U.S. patent application number 16/379029 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-17 for vacuum cleaner with airflow directing openings and brushroll.
The applicant listed for this patent is Rexair LLC. Invention is credited to Thomas Lee Carrington, Mark S. Howie, James Daniel Jakubos.
Application Number | 20190313866 16/379029 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66484134 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-17 |
![](/patent/app/20190313866/US20190313866A1-20191017-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20190313866/US20190313866A1-20191017-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20190313866/US20190313866A1-20191017-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20190313866/US20190313866A1-20191017-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20190313866/US20190313866A1-20191017-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20190313866/US20190313866A1-20191017-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20190313866/US20190313866A1-20191017-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20190313866/US20190313866A1-20191017-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20190313866/US20190313866A1-20191017-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20190313866/US20190313866A1-20191017-D00009.png)
United States Patent
Application |
20190313866 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jakubos; James Daniel ; et
al. |
October 17, 2019 |
Vacuum Cleaner With Airflow Directing Openings and Brushroll
Abstract
A cleaning tool for a vacuum cleaning accessory of a vacuum
cleaning apparatus is disclosed. The cleaning tool may include a
body having a suction opening for engaging with a surface to be
cleaned. A cavity may be disposed within the body and fluidly
connected with the suction opening. A flow channel may be disposed
within the body downstream of the cavity. A brushroll may be
rotatably mounted about a rotation axis in the cavity. An opening
may extend through the body into the cavity for allowing
atmospheric air to enter the cavity. The opening may be arranged
above the brushroll with respect to the suction opening.
Additionally or alternatively, the opening may be arranged in front
of the brushroll with respect to the flow channel.
Inventors: |
Jakubos; James Daniel;
(Cadillac, MI) ; Carrington; Thomas Lee; (McBain,
MI) ; Howie; Mark S.; (Cadillac, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rexair LLC |
Boca Raton |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
66484134 |
Appl. No.: |
16/379029 |
Filed: |
April 9, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62658351 |
Apr 16, 2018 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 5/14 20130101; A47L
9/0072 20130101; A47L 9/0477 20130101; A47L 7/0004 20130101; A47L
9/182 20130101; A47L 9/0411 20130101; A47L 5/365 20130101; A47L
5/12 20130101; A47L 9/242 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/04 20060101
A47L009/04; A47L 9/24 20060101 A47L009/24 |
Claims
1. A cleaning tool for a vacuum cleaning accessory of a vacuum
cleaning apparatus, comprising: a body having a suction opening for
engaging with a surface to be cleaned; a cavity disposed within the
body and fluidly connected with the suction opening; a flow channel
disposed within the body and downstream of the cavity; a brushroll
rotatably mounted about a rotation axis in the cavity; and an
opening extending through the body into the cavity for allowing
atmospheric air to enter the cavity, wherein: the opening is
arranged above the brushroll with respect to the suction opening,
the opening is arranged in front of the brushroll with respect to
the flow channel, or both.
2. The cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the opening defines a duct
structure having an inlet and an outlet, and wherein the inlet is
disposed on an upper face of the body and the outlet extends into
the cavity.
3. The cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the outlet terminates at a
position above the rotation axis of the brushroll with respect to
the suction opening.
4. The cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the duct structure has a
curved internal cross-section for guiding an airflow towards the
suction opening.
5. The cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the opening defines a duct
structure including a lip extending outwardly from the body, and
wherein the lip defines an inlet having a greater cross-sectional
area than an outlet leading into the cavity.
6. The cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the opening includes a
plurality of openings spaced apart along an upper face of the body,
and wherein the plurality of openings are disposed above and in
front of the brushroll.
7. The cleaning tool of claim 1, further comprising a closure
mechanism arranged on the body, wherein the closure mechanism
includes a cover configured to adjust an effective flow area of the
opening.
8. A cleaning tool of a vacuum cleaning accessory, comprising: a
housing defining a first compartment and a second compartment, the
first compartment having a suction opening disposed on a lower face
of the housing for engaging with a work surface and the second
compartment having a connection configured to fluidly couple to a
suction conduit; a cavity defined within the first compartment and
fluidly connected with the suction opening; a flow channel arranged
in the second compartment and fluidly connecting the cavity to the
connection; a brushroll rotatably mounted about a rotation axis in
the cavity; and an opening extending through the housing of the
first compartment into the cavity for allowing atmospheric air to
enter the cavity, wherein the opening is positioned above the
brushroll in relation to the suction opening and in front of the
brushroll in relation to the flow channel.
9. The cleaning tool of claim 8, wherein the cavity is defined
between a forward wall and a rearward wall, the rearward wall
separating the first compartment from the second compartment, and
wherein the opening is positioned on an upper face of the housing
between the forward wall and the rotation axis of the
brushroll.
10. The cleaning tool of claim 8, wherein the opening includes a
lip protruding outwardly from the housing to guide a flow of air
into the cavity.
11. The cleaning tool of claim 8, wherein the opening defines a
duct structure having an inlet positioned on an upper face of the
housing and an outlet positioned in the cavity above the rotation
axis of the brushroll.
12. The cleaning tool of claim 11, wherein the outlet defines a
cross-section that extends at an incline with respect to a
cross-section of the inlet.
13. The cleaning tool of claim 8, wherein the opening includes a
plurality of openings distributed across the housing of the first
compartment.
14. The cleaning tool of claim 8, wherein the opening defines a
duct structure having a tapering internal cross-section.
15. The cleaning tool of claim 8, further comprising a closure
mechanism arranged on the housing at the first compartment, wherein
the closure mechanism includes a cover moveable between an open
position and a closed position for covering and uncovering the
opening.
16. A cleaning accessory for a vacuum cleaning apparatus,
comprising: a cleaning tool; and a connection for providing suction
to the cleaning tool; wherein the cleaning tool comprises: a body
defining an upper face and a lower face with respect to a surface
to be cleaned, the lower face having a suction opening for engaging
with the surface to be cleaned; a cavity disposed within the body
and fluidly connected with the suction opening; a flow channel
disposed within the body and fluidly connecting the cavity to the
connection; a brushroll rotatably mounted about a rotation axis in
the cavity; and an opening extending through the body into the
cavity for allowing atmospheric air to enter the cavity, wherein
the opening is positioned on the body above the brushroll with
respect to the suction opening and in front of the brushroll with
respect to the flow channel, and wherein the opening defines a duct
structure having an inlet positioned on the upper face of the body
and an outlet leading into the cavity.
17. The cleaning accessory of claim 16, wherein the opening
includes a plurality of openings distributed along the upper face
of the body, and wherein at least one opening of the plurality of
openings includes a lip projecting outwardly from the body.
18. The cleaning accessory of claim 16, wherein the outlet is
positioned within the cavity above the rotation axis.
19. The cleaning accessory of claim 16, further comprising at least
one of a suction wand and a hose coupled to the connection.
20. The cleaning accessory of claim 16, further comprising a
closure mechanism coupled to the body and configured to vary a flow
of air through the opening.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/658,351, filed on Apr. 16, 2018, the disclosure
of which is incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to vacuum cleaners
and, more particularly to vacuum cleaning tools with airflow
directing openings and rotating agitator arrangements.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Vacuum cleaners of various designs are used in residential
and commercial applications for cleaning a surface. These vacuum
cleaners create a suction airflow that picks up dirt and dust
particles from a surface in need of cleaning. Vacuum cleaners are
generally of two types, canister type or upright type, each of
which commonly includes a housing, a motor-driven fan unit for
forming a partial vacuum or respectively suction, and an intake
port for drawing in dirt or debris-bearing air into the housing. A
canister type cleaner may include a vacuum hose extending from the
intake port for providing suction through the hose to the housing
and a wand and/or extension is typically attached to the free end
of the hose for receiving and interchanging several different floor
tools such as a brush assembly or floor attachment. The upright
type cleaner has an intake port and a floor tool directly connected
to each other without any extra hose and/or wand and/or extension.
The floor tool typically has a suction opening directed downwardly
to face the surface to be cleaned and, in canister type cleaners,
the floor tool is generally releasably attached to the end of the
wand remote from the vacuum cleaner housing.
[0004] The floor tool may have one or more features suited for
removing dirt, dust or other debris from a surface to be cleaned.
For example, a floor tool may have a brush or pad for sweeping
debris from a hard floor surface. As another example, the floor
tool may have a brushroll rotatable about an axis including a
cylindrical core and bristles extending from the core. As the brush
roll rotates, the bristles agitate the fibers of the surface to be
cleaned and open the fibers to the suction opening so the airflow
can extract the dust, dirt and debris.
[0005] However, such floor tools suffer from drawbacks. For
example, it is important for vacuum cleaners to maintain adequate
airflow through the floor tool to dislodge debris trapped within
the surface fabric. Yet, conventional floor tools that work well on
regular cut pile carpet, for example, are unsatisfactory for more
dense fabric such as ultra-plush or super-plush carpet, which may
be due to the increased airflow demand necessary to circulate the
air through the dense fabric to the intake port. As a result, the
floor tool may get stuck by suction due to the lack of airflow and
require significant effort, e.g., 30 pounds or more of force, to
move the floor tool across the surface to be cleaned. Further,
traditional floor tools fail to effectively clean the more dense
and/or thick textures because the low airflow is insufficient to
release the dirt and debris trapped by the fabric. On the other
hand, a conventional floor tool that generates excessive airflow on
more delicate surfaces such as upholstery, linen or bedding may
damage the surface to be cleaned by over agitating the delicate
fibers or fabric.
[0006] Accordingly, there exists a need for a vacuum cleaning tool
that can effectively agitate and dislodge dirt and debris from a
variety of surface textures, without damage to delicate fabrics or
surfaces, and that does not add significantly to the overall cost
of the cleaning tool.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] While the claims are not limited to a specific illustration,
an appreciation of the various aspects is best gained through a
discussion of various examples thereof. Although the drawings
represent illustrations, the drawings are not necessarily to scale
and certain features may be exaggerated to better illustrate and
explain an innovative aspect of an example. Further, the exemplary
illustrations described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or
otherwise limiting or restricted to the precise form and
configuration shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following
detailed description. Exemplary illustrates are described in detail
by referring to the drawings as follows:
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vacuum cleaning
system;
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner
assembly, partially broken away and in cross-section;
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a vacuum cleaning
tool according to an implementation;
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a partial plan view of an underside of
the vacuum cleaning tool of FIG. 3;
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a vacuum cleaning
tool according to an implementation;
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the vacuum
cleaning tool of FIG. 5;
[0014] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a perspective view of a vacuum
cleaning tool incorporating a closure mechanism, with FIG. 7A
showing the closure mechanism in an open position and FIG. 7B
showing the closure mechanism in a closed position; and
[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional partial side view of a
vacuum cleaning tool according to an implementation, showing
various flow paths during operation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] In the drawings, exemplary illustrated approaches are shown
in detail. The various features of the exemplary approaches
illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures
may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other
figures, as it will be understood that alternative illustrations
that may not be explicitly illustrated or described may be able to
be produced. The combinations of features illustrated provide
representative approaches for typical applications. However,
various combinations and modifications of the features consistent
with the teachings of the present disclosure may be desired for
particular applications or implementations. The representative
illustrations below relate generally to a cleaning tool and/or a
cleaning accessory of a vacuum cleaning apparatus or system.
Artisans may recognize similar applications or implementations with
other technologies and configurations.
[0017] An exemplary cleaning tool for a vacuum cleaning accessory
may include a body having a suction opening for engaging with a
surface to be cleaned, a cavity disposed within the body and
fluidly connected with the suction opening, a flow channel disposed
within the body and downstream of the cavity, a brushroll rotatably
mounted about a rotation axis in the cavity for agitating the
surface to be cleaned, and an opening extending through the body
into the cavity for allowing atmospheric air to enter the cavity.
The combination of separate flows of air entering the cavity via
the suction opening and the opening increases the overall airflow
through the cleaning tool to enhance cleaning efficiency and
effectiveness.
[0018] The opening may be arranged above the brushroll with respect
to the suction opening. Additionally or alternatively, the opening
may be arranged in front of the brushroll with respect to the flow
channel. An arrangement of the opening above and in front of the
brushroll provides for a substantially (e.g., predominately)
unobstructed airflow directed towards the surface to be cleaned at
an angle to facilitate opening or otherwise agitating the fabric to
dislodge trapped dirt and debris.
[0019] The opening may define a duct structure having an inlet and
an outlet. The inlet may be disposed on an upper face of the body
and the outlet may extend into the cavity. According to an
implementation, the outlet may terminate at a position above the
rotation axis of the brushroll with respect to the suction opening.
Additionally or alternatively, the duct structure may have a curved
internal cross-section for guiding a flow of air towards the
brushroll, e.g., along a direction tangential to the rotating
brushroll. Accordingly, the opening draws in external or
atmospheric air from above and in front of the brushroll, rather
than through the fabric of the surface to be cleaned, which
prevents or at least reduces over agitation and/or damage to more
delicate fibers to facilitate cleaning on a variety of work
surfaces.
[0020] Pursuant to an implementation, the opening may include a
plurality of openings distributed along the forward end of the
cleaning tool above and/or in front of the brushroll. The plurality
of openings may provide for vectored jets of air injected towards a
work surface and an evenly distributed airflow into the suction
cavity to thereby increase the overall airflow of the cleaning tool
and improve the ability of the cleaning tool to pick up dust and
dirt particles. The provision of a plurality of openings arranged
above and in front of the brush roll may facilitate agitation by
directing airflow eccentric to a rotation axis of the brushroll to
urge the brushroll along a rotation direction and/or by injecting
air into the fibers of the work surface at an angle, opening the
fibers for more effective cleaning.
[0021] A closure mechanism may be included for opening and closing
the opening(s) and adjusting an effective flow area through the
opening(s). The closure mechanism provides for selectively
activating the vectored jets of air to meet suitable airflow
demands by increasing or decreasing the airflow through the
cleaning tool. For example, the closure mechanism may include a
cover that is moveable to at least partially block the opening(s)
for a reduced airflow, and the cover may be retracted to open or
uncover the opening(s) for increased airflow.
[0022] Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate
like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, there is
shown a vacuum cleaning system or a vacuum cleaning apparatus
generally at 10 (hereinafter "cleaning system 10"). Referring to
the example shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning system 10 includes a
vacuum cleaner assembly 12 and a vacuum cleaning accessory or a
vacuum cleaning appliance 14 (hereinafter "cleaning accessory 14").
The cleaning accessory 14 includes a vacuum cleaning tool or a
vacuum cleaning base 16 (hereinafter "cleaning tool 16") for
treating a surface to be cleaned, such as generally planar flooring
including tiles, cement, wood, paneling, as well as on carpeting,
upholstery, linen and/or other textured surfaces. The cleaning
accessory 14 may further include a suction wand 18 coupled to the
cleaning tool 16 that generally provides for an attachment of a
power cord (not shown) and/or an attachment hose 20. The attachment
hose 20 is configured to be attached to the vacuum cleaner assembly
12 in order to supply suction and/or electrical power to the
cleaning tool 16. According to another example, the attachment hose
20 may be configured to couple to the cleaning tool 16 without an
intervening wand. It is contemplated that the suction wand 18 and
the attachment hose 20 may be integral, or the suction wand 18
and/or the attachment hose 20 may comprise a plurality of sections.
Additionally or alternatively, the cleaning tool 16 and the suction
wand 18 may be integral and/or the attachment hose 20 may be
integral with the cleaner assembly 12. A handle 22 may be provided
on the attachment hose 20 or the suction wand 18 for a user to
grasp to traverse the cleaning tool 16 along the surface to be
cleaned and/or provide a mechanism such as a switch to activate and
deactivate the cleaning tool 16. In the illustrated example, the
suction wand 18 is in fluid communication with the attachment hose
20 and the cleaning tool 16, thereby generally providing vacuum
pressure or suction from the vacuum cleaner assembly 12 to the
cleaning tool 16. The suction wand 18 may be rigid, and further may
be pivotable or otherwise moveable relative to the cleaning tool 16
to allow the cleaning tool 16 to be manipulated or translated
across the surfaces to be cleaned.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary cleaner assembly 12 is
shown as a liquid bath canister type cleaner merely to illustrate
an application of the cleaning tool 16. The cleaner assembly 12
comprises a housing or body 24 (hereinafter "housing 24") having an
internal area and an external surface. The housing 24 includes a
flow path having an intake port 26 and an outlet 28. A motor 30 is
disposed within the internal area of the housing 24 between the
intake port 26 and the outlet 28. The motor 30 includes an output
shaft 32 for rotating about an axis.
[0024] The cleaner assembly 12 may include one or more fans. For
example, the assembly 12 may include an axial flow fan 34 such as a
cooling fan, mounted within the housing 24 above the motor 30 and
coupled to the output shaft 32, which may generate an airflow for
cooling the motor 30 and/or circulate cooling air around the motor
30 and/or facilitate a suction airflow through the intake port 26
in the housing 24. The assembly 12 may further include a cooling
air filter 36 surrounding the motor 30 wherein the cooling air
filter 36 directs the cooling air around the motor 30 and filters
the cooling air prior to being exhausted.
[0025] Additionally or alternatively, the cleaner assembly 12 may
include a blower 38 mounted within the housing 24 below the motor
30. The blower 38 may operate to generate a suction force (e.g.,
vacuum) and provide for drawing air into the intake port 26 and
exhausting air outwardly through the outlet 28.
[0026] According to one implementation, the cleaner assembly 12 may
include a separator 40 to separate dust and dirt particles, which
may be coupled to the output shaft 32 and provide filtration by
centrifugation. The separator 40 may be mounted below the blower 38
and be configured to circulate air and a water bath 42 within a
water bath pan 44. A combination of the water bath pan 44 and the
water bath 42 is used as a filter for filtering particulates from
the air prior to being exhausted outwardly through the outlet 28.
Additionally, the separator 40 can separate the particulates that
are entrained within the water droplets that are ingested into the
separator and/or separate the particulates from the ingested air
that escapes entrapment within the water bath 42. Exemplary vacuum
cleaner assemblies, and an explanation of a vacuum cleaner assembly
using a water bath 42 within a water bath pan 44 as a primary air
filter and/or a separator 40 for separating dust and dirt
particulates as well as the mechanism for water filtration, that
may be employed with the examples provided herein are described in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,096,475, 6,312,508, 6,565,637, and 7,210,195, the
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety. It will be appreciated, however, that the cleaning tool
16 could be formed as part of a conventional, upright vacuum
cleaner.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of an exemplary
cleaning tool 16 is shown. The cleaning tool 16 may include a
housing or a body 46 (hereinafter "housing 46") delimiting an
interior, one or more wheels 48 (see also FIG. 4) or any mechanism
for allowing the cleaning tool 16 to be traversed across a work
surface 50, a connection or a pivot arm 52 (hereinafter "connection
52"), one or a plurality of brush arrangements or agitators shown
generally at 54 (hereinafter "brush arrangement 54"), and at least
one opening 56 provided to increase airflow in the cleaning tool 16
and direct the airflow at the work surface 50. A light (not shown)
may also be attached to the housing 46. The housing 46 may have or
otherwise define a bottom or lower face 58 that generally faces
towards the work surface 50 and a top or upper face 60 that
generally faces away from the work surface 50. The housing 46 may
include a first housing member or an upper housing wall or an upper
surface 62 (hereinafter "upper housing wall 62") and a second
housing member or a lower housing wall or a lower surface 64
(hereinafter "lower housing wall 64"), wherein the terms "upper"
and "lower" are in relation to the work surface 50 during normal
operation, e.g., the lower housing wall 64 is arranged proximate to
the work surface 50 and the upper housing wall 62 is arranged
distal to the work surface 50 relative to the lower housing wall
64. The upper housing wall 62 and/or the lower housing wall 64 may
be made of a unitary piece of durable material, e.g., a plastic,
rubber, metal and/or a blend of synthetic materials that are
durable and/or sturdy. According to one implementation, the upper
housing wall 62 and/or the lower housing wall 64 may be injection
molded to facilitate production, although it is contemplated that
the upper housing wall 62 and/or the lower housing wall 64 may
include more than one piece or section secured together such as by
one or more fasteners or a material connection, e.g., an adhesive,
a weld or the like. The shape and dimensions of the housing 46
including the upper housing wall 62 and the lower housing wall 64
may be designed and manufactured to fit the contents and structures
contained within the cleaning tool 16.
[0028] The connection 52 is positioned at a rear end 66 of the
housing 46 and may be pivotally attached to the housing 24 of the
cleaner assembly 12. The connection 52 provides suction to the
cleaning tool 16 and serves as a conduit to deliver debris and
dirt-laden air to the vacuum assembly 12. As shown, the connection
52 may be configured to extend outwardly from the cleaning tool 16.
Further, the connection 52 may serve to provide stability and
support between the cleaning tool 16 and the vacuum cleaner
assembly. For example, the connection 52 may support an attached
vacuum canister, vacuum motor and a handle in an upright vacuum
cleaner arrangement. In yet another exemplary arrangement, the
connection may support a suction wand 18 and/or a hose 20 leading
to the vacuum cleaner assembly 12 (cf. FIG. 1).
[0029] The connection 52 may be configured to facilitate a pivoting
motion of the cleaning tool 16 with respect to the suction wand 18,
the attachment hose 20 and/or the cleaner assembly 12. The
connection 52 may be made of the same material as the housing 46.
The connection 52 may also be made out of the same piece as the
housing 46 or may be made from a separate piece and then attached
to the cleaning tool 16 using a variety of suitable fasteners
and/or adhesives. It is contemplated that other materials, such as
those materials suitable for the suction wand 18 and/or the
attachment hose 20, may also be used to at least partially form the
connection 52.
[0030] At least one opening 56 is arranged at a forward end 68 of
the cleaning tool 16 and configured to direct external, atmospheric
air at the work surface 50. According to the illustrated example, a
plurality of openings 56 may be disposed along the forward end 68
to provide vectored jets of air injected into the fibers of the
work surface 50. The openings 56 may be positioned above and/or in
front of the brush arrangement 54 along the upper face 60 and/or
the upper housing wall 62. Additionally or alternatively, the
openings 56 may be distributed to define discrete duct structures
70 leading directly into a suction cavity (not shown) of the
cleaning tool 16. The openings 56 may have a funnel-like structure
to facilitate an array of high-pressure jets of air by forcing the
drawn in air through a tapering channel. The provision of a
plurality of openings 56 above and in front of the brush
arrangement 54 facilitates cleaning efficiency and effectiveness
for a variety of textured surfaces by allowing increased overall
airflow through the cleaning tool 16 and/or by further agitating
the work surface 50 to open the fibers of the work surface 50
through the injection of a vectored airflow.
[0031] FIG. 4 depicts an underside of the cleaning tool 16
according to an example. As shown, the brush arrangement 54
comprises an elongated brushroll 72 rotatably mounted in a cavity
74 and a plurality of bristles 76 extending therefrom. The
brushroll 72 is mounted within the cavity 74 such that at least a
portion of the bristles 76 extend through a suction opening 78
arranged between a forward edge 80 and a rear edge 82 of the cavity
74. The suction opening 78, the forward edge 80 and the rear edge
82 are disposed on a bottom face 58 of the housing 46. The forward
edge 80 and/or the rear edge 82 may facilitate agitating the
surface to be cleaned, e.g., carpet, by lifting or otherwise
distributing the fibers to dislodge debris as the cleaning tool 16
traverses the surface to be cleaned. In use, the suction opening 78
faces the surface to be cleaned and admits dirt, dust and debris
into the cavity 74. The cavity 74 is in fluid communication with an
airflow channel 84 (see FIG. 5), which in turn is in fluid
communication with the connection 52 (see FIG. 3). The cleaning
tool 16 may additionally include one or more nozzle brushes (not
shown) configured to rotate about an axis different from that of
the brushroll 72.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 5, an exploded perspective view of an
exemplary cleaning tool 16 is shown. The cleaning tool 16 includes
at least a forward compartment 86 and a rear compartment 88. The
forward compartment 86 and the rear compartment 88 may be defined
by the housing 46. The forward compartment 86 houses the brush
arrangement 54 and defines the cavity 74. A light (not shown) may
be housed in the forward compartment 86, or it may be contained
within another non-shown compartment. The bottom of the forward
compartment 86 is at least partially open to define the suction
opening 78 disposed along the lower housing wall 64, and the top of
the forward compartment 86 includes the opening(s) 56 arranged
along the forward end 68 of the upper housing wall 62. A forward
wall 90 of the forward compartment 86 may be arcuate or otherwise
adapted to the brush arrangement 54, and the lateral side wall(s)
92 of the forward compartment 86 may include a groove or other
coupling mechanism to rotatably mount the brush arrangement 54.
[0033] The rear compartment 88 houses or otherwise defines an
airflow channel 84 provided to communicate dirt-bearing air from
the cavity 74 to the cleaner assembly 12. The airflow channel 84 is
arranged downstream of the cavity 74 and is fluidly connected with
the cavity 74 via an inlet port 94 disposed in a baffle element 96
arranged between the forward compartment 86 and the rear
compartment 88. Further, the airflow channel 84 is fluidly
connected to the connection 52 to convey dirt-bearing air to the
cleaner assembly 12 via the suction wand 18 and/or the attachment
hose 20 shown in FIG. 1. The airflow channel 84 may also be formed
at least partially from the connection 52. The airflow channel 84
may comprise a hollow tube 98 releasably mounted within the rear
compartment 88, although the tube 98 may also be formed integrally
within the rear compartment 88. According to one example, the tube
98 may be coupled to the connection 52 by a suitable mechanism such
as fasteners or a pluggable joint. According to another example,
the tube 98 and the connection 52 may be integral with one
another.
[0034] Also contained within the rear compartment 88 is a motor 100
operatively connected to the brush arrangement 54. The motor 100
may be powered using a cord and fixed power and/or battery powered
by a non-shown battery pack. The motor 100 may include a motor arm
102 mounted to a drive belt 104 for facilitating a mechanical
connection between the motor 100 and the brush arrangement 54. The
motor arm 102 may extend away from the center towards a side of the
cleaning tool 16 as shown, and/or extend towards the center of the
cleaning tool 16 into a region of the airflow channel 84. Many
variations of motors are suitable for use in the cleaning tool;
especially those used and sold by Rexair, LLC. Two examples of
suitable motors are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,949,175 and
6,777,844, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the forward compartment 86 and
the rear compartment 88 are separated by a baffle element 96
extending transversely between the upper housing wall 62 and the
lower housing wall 64 to protect the components in the rear
compartment 88 from the ingress of debris and/or to deflect debris
and dirt-bearing air into the inlet port 94. The baffle element 96
may be shaped flat as shown, or have a concave shape at least on a
side facing the cavity 74, to guide debris into the inlet port 94.
The baffle element 96 may extend along substantially the entire
width of the forward compartment 86 (e.g., along an axial direction
of the brush arrangement 54), and have a configuration structured
to receive or otherwise allow rotation of the drive belt 104 for
the mechanical connection between the motor 100 and the brush
arrangement 54. The baffle element 96 may be structured as a
continuous wall extending from the upper housing wall 62 to the
lower housing wall 64, or vice versa. Additionally or
alternatively, the baffle element 96 may include a plurality of
interacting walls arranged complementary to each other. For
example, a first baffle wall 106 may project from the upper housing
wall 62 and a second baffle wall 108 may project from the lower
housing wall 64 in a position complementary to the first baffle
wall 106 such that the first and second baffle wall 106, 108 engage
or otherwise interact to substantially impede ingress of debris
into the rear compartment 88 and deflect debris into the inlet port
94. The baffle element 96 provides the advantage that debris and
dirt-bearing air does not readily escape the forward compartment 86
without passing through the inlet port 94.
[0036] The cavity 74 in the forward compartment 86 is enclosed by
the forward wall 90, the side walls 92, the upper housing wall 62,
the lower housing wall 64 and the baffle element 96, such that the
cavity 74 defines a unitary suction chamber including the brush
arrangement 54 mounted therein. However, it will be appreciated
that more than one cavity 74 may be defined in the forward
compartment 86. According to one implementation, the forward wall
90 and/or the sidewalls 92 may be formed by a portion of the upper
housing wall 62 and the lower housing wall 64 as shown. The forward
compartment 86 and the rear compartment 88 may thereby be formed by
the upper housing wall 62 structured complementary to the lower
housing wall 64 in a simplified manner, e.g., mutually
complementary injection molded parts. According to another
implementation, the forward wall 90 and/or the sidewalls 92 may be
formed by one of the upper housing wall 62 and the lower housing
wall 64. In yet another implementation, an additional section of
material such as a non-shown panel cover may form at least a
portion of the forward wall 90 and/or the sidewalls 92.
[0037] The cleaning tool 16 includes one or more openings 56
positioned above the brush arrangement 54 in relation to the work
surface 50, e.g., the opening(s) 56 are arranged distal to or
further away from the work surface 50 in relation to a rotation
axis A of the brush arrangement 54. The arrangement of the
opening(s) 56 above the brush arrangement 54 facilitates more
effective cleaning of delicate fabrics such as linen or bedding by
allowing air to enter the cavity 74 from the upper face 60 and at
an angle transverse to the work surface 50. Accordingly, air is
drawn into the cavity 74 from above the work surface 50 via the
opening(s) 56 rather than solely through the fabric of the work
surface 50 from the suction opening 78 on the bottom face 58 of the
cleaning tool 16 to prevent or at least reduce over agitation of
the work surface 50 which may lead to damage of more delicate
fibers or surfaces. Additionally or alternatively, one or more
openings 56 are positioned in front of the brush arrangement 54 in
relation to a forward direction F of the cleaning tool 16, e.g.,
the opening(s) 56 are arranged distal to or further away from the
inlet port 94 and the flow channel 84 in relation to the rotation
axis A of the brush arrangement 54. The arrangement of the
opening(s) 56 in front of the brush arrangement 54 facilitates more
effective cleaning by injecting air directly at the work surface 50
substantially unobstructed by the brush arrangement 54. Further, a
portion of the air may impinge or impact the bristles 76 of the
brush arrangement 54 to facilitate rotation of the brushroll 72,
which may be particularly advantageous when cleaning thick and/or
dense carpet such as plush and ultra-plush carpet, merely as
examples.
[0038] According to an exemplary implementation, the cleaning tool
16 includes a plurality of openings 56 positioned above and in
front of the brush arrangement 54. The provision of a plurality of
openings 56 arranged above and in front of the brush arrangement 54
provides a plurality of vectored air jets directed towards the work
surface 50 from the upper face 60 of the cleaning tool 16 to open
the fibers or fabric and facilitate more effective cleaning. The
plurality of openings 56 operate to more evenly distribute the
airflow in the cavity 74 and onto the work surface 50. The more
even distribution of airflow significantly improves the ability of
the cleaning tool 16 to pick up dust and dirt particles. Further,
the plurality of openings 56 may increase the overall airflow
through the cavity 74 and the cleaning tool 16, which may enhance
cleaning efficiency and effectiveness of ultra-plush or ultra-soft
carpet by releasing the seal formed when the suction opening 78
becomes stuck on the carpet due to the thickness of the carpet's
fibers. Additionally, the forced air drawn in through the openings
56 may enter the cavity 74 along a direction tangential to the
rotating brushroll 72 to help urge the bristles 76 to comb through
the fabric of the work surface 50.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, the openings 56 may be
disposed on the upper face 60 of the housing 46 along the forward
end 68. The openings 56 may be arranged in the upper housing wall
62 in a region of the forward wall 90, e.g., positioned adjacent or
on the forward wall 90. The openings 56 include an inlet 110 and an
outlet 112 arranged downstream of the inlet 110. The inlet 110 is
arranged at the upper face 60 of the housing 46 and the outlet 112
leads directly into the cavity 74. The outlet 112 of one or more
openings 56 may be flush with an interior surface 114 of the
housing 46 and/or the forward wall 118 to provide adequate
clearance for the rotating bristles 76 and/or to facilitate
discharging the airflow into the cavity 74 as described herein.
Additionally or alternatively, the outlet 112 of one or more
openings 56 may be recessed into the forward wall 114 such that the
forward wall 114 provides a sloped or angled guide surface for the
air to flow along.
[0040] The openings 56 may define a duct structure 70 extending
from the inlet 110 to the outlet 112 to guide air into the cavity
74. The duct structure 70 may be bent, turned or curved along a
path between the inlet 110 and the outlet 112 to deflect the air
entering the inlet 110 in a targeted manner via the outlet 112
and/or encourage the air to flow through the outlet 112.
Additionally or alternatively, the duct structure 70 may have an
internally tapering cross-section to facilitate a high-pressure
discharge of air into the cavity 74. The duct structures 70 may be
defined by a bore through the housing 46. Additionally or
alternatively, one or more openings 56 may include a lip or a rim
116 projecting outwardly from the forward wall 90 to define the
duct structure 70 between an interior surface of the lip 116 and
the forward wall 90, as is more clearly shown in FIG. 3. The lip
116 may be structured to define the inlet 110 having a greater
cross-sectional area than a cross-sectional area of the outlet 112
to facilitate a high-pressure jet of air discharged into the cavity
74. Additionally or alternatively, the lip 116 may be structured
with a funnel shape to facilitate guiding the airflow into the
cavity 74 and/or to increase the pressure at which the airflow is
introduced into the cavity 74. For example, the lip 116 may be
configured to define the duct structure 70 with a tapering internal
cross-section to increase the flow rate at which the airflow exits
the outlet 112 of the opening 56.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 6, the openings 56 or respectively the duct
structures 70 extend partially along the forward wall 90 so that
the outlet 112 opens directly into the cavity 74. Pursuant to an
implementation, the outlet 112 may terminate at a distance spaced
from at least one of the suction opening 78, the forward edge 80
and the bottom face 58 to facilitate cleaning of more delicate
surface textures. For example, the outlet 112 may be arranged above
the rotation axis A of the brush arrangement 54. According to
another example, the outlet 112 may be arranged in a position
approximately corresponding to a position of the rotation axis A of
the brush arrangement 54. The outlet 112 may have a cross-section
that is inclined or angled with respect to a cross-section of the
inlet 110 to facilitate a targeted jet of air. For example, the
outlet 112 may have a cross-section oriented towards the brush
arrangement 54 and extending transverse to the inlet 110
cross-section to help urge the brushroll 72 along the rotation
direction R.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the cleaning tool 16 may
further include a closure mechanism shown generally at 118 for
varying an amount of airflow passing through the openings 56. The
closure mechanism 118 may cover or block the openings 56 and
uncover or unblock the openings 56, including partially covering or
blocking the openings 56, through suitable actuation of the closure
mechanism 118 between an open position as shown in FIG. 7A and a
closed position as shown in FIG. 7B. Accordingly, the closure
mechanism 118 provides for selectively increasing or decreasing the
airflow through the cleaning tool 16 by adjusting the effective
flow area of the openings 56. Pursuant to an implementation, the
closure mechanism 118 may comprise a cover 120 moveably mounted to
the housing 46 to block, partially block and unblock the openings
56. According to the non-limiting example illustrated in FIGS. 7A
and 7B, the cover 120 may be pivotally mounted on the housing 46
about a pivot axis 122 to transition between an uncovered or open
position as shown in FIG. 7A and a covered or closed position as
shown in FIG. 7B. It will be appreciated that the cover 120 may be
moveable between any intermediate positions between the open
position and the closed position. By varying the flow rate of air
into the cleaning tool 16, the cleaning tool 16 can be adapted to
provide a desired relative flow of air suitable for the surface to
be cleaned. Further, selectively activating the openings 56, e.g.,
through the selective actuation the closure mechanism 118, allows
the cleaning tool 16 to effectively clean a variety of work
surfaces. For example, when the cleaning tool 16 transitions from a
first work surface to a second work surface having a greater
density and/or thickness thereby requiring a greater amount of
airflow (e.g., from short or fine pile carpet to a thick or shaggy
pile rug), the closure mechanism 118 may be actuated from the
covered position, as shown in FIG. 7B via the cover 120 blocking
the openings 56, to the uncovered position, as shown in FIG. 7A via
the cover 120 unblocking the openings 56, to increase the flow rate
through the cleaning tool 16 and facilitate more effective and
efficient cleaning of the work surface.
[0043] The cover 120 may comprise one or more sections of material
composed of a rigid or flexible material, e.g., a plastic, a metal,
or a rubber. The cover 120 may be manually actuated between the
covered position and the uncovered position, including intermediate
positions, for blocking and unblocking the openings 56.
Additionally or alternatively, the closure mechanism 118 may
include a non-shown drive mechanism to actuate the cover 120
between the covered position and the uncovered position, and
intermediate positions. For example, the drive mechanism may
include a bias member such as a spring-loaded hinge configured to
maintain the cover 120 in a first position, and a lever coupled to
at least one of a switch, a button and a foot pedal moveably
mounted on the cleaning tool 16 configured to actuate the lever and
urge the cover 120 opposite the biasing force of the bias member.
As another example, the drive mechanism may include a switch or a
thumbwheel moveably mounted on the housing 46 and coupled to a
lever connected with the cover, wherein the lever is configured to
be translated to move the cover between the open position and the
closed position in response to corresponding movement of the
switch. It will be appreciated that variants of the closure
mechanism 118 may be employed without departing from the scope of
the present disclosure. Merely as examples, the cover 120 may
include one or more plugs attached to an elongated bar configured
to insert and retract the plug(s) into the opening(s) 56, one or
more sheets of material slidable forwards and backwards (e.g., via
tracks and/or roller bodies disposed on the housing 46) to varying
the flow cross-section of the opening(s) 56, or a swivel valve
dedicated to a corresponding opening 56. The closure mechanism 118
may be arranged on an exterior of the housing 46 to cover the inlet
110 of the openings 56, on an interior of the housing 46 to cover
the outlet 112 of the openings 56, or in the case of a swivel valve
mounted in the openings 56 between the inlet 110 and the outlet
112. As one example, the closure mechanism 118 may be disposed in a
compartment housing a light (non-shown) that has an access door for
the cover 120 to preserve space in the interior of the housing 46.
The provision of a closure mechanism 118 provides the advantage
that the openings 56 can be selectively opened and closed to meet
suitable airflow demands.
[0044] FIG. 8 shows various flow paths of the cleaning tool 16 in
operation. In use, an airflow 124 enters the cavity 74 through the
suction opening 78 and the brushroll 72 rotates in direction R to
agitate the work surface 50. The airflow 124 passes through the
fibers of the work surface 50, carrying dirt, dust and debris
dislodged by the rotating brushroll 72, and into the cavity 74 then
through the airflow channel 84. An auxiliary airflow 126 enters the
cavity 74 through the openings 56 from a position above and in
front of the brushroll 72. The openings 56 provide for vectored
jets of auxiliary airflow 126 directed at the work surface 50,
opening the fibers or fabric to supplement agitation of the work
surface 50. Some of the airflow 126 may impinge upon the bristles
76 to urge the brushroll 72 along the rotation direction R. This
may facilitate combing the bristles 76 through the work surface 50,
which may be particularly advantageous when cleaning dense and/or
thick fabrics such as ultra-plush carpet. Other of the airflow 126
may be guided along the interior surface 114 of the forward wall 90
and discharged from a position close and/or adjacent to the suction
opening 78. This may facilitate the drawing in of dust and other
particulates from the work surface 50 and improve cleaning
efficiency.
[0045] The combination of providing separate airflows 124 and 126
into the cavity 74, with the airflow 124 being drawn in from the
bottom face 58 through the suction opening 78 and the auxiliary
airflow 126 being drawn in from the upper face 60 through the
openings 56, helps increase the agitation effectiveness and
efficiency of the cleaning tool 16. The openings 56 provide for
vectored flow paths that inject the auxiliary airflow 126 onto the
work surface 50 and open the fibers or fabric to assist or
supplement dislodging debris, dirt and other particulates trapped
therein, thereby enhancing cleaning efficiency and effectiveness.
The openings 56 also increase the overall airflow through the
cleaning tool 16 and thereby improve cleaning efficiency and
effectiveness of comparatively dense and/or thick fabrics such as
ultra-plush or ultra-soft carpet, which may require a greater
airflow demand. Additionally, the openings 56 allow air to enter
the cavity 74 in situations where there is little or no flow
through the suction opening 78. The openings 56 further direct some
airflow 126 towards the bristles 76 to urge the brushroll 72 along
the rotation direction R, thereby facilitating agitation of dense
and/or thick fabrics. The cleaning tool 16 may also be effective on
delicate fabrics such as bedding or linen by allowing the auxiliary
airflow 126 to enter from above the rotation axis A of the
brushroll 72 and impact the work surface 50 at an angle or along a
transverse direction, rather than through the fabric along a
direction parallel to the work surface 50, which may at least
reduce over agitation and damage to more delicate fabric.
[0046] It will be appreciated that the aforementioned vacuum
cleaner assembly 12 and/or cleaning accessory 14 and/or cleaning
tool 16 may be modified to have some components removed, or may
have additional components added, all of which are deemed to be
within the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the
assembly may be an upright type of vacuum cleaner or a hand-held
cleaner. Further, although the cleaning tool has been described
with reference to a motor driven agitator, the cleaning tool is
also suitable for a manually rotated agitator such as a brush bar
rotatably mounted for manual rotation. Additionally, while the
openings have been described as distributed linearly along the
forward end of the cleaning tool, it will be appreciated that the
openings can have a staggered relationship with respect to each
other such that some openings are positioned behind other
openings.
[0047] Accordingly, even though the present disclosure has been
described in detail with reference to specific examples, it will be
appreciated that a plurality of variants and changes can be made to
these examples without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure as set forth in the claims. It is anticipated and
intended that future developments will occur in the technologies
discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and devices will
be incorporated into such future embodiments.
[0048] All terms used in the claims are intended to be given their
broadest reasonable constructions and their ordinary meanings as
understood by those knowledgeable in the technologies described
herein unless an explicit indication to the contrary in made
herein. In particular, use of the singular articles such as "a,"
"the," "said," etc. should be read to recite one or more of the
indicated elements unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to
the contrary. Further, the use of "at least one of" is intended to
be inclusive, analogous to the term and/or. Additionally, use of
adjectives such as first, second, etc. should be read to be
interchangeable unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to
the contrary.
* * * * *