U.S. patent application number 13/963587 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-13 for cleaner head.
This patent application is currently assigned to DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED. The applicant listed for this patent is Dyson Technology Limited. Invention is credited to Will Henry KERR, Alistair William SKUSE.
Application Number | 20140041136 13/963587 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50065028 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140041136 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KERR; Will Henry ; et
al. |
February 13, 2014 |
CLEANER HEAD
Abstract
A cleaner head that includes an agitator and a drive assembly
for driving the agitator. The drive assembly includes a dog for
transmitting torque to the agitator. One of the dog and the
agitator includes a shank having a screw thread, and the other of
the dog and the agitator includes a bore having a complementary
screw thread. The shank projects into the bore and the two threads
mate such that, as the dog rotates, the agitator screws on to and
tightens against the dog.
Inventors: |
KERR; Will Henry;
(Malmesbury, GB) ; SKUSE; Alistair William;
(Malmesbury, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dyson Technology Limited |
Wiltshire |
|
GB |
|
|
Assignee: |
DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
Wiltshire
GB
|
Family ID: |
50065028 |
Appl. No.: |
13/963587 |
Filed: |
August 9, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/0455 20130101;
A47L 9/0411 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/3 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/04 20060101
A47L009/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 13, 2012 |
GB |
1214422.6 |
Aug 13, 2012 |
GB |
1214423.4 |
Aug 13, 2012 |
GB |
1214424.2 |
Claims
1. A cleaner head comprising an agitator and a drive assembly for
driving the agitator, the drive assembly comprising a dog for
transmitting torque to the agitator, wherein one of the dog and the
agitator comprises a tapered head, a shank that extends from the
head, and a screw thread formed around the shank, the other of the
dog and the agitator comprises a bore having a countersink and a
complementary screw thread formed around a wall of the bore, the
shank projects into the bore, and the two threads mate such that,
as the dog rotates, the agitator screws on to the dog and the
tapered head mates with the countersink.
2. The cleaner head of claim 1, wherein each screw thread has a
lead angle of no more than 60 degrees.
3. The cleaner head of claim 1, wherein each screw thread has a
lead angle of no less than 40 degrees.
4. The cleaner head of claim 1, wherein each screw thread has a
plurality of starts.
5. The cleaner head of claim 4, wherein each start turns through an
angle of no less than 120 degrees.
6. The cleaner head of claim 4, wherein each start turns through an
angle of no more than 360 degrees.
7. The cleaner head of claim 1, wherein each screw thread has a
buttress thread form.
8. The cleaner head of claim 1, wherein the agitator is removable
from the cleaner head, and rotation of the agitator relative to the
dog causes the agitator to unscrew and separate from the dog.
9. A cleaner head comprising an agitator and a drive assembly for
driving the agitator, the drive assembly comprising a dog for
transmitting torque to the agitator, wherein one of the dog and the
agitator comprises a shank having a screw thread, the other of the
dog and the agitator comprises a bore having a complementary screw
thread, each of the screw threads has a buttress profile, the shank
projects into the bore, and the two threads mate such that, as the
dog rotates, the agitator screws on to and tightens against the
dog.
10. The cleaner head of claim 9, wherein each screw thread has a
lead angle of no more than 60 degrees.
11. The cleaner head of claim 9, wherein each screw thread has a
lead angle of no less than 40 degrees.
12. The cleaner head of claim 9, wherein each screw thread has a
plurality of starts.
13. The cleaner head of claim 9, wherein each screw thread has a
plurality of starts.
14. The cleaner head of claim 13, wherein each start turns through
an angle of no less than 120 degrees.
15. The cleaner head of claim 13, wherein each start turns through
an angle of no more than 360 degrees.
16. The cleaner head of claim 9, wherein the shank extends from a
tapered head and the bore comprises a countersink, and as the dog
rotates, the agitator screws on to the dog and the tapered head
mates with the countersink.
17. The cleaner head of claim 9, wherein the agitator is removable
from the cleaner head, and rotation of the agitator relative to the
dog causes the agitator to unscrew and separate from the dog.
18. A cleaner head comprising an agitator and a drive assembly for
driving the agitator, the drive assembly comprising a dog for
transmitting torque to the agitator, wherein one of the dog and the
agitator comprises a shank having a screw thread, the other of the
dog and the agitator comprises a bore having a complementary screw
thread, each of the screw threads has a lead angle of no more than
60 degrees, the shank projects into the bore, and the two threads
mate such that, as the dog rotates, the agitator screws on to and
is tightened against the dog.
19. The cleaner head of claim 18, wherein each screw thread has a
lead angle of no less than 40 degrees.
20. The cleaner head of claim 18, wherein each screw thread has a
plurality of starts.
21. The cleaner head of claim 20, wherein each start turns through
an angle of no less than 120 degrees.
22. The cleaner head of claim 20, wherein each start turns through
an angle of no more than 360 degrees.
23. The cleaner head of claim 18, wherein each screw thread has a
buttress thread form.
24. The cleaner head of claim 18, wherein the shank extends from a
tapered head and the bore comprises a countersink, and as the dog
rotates, the agitator screws on to the dog and the tapered head
mates with the countersink.
25. The cleaner head of claim 18, wherein the agitator is removable
from the cleaner head, and rotation of the agitator relative to the
dog causes the agitator to unscrew and separate from the dog.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of United Kingdom
Application No. 1214422.6, filed Aug. 13, 2012, United Kingdom
Application No. 1214423.4, filed Aug. 13, 2012, and United Kingdom
Application No. 1214424.2, filed Aug. 13, 2012, the entire contents
of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a cleaner head having an
agitator and a drive assembly for driving the agitator.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The cleaner head of an appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner
or floor sweeper, may include an agitator driven by a drive
assembly. The drive assembly often includes a dog for transmitting
torque generated by the drive assembly to the agitator. A problem
with existing cleaner heads is that there is often a degree of play
between the dog and the agitator. Consequently, as the agitator
rotates, the agitator vibrates and generates noise.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention provides a cleaner head comprising an
agitator and a drive assembly for driving the agitator, the drive
assembly comprising a dog for transmitting torque to the agitator,
wherein one of the dog and the agitator comprises a tapered head, a
shank that extends from the head, and a screw thread formed around
the shank, the other of the dog and the agitator comprises a bore
having a countersink and a complementary screw thread formed around
a wall of the bore, the shank projects into the bore and the two
threads mate such that, as the dog rotates, the agitator screws on
to the dog and the tapered head mates with the countersink.
[0005] As the countersink mates with and tightens against the
tapered head, play between the dog and the agitator is removed or
reduced. As a result, the agitator vibrates less during rotation
and thus noise is reduced.
[0006] A further problem with existing cleaner heads is that that
the agitator may not align concentrically with the dog. As a
result, out-of-balance forces place an increased stress on
components of the cleaner head, particularly the bearings, which
may reduce the lifespan of the cleaner head. With the cleaner head
of the present invention, the mating of the countersink and the
tapered head acts to align concentrically the agitator and the dog.
As a result, out-of-balance forces are reduced and thus the
lifespan of the cleaner head is prolonged.
[0007] Each screw thread may have a lead angle of no more than 60
degrees. As a result, over the torque range typically generated by
the drive assembly of most conventional cleaner heads, the axial
force exerted by the dog on the agitator is of a magnitude that
ensures that the agitator is held against the tapered head with
sufficient force so as to reduce vibration and noise.
[0008] Each screw thread may have a lead angle of no less than 40
degrees. As a result, over the torque range typically generated by
the drive assembly of most conventional cleaner heads, the axial
force exerted by the dog on the agitator is sufficient to hold the
agitator against the dog without being excessive, which might
otherwise result in premature failure of the threads.
[0009] Each screw thread may have a plurality of starts. By
employing a plurality of starts, the torque applied by the dog is
distributed over a greater number of starts. As a result, a greater
torque may be transmitted to the agitator without failure of the
threads. Additionally, where the agitator is removable from the
cleaner head, a greater number of starts makes it easier for a user
to mount the agitator. In particular, it is generally easier to
align the thread of the agitator with the thread of the dog.
[0010] Each start may turn through an angle of no less than 120
degrees. The length of each start depends on the angle through
which the start turns. As the angle decreases, so too does the
length of the start. As a result, the start is subjected to a
greater load per unit length. Below an angle of 120 degrees, the
lengths of the starts may be insufficient to bear the torque
required of most cleaner heads.
[0011] Each start may turn through an angle of no more than 360
degrees. This then has the advantage of maintaining a relatively
short shank and bore. Additionally, where the agitator is removable
from the cleaner head, the agitator can be removed from the dog by
rotating the agitator through an angle of no more than 360 degrees,
which can generally be achieved with a small number of twists of
the agitator.
[0012] Each screw thread may have a buttress thread form. A
buttress thread form has the advantage of relatively low friction
properties. As a result, a greater axial force is exerted by the
dog on the agitator for a given torque. Additionally, where the
agitator is removable from the cleaner head, a low friction thread
makes it easier for the user to unscrew the agitator from the dog.
As the load on the agitator varies, so too does the torque
generated by the drive assembly. In response to a decrease in
torque, the agitator may experience a net axial force in a
direction away from the dog. By employing a buttress thread form,
the vertical (or near vertical) flanks of the threads act to oppose
this negative axial force and thus prevent the agitator and the dog
from loosening. Consequently, as the agitator experiences different
loads, the agitator continues to be held tightly against the dog
and thus vibration and noise continue to be reduced. Furthermore,
in comparison to other thread forms, a buttress thread form has a
relatively thick base resulting in a stronger thread. As a result,
the threads are able to withstand a greater axial force and thus
the agitator may be held more tightly against the dog.
[0013] The agitator may be removable from the cleaner head. In
particular, by rotating the agitator relative to the dog, the
agitator may be unscrewed and separated from the dog. In a
conventional cleaner head having a removable agitator, it is
generally difficult to ensure that the agitator is held axially
tight within the cleaner head. With the cleaner head of the present
invention, the agitator screws on to and is tightened against the
dog so as to prevent or reduce the axial play. As a result, a
removable agitator may be provided without the normally inherent
problems of vibration and noise.
[0014] The present invention also provides a cleaner head
comprising an agitator and a drive assembly for driving the
agitator, the drive assembly comprising a dog for transmitting
torque to the agitator, wherein one of the dog and the agitator
comprises a shank having a screw thread, the other of the dog and
the agitator comprises a bore having a complementary screw thread,
each of the screw threads has a buttress profile, the shank
projects into the bore, and the two threads mate such that, as the
dog rotates, the agitator screws on to and tightens against the
dog.
[0015] As the agitator mates with and tightens against the dog,
play between the agitator and the dog is removed or reduced. As a
result, the agitator vibrates less during rotation and thus noise
is reduced.
[0016] Each screw thread has a buttress thread form, which has the
advantage of relatively low friction properties. As a result, a
greater axial force is exerted by the dog on the agitator for a
given torque. Additionally, where the agitator is removable from
the cleaner head, a low friction thread makes it easier for the
user to unscrew the agitator from the dog.
[0017] In comparison to other thread forms, a buttress thread form
has a thicker base resulting in a stronger thread. Consequently,
the threads are able to withstand a greater axial force and thus
the agitator may be held more tightly against the dog.
[0018] As the load on the agitator varies, so too does the torque
generated by the drive assembly. In response to a decrease in
torque, the agitator may experience a net axial force in a
direction away from the dog. By employing a buttress thread form,
the vertical (or near vertical) flanks of the threads act to oppose
this negative axial force and thus prevent the agitator and the dog
from loosening. Consequently, as the agitator experiences different
loads, the agitator continues to be held tightly against the dog
and thus vibration and noise continue to be reduced.
[0019] Each screw thread may have a lead angle of no more than 60
degrees. As a result, over the torque range typically generated by
the drive assembly of most conventional cleaner heads, the axial
force exerted by the dog on the agitator is of a magnitude that
ensures that the agitator is held against the dog with sufficient
force so as to reduce vibration and noise.
[0020] Each screw thread may have a lead angle of no less than 40
degrees. As a result, over the torque range typically generated by
the drive assembly of most conventional cleaner heads, the axial
force exerted by the dog on the agitator is sufficient to hold the
agitator against the dog without being excessive, which might
otherwise result in premature failure of the threads.
[0021] Each screw thread may have a plurality of starts. By
employing a plurality of starts, the torque applied by the dog is
distributed over a greater number of starts. As a result, a greater
torque may be transmitted to the agitator without failure of the
threads. Additionally, where the agitator is removable from the
cleaner head, a greater number of starts makes it easier for a user
to mount the agitator. In particular, it is generally easier to
align the thread of the agitator with the thread of the dog.
[0022] Each start may turn through an angle of no less than 120
degrees. The length of each start depends on the angle through
which the start turns. As the angle decreases, so too does the
length of the start. As a result, the start is subjected to a
greater load per unit length. Below an angle of 120 degrees, the
lengths of the starts may be insufficient to bear the torque
required of most cleaner heads.
[0023] Each start may turn through an angle of no more than 360
degrees. This then has the advantage of maintaining a relatively
short shank and bore. Additionally, where the agitator is removable
from the cleaner head, the agitator can be removed from the dog by
rotating the agitator through an angle of no more than 360 degrees,
which can generally be achieved with a small number of twists of
the agitator.
[0024] A further problem with existing cleaner heads is that that
the agitator may not align concentrically with the dog. As a
result, out-of-balance forces place an increased stress on
components of the cleaner head, particularly the bearings, which
may reduce the lifespan of the cleaner head. Accordingly, the shank
may extend from a tapered head and the bore may comprise a
countersink. As the dog rotates, the agitator screws on to the dog
and the tapered head mates with and tightens against the
countersink. The mating of the countersink and the tapered head
acts to align concentrically the agitator and the dog. As a result,
out-of-balance forces are reduced and thus the lifespan of the
cleaner head is prolonged.
[0025] The agitator may be removable from the cleaner head. In
particular, by rotating the agitator relative to the dog, the
agitator may be unscrewed and separated from the dog. In a
conventional cleaner head having a removable agitator, it is
generally difficult to ensure that the agitator is held axially
tight within the cleaner head. With the cleaner head of the present
invention, the agitator screws on to and is tightened against the
dog so as to prevent or reduce the axial play. As a result, a
removable agitator may be provided without the normally inherent
problems of vibration and noise.
[0026] The present invention further provides a cleaner head
comprising an agitator and a drive assembly for driving the
agitator, the drive assembly comprising a dog for transmitting
torque to the agitator, wherein one of the dog and the agitator
comprises a shank having a screw thread, the other of the dog and
the agitator comprises a bore having a complementary screw thread,
each of the screw threads has a lead angle of no more than 60
degrees, the shank projects into the bore, and the two threads mate
such that, as the dog rotates, the agitator screws on to and
tightens against the dog.
[0027] As the agitator tightens against the dog, play between the
agitator and the dog is removed or reduced. As a result, the
agitator vibrates less during rotation and thus noise is
reduced.
[0028] Each screw thread has a lead angle of no more than 60
degrees. As a result, over the torque range typically generated by
the drive assembly of most conventional cleaner heads, the axial
force exerted by the dog on the agitator is of a magnitude that
ensures that the agitator is held against the dog with sufficient
force so as to reduce vibration and noise.
[0029] Each screw thread may have a lead angle of no less than 40
degrees. As a result, over the torque range typically generated by
the drive assembly of most conventional cleaner heads, the axial
force exerted by the dog on the agitator is sufficient to hold the
agitator against the dog without being excessive, which might
otherwise result in premature failure of the threads.
[0030] Each screw thread may have a plurality of starts. By
employing a plurality of starts, the torque applied by the dog is
distributed over a greater number of starts. As a result, a greater
torque may be transmitted to the agitator without failure of the
threads. Additionally, where the agitator is removable from the
cleaner head, a greater number of starts makes it easier for a user
to mount the agitator. In particular, it is generally easier to
align the thread of the agitator with the thread of the dog.
[0031] Each start may turn through an angle of no less than 120
degrees. The length of each start depends on the angle through
which the start turns. As the angle decreases, so too does the
length of the start. As a result, the start is subjected to a
greater load per unit length. Below an angle of 120 degrees, the
lengths of the starts may be insufficient to bear the torque
required of most cleaner heads.
[0032] Each start may turn through an angle of no more than 360
degrees. This then has the advantage of maintaining a relatively
short shank and bore. Additionally, where the agitator is removable
from the cleaner head, the agitator can be removed from the dog by
rotating the agitator through an angle of no more than 360 degrees,
which can generally be achieved with a small number of twists of
the agitator.
[0033] Each screw thread may have a buttress thread form. A
buttress thread form has the advantage of relatively low friction
properties. As a result, a greater axial force is exerted by the
dog on the agitator for a given torque. Additionally, where the
agitator is removable from the cleaner head, a low friction thread
makes it easier for the user to unscrew the agitator from the dog.
As the load on the agitator varies, so too does the torque
generated by the drive assembly. In response to a decrease in
torque, the agitator may experience a net axial force in a
direction away from the dog. By employing a buttress thread form,
the vertical (or near vertical) flanks of the threads act to oppose
this negative axial force and thus prevent the agitator and the dog
from loosening. Consequently, as the agitator experiences different
loads, the agitator continues to be held tightly against the dog
and thus vibration and noise continue to be reduced. Furthermore,
in comparison to other thread forms, a buttress thread form has a
relatively thick base resulting in a stronger thread. As a result,
the threads are able to withstand a greater axial force and thus
the agitator may be held more tightly against the dog.
[0034] A further problem with existing cleaner heads is that that
the agitator may not align concentrically with the dog. As a
result, out-of-balance forces place an increased stress on
components of the cleaner head, particularly the bearings, which
may reduce the lifespan of the cleaner head. Accordingly, the shank
may extend from a tapered head and the bore may comprise a
countersink. As the dog rotates, the agitator screws on to the dog
and the tapered head mates with and tightens against the
countersink. The mating of the countersink and the tapered head
acts to align concentrically the agitator and the dog. As a result,
out-of-balance forces are reduced and thus the lifespan of the
cleaner head is prolonged.
[0035] The agitator may be removable from the cleaner head. In
particular, by rotating the agitator relative to the dog, the
agitator may be unscrewed and separated from the dog.
[0036] In a conventional cleaner head having a removable agitator,
it is generally difficult to ensure that the agitator is held
axially tight within the cleaner head. With the cleaner head of the
present invention, the agitator screws on to and is tightened
against the dog so as to prevent or reduce the axial play. As a
result, a removable agitator may be provided without the normally
inherent problems of vibration and noise.
[0037] There are terms employed throughout this document that, in
English, are well understood within the field of engineering. It is
possible that one or more of these terms may not have a direct
equivalent in other languages. Accordingly, for the purposes of
clarity, an explanation of some of these terms will now be
provided. The term `dog` should be understood to mean a
torque-transmission member. The term `start` refers to a ridge of
an external thread or a groove of an internal thread. The term
`lead angle` refers to the angle formed by the starts of a screw
thread relative to a plane perpendicular to the screw axis. And the
term `thread form` refers to the cross-sectional shape or profile
of the starts of a screw thread.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] In order that the present invention may be more readily
understood, an embodiment of the invention will now be described,
by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0039] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a cleaner head in accordance
with the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a dog forming part of the
cleaner head;
[0041] FIG. 3 is a side view of the dog;
[0042] FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the dog; and
[0043] FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of one end of an agitator
forming part of the cleaner head.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0044] The cleaner head 1 of FIG. 1 comprises a housing 2 within
which an agitator 3 and a drive assembly 4 are mounted.
[0045] The agitator 3 comprises an elongate body 5 to which
bristles, flicker strips or other means 6 for agitating a cleaning
surface are attached. The agitator 3 is mounted at one end to a
bushing 7 seated within a removable cap 8. The opposite end of the
agitator 3 is mounted to a dog 12 forming part of the drive
assembly 4.
[0046] The drive assembly 4 comprises an electric motor 10 and a
transmission 11 for transmitting torque generated by the motor 10
to the agitator 3. The transmission 11 comprises, among other
things, a dog 12 that engages with the agitator 3. The dog 12 is
therefore responsible for transmitting the torque generated by the
drive assembly 4 to the agitator 3. With the exception of the dog
12, the details of the drive assembly 4 are not pertinent to the
present invention, and drive assemblies for driving an agitator of
a cleaner head are well known. By way of example, the cleaner heads
of the DC24 and DC26 vacuum cleaners sold by Dyson Limited each
include a drive assembly suitable for use in the present cleaner
head.
[0047] A more detailed explanation will now be provided of the dog
12, the end of the agitator 3 that engages with the dog 12, and how
the two 3,12 engage in order to transmit torque.
[0048] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4, the dog 12 comprises a head
13, a shank 14 that extends from the head 13, and a helical screw
thread 15 formed around the shank 14.
[0049] The head 13 tapers in a direction towards the shank 14 and
defines a frustoconical surface that is coaxial with the shank
14.
[0050] The shank 14 extends from the head 13 and is generally
cylindrical in shape.
[0051] The screw thread 15 is an external thread that comprises
four starts 16 that are evenly spaced about the shank 14. Each
start 16 turns about the screw axis 18 through an angle of 180
degrees. Consequently, each start 16 completes one half turn only.
The screw thread 15 also has a lead angle of 50 degrees and a
buttress thread form.
[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 5, one end of the agitator 3 includes
a bore 19 having a countersink 20 and a helical screw thread 21
formed around a wall of the bore 19.
[0053] The countersink 20 has a frustoconical surface that
complements the frustoconical surface of the tapered head 13 of the
dog 12, i.e. both surfaces have the same or similar taper
angle.
[0054] The screw thread 21 is an internal thread that complements
the external screw thread 15 of the dog 12. Consequently, the screw
thread 21 comprises four starts 22 that are evenly spaced about the
bore 19 and turn through an angle of 180 degrees. The screw thread
21 also has a lead angle of 50 degrees and a buttress thread
form.
[0055] With the agitator 3 mounted to the dog 12, the shank 14 of
the dog 12 projects into the bore 19 of the agitator 3, and the
external thread 15 of the dog 12 mates with the internal thread 21
of the agitator 3. Owing to tolerances in the cleaner head 1, there
is a degree of play or backlash (both axial and radial) between the
agitator 3 and the dog 12.
[0056] During operation of the cleaner head 1, the torque generated
by the drive assembly 4 is transmitted to the agitator 3 via the
dog 12. As a consequence of the threads 15,21, the torque applied
by the dog 12 exerts both an axial force and a rotational force on
the agitator 3. The rotational force causes the agitator 3 to
rotate. The axial force, on the other hand, causes the agitator 3
to screw on to and tighten against the dog 12. In this regard, the
threads 15,21 of the dog 12 and the agitator 3 are oriented (i.e.
right-handed or left-handed) such that the axial force acts in a
direction towards the dog 12. As the agitator 3 tightens against
the dog 12, the countersink 20 mates with and tightens against the
tapered head 13. As a result, the play between the agitator 3 and
the dog 12 is removed or significantly reduced, and thus vibration
of the agitator 3 is reduced. In addition to reducing play, the
mating of the countersink 20 and the tapered head 13 ensures that
the agitator 3 and the dog 12 are aligned concentrically. As a
result, out-of-balance forces are reduced and thus the lifespan of
the cleaner head 1 is prolonged.
[0057] The magnitude of the axial force depends on, among other
things, the lead angle of the threads 15,21. The threads 15,21 have
a lead angle of 50 degrees. This results in an axial force of
sufficient magnitude to ensure that the countersink 20 is tightened
against the tapered head 13 with sufficient force to absorb the
play between the agitator 3 and the dog 12. As the lead angle
increases, the magnitude of the axial force decreases and thus the
countersink 20 is held less tightly against the tapered head 13. It
was found that, when the lead angle exceeds 60 degrees, the
resulting axial force was insufficient to adequately tighten the
countersink 20 against the tapered head 13. As a result, vibration
and noise were observed to increase. The magnitude of the axial
force also depends on the torque generated by the drive assembly 4.
Accordingly, it may be possible or indeed desirable to employ a
larger lead angle where a higher torque is generated. However, over
the torque range typically generated by the drive assembly of most
conventional cleaner heads (e.g. a stall torque of between 100 and
300 Nmm), a lead angle of no more than 60 degrees was found to
reduce vibration and noise.
[0058] As the lead angle decreases, the magnitude of the axial
force increases. Although this has the benefit of further
tightening the agitator 3 against the dog 12, any further reduction
in vibration and noise may be small or insignificant. Moreover, as
the axial force increases, the threads 15,21 are required to
withstand a greater axial load and may therefore fail prematurely.
Over the torque range typically generated by the drive assembly of
most conventional cleaner heads, a lead angle less than 40 degrees
was found to give no appreciable reduction in vibration and noise
beyond that observed at 40 degrees. Nevertheless, where the torque
generated by the drive assembly is relatively low, a smaller lead
angle may be necessary or desirable in order to generate the
required axial force.
[0059] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the threads 15,21 have a
buttress thread form, which provides three key benefits. First, the
magnitude of the axial force exerted on the agitator 3 depends also
on the friction between the two threads 15,21. A buttress thread
form has the advantage of relatively low friction properties. As a
result, a greater axial force is generated for a given torque.
Second, during use of the cleaner head 1, the agitator 3
experiences different loads. As the load on the agitator 3 varies,
so too does the torque generated by the drive assembly 4. Should
the torque generated by the drive assembly 4 decrease, the axial
force exerted by the dog 12 on the agitator 3 will decrease. The
countersink 20 and the tapered head 13 are under compression and
therefore exert an axial force in the opposite direction.
Consequently, in response to a decrease in the torque of the drive
assembly 4, the agitator 3 experiences a net axial force in a
direction away from the dog 12. By employing a buttress thread
form, the vertical (or near vertical) flanks 17,23 of the threads
15,21 act to oppose this negative axial force and thus prevent the
agitator 3 and the dog 12 from loosening. Consequently, as the
agitator 3 experiences different loads, the agitator 3 continues to
be held tightly against the dog 12 and thus vibration and noise
continue to be reduced. Third, a buttress thread form has a
relatively thick base resulting in a stronger thread. The threads
15,21 are therefore able to withstand greater axial forces.
[0060] Each thread 15,21 has four starts 16,22 that each turn
through 180 degrees. One could conceivably have a different number
of starts and/or starts that turn through a different angle.
However, as will now be explained, there are both advantages and
disadvantages in changing the number of starts and/or the angle
through which the starts turn.
[0061] The starts 16,22 are responsible for transmitting the torque
generated by the drive assembly 4 to the agitator 3. Each start
16,22 is therefore required to bear a fraction of the total torque.
If the number of starts 16,22 were reduced, each start 16,22 would
be required to bear a larger load and may therefore fail
prematurely. This may be addressed by increasing the size of the
thread form so as to increase the strength of the starts 16,22. If
the number of starts 16,22 were increased, the available space for
each start 16,22 would decrease. Each start 16,22 would then have a
smaller thread form which is likely to compromise the strength of
the threads 15,21. Consequently, although each start 16,22 would be
required to bear a smaller load, the strength of each start 16,22
may be weakened to a point at which failure of the starts 16,22
becomes a potential problem.
[0062] If the starts 16,22 were to turn through a smaller angle,
the starts 16,22 would be shorter in length. This has the advantage
that a shorter shank 14 and bore 19 may be employed. However, as
the length of the starts 16,22 decreases, the starts 16,22 are
subjected to a greater load per unit length and may therefore fail
if subjected to excessive torque. Conversely, if the starts 16,22
were to turn through a larger angle, the starts 16,22 would be
subjected to a smaller load per unit length and may therefore
transmit a greater torque. However, a longer shank 14 and bore 19
would then be required.
[0063] There is therefore a balance to be struck between the
various parameters, e.g. lead angle, number of starts, angle of
rotation of the starts, length of dog and bore, stall torque of the
drive assembly, material strength of the dog and bore etc.
[0064] The agitator 3 is removable from the cleaner head 1. This is
achieved by removing the cap 8 forming part of the housing 2.
Removal of the cap 8 creates an aperture in the side of the housing
2 through which the agitator 3 may be removed. In order to remove
the agitator 3, a user is required to rotate the agitator 3
relative to the dog 12. This then causes the agitator 3 to unscrew
and separate from the dog 12, after which the user may pull the
agitator 3 through the aperture. Mounting the agitator 3 within the
cleaner head 1 is then the reverse of this process.
[0065] The ends of the starts 16 of the dog 12 are tapered
slightly. This then aids the user in mounting the agitator 3 to the
dog 12. In particular, the end of the shank 14 is guided by the
countersink 20 towards the centre of the bore 19.
[0066] When mounting the agitator 3 to the dog 12, the two threads
15,21 are likely to be misaligned. Each thread 15,21 has four
starts 16,22. Consequently, a user need only rotate the agitator 3
through a maximum angle of 90 degrees in order to bring the two
threads 15,21 into alignment. At 90 degrees, the user can
comfortably rotate the agitator 3 whilst maintaining a hold of the
agitator 3. If a smaller number of starts 16,22 were employed, the
user would be required to rotate the agitator 3 through a larger
angle, which the user might find uncomfortable.
[0067] Each start 16,22 turns through an angle of 180 degrees.
Consequently, in order to remove and mount the agitator 3, the user
is required to rotate the agitator 3 through 180 degrees. This is
not overly burdensome and can generally be achieved with one or two
short twists of the agitator 3. A smaller turn angle may be
employed, which has the advantage that the user is required to
rotate the agitator 3 through a smaller angle. However, as noted
above, as the turn angle decreases, the lengths of the starts 16,22
decrease and thus the starts 16,22 are subjected to a greater load
per unit length. Accordingly, a turn angle of no less than 120
degrees may be preferable. A turn angle greater than 180 degrees
may be employed for the starts 16,22. This then has the advantage
that the starts 16,22 are longer in length and are therefore able
to bear a higher torque. However, as the length of the starts 16,22
increases, so too does the length of the shank 14 and the bore 19.
Moreover, in order to remove and mount the agitator 3, the user is
required to rotate the agitator 3 through a larger angle. By
employing a turn angle of no more than 360 degrees, a relatively
short shank 14 and bore 19 may be maintained. Additionally, a user
is able to remove and mount the agitator 3 through a small number
of twists of the agitator 3.
[0068] Each thread 15,21 has a buttress thread form which, as noted
above, has relatively low friction properties. Consequently, in
addition to the benefits noted above, the thread form makes it
easier for the user to remove and mount the agitator 3.
[0069] The fit between the two threads 15,21 may be relatively
loose, which then further aids the user in removing and mounting
the agitator 3. A relatively loose fit is likely to result in a
relatively large degree of play between the agitator 3 and the dog
12. However, since the agitator 3 screws on to and tightens against
the dog 12, even a relatively large amount of play may be
absorbed.
[0070] In a conventional cleaner head having a removable agitator,
it is generally difficult to ensure that the agitator is held
axially tight within the cleaner head. The same is true of the
cleaner head 1 of the present invention in that, after mounting the
agitator 3 within the cleaner head 1, there is a degree of axial
play between the agitator 3 and the dog 12. However, during
operation of the cleaner head 1, the agitator 3 screws on to and is
tightened against the dog 12 so as to absorb any axial play. As a
result, a removable agitator may be provided without the normally
inherent problems of vibration and noise.
[0071] In the embodiment described above, the thread 15 formed
around the shank 14 is an external thread, and the thread 21 formed
around the bore 19 is an internal thread. As an alternative, the
thread 15 formed around the shank 14 may be an internal thread, and
the thread 21 formed around the bore 19 may be an external thread.
Furthermore, the dog 12 may comprise the bore 19 and the
countersink 20, and the agitator 3 may comprise the tapered head 13
and the shank 14. Accordingly, in a more general sense, one of the
agitator 3 and the dog 12 may be said to comprise the tapered head
13, the shank 14 and a first screw thread 15, and the other of the
agitator 3 and the dog 12 may be said to comprise the bore 19, the
countersink 20 and a second screw thread 21 which complements the
first screw thread 15.
[0072] Although each start 16,22 has a buttress thread form, other
thread forms might alternatively be used. For example, both square
and trapezoidal thread forms have relatively low friction
properties. However, the buttress thread form is typically stronger
owing to the larger base of each start.
[0073] The cleaner head illustrated in FIG. 1 is intended to form
part of a vacuum cleaner. However, the agitator 3 and the dog 12
may equally be employed in the cleaner head of other appliances,
such floor sweepers or carpet shampoo machines. Moreover, although
the drive assembly 4 of the embodiment described above comprises an
electric motor 10, the drive assembly 4 might comprise alternative
means for generating the torque necessary to drive the agitator 3.
For example, where the cleaner head 1 is intended to form part of a
vacuum cleaner, the drive assembly 4 may comprise an air turbine
that is driven by air drawn through the cleaner head 1.
* * * * *