of the first brush head has a length different from that of the bristles of the second brush head. 40. The cleaning system kit according to claim 39 , wherein at least a part of the bristles of the first brush head has a diameter different from that of the bristles of the second brush head. The bristles of the first brush head are combined to form a first brush having a first maximum diameter, and the bristles of the second brush head are combined to form a second brush having a second maximum diameter. The cleaning system kit according to claim 39 , wherein the first maximum diameter is larger than the second maximum diameter. 40. The cleaning system kit of claim 39, wherein each hair of the first head housing has a diameter greater than 0.30 mm. 40. The cleaning system kit of claim 39, wherein each bristle of the first head housing has a diameter greater than 0.40 mm. 40. The cleaning of claim 39, wherein a plurality of bristles of the first brush head combine to form a brush, the brush being substantially cylindrical and having a maximum diameter between 1 cm and 4 cm. System kit. 40. The cleaning system kit according to claim 39, wherein the first head housing is detachably attached to the main body housing by selectively swiveling in the main body housing. In cleaning utensils,
An elongated body housing defining a chamber, the body housing having an upper surface extending along its length and an opposite second surface;
A motor disposed at least partially within the chamber of the body housing;
A button attached to the top surface of the body housing to energize the motor when pushed;
A first drive shaft at least partially disposed within the chamber of the body housing, wherein the first drive shaft continuously rotates about its axis of rotation during a selection operation of the motor; A first drive shaft coupled to the motor;
A head housing detachably coupled to the body housing;
A second drive shaft disposed within the head housing and selectively coupled to the first drive shaft when the head housing is coupled to the body housing;
A brush head coupled to the second drive shaft and having a plurality of bristles forming a brush, the brush head having a rotation axis, the brush head continuously rotating or reciprocating around the rotation shaft, and the brush A brush head projecting outwardly from the opposite side of the housing of the housing so that the force used to push the button is also used to push the brush against the surface to be cleaned;
The equipped,
The rotation axis of the brush head intersects with the rotation axis of the second drive shaft to form an inner angle between about 110 ° and about 140 ° between the rotation axes, and the inner angle is the rotation of the brush head. The second drive shaft is coupled to the first drive shaft by the head assembly having the head housing being configured to selectively couple with the body assembly having the body housing. Characteristic cleaning equipment. 49. The cleaning implement of claim 48 , wherein the head housing and the body housing combine to form a single housing that is substantially straight and substantially cylindrical. 49. A cleaning implement according to claim 48 , wherein the brush projects at a distal end of the head housing. In cleaning utensils,
An elongated housing defining a chamber;
A motor at least partially disposed within the chamber of the housing;
A drive shaft disposed at least partially within the chamber of the housing and coupled to the motor such that the drive shaft rotates continuously about its axis of rotation during a selection operation of the motor; A drive shaft;
A brush head coupled to the drive shaft, having a rotation axis around which the brush head rotates and having a bottom surface;
A plurality of tufts attached to the brush head so as to protrude from the bottom surface, each consisting of a plurality of hairs,
A locking tuft made of bristles attached to the center of the bottom surface and having a first length and a first diameter;
A plurality of cleaning tufts surrounding the stop tuft, a second length at least 20% longer than the first length and a second diameter at least 30% smaller than the first diameter; A plurality of cleaning tresses comprising hair having
A plurality of bunches with
The equipped,
The rotation axis of the brush head intersects the rotation axis of the drive shaft to form an inner angle between the rotation axes in a range of about 110 ° to about 140 °, and the inner angle is a reciprocating rotation of the brush head. The drive shaft is coupled to the brush head by being configured to be selectively coupled to one of the two portions, the housing being divided into two portions. A cleaning tool characterized by. 52. A cleaning implement according to claim 51 , wherein the second length of the bristles of the cleaning tuft is at least 30% longer than the first length. 52. A cleaning implement according to claim 51 , wherein the second diameter of the bristles of the cleaning tuft is at least 40% smaller than the first diameter. 52. The cleaning implement according to claim 51 , wherein the first length is 8 mm or less. 52. A cleaning implement according to claim 51 , wherein the first diameter is at least 0.22 mm. 52. The cleaning implement according to claim 51 , wherein the bristles of the stopping bunch and the bristles for cleaning are each made of nylon. 52. The cleaning implement according to claim 51 , wherein the brush head reciprocates around its rotation axis.

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