Cleaning head for vacuum cleaner

Abstract

A cleaning head for a vacuum cleaner includes a housing having a brush roll chamber and defining an air path, an inlet opening into the brush roll chamber, and counter-rotating double brush rolls mounted in the brush roll chamber. The brush roll has a plurality of sets of teeth designed to interfere with each other when the brush roll rotates to draw pet hair and other debris into the air path.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 568,675, filed on March 22, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] A vacuum cleaner has one or more cleaning heads for cleaning the surface to be cleaned, each of which has an inlet to an air path. One type of cleaning head is a floor base adapted to be moved over a floor surface. Another type of cleaning head is an accessory tool. Vacuum cleaners are often provided with various types of accessory tools, which are used to clean areas that cannot be reached by a conventional vacuum cleaner's floor base or are suitable for performing specialized cleaning operations. The accessory tool is typically attached to the vacuum cleaner via an auxiliary flexible vacuum hose and / or a rigid wand.

[0004] Removing hair from cleaned surfaces is a cleaning operation for which specialized attachment tools have been developed. Pet hair often becomes lodged in upholstery, making it particularly challenging to remove. Many attachment tools do not handle embedded hair well because the hair tends to clump as the tool passes over the surface. This problem can be alleviated by using a tool with a rotating agitator; however, a drawback of this solution is that hair often becomes lodged in the agitator and / or in the bearings that mount it. Effectively removing pet hair from upholstery remains a challenge in the floor cleaning industry. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A cleaning head for a vacuum cleaner having improved hair cleaning features is provided.

[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning head comprises: a housing having a brush roller chamber and defining an air path; an inlet leading to the brush roller chamber and connected to the air path fluid; an attachment tube extending from the housing and connected to the air path fluid; a first brush roller mounted in the brush roller chamber and configured to rotate about a first axis in a first direction, the first brush roller including a first set of teeth; and a second brush roller mounted in the brush roller chamber and configured to rotate about a second axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the second brush roller including a second set of teeth, wherein the second set of teeth is designed to interfere with the first set of teeth when the first brush roller and the second brush roller rotate in opposite directions, thereby pulling hair over the first brush roller and the second brush roller into the air path.

[0007] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an accessory tool for a vacuum cleaner includes: a housing having a brush roller chamber and defining an air path; an inlet leading to the brush roller chamber and connected to the air path fluid; an attachment tube extending from the housing and connected to the air path fluid; a first brush roller mounted in the brush roller chamber and configured to rotate about a first axis in a first direction, the first brush roller including a first set of teeth; a second brush roller mounted in the brush roller chamber and configured to rotate about a second axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the second brush roller including a second set of teeth, wherein the second set of teeth is designed to interfere with the first set of teeth when the first brush roller and the second brush roller rotate in opposite directions, thereby pulling hair over the first brush roller and the second brush roller into the air path.

[0008] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an accessory tool for a vacuum cleaner includes: a housing having a brushroll chamber and an air turbine chamber and defining an air path; an inlet leading to the brushroll chamber and connected to the air path fluid; an attachment tube extending from the housing and connected to the air path fluid; a first brushroll mounted in the brushroll chamber and configured to rotate about a first axis in a first direction, and the first brushroll includes a first set of teeth; a second brushroll mounted in the brushroll chamber and configured to rotate about a second axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the second brushroll includes a second set of teeth; and an air turbine mounted in the air turbine chamber and configured to rotate about the turbine axis, the air turbine being coupled to the first brushroll and the second brushroll to drive the first brushroll and the second brushroll to rotate, wherein the second set of teeth is designed to interfere with the first set of teeth when the first brushroll and the second brushroll rotate in opposite directions, thereby pulling hair over the first brushroll and the second brushroll into the air path.

[0009] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum cleaner includes: a suction source configured to generate a working airflow flowing through a working air path; a separation and collection assembly configured to separate hair and other debris from the working airflow; and an accessory tool, the accessory tool including: a housing having a brush roller chamber and defining a tool air path; an inlet leading to the brush roller chamber and connected to the tool air path fluid; an attachment tube extending from the housing and connecting the tool air path with the working air path fluid; a first brush roller mounted in the brush roller chamber and configured to rotate about a first axis in a first direction, the first brush roller including a first set of teeth; and a second brush roller mounted in the brush roller chamber and configured to rotate about a second axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the second brush roller including a second set of teeth, wherein the second set of teeth is designed to interfere with the first set of teeth when the first brush roller and the second brush roller rotate in opposite directions, thereby pulling hair over the first brush roller and the second brush roller into the air path.

[0010] These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of the detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning head according to one aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the cleaning head includes an accessory tool for a surface cleaning device or a vacuum cleaner;

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the accessory tools in the;

[0013] Figure 3 It passes through Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the accessory tool taken along line III-III in FIG.

[0014] Figure 4A yes Figure 1 A bottom perspective view of the accessory tool in FIG, showing the inlet of the accessory tool and a portion of the brush roll;

[0015] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A close-up view of section IVB in FIG. 1 showing the interference teeth of the brush roller;

[0016] Figure 5 Is a Figure 1 A perspective view of a surface cleaning device or vacuum cleaner including an attachment tool;

[0017] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the attachment tool illustrating the operation of the attachment to comb hair on a surface to be cleaned;

[0018] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the attachment tool showing the operation of the attachment to clamp hair between the brush rollers and pull it upward;

[0019] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the accessory tool illustrating operation of the accessory to release pet hair into the internal air path of the accessory tool. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] An accessory tool with improved pet hair cleaning features is described below. The accessory tool has multiple rotating brush rolls that counter-rotate to comb pet hair and other debris toward the center of the brush rolls. As just one example, the brush rolls have interfering agitation elements that pull pet hair between the brush rolls and into the tool's air path. The pet hair is then released from the brush rolls into the air path within the tool.

[0021] As will be understood from the description herein, the attachment tool has a variety of applications, but is generally used for removing pet hair and other debris (not limited to pet hair) from upholstered surfaces. The attachment tool is also suitable for use on non-upholstered surfaces and can also be used for general vacuum cleaning. At least some aspects of the attachment tool provided herein function through various elements, as described below, to improve pet hair removal by combing the surface to be cleaned to begin releasing pet hair from the surface and clamping the pet hair between rotating teeth to complete the release. This dual combing and clamping action allows for quick and effective removal of pet hair from upholstered surfaces. Furthermore, pet hair is not retained on the brush roll and / or in the brush roll's bearings. Thus, some features of the surface cleaning device may be considered functional, but can also be implemented in different aesthetic configurations.

[0022] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG, in which like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, a cleaning head in the form of an attachment tool is shown and generally designated 10. As will be discussed in further detail below, the attachment tool 10 has various features and improvements, including an improved pet hair cleaning feature for removing pet hair and other debris (not limited to pet hair) from upholstered surfaces. Generally, the term "debris" as used herein includes pet hair, pet fur, non-pet hair, dirt, dust, stains, soil, and other debris.

[0023] For the purpose of describing with respect to the drawings, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer" and their derivatives shall be used in accordance with the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 The orientation in FIG. 1 as viewed from the perspective of a user holding the tool 10 in one hand is associated with the accessory tool 10. However, it should be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, unless expressly specified to the contrary.

[0024] The accessory tool 10 includes a housing 12, an inlet 14, a first brush roll 16, and a second brush roll 18, wherein the housing can be coupled to a vacuum cleaner. The housing 12 can include a brush roll chamber 20 and define an air path 22, such as Figure 3 As shown by the arrows in FIG. A brush roll chamber 20 includes an inlet 14 and houses a first brush roll 16 and a second brush roll 18. The brush rolls 16, 18 are rotatable about respective axes 16A, 18A and can be driven in opposite directions by an air turbine or motor, as described in more detail below.

[0025] An attachment tube 24 extends from the housing 12 and is configured to selectively connect to a portion of the vacuum cleaner, such as a hose and / or wand of the vacuum cleaner. The attachment tube 24 is in fluid communication with the air path 22. The attachment tube 24 may form a handle or grip for the tool 10. It is contemplated that the attachment tube 24 and / or the housing 12 may be adjusted to fit a user's hand. Thus, the accessory tool 10 may be a handheld accessory tool.

[0026] In one embodiment, the housing 12 is generally formed of an upper housing 26 and a lower housing 28 that are attached to each other by screws, snap-fit ​​fittings, welding, or other suitable attachment methods. In one embodiment, the upper housing 26 and the lower housing 28 can be secured together by a retaining ring 27, which can be removable to separate the housings 26, 28 to allow for cleaning of the internal components.

[0027] The upper housing 26 and the lower housing 28 are preferably formed into an ergonomic shape so that the user can hold and control them with one hand, thereby providing a "handheld" housing 12 for the tool 10. One or both of the upper housing 26 and the lower housing 28 can be made of a transparent material or have one or more windows therethrough to provide visual feedback regarding the operation of the tool 10. Figure 1 As shown in FIG, in one example, the upper housing 26 may be transparent to facilitate viewing of the brushrolls 16, 18 and / or the turbine 32.

[0028] At least a portion of the attachment tube 24 is hollow to define a portion of the suction passageway of the tool 10, which extends through the housing 12 and includes the air path 22 and the inlet 14. The tube 24 can be slightly tapered and sized to slide into (or around) the hose and / or wand of the vacuum cleaner and be retained thereon or therein by a friction fit. Alternatively, conventional bayonet adapters, threads, snap-on connections, or other adapters can be used for this purpose.

[0029] Various configurations of the attachment tube 24 are possible. In one embodiment, the attachment tube 24 is integrally formed with one or both of the housings 26, 28. In another embodiment, the tube 24 is a separate part that is captured between the upper housing 26 and the lower housing 28.

[0030] The attachment tube 24 may be rotationally fixed to the housing 12 or may be pivotable relative to the housing 12. For example, the attachment tube 24 may be mounted for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the tube 24. The attachment tube 24 is shown as a generally cylindrical portion having a circular profile, but other shapes of the tube 24 are possible.

[0031] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the housing 12 may include an air turbine chamber 30, and an air turbine 32 is mounted in the air turbine chamber 30 and configured to rotate about a turbine axis 32A. The air turbine 32 is coupled to the first and second brushrolls 16, 18 to drive the first and second brushrolls 16, 18 to rotate about their respective axes 16A, 18A.

[0032] In one configuration, the brushroll axes 16A, 18A lie in a plane, while the turbine axis 32A is disposed out of the plane. This has the advantage that both brushrolls 16, 18 can engage the surface to be cleaned while the tool 10 is held in an ergonomic position via the attachment tube 25, i.e., with the wrist elevated and comfortable.

[0033] The air turbine 32 includes a bladed turbine wheel 34 rotatably mounted within a housing on a pair of bearings 36. For example, the turbine wheel 34 may be captured between the upper housing 26 and the lower housing 28 with the bearings 36 fitting into corresponding slots 38 in the upper and lower housings 26, 28 (in FIG. Figure 2 Only the groove on the lower housing 28 can be seen here), and the bearing suspends the bladed turbine wheel 34, thereby allowing it to rotate freely within the air turbine chamber 30.

[0034] The air turbine 32 can be coupled to the brushrolls 16, 18 via a belt, a gear set, and / or other drive mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, a belt 40 directly couples the air turbine to the first brushroll 16. The air turbine 32 can include a drive gear 42 that drives the belt 40, which in turn drives a driven gear 44 on the first brushroll 16. The second brushroll 18 is indirectly coupled to the air turbine 32 via a set of meshing gears 46, 48 on the brushrolls 16, 18.

[0035] The air turbine chamber 30 is in fluid communication with the brushroll chamber 20 via a turbine inlet 50. The turbine chamber 30 is also in fluid communication with the attachment tube 24 via a turbine outlet 52. In this manner, the turbine chamber 30 is fluidly interposed between the brushroll chamber 20 and the attachment tube 24 and is driven by the air flowing between the brushroll chamber and the attachment tube.

[0036] Air can exit the brushroll chamber 20 from above and / or between the brushrolls 16, 18. A turbine inlet 50 (which, in some embodiments, can also define an air outlet for the brushroll chamber 20) can be positioned above and behind the brushroll chamber 20.

[0037] The air turbine 32 may alternatively be configured to be driven by air separate from the air entering the brushroll chamber 20. In this embodiment, the brushroll chamber 20 is in direct communication with the attachment tube 24, and a separate turbine inlet (not shown) is provided through the housing 12 at a location remote from the brushroll chamber 20 to allow ambient air to enter the turbine chamber 30. The turbine inlet 50 between the brushroll chamber 20 and the turbine chamber 30 is omitted, but the turbine outlet 52 remains in fluid communication with the attachment tube 24 so that air is drawn through the air turbine 32 by vacuum to drive rotation of the air turbine.

[0038] While the turbine 32 is shown in this embodiment as rotating about an axis 32A that is parallel to the brushroll axes 16A, 18A, it will be appreciated that the turbine may be oriented at any other suitable angle relative to the brushroll axes 16A, 18A.

[0039] It should be understood that other brush roll drive devices may be used in place of the air turbine 32. For example, the air turbine 32 may be replaced by an electric motor (not shown) powered by batteries or by electrical leads connected to the power supply of a vacuum cleaner to which the tool 10 is attached. The motor is coupled to the first and second brush rolls 16, 18 to drive the first and second brush rolls 16, 18 to rotate about their respective axes 16A, 18A.

[0040] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first brushroll 16 and the second brushroll 18 counter-rotate. The first brushroll 16 rotates in a first direction 16R about a first brushroll axis 16A, and the second brushroll 18 rotates in a second direction 18R about a second brushroll axis 18A that is opposite or opposite the first direction 16R.

[0041] Each brushroll 16, 18 includes an elongated agitator body (referred to herein as a dowel 54, 56), respectively, to which a plurality of teeth 58, 60 (also referred to herein as a set of teeth) are secured and extend outwardly therefrom. The elongated agitator bodies or dowels 54, 56 are configured to extend along and rotate about axes 16A, 18A, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the dowels 54, 56 have a generally cylindrical cross-section, but other cross-sectional shapes (such as, but not limited to, oval, hexagonal, rectangular, octagonal, concave, convex, etc.) are also possible.

[0042] refer to Figure 3According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the teeth 58, 60 are configured to interfere with each other when the brushrolls 16, 18 rotate in opposite directions, thereby pulling pet hair (and other debris) into the air path 22. As just one example, the teeth 58, 60 comb the surface to be cleaned and pull the pet hair toward the center of the inlet 14. The teeth 58, 60 are designed to interfere with each other to pull the pet hair between the brushrolls 16, 18 and over the brushrolls 16, 18 into the air path 22. The pet hair is then released from the brushrolls 16, 18 into the air path 22 inside the tool 10.

[0043] The brush rollers 16, 18 are rotatably mounted within the housing 12 on a pair of bearings 62, 64, respectively, which are pivotally mounted at each end of the pins 54, 56 (at Figure 2 Only one of the pair of bearings 62, 64 can be seen in the drawing). For example, the brush rollers 16, 18 can be retained between the upper and lower housings 26, 28 with the bearings 62, 64 fitting into corresponding slots 66, 68 in the upper and lower housings 26, 28 (see FIG. Figure 2 Only the slot on the lower housing 28 can be seen in the drawing), and bearings 62, 64 suspend the pins 54, 56, thereby allowing the brushrolls 16, 18 to rotate freely within the brushroll chamber 20.

[0044] The bearings 62, 64 are preferably located in bearing compartments 70, 72 that are generally isolated from the rest of the brushroll chamber 20 to prevent pet hair and other debris from clogging the bearings 62. Thus, the compartments 70, 72 may be arranged on either side of the brushroll chamber 20, with the bearings 62, 64 located at or near the respective lateral ends of the brushrolls 16, 18.

[0045] The driven gear 44, on which the belt 40 is mounted, and the first meshing gear 46 are positioned along the length of the first pin 54, and the second meshing gear 48 is positioned along the length of the second pin 56. The gears 44, 46, 48 can be located in one bearing compartment 70 to prevent pet hair and other debris from clogging the gears 44, 46, 48. Therefore, the gears 44, 46, 48 can be located at or near the lateral ends of the brush rollers 16, 18 corresponding to the bearing compartments 70.

[0046] The housing 12 may have an air leak 74 in the bearing compartment 70. The air leak 74 allows a small amount of sacrificial air to flow through the bearing compartment 70 and into the brush roll chamber 20, thereby preventing pet hair and other debris from being pulled from the brush roll chamber 20 into the bearing compartment 70. A similar air leak 76 may be provided in the other bearing compartment 72 ( Figure 4A The air leakage holes 74 and 76 may be located at or near both sides of the housing 12 .

[0047] The brushroll chamber 20 is formed on one side by the upper housing 26 and on the other side by the lower housing 28. The inlet 14 may be formed in the lower housing 28 and is located generally below the axes 16A, 18A of the brushrolls 16, 18. The brushrolls 16, 18 are positioned within the brushroll chamber 20 such that the teeth 58, 60 (including at least the tips 58T, 60T of the teeth 58, 60) pass through the inlet 14 as the brushrolls 16, 18 rotate.

[0048] refer to Figures 4A to 4B In embodiments where the air turbine 32 drives the brush rolls 16, 18, the tool 10 may include one or more relief cutouts 78, 80 on the underside 82 of the housing 12 around the inlet 14. The relief cutouts 78, 80 ensure smooth operation of the air turbine 32 by maintaining adequate airflow through the inlet 14 even when the underside 82 of the housing 12 around the inlet 14 is sealed against the underlying surface to be cleaned. As just one example, one or more relief cutouts 78 may be disposed on a leading edge 84 of the inlet 14, and / or one or more relief cutouts 80 may be disposed on a trailing edge 86 of the inlet 14.

[0049] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tool 10 may include one or more suction focusing notches 88, 90 on the underside 82 of the housing 12 located about the inlet 14. The suction focusing notches 88, 90 focus suction between the brushrolls 16, 18 by directing incoming air toward the center of the inlet 14. As just one example, one suction focusing notch 88 may be disposed on a first lateral edge 92 of the inlet 14, and / or one suction focusing notch 90 may be disposed on a second lateral edge 94 of the inlet 14. The suction focusing notch 88 on the side of the inlet 14 corresponding to the driven side of the brushrolls 16, 18 may be longer than the second suction focusing notch 90 to accommodate the drive mechanism.

[0050] The pins 54 , 56 are separated by a gap 96 that is located generally at the center of the inlet 14 , and the suction focusing notches 88 , 90 are preferably aligned with the gap 96 to focus the suction at the gap 96 , thereby working in conjunction with the counter-rotating brushrolls 16 , 18 to direct pet hair and other debris toward the center of the inlet 14 and into the gap 96 .

[0051] The teeth 58, 60 extend from a first end or root 58R, 60R adjacent to, attached to, or integral with the pins 54, 56 to a second end or tip 58T, 60T. One or more of the teeth 58, 60 may extend radially from the pins 54, 56, respectively, e.g., in a straight line from the axes 16A, 18A. It is also contemplated that one or more of the teeth 58, 60 may extend at an angle from the pins 54, 56 along a straight line that does not intersect the axes 16A, 18A. For teeth extending in a straight line, the root 58R, 60R and the tip 58T, 60T lie in a single plane. It is also contemplated that one or more of the teeth 58, 60 may be curved, wherein the root 58R, 60R extends radially or at an angle from the pins 54, 56, and the tip 58T, 60T lies in a non-planar relationship with the root 58R, 60R.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the teeth 58, 60 extend generally radially from the pins 54, 56 when not subjected to external forces. When subjected to external forces, such as when in contact with a surface to be cleaned or with each other, the teeth 58, 60 may flex and bend. The tips 58T, 60T are configured to flex and not lie in the same plane as the roots 68R, 60R when interfering with each other or with the surface to be cleaned.

[0053] The teeth 58, 60 each have an engagement surface 58S, 60S that contacts the surface to be cleaned or another tooth during rotation of the brush rolls 16, 18. The distal ends 58T, 60T of the teeth preferably extend below and / or through the inlet 14 (see FIG. Figure 3 ), so that at least a portion of the engagement surface 58S, 60S rubs against the surface to be cleaned, thereby combing hair off the surface. The teeth 58, 60 also each have a non-engagement surface 58N, 60N opposite the engagement surface 58S, 60S, which does not contact the surface to be cleaned or another tooth during rotation of the brush rollers 16, 18.

[0054] One or more of the teeth 58, 60 can have a flat, paddle-shaped body including a root 58R, 60R and a tip 58T, 60T, defining an engagement surface 58S, 60S. The flat, paddle-shaped body has a width W greater than its thickness T. Each tooth 58, 60 has a length L defined as the distance between the root 58R, 60R and the tip 58T, 60T at the pin surface; a width W defined as the distance between the side edges 58L, 60L of the tooth; and a thickness T defined as the distance between the engagement surface 58S, 60S and the non-engagement surface 58N, 60N. The side edges 58L, 60L can connect the engagement surface 58S, 60S and the non-engagement surface 58N, 60N.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the teeth 58, 60 can include one or more straight or substantially straight bodies, e.g., wherein the sides 58L, 60L are parallel or substantially parallel to one another, and wherein the engaging surfaces 58S, 60S are parallel or substantially parallel to the non-engaging surfaces 58N, 60N. It is contemplated that the teeth 58, 60 can have alternative configurations, e.g., shapes with rounded corners, cylindrical shapes, triangular shapes, square shapes, polygonal shapes, irregular shapes, uniform shapes, non-uniform shapes, and / or tapered shapes. It is also contemplated that the teeth 58, 60 can have different configurations at the tips 58T, 60T and roots 58R, 60R. As shown in the figures, the teeth 58, 60 can have smooth outer surfaces 58S, 60S, 58N, 60N; however, in other embodiments, the teeth 58, 60 can have textured outer surfaces.

[0056] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth width W is greater than the tooth thickness T. Alternatively, the tooth width W is at least three times the tooth thickness T, alternatively, the tooth width W is at least four times the tooth thickness T, or alternatively, the tooth width W is at least five times the tooth thickness T. It has been found that teeth with a width greater than thickness are more suitable for picking up hair because such teeth provide a larger tooth surface area (e.g., a larger engagement surface 58S, 60S) for combing the surface to be cleaned while maintaining flexibility. The tooth length L is greater than the tooth width W or thickness T. While the tooth dimensions can vary, in one embodiment, the tooth length L is approximately 12 mm, the tooth width W is approximately 4.5 mm, and the tooth thickness T is approximately 1.5 mm. It is also contemplated that the width W and thickness T can be constant or vary from root to tip. It is also contemplated that the tooth dimensions can be the same or different for each tooth and each brush roll.

[0057] In the example shown, the teeth 58, 60 are arranged in multiple rows, with each row of teeth extending in a generally spiral pattern from a first lateral end to a second lateral end of the brush roller. It is contemplated that, in alternative embodiments, a single row of teeth may be provided. It is also contemplated that the rows of teeth may be arranged in a pattern other than a spiral, such as a straight row extending linearly between the ends of the brush roller, a double spiral pattern (e.g., "wrapping" around the circumference of the brush roller two or more times), a herringbone or V-shaped pattern, or any other suitable pattern.

[0058] When designed to interfere with each other, the positions of the teeth 58, 60 are synchronized with each other and with the rotation of the brushrolls 16, 18 so that the teeth 58, 60 interfere during at least one period of one rotation, such as during the period when the teeth 58, 60 move through the gap 96 between the pins 54, 56 during one rotation of the brushroll. It is contemplated that the brushrolls 16, 18 can include any number of teeth 58, 60 and / or have any design configuration, including situations in which the teeth 58, 60 are designed to interfere one at a time or more than one at a time. Preferably, at least one tooth 58, 60 on each brushroll 16, 18 is designed to engage with each other during the period when the teeth 58, 60 move through the gap 96 between the pins 54, 56 during one rotation of the brushroll. The teeth 58, 60 can be offset and / or staggered around each brushroll 16, 18 so that the engagement moves laterally back and forth from one lateral end of the brushroll to the other. It is also contemplated that either brushroll 16 , 18 may have one or more teeth that do not interfere with the teeth on the other brushroll. However, in a preferred embodiment, the first brushroll 16 has a plurality of teeth 58 that interfere with a corresponding plurality of teeth 60 on the second brushroll 18 .

[0059] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of the teeth 58 on the first brush roller 16 and at least one of the teeth 60 on the second brush roller 18 are designed to interfere with each other during a certain rotation angle during movement of the teeth 58, 60 through the gap 96 between the pins 54, 56, for example, during at least 60 degrees of rotation of the brush rollers 16, 18, alternatively, during at least 90 degrees of rotation of the brush rollers 16, 18, alternatively, during at least 75 degrees of rotation of the brush rollers 16, 18, or alternatively, during at least 120 degrees of rotation of the brush rollers 16, 18. During the interference, the degree of interference between the teeth 58, 60 changes, wherein the teeth 58, 60 initially contact at the tips 58T, 60T, then more of the engagement surfaces 58S, 60S come into contact and then disengage until the teeth 58, 60 again contact at the tips 58T, 60T, until the teeth 58, 60 eventually disengage from each other. Figure 4B Some examples of different stages of engagement between the teeth 58 , 60 are shown.

[0060] The brush rolls 16, 18 may include teeth 58, 60 as the sole agitating elements thereon. However, in other embodiments of the tool 10, the brush rolls 16, 18 may include bristles (not shown) and / or other agitating elements, such as, but not limited to, fabric, felt, nap, and / or velvet (or any combination thereof), in addition to the teeth 58, 60. Providing bristles or other agitating elements on the brush rolls 16, 18 may increase agitation of the surface being cleaned, thereby more effectively loosening debris therefrom.

[0061] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, teeth 58, 60 are silicone rubber or other suitable elastomers that facilitate frictional grip and / or electrostatic attraction of pet hair and are sufficiently flexible to flex without permanent deformation when in contact with a floor or each other. Non-limiting examples of other suitable elastomers include nitrile, polyurethane, and thermoplastic elastomers. Teeth 58, 60 may also be constructed of other materials that provide the hair collection and flexibility characteristics disclosed herein.

[0062] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the pins 54, 56 are separated by a gap distance D, which is measured along a perpendicular line between the axes 16A, 18A. More specifically, the gap distance D is the distance between a first intersection point between the surface of the first pin 54 and the perpendicular line between the axes 16A, 18A and a second intersection point between the surface of the second pin 56 and the perpendicular line between the axes 16A, 18A.

[0063] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tooth length L is greater than at least half of the gap distance D. Alternatively, the tooth length L is at least ¾ of the gap distance D. Alternatively, the tooth length L is greater than half of the gap distance D and less than the gap distance D (e.g., ½D < L < D). This ensures that the teeth 58, 60 engage with each other during the period in which the teeth 58, 60 move through the gap 96 between the brushrolls 16, 18 during one rotation of the brushroll.

[0064] As discussed above, the teeth 58, 60 interfere with each other to clamp pet hair between the brush rollers 16, 18 and pull it upward. By "interference," at least one tooth 58 on the first brush roller 16 contacts at least one tooth 60 on the second brush roller 18 and presses together to clamp pet hair or other debris between the interfering teeth 58, 60. The teeth 58, 60 can be shaped and positioned to fully contact each other, with the floor-engaging surfaces 58S, 60S aligned with each other so that their rotational paths overlap. In other embodiments, the teeth 58, 60 can partially contact each other, with the floor-engaging surfaces 58S, 60S partially aligned with each other so that their rotational paths partially, but not completely, overlap.

[0065] The degree of interference varies during rotation of the brushrolls 16 , 18 . Figure 4B Some examples of different stages of engagement between the teeth 58 , 60 are shown.

[0066] Figure 5A floor cleaner 100 is shown that includes an accessory tool 10. The floor cleaner 100 can be a vacuum cleaner that can be used to clean hard surfaces such as tile and hardwood, as well as soft surfaces such as carpet, area rugs, and upholstery. The floor cleaner 100 can include at least one cleaning system, including a vacuum cleaning system for recovering debris (which can include pet hair, pet fur, dirt, dust, stains, soil, and other debris) from the surface to be cleaned.

[0067] The floor cleaner 100 shown is an upright vacuum cleaner having an upright assembly 102 pivotally mounted to a cleaning head or base 106. The upright assembly 102 may include a handle 110 at one end to facilitate movement by a user. The upright assembly 102 may house a suction source 120, which may be a vacuum fan / motor assembly, and which may be configured to generate a working airflow through a working air path of the vacuum cleaner 100 that extends from a "dirty" air inlet to a "clean" air outlet. The suction source 120 may form a portion of the working air path. In addition, the base 106 may include a suction nozzle 118 that is in fluid communication with the suction source 120.

[0068] The upright assembly 102 receives a separation and collection assembly 124 for separating hair and other debris from the working airflow. The separation and collection assembly 124 is shown herein as comprising a cyclone module having a cyclonic separator for separating entrained debris from the working airflow and a collection chamber for collecting the separated debris. It will be appreciated that other types of dirt separation and collection assemblies, such as a centrifugal separator or a batch separator, may be used. In yet another conventional arrangement, the filtration system may include filter bags. Regardless of its configuration, the filtration system may form part of the working air path through the floor cleaner 100.

[0069] At least a portion of the working air path (i.e., the portion leading to the separation and collection assembly 124) can be formed by a vacuum hose 126. The accessory tool 10 is configured to be operably coupled to the vacuum cleaner 100 and can be coupled to the vacuum hose 126, which is in fluid communication with the suction source 120. For example, one end 128 of the vacuum hose 126 can be selectively disconnected from the vacuum cleaner 100 and connected to the accessory tool 10 for cleaning purposes, while the other end (not shown) remains in fluid communication with the separation and collection assembly 124. When the accessory tool 10 is in use and the end 128 of the vacuum hose 126 is coupled to the accessory tool 10, the accessory tool 10 can form a "dirty" air inlet for the working air path of the vacuum cleaner 100. Thus, the floor cleaner 100 can draw dirt-laden air through the accessory tool 10 and the hose 126 and into a filtration system, such as the separation and collection assembly 124, where the dirt is collected for subsequent processing. When the accessory tool 10 is not in use, the end 128 of the vacuum hose 126 is connected to the floor cleaner 100, and the suction nozzle 118 can form a "dirty" air inlet. Alternatively, the accessory tool 10 can be selectively connected to a wand (not shown) coupled to the vacuum hose 126, rather than being directly connected to the vacuum hose 126.

[0070] Although not shown herein, the base 106 may also include counter-rotating brushrolls having teeth designed to interfere with each other during at least one period of one rotation, substantially as previously described for the brushrolls 16 , 18 .

[0071] It should be noted that while the floor cleaner 100 is shown as an upright device, it should be understood that the functional systems of the floor cleaner 100 can be arranged in any desired configuration, such as a portable device suitable for being held in the hand of a user, a cartridge device having a cleaning tool connected to a wheeled base via a vacuum hose, or a commercial device. Any of the aforementioned cleaners can be adapted to include a flexible vacuum hose and / or a rigid wand that can form part of the conduit between the nozzle and the suction source.

[0072] Now refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 , wherein the operation of the tool 10 is shown and will be described in more detail. Figure 5 )) Air drawn into the air path 22 passes through the inlet 14 into the brush roll chamber 20. The air then enters the turbine chamber 30 through the turbine inlet 50, drives the air turbine 32, and passes through the turbine outlet 52 into the attachment tube 24. From the attachment tube, the air travels through the vacuum hose 126 ( Figure 5) and reaches the collection assembly 124 of the vacuum cleaner 100. The turbine 32 drives the belt 40 through the drive gear 42, and the belt 40 drives the first brush roller 16 directly through the driven gear 44 and indirectly drives the second brush roller 18 through the intermeshing gears 46, 48.

[0073] refer to Figures 6 to 8 , which illustrates the operation of tool 10 to remove pet hair from a surface S to be cleaned and will be described in greater detail. Figures 6 to 8 As the brush rollers 16, 18 rotate, the teeth 58, 60 comb the surface S to be cleaned to help release the pet hair F from the surface S ( Figure 6 The counter-rotation of the brush rollers 16, 18 in directions 16R, 18R, respectively, toward the center of the inlet 14 ensures that pet hair F, whether located in front of or behind the brush rollers 16, 18, is pulled toward the center of the inlet 14 and into between the brush rollers 16, 18. The interference of the teeth 58, 60 causes the pet hair H to be clamped and pulled upward into the gap 96 between the brush rollers 16, 18 ( Figure 7 ), preferably, the gap can be aligned with the center of the inlet 14. Then, the pet hair H is released from the brush rollers 16, 18 into the air path 22 inside the tool 10 ( Figure 8 ).

[0074] The accessory tool 10 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure uses multiple physical actions to effectively remove pet hair and other debris from the surface to be cleaned, including a combing action provided by the teeth 58, 60, a rotational interference action (pinching and pulling) provided by the counter-rotating brushrolls 16, 18 and the interference teeth 58, 60, and a vacuum collection action through the air path 22 centrally positioned between and above the brushrolls 16, 18.

[0075] Another advantage achieved according to various aspects of the present disclosure is that because the brushrolls 16, 18 rotate in opposite directions, moving the accessory tool 10 in either the rearward or forward direction works equally well. The counter-rotating dual brushrolls eliminate the differential forces experienced when using a single brushroll, where pulling against its rotation exerts greater force on the brushroll, meaning that pulling against its rotation slows it down and pulling with its rotation speeds it up. The accessory tool 10 does not experience these speed variations, providing consistent cleaning performance regardless of how the user moves the tool 10.

[0076] The accessory tool 10 described herein can be used with a suction source, including a suction source of a cleaning device (such as the described floor cleaner), to form a system for cleaning and removing pet hair. In addition, counter-rotating brush rolls having teeth designed to interfere with each other during at least one period of one rotation of the brush rolls can be used with cleaning heads other than accessory tools, such as the base 106 of a vacuum cleaner 100. Furthermore, it should be understood that the accessory tool 10 described herein can be used in a method of removing pet hair.

[0077] The terms "including" or "having" are used herein in their broadest sense to express and encompass the concepts of "comprising," "containing," "consisting essentially of," and "consisting of." The use of "for example," "for instance," "such as," and "including" to list illustrative examples is not limited to the examples listed. Thus, "for example" or "such as" means "for example, but not limited to," or "such as, but not limited to," and encompasses other similar or equivalent examples.

[0078] The above description relates to general and specific embodiments of the present disclosure. However, various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims, and these changes or modifications should be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law (including the doctrine of equivalents). Therefore, the present disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the present disclosure or as limiting the scope of the claims to the specific elements shown or described with respect to these embodiments. Any reference to an element in the singular (e.g., using the articles "a," "an," "the," or "said") should not be considered as limiting the element to the singular.

[0079] Likewise, it should be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the precise and specific compounds, compositions, or methods described in the detailed description, and that variations between the detailed descriptions are possible and fall within the scope of the appended claims. With respect to any Markush group relied upon herein to describe specific features or aspects of various embodiments, different, special, and / or unexpected results can be obtained from each member of the respective Markush group, independent of all other Markush members. Each member of the Markush group can be relied upon individually and / or in combination and provides sufficient support for the specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cleaning head for a vacuum cleaner, comprising: a housing having a brushroll chamber and defining an air path; an inlet leading to the brushroll chamber, the inlet being in fluid communication with the air path; a first brushroll mounted in the brushroll chamber and configured to rotate in a first direction about a first axis, the first brushroll including a first set of teeth; as well as a second brushroll mounted in the brushroll chamber and configured to rotate about a second axis in a second direction opposite the first direction, the second brushroll including a second set of teeth; The second set of teeth is designed to interfere with the first set of teeth when the first brush roller and the second brush roller rotate in opposite directions, thereby pulling hair over the first brush roller and the second brush roller into the air path.

2. The cleaning head according to claim 1, wherein The first brushroll includes an elongated agitator body to which the first set of teeth is secured and from which the first set of teeth extends outwardly.

3. The cleaning head according to claim 2, wherein: The first set of teeth extends radially from the elongated agitator body, and the first set of teeth includes a root at the elongated agitator body and a tip opposite the root, wherein the root and the tip lie in a plane when not subjected to an external force, and wherein the tip is configured to bend out of the plane when interfering with the second set of teeth.

4. The cleaning head according to claim 2, wherein: The first set of teeth includes a first plurality of teeth having a root at the elongated agitator body and a tip opposite the root, wherein the tip is configured to extend through the inlet when the first brushroll rotates.

5. The cleaning head according to claim 4, wherein: The plurality of first teeth include an engagement surface that contacts a surface to be cleaned during rotation of the first brush roller, wherein the tip is configured to extend below and through the inlet so that at least a portion of the engagement surface rubs against the surface to be cleaned, thereby combing hair off the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning head according to claim 1 , wherein: The first set of teeth and the second set of teeth comprise silicone rubber.

7. The cleaning head according to claim 1, wherein The first set of teeth and the second set of teeth include a plurality of teeth, each of the teeth having a flat, linear body having a root, a tip opposite the root, an engagement surface configured to contact a surface to be cleaned or another tooth during rotation of the first brush roller and the second brush roller, a non-engagement surface opposite the engagement surface, and a side connecting the engagement surface and the non-engagement surface.

8. The cleaning head according to claim 1, wherein The first set of teeth and the second set of teeth include a plurality of teeth having a tooth length, a tooth width, and a tooth thickness, wherein the tooth length is greater than the tooth width and the tooth thickness, and the tooth width is greater than the tooth thickness.

9. The cleaning head according to claim 8, wherein: The tooth width is at least three times the tooth thickness.

10. The cleaning head according to claim 8, wherein The first brushroll includes a first elongated agitator body and the second brushroll includes a second elongated agitator body, the second elongated agitator body being separated from the first elongated agitator body by a gap distance, the gap distance being measured along a perpendicular line between the first axis and the second axis, wherein the tooth length is greater than at least half of the gap distance.

11. The cleaning head according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The first set of teeth includes a plurality of teeth arranged in a plurality of rows, with each row of teeth extending in a generally spiral formation from a first lateral end of the first brushroll to a second lateral end of the first brushroll.

12. The cleaning head according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The first brushroll includes a first elongated agitator body and the second brushroll includes a second elongated agitator body separated from the first elongated agitator body by a gap, and the second set of teeth is designed to interfere with the first set of teeth as the first and second sets of teeth move through the gap.

13. The cleaning head according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein Each tooth of the first set of teeth is arranged on the first brush roller to interfere with a corresponding tooth of the second set of teeth during rotation of at least a certain angle when the first brush roller and the second brush roller rotate in opposite directions.

14. A cleaning head according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising an attachment tube extending from the housing, the attachment tube being in fluid communication with the air path.

15. An accessory tool for a vacuum cleaner, comprising: a housing having a brushroll chamber and defining an air path; an inlet leading to the brushroll chamber, the inlet being in fluid communication with the air path; an attachment tube extending from the housing, the attachment tube being in fluid communication with the air path; a first brushroll mounted in the brushroll chamber and configured to rotate in a first direction about a first axis, the first brushroll including a first set of teeth; as well as a second brushroll mounted in the brushroll chamber and configured to rotate about a second axis in a second direction opposite the first direction, the second brushroll including a second set of teeth; The second set of teeth is designed to interfere with the first set of teeth when the first brush roller and the second brush roller rotate in opposite directions, thereby pulling hair over the first brush roller and the second brush roller into the air path.

16. The accessory tool according to claim 15, wherein The housing includes an air turbine chamber, and the accessory tool includes an air turbine mounted in the air turbine chamber and configured to rotate about a turbine axis, the air turbine coupled to the first brushroll and the second brushroll to drive the first brushroll and the second brushroll to rotate.

17. The accessory tool of claim 16, comprising: a belt coupling the air turbine to the first brushroll, wherein the air turbine and the first brushroll rotate in the same direction; and A gear set couples the first brushroll and the second brushroll, wherein the air turbine and the second brushroll rotate in opposite directions.

18. The accessory tool according to any one of claims 15 to 17, comprising at least one suction focusing recess on the underside of the housing and arranged on a lateral edge of the inlet.

19. The accessory tool according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein The first set of teeth and the second set of teeth include a plurality of teeth, each of the teeth having a flat, linear body having a root, a tip opposite the root, an engagement surface configured to contact a surface to be cleaned or another tooth during rotation of the first brush roller and the second brush roller, a non-engagement surface opposite the engagement surface, and a side connecting the engagement surface and the non-engagement surface.

20. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a suction source configured to generate a working air flow through the working air path; a separation and collection assembly configured to separate hair and other debris from said working airflow; as well as Accessory tools, including: a housing having a brushroll chamber and defining a tool air path; an inlet leading to the brushroll chamber, the inlet being in fluid communication with the tool air path; an attachment tube extending from the housing and fluidly connecting the tool air path with the working air path; a first brushroll mounted in the brushroll chamber and configured to rotate in a first direction about a first axis, the first brushroll including a first set of teeth; and a second brushroll mounted in the brushroll chamber and configured to rotate about a second axis in a second direction opposite the first direction, the second brushroll including a second set of teeth; The second set of teeth is designed to interfere with the first set of teeth when the first brush roller and the second brush roller rotate in opposite directions to pull hair over the first brush roller and the second brush roller into the air path.

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