JP2018503473A - A surface cleaning head including an openable agitator chamber and a removable agitator for use in the openable agitator chamber - Google Patents

Abstract

The surface cleaning head may be configured to receive a removable and rotatable driven agitator such as a brush roll or a non-driven agitator. Any of these agitators may be placed in an openable agitator chamber to remove debris and / or to remove the agitator. The openable agitator chamber may be covered by an outer cover that is movable between an open position and a closed position. At least one end of the removable agitator may be retained in the agitator chamber by an external cover. A sealing member may be disposed between the outer cover and the surface cleaning head housing and around the periphery of the agitator chamber. Different removable agitators with different characteristics may be used interchangeably within the surface cleaning head.
[Selection] Figure 7A

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

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

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

  A surface cleaning device, more commonly known as a vacuum cleaner, can be used to clean various surfaces using at least suction. Various types of negative pressure cleaners are known including, but not limited to, upright negative pressure cleaners, canister negative pressure cleaners, stick negative pressure cleaners, and centralized negative pressure systems. A surface cleaning device typically includes a surface cleaning head having an inlet. Some vacuum cleaners include some or all of the operating components (eg, suction motors 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 negative pressure cleaner may include an upright section that houses at least an air treatment member attached to the surface cleaning head. The canister negative pressure cleaner may include a canister body containing at least an 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 handling member (eg, one or more cyclones) disposed within the surface cleaning head.

  A surface cleaning device, such as any of the negative vacuum cleaners described above, similarly may be provided with one of a rotating brush roll or the like in the surface cleaning head to facilitate cleaning the surface, or A plurality of mechanical stirrers may be included. One problem with mechanical agitators, particularly rotating brush rolls, is the difficulty of removing tangles (eg, hair). The surface cleaning head often must be turned over to determine if the stirrer is tangled or clogged and to remove debris. Removing debris from a mechanical stirrer located inside the surface cleaning head can also be difficult, especially through a limited opening at the bottom of the surface cleaning head. Failure to properly remove litter can result in performance degradation and even damage to the mechanical stirrer and / or the vacuum cleaner.

  In some conventional negative pressure cleaners, the agitator may be unsuitable for all surfaces and / or conditions as well. For example, it may be desirable for a rotating brush roll to provide agitation on the carpet rather than on a hard wooden floor. This can further limit the performance of the vacuum cleaner as well as the versatility.

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

  A surface cleaning head for negative pressure is provided consistent with other embodiments. The surface cleaning head includes a cleaning head housing that includes a front end portion, a rear end portion, laterally disposed sides, an upper portion, and a bottom portion. The agitator chamber is disposed in the front end portion of the cleaning head housing. The agitator chamber has an upper opening through the upper portion of the cleaning head housing and a lower opening through the bottom portion of the cleaning head housing. An outer cover is pivotally attached to the cleaning head housing to cover the upper opening of the agitator chamber and is movable between a closed position and an open position. The agitator chamber is covered when the outer cover is in the closed position and is reachable through the upper opening when the outer cover is in the open position. The sealing member seals the boundary between the cleaning head housing and the outer cover around the stirrer chamber, so that the sealing member surrounds at least one of the inner portion of the outer cover and the inner portion of the cleaning head housing around the stirrer chamber. Placed around. The latch mechanism is configured to provide a plurality of engagement points around the periphery between the outer cover and the cleaning head housing to hold the outer cover in the closed position. A rotatable driven stirrer is mounted in the stirrer chamber so that the stirrer is configured to contact the surface through the lower opening. The rotatable driven stirrer includes a driven end and a non-driven end and is reachable through the upper opening when the outer cover is in the open position.

  A surface cleaning head for negative pressure is provided consistent with one embodiment. The surface cleaning head includes a cleaning head housing having a front end portion, a rear end portion, laterally disposed sides, an upper portion, and a bottom portion. The agitator chamber is disposed in the front end portion of the cleaning head housing and has an upper opening through the upper portion of the cleaning head housing and a lower 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 stirrer chamber and a stirrer drive mechanism including a stirrer drive motor that is drivingly coupled to the drive member. An outer cover is attached to the cleaning head housing to cover the top opening of the agitator chamber and is movable between a closed position and an open position so that the agitator chamber is covered when the outer cover is in the closed position. And is reachable through the top opening when the outer cover is in the open position. A rotatable driven agitator is removably mounted within the agitator chamber so that the agitator is configured to contact the surface through the lower opening and reaches through the upper opening when the outer cover is in the open position. It is possible and removable. The rotatable driven agitator includes a non-driven end attached to the non-driven side portion of the agitator chamber so that the agitator is free at the non-driven end and the driven end including the driven member. Rotate to. The driven member engages and engages with the driving member of the driving mechanism in the axial direction, whereby the driving member transmits torque and rotation to the driven member and the rotatable driven agitator.

  A surface cleaning head for negative pressure is provided consistent with other embodiments. The surface cleaning head includes a cleaning head housing having a front end portion, a rear end portion, laterally disposed sides, an upper portion, and a bottom portion. The agitator chamber is disposed in the front end portion of the cleaning head housing and has an upper opening through the upper portion of the cleaning head housing and a lower opening through the bottom portion of the cleaning head housing. An outer cover is attached to the cleaning head housing to cover the upper opening of the agitator chamber. The outer cover is movable between a closed position and an open position so that the agitator chamber is covered when the outer cover is in the closed position and reaches through the upper opening when the outer cover is in the open position Is possible. At least the 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 The rotatable driven stirrers are interchangeable. The first rotatable driven agitator has different agitation characteristics than the second rotatable driven agitator.

  A surface cleaning head for negative pressure is provided consistent with further embodiments. The surface cleaning head has a cleaning head housing having a front end portion, a rear end portion, side portions disposed on a side, an upper portion, and a bottom portion. The agitator chamber is disposed in the front end portion of the cleaning head housing and has an upper opening through the upper portion of the cleaning head housing and a lower 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 a non-driven end of a rotatable driven agitator and a driven side for receiving a driven end of a rotatable driven agitator. The surface cleaning head similarly includes a drive member on the driven side of the stirrer chamber and a stirrer drive mechanism including a stirrer drive motor that is drivingly coupled to the drive member. The drive member is configured to engage and engage the driven member on the rotatable driven agitator in an axial direction so that the drive member can transmit torque and rotation to the driven member and the rotatable driven member. Transmit to the drive stirrer. An outer cover is attached to the cleaning head housing to cover the upper opening of the agitator chamber. The outer cover is movable between a closed position and an open position so that the agitator chamber is covered when the outer cover is in the closed position and reaches through the upper opening when the outer cover is in the open position 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 and rotatable stirrer assembly includes a stirrer body having a driven end and a non-driven end, and at least one disposed on at least a portion of the stirrer body between the driven end and the non-driven end. A stirring element. The removable and rotatable stirrer assembly further includes a driven member disposed at a driven end of the stirrer body. The driven member is configured to be fitted and engaged with the driving member on the driving mechanism in the surface cleaning head in the axial direction. A removable and rotatable stirrer assembly includes an axle extending from an undriven end of the stirrer body, a bushing rotatably mounted on the axle, and mounted on the bushing and rotates into the agitator chamber of the surface cleaning head. And an end cap configured to be attached without any further.

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

  A surface cleaning head for negative pressure is provided consistent with one embodiment. The surface cleaning head includes a cleaning head housing having a front end portion, a rear end portion, laterally disposed sides, an upper portion, and a bottom portion. The agitator chamber is disposed in the front end portion of the cleaning head housing. The agitator chamber has an upper opening through the upper portion of the cleaning head housing and a lower opening through the bottom portion of the cleaning head housing and includes at least one driven side. The surface cleaning head similarly includes a stirrer drive mechanism that includes a drive member on the driven side of the stirrer chamber and a stirrer drive motor that is 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 in the agitator chamber. An outer cover is attached to the cleaning head housing to cover the upper opening of the agitator chamber. The outer cover is movable between a closed position and an open position. The agitator chamber is covered when the outer cover is in the closed position and is reachable through the upper opening when the outer cover is in the open position. The surface cleaning head further includes a non-driven agitator that is removably mounted within the agitator chamber without engaging the drive member, so that the undriven agitator contacts the surface through the lower opening. Configured. The undriven stirrer is reachable and removable through the top opening when the outer cover is in the open position.

  A surface cleaning head for negative pressure is provided consistent with other embodiments. The surface cleaning head includes a cleaning head housing having a front end portion, a rear end portion, laterally disposed sides, an upper portion, and a bottom portion. The agitator chamber is disposed in the front end portion of the cleaning head housing. The agitator chamber has an upper opening through the upper portion of the cleaning head housing and a lower 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 stirrer chamber and a stirrer drive mechanism including a stirrer drive motor that is drivingly coupled to the drive member. At least one rotatable driven agitator is 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 so that the undriven agitator contacts the surface through the lower opening Configured as follows.

Consistent with further embodiments, a removable, non-driven agitator is provided for use in 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 that defines an air path between the at least one air inlet and the air outlet. The elongated air inlet is disposed along at least a portion of the bottom portion of the agitator body, and the air outlet is disposed on the agitator body in a position that provides engagement with the dirty air inlet within the agitator chamber of the surface cleaning head. Is done. The bottom side portion of the stirrer body has a width corresponding to the width of the lower opening of the stirrer chamber. The first and second ends of the agitator body are configured to engage the agitator chamber without engaging a drive member in the agitator chamber. The removable non-driven stirrer similarly includes at least one cleaning pad supported on the pad support member on at least one side of the bottom side portion of the stirrer body, and a seal around the air outlet including.
These and other features and advantages will be better understood when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the drawings.
The drawings included herein are for purposes of illustrating various examples of the articles, methods, and apparatus taught herein and are intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way. Not something to do.

1 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning head including an openable agitator chamber covered by an outer cover having a transparent region consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. It is sectional drawing of the surface cleaning head shown in FIG. 1 cut along line 1A-1A. It is a perspective view of the negative pressure cleaner which has the surface cleaning head shown in FIG. 1 connected to a rod-shaped member and a handle. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the surface cleaning head shown in FIG. 1 with the outer cover removed to show the top opening into the agitator chamber. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the surface cleaning head shown in FIG. 1 showing a lower opening entering the agitator chamber. 4A and 4B are different perspective views of one embodiment of a brush roll agitator for use with the surface cleaning head shown in FIG. 4A and 4B are different perspective views of one embodiment of a brush roll agitator for use with the surface cleaning head shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the brush roll stirrer shown in FIG. 4B cut along 4C-4C. 5A and 5B are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of another embodiment of a brush roll agitator for use with the surface cleaning head shown in FIG. 5A and 5B are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of another embodiment of a brush roll agitator for use with the surface cleaning head shown in FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the brush roll stirrer shown in FIG. 5B cut along 5C-5C. FIG. FIG. 2 is a side view of a further embodiment of a rotatable stirrer for use with the surface cleaning head shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a non-driven stirrer for use with a surface cleaning head consistent with multiple embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 6B is an end view of the non-driven stirrer shown in FIG. 6A. FIG. 6B is a top view of the non-driven stirrer shown in FIG. 6A. FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the non-driven stirrer shown in FIG. 6A. 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 one 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 one embodiment of the present invention. 7B is a top view of the agitator chamber and outer cover of the surface cleaning head shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. FIG. It is a side view of the surface cleaning head shown to FIG. 7A and 7B. 7B is a top view of the surface cleaning head shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B including a rotatable stirrer and drive mechanism consistent with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 5 is a top view of a surface cleaning head including an undriven agitator received in an agitator chamber consistent with another embodiment of the present invention. It is a bottom view of the surface cleaning head containing the non-driven stirrer shown in FIG. 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. 14 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the drive mechanism shown in FIG. 13. It is an expansion perspective view of the drive member with a spline of the drive mechanism shown in FIG. 13, and the driven member with a spline. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a spline coupling between a splined drive member and a splined driven member taken along line 16-16 of FIG. FIG. 17 is a side sectional view of a splined driven member cut along line 17-17 in FIG. 15; FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the undriven end of one embodiment of a rotatable stirrer for use with the surface cleaning head shown in FIG. 10. 19 and 20 are different side perspective views of one embodiment of an end cap for use on the rotatable stirrer shown in FIG. 19 and 20 are different side perspective views of one embodiment of an end cap for use on the rotatable stirrer shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the non-driven side portion of the agitator chamber in the surface cleaning head of FIG. 10 without a rotatable agitator. FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the non-driven side portion of the agitator chamber in the surface cleaning head of FIG. 10 with the undriven end of the rotatable agitator received in the agitator chamber. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an agitator end cap disposed in an agitator chamber within the surface cleaning head of FIG. 10 with a cover closed. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a stick negative pressure cleaner including a cleaning head having an openable agitator chamber consistent with a further embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 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. 6 is a side view of a surface cleaning head including an outer cover that pivots backward, consistent with another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 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. 6 is a top view of a surface cleaning head including an outer cover that slides backward or forward to open an agitator chamber consistent with another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a top view of a surface cleaning head that includes an outer cover that slides to the side to open an 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 and rotatable driven or non-driven agitator such as a brush roll. Any of these agitators may be placed in the openable agitator chamber to remove debris and / or to remove the agitator. The openable agitator chamber may be covered by an outer cover that is movable between an open position and a closed position. A sealing member may be disposed between the outer cover and the surface cleaning head housing and around the periphery of the agitator chamber. A surface cleaning head consistent with other embodiments of the present disclosure includes a removable and rotatable stirrer, such as a brush roll, driven by a drive mechanism that axially engages the driven end. The removable agitator may be retained in the agitator chamber by an external 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.

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

  In the illustrated embodiment, the openable agitator chamber, the outer cover, the removable rotatable agitator, and other features described herein are “all in the head” type negative pressure cleaning. In that type of negative pressure cleaner, substantially all of the functional or actuating components for transport and processing of fluid (eg, air) are contained within the surface cleaning head. The openable agitator chamber, outer cover, removable and rotatable agitator, and other features described herein are similarly, without limitation, an upright negative pressure cleaner, a canister negative pressure cleaner, a stick Any type of surface cleaning device or surface cleaning head for a negative pressure cleaner, including negative pressure cleaners, robotic negative pressure cleaners, and centralized negative pressure systems may be implemented within the scope of this disclosure.

  As used herein, a “surface cleaning head” refers to a device configured to contact a surface for cleaning by use of a stream of suction air, agitation, or a combination thereof. The surface cleaning head may be pivotably or steerably coupled to a rod-like member for controlling the surface cleaning head by a swivel connection, and is fixed and motorized to the surface cleaning head. It may contain some parts. The surface cleaning head may likewise be operable without a bar or handle. As used herein, “stirrer” refers to any element, member, or structure that can stir a surface to facilitate litter movement into a suction air stream within a surface cleaning head. As used herein, “transparent” means that enough light can be allowed 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 more detail. As shown in detail in FIG. 2, the rod-like member 102 is coupled to the surface cleaning head 100 by a swivel connection so as to be steered, and includes a handle 104 at one end so that the user can use the surface cleaning head 100 during use. Allows you to control. The bar member 102 may have a telescoping configuration to provide length adjustment. The handle 104 may include a control unit 106 (for example, a switch and / or a speed control unit) for controlling the operation of the surface cleaning head 100. In other embodiments, the surface cleaning head 100 may be provided without a bar and handle (eg, in a robot negative pressure surface cleaning head or in a motorized surface cleaning head).

  The surface cleaning head 100 includes a cleaning head housing 110, a stirrer chamber 120 disposed in the housing 110, and a rotatable stirrer 130 disposed in the stirrer chamber 120. The rotatable stirrer 130 rotates about a rotation axis 2 (FIGS. 1A and 3) that can be substantially perpendicular to the direction 4 of movement of the surface cleaning head 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the agitator chamber 120 can be opened to provide access to the agitator 130. Providing access to the stirrer 130 within the stirrer chamber 120 allows the user to inspect and / or clean the stirrer 130 without having to remove the stirrer and touching the dirty stirrer 130 Can be. The rotatable agitator 130 may similarly be removable from the agitator chamber 120 for inspection, cleaning, and / or replacement. In other embodiments, the openable agitator chamber 120 may include a fixed agitator that is not removable, 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 embodiment shown, the surface cleaning head 100 is used in an “all-in-head” type vacuum cleaner. Accordingly, the surface cleaning head housing 110 surrounds or surrounds the pneumatic transport and processing system 140 (shown schematically in FIGS. 1 and 3). Pneumatic transport and treatment system 140 includes, for example, a suction motor 142, a cyclone including a cyclone chamber 144 and a waste collection chamber 146 external to the cyclone chamber 144, and one or more filters 148. The air flow path 141 extends from the dirty air inlet 143 disposed in the agitator chamber 120 to the clean air outlet 145. The suction motor 142 causes air to be drawn into the dirty air inlet 143 and pass through the cyclone chamber 144 and out of the clean air outlet 145. As garbage passes through the cyclone chamber 144, it is collected in the garbage collection chamber 146. Smaller particles may be collected in the filter (s) 148 as well. Pneumatic transport and treatment system 140 may be an existing or known “all-in-head” type negative pressure, as disclosed, for example, in US Pat. No. 7,329,294, incorporated herein by reference. It may be similar to that used in a vacuum cleaner.

  The cleaning head housing 110 has a front end portion 112, a rear end portion 114, side portions 113 and 115 disposed on the side, an upper portion 116, and a bottom portion 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the bar 102 is coupled to be steered to the rear end portion 114, and the agitator chamber 120 is disposed in the front end portion 112 and within the top opening 117 and the bottom portion 118 in the upper portion 116. Extending from the lower opening 119. The rotatable stirrer 130 is disposed within the stirrer chamber 120 and is configured to contact a surface to be cleaned through the lower opening 119. The top opening 117 and the bottom opening 119 allow the rotatable stirrer 130 to be reached from the top or bottom, or from the top and bottom simultaneously, which may facilitate agitator inspection or service. For example, the user may clean the agitator 130 via the upper opening 117 while allowing debris separated from the agitator 130 to descend from the chamber via the lower opening 119. The rotatable agitator 130 may also be removed from the agitator chamber 120, for example through the top opening 117, as will be described in more detail below.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the top opening 117 of the agitator chamber 120 has a width greater than the width of the agitator 130 to facilitate providing access to the entire agitator 130 and / or the rotatable agitator 130 is removed. Allows to be done. In other embodiments, the width of the upper opening 117 of the agitator chamber 120 may be smaller. The bottom portion 118 includes one or more bottom guards or bars 111a, 111b that extend across the lower opening 119 (FIG. 3A).

  In the illustrated embodiment, the 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 is resting 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, the outer cover 122 forms the upper portion of the agitator chamber 120. As such, the agitator chamber 120 and the agitator 130 may be easily reached (eg, without having to remove other walls or covers) simply by moving the outer cover 122 to the open position. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer 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. The transparent region 124 may include a polycarbonate material. In this embodiment, the transparent region 124 is in the form of a window disposed on the outer cover 122. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more transparent regions may be located elsewhere on the cleaning head housing 110, such as the sides 113, 115, allowing visual inspection of the agitator 130 in the agitator chamber 120. May be. Thus, the transparent region 124, along with the movable outer cover 122, facilitates the determination of debris in the agitator chamber 120 and / or the agitator 130 and then removal of the debris.

  The outer cover 122 may be locked in the closed position using any suitable mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer cover 122 is one for releasing a respective latch mechanism (not shown) that holds the outer cover 122 in engagement with the cleaning head housing 110, as described in more detail below. Or it includes a plurality of latch releases 126a, 126b. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch releases 126a, 126b are disposed proximate to each side 113, 115. Additionally or alternatively, one or more releasable latches may be provided elsewhere on the outer cover 122 and / or the 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). ).

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

  In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1A, the rotatable stirrer 130 engages the stirrer drive mechanism 150 at the driven end 132 and rotates freely at the non-driven end 134 of the rotatable stirrer 130. Therefore, the stirrer driving mechanism 150 drives the driven end 132 to rotate the rotatable stirrer 130 around the rotation shaft 2 during use. The drive mechanism 150 can rotate without engaging the rotatable agitator 130 with the belt and in a manner that allows the agitator 130 to be easily removed and inserted, as described in more detail below. The driven end 132 of the agitator 130 may be engaged in the axial direction.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a stirrer vessel 160 may be mounted on the bar-like member 102 to hold one or more spare stirrers such as a rotatable driven stirrer or a non-driven stirrer. The stirrer container 160 may be detachably attached or fixed to the rod-shaped member 102. In other embodiments, the agitator vessel 160 may be attached elsewhere on the surface cleaning head 100 or bar 102. The illustrated embodiment of the agitator vessel 160 includes a container 162 that is configured to be sized to receive at least one agitator and cover 164 that is pivotally coupled to the container 162 by a hinge 165. In other embodiments, the agitator vessel 160 may include an uncovered container or may include other structures configured to receive and hold the agitator.

  The illustrated embodiment of the agitator vessel 160 further includes one or more mounting arms 166 extending from the container 162. The attachment arm engages with the rod-shaped member 102 and attaches the container 160 to the rod-shaped member 102. The mounting arm 166 may be shaped similarly to the contour of the bar-shaped member 102, and the arm 166 bends and applies pressure to the bar-shaped member 102 to hold the stirrer container 160 in place, and the container 160 May be dimensioned to prevent sliding. In other embodiments, the agitator vessel 160 may include other structures for engaging and attaching the bar-like member 102 and / or the surface cleaning head 100.

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

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

  The stirrer body 131 may be solid, hollow, or partially solid / hollow. The stirrer body 131 may similarly include a wheel weight that balances the rotatable stirrer 130 when driven. An example of a wheel weight (not shown) may include a screw that is screwed into the body 131. The hollow stirrer body may not need to be weighted.

  The rotatable stirrer or brush roll is similarly capable of other types of stirrer patterns and / or without limitation, fabric materials (eg, cloth, felt, or polyester), rubber materials, and different thicknesses and / or Or it may include a stirrer element containing hair of material. A rotatable stirrer with different stirrer patterns and / or stirrer elements may be used for different surfaces, functions and / or applications. A rotatable stirrer with stiffer bristles may be used, for example, for carpeting and / or careful cleaning. A rotatable stirrer with softer hair or fabric may be used, for example, for hard wooden floors and / or delicate and quick cleaning. As such, different brush rolls with different agitation characteristics are easy in a surface cleaning head with an openable agitator chamber consistent with the embodiments described herein to enhance the performance of vacuum cleaners and improve performance. May be interchangeable.

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

  In this embodiment, the agitator element 536 may similarly be a hair of a different material, thickness, and / or height as compared to, for example, the agitator element 136 in the agitator 130. In one example, the agitator 130 shown in FIGS. 4A-4C may include rigid nylon hair for carpet surface or careful cleaning applications, and the agitator 530 shown in FIGS. 5A-5C may be used for hard surfaces or delicate applications. Therefore, soft nylon hair may be included. The rigid nylon hair of the brush roll stirrer 130 for carpet is thick (for example, a diameter of 0.23 ± 0.02 mm) and short (for example, the height from the brush roll stirrer body 131 is 8.0 ± 0.6 mm). ) The soft nylon bristles of the brush roll stirrer 530 for a hard surface are thick (for example, a diameter of 0.04 ± 0.02 mm) and long (for example, the height from the brush roll stirrer main body 531 is 13 ± 0.2 mm). Also good. When the brush roll agitator 530 has long hair, the diameter of the brush roll agitator body 531 may be small so that the entire outer diameter fits into the agitator chamber. In an exemplary embodiment, the brush roll agitator 130 with thicker and shorter hair has an overall outer diameter of about 54 ± 0.3 mm, and the brush roll agitator 530 with thicker and longer hair is , Having an overall outer diameter of about 55 ± 0.4 mm.

  According to a further embodiment, the rotatable stirrer 530 ′ shown in FIG. 5D may include a fabric material 536 ′ wrapped around at least a portion of the stirrer body 531 ′. The fabric material 536 'may include, for example, a felt material. This embodiment of the rotatable stirrer may likewise be adapted for hard surfaces and / or delicate applications. A rotatable stirrer can be any combination of stirrer elements such as, for example, a soft stirrer element (eg, fabric material or soft hair / brush) and a relatively stirrer element (eg, rubber blade or rigid hair / brush). May be included.

  In further embodiments, the surface cleaning head 100 with the openable agitator chamber 120 may be configured to receive a non-rotatable non-driven agitator in addition to a rotatable driven agitator. The undriven agitator is configured to engage each side of the agitator chamber 120 without engaging the drive mechanism 150 at the driven side of the chamber, as will be described in more detail below. . The undriven agitator is similarly configured to engage the dirty air inlet 143 to allow airflow through the undriven agitator and into the pneumatic transport and processing system 140. The undriven stirrer may be adapted to a flat hard surface such as a hard wooden floor or other surface or condition where a rotating stirrer is not desired.

  One embodiment of an undriven stirrer 630 is shown in more detail in FIGS. In this embodiment, the undriven 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. The agitator body 631 may be a single molded piece, or may be assembled from two or more molded pieces that are attached together, such as by screws or other attachment methods. As shown, the cleaning pad (s) 635a-635c are generally non-driven with an interrupted portion or space 639a, 639b that houses a bottom guard or bar across the lower opening of the agitator chamber within the surface cleaning head. Extends over the length of the agitator 630. Although the illustrated embodiment shows three cleaning pads 635a-635c, other numbers of cleaning pads may be used.

  Cleaning pads 635a-635c may include textile or fabric pads, such as felt pads or other sheets or pads having fuzz or piles suitable for cleaning the surface. The cleaning pads 635a-635c are similarly brush pads and may include brush pads having hairs extending from the brush pads. Similar to the brush roll described above, different non-driven agitators may include different types of cleaning pads used for different cleaning applications, such as brush pads with rigid hair and brush pads with soft hair. 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 hook and loop fasteners such as, for example, VELCRO® or other attachment methods. Also good. Other attachment mechanisms such as clips may be used. As such, different cleaning pads having different textures may be attached to the undriven agitator 630 for use in different applications. The removable cleaning sheet or pad may similarly be attached elsewhere in the agitator body 631, for example, the sheet or pad is wrapped around a 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. The cleaning pad may be reusable or disposable as well. In other embodiments, the non-driven agitator 630 is a permanent attached to the non-driven agitator 630 to provide cleaning or washout in addition to or instead of the removable cleaning sheet or pad. Cleaning or grinding material may be included.

  In this embodiment of the undriven stirrer 630, the stirrer body 631 similarly defines one or more air inlets 636a, 636b, an air outlet 638, and an air path between the air inlet and the air outlet. , Whereby the inlet (s) 636 a, 636 b are in fluid communication with the outlet 638. Air inlets 636a, 636b are elongated and extend along at least a portion of pad support member 633 in proximity to cleaning pad (s) 635a-635c. The illustrated embodiment shows the cleaning pad (s) 635a-635c on one side of the air inlet (s) 636a, 636b, but the cleaning pads 635a-635c are disposed on opposite sides of the air inlets 636a, 636b. Also good. Air is directed from the air inlets 636a, 636b to the air outlet 638 along an air path (indicated by arrows). When the undriven agitator 630 is placed in 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 Located in the lower opening of the chamber 120, the pneumatic transport and processing system 140 causes air to be drawn through the air inlets 636 a, 636 b and the air outlet 638. As such, the undriven stirrer 630 facilitates air flow through the surface cleaning head while providing a non-rotating cleaning pad as well.

  The air outlet 638 may include a seal 639 around the periphery of the air outlet 638 to provide a seal between the air outlet 638 and the dirty air inlet. The seal 639 may include an elastomeric material or other suitable sealing material, and any known, such as a lip seal or end face seal, that can form a seal against a flat surface. You may have the structure which is. Alternatively, the air outlet 638 may be configured to engage a seal around the dirty air inlet in the agitator chamber.

  The illustrated embodiment of the undriven stirrer 630 similarly includes one or more protrusions 637 on the bottom portion of the stirrer body 631. The protrusion 637 is configured to be received in an associated groove in the agitator chamber, as described in more detail below. These protrusions 637 are generally spaced apart along the bottom portion of the body 631 on the other side of the air inlets 636a, 636b. Similarly, the non-driven stirrer 630 may include at least one wing 631a extending from at least one end of the stirrer body 631 (FIG. 6A). Wing 631a is configured to be placed under a drive member in the agitator chamber, as will be described in more detail below.

  With reference to FIGS. 7-9, one embodiment of a surface cleaning head 700 having a pivotable outer cover 722 will be described in more detail. In this embodiment, the surface cleaning head 700 includes a cleaning head housing 710 that includes an agitator chamber 720 and a pivotable outer cover 722 that is coupled by a hinge 723 to a front portion 712 of the cleaning head housing 710. The pivotable outer cover 722 is pivoted by a hinge 723 between a closed position (not shown) and an open position (shown). If the pivotable outer cover 722 contains light, wiring for light (not shown) may pass across the hinge 723. In this embodiment, the pivotable outer cover 722 pivots forward relative to the housing 710 to open the agitator chamber 720 (FIG. 9). In the open position, the agitator chamber 720 is reachable 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 stirrer that is non-removable so that the swivel outer cover 722 removes litter collected on the rotatable stirrer. Opened only to. The pivotable outer cover 722 may also include a transparent window 724 (FIG. 8) that extends across the central region to observe the agitator chamber 720 when the cover is in the closed position.

  The sealing member 725 may similarly be disposed between the pivotable outer cover 722 and the cleaning head housing 710 and around the periphery of the agitator chamber 720. Therefore, a removable stirrer (not shown) may be installed in the stirrer chamber 720 inside the sealing member 725. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivotable outer cover 722 includes a sealing member 725 that extends around the inner periphery of the cover 722. In the closed position, the sealing member 725 seals against the cleaning head housing 710 around the periphery of the agitator chamber 720. The sealing member 725 is substantially airtight at the interface between the cover 722 and the cleaning head housing 710 with substantially equal pressure around the chamber 720 to prevent air and / or litter from passing through. It is possible to form a sealing portion.

  The sealing member 725 may include an elastomeric material or other suitable sealing material and has any known configuration capable of forming a seal against a flat surface or rib. May be. For example, a lip seal or end face seal may be used on the pivotable outer cover 722 to facilitate alignment and sealing as the cover pivots to the closed position. In other embodiments, the sealing member 725 may be provided on the cleaning head housing 710.

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

  In the illustrated embodiment, the pivotable outer cover 722 includes latching mechanisms 770a, 770b on the opposite side from the hinge 723. The latch 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 latch mechanism 770a, 770b includes two hooks 774a, 774b to provide four spaced engagement points between the cover 720 and the housing 710.

  The slidable actuators 772a, 772b move laterally between the latched position and the unlatched position. The slidable actuators 772a, 772b may be biased into a latched position by, for example, a spring (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, so that the hooks 774a, 774b is released (indicated by an arrow in FIG. 8). In other embodiments, the latch mechanisms 770a, 770b may be disposed on the cleaning head housing 110 and the grooves 776a, 776b may be disposed on the outer cover 722. Although two latch mechanisms and four hooks are shown, other numbers of latch mechanisms and hooks may be used as well.

  Referring to FIG. 10, this embodiment of the surface cleaning head 700 may receive a removable and rotatable agitator 730 that is driven by a drive mechanism 750. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 750 is axially engaged with the driven end 732 of the rotatable stirrer 730 on the driven side of the stirrer chamber 720 and the non-driven end 734 of the rotatable stirrer 730 is Mounted for free rotation at 720 non-driven side. A driven end 732 and a non-driven end 734 of the removable and rotatable stirrer 730 are provided in 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. Attached to.

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

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

  The surface cleaning head 700 may also include a kill switch that stops power to the drive mechanism 750 when the pivotable outer cover 722 is in the open position. The kill switch actuator 721 is disposed at a point along the periphery of the agitator chamber 720 and activates the kill switch when the pivotable outer cover 722 is opened. In the exemplary embodiment, kill switch actuator 721 is biased to an open position that opens the kill switch. When the pivotable outer cover 722 is in the closed position, the cover 722 engages the kill switch actuator 721 to close the kill switch and allow power to the drive mechanism 750. When the pivotable outer cover 722 moves to the opening position, the actuator 721 moves to the biased opening position, opens the kill switch, and stops power supply to the drive mechanism 750. In one embodiment, the kill switch actuator 721 may be recessed to prevent being actuated by the user and may be actuated by a protrusion (eg, a small rod) that extends from the cover 722. The actuator 721 may also be elsewhere and may be actuated in other ways.

  According to this embodiment of the surface cleaning head 700, the agitator chamber 720 is also configured to receive an undriven agitator, for example, as described above. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the non-driven stirrer 630 described above may be disposed in the stirrer chamber 720 without engaging the drive mechanism 750. In this embodiment, the wing 631a at the end 632 of the agitator body 631 slides under the drive member 770 of the drive mechanism 750 and provides sufficient clearance for the drive member 770 to rotate without contacting the agitator 630. To do. The bottom side 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 undriven stirrer 630 is placed in the stirrer 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 stirrer body 631. A protrusion 637 on the bottom side of the channel is received in a groove 713 along one side of the agitator chamber 720 (see FIGS. 8 and 12). Due to the elasticity of the sealing portion 639 around the air outlet 638, the protrusion 637 may be closely fitted in the groove 713, so that the undriven stirrer 630 can be a predetermined amount in the stirrer chamber 720. Placed in place. Therefore, the force applied by the elastic sealing portion 639 holds the non-driven stirrer 630 in place. When properly positioned in the stirrer chamber 720, the groove 713 receives the protrusion 637 by a friction fit, and the spaces 639a, 639b on the bottom of the stirrer body 631 are bottoms extending across the lower opening of the stirrer chamber 720. Receiving guards or bars 711a, 711b, cleaning pad (s) 635a-635c extend through the lower opening of the 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. 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 frictionally engages a driven wheel 755 coupled to a splined drive member 770. The drive mechanism 750 may be capable of rotating the agitator 730 at a low speed of 700 ± 100 RPM and a high speed of 3500 ± 500 RPM. In other embodiments, other rotation transmission mechanisms may be used including, but not limited to, a gear train or a direct drive coupling between the motor and the splined drive member. In other embodiments, the motor may be placed inside a rotatable stirrer. In further embodiments, the drive mechanism may include other mechanisms that can provide 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 and rotatable stirrer 730 includes a splined driven member 780 configured to fit axially into the splined driving member 770. Therefore, the splined drive member 770 and the splined driven member 780 form a spline coupling or joint that transmits rotation and torque without using a belt. The splined drive member 770 and splined driven member 780 have spline teeth 772, 782 oriented radially with respect to the rotating shaft of the agitator. The spline teeth 772, 782 have corresponding shapes and spaces 778, 788 between the spline teeth 772, 782, so that the spline teeth 772, 782 have the members 770, 780 pivoted as shown in FIG. Engages when engaged in direction.

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

  In the illustrated embodiment, the spline teeth 772, 782 on the splined drive member 770 and the splined driven member 780 are both generally wedge shaped and the radially outer portions 771, 781 are radially inner portions. It is wider than 773 and 783 (see FIG. 16). Spline teeth 772, 782 also have tapered side walls 774, 775, 784, 785 that taper outward 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 is inward (ie, agitator). Taper to the non-driven end, forming an acute angle with respect to the radial line 708 in the range of about 30 ° -60 °. The spline teeth 772 on the splined drive member 770 may have a tapered or chamfered axial surface 777 that tapers inwardly toward the axis of rotation.

  The shape and configuration of the spline teeth 772, 782 in the illustrated embodiment provides self-alignment and facilitates engagement between the splined driven member 780 and the splined drive member 770. The splined drive member 770 and splined driven member 780 can engage at several different angular positions and therefore do not require precise angular alignment for engagement. The shape and configuration of the spline 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 include an elastomeric material such as a thermoplastic rubber having a higher (eg, 90 or more) durometer hardness. The elastomeric material may facilitate engagement of the spline teeth 772, 782 and may provide vibration reduction or isolation when the splined drive member 770 drives the splined driven member 780. Therefore, the drive mechanism 750 can rotate the agitator 730 at a higher RPM with reduced vibration.

  In the embodiment shown, each of the splined drive member 770 and the splined driven member 780 has six (6) spline teeth 772, 782 arranged in a star configuration about the rotational axis. The six spline teeth can also withstand the desired driving force and torque while facilitating alignment and preventing backlash. However, the number of spline teeth may be other numbers. Other shapes and configurations of spline teeth on splined drive member 770 and splined driven member 780 may also be possible. In addition, other couplings or mechanisms for axially coupling the rotating shaft to transmit torque and rotation, including but not limited to dog clutches, non-slip clutches, Hirth joints, and Kirkick couplings. May also be used.

  As shown in more detail in FIG. 18, the undriven end 734 of this embodiment of the removable and rotatable agitator 730 includes an end cap 790 that is fastened to a bushing 792 that is rotatably mounted on an axle 791. The axle 791 is fixed in the stirrer body 731 and extends therefrom. The end cap 790 is supported within the agitator chamber 720 and is configured to retain the bushing 792, whereby the axle 791 rotates within the bushing 792 and the rotatable agitator 730 rotates about its axis of rotation. In this embodiment, end cap 790 is releasably secured to bushing 792 by a friction fit, but end cap 790 may also be secured to bushing 792. In other embodiments, the bushing 792 may be configured to be mounted directly in the 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, the end cap 790 includes a tab 796 that is configured to be easily grasped for removal of the undriven end 734 of the agitator 730 from the agitator chamber 720. The end cap 790 also includes one or more stabilizing structures 793 that engage a mating structure in the agitator chamber to prevent the end cap 790 from rotating so that the bushing 792 is held stationary. 795, 797, thereby allowing the axle 791 to rotate freely within the bushing 792 when the rotatable stirrer is driven at the driven end 732. This embodiment of the end cap 790 also includes an elastomeric pad 799 that engages an engagement structure 728 on the outer cover 722 when the cover is closed and the agitator 730 is retained in the agitator chamber 720. The end cap 790 further includes an elastomeric ring 798 that frictionally engages the bushing 792. Elastomer pad 799 and elastomer ring 798 may advantageously prevent or isolate vibration when agitator 730 is rotating within agitator chamber 720, and may both be molded from the same rubber material. . The end cap 790 may further include a washer 794 (eg, a felt washer) that contacts the end surface 736 of the agitator body 731 to keep the debris away from the bearing 792.

  Referring to FIGS. 21-23, the engagement of the end cap 790 and the agitator chamber 720 will be described in more detail. On the undriven side, chamber 720 includes mounting rails 727 a, 727 b that define a recessed region 729 that receives an end portion of end cap 790. Therefore, the end portion of the end cap 790 may slide between the mounting rails 727a and 727b as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 23, the stabilization structures 793, 795, 797 engage corresponding structures on the mounting rails 727a, 727b, and the engagement structure 728 inside the cover 722 engages the elastomeric pad 799. . Therefore, the end cap 790 and the bushing 792 remain stationary as the agitator 730 rotates. Additionally or alternatively, cover 722 may engage other portions of end cap 790 (eg, tab 796) to hold end cap 790 within chamber 720. In this embodiment, the stabilization structure 793, 795, 797 has 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 (FIG. 16). The end cap 790 may then be used to lower the undriven end 734 of the agitator 730 into the chamber 720 until the end cap 790 fits between the mounting rails 727a, 727b. Once the agitator 730 is properly positioned within the chamber 720, the outer cover 722 may then close to cover the chamber 720 and keep the rotatable agitator 730 within the chamber 720. To remove the rotatable agitator 730, the user grabs the tab 796 and slides the end cap 790 out of between the mounting rails 727a, 727b, thereby lifting the undriven end 734 out of the chamber 720. May be. Thereafter, the user may continue to lift the agitator 730 until the splined drive member 770 and the splined driven member 780 are detached. The user may then clean the agitator 730 and / or insert another type of agitator.

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

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

  The movable outer cover may also have other configurations, for example as shown in FIGS. FIG. 26 illustrates another embodiment of a surface cleaning head 2600 having a pivotable outer cover 2622 that pivots back to an open position relative to the cleaning head housing 2610. FIG. 27 shows a further implementation of a surface cleaning head 2700 having a multi-piece pivotable outer cover that includes one cover portion 2722a that pivots forward and another cover portion 2722b that pivots backward relative to the cleaning head housing 2710. The form is shown. 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 illustrates 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 latch mechanism described above or any other latch 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 an open position and a closed position 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 agitator inspection, cleaning, service, and / or replacement 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 in the agitator without engaging the drive mechanism.

  Although the principles of the present invention have been set forth herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present description is made merely by way of example and not as a limitation on the scope of the invention. Other embodiments are considered to be within the scope of the present invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Those skilled in the art that a surface cleaning device may embody any one or more of the features included 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 considered to be within the scope of the invention, which is not limited except as by the appended claims.

Claims (119)

A surface cleaning head for negative pressure,
A cleaning head housing having a front end portion, a rear end portion, a laterally disposed side portion, an upper portion, and a bottom portion;
An agitator chamber disposed within the front end portion of the cleaning head housing, having an upper opening through the upper portion of the cleaning head housing and a lower opening through the bottom portion of the cleaning head housing; An agitator chamber;
An outer cover pivotably attached to the cleaning head housing to cover the upper opening of the stirrer chamber, wherein the outer cover is pivotable between a closed position and an open position; An outer cover that is covered when in the closed position and is reachable through the upper opening when the outer cover is in the open position;
A rotatable driven agitator removably mounted within the agitator chamber so that the agitator is configured to contact a surface through the lower opening and is removed through the upper opening. A rotatable driven stirrer configured, wherein the rotatable driven stirrer includes a driven end and a non-driven end, and the outer cover places the stirrer in the stirrer chamber Engage with the non-driven end of the stirrer in the closed position to hold, the outer cover is detached from the non-driven end of the stirrer when moved to the open position, and the stirrer A surface cleaning head that is reachable and removable through the top opening when a cover is in the open position.   The rotatable driven agitator includes an end cap that is rotatably attached to the non-driven end of the rotatable driven agitator, and the outer cover holds the agitator in the agitator chamber. The surface cleaning head of claim 1, wherein the surface cleaning head engages the end cap.   The surface cleaning head according to claim 2, wherein the outer cover includes an engagement structure that protrudes from an inner portion of the outer cover to engage the end cap.   The surface cleaning head of claim 3, wherein the end cap includes an elastomeric pad engaged by the engagement structure.   The surface cleaning head of claim 2, wherein the non-driven end of the rotatable driven agitator includes an axle and a bushing rotatably mounted on the axle, and the end cap is mounted on the bushing. .   The surface cleaning head of claim 5, wherein the end cap is removably mounted on the bushing by a friction fit.   A stirrer drive mechanism for driving the driven end of the rotatable driven stirrer in the stirrer chamber is further provided, and the driven end of the rotatable stirrer is detachably connected to the stirrer drive mechanism. The surface cleaning head of claim 1, wherein the stirrer drive mechanism holds the driven end of the stirrer in the stirrer chamber.   The surface cleaning head according to claim 1, wherein the rotatable stirrer is a brush roll.   The surface cleaning head according to claim 1, wherein the outer cover is configured to pivot forward with respect to the cleaning head housing to the opening position.   The surface cleaning head according to claim 1, wherein the outer cover is configured to pivot backward to the opening position with respect to the cleaning head housing.   The surface cleaning head of claim 1, further comprising at least one latch mechanism for hanging the outer cover in the closed position.   The surface cleaning head of claim 11, wherein the at least one latch mechanism includes a first latch mechanism proximate to one side and a second latch mechanism proximate to an opposing side.   The first and second latch mechanisms are each configured to provide engagement between the cleaning head housing and the outer cover to hold the outer cover in the closed position. The surface cleaning head of claim 12, comprising a hook.   The surface cleaning head of claim 11, wherein the latch mechanism is configured to provide a plurality of engagement points between the outer cover and the cleaning head housing.   Around the agitator chamber, at least one of an inner portion of the outer cover and an inner portion of the cleaning head housing is sealed around the agitator chamber to seal a boundary between the cleaning head housing and the outer cover. The surface cleaning head of claim 1, further comprising a sealing member around the periphery.   16. A latch mechanism configured to provide a plurality of engagement points around the periphery between the outer cover and the cleaning head housing to hold the outer cover in the closed position. The surface cleaning head described in 1.   The at least one transparent region in the outer cover, the transparent region being configured to allow visual inspection of the agitator chamber when the outer cover is in the closed position. The surface cleaning head described in 1. An air flow path extending from the dirty air inlet to the clean air outlet;
The surface cleaning head of claim 1, further comprising an air transport and processing system for transporting and processing air moving along the air flow path. A surface cleaning head for negative pressure,
A cleaning head housing having a front end portion, a rear end portion, a laterally disposed side portion, an upper portion, and a bottom portion;
An agitator chamber disposed within the front end portion of the cleaning head housing, having an upper opening through the upper portion of the cleaning head housing and a lower opening through the bottom portion of the cleaning head housing; An agitator chamber;
An outer cover pivotably attached to the cleaning head housing to cover the upper opening of the stirrer chamber, the outer cover being movable between a closed position and an open position; An outer cover that is covered when in the closed position and is reachable through the upper opening when the outer cover is in the open position;
At least one of an inner portion of the outer cover and an inner portion of the cleaning head housing around the agitator chamber to seal a boundary between the cleaning head housing and the outer cover around the agitator chamber. A sealing member around the periphery;
A latch mechanism configured to provide a plurality of engagement points around the periphery between the outer cover and the cleaning head housing to hold the outer cover in the closed position;
A rotatable driven agitator mounted in the agitator chamber, whereby the agitator comprises a rotatable driven agitator configured to contact a surface through the lower opening; A surface cleaning head, wherein the rotatable driven agitator includes a driven end and a non-driven end, and the agitator is reachable through the upper opening when the outer cover is in the open position.   20. The surface cleaning head of claim 19, wherein the at least one latch mechanism includes a first latch mechanism proximate to one side and a second latch mechanism proximate to an opposing side.   The first and second latch mechanisms are each configured to provide engagement between the cleaning head housing and the outer cover to hold the outer cover in the closed position. 21. A surface cleaning head according to claim 20, comprising a hook.   The surface cleaning head of claim 19, wherein the sealing member includes a lip seal.   The surface cleaning head according to claim 19, wherein the sealing member is disposed on the inner portion of the outer cover.   The rotatable driven stirrer is removably mounted in the stirrer chamber, the outer cover engages the undriven end of the stirrer in the closed position, and the stirrer is moved to the stirrer chamber The surface cleaning head according to claim 19, wherein the head is held inside and the outer cover is detached from the non-driven end of the stirrer when moved to the opening position.   The outer cover protrudes from an inner portion of the outer cover to engage the non-driven end of the rotatable driven agitator in the closed position to hold the agitator in the agitator chamber. 26. A surface cleaning head according to claim 25, including an engagement structure, wherein the engagement structure engages the non-driven end inside the sealing member.   The rotatable driven agitator is removably mounted in the agitator chamber and engages the undriven end of the rotatable driven agitator to hold the agitator in the agitator chamber. The surface cleaning head of claim 19, further comprising an agitator engaging member movably attached to the cleaning head housing for movement to a state.   A stirrer drive mechanism for driving the driven end of the rotatable driven stirrer in the stirrer chamber is further provided, and the driven end of the rotatable stirrer is detachably connected to the stirrer drive mechanism 20. The surface cleaning head of claim 19, wherein the stirrer drive mechanism holds the driven end of the stirrer within the stirrer chamber.   20. The at least one transparent area in the outer cover, wherein the transparent area is configured to allow visual inspection of the agitator chamber when the outer cover is in the closed position. The surface cleaning head described in 1.   The surface cleaning head according to claim 19, wherein the outer cover is configured to pivot forward relative to the cleaning head housing to the open position.   The surface cleaning head according to claim 19, wherein the outer cover is configured to pivot backward to the opening position with respect to the cleaning head housing. A surface cleaning head for negative pressure,
A cleaning head housing having a front end portion, a rear end portion, a laterally disposed side portion, an upper portion, and a bottom portion;
A stirrer chamber disposed within the front end portion of the cleaning head housing, having an upper opening through the upper portion of the cleaning head housing and a lower opening through the bottom portion of the cleaning head housing. A stirrer chamber comprising a non-driven side and a driven side;
A stirrer drive mechanism including a drive member in the driven side portion of the stirrer chamber, and a stirrer drive motor drivingly coupled to the drive member;
An outer cover attached to the cleaning head housing to cover the upper opening of the agitator chamber, the outer cover being movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the agitator chamber has the outer cover in the closed position; An outer cover that is covered when the outer cover is in the open position and is reachable through the upper opening when the outer cover is in the open position;
A rotatable driven agitator removably mounted in the agitator chamber, whereby the agitator is configured to contact a surface through the lower opening; and The stirrer is reachable and removable through the top opening when the outer cover is in the open position, and the rotatable driven stirrer is the undriven of the stirrer chamber Including a non-driven end attached to a side, whereby the agitator is free to rotate at a driven end including the non-driven end and a driven member, the driven member being The drive member is axially fitted and engaged so that the drive member transmits torque and rotation to the driven member and the rotatable driven agitator. Surface cleaning head.   32. A surface cleaning head according to claim 31, wherein the drive member transmits torque and rotation to the driven member and the rotatable driven agitator without a belt.   32. The surface cleaning head according to claim 31, wherein the driving member is a driving member with a spline, and the driven member is a driven member with a spline.   34. The surface cleaning head according to claim 33, wherein the splined drive member and the splined driven member have wedge-shaped spline teeth.   35. The surface cleaning head of claim 34, wherein the wedge-shaped spline teeth of the splined driven member have a chamfered radial surface.   36. The surface cleaning head according to claim 35, wherein the wedge-shaped spline teeth of the splined drive member and the splined driven member have tapered side walls.   34. A surface cleaning head according to claim 33, wherein the splined drive member and the splined driven member include six spaced spline teeth disposed in a star configuration about a rotational axis.   32. The surface cleaning head of claim 31, wherein at least one of the drive member and the driven member comprises a thermoplastic material having a durometer hardness of at least about 90.   32. A surface cleaning head according to claim 31, wherein the motor is coupled to the drive member using a belt.   The outer cover engages the non-driven end of the stirrer in the closed position to hold the stirrer in the stirrer chamber, and the outer cover moves to the open position when the outer cover moves to the open position 32. A surface cleaning head according to claim 31 detaching from an undriven end.   Agitator engagement movably attached to the cleaning head housing to move into engagement with the non-driven end of the rotatable driven agitator to hold the agitator in the agitator chamber 32. The surface cleaning head of claim 31, further comprising a member. A surface cleaning head for negative pressure,
A cleaning head housing having a front end portion, a rear end portion, a laterally disposed side portion, an upper portion, and a bottom portion;
An agitator chamber disposed within the front end portion of the cleaning head housing, having an upper opening through the upper portion of the cleaning head housing and a lower opening through the bottom portion of the cleaning head housing; An agitator chamber;
An outer cover attached to the cleaning head housing to cover the upper opening of the agitator chamber, the outer cover being movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the agitator chamber has the outer cover in the closed position; An outer cover that is covered at a time and is reachable through the upper opening when the outer cover is in the open position;
At least first and second rotatable driven agitators, each of the rotatable driven agitators being removably mounted within the agitator chamber, and the outer cover being in the open position Sometimes configured to be removed through the top opening, whereby the rotatable driven agitator is interchangeable, and the first rotatable driven agitator is the second rotatable agitator. A surface cleaning head having different stirring characteristics than a rotatable driven stirrer.   The first and second rotatable driven stirrers include first and second brush rolls having bristles, wherein the bristles of the first brush roll provide the different agitation characteristics, 43. A surface cleaning head according to claim 42, wherein the surface cleaning head has a different stiffness from the bristles of the second brush roll.   44. The surface cleaning head according to claim 43, wherein the bristles of the first brush roll are thicker than the bristles of the second brush roll.   44. The surface cleaning head according to claim 43, wherein the bristles of the first brush roll include a material different from the bristles of the second brush roll.   The first and second rotatable driven stirrers include first and second brush rolls having bristles, wherein the bristles of the first brush roll provide the different agitation characteristics, 43. The surface cleaning head according to claim 42, wherein the surface cleaning head has a pattern different from the bristles of the second brush roll.   Each of the first and second rotatable stirrers includes a stirrer body, and the first rotatable driven stirrer includes a fabric material around the stirrer body and the second rotatable 43. A surface cleaning head according to claim 42, wherein the driven agitator includes bristles extending from the agitator body. The agitator chamber includes a non-driven side portion and a driven side portion;
43. The surface cleaning head according to claim 42, further comprising a stirrer drive mechanism including a drive member in the driven side portion of the stirrer chamber and a stirrer drive motor drivingly coupled to the drive member.   Each of the rotatable driven stirrers includes a non-driven end configured to be attached to the non-driven side portion of the stirrer chamber, whereby the stirrer includes the non-driven end and It rotates freely at a driven end including a driven member, and the driven member is configured to be fitted and engaged with the driving member of the driving mechanism in an axial direction, whereby the driving member is 49. The surface cleaning head of claim 48, wherein torque and rotation are transmitted to the driven member and the rotatable driven agitator.   43. The surface cleaning head of claim 42, further comprising an agitator engagement member configured to move into engagement with the non-driven end of the rotatable driven agitator within the agitator chamber. .   43. Further comprising at least one transparent region in the outer cover, wherein the transparent region is configured to allow visual inspection of the agitator chamber when the outer cover is in the closed position. The surface cleaning head described in 1. A surface cleaning head for negative pressure,
A cleaning head housing having a front end portion, a rear end portion, a laterally disposed side portion, an upper portion, and a bottom portion;
A stirrer chamber disposed within the front end portion of the cleaning head housing, having an upper opening through the upper portion of the cleaning head housing and a lower opening through the bottom portion of the cleaning head housing. A rotatable driven agitator configured to receive the agitator such that the agitator contacts the surface through the lower opening and is removable through the upper opening, the undriven end of the rotatable driven agitator being A stirrer chamber including a non-driven side for receiving and a driven side for receiving a driven end of the rotatable driven stirrer;
A stirrer drive mechanism including a drive member in the driven side portion of the stirrer chamber and a stirrer drive motor drivingly coupled to the drive member, wherein the drive member is on the rotatable driven stirrer Agitator drive configured to engage and engage the driven member in an axial direction so that the drive member transmits torque and rotation to the driven member and the rotatable driven agitator Mechanism,
An outer cover attached to the cleaning head housing to cover the upper opening of the stirrer chamber, the outer cover being movable between a closed position and an open position, the stirrer chamber comprising the outer cover A surface cleaning head that is covered when in the closed position and is reachable through the top opening when the outer cover is in the open position.   53. A surface cleaning head according to claim 52, wherein the drive member is a splined drive member.   54. A surface cleaning head according to claim 53, wherein the splined drive member includes wedge-shaped spline teeth.   55. A surface cleaning head according to claim 54, wherein the wedge-shaped spline teeth have tapered sides.   54. A surface cleaning head according to claim 53, wherein the splined drive member includes six spline teeth disposed in a star configuration about the rotational axis.   53. The surface cleaning head of claim 52, wherein the drive motor is drivingly coupled to the drive member by a belt.   53. Further comprising at least one transparent area in the outer cover, the transparent area being configured to allow visual inspection of the agitator chamber when the outer cover is in the closed position. The surface cleaning head described in 1.   The outer cover protrudes from an inner portion of the outer cover to engage the non-driven end of the rotatable driven agitator in the closed position to hold the agitator in the agitator chamber. 53. A surface cleaning head according to claim 52 including an engagement structure.   Agitator engagement movably attached to the cleaning head housing to move into engagement with the non-driven end of the rotatable driven agitator to hold the agitator in the agitator chamber 54. The surface cleaning head of claim 52, further comprising a member. A removable and rotatable agitator assembly for use in a negative pressure surface cleaning head comprising:
An agitator body having a driven end and a non-driven end;
At least one agitation element disposed on at least a portion of the agitator body between the driven end and the non-driven end;
A driven member disposed at the driven end of the stirrer body, the driven member configured to be fitted and engaged with a driving member on a driving mechanism in the surface cleaning head in an axial direction. A member,
An axle extending from the non-driven end of the agitator body;
A bushing rotatably mounted on the axle;
A removable and rotatable agitator assembly comprising an end cap mounted on the bushing and configured to be mounted in the agitator chamber of the surface cleaning head without rotation.   The removal according to claim 61, wherein the end cap includes a tab configured to extend in a radial direction and to be gripped by a user to facilitate movement and insertion of the undriven end into the agitator chamber. A rotatable and rotatable agitator assembly.   62. A removable and rotatable agitator assembly according to claim 61, wherein the end cap is removably mounted on the bushing by a friction fit.   64. A removable rotatable agitator assembly according to claim 63, wherein the end cap includes an elastomeric ring for engaging the bushing by the friction fit.   62. A removable rotatable agitator assembly according to claim 61, wherein the end cap includes an elastomeric pad for engaging an engagement structure on an outer cover in a closed position on the surface cleaning head.   62. The removable and rotatable agitator assembly according to claim 61, wherein the end cap includes a stabilizing structure configured to be secured to a corresponding structure within the agitator chamber.   62. A removable and rotatable agitator assembly according to claim 61, wherein the driven member is a splined driven member.   68. A removable and rotatable agitator according to claim 67, wherein said splined driven member includes wedge-shaped spline teeth.   69. A removable and rotatable stirrer according to claim 68, wherein the wedge-shaped spline teeth have tapered sides.   69. A removable and rotatable agitator according to claim 68, wherein the wedge-shaped spline teeth have a chamfered radial surface.   68. A removable and rotatable agitator according to claim 67, wherein the splined drive member includes six spline teeth arranged in a star configuration around the rotational axis.   68. A removable and rotatable agitator according to claim 67, wherein the splined driven member comprises a thermoplastic material having a durometer hardness of at least about 90.   62. A surface cleaning head according to claim 61, wherein the rotatable stirrer is a brush roll.   62. A removable and rotatable agitator assembly according to claim 61, wherein the agitation element includes bristles extending substantially radially from the agitator body.   62. A removable and rotatable agitator assembly according to claim 61, wherein the agitation element comprises a fabric material that covers at least a portion of the agitator body.   62. A removable and rotatable agitator assembly according to claim 61, wherein the agitator body includes at least one cutting groove extending generally axially along at least a portion of the agitator body. A removable and rotatable agitator assembly for use in a negative pressure surface cleaning head comprising:
An agitator body having a driven end and a non-driven end;
At least one agitation element disposed on at least a portion of the agitator body between the driven end and the non-driven end;
A driven member disposed at the driven end of the stirrer body, the driven member configured to be fitted and engaged with a driving member on a driving mechanism in the surface cleaning head in an axial direction. A member,
A splined driven member disposed at the driven end of the agitator body, the splined driven member on the driving mechanism in the surface cleaning head is configured to be fitted and engaged in the axial direction. A removable stirrer assembly comprising a splined driven member.   78. A removable and rotatable agitator according to claim 77, wherein the splined driven member includes internal spline teeth.   78. A removable and rotatable agitator according to claim 77, wherein the splined driven member includes wedge-shaped spline teeth.   80. A removable and rotatable stirrer according to claim 79, wherein the wedge-shaped spline teeth have tapered sides.   80. A removable and rotatable agitator according to claim 79, wherein the wedge-shaped spline teeth have a chamfered radial surface.   80. A removable and rotatable agitator according to claim 79, wherein the wedge-shaped spline teeth have tapered side portions and chamfered radial surfaces.   83. A removable and rotatable agitator according to claim 82, wherein the splined driven member comprises a thermoplastic material having a durometer hardness of at least about 90.   88. A removable and rotatable stirrer according to claim 87, wherein the splined driven member includes six spline teeth disposed in a star configuration about the rotational axis.   90. A removable and rotatable agitator according to claim 87, wherein the splined driven member comprises a thermoplastic material having a durometer hardness of at least about 90.   88. A removable and rotatable agitator assembly according to claim 87, wherein the agitator body includes at least one cutting groove that extends substantially axially along at least a portion of the agitator body.   88. A surface cleaning head according to claim 87, wherein the rotatable stirrer is a brush roll.   88. A removable and rotatable agitator assembly according to claim 87, wherein the agitation element includes bristles extending substantially radially from the agitator body.   88. A removable and rotatable agitator assembly according to claim 87, wherein the agitation element comprises a fabric material that covers at least a portion of the agitator body. An axle extending from the non-driven end of the agitator body;
A bushing rotatably mounted on the axle;
90. The removable rotatable agitator of claim 87 further comprising an end cap mounted on the bushing and configured to be mounted without rotation in the agitator chamber of the surface cleaning head. A surface cleaning head for negative pressure,
A cleaning head housing having a front end portion, a rear end portion, a laterally disposed side portion, an upper portion, and a bottom portion;
A stirrer chamber disposed within the front end portion of the cleaning head housing, having an upper opening through the upper portion of the cleaning head housing and a lower opening through the bottom portion of the cleaning head housing. A stirrer chamber comprising at least one driven side;
A stirrer drive mechanism including a drive member in the driven side portion of the stirrer chamber and a stirrer drive motor drivingly coupled to the drive member, wherein the drive member rotates when received in the stirrer chamber A stirrer drive mechanism configured to engage a rotatable driven stirrer and to drive a rotatable driven stirrer;
An outer cover attached to the cleaning head housing to cover the upper opening of the agitator chamber, the outer cover being movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the agitator chamber has the outer cover in the closed position; An outer cover that is covered when the outer cover is in the open position and is reachable through the upper opening when the outer cover is in the open position;
A non-driven agitator that is removably mounted in the agitator chamber without engaging the drive member, whereby the non-driven agitator is configured to contact the surface through the lower opening A non-driven stirrer, wherein the non-driven stirrer is reachable and removable through the top opening when the outer cover is in the open position.   The non-driven stirrer includes a stirrer body and at least one cleaning pad supported on a pad support member on a bottom side portion of the stirrer body, and the at least one cleaning pad passes through the lower opening. 92. A surface cleaning head according to claim 91, configured to contact the surface.   93. The surface cleaning head of claim 92, wherein the at least one cleaning pad includes at least one fabric pad.   94. A surface cleaning head according to claim 92, wherein the at least one cleaning pad comprises at least one felt pad.   94. The surface cleaning head of claim 92, wherein the at least one cleaning pad includes at least one brush pad.   94. The surface cleaning head of claim 92, wherein the at least one cleaning pad is removably attached to the pad support member.   The stirrer body of the undriven stirrer includes at least one air inlet proximate to the at least one cleaning pad, at least one air outlet, and air between the at least one air inlet and the air outlet. 94. The surface cleaning head of claim 92, wherein the surface cleaning head is routed and the air outlet is fluidly coupled to a dirty air inlet within the agitator chamber of the surface cleaning head.   The at least one air inlet includes first and second elongate air inlets, the at least one air outlet includes a single air outlet, and the first and second elongate air inlets are disposed on the agitator body. 98. The surface cleaning head of claim 97, extending along at least a portion of the bottom portion.   98. The surface cleaning head of claim 97, wherein the at least one air outlet includes a seal around an outer periphery of the at least one air outlet.   The bottom portion of the stirrer body includes a plurality of protrusions on the side facing the pad support member, and the protrusions engage with associated grooves at the side of the lower opening of the stirrer chamber. 93. The surface cleaning head of claim 92, configured to:   92. The surface cleaning head of claim 91, wherein the bottom portion of the stirrer body includes at least one space for receiving a bar extending across the lower opening of the stirrer chamber. A surface cleaning head for negative pressure,
A cleaning head housing having a front end portion, a rear end portion, a laterally disposed side portion, an upper portion, and a bottom portion;
A stirrer chamber disposed within the front end portion of the cleaning head housing, having an upper opening through the upper portion of the cleaning head housing and a lower opening through the bottom portion of the cleaning head housing. A stirrer chamber comprising at least one driven side;
A stirrer drive mechanism including a drive member in the driven side portion of the stirrer chamber, and a stirrer drive motor drivingly coupled to the drive member;
At least one rotatable driven stirrer configured to be removably mounted in the stirrer chamber and configured to engage the drive member of the stirrer drive mechanism, thereby The drive member rotates at least one rotatable driven agitator; and at least one rotatable driven agitator;
At least one undriven stirrer configured to be removably mounted in the stirrer chamber without engaging the drive member, whereby the undriven stirrer passes through the lower opening; A surface cleaning head comprising at least one undriven stirrer configured to contact the surface.   105. The surface cleaning head of claim 102, wherein the rotatable driven agitator includes a brush roll. The rotatable driven stirrer is
An agitator body having a driven end and a non-driven end;
At least one agitation element disposed on at least a portion of the agitator body between the driven end and the non-driven end;
A driven member disposed at the driven end of the stirrer body, the driven member configured to be fitted and engaged with a driving member on a driving mechanism in the surface cleaning head in an axial direction. A member,
103. A surface cleaning head according to claim 102, comprising an end cap mounted on the non-driven end of the agitator body and configured to be mounted without rotation within the agitator chamber of a surface cleaning head.   105. The end cap of claim 104, wherein the end cap includes a tab that extends radially and is configured to be grasped by a user to facilitate movement and insertion of the undriven end into the agitator chamber. Surface cleaning head.   The non-driven stirrer includes a stirrer body and at least one cleaning pad supported on a pad support member on a bottom side portion of the stirrer body, and the at least one cleaning pad passes through the lower opening. 104. A surface cleaning head according to claim 102, configured to contact the surface.   107. The surface cleaning head of claim 106, wherein the at least one cleaning pad includes at least one of a fabric pad, a felt pad, or a brush pad.   107. The surface cleaning head of claim 106, wherein the at least one cleaning pad is removably attached to the pad support member.   The body of the undriven stirrer includes at least one air inlet proximate to the at least one cleaning pad, at least one air outlet, and an air path between the at least one air inlet and the air outlet. 107. The surface cleaning head of claim 106, wherein the air outlet is configured to be fluidly coupled to a dirty air inlet within the agitator chamber of the surface cleaning head.   The at least one air inlet includes first and second elongated air inlets, the at least one air outlet includes a single air outlet, and the first and second elongated air inlets include the agitator body. 110. The surface cleaning head of claim 109, extending along at least a portion of the bottom portion of the head.   110. The surface cleaning head of claim 109, wherein the at least one air outlet includes a seal around an outer periphery of the at least one air outlet. A removable non-driven agitator for use in an agitator chamber of a surface cleaning head,
A first and second elongated air inlet, an air outlet, and an agitator body defining an air path between the at least one air inlet and the air outlet, the elongated air inlet being at a bottom side of the agitator body Disposed along at least a portion of the portion, wherein the air outlet is disposed on the agitator body in a position that provides engagement with a dirty air inlet within the agitator chamber of the surface cleaning head, and the bottom of the agitator body The side portion has a width corresponding to the width of the lower opening of the stirrer chamber, and the first and second ends of the stirrer main body are connected to the stirrer chamber without being engaged with a drive member in the stirrer chamber. A stirrer body configured to engage;
At least one cleaning pad supported on a pad support member on at least one side of the bottom portion of the stirrer body;
A removable non-driven stirrer comprising a seal around the air outlet.   A removable portion further comprising a plurality of protrusions on opposite sides of the bottom portion, the protrusions configured to engage an associated groove on one side of the agitator chamber Non-driven stirrer 112;   The agitator body further includes at least one wing extending from at least one of the first and second ends of the agitator body, and the wing fits under the drive member in the agitator chamber. 113. A removable, non-driven agitator according to claim 112, configured as follows.   113. A removable, non-driven agitator according to claim 112, wherein the cleaning pad comprises a felt pad.   The removable non-driven agitator 112, wherein the cleaning pad comprises a felt pad.   The removable non-driven agitator 112, wherein the cleaning pad comprises a brush pad.   A removable undriven stirrer 112, wherein the bottom portion of the stirrer body includes at least one space for receiving a bar extending across the lower opening of the stirrer chamber.   A removable non-driven agitator 112 wherein the at least one cleaning pad is removably attached to the pad support member.

Images