Surface cleaning apparatus comprising a removable brush

Abstract

A surface cleaning apparatus (10) includes a cleaning head (12) including a housing, a brush roller (22) mounted in the housing, a motor (54) mounted in the housing, and a driveline (52) removably coupled to the housing. The housing includes a side wall. The motor includes a motor shaft. The driveline includes: a panel (100) removably coupled to the housing; a first coupler (102) mounted on the panel such that the first coupler is rotatable relative to the panel; a second coupler (106) mounted on the panel such that the second coupler is rotatable relative to the panel; and a belt extending between the first coupler and the second coupler to transmit rotation between the first coupler and the second coupler. When the driveline is coupled to the housing, rotation of the motor shaft is transmitted through the driveline to the brush roller.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 324,227 filed on March 28, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] The present invention relates to a surface cleaning device and a drive train for driving a brush roller of the surface cleaning device. Summary of the invention

[0004] In one embodiment, a surface cleaning device includes a body including a handle configured to be engaged by a user; and a cleaning head connected to the body. The cleaning head includes a housing, a brush roller mounted in the housing, a motor mounted in the housing, and a drive train removably connected to the housing. The housing includes a bottom wall facing the surface to be cleaned, a top wall spaced above the bottom wall, and a side wall extending between the bottom wall and the top wall. The brush roller can rotate relative to the housing around the brush roller axis. The motor includes a motor shaft, and the motor is operable to rotate the motor shaft around the motor axis relative to the housing. The drive train includes: a panel removably connected to the housing; a first coupler mounted on the panel so that the first coupler can rotate relative to the panel; a second coupler mounted on the panel so that the second coupler can rotate relative to the panel; and a belt extending between the first coupler and the second coupler to transfer rotation between the first coupler and the second coupler. When the panel is removed from the housing, the first coupler, the second coupler, and the belt are carried on the panel. When the drive train is coupled to the housing, the first coupler is coupled to the motor shaft for rotation therewith, and the second coupler is coupled to the brush roller for rotation therewith, so that rotation of the motor shaft is transmitted to the brush roller through the drive train.

[0005] In another embodiment, a surface cleaning device is disclosed, which includes a body having a handle and a cleaning head connected to the body. The cleaning head includes a housing, a brush roller, a motor mounted in the housing, and a drive train removably connected to the housing. The housing includes an opening. The housing defines a cavity accessible through the opening. The brush roller is mounted in the housing to rotate relative to the housing around the brush roller axis. The end of the brush roller is disposed in the cavity. The motor includes a motor shaft configured to rotate relative to the housing around the motor axis. The motor shaft has an end disposed in the cavity. When the drive train is in a coupled position, the drive train drivingly connects the end of the motor shaft to the end of the brush roller. In the coupled position, the drive train transmits the rotation from the motor to the brush roller.

[0006] Before explaining any embodiment of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the application of the present invention is not limited to the construction details and component arrangements set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. The present invention can have other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in various ways. Other aspects of the present invention will become clear by considering the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 A perspective view of a surface cleaning device is shown.

[0008] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A perspective view of a cleaning head of a surface cleaning device.

[0009] Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of a cleaning head.

[0010] Figure 4 Shown Figure 2 Exploded view of the drive train of a cleaning head of FIG. 1 , wherein the drive train is in a decoupled position.

[0011] Figure 5 Shown Figure 3 Rear perspective view of an exploded drive train.

[0012] Figure 6 A drive train of a cleaning head according to another embodiment is shown, wherein the drive train is in a decoupled state.

[0013] Figure 7 Shown Figure 6 An exploded view of the drive train is shown.

[0014] Figure 8 Shown Figure 7 Rear perspective view of an exploded drive train.

[0015] Fig. 9 Shown Figure 6 Cross-sectional view of a cleaning head.

[0016] Fig.10 A perspective view of another embodiment of a cleaning head is shown.

[0017] Fig.11 Shown Fig.10 A perspective view of a cleaning head of , with the drive train in a decoupled position.

[0018] Fig.12 Shown Fig.11 Exploded front view of the powertrain.

[0019] Fig.13 Shown Fig.11Exploded rear view of the powertrain.

[0020] Fig.14 Shown Fig.10 Cross-sectional view of a cleaning head.

[0021] Fig.15 Shown Fig.10 A perspective view of a cleaning head with some parts removed to show the brush roller cavity with the brush roller removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Figure 1 A surface cleaning device or floor cleaner 10 is shown having a cleaning head 12 that is movable over a surface to be cleaned and a body portion 14 that is pivotally mounted to the cleaning head 12. The body portion 14 includes a handle 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the body portion 14 is disposed in an upright storage position (ie, a handle 18) relative to the cleaning head 12. Figure 1 ) and an angled floor cleaning position.

[0023] Floor cleaner 10 comprises one or more tanks for storing liquid, and is configured to distribute cleaning solution to floor.In the embodiment shown, floor cleaner 10 comprises a supply tank 16 for providing water or other cleaning solutions and a debris collector 20 for collecting dirt and debris collected from the surface being cleaned.In the embodiment shown, the debris collector 20 is a recovery tank 20 for use with a wet floor cleaner or an extractor.In other embodiments, such as a dry floor cleaner or a vacuum cleaner, the debris collector 20 can be a cyclone separator, a filter bag or other collection containers.In addition, in other embodiments, floor cleaner 10 can be the surface or floor cleaner of other types or styles, including a hand-held vacuum cleaner, a tank vacuum cleaner, a stick vacuum cleaner, a portable wet stain cleaner, and other types of floor cleaners, etc.

[0024] Continue to refer Figure 1 One embodiment of the floor cleaner 10 may have a fluid distribution system that includes a supply tank 16 that distributes the solution from the supply tank 16 to the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning head 12 includes one or more brush rolls 22 ( Figure 3 ), the one or more brush rollers are disposed in the cleaning head 12 to engage the surface to be cleaned so as to agitate or scrub or polish the surface.

[0025] The floor cleaner 10 shown comprises a recovery system, which comprises a suction nozzle 24, a recovery tank 20 and a suction source. In the shown embodiment, the suction nozzle 24 has a suction inlet 30 that at least partially crosses the front part of the cleaning head 12. By being operatively connected to the air duct 32 between the cleaning head 12 and the body part 14, the suction nozzle 24 is in fluid flow communication with the recovery tank 20. The suction source contained in the body part 14 is sucked by the air duct 32 of the suction nozzle 24 and the cleaning head 12, by the separator in the recovery tank 20, and then the air is discharged into the atmosphere, and the separated debris is left in the recovery tank 20. In other embodiments, the suction source can be contained in the different parts (such as the cleaning head 12) of the floor cleaner 10. During operation, the floor cleaner 10 can distribute the cleaning solution to the surface from the supply tank 16, while in continuous operation, the cleaning solution applied is extracted and recovered simultaneously or sequentially.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the recovery tank 20 is removably coupled to the body portion 14 to allow a user to remove the recovery tank 20 and empty the contents. In other embodiments, the recovery tank 20 can be operatively coupled to another portion of the floor cleaner 10, such as the cleaning head 12. In some embodiments, the floor cleaner 10 is not an extractor and does not include a fluid distribution system. For example, the floor cleaner can be implemented as an upright vacuum cleaner, a stick vacuum cleaner, a handheld vacuum cleaner, a portable wet spot cleaner, or any other cleaner configuration as discussed above.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the cleaning head 12 includes a housing 40 having a top wall 42, a bottom wall 44, and at least one side wall 46. The housing 40 is coupled to a pair of wheels 50, which support the cleaning head 12 to move on the surface to be cleaned. When the cleaning head 12 moves, the bottom wall 44 of the housing 40 is positioned to face the surface to be cleaned. The top wall 42 is spaced apart from it above the bottom wall 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 40 includes a pair of side walls 46 on opposite sides of the cleaning head 12, which extend between the top wall 42 and the bottom wall 44. In other embodiments, the housing 40 may include other configurations with different wall structures. The cleaning head 12 includes a drive train 52 that is removably coupled to the housing 40.

[0028] refer to Figure 3, the cleaning head 12 includes a brush roller 22 and a motor 54. The motor 54 is mounted in the housing 40 and includes a motor shaft 56. The motor 54 is operable to rotate the motor shaft 56 relative to the housing 40 about a motor axis 58. The motor shaft 56 extends between a first end 60 and a second end 62 along the motor axis 58. The first end 60 is positioned in the cavity 48. A fan 64 can be coupled to the second end 62 of the motor shaft 56 to cool the motor when the motor 54 is running. The motor 54 can be an electric motor and can be powered by an onboard power supply or by an external power supply. The motor shaft 56 includes a motor coupler 66, which is mounted to the first end 60 of the motor shaft 56 to rotate with the motor shaft 56. The motor coupler 66 includes a shaped protrusion 68. The motor 54 is mounted in the housing 40 to rotate with the brush roller 22.

[0029] The brush roller 22 is rotatably mounted in the housing 40 near the front of the housing 40 to rotate about a brush roller axis 70. The brush roller axis 70 is parallel to the motor axis 58 but spaced apart from the motor axis 58. The bottom wall 44 includes an opening 72, and the brush roller 22 is supported in the housing 40 to partially extend through the opening 72 to contact the surface to be cleaned. The brush roller 22 includes a roller body 74 that extends along the brush roller axis 70 between a first end 76 and a second end 78. The first end 76 and the second end 78 of the roller body 74 are supported by an end cap or bracket 80 to rotate relative to the housing 40. The first end 76 of the brush roller 22 is positioned in the cavity 48. In some embodiments, the rotation of the brush roller 22 agitates the surface to remove embedded dirt or debris. In some embodiments, the brush roller 22 sweeps dirt toward or assists in moving it toward the suction inlet 30.

[0030] exist Figures 3 to 5In the illustrated embodiment, the brush roller 22 includes an adapter 82 that is rotatably coupled to an end cap 80 at the first end 76 of the roller body 74. In the illustrated embodiment, the roller body 74 includes a roller recess 84 in the first end 76. The adapter 82 includes a roller protrusion 86, a shaft 90 mounted to the roller protrusion 86, and a drive protrusion 88 mounted on the shaft 90. The roller protrusion 86, the shaft 90, and the drive protrusion 88 are connected together and can rotate as a unit. The adapter 82 is supported by the bracket 80 on the first end 76 of the roller body 74 to rotate relative to the bracket 80 and the housing 40. Specifically, the shaft 90 of the adapter 82 is supported in an adapter bearing 92 mounted to the bracket 80. The bracket 80 is configured to support the brush roller 22 in the housing 40. The bracket 80 is non-rotatably connected to the housing 40 to fix the adapter bearing 92 relative to the housing 40 and position the shaft 90 for rotation. The roller projection 86 engages the roller recess 84 to couple the adapter 82 with the brushroll 22 for common rotation with the roller body 74 such that rotation of the drive projection 88 rotates the roller body 74 relative to the bracket 80 and the housing 40. In one embodiment, the roller recess 84 is configured to directly receive the shaft 90 without an intermediate roller projection 86.

[0031] The cleaning head 12 includes a drive train 52 to drivingly couple a motor 54 to the brush roll 22. Figures 3 to 5 The drive train 52 can be removably coupled to the housing 40 to transfer the rotation of the motor 54 to the brush roll 22. The drive train 52 can be in the coupled position ( Figure 2 ) and disconnect position ( Figure 4 The transmission system 52 includes a panel 100, a first coupling 102 rotatably supported on the panel 100 by a first bearing 104, a second coupling 106 rotatably supported on the panel 100 by a second bearing 108, and a belt 110 rotatably coupling the first coupling 102 and the second coupling 106.

[0032] The housing 40 includes a cavity 48 configured to operably receive the drive train 52 in a coupled position. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 48 is accessible through the side wall 46. Figure 4 As best shown, the side wall 46 includes an opening 112 for receiving the drive train 52. The opening 112 allows access to the cavity 48 through the side wall 46. The panel 100 is removably coupled to the side wall 46 and is sized and shaped to correspond to the opening 112 in the illustrated embodiment. Figure 2 As seen in FIG. 1 , in the coupled position, the drive train 52 is received by the opening 112 in the side wall 46. In one embodiment, the panel 100 is supported so that the outer surface 114 ( Figure 5) forms the exterior surface of the housing 240 and can be configured to form a continuous side profile as desired. When the powertrain 52 is received in the opening 112, the panel 100 fills the opening 112, thereby preventing access to the cavity 48 through the sidewall 46. In one embodiment, after the panel 100 is installed, the panel 100 is covered by a decorative cover or door that forms the exterior surface of the housing 240. Reference Figure 4 , the panel 100 forms a structure that maintains a predetermined dimension between the first coupler 102 and the second coupler 106. The illustrated panel 100 includes ribs and mounting geometry on the inner side 118 with a pair of posts 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the posts 120 have a cross-shaped cross-section, however, in other embodiments, other cross-sections may be used.

[0033] Each of the first bearing 104 and the second bearing 108 can be formed as a roller bearing. For example, each bearing can include an inner ring 124 and an outer ring 126. The inner ring 124 can include an inner opening 128 that receives the corresponding post 120. The outer ring 126 rotates relative to the inner ring 124. The first bearing 104 and the second bearing 108 can be press-fitted on the pair of posts 120. Other bearing types can also be used.

[0034] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the first coupler 102 is mounted on the panel 100 and is rotatable relative to the panel 100. The first coupler 102 includes a first bearing cavity 132, a first sprocket portion 134, and a first recess 136. The first bearing cavity 132 can receive the first bearing 104 and can include an engagement feature so that the first coupler 102 can be press-fit onto the first bearing 104. The first sprocket portion 134 is configured to engage the belt 110 and can include an engagement tooth or other engagement feature. The first sprocket portion 134 can have a first diameter. The size and shape of the first recess 136 is configured to drivingly engage the formed protrusion 68 of the motor coupler 66 to secure the motor coupler 66 so that it rotates together with the first coupler 102. The first sprocket portion 134 can be integrally formed with the first coupler 102 or be a part of the first coupler or otherwise assembled to rotate together.

[0035] The second coupling 106 is mounted on the panel 100 and is rotatable relative to the panel 100. The second coupling 106 includes a second bearing cavity 140, a second sprocket portion 142, and a second recess 144. The second bearing cavity 140 can receive the second bearing 108 and can include an engagement feature so that the second coupling 106 can be press-fit onto the second bearing 108. The second sprocket portion 142 is configured to engage the belt 110 and can include an engagement tooth or other engagement feature. The second sprocket portion 142 can have a second diameter. The second diameter is selected relative to the first diameter of the first sprocket portion 134 to control the rotational speed of the brush roller 22 relative to the rotational speed of the motor shaft 56 by the ratio of the first diameter to the second diameter. In the illustrated embodiment, the second diameter is greater than the first diameter so that the brush roller 22 rotates at a slower speed than the speed of the motor shaft 56. The size and shape of the second recess 144 are configured to driveably engage the drive protrusion 88 of the brush roller 22. The drive projection 88 acts as a brushroll driver positioned in the cavity 48 to engage the second coupling 106 and drive the brushroll 22. The second sprocket portion 142 may be integrally formed with the second coupling 106 or be a part of the second coupling or otherwise assembled to rotate together.

[0036] Belt 110 is installed between first coupling 102 and second coupling 106. The illustrated belt 110 is a timing or synchronous belt having a ridged inner surface 150. Belt 110 forms a loop around first sprocket portion 134 and second sprocket portion 142 such that ridged inner surface 150 engages engagement features of first sprocket portion 134 and second sprocket portion 142 to transfer rotation therebetween. However, other types of drive belts and corresponding sprockets may be used as desired for the application.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the inner openings 128 of the first roller bearing and the second roller bearing are press-fitted onto the pair of posts 120. The first coupler 102 is press-fitted onto the first roller bearing such that the first roller bearing is received in the first bearing cavity 132. The second coupler 106 is press-fitted onto the second roller bearing such that the second roller bearing is received in the second bearing cavity 140. The belt 110 is positioned around the first coupler 102 and the second coupler 106 to transfer rotation therebetween. Thus, rotation of the first coupler 102 relative to the panel 100 causes rotation of the second coupler 106 relative to the panel 100. When the drive train 52 is in the uncoupled position, the first coupler 102, the second coupler 106, and the belt 110 are carried as an assembly on the panel 100 and move outside the cavity 48.

[0038] Once assembled, the drive train 52 can then be removably coupled to the housing 40. The drive train 52 can be positioned in the opening 112 in the side wall 46. The illustrated panel 100 includes a pair of fastener openings 116 extending through the panel 100 and recessed from the outer surface 114. A pair of fasteners 154 can pass through the pair of openings 116 in the panel 100 and engage the housing 40 to secure the panel 100 relative to the side wall 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the fasteners 154 are threaded screws that engage threaded mounting openings in the housing 40. In other embodiments, other fasteners can be used. Other attachment techniques can be used to hold the panel 100, such as interlocking features, one or more latches, or a combination of two or more selected from the group of fasteners, interlocking features, and latches as required by the application.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the motor coupler 66 is disposed at the axial end of the motor shaft 56, and the drive protrusion 88 is disposed at the axial end of the brush roll 22 and the adapter assembly. The drive train 52 is mounted to the coupled position by moving in the axial direction to engage the motor coupler 66 and the drive protrusion 88, and the panel 100 and the belt 110 are transverse to the motor axis 58 and the brush roll axis 70.

[0040] Return to reference Figure 3 , when the drive train 52 is in the coupled position, the first coupler 102, the second coupler 106, and the belt 110 are supported in the cavity 48. The first coupler 102 is coupled to the motor shaft 56 for common rotation via engagement between the first coupler 102 and the motor coupler 66. Specifically, the first recess 136 receives the shaped protrusion 68 of the motor coupler 66. The rotation of the motor shaft 56 and the motor coupler 66 drives the first coupler 102 to rotate relative to the housing 40 about the motor axis 58. The second coupler 106 is coupled to the brush roll 22 for common rotation via engagement between the second coupler 106 and the adapter 82 of the brush roll 22. Specifically, the second recess 144 receives the drive protrusion 88 of the adapter 82 of the brush roll 22. The rotation of the belt 110 drives the second coupler 106 to rotate relative to the housing 40 about the brush roll axis 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion and the recess each have a generally star-shaped profile, however, in other embodiments, other profiles that prevent relative rotation between the components may be used. Additionally, other methods for rotatably coupling the coupling besides using protrusions and recesses may be used, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0041] During operation of the floor cleaner 10, power may be supplied to the motor 54, causing the motor 54 to rotate the motor shaft 56. The rotation of the motor shaft 56 is transferred to the first coupler 102 through the engagement between the motor coupler 66 and the first coupler 102. The rotation is then transferred to the second coupler 106 through the belt 110. The second coupler 106 transfers the rotation to the brush roll 22 by engaging the drive protrusion 88 of the adapter 82. The adapter 82 transfers the rotation to the roller body 74, which then rotates about the brush roll axis 70 to contact the surface to be cleaned.

[0042] Figures 6 to 9 Another embodiment of a cleaning head 212 is shown. The cleaning head 212 includes features similar to the cleaning head 12, so only the differences between the embodiments will be discussed in detail. Like parts are represented by the same reference numerals plus 200. Figure 6 As seen in FIG. 1 , the cleaning head 212 includes a drive train 252 that is removably coupled to the housing 240 of the cleaning head 212. The drive train 252 can be in a coupled position ( Fig. 9 ) and disconnect position ( Figure 6 )

[0043] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the drive train 252 includes a first coupler 302 rotatably supported on a panel 300 and a second coupler 306 rotatably coupled by a belt 310. The second coupler 306 includes an adapter 282 that is substantially similar to the adapter 82 of the brush roll 22 in the cleaning head 12. Figures 7 and 8 The adapter 282 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is configured on the removable drive train 252 such that the roller protrusion 286 is part of the drive train 252 rather than the brushroll 222 and is removable with the drive train rather than with the brushroll.

[0044] The second coupler 306 includes a second bearing 308, a sprocket 360, an adapter bearing 362, a bearing cap 364, a bracket 280, a shaft 290, and a roller protrusion 286. The second coupler 306 is supported on the panel 300 by the second bearing 308. The panel 300 of the drive train 252 includes a single column 320. The first bearing 304 is mounted on the column 320 and rotatably supports the first coupler 302. The panel 300 also includes a panel bearing cavity 366 for receiving the second bearing 308. The second bearing 308 can be press-fit into the panel bearing cavity 366. The sprocket 360 includes a second sprocket portion 342 and a second recess 344. The second sprocket portion 342 includes an engagement feature, such as a toothed portion for engaging the ridged inner surface 350 of the belt 310. The bracket 280 is configured to support the brush roller 222 in the housing 240. The adapter 282 (including the shaft 290 and the roller projection 286) is supported by the bracket 280 for rotation relative to the bracket 280 and the housing 240. The shaft 290 is mounted in an adapter bearing 362 mounted to the bracket 280. The bracket 280 is configured to support the brush roller 222 in the housing 240. In the coupled position, the bracket 280 is non-rotatably connected to the housing 240 to fix the adapter bearing 362 relative to the housing 240 and position the shaft 290 for rotation. In the illustrated embodiment, in the coupled position, the bracket 280 is non-rotatably disposed in the mounting cavity 370 in the housing 40. The bracket 280 includes an adapter bearing cavity 376. The adapter bearing cavity 376 is configured to receive the adapter bearing 362. The adapter bearing 362 can be press-fit into the adapter bearing cavity 376 of the bracket 280.

[0045] The second coupler 306 includes a shaft 290 extending between a first end 378 and a second end 380. The first end 378 engages the roller projection 286 so that the shaft 290 does not rotate relative to the roller projection 286. The second end 380 engages the second bearing 308. The bracket 280, the adapter bearing 362, and the sprocket 360 are all mounted on the shaft 290 between the roller projection 286 and the second bearing 308.

[0046] Fig. 9The drive train 252 is shown assembled and in a coupled position. The second bearing 308 is press fit into the panel bearing cavity 366. The second end 380 of the shaft 290 is press fit into the second bearing 308. The second bearing 308 axially secures the shaft 290 to the panel 300 but allows the shaft 290 to rotate relative to the panel 300. The sprocket 360 is mounted on the shaft 290 adjacent the second bearing 308. The sprocket 360 is fixed so that rotation of the sprocket 360 causes rotation of the shaft 290. The adapter bearing 362 is received in the adapter bearing cavity 376. The bearing cap 364 is positioned on the adapter bearing cavity 376. The shaft 290 extends through the adapter bearing 362 and the bracket 280, thereby allowing the shaft 290 to rotate relative to the bracket 280. The bracket 280 is received in the housing 240 in the mounting cavity 370 and is rotationally fixed relative to the housing 240. Finally, the roller protrusion 286 is mounted on the first end 378 of the shaft 290 .

[0047] In operation, the motor 254 rotates the first coupling 302, which transmits the rotation to the second coupling 306 via the belt 310. Specifically, the belt 310 engages the second sprocket portion 342 of the sprocket 360 to rotate the sprocket 360. The shaft 290 is mounted to rotate with the sprocket 360 and rotates within the bracket 280. The roller protrusion 286 is mounted on the end of the shaft 290 to rotate with it. The roller protrusion 286 is received in the roller recess 284 of the brush roller 222, and the rotation of the roller protrusion 286 caused by the belt 310 causes the rotation of the brush roller 222. The roller recess 284 acts as a brush roller driver positioned in the cavity 48 to engage the second coupling 306 and drive the brush roller 22.

[0048] like Figure 6 As shown, when the drive train 252 is in the uncoupled position, the roller projection 286 is carried on the panel 300 and the brush roll 222 is held together with the housing 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement of the roller projection 286 with the roller recess 284 of the brush roll 222 retains the brush roll 222 in the housing 240. Thus, removing the drive train 252 releases the brush roll 222 from the housing 240, but the brush roll 222 is not carried on the drive train 252.

[0049] Figures 10 to 15 Another embodiment of a cleaning head 412 is shown. Cleaning head 412 includes features similar to cleaning head 212, and like parts are indicated by like reference numerals plus 200. Features of cleaning head 12 and cleaning head 212 can be combined with features of cleaning head 412, and vice versa. Cleaning head 412 includes a drive train 452 removably coupled to housing 440 of cleaning head 412. Drive train 452 can be in a coupled position ( Fig.10 ) and disconnect position ( Fig.11 )

[0050] like Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, the transmission system 452 includes a first coupling 502 and a second coupling 506. The first coupling 502 includes a first recess 536 and a first sprocket portion 534 ( Fig.13 ). The first coupling 502 and the second coupling 506 are rotatably supported on the panel 500 and rotatably coupled by the belt 510. The panel 500 is connected by the fastener 554 ( Fig.14 ) are removably mounted to the housing 440, and these fasteners are inserted into the outer surface 514 of the panel 500 through the opening 516. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer surface 514 of the panel 500 is shaped to form the outer surface of the cleaning head 412. The first coupler 502 is coupled to the first shaft 584 mounted adjacent to the first sprocket portion 534. The first shaft 584 is rotatably supported on the panel 500 by the first bearing 504. The first bearing 504 is mounted in the first bearing cavity 532, such as by a press fit. In the illustrated embodiment, the first bearing cavity 532 can be accessed through the outer surface 514 of the panel 500. The external bearing cap 592 is coupled to the panel 500 to enclose the first bearing cavity 532, and the first bearing 504 can be further retained in the first bearing cavity 532. In the illustrated embodiment, the external bearing cap 592 is coupled to the panel 500 by a snap fit between the panel 500 and an integral resilient snap protrusion. In other embodiments, the outer bearing cap 592 may be coupled to the panel 500 in other ways, such as by using screws or other fasteners.

[0051] The second coupler 506 includes a sprocket 560, a second shaft 490, and an adapter 482. The adapter 482 includes a bracket 480 and a roller protrusion 486. The second shaft 490 includes a first end 578 coupled to the roller protrusion 486 of the adapter 482 and a second end 580 rotatably supported on the panel 500 by a second bearing 508. The panel 500 defines a bearing cavity 566 for receiving the second bearing 508 and the second end 580 of the second shaft 490. The sprocket 560 includes a second sprocket portion 542 that engages the belt 510 to rotatably couple the second coupler 506 with the first coupler 502. In the illustrated embodiment, a sprocket cover 596 is coupled to the sprocket 560 to retain the belt 510 on the second sprocket portion 542. The sprocket cover 596 is snap-fit ​​onto one side of the sprocket 560 and extends radially through the second sprocket portion 542. In other embodiments, the sprocket cover 596 may be coupled to the sprocket 560 in other ways or a sprocket cover may not be required. The sprocket 560 defines a second recess 544 around a portion of the bracket 480. The second shaft 490 extends through the bracket 480 so as to be rotated by the adapter bearing 562 installed in the adapter bearing cavity 576 in the bracket 480. The adapter bearing cap 564 is coupled to the bracket 480 to enclose the adapter bearing cavity 576 and may further retain the adapter bearing 562 therein. The bracket 480 includes a flange 598 configured to mount the bracket 480 to the panel 500. In some embodiments, the flange 598 includes openings that allow fasteners to pass therethrough and couple with corresponding features on the panel 500. In other embodiments, other coupling methods may be used.

[0052] like Fig.14 As shown, when the drive train 452 is in the coupled position, the drive train 452 is received in the cavity 448 so that the motor coupler 466 positioned on the first end 460 of the motor shaft 456 of the motor 454 engages the first coupler 502. The first shaft 584 can rotate relative to the panel 500 and the housing 440. Similarly, the second shaft 490 can rotate relative to the panel 500 and the housing 440. The bracket 480 is fixed to the panel 500 and is prevented from rotating relative to the panel 500 or the housing 440. The sprocket 560 and the roller protrusion 486 can rotate with the second shaft 490. The bracket 480 is received in the mounting cavity 570 ( Fig.11) and supports the brush roller 422 for rotation in the brush roller cavity 600. The adapter 482 (including the shaft 490 and the roller protrusion 486) is supported by the bracket 480 for rotation relative to the bracket 480 and the housing 440. The shaft 490 is supported in an adapter bearing 562 mounted to the bracket 480. The bracket 480 is configured to support the brush roller 422 in the housing 440. In the coupled position, the bracket 480 is non-rotatably connected to the housing 440 to fix the adapter bearing 562 relative to the housing 440. In addition, the bracket 480 provides additional support to the adapter bearing 562 and the brush roller 422 by extending between the panel 500 and the mounting cavity 570.

[0053] like Fig.15 As shown, when the drive train 452 is in the coupled position, the brush roll 422 can be removed from the brush roll cavity 600 by decoupling the brush roll 422 from the housing 440 at the brush roll end opposite the drive. The roller protrusion 486 and the bracket 480 partially extend into the brush roll cavity 600 to engage the brush roll 422.

[0054] In operation, when the brushroll 422 is installed, the motor 454 rotates the motor coupler 466, which engages and rotates the first coupler 502. The belt 510 transfers the rotation of the first sprocket portion 534 from the first coupler 502 to the second sprocket portion 542 of the second coupler 506. The sprocket 560 rotates the second shaft 490 relative to the panel 500, and thus the roller protrusion 486 rotates relative to the housing 440. The roller protrusion 486 engages the recess 484 on the brushroll 422 and rotates the brushroll 422 about the brushroll axis 470.

[0055] The described embodiment provides several advantages. First, the drive train 52 can be easily removed for maintenance, such as replacing the belt 110. In addition, the drive train 52 forms a separate unit and can therefore be replaced or repaired independently of the rest of the cleaning head 12. Removing the drive train 52 does not require removing the motor 54 or the brush roll 22, making the process simpler and faster.

[0056] Although removable drive train 52 is described herein with respect to extractor-type carpet cleaning machines, the present invention may also be applied to hard floor cleaners, sweepers, mops, vacuum cleaners, and other extractor-type or non-extractor-type floor cleaners, and therefore should not be limited to the disclosed embodiments. For example, floor cleaner 10 may be implemented as an upright vacuum cleaner with an upright portion and a base, wherein a removable drive train is coupled to the base. Floor cleaner 10 may also be implemented as a stick vacuum cleaner, wherein a removable drive train is coupled to a cleaning head attachment. Similarly, floor cleaners described herein are shown as having a single brush roll. Floor cleaners may also be implemented as having two brush rolls (or more), wherein a removable drive train drives one or two of the brush rolls. Other applications are also possible and are included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0057] Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A surface cleaning device, comprising: a body including a handle configured to be engaged by a user; A cleaning head is connected to the body, and the cleaning head comprises: a housing having a bottom wall facing the surface to be cleaned, a top wall spaced above the bottom wall, and side walls extending between the bottom wall and the top wall; a brush roller mounted in the housing so that the brush roller can rotate relative to the housing about a brush roller axis; a motor mounted in the housing, the motor including a motor shaft and operable to rotate the motor shaft relative to the housing about a motor axis; and a drive train removably coupled to the housing, the drive train comprising: a panel removably coupled to the housing; a first coupler mounted on the panel such that the first coupler can rotate relative to the panel; a second coupler mounted on the panel such that the second coupler can rotate relative to the panel; and a belt extending between the first coupling and the second coupling to transmit rotation between the first coupling and the second coupling; wherein the first coupler, the second coupler, and the belt are carried on the panel when the panel is removed from the housing; Wherein, when the transmission system is coupled to the housing, the first coupler is coupled to the motor shaft to rotate therewith, and the second coupler is coupled to the brush roller to rotate therewith, so that the rotation of the motor shaft is transmitted to the brush roller through the transmission system.

2. The surface cleaning device of claim 1, wherein: The motor axis and the brush roller axis are parallel to and spaced apart from each other.

3. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The motor shaft includes a motor coupler that engages the first coupler to transfer rotation from the motor to the first coupler.

4. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 3, wherein: The motor coupler includes a protrusion, and the first coupler includes a recess shaped to receive the protrusion to secure the first coupler for common rotation with the motor coupler.

5. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The bottom wall includes an opening, and the brushroll is mounted to extend at least partially through the opening toward the surface to be cleaned.

6. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The brushroll includes a protrusion, and wherein the second coupler includes a recess shaped to receive the protrusion to secure the brushroll for common rotation with the second coupler.

7. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The brushroll includes a roller body extending along the brushroll axis between a first end and a second end, and an adapter coupled to the first end of the roller body, the adapter including the protrusion.

8. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The roller body includes a roller recess positioned at the first end, and the adapter engages the roller recess such that the adapter is supported for rotation about the brushroll axis.

9. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The adapter is supported by a bracket for rotation about the brushroll axis, and wherein the bracket is non-rotatably connected to the housing.

10. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein: The bracket is removable together with the drive train.

11. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 10, wherein: The bracket extends between the housing and the panel when the drive train is coupled to the housing.

12. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The second coupler includes a protrusion and the brushroll includes a recess shaped to receive the protrusion to secure the brushroll for common rotation with the second coupler.

13. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The side wall defines an opening, wherein the power train is removably positioned in the opening such that the panel forms an exterior surface of the side wall.

14. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The panel includes an opening, and the powertrain is removably secured to the housing by fasteners extending through the opening such that the panel is fixed relative to the housing.

15. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein: The first coupling rotates relative to the housing about the motor axis.

16. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein: The second coupling rotates relative to the housing about the brushroll axis.

17. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein: When the drive train is removed from the housing, the brushroll and the motor remain within the housing.

18. A surface cleaning device, comprising: a body having a handle; as well as A cleaning head is connected to the body, and the cleaning head comprises: a housing including an opening and defining a cavity accessible through the opening; a brush roller mounted in the housing for rotation relative to the housing about a brush roller axis, the brush roller having an end disposed in the cavity; a motor mounted in the housing, the motor comprising a motor shaft configured to rotate relative to the housing about a motor axis, the motor shaft having an end disposed in the cavity; and a drive train removably coupled to the housing such that when the drive train is in a coupled position, the drive train drivingly connects the end of the motor shaft with the end of the brush roll; Wherein, in the coupled position, the drive train transmits rotation from the motor to the brush roller.

19. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein: The drive train includes: a panel removably coupled to the housing; a first coupler mounted on the panel for rotation relative to the panel, the first coupler being releasably connectable to the motor; a second coupler mounted on the panel for rotation relative to the panel, the second coupler being releasably connectable to the brushroll; and A belt is installed between the first coupling and the second coupling, wherein the belt transmits rotation between the first coupling and the second coupling.

20. Surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, wherein When the transmission system is in the connected position, the first connector, the second connector, and the belt are positioned in the cavity, and when the transmission system is in the disconnected position, the first connector, the second connector, and the belt are carried outside the cavity as an assembly together with the panel.

21. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20 wherein: When the drive train is in the coupled position, the first coupler is rotatable about the motor axis and engages the motor shaft for rotation therewith.

22. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21 wherein: When the drive train is in the coupled position, the second coupler is rotatable about the brushroll axis and engages the brushroll for rotation therewith.

23. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein: The motor shaft includes a motor coupler disposed in the cavity, and wherein the brushroll includes a brushroll drive disposed in the cavity, and wherein, in the coupled position, the first coupler is configured to engage the motor coupler and the second coupler is configured to engage the brushroll drive.

24. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein: The brushroll drive includes a roller recess.

25. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 23, wherein: The motor coupler includes a formed protrusion.

26. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 23, wherein: The brushroll drive includes a drive protrusion.

27. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 22 wherein: The brushroll includes a brushroll drive disposed in the cavity, and the drive train includes an adapter configured to engage the brushroll drive and the second coupler to transfer rotation from the second coupler to the brushroll drive.

28. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 27, wherein: The adapter is removable together with the drive train.

29. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 27, wherein: The adapter includes a bracket and a shaft, and the shaft is supported for rotation about the brushroll axis.

30. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 29, wherein: The bracket is non-rotatably connected to the housing when the drive train is in the coupled position, and the bracket extends between the panel and the housing.

31. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 22 wherein: When the drive train is in the coupled position, the drive train is received in the opening and prevents access to the cavity through the wall, and when the drive train is in the decoupled position, the cavity is accessible through the opening in the wall.

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