JP7248734B2 - Stirrer assembly - Google Patents

Description

Detailed description of the invention

[Technical field]
The present invention relates to negative pressure cleaners and, more particularly, to a negative pressure cleaner surface cleaning head including an openable agitator chamber and a removable agitator for use within the openable agitator chamber.

[Background technology]
The following is not an admission that anything discussed below is part of the prior art or common general knowledge of those skilled in the art.

Surface cleaning devices, more commonly known as negative pressure cleaners, can be used to clean a variety of surfaces using at least suction. Various types of negative pressure cleaners are known including, without limitation, upright negative pressure cleaners, canister negative pressure cleaners, stick negative pressure cleaners, and centralized negative pressure systems. A surface cleaning apparatus typically includes a surface cleaning head having an inlet. Some negative pressure cleaners include some or all of the operating components (e.g., suction motor and air handling members) in locations other than the surface cleaning head, allowing the surface cleaning head to be lighter or smaller. to For example, an upright vacuum cleaner may include an upright section containing at least an air treatment member attached to a surface cleaning head. A canister vacuum cleaner may include a canister body containing at least the air treatment member, and a suction motor connected to the surface cleaning head by a flexible hose and handle. Another type of negative pressure cleaner includes a suction motor and an air treatment member (eg, one or more cyclones) located within the surface cleaning head.

Surface cleaning devices, such as any of the negative pressure cleaners previously described, also include one or more rotating brush rolls or the like within the surface cleaning head to facilitate cleaning the surface. Multiple mechanical agitators may be included. One problem with mechanical agitators, particularly rotating brushrolls, is the difficulty of removing tangling debris (eg, hair). The surface cleaning head often must be turned over to determine if the agitator is tangled or clogged and to remove debris. Removing debris from a mechanical agitator located inside the surface cleaning head can likewise be difficult, especially through the restricted opening in the bottom of the surface cleaning head. Failure to properly remove debris can result in poor performance and even damage to the mechanical agitator and/or vacuum cleaner.

In some conventional negative pressure cleaners, agitators may likewise not be suitable for all surfaces and/or conditions. For example, it may be desirable for a rotating brushroll to provide agitation on carpet rather than on hard wood floors. This can further limit the performance and versatility of the vacuum cleaner.

[Summary of Invention]
Consistent with one embodiment, a surface cleaning head for negative pressure is provided. The surface cleaning head includes a cleaning head housing having a front end portion, a rear end portion, laterally disposed sides, a top portion, and a bottom portion. The agitator chamber is located within the front end portion of the cleaning head housing. The agitator chamber has a top opening through the top portion of the cleaning head housing and a bottom opening through the bottom portion of the cleaning head housing. An outer cover is pivotally attached to the cleaning head housing to cover the top opening of the agitator chamber. The outer cover is pivotable between a closed position and an open position, and the agitator chamber 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. . A rotatable driven agitator is removably mounted within the agitator chamber such that the agitator is configured to contact the surface through the lower opening and is configured to be removed through the upper opening. A rotatable driven agitator includes a driven end and a non-driven end. The outer cover engages the non-driven end of the agitator in the closed position to retain the agitator within the agitator chamber, and the outer cover disengages from the non-driven end of the agitator when moved to the open position. The stirrer is accessible and removable through the top opening when the outer cover is in the open position.

Consistent with another embodiment, a surface cleaning head for negative pressure is provided. The surface cleaning head includes a cleaning head housing including a front end portion, a rear end portion, laterally disposed sides, a top portion, and a bottom portion. The agitator chamber is located within the front end portion of the cleaning head housing. The agitator chamber has a top opening through the top portion of the cleaning head housing and a bottom opening through the bottom portion of the cleaning head housing. An outer cover is pivotally attached to the cleaning head housing and movable between a closed position and an open position for covering the top opening of the agitator chamber. The stirrer chamber is covered when the outer cover is in the closed position and is accessible through the top opening when the outer cover is in the open position. A sealing member surrounds at least one of the inner portion of the outer cover and the inner portion of the cleaning head housing about the agitator chamber to seal an interface between the cleaning head housing and the outer cover about the agitator chamber. placed around. A latch mechanism is configured to provide a plurality of engagement points about the perimeter between the outer cover and the cleaning head housing to retain the outer cover in the closed position. A rotatable driven agitator is mounted within the agitator chamber such that the agitator is configured to contact the surface through the lower opening. A rotatable driven agitator includes a driven end and a non-driven end and is accessible through the top opening when the outer cover is in the open position.

Consistent with one embodiment, a surface cleaning head for negative pressure is provided. The surface cleaning head includes a cleaning head housing having a front end portion, a rear end portion, laterally disposed sides, a top portion, and a bottom portion. The agitator chamber is located within the front end portion of the cleaning head housing and has a top opening through the top portion of the cleaning head housing and a bottom opening through the bottom portion of the cleaning head housing. The agitator chamber includes a non-driven side and a driven side. The surface cleaning head similarly includes a drive member on the driven side of the agitator chamber and an agitator drive mechanism including an agitator drive motor drivingly coupled to the drive member. An outer cover is mounted on the cleaning head housing to cover the upper opening of the agitator chamber and is movable between a closed position and an open position whereby the agitator chamber is covered when the outer cover is in the closed position. and is accessible through the top opening when the outer cover is in the open position. A rotatable driven agitator is removably mounted within the agitator chamber such that the agitator is configured to contact the surface through the lower opening and is accessed through the upper opening when the outer cover is in the open position. possible and removable. A rotatable driven agitator includes a non-driven end attached to the non-driven side of the agitator chamber, whereby the agitator is free at the non-driven end and the driven end including the driven member. rotate to The driven member axially fits and engages the drive member of the drive mechanism, whereby the drive member transmits torque and rotation to the driven member and the rotatable driven agitator.

Consistent with another embodiment, a surface cleaning head for negative pressure is provided. The surface cleaning head includes a cleaning head housing having a front end portion, a rear end portion, laterally disposed sides, a top portion, and a bottom portion. The agitator chamber is located within the front end portion of the cleaning head housing and has a top opening through the top portion of the cleaning head housing and a bottom opening through the bottom portion of the cleaning head housing. An outer cover is attached to the cleaning head housing to cover the top opening of the agitator chamber. The outer cover is movable between a closed position and an open position such that the stirrer chamber is covered when the outer cover is in the closed position and is reached through the top opening when the outer cover is in the open position. It is possible. At least first and second rotatable driven agitators are removably mounted within the agitator chamber and configured to be removed through the top opening when the outer cover is in the open position, thereby Rotatable driven agitators are interchangeable. The first rotatable driven agitator has a different agitation characteristic than the second rotatable driven agitator.

Consistent with further embodiments, a surface cleaning head for negative pressure is provided. The surface cleaning head has a cleaning head housing having a front end portion, a rear end portion, laterally disposed sides, a top portion and a bottom portion. The agitator chamber is located within the front end portion of the cleaning head housing and has a top opening through the top portion of the cleaning head housing and a bottom opening through the bottom portion of the cleaning head housing. The agitator chamber is configured to receive a rotatable driven agitator such that the agitator contacts the surface through the lower opening and is removable through the upper opening. The agitator chamber includes a non-driven side for receiving the non-driven end of the rotatable driven agitator and a driven side for receiving the driven end of the rotatable driven agitator. The surface cleaning head similarly includes a drive member on the driven side of the agitator chamber and an agitator drive mechanism including an agitator drive motor drivingly coupled to the drive member. The drive member is configured to axially fit and engage the driven member on the rotatable driven agitator such that the drive member imparts torque and rotation to the driven member and the rotatable driven member. Transfer to drive agitator. An outer cover is attached to the cleaning head housing to cover the top opening of the agitator chamber. The outer cover is movable between a closed position and an open position such that the stirrer chamber is covered when the outer cover is in the closed position and is reached through the top opening when the outer cover is in the open position. It is possible.

Consistent with one embodiment, a removable and rotatable agitator assembly for use in a negative pressure surface cleaning head is provided. A removable, rotatable agitator assembly comprising an agitator body having a driven end and a non-driven end and at least one disposed on at least a portion of the agitator body between the driven end and the non-driven end. a stirring element. The removable, rotatable agitator assembly further includes a driven member located at the driven end of the agitator body. The driven member is configured to axially fit and engage a drive member on a drive mechanism within the surface cleaning head. A removable, rotatable agitator assembly includes an axle extending from the non-driven end of the agitator body, a bushing rotatably mounted on the axle, and mounted on the bushing for rotation within the agitator chamber of the surface cleaning head. an end cap configured to be installed without the

Consistent with another embodiment, a removable, rotatable agitator assembly includes an agitator body having a driven end and a non-driven end, and an agitator body between the driven and non-driven ends. At least one agitating element disposed on at least a portion thereof and a splined driven member disposed on the driven end of the agitator body. The splined driven member is configured to axially fit and engage a splined drive member on the drive mechanism within the surface cleaning head.

Consistent with one embodiment, a surface cleaning head for negative pressure is provided. The surface cleaning head includes a cleaning head housing having a front end portion, a rear end portion, laterally disposed sides, a top portion, and a bottom portion. The agitator chamber is located within the front end portion of the cleaning head housing. The agitator chamber has a top opening through the top portion of the cleaning head housing and a bottom opening through the bottom portion of the cleaning head housing and includes at least one driven side. The surface cleaning head also includes an agitator drive mechanism including a drive member on the driven side of the agitator chamber and an agitator drive motor drivingly coupled to the drive member. The drive member is configured to engage the rotatable driven agitator and drive the rotatable driven agitator when received within the agitator chamber. An outer cover is attached to the cleaning head housing to cover the top opening of the agitator chamber. The outer cover is movable between a closed position and an open position. The stirrer chamber is covered when the outer cover is in the closed position and is accessible through the top opening when the outer cover is in the open position. The surface cleaning head further includes a non-driven agitator removably mounted within the agitator chamber without engaging the drive member such that the non-driven agitator contacts the surface through the lower opening. configured to The non-driven stirrer is accessible and removable through the top opening when the outer cover is in the open position.

Consistent with another embodiment, a surface cleaning head for negative pressure is provided. The surface cleaning head includes a cleaning head housing having a front end portion, a rear end portion, laterally disposed sides, a top portion, and a bottom portion. The agitator chamber is located within the front end portion of the cleaning head housing. The agitator chamber has a top opening through the top portion of the cleaning head housing and a bottom opening through the bottom portion of the cleaning head housing and includes at least one driven side. The surface cleaning head similarly includes a drive member on the driven side of the agitator chamber and an agitator drive mechanism including an agitator drive motor drivingly coupled to the drive member. At least one rotatable driven agitator configured to be removably mounted within the agitator chamber and configured to engage a drive member of the agitator drive mechanism whereby the drive member is rotatable Rotate a driven agitator. At least one non-driven agitator is configured to be removably mounted within the agitator chamber without engaging the drive member such that the non-driven agitator contacts the surface through the lower opening. configured as

Consistent with further embodiments, there is provided a removable non-driven agitator for use within the agitator chamber of the surface cleaning head. The removable non-driven agitator includes first and second elongated air inlets, an air outlet, and an agitator body defining an air path between at least one air inlet and the air outlet. The elongated air inlet is positioned along at least a portion of the bottom portion of the agitator body, and the air outlet is positioned on the agitator body and within the agitator chamber of the surface cleaning head to provide engagement with the dirty air inlet. be done. The bottom portion of the agitator body has a width corresponding to the width of the 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 within the agitator chamber. The removable non-driven agitator similarly includes at least one cleaning pad supported on a pad support member on at least one side of the bottom portion of the agitator body and a seal around the air outlet. including.
These and other features and advantages will be better understood from the following detailed description read in conjunction with the drawings.
The drawings included herein are provided to illustrate various examples of the articles, methods, and apparatus of the teachings herein and are intended to limit the scope of the teachings in any way. nothing to do.

1 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning head including an openable agitator chamber covered by an outer cover having transparent areas consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 1A-1A; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner having the surface cleaning head shown in FIG. 1 connected to a bar and handle; FIG. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the surface cleaning head shown in Figure 1 with the outer cover removed to show the top opening into the agitator chamber; Figure 2 is a bottom view of the surface cleaning head shown in Figure 1 showing the lower opening into the agitator chamber; 4A and 4B are different perspective views of one embodiment of a brushroll agitator for use with the surface cleaning head shown in FIG. 4A and 4B are different perspective views of one embodiment of a brushroll agitator for use with the surface cleaning head shown in FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the brushroll agitator shown in FIG. 4B taken along 4C-4C; FIG. 5A and 5B are perspective and side views, respectively, of another embodiment of a brushroll agitator for use with the surface cleaning head shown in FIG. 5A and 5B are perspective and side views, respectively, of another embodiment of a brushroll agitator for use with the surface cleaning head shown in FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the brushroll agitator shown in FIG. 5B taken along 5C-5C; FIG. 2 is a side view of a further embodiment of a rotatable agitator for use with the surface cleaning head shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a non-driven agitator for use with a surface cleaning head consistent with embodiments of the present invention; FIG. 6B is an end view of the non-driven agitator shown in FIG. 6A. FIG. 6B is a top view of the non-driven agitator shown in FIG. 6A. FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the non-driven agitator shown in FIG. 6A. FIG. 7A and 7B are different perspective side views of the surface cleaning head with the outer cover in the open position and the agitator removed from the agitator chamber, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. 7A and 7B are different perspective side views of the surface cleaning head with the outer cover in the open position and the agitator removed from the agitator chamber, consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. 7C is a top view of the agitator chamber and outer cover of the surface cleaning head shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B; FIG. Figure 7C is a side view of the surface cleaning head shown in Figures 7A and 7B; 7B is a top view of the surface cleaning head shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B including a rotatable agitator and drive mechanism consistent with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 4 is a top view of a surface cleaning head including a non-driven agitator received within an agitator chamber consistent with another embodiment of the present invention; 12 is a bottom view of the surface cleaning head including the non-driven agitator shown in FIG. 11; FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a drive mechanism for use with the surface cleaning head shown in FIG. 10; FIG. Figure 14 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the drive mechanism shown in Figure 13; 14 is an enlarged perspective view of a splined drive member and a splined driven member of the drive mechanism shown in FIG. 13; FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the splined connection between the splined drive member and the splined driven member taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 13; FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view of the splined driven member taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 15; FIG. Figure 11 is an exploded view of the non-driven end of one embodiment of a rotatable agitator for use with the surface cleaning head shown in Figure 10; 19 and 20 are different side perspective views of one embodiment of an end cap for use on the rotatable agitator shown in FIG. 18; 19 and 20 are different side perspective views of one embodiment of an end cap for use on the rotatable agitator shown in FIG. 18; 11 is a top perspective view of the non-driven side of the agitator chamber in the surface cleaning head of FIG. 10 without the rotatable agitator; FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the non-driven side of the agitator chamber in the surface cleaning head of FIG. 10 with the non-driven end of the rotatable agitator received in the agitator chamber; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an agitator end cap positioned within an agitator chamber in the surface cleaning head of FIG. 10 with the cover closed; FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a stick vacuum cleaner including a cleaning head having an openable agitator chamber consistent with a further embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an upright negative pressure cleaner including a cleaning head having an openable agitator chamber consistent with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a side view of a surface cleaning head including a rearwardly pivoting outer cover consistent with another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a side view of a surface cleaning head including a multi-piece outer cover consistent with a further embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a top view of a surface cleaning head including an outer cover that slides back or forward to open an agitator chamber consistent with another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a top view of a surface cleaning head including an outer cover that slides to the sides to open the agitator chamber, consistent with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[Detailed description of the invention]
A surface cleaning head consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure may be configured to receive a removable rotatable driven agitator, such as a brushroll, or a non-driven agitator. Any of these agitators may be placed in an openable agitator chamber for removing debris and/or for removing the agitator. The openable agitator chamber may be covered by an outer cover that is movable between open and closed positions. A sealing member may be disposed 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 rotatable agitator, such as a brushroll, driven by a drive mechanism axially engaging a driven end. The removable stirrer may be retained within the stirrer chamber by an outer cover. The surface cleaning head may also include one or more transparent areas (eg, windows on the outer cover) to allow visual inspection of the agitator during use.

A non-driven agitator may include an agitator body that includes a bottom portion that supports one or more cleaning heads. The non-driven agitator body similarly defines one or more air inlets, an air outlet, and an air path extending between the air inlets and the air outlets to facilitate passage of air through the surface cleaning head. good too. Different removable agitators with different characteristics may be used interchangeably in the surface cleaning head.

In the illustrated embodiment, the openable agitator chamber, outer cover, removable rotatable agitator, and other features described herein are used for "all in the head" type negative pressure cleaning. machine, and in that type of vacuum cleaner, substantially all of the functional or operational components for the transport and treatment of fluids (eg, air) are housed within the surface cleaning head. The openable agitator chamber, outer cover, removable rotatable agitator, and other features described herein are similarly, without limitation, upright vacuum cleaners, canister vacuum cleaners, stick It may be implemented within the scope of the present disclosure in any type of surface cleaning device or surface cleaning head for a vacuum cleaner, including negative pressure cleaners, robotic negative pressure cleaners, and centralized negative pressure systems.

As used herein, "surface cleaning head"
ead)” refers to a device configured to contact a surface for cleaning by use of a suction airflow, agitation, or a combination thereof. The surface cleaning head may be pivotally or steerably coupled by a swivel connection to a bar for controlling the surface cleaning head, or may be fixed and motorized to the surface cleaning head. may contain other parts. A surface cleaning head may similarly be operable without a bar or handle. As used herein, "agitator" refers to any element, member or structure capable of agitating a surface to facilitate movement of debris into the suction airflow within the surface cleaning head. As used herein, "transparent" means capable of allowing sufficient light to pass through so that objects on the other side can be seen.

1-3A, one embodiment of the surface cleaning head 100 is shown and described in greater detail. As shown in detail in FIG. 2, a bar 102 is steerably coupled to the surface cleaning head 100 by a swivel connection and includes a handle 104 at one end to allow a user to maneuver the surface cleaning head 100 during use. allow you to control. Bar 102 may have a telescoping configuration to provide length adjustment. Handle 104 may include controls 106 (eg, switches and/or speed controls) for controlling operation of surface cleaning head 100 . In other embodiments, the surface cleaning head 100 may be provided without the bar and handle (eg, in a robotic negative pressure surface cleaning head or in a motorized surface cleaning head).

Surface cleaning head 100 includes cleaning head housing 110 , agitator chamber 120 disposed within housing 110 , and rotatable agitator 130 disposed within agitator chamber 120 . Rotatable agitator 130 rotates about axis of rotation 2 (FIGS. 1A and 3), which may be substantially perpendicular to direction of travel 4 of surface cleaning head 100 . In the embodiment shown, stirrer chamber 120 is openable to provide access to stirrer 130 . Providing access to the agitator 130 within the agitator chamber 120 allows the user to inspect and/or clean the agitator 130 without having to remove the agitator and touch a dirty agitator 130. can be Rotatable agitator 130 may likewise be removable from agitator chamber 120 for inspection, cleaning, and/or replacement. In other embodiments, the openable agitator chamber 120 may include a non-removable stationary agitator, a non-rotatable or non-driven agitator, or any type of cleaning member.

The surface cleaning head 100 may generally include one or more pieces that surround or surround the components of the surface cleaning head 100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the surface cleaning head 100 is used in an "all-in-head" type negative pressure cleaner. As such, surface cleaning head housing 110 encloses or surrounds pneumatic transportation and treatment system 140 (shown schematically in FIGS. 1 and 3). The pneumatic transportation 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 within the agitator chamber 120 to a clean air outlet 145 . Suction motor 142 causes air to be drawn into dirty air inlet 143 , through cyclone chamber 144 and out clean air outlet 145 . Dirt is collected in a dirt collection chamber 146 as it passes through the cyclone chamber 144 . Smaller particles may be collected in filter(s) 148 as well. The pneumatic transportation and handling system 140 may be an existing or known "all-in-head" type negative pressure system, for example, as disclosed in US Pat. No. 7,329,294, which is incorporated herein by reference. It may be similar to those used in vacuum cleaners.

The cleaning head housing 110 has a front end portion 112 , a rear end portion 114 , laterally disposed sides 113 , 115 , a top portion 116 and a bottom portion 118 . In the embodiment shown, bar member 102 is steerably coupled to rear end portion 114 and agitator chamber 120 is disposed within front end portion 112 and has a top opening 117 in top portion 116 and a bottom portion 118 . extends between the lower opening 119 of the . A rotatable agitator 130 is disposed within the agitator chamber 120 and is configured to contact the surface to be cleaned through the lower opening 119 . Top opening 117 and bottom opening 119 allow rotatable agitator 130 to be reached from the top or bottom, or from the top and bottom simultaneously, which may facilitate inspection or service of the agitator. For example, a user may clean the agitator 130 through the top opening 117 while allowing debris that has separated from the agitator 130 to descend out of the chamber through the bottom opening 119 . The rotatable agitator 130 may likewise be removed from the agitator chamber 120 through, for example, top opening 117, as described in more detail below.

In the embodiment shown, the top opening 117 of the agitator chamber 120 has a width greater than the width of the agitator 130 to facilitate providing access to the entire agitator 130 and/or to allow the rotatable agitator 130 to be removed. allow to be In other embodiments, the width of top opening 117 of stirrer chamber 120 may be smaller. Bottom portion 118 includes one or more bottom guards or bars 111a, 111b extending across lower opening 119 (FIG. 3A).

In the illustrated embodiment, an outer cover 122 is attached to the upper portion 116 of the cleaning head housing 110 to cover the upper opening 117 of the agitator chamber 120 (FIG. 1). As such, the agitator chamber 120 can be opened while the surface cleaning head 100 rests on the floor, thereby eliminating the need to lift or reposition the surface cleaning head to reach the agitator chamber 120. good. The outer cover 122 is movable between a closed position (eg, FIG. 1) and an open position (eg, FIG. 3). In the closed position, outer cover 122 forms the upper portion of stirrer chamber 120 . As such, agitator chamber 120 and agitator 130 may be easily accessed (eg, without having to remove other walls or covers) simply by moving outer cover 122 to the open position. In the embodiment shown, the outer cover 122 extends across substantially the entire width of the surface cleaning head 100, but may be shorter in other embodiments.

In the illustrated embodiment, the surface cleaning head 100 includes one or more transparent regions 124 that allow visual inspection of the agitator chamber 120 . Transparent region 124 may comprise a polycarbonate material. In this embodiment, transparent area 124 is in the form of a window located on outer cover 122 . Additionally or alternatively, one or more transparent areas are located elsewhere on the cleaning head housing 110, e.g. may be As such, the transparent region 124 along with the removable outer cover 122 facilitates the determination of debris within the agitator chamber 120 and/or the agitator 130 and subsequent removal of that debris.

Outer cover 122 may be locked in the closed position using any suitable mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer cover 122 has one for releasing respective latch mechanisms (not shown) that hold the outer cover 122 in engagement with the cleaning head housing 110, as described in more detail below. or multiple latch releases 126a, 126b. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch releases 126a, 126b are positioned proximate each side 113,115. Additionally or alternatively, one or more releasable latches may be provided elsewhere on the outer cover 122 and/or cleaning head housing 110 . The outer cover 122 may be pivotally or movably coupled to the cleaning head housing 110, as described in more detail below, or may be completely removable from the cleaning head housing 110 (FIG. 3). ).

Surface cleaning head 100 may also include one or more lights, such as LEDs 129 on outer cover 122 . In this embodiment, wiring (not shown) extends from housing 110 to outer cover 122 and passes through the interior of cover 122 to LED 129 . Lights may be mounted elsewhere on the surface cleaning head 100 as well.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rotatable agitator 130 engages the agitator drive mechanism 150 at the driven end 132 and is free to rotate at the non-driven end 134 of the rotatable agitator 130, as shown in FIG. 1A. As such, the agitator drive mechanism 150 drives the driven end 132 to rotate the rotatable agitator 130 about the axis of rotation 2 during use. The drive mechanism 150 is rotatable without engaging the rotatable agitator 130 with a belt and in a manner that allows the agitator 130 to be easily removed and inserted, as described in more detail below. It may axially engage the driven end 132 of the stirrer 130 .

As shown in FIG. 2, agitator container 160 may be mounted on bar 102 to hold one or more spare agitators, such as rotatable driven or non-driven agitators. Agitator vessel 160 may be removably attached or secured to bar 102 . In other embodiments, agitator container 160 may be mounted elsewhere on surface cleaning head 100 or bar 102 . The illustrated embodiment of the agitator container 160 includes a container 162 sized and configured to receive at least one agitator and a cover 164 pivotally coupled to the container 162 by a hinge 165 . In other embodiments, agitator container 160 may comprise an uncovered container or may comprise other structures configured to receive and hold an agitator.

The illustrated embodiment of agitator vessel 160 further includes one or more mounting arms 166 extending from container 162 . The attachment arm engages the bar 102 to attach the container 160 to the bar 102 . The mounting arm 166 may be shaped similar to the profile of the bar 102 such that the arm 166 bends and exerts pressure against the bar 102 to hold the agitator container 160 in place and to hold the container 160 in place. may be sized to prevent sliding. In other embodiments, agitator container 160 may include other structures for engaging and attaching bar 102 and/or surface cleaning head 100 .

In this embodiment, rotatable agitator 130 is a rotatable brushroll that includes brush agitator element 136, as shown in more detail in FIGS. 4A-4C. The brush agitator element 136 may include brush bristles, such as nylon bristles, extending generally radially from the agitator body 131 . In this embodiment, the brush agitator elements 136 are arranged around the agitator body 131 in one or more spiral patterns 135a, 135b. Spiral patterns 135a, 135b include, for example, opposing spiral patterns 135a, 135b that meet at location 137 on agitator body 131 to form a chevron-like pattern. The location 137 (ie, chevron point) where the spiral pattern of the agitator element 136 meets may correspond to the location of the dirty air inlet 143 within the agitator chamber 120 when the agitator is inserted into the chamber. As shown in FIG. 4C, stirrer elements 136 may be angled with respect to a radial line extending radially from the axis of rotation of stirrer 130 . In the embodiment shown, the stirrer element 136 is angled toward the direction of rotation.

This embodiment of rotatable agitator 130 similarly includes one or more cut grooves 138 that extend generally axially along at least a portion of agitator body 131 . The cutting groove(s) 138 are recessed below the surface of the agitator body 131 and are deep enough to accommodate a cutting tool (eg, scissors or knife). As such, the cutting tool may be inserted under hair tresses, strings, or other types of debris that may wrap around the rotatable agitator 130 during use. The cutting tool may then move along the length of cutting groove 138 to cut hair or other debris that has become tangled around stirrer 130 . Rotatable agitator 130 may be manually rotated to allow cutting flutes 138 to be reached through upper opening 117 or through lower opening 119 of chamber 120 . When the rotatable agitator 130 is removed, the agitator 130 may be removed for clipping hair and other tangles. This embodiment of rotatable agitator 130 further includes spaces 139a, 139b that accommodate bottom guards or bars 111a, 111b such that rotatable agitator 130 extends partially through lower opening 119 (FIG. 1A). reference).

Agitator body 131 may be solid, hollow, or partially solid/hollow. Agitator body 131 may also include wheel weights that balance rotatable agitator 130 when driven. An example wheel weight (not shown) may include a screw threaded into body 131 . The hollow agitator body may not need to be weighted.

The rotatable agitator or brushroll may also be used with other types of agitator patterns and/or, without limitation, fabric materials (e.g., cloth, felt, or polyester), rubber materials, and different thicknesses and/or Or it may include an agitator element containing bristles of material. Rotatable agitators having different agitator patterns and/or agitator elements may be used for different surfaces, functions, and/or applications. A rotatable agitator with stiffer bristles may be used, for example, for carpeting and/or deep cleaning. A rotatable agitator with softer bristles or fabric may be used, for example, for hard wood floors and/or delicate and quick cleaning. As such, different brushrolls with different agitation characteristics are readily available within a surface cleaning head having an openable agitator chamber consistent with the embodiments described herein to enhance the functionality and improve the performance of the vacuum cleaner. may be interchangeable with

As shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, another embodiment of a rotatable agitator 530 includes agitator elements 536 arranged in a spiral pattern 535 extending from one end of an agitator body 531 to the other. In this embodiment, the stirrer element 536 includes bristles extending in generally continuous rows with two interruptions or spaces 539a, 539b to accommodate the bottom guards or bars 111a, 111b, thereby providing a rotatable stirrer. 530 extends partially through lower opening 119 when positioned within agitator chamber 120 shown in FIG. 1A.

In this embodiment, the stirrer elements 536 may also be bristles of different material, thickness, and/or height as compared to, for example, the stirrer elements 136 in the stirrer 130 . In one example, the agitator 130 shown in FIGS. 4A-4C may include rigid nylon bristles for carpet surfaces or deep cleaning applications, and the agitator 530 shown in FIGS. 5A-5C may be used for hard surfaces or delicate applications. It may contain soft nylon bristles for the purpose. The rigid nylon bristles of the carpet brushroll agitator 130 are thick (eg, 0.23±0.02 mm diameter) and short (eg, 8.0±0.6 mm in height from the brushroll agitator body 131). ). The soft nylon bristles of the hard surface brushroll agitator 530 are thick (e.g., 0.04±0.02 mm diameter) and long (e.g., 13±0.2 mm in height from the brushroll agitator body 531). good too. When the brushroll agitator 530 has long bristles, the diameter of the brushroll agitator body 531 may be small so that its entire outer diameter fits within the agitator chamber. In an exemplary embodiment, the thicker and shorter bristle brushroll agitator 130 has an overall outer diameter of about 54±0.3 mm, and the thicker and longer bristle brushroll agitator 530 , having an overall outer diameter of about 55±0.4 mm.

According to a further embodiment, a rotatable agitator 530' shown in FIG. 5D includes an agitator body 531
' may include a fabric material 536' wrapped around at least a portion of the '. Fabric material 536' may include, for example, a felt material. This embodiment of the rotatable agitator may be adapted for hard surfaces and/or delicate applications as well. A rotatable agitator may be any combination of agitator elements, such as, for example, soft agitator elements (e.g. fabric material or soft bristles/brushes) and relatively stiff agitator elements (e.g. rubber blades or stiff bristles/brushes). may include

In a further embodiment, surface cleaning head 100 with openable agitator chamber 120 may be configured to receive non-rotatable non-driven agitators in addition to rotatable driven agitators. The non-driven agitator is configured to engage each side of the agitator chamber 120 without engaging the drive mechanism 150 on the driven side of the chamber, as described in more detail below. . The non-driven agitator is likewise configured to engage the dirty air inlet 143 to allow airflow through the non-driven agitator and into the air transportation and treatment system 140 . Non-driven agitators may accommodate flat hard surfaces such as hard wood floors or other surfaces or conditions where a rotating agitator is not desired.

One embodiment of non-driven agitator 630 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 6A-6D. In this embodiment, the non-driven agitator 630 includes an agitator body 631 that includes a bottom portion having a pad support member 633 that supports one or more cleaning pads 635a-635c. Agitator body 631 may be a single molded piece, or may be assembled from two or more molded pieces attached together, such as by screws or other attachment methods. As shown, the cleaning pad(s) 635a-635c are generally non-driven with interruptions or spaces 639a, 639b that accommodate bottom guards or bars that traverse the lower opening of the agitator chamber within the surface cleaning head. It extends the length of the stirrer 630 . Although the illustrated embodiment shows three cleaning pads 635a-635c, other numbers of cleaning pads may be used.

The cleaning pads 635a-635c may comprise textile or fabric pads such as felt pads or other sheets or pads having fluff or pile suitable for cleaning surfaces. The cleaning pads 635a-635c may similarly include brush pads having bristles extending therefrom. Similar to the brushrolls described above, different non-driven agitators may include different types of cleaning pads used for different cleaning applications, such as brush pads with stiff bristles and brush pads with soft bristles. In one example, a brush pad with soft bristles may have thicker (eg, 0.04±0.02 mm diameter) nylon bristles.

The cleaning pad(s) 635a-635c are similarly removably attached to the bottom support member 633 using, for example, hook and loop fasteners such as VELCRO® or other attachment methods. good too. Other attachment mechanisms such as clips may be used. As such, different cleaning pads with different textures may be attached to the non-driven agitator 630 for use in different applications. A removable cleaning sheet or pad may be attached elsewhere on the agitator body 631 as well, for example, the sheet or pad may be wrapped around the pad support member 633 and attached to the upper portion of the agitator body 631. may be Combinations of different types of cleaning pads may also be used at the same time or at different times to provide different cleaning characteristics. Cleaning pads may likewise be reusable or disposable. In other embodiments, the non-driven agitator 630 is a permanent cleaning device attached to the non-driven agitator 630 to provide cleaning or scrubbing in addition to or instead of a removable cleaning sheet or pad. cleaning or abrasive materials.

In this embodiment of the non-driven agitator 630, the agitator body 631 similarly defines one or more air inlets 636a, 636b, an air outlet 638, and air paths between the air inlets and air outlets. , whereby the inlet(s) 636 a , 636 b are in fluid communication with the outlet 638 . The air inlets 636a, 636b are elongated and are adapted to the cleaning pad(s) 6.
Extends along at least a portion of pad support member 633 proximate to 35a-635c. Although the illustrated embodiment shows cleaning pad(s) 635a-635c on one side of air inlet(s) 636a, 636b, cleaning pads 635a-635c are positioned on opposite sides of air inlet(s) 636a, 636b. good too. Air is directed from air inlets 636a, 636b to air outlets 638 along air paths (indicated by arrows). When the non-driven agitator 630 is positioned within the agitator chamber 120 (FIG. 3), the air outlet 638 is engaged in fluid communication with the dirty air inlet 143 and the air inlets 636a, 636b are connected to the agitator. Located at the lower opening of chamber 120 , pneumatic transport and processing system 140 causes air to be drawn through air inlets 636 a , 636 b and air outlet 638 . As such, the non-driven agitator 630 promotes airflow through the surface cleaning head while also providing a non-rotating cleaning pad.

The air outlet 638 may include a seal 639 around the perimeter of the air outlet 638 to provide a seal between the air outlet 638 and the dirty air inlet. Seal 639 may comprise an elastomeric material or other suitable sealing material, and any known sealing material, such as a lip seal or face seal, capable of forming a seal against a flat surface. may have a configuration that Alternatively, air outlet 638 may be configured to engage a seal around the dirty air inlet in the agitator chamber.

The illustrated embodiment of the non-driven agitator 630 similarly includes one or more protrusions 637 on the bottom portion of the agitator body 631 . Protrusions 637 are configured to be received in associated grooves in the stirrer chamber, as described in more detail below. These protrusions 637 are generally spaced along the bottom portion of the body 631 on the other side of the air inlets 636a, 636b. Non-driven agitator 630 may similarly 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 below the drive member within the stirrer chamber, as described in more detail below.

7-9, one embodiment of surface cleaning head 700 having pivotable outer cover 722 will be described in greater detail. In this embodiment, the surface cleaning head 700 includes a cleaning head housing 710 containing an agitator chamber 720 and a pivotable outer cover 722 that is coupled by hinges 723 to a front portion 712 of the cleaning head housing 710 . Pivotable outer cover 722 pivots by hinge 723 between a closed position (not shown) and an open position (shown). If pivotable outer cover 722 includes a light, wiring (not shown) for the light may pass across hinge 723 . In this embodiment, a pivotable outer cover 722 pivots forward relative to housing 710 to open agitator chamber 720 (FIG. 9). In the open position, the agitator chamber 720 is accessible and the agitator may be removed from the agitator chamber 720 as shown. This embodiment of the surface cleaning head 700 may also be used with a rotatable agitator that is not removable, whereby the pivotable outer cover 722 is used to remove debris that has collected on the rotatable agitator. Only open to The pivotable outer cover 722 may also include a transparent window 724 (Fig. 8) extending across the central region for viewing the stirrer chamber 720 when the cover is in the closed position.

A sealing member 725 may likewise be disposed between the pivotable outer cover 722 and the cleaning head housing 710 and around the perimeter of the agitator chamber 720 . As such, a removable agitator (not shown) may be mounted within the agitator chamber 720 inside the sealing member 725 . In the embodiment shown, the pivotable outer cover 722 includes a sealing member 725 that extends around the interior perimeter of the cover 722 . In the closed position, the sealing member 725 seals against the cleaning head housing 710 around the perimeter of the agitator chamber 720 .
Sealing member 725 provides a substantially airtight seal at the interface between cover 722 and cleaning head housing 710 with substantially equal pressure around the perimeter of chamber 720 to prevent air and/or debris from passing through. It is possible to form a seal.

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

The surface cleaning head 700 may also include a latching mechanism that retains the pivotable outer cover 722 in the closed position. The latching mechanism may provide multiple engagement points around the circumference between the outer cover 720 and the cleaning head housing 710 such that the sealing member 725 is substantially equal around the circumference of the chamber 720. Engage with pressure.

In the embodiment shown, pivotable outer cover 722 includes latch mechanisms 770a, 770b on opposite sides from hinge 723. As shown in FIG. The latching mechanisms 770a, 770b may include slidable actuators 772a, 772b having hooks 774a, 774b that releasably engage grooves 776a, 776b on the cleaning head housing 710 . Each of the latch mechanisms 770 a , 770 b includes two hooks 774 a , 774 b to provide four spaced engagement points between the cover 720 and the housing 710 .

The slidable actuators 772a, 772b move laterally between latched and unlatched positions. The slidable actuators 772a, 772b may be biased into the latched position by, for example, springs (not shown). The slidable actuators 772a, 772b are operably coupled to the latch releases 726a, 726b to move the slidable actuators 772a, 772b against spring bias, thereby removing the grooves 776a, 776b from the hooks 774a, 774b is released (indicated by the arrow in FIG. 8). In other embodiments, the latch mechanisms 770a, 770b may be located on the cleaning head housing 110 and the grooves 776a, 776b may be located on the outer cover 722. Although two latching mechanisms and four hooks are shown, other numbers of latching mechanisms and hooks may be used as well.

Referring to FIG. 10, this embodiment of surface cleaning head 700 may receive a removable, rotatable agitator 730 driven by drive mechanism 750 . In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 750 axially engages the driven end 732 of the rotatable agitator 730 at the driven side of the agitator chamber 720, and the non-driven end 734 of the rotatable agitator 730 extends into the agitator chamber. It is mounted to rotate freely on the non-driven side of 720 . A removable rotatable driven end 732 and a non-driven end 734 of the stirrer 730 are positioned within the stirrer chamber 720 in a manner that allows the stirrer 730 to be removed when the outer cover 722 is in the open position. can be attached to

In this embodiment, an outer cover 722 is configured to retain a removable, rotatable stirrer 730 within the stirrer chamber 720 . The outer cover 720 includes engagement formations 728 that engage, for example, the non-driven end 734 of the removable rotatable stirrer 730 . In other embodiments, the agitator engagement member 739 is movably mounted to the surface cleaning head housing 710 for movement into engagement with the non-driven end 734 of the removable rotatable agitator 730 . good too. Agitator engagement member 739, shown schematically, may be in the form of a clip, slide, or latch, and slides into and out of engagement with agitator 130. and/or may pivot.

Although this embodiment shows a pivotable outer cover 722 similar to that shown and described above, the removable, rotatable agitator 730 of this embodiment can be used with other types of openable outer covers as well. may be

Surface cleaning head 700 may also include a kill switch that cuts power to drive mechanism 750 when pivotable outer cover 722 is in the open position. A kill switch actuator 721 is located at a point along the perimeter of the agitator chamber 720 to activate the kill switch when the pivotable outer cover 722 is opened. In an exemplary embodiment, kill switch actuator 721 is biased to an open position opening the kill switch. When pivotable outer cover 722 is in the closed position, cover 722 engages kill switch actuator 721 to close the kill switch and allow power to drive mechanism 750 . When the pivotable outer cover 722 moves to the open position, the actuator 721 moves to the biased open position to open the kill switch and de-energize the drive mechanism 750 . In one embodiment, kill switch actuator 721 may be recessed to prevent it from being actuated by the user, and may be actuated by a protrusion (eg, a small rod) extending from cover 722 . Actuator 721 may also be in other locations and actuated in other ways.

According to this embodiment of the surface cleaning head 700, the agitator chamber 720 is also configured to receive a non-driven agitator, eg, as described above. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the non-driven agitator 630 described above may be placed within the agitator chamber 720 without engaging the drive mechanism 750 . In this embodiment, wings 631a on end 632 of agitator body 631 slide under drive member 770 of drive mechanism 750, providing sufficient clearance for drive member 770 to rotate without contacting agitator 630. do. The bottom portion of the stirrer body 631 has a width corresponding to the width of the lower opening of the stirrer chamber 720 (see FIG. 11).

When the non-driven agitator 630 is positioned within the agitator chamber 720, the air outlet 638 engages the dirty air inlet 743 in the surface cleaning head 700 (see FIGS. 7A, 8, and 11) and the agitator body 631 A protrusion 637 on the bottom portion of the agitator chamber 720 is received in a groove 713 along one side of the agitator chamber 720 (see FIGS. 8 and 12). The resilience of the seal 639 around the air outlet 638 allows the protrusion 637 to fit tightly into the groove 713 so that the non-driven stirrer 630 is positioned within the stirrer chamber 720 at a predetermined placed in place. As such, the force exerted by the resilient seal 639 holds the non-driven stirrer 630 in place. When properly positioned within the stirrer chamber 720, the grooves 713 receive the protrusions 637 by friction fit, and the spaces 639a, 639b on the bottom of the stirrer body 631 extend across the bottom opening of the stirrer chamber 720. Receiving guards or bars 711a, 711b, cleaning pad(s) 635a-635c extend through the lower opening of agitator chamber 720 (see FIG. 12).

As shown in more detail in FIGS. 13 and 14, the drive mechanism 750 includes a motor 752, a rotation transmission mechanism 754, and a splined drive member 770. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the rotation transmission mechanism 754 includes a belt 755 that frictionally engages a drive wheel 753 coupled to the output of the motor 752 and a driven wheel 755 that is coupled to a splined drive member 770 . Drive mechanism 750 may be capable of rotating stirrer 730 at a low speed of 700±100 RPM and a high speed of 3500±500 RPM. In other embodiments, other rotational transmission mechanisms may be used including, but not limited to, a gear train or a direct drive connection between a motor and a splined drive member. In other embodiments, the motor may be located inside the rotatable agitator. In further embodiments, the drive mechanism may include other mechanisms capable of imparting rotation to the rotatable agitator including, but not limited to, an air-driven turbine.

As shown in more detail in FIG. 15, the driven end 732 of the removable rotatable agitator 730 includes a splined driven member 780 configured to axially mate with the splined drive member 770 . As such, splined drive member 770 and splined driven member 780 form a splined connection or joint that transmits rotation and torque without the use of belts. The splined drive member 770 and splined driven member 780 have spline teeth 772, 782 oriented radially with respect to the axis of rotation of the agitator. The spline teeth 772, 782 have corresponding shapes and spaces 778, 788 between the spline teeth 772, 782 such that the spline teeth 772, 782 are axially aligned with the members 770, 780 as shown in FIG. It meshes when it is engaged in the direction.

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

In the embodiment shown, the spline teeth 772, 782 on the splined drive member 770 and the splined driven member 780 are both generally wedge-shaped, with radially outer portions 771, 781 being radially inner portions. Wider than 773, 783 (see FIG. 16). Spline teeth 772 , 782 also have tapered sidewalls 774 , 775 , 784 , 785 that taper outwardly from radial surfaces 776 , 786 of spline teeth 772 , 782 . As shown in FIG. 17, the spline teeth 782 on the splined driven member 780 also have a tapered or chamfered radial surface 786 that faces inwardly (i.e., the agitator ), forming an acute angle with radial line 708 in the range of approximately 30° to 60°. The splined teeth 772 on the splined drive member 770 may have tapered or chamfered axial surfaces 777 that taper inwardly toward the axis of rotation.

The shape and configuration of the splined teeth 772 , 782 in the illustrated embodiment provide self-alignment and facilitate engagement between the splined driven member 780 and the splined drive member 770 . The splined driving member 770 and splined driven member 780 may engage at several different angular positions and thus do not require precise angular alignment for engagement. The shape and configuration of the splined teeth 772 , 782 in the illustrated embodiment may also reduce or eliminate backlash when the splined drive member 770 drives the splined driven member 780 .

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

In the embodiment shown, the splined drive member 770 and splined driven member 780 each have six (6) spline teeth 772, 782 arranged in a star configuration about the axis of rotation. The six spline teeth are also capable of withstanding the desired driving force and torque while promoting alignment and preventing backlash. However, other numbers of spline teeth are possible. Other shapes and configurations of spline teeth on splined drive member 770 and splined driven member 780 may also be possible. Additionally, other connections or mechanisms for axially coupling rotatable shafts to transmit torque and rotation, including but not limited to dog clutches, antiskid clutches, Hirth joints, and curvic connections. may also be used.

As shown in more detail in FIG. 18, the non-driven end 734 of this embodiment of the removable rotatable stirrer 730 includes an end cap 790 that fastens to a bushing 792 that is rotatably mounted on an axle 791 . Axle 791 is fixed within and extends from agitator body 731 . End cap 790 is supported within agitator chamber 720 and is configured to clamp bushing 792 such that axle 791 rotates within bushing 792 and rotatable agitator 730 rotates about its axis of rotation. In this embodiment, end cap 790 is removably secured to bushing 792 by a friction fit, although end cap 790 may also be secured to bushing 792 . In other embodiments, bushing 792 may be configured to mount directly within agitator chamber 720 without an end cap. Various other configurations may also be used to rotatably support the non-driven end 734 of the rotatable agitator 730 within the agitator chamber 720 .

As shown in more detail in FIGS. 19 and 20 , end cap 790 includes tabs 796 that are formed to be easily gripped for removal of non-driven end 734 of agitator 730 from agitator chamber 720 . The end cap 790 also has one or more stabilizing structures 793 that engage mating structures within the agitator chamber to prevent the end cap 790 from rotating such that the bushing 792 is held stationary; 795 , 797 , thereby allowing axle 791 to rotate freely within bushing 792 when the rotatable agitator is driven at driven end 732 . This embodiment of the end cap 790 also includes elastomeric pads 799 that engage engagement formations 728 on the outer cover 722 when the cover is closed to retain the agitator 730 within the agitator chamber 720 . End cap 790 further includes an elastomeric ring 798 that frictionally engages bushing 792 . Elastomeric pad 799 and elastomeric ring 798 may advantageously prevent or isolate vibrations when stirrer 730 is rotating within stirrer chamber 720, and both may be molded from the same rubber material. . End cap 790 may further include a washer 794 (eg, a felt washer) that contacts end surface 736 of agitator body 731 to keep debris away from bearing 792 .

21-23, the engagement of end cap 790 and stirrer chamber 720 is described in greater detail. On the non-driven side, the chamber 720 includes mounting rails 727a, 727b that define a recessed area 729 that receives the end portion of the end cap 790. As shown in FIG. As such, the end portions of the end cap 790 may slide between the mounting rails 727a, 727b as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 23, stabilizing structures 793, 795, 797 engage corresponding structures on mounting rails 727a, 727b, and engaging structure 728 inside cover 722 engages elastomeric pad 799. . As such, the end cap 790 and bushing 792 remain stationary as the agitator 730 rotates. Additionally or alternatively, the cover 722 may engage other portions of the end cap 790 (eg, tabs 796) to retain the end cap 790 within the chamber 720. In this embodiment, the stabilizing structures 793, 795, 797 have a specific configuration that is designed or fixed to fit the mounting rails 727a, 727b in a specific orientation (see FIG. 23), thereby: End cap 790 is suitably positioned to be engaged by cover 722 .

To mount the rotatable agitator 730 within the agitator chamber 720, the driven end 732 is angled into the chamber 720 to engage the splined drive member 770 with the splined driven member 780 (see FIG. 16). The end cap 790 may then be used to lower the non-driven end 734 of the stirrer 730 into the chamber 720 until the end cap 790 fits between the mounting rails 727a, 727b. Once the stirrer 730 is properly positioned within the chamber 720 , the outer cover 722 may then be closed to cover the chamber 720 and retain the rotatable stirrer 730 within the chamber 720 . To remove the rotatable agitator 730, the user grasps the tab 796 and slides the end cap 790 out from between the mounting rails 727a, 727b, thereby lifting the non-driven end 734 out of the chamber 720. may The user may then continue to lift agitator 730 until splined drive member 770 and splined driven member 780 disengage. The user may then clean agitator 730 and/or insert another type of agitator.

Referring to FIG. 24, a stick negative pressure cleaner surface cleaning head 2400 is covered by an outer cover 2422 and may include an openable agitator chamber that houses a removable agitator. The outer cover 2422, openable chamber, and removable agitator located within the surface cleaning head 2400 may be implemented in any of the embodiments described herein.

Referring to FIG. 25, an upright negative pressure cleaner surface cleaning head 2500 may include an openable agitator chamber that is covered by an outer cover 2522 and houses a removable agitator. The outer cover 2522, openable chamber, and removable agitator located within the surface cleaning head 2500 may be implemented in any of the embodiments described herein.

The moveable outer cover may also have other configurations, such as shown in Figures 26-29. FIG. 26 shows another embodiment of a surface cleaning head 2600 having a pivotable outer cover 2622 that pivots rearwardly relative to the cleaning head housing 2610 to an open position. FIG. 27 is a further implementation of a surface cleaning head 2700 having a multi-piece pivotable outer cover including one cover portion 2722a that pivots forward and another cover portion 2722b that pivots rearward relative to the cleaning head housing 2710. showing morphology. FIG. 28 shows yet another embodiment of a surface cleaning head 2800 having a slidable outer cover 2822 that slides or rolls longitudinally relative to the cleaning head housing 2810, similar to a garage door, for example. FIG. 29 shows a further embodiment of a surface cleaning head 2900 having a slidable outer cover 2922 that slides laterally relative to the cleaning head housing 2910 .

In any of these embodiments, the outer cover may be hung using, for example, the latching mechanisms described above or any other latching mechanism. In any of these embodiments, the outer cover may be sealed using, for example, the sealing members described above or any other sealing member. In each of these embodiments, the outer cover may move between open and closed positions while remaining engaged with the surface cleaning head housing. In other embodiments, the outer cover may be completely removed from the surface cleaning head housing. Other variations and locations for the outer cover 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, service and/or replacement of an agitator within the surface cleaning head. The removable agitator may include a rotatable driven agitator that engages the drive mechanism within the agitator chamber or a non-rotatable non-driven agitator that is received within the agitator without engaging the drive mechanism.

Although the principles of the invention have been set forth herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the description was done 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 invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the surface cleaning apparatus may embody any one or more of the features contained herein, and that the features may be used in any particular combination or subcombination. will be recognized by Modifications and substitutions by those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the scope of the invention, which is not limited except as by the appended claims.

Claims (11)

A removable, rotatable agitator assembly for use in a surface cleaning head of a surface cleaning device , comprising:
an agitator body having a driven end and a non-driven end;
A combination of a soft agitator element and a relatively rigid agitator element, wherein the relatively rigid agitator element extends at least one end of the agitator body between the driven end and the non-driven end. a combination of a soft agitator element and a relatively stiff agitator element comprising bristles located at a portion and arranged around the agitator body in a spiral pattern, the soft agitator element comprising a cloth;
A splined driven member disposed at the driven end of the agitator body and configured to axially fit and engage a splined drive member on a drive mechanism within the surface cleaning head. a splined driven member,
an axle extending from the non-driven end of the agitator body;
a bushing rotatably mounted on the axle;
an end cap mounted on the bushing and configured to be mounted without rotation within an agitator chamber of the surface cleaning head;
The end cap is a tab projecting radially therefrom and configured to be grasped by a user to facilitate removal of the removable rotatable agitator assembly from the agitator chamber. A removable, rotatable agitator assembly that includes a tab that 2. The removable rotatable agitator assembly of claim 1, wherein said splined driven member includes internal spline teeth. 2. The removable rotatable agitator assembly of claim 1, wherein said splined driven member includes wedge-like splined teeth. 4. The removable rotatable agitator assembly of claim 3, wherein said wedge spline teeth have tapered sides. 4. The removable rotatable agitator assembly of claim 3, wherein said wedge spline teeth have chamfered radial surfaces. 2. The removable rotatable agitator assembly of claim 1, wherein the splined driven member includes six splined teeth arranged in a star configuration about the axis of rotation of the agitator body. 2. The removable rotatable agitator assembly of claim 1, wherein said end cap is removably mounted on said bushing by a friction fit. 2. The removable of claim 1, wherein the end cap includes a stabilizing structure projecting from the end cap and configured to engage a mating structure within the agitator chamber. rotatable agitator assembly. 9. The removable rotatable agitator assembly of claim 8 , wherein at least one said stabilizing structure is located opposite said tab of said end cap. 2. The removable rotatable agitator assembly of claim 1, wherein an end of said tab defines an upward facing top surface when said removable rotatable agitator assembly is positioned in said agitator chamber. . said end of said tab having a length less than the outer diameter of said removable rotatable agitator assembly;
The top surface of the tab has a lateral length longer than the width of the top surface of the tab in the axial direction of the stirrer body, and the lateral direction is a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. can be,
the tab has an edge extending from the top surface in the axial direction away from the agitator body;
11. The removable and rotatable according to claim 10 , wherein the tab has a recessed area located below the top surface of the tab and facing the agitator body in the axial direction to facilitate gripping of the tab. agitator assembly.

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