Abstract
The present disclosure is generally directed to cleaning head for a vacuum system. The cleaning head includes an edge cleaner disposed on at least one side of the cleaning head to provide enhanced edge cleaning capabilities for the vacuum system.
Claims
1. A cleaning head for a vacuum system, comprising: a main body including a vacuum orifice; a cleaning roller attached to the main body and disposed at least partially within the cleaning orifice; an edge cleaner rod disposed within the main body and behind the cleaning roller; and an edge cleaner attached to an end of the edge cleaner rod; wherein the edge cleaner is configured to agitate debris and move the debris into a path of the cleaning roller and vacuum orifice.
2. The cleaning head of claim 1, wherein the edge cleaner includes a filament ring that includes a plurality of filaments that are splayed outwardly at a selected angle from the main body.
3. The cleaning head of claim 2, wherein the plurality of filaments include a first plurality of filaments that are splayed outwardly at a selected angle from the main body and a second plurality of filaments that are splayed outwardly or co-planar with a side surface of the main body.
4-7. (canceled)
8. The cleaning head of claim 1, wherein the edge cleaner is removably attached to the edge cleaner rod.
9. The cleaning head of claim 1, further comprising: a controllable motor assembly disposed within the main body; a first belt disposed within the main body and coupled to the controllable motor assembly and the cleaning roller to cause controllable rotation of the cleaning roller via the controllable motor assembly; a drive rod disposed within the main body and coupled to the first belt to cause controllable rotation of the drive via the controllable motor assembly; the drive rod including a first gear disposed thereon; a second gear disposed within the main body and coupled to the first gear such that rotation of the drive rod and first gear cause rotation of the second gear; a second belt coupled to the second gear and coupled to the cleaner rod to cause controllable rotation of the cleaner rod and filament ring via the controllable motor assembly.
10. The cleaning head of claim 9, wherein a rotation direction of the cleaning roller is opposite to a rotation direction of the edge cleaner.
11. The cleaning head of claim 9, wherein a rotation direction of the cleaning roller is the same as the rotation direction of the edge cleaner.
12. The cleaning head of claim 1, further comprising: a controllable motor assembly disposed within the cleaning roller; a first belt disposed within the main body and coupled to the cleaning roller and drive rod to cause controllable rotation of the drive via the controllable motor assembly; the drive rod including a first gear disposed thereon; a second gear disposed within the main body and coupled to the first gear such that rotation of the drive rod and first gear cause rotation of the second gear; a second belt coupled to the second gear and coupled to the cleaner rod to cause controllable rotation of the cleaner rod and filament ring via the controllable motor assembly.
13. The cleaning head of claim 12, wherein a rotation direction of the cleaning roller is opposite to a rotation direction of the edge cleaner.
14. The cleaning head of claim 12, wherein a rotation direction of the cleaning roller is the same as the rotation direction of the edge cleaner.
15. A cleaning head for a vacuum system, comprising: a main body including a vacuum orifice; a cleaning roller attached to the main body and disposed at least partially within the cleaning orifice; an edge cleaner rod disposed within the main body and forward of the cleaning roller; and an edge cleaner attached to an end of the edge cleaner rod; wherein the edge cleaner is configured to agitate debris and move the debris into a path of the cleaning roller and vacuum orifice.
16. The cleaning head of claim 15, wherein the edge cleaner includes a filament ring that includes a plurality of filaments that are splayed outwardly at a selected angle from the main body.
17. The cleaning head of claim 16, wherein the plurality of filaments include a first plurality of filaments that are splayed outwardly at a selected angle from the main body and a second plurality of filaments that are splayed outwardly or co-planar with a side surface of the main body.
18-21. (canceled)
22. The cleaning head of claim 15, wherein the edge cleaner is removably attached to the edge cleaner rod.
23. The cleaning head of claim 15, further comprising: a controllable motor assembly disposed within a first side of the main body; a first belt disposed within the first side of the main body and coupled to the controllable motor assembly and to a first end of the cleaning roller to cause controllable rotation of the cleaning roller via the controllable motor assembly; a cog disposed within a second side of the main body, a second belt disposed within the second side of the main body and coupled to the cog and a second side of the cleaning roller; and a third belt disposed within the second side of the main body, the third belt coupled to the cog and to a second side of the edge cleaner rod to cause controllable rotation of the edge cleaner rod via the third belt, the cog and the second belt.
24. The cleaning head of claim 23, wherein a rotation direction of the cleaning roller is the same as the rotation direction of the edge cleaner rod.
25. The cleaning head of claim 23, wherein a rotation direction of the cleaning roller is in the opposite rotation direction of the edge cleaner rod.
26. The cleaning head of claim 15, further comprising: a controllable motor assembly disposed within a cleaning roller; a first belt disposed within the main body and coupled to the cleaning roller and to a cog to cause controllable rotation of the cog via the controllable motor assembly; a second belt disposed within the main body and coupled to the cog and to a second side of the edge cleaner rod to cause controllable rotation of the edge cleaner rod via the second belt.
27. The cleaning head of claim 26, wherein a rotation direction of the cleaning roller is the same as the rotation direction of the edge cleaner rod.
28. The cleaning head of claim 26, wherein a rotation direction of the cleaning roller is in the opposite rotation direction of the edge cleaner rod.
29-42. (canceled)
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] These and other features and advantages will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings, wherein:
[0003] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example cleaning head according to embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0004] FIG. 1B is close-up and partially exploded perspective view of the example cleaning head according to embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0005] FIG. 1C is another perspective view of the bottom region of the example cleaning head of FIG. 1A according to embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0006] FIG. 1D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the main body, taken along the line X-X in FIG. 1A;
[0007] FIG. 1E illustrates a cross-sectional view of the main body, taken along the line XI-XI in FIG. 1A; and
[0008] FIG. 2A is close-up view of the underside of an example cleaning head according to further embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the main body, taken along the line XII-XII in FIG. 2A;
[0010] FIG. 2C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the main body, taken along the line XIII-XIII in FIG. 2A;
[0011] FIG. 2D illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the main body of FIG. 2A-2C;
[0012] FIG. 2E illustrated a perspective view of a motor, cleaning roller and edge cleaner with a housing of the main body of FIG. 2D removed for clarity;
[0013] FIG. 2F illustrates a close-up perspective view of the leading edge of the main body;
[0014] FIG. 2G illustrates a close-up perspective view of the edge cleaner of FIG. 2F;
[0015] FIG. 3A is close-up view of an underside bottom region of an example cleaning head according to further embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the main body, taken along the line XIV-XIV in FIG. 3A;
[0017] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrates an example edge cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIGS. 5A-5B illustrates another example edge cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates an example vacuum cleaning system that may be used with the cleaning head of FIGS. 1A-1E, 2A-2G and 3A-3B, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The present disclosure is generally directed to vacuum cleaning head with an edge cleaner. In one embodiment, the edge cleaner is disposed on at least one side of the cleaning head and behind a main cleaning roller. In another embodiment, the edge cleaner is disposed on at least one side of the cleaning head and forward of a main cleaning roller. In still another embodiment, the edge cleaner is disposed on a main cleaning roller. The edge cleaner may include filaments and/or soft plush material. The edge cleaner of the present disclosure provides enhanced cleaning capabilities, for example, at an edge of a carpet, flooring transition regions, etc.
[0021] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example cleaning head 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The cleaning head 100 may be part of a vacuum system (not shown in this figure) such as an upright vacuum system, canister vacuum system, handheld vacuum system, battery powered vacuum system, central vacuum cleaner, etc., and generally includes a vacuum interface region 102 generally configured to a receive handle and control assembly (not shown in this figure) associated with a vacuum system. The cleaning head 100 also includes a surface cleaning region 104 that includes a main body 108 generally configured to roll across an area to be cleaned, for example, carpet, flooring, etc. The cleaning head 100 also includes rollers 106 to facilitate movement of the cleaning head 100 across a floor. The main body 108 of the cleaning region 104 also includes an edge cleaner assembly 110A (edge cleaner 110A) extending from a side region of the main body 108, e.g., right side region 111A of the main body 108. The edge cleaner 110A is disposed adjacent a bottom region 113 of the main body 108 so that the edge cleaner 110A can contact a floor.
[0022] The edge cleaner 110A may include a first filament ring 114A that includes a plurality of filaments extending from the side region 111A. The filament ring 114A is coupled to a first hub member 116A, which is coupled to an edge cleaner rod (not shown in this figure) that extends through the body 108, as will be described in greater detail below. In one embodiment, the plurality of filaments of the first filament ring 114A may be splayed outward from the main body 108 and at an angle with respect to the side 111A of the cleaning head. In other embodiments, the plurality of filaments of the first filament ring 114A may be co-planer with side 111A. In still other embodiments, the plurality of filaments of the first filament ring 114A may include a first plurality of filaments that are splayed outward from the cleaning head and at an angle with respect to the side 111A of the cleaning head, and a second plurality of filaments that are co-planer with the side 111A of the cleaning head. The angle of the plurality of filaments of the first filament ring 114A with respect to the side 111A of the cleaning head may be selected, for example, to provide clearance between the plurality of rotating filaments (described below) and the side 111A of the cleaning head.
[0023] FIG. 1B is close-up and partially exploded perspective view of the example cleaning head 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 1B illustrates the side 111B opposite side 111A of the main body 108 (as illustrated in FIG. 1A). As shown in this figure, the edge cleaner 110B includes a second filament ring 114B that includes a plurality of filaments extending from the side region 111B. The second filament ring 114B is coupled to a second hub 116B, which is coupled to an edge cleaner rod 118 that extends through the body 108. Each end of the edge cleaner rod 118 may include a coupling interface (e.g., pin 119B as shown on side 111B) to couple the edge cleaner 110B to the main body 108. In one embodiment, the plurality of filaments of the second filament ring 114B may be splayed outward from the main body 108 and at an angle with respect to the side 111B of the cleaning head. In other embodiments, the plurality of filaments of the second filament ring 114B may be co-planer with side 111B. In still other embodiments, the plurality of filaments of the second filament ring 114B may include a first plurality of filaments that are splayed outward from the cleaning head and at an angle with respect to the side 111B of the cleaning head, and a second plurality of filaments that are co-planer with the side 111B of the cleaning head. The angle of the plurality of filaments of the second filament ring 114B with respect to the side 111B of the cleaning head may be selected, for example, to provide clearance between the plurality of rotating filaments (described below) and the side 111B of the cleaning head.
[0024] The filaments of the first filament ring 114A and the second filament ring 114B of the edge cleaners 110A and 110B, respectively, may be formed of, for example, plastic, rubber, composite material, metal, metal composites, etc. In other embodiments, the edge cleaners 110A and 110B may each include a ring formed of a soft, plush material, which may also include stiffer nylon filaments and/or patches of different materials, diameters, densities, etc. In some embodiments, the filaments of the first filament ring 114A and the second filament ring 114B may be selected for a desired stiffness, length and/or density for a given cleaning task. Also, in some embodiments the first filament ring 114A and/or the second filament ring 114B and/or hub members 116A/116B may be removably coupled to the rod 118, thus allowing interchangeable edge cleaners 110A/110B to be coupled to the rod 118 for a given cleaning task. In some embodiments, the first filament ring 114A and the second filament ring 114B and/or hub members 116A/116B may be attached to the rod 118 using mated threads. In other embodiments, the first filament ring 114A and the second filament ring 114B and/or hub members 116A/116B may be attached to the rod 118 using, for example, latches, snap-fit arrangements, boss pins, etc.
[0025] FIG. 1C is another perspective view of the bottom region of the example cleaning head 100 of FIG. 1A according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the bottom region 113 of the main body 108 includes a cleaning roller 120 and vacuum orifice 122. The cleaning roller 120 generally extends across the width of the main body 108, and may include one or more bristle tracks 121 to provide cleaning as the main body 108 passes over flooring. The one or more bristle tracks 121 may be formed of, for example, stiff bristles, flaps (e.g., rubber flaps), plush material (e.g., low-nap material), etc. The cleaning roller 120 may be coupled to a controllable motor (not shown in this figure) to cause rotation of the cleaning roller 120 and to enable a user to turn the roller 120 on and off, depending on a given cleaning task. The vacuum orifice 122 is illustrated as an elongated opening generally disposed at a leading edge or centrally to the main body 108, and the cleaning roller 120 may generally be disposed within and partially extending above the vacuum orifice 122.
[0026] The bottom 113 of the main body 108 includes the edge cleaner rod 118. The edge cleaner rod 118, in some embodiments, may be removably attached to the main body 108 to permit, for example, access to a channel in the main body 108 that houses the rod 118 for cleaning purposes, repair, replacement, etc. The edge cleaner rod 118 may be attached to the main body 108 at both ends of the rod 118 (as illustrated), so that a majority of the edge cleaner rod remains exposed. In other embodiments, the edge cleaner rod 118 may be attached and integrated with the main body 108 (i.e., non-removable). In some embodiments, the edge cleaner rod 118 may be fully or partially covered with stiff bristles, flaps (e.g., rubber flaps), plush material (e.g., low-nap material), etc. so that rotation of the edge cleaner rod 118 further enhances cleaning of the surface under the main body 108. This figure also illustrates the first and second filament rings 114A and 114B, described above, disposed on each respective end of the edge cleaner rod 118.
[0027] FIG. 1D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the main body 108, taken along the line X-X in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1E illustrates a cross-sectional view of the main body 108, taken along the line XI-XI in FIG. 1A. Taking FIGS. 1D and 1E together, the main body 108 includes a motorized drive assembly 128 the extends at least partially through the main body 108. The motorized drive assembly 128 generally includes a user-controllable motor (not shown) to drive the cleaning roller 120 and the edge cleaner rod 118, as described below. A first belt 126 is coupled to the cleaning roller 120 and to the motorized drive assembly 128. Rotation of the motorized drive assembly 128 causes rotation of the cleaning roller 120, via first belt 126. Drive rod 130 is disposed between the motorized drive assembly 128 and the cleaning roller 120, and is coupled to the first belt 126. Rotation of the motorized drive assembly 128 causes rotation of the drive rod 130, via first belt 126. The drive rod 130 includes a drive rod gear 131. An edge cleaner gear 132 is disposed adjacent to the drive rod gear 131. The edge cleaner gear 132 is couple to the drive rod gear 131 via gear meshing so that rotation of the drive rod 130 and drive rod gear 131 causes rotation of the edge cleaner gear 132. A second belt 134 is coupled to the edge cleaner gear 132 and the edge cleaner rod 118, so that rotation of the drive rod 130/drive rod gear 131 and rotation of the edge cleaner gear 132 causes rotation of the edge cleaner rod 118.
[0028] In operation, rotation of the edge cleaner rod 118 is opposite to the rotation of the cleaning roller 120. Of course, in other embodiments, additional gears may be disposed within the main body 108 and cooperating with gear 131 and 132 to provide rotation of the edge cleaner rod 118 in the same direction as the rotation of the cleaning roller 120, depending on, for example, where the vacuum orifice 122 is defined within the main body 108. Depending on a gear ratio of the drive rod gear 131 and the edge cleaner gear 132, the edge cleaner rod 118 may rotate at the same or approximately the same revolutions per minute as the cleaning roller 120. Of course, in other embodiments a gear ratio of the drive rod gear 131 and the edge cleaner gear 132 may be selected so that the edge cleaner rod 118 spins faster or slower than the cleaning roller.
[0029] As is illustrated, the internal structure of the main body 108 of the cleaning head 100 includes various slots, channels and/or chambers to affix and/or house the edge cleaner rod 118, cleaning roller 120, drive rod 130, gears 131/132, belts 126/134, motorized drive assembly 128, etc., within the main body 108. Of course, such slots, channels and/or chambers to affix and/or house components within the body 108 may be modified, for example, depending on dimensions of selected components, desired tolerances within the body and between components, etc.
[0030] The embodiments of FIGS. 1A-1E, described above, generally provide edge cleaning capabilities where the edge cleaners 110A and 110B are disposed behind the main cleaning roller 120 and behind the vacuum orifice 122. Counter-rotation of the edge cleaner rod 118 with respect to the main roller 120 (and thus, counter-rotation of the edge cleaners 110A and 110B) generally causes dirt and debris to be kicked forward into the path of the main cleaning roller 120 and the vacuum orifice 122.
[0031] FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate other embodiments of a cleaning head 200 in which edge cleaners are disposed forward of a main cleaning roller and forward of a vacuum orifice. FIG. 2A is close-up view of underside 213 of an example cleaning head 200 according to further embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the bottom region 213 of the main body 208 includes a cleaning roller 220 and vacuum orifice 222. The cleaning roller 220 generally extends across the width of the main body 208, and may include one or more bristle tracks 221 to provide cleaning as the main body 108 passes over flooring. The one or more bristle tracks 221 may be formed of, for example, stiff bristles, flaps (e.g., rubber flaps), plush material (e.g., low-nap material), etc. The cleaning roller 220 may be coupled to a controllable motor (not shown in this figure) to cause rotation of the cleaning roller 220 and to enable a user to turn the roller 220 on and off, depending on a given cleaning task. The vacuum orifice 222 is illustrated as an elongated opening generally disposed at a leading edge or centrally to the main body 208, and the cleaning roller 220 may be generally disposed within and partially extending above the vacuum orifice 222.
[0033] The bottom 213 of the main body 208 includes an edge cleaner rod 218. The edge cleaner rod 218, in some embodiments, may be removably attached to the main body 208 to permit, for example, access to a channel in the main body 208 that houses the rod 218 for cleaning purposes, repair, replacement, etc. The edge cleaner rod 218 may be attached to the main body 208 at both ends of the rod 218 (as illustrated), so that a majority of the edge cleaner rod remains exposed. In other embodiments, the edge cleaner rod 218 may be attached and integrated with the main body 108 (i.e., non-removable). In some embodiments, the edge cleaner rod 218 may be fully or partially covered with stiff bristles, flaps (e.g., rubber flaps), plush material (e.g., low-nap material), etc. so that rotation of the edge cleaner rod 218 further enhances cleaning of the surface under the main body 208. This figure also illustrates the first and second edge cleaners 210A and 210B, described above, disposed on each respective end of the edge cleaner rod 218.
[0034] The edge cleaners 210A and/or 210B may include, for example, filament-type edge cleaners (such as shown at 110A and 110B in FIGS. 1A-1E). In other embodiments, edge cleaners 210A and 210B may each include a ring member 214A and 214B, respectively, formed of a soft, plush material, which may also include stiffer nylon filaments and/or patches of different materials, diameters, densities, etc. By way of example, ring member 214A may be affixed and/or removably affixed to hub member 216A, and hub member 216A may be affixed and/or removably affixed to an end of the edge cleaner rod 218 (as illustrated).
[0035] FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the main body 208, taken along the line XII-XII in FIG. 2A. The main body 208 includes a motorized drive assembly 228 that extends at least partially through the main body 108. The motorized drive assembly 228 generally includes a user-controllable motor (not shown) to drive the cleaning roller 220. A first belt 226 is coupled to the cleaning roller 220 and to the motorized drive assembly 228. Rotation of the motorized drive assembly 228 causes rotation of the cleaning roller 220, via first belt 226.
[0036] FIG. 2C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the main body 208, taken along the line XIII-XIII in FIG. 2A. Cog 230 is disposed between the cleaning roller 220 and the edge cleaner rod 218. The cleaning roller 220 is coupled to the cog 230 via second belt 234. In particular, the cleaning roller 220 includes a belt hub portion 223 that has a reduced diameter compared to other portions of the cleaning roller 220, and the second belt 234 is coupled to the belt hub portion 223 of the cleaning roller 220. In some embodiments, the cog 230 has a diameter approximately equal to a diameter of the belt hub portion 223 of the cleaning roller 220. In other embodiments, a diameter of the cog 230 may be larger or smaller than a diameter of the belt hub portion 223 of the cleaning roller 220. The cog 230 is coupled to the edge cleaner rod 218 via third belt 235. In particular, the edge cleaner rod 218 includes a belt hub portion 225 that has a reduced diameter compared to other portions of the edge cleaner rod 218, and the third belt 235 is coupled to the belt hub portion 225 of the edge cleaner rod 218. In some embodiments, the cog 230 has a diameter approximately smaller than a diameter of the belt hub portion 225 of the edge cleaner rod 218. In other embodiments, a diameter of the cog 230 may be larger or approximately equal to a diameter of the belt hub portion 225 of the edge cleaner rod 218.
[0037] In operation, rotation of the edge cleaner rod 218 is in the same direction to the rotation of the cleaning roller 220. Of course, in other embodiments, additional gears may be disposed within the main body 208 to provide rotation of the edge cleaner rod 218 in the opposite direction as the rotation of the cleaning roller 220, depending on, for example, where the vacuum orifice 222 is defined within the main body 208. Depending on relative diameter sizes of the belt hub portions 223/225, the edge cleaner rod 218 may rotate at the same or approximately the same revolutions per minute as the cleaning roller 220. Of course, in other embodiments, a diameter size of the belt hub portions 223/225 may be selected so that the edge cleaner rod 218 spins faster or slower than the cleaning roller 220.
[0038] FIG. 2D illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the main body 208 of FIG. 2A-2C, and FIG. 2E illustrates a perspective view of a motor, cleaning roller and edge cleaner with a housing of the main body 208 of FIG. 2D removed for clarity. Taking FIGS. 2D and 2E together, and as described above, the main body 208 includes the edge cleaner rod 218 and the cleaning roller 220, where the edge cleaner rod 218 is forward of the cleaning roller 220. Also shown in FIG. 2D, the edge cleaners 210A and 210B are illustrated as being coupled to either end of the edge cleaner rod 218 (and in this example, the edge cleaners 210A and 210B include the filament-type structures as described above in FIGS. 1A-1E). FIG. 2E illustrates a motor 250 coupled to the drive assembly 228 on one side of the main body 208. The drive assembly 228 to first belt 226 and to the cleaning roller 220. On the other side of the main body 208, the cleaning roller 220 is coupled to the cog 230 via second belt 234. The cog 230 is coupled to the edge cleaner rod 218, via third belt 235. As illustrated in this figure, the second belt 234 is separated from the third belt 235 by the cog 230. In other embodiments, the second belt 234 may be coupled directly to the edge cleaner rod 218, thus eliminating the cog 230 and third belt 235.
[0039] FIG. 2F illustrates a close-up perspective view of the leading edge of the main body 208, and FIG. 2G illustrates a close-up perspective view of the edge cleaner of FIG. 2F. Taking FIGS. 2F and 2G together, the main body 208 includes the edge cleaner rod 218 and edge cleaner 210B, as described above. Also, in this example, the leading edge of the main body 208 is partially open to expose a portion of the edge cleaner rod 218. The edge cleaner 210B includes a ring member 214B, respectively, formed of a soft, plush material, which may also include stiffer nylon filaments and/or patches of different materials, diameters, densities, etc. By way of example, ring member 214B may be affixed and/or removably affixed to hub member 216B, and hub member 216B may be affixed and/or removably affixed to an end of the edge cleaner rod 218.
[0040] The main body 208, and more particularly the side 240B and front edge 242 of the main body may define an opening 244B in which the edge cleaner 210B rotates. Referring to FIG. 2G, the main body 208 may also include a shroud or fender member 246B coupled to the side 240B of the main body 208 and shaped to at least partially cover a portion of the edge cleaner 210B, as illustrated. The shroud or fender member 246B generally operates to reduce or eliminate kicking or scattering of dirt and debris caused by rotation of the edge cleaner 210B. In some embodiments, the shroud 246B may be permanently affixed to, or integrated with, the main body 208. In other embodiments, the shroud 246B may be removably attached to the main body 208. Of course, the opposing side of the main body (not shown in these figures) may be configured in a manner described above in FIGS. 2F and 2G.
[0041] As is illustrated, the internal structure of the main body 208 of the cleaning head 200 includes various slots, channels and/or chambers to affix and/or house the edge cleaner rod 218, cleaning roller 220, cog 230, belts 226/234/235, motorized drive assembly 228, etc., within the main body 208. Of course, such slots, channels and/or chambers to affix and/or house components within the main body 208 may be modified, for example, depending on dimensions of selected components, desired tolerances within the body and between components, etc.
[0042] The embodiments of FIGS. 2A-2G, described above, generally provide edge cleaning capabilities where the edge cleaners 210A and 210B are disposed forward of the main cleaning roller 220 and forward of the vacuum orifice 222. Rotation of the edge cleaner rod 218 in the same direction as the main roller 220 generally causes dirt and debris to be contained generally within a footprint of the main body 208 in the path of the main cleaning roller 220 and the vacuum orifice 222, thus reducing or eliminating scattering of dirt and debris. Of course, in other embodiments, additional gears may be disposed within the main body 208 to provide rotation of the edge cleaner rod 218 in the opposite direction as the rotation of the cleaning roller 220, depending on, for example, where the vacuum orifice 222 is defined within the main body 208. In this embodiment, rotation of the edge cleaner rod 218 generally causes dirt and debris to be contained generally in front of the main body 208 in the path of the main cleaning roller 220 and the vacuum orifice 222, thus reducing or eliminating scattering of dirt and debris.
[0043] FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate other embodiments of a cleaning head 200 in which edge cleaners are disposed on a main cleaning roller within a vacuum orifice. FIG. 3A is close-up view of an underside bottom region 313 of an example cleaning head 300 according to further embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0044] As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the bottom region 313 of the main body 308 includes a cleaning roller 320 and vacuum orifice 322. The cleaning roller 320 generally extends across the width of the main body 308, and may include one or more bristle tracks to provide cleaning as the main body 108 passes over flooring. The one or more bristle tracks may be formed of, for example, stiff bristles, flaps (e.g., rubber flaps), plush material (e.g., low-nap material), etc. The cleaning roller 320 may be coupled to a controllable motor (not shown in this figure) to cause rotation of the cleaning roller 320 and to enable a user to turn the roller 320 on and off, depending on a given cleaning task. The vacuum orifice 322 is illustrated as an elongated opening generally disposed at a leading edge or centrally to the main body 308, and the cleaning roller 320 may be generally disposed within and partially extending above the vacuum orifice 322.
[0045] The cleaning roller 320, in some embodiments, may be removably attached to the main body 308 to permit, for example, access to a channel in the main body 308 that houses the cleaning roller 320 for cleaning purposes, repair, replacement, etc. The cleaning roller 320 may be attached to the main body 308 at both ends of the cleaning roller 320 (as illustrated), so that a majority of the cleaning roller 320 remains exposed. In other embodiments, the cleaning roller 320 may be attached and integrated with the main body 108 (i.e., non-removable). This figure also illustrates the first and second edge cleaners 310A and 310B, described above, disposed on each respective end of the cleaning roller 320.
[0046] The edge cleaners 310A and/or 310B may include, for example, filament-type edge cleaners (such as shown at 110A and 110B in FIGS. 1A-1E). In other embodiments, edge cleaners 310A and 310B may each include a ring member (not shown in this figure), respectively, formed of a soft, plush material, which may also include stiffer nylon filaments and/or patches of different materials, diameters, densities, etc.
[0047] FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the main body 108, taken along the line XIV-XIV in FIG. 3A. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the main body 308 includes a motorized drive assembly 328 the extends at least partially through the main body 308. The motorized drive assembly 328 generally includes a user-controllable motor (not shown) to drive the cleaning roller 320. A belt 326 is coupled to the cleaning roller 320 and to the motorized drive assembly 328. Rotation of the motorized drive assembly 328 causes rotation of the cleaning roller 320, via belt 326.
[0048] As is illustrated, the internal structure of the main body 308 of the cleaning head 300 includes various slots, channels and/or chambers to affix and/or house the edge cleaner rod, cleaning roller 320, belt 326, motorized drive assembly 328, etc., within the main body 308. Of course, such slots, channels and/or chambers to affix and/or house components within the main body 308 may be modified, for example, depending on dimensions of selected components, desired tolerances within the body and between components, etc.
[0049] The embodiments of FIGS. 3A and 3B, described above, generally provide edge cleaning capabilities where the edge cleaners 310A and 310B are disposed on the main cleaning roller 320 and within the vacuum orifice 322. Rotation of the cleaning roller 320 generally causes dirt and debris to be contained generally within a footprint of the main body 308 in the path of the main cleaning roller 320 and the vacuum orifice 322, thus reducing or eliminating scattering of dirt and debris. Of course, in other embodiments, additional gears may be disposed within the main body 308 to provide rotation of the edge cleaners 310A and 310B in the opposite direction as the rotation of the cleaning roller 320, depending on, for example, where the vacuum orifice 322 is defined within the main body 308. In this embodiment, rotation of the cleaning roller 320 generally causes dirt and debris to be contained generally in front of the main body 308 in the path of the main cleaning roller 320 and the vacuum orifice 322, thus reducing or eliminating scattering of dirt and debris.
[0050] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrates an example edge cleaner 400 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The edge cleaner 400 of this embodiment may be used with any of the cleaning heads 100/200/300 described above. The example of FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate a coin lock coupling mechanism for an edge cleaner, such as the edge cleaner assembly 110, 210 and/or 310 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1E, 2A-2G and 3A-3B, respectively. As shown in FIG. 4A, the edge cleaner 400 generally includes an edge cleaner assembly 410 removably coupled to an edge cleaner rod 418 and/or main roller 420. The edge cleaner rod 418 may include the edge cleaner rod 118 and/or 218 described above. The main roller 420 may include the roller 120, 220 and/or 320 described above. The edge cleaner rod 418 or main roller 420 includes a belt coupling region 425 generally dimensioned to receive and contain a driving belt, such as any of the belts described above, to cause rotation of the edge cleaner 400. Of course, in other embodiments, the region 425 may be coupled to one or more gears/cogs, as described above, to cause rotation of the edge cleaner 400. FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the edge cleaner 400 of FIG. 4A. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the edge cleaner 400 includes an edge cleaner assembly, e.g., 110/210/310 that includes an outer ring 114/214 and a central hub member 116/216. The end portion edge cleaner rod 418/roller 420 includes a mating hub 464 to removeable affix the central hub 116/216 to the edge cleaner rod 418/roller 420, as described below.
[0051] FIG. 4C illustrates a perspective view of the mating hub 464. The mating hub 464 includes an outer ring portion 466 and a base portion 474. The outer ring portion 466 defines a central opening 468. Key slots 470A and 470B are defined on an inside surface of the outer ring portion 466. The key slots 470A and 470B are also defined by boss ridges 472 formed on the inside surface of the outer ring portion 466. FIG. 4D illustrates a perspective view of the edge cleaner assembly 410 and the mating hub 464. As illustrated, the central hub member 116/216 includes an outer ring 452 and a central post 453. An annular recess 469 is defined between the outer ring 452 and the central post 453. The annular recess is dimensioned to mate with the outer surface of the outer ring portion 466 of the mating hub 464. The central post includes key protrusions 471A and 471B dimensioned to mate with key slots 470A and 470B of the mating hub 464. In operation, to couple the edge cleaner assembly 410 to the mating hub 464, the key protrusions 471A and 471B are inserted into key slots 470A and 470B. The edge cleaner assembly 410 is rotated along the boss ridges 472 until the key protrusions 471A and 471B are locked into the base portion 476. To remove the edge cleaner assembly 410 from the mating hub 464, the edge cleaner assembly 410 may be rotated in the opposite direction. The base portion 474 may include flanges 476 to affix the mating hub to the edge cleaner rod 418/roller 420, as shown in FIG. 4B. The base portion 474 may also define a screw hole 478 so that the mating hub can be affixed to the edge cleaner rod 418/roller 420 using screw 479, as shown in FIG. 4B. The outer ring 114/214 of the edge cleaner assembly 410 may include the filaments and or low-nap plush material, as described above.
[0052] FIGS. 5A-5B illustrates another example edge cleaner 500 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The edge cleaner 500 of this embodiment may be used with any of the cleaning heads 100/200/300 described above. The example of FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate a snap fit coupling mechanism for an edge cleaner, such as the edge cleaner assembly 110, 210 and/or 310 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1E, 2A-2G and 3A-3B, respectively. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the edge cleaner 500 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5A, the edge cleaner 500 generally includes an edge cleaner assembly 510 removably coupled to an edge cleaner rod 518 and/or main roller 520. The edge cleaner rod 518 may include the edge cleaner rod 118 and/or 218 described above. The main roller 520 may include the roller 120, 220 and/or 320 described above. The edge cleaner rod 518 or main roller 520 includes a belt coupling region 525 generally dimensioned to receive and contain a driving belt, such as any of the belts described above, to cause rotation of the edge cleaner 500. Of course, in other embodiments, the region 525 may be coupled to one or more gears/cogs, as described above, to cause rotation of the edge cleaner 500.
[0053] FIG. 5B illustrates an exploded perspective view of the edge cleaner 500 of FIG. 5A. As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the edge cleaner 500 includes an edge cleaner assembly 510 that includes an outer ring defining an opening 582. A snap fit device 580 includes one or more ridges 584 that mate with one or more indents (not shown) within the opening 582. The indents and ridges 584 provide a snap fit arrangement between the snap fit device 580 and the edge cleaner assembly 510 so that the edge cleaner assembly 510 can be removably coupled to the snap fit device 580. The snap fit device 580 includes a base portion 585 that mates with a recess 527 associated with the region 525. The snap fit device 580 may also define a screw hole so that the snap fit device 580 can be affixed to the edge cleaner assembly 510 using screw 579, as shown in FIG. 5B. The edge cleaner assembly 510 may include the filaments and or low-nap plush material, as described above.
[0054] As described above, the cleaning head 100/200/300 may be coupled to a variety of vacuum systems, depending on the types of cleaning tasks to be performed. Accordingly, FIG. 6 illustrates an example vacuum cleaning system 600 that may be used with the cleaning head 100/200/300 of FIGS. 1A-1E, 2A-2G and 3A-3B. In particular, FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic example of an upright extraction cleaner 500 consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. The upright extraction cleaner 600 includes a surface cleaning head 600, and an upright body 604 including a handle 606. The upright body 604 is pivotally coupled to the surface cleaning head 100/200/300 such that the upright body 604 transitions between an in-use and a storage position in response to pivotal movement of the upright body 604. A user may interact with the handle 606 to maneuver the surface cleaning head 100/200/300 along a surface to be cleaned 608. The handle 606 may also include one or more control switches (e.g., buttons, levers, etc.) to engage and disengage the motorized drive assembly 128/228/328 associated with the cleaning head 100/200/300, thus enabling a user to turn the roller 120/220/320 and/or edge cleaner rod 118/218 on and off, depending on a given cleaning task.
[0055] While the principles of the invention have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the invention. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the following claims.
