Stirrer for vacuum cleaner

Abstract

An agitator for a vacuum cleaner (10, 380) includes an agitator body and an elastically deformable flap. The elastically deformable flap includes a front face (4808, 4908), a rear face (4909), and one or more protrusions (1903, 6402) extending outwardly from the front face (4808, 4908). An agitator for a vacuum cleaner (10, 380) includes an agitator body and bristle strips (1304, 1502, 3754) and / or a plurality of tufts (6002) arranged in one or more rows along the agitator body. The bristle strip and / or the plurality of tufts (6002) comprises a first bristle group (6102) and at least a second bristle group (6104), the first bristle group (6102) comprises a plurality of nylon bristles, and the at least second bristle group (6104) comprises a plurality of para-aramid bristles.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the utility model patent application with application number 202290000230.6 (PCT international application number is PCT / CN2022 / 101881), application date is June 28, 2022, and name is "Agitator for surface treatment equipment and surface treatment equipment with the agitator".

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application is a continuation of PCT application PCT / CN22 / 101930 filed on June 28, 2022, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application serial number 17 / 466,242 filed on September 3, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application serial number 63 / 074,719 filed on September 4, 2020 and U.S. provisional application serial number 62 / 077,386 filed on September 11, 2020, all of which are fully incorporated herein by reference. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application serial number 16 / 656,930 filed on October 18, 2019, which is fully incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to a vacuum cleaner, and more particularly to a vacuum cleaner that includes a system for migrating and / or removing debris from an agitator. Background Art

[0005] Vacuum cleaners can be used to clean a variety of surfaces. Some vacuum cleaners include a rotating agitator (e.g., a brush roller). While known vacuum cleaners are generally effective in collecting debris, some debris (e.g., elongated debris such as hair, fur, etc.) may become entangled in the agitator. The entangled debris may reduce the efficiency of the agitator and may cause damage to the motor, bearings, support structure, and / or drive train of the rotating agitator. In addition, the entangled debris may be difficult to remove from the agitator because it is entangled in the bristles. Utility Model Content

[0006] The present disclosure provides an agitator for a vacuum cleaner, comprising:

[0007] a blender body; and

[0008] bristle bars and / or tufts arranged to extend outwardly from the agitator body in one or more rows along the agitator body, the bristle bars and / or tufts comprising:

[0009] a first bristle group, the first bristle group comprising a plurality of nylon bristles; and

[0010] At least a second bristle group, the at least second bristle group includes a plurality of para-aramid bristles.

[0011] In an optional solution, the second bristle group is arranged substantially adjacent to the first bristle group.

[0012] In another optional solution, at least a portion of the second bristle group is arranged in front of the first bristle group.

[0013] In another optional solution, the second bristle group contacts the first bristle group.

[0014] In another optional solution, a third bristle group is further included, wherein the third bristle group includes a plurality of para-aramid bristles, and the first bristle group is arranged between the second bristle group and the third bristle group.

[0015] In another alternative, the second bristle group and the third bristle group contact the first bristle group on opposite sides of the first bristle group.

[0016] In another optional embodiment, the first bristle group has a filament density of 240 fil / cm±10%, and the second bristle group has a filament density of 11952 fil / cm±10%.

[0017] In another optional solution, the first bristle group has a filament diameter of 0.1 mm ± 0.015 mm, and the second bristle group has a filament diameter of 0.02 mm ± 0.01 mm.

[0018] In another optional solution, the agitator further includes at least one elastically deformable flap extending outward from the agitator body.

[0019] In another optional solution, the at least one elastically deformable flap comprises:

[0020] Front;

[0021] behind; and

[0022] One or more protrusions extend outwardly from the front face, wherein the one or more protrusions include a convex portion extending outwardly from the front face and a concave portion extending inwardly from the front face.

[0023] In another optional embodiment, it also includes a facing layer coupled to a backing layer, the facing layer forming the front face, and the backing layer forming the rear face, wherein at least a portion of the facing layer is melted to at least partially form the one or more protrusions.

[0024] In another optional solution, the elastically deformable flap is disposed adjacent to the first deformable flap.

[0025] In another alternative, the bristle strip and / or the plurality of bristle tufts extend only along a portion of the at least one elastically deformable flap.

[0026] In another alternative, the bristle strip and / or the plurality of bristle tufts are substantially coextensive with the at least one elastically deformable flap.

[0027] In another optional solution, the second bristle group and the first bristle group extend together.

[0028] In another optional solution, the length of the second bristle group is longer than the length of the first bristle group.

[0029] In another optional solution, the length of the second bristle group is shorter than the length of the first bristle group.

[0030] In another optional solution, the second bristle group defines the first bristle group.

[0031] In another optional embodiment, the second bristle group partially defines the first bristle group.

[0032] In another optional solution, the first bristle group defines the second bristle group. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:

[0034] Figure 1 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a vacuum cleaner consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 2 is taken along line II-II consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner;

[0036] Figure 3 One example of a hair migration system consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure is generally shown;

[0037] Figure 4 Generally shows along Figure 1 A perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a combing unit taken along line IV-IV;

[0038] Figure 5 Generally shows along Figure 1 The line IV-IV intercepts Figure 4A cross-sectional view of a combing unit;

[0039] Figure 6 Generally shows along Figure 2 The line VI-VI intercepts Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a combing unit;

[0040] Figure 7 Generally shows along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the combing unit taken along line VI-VI;

[0041] Fig. 7A shows a perspective view of an example of a combing unit having teeth in a central region having a length measured greater than the length of teeth in lateral (or end) regions consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 8 Generally shown is a view taken along line II-II Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a plurality of segmented agitator chambers of a vacuum cleaner;

[0043] Fig. 9 is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure and can be used with Figure 1 A side view of an agitator for use with a vacuum cleaner;

[0044] Fig.10 1 and 2 are shown in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure and are configured to engage (eg, contact) Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of a plurality of ribs of an agitator;

[0045] Fig.11 A schematic diagram showing a plurality of ribs configured to engage (eg, contact) an agitator consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Fig.12 shows a schematic cross-sectional end view of a surface cleaning head consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Fig.13 The embodiment consistent with the present disclosure is shown Fig.12 a cross-sectional perspective view of a surface cleaning head;

[0048] Fig.14 shows a perspective view of a surface cleaning head consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Fig.14A shows a perspective view of an example of a blender cover consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Fig. 14Bshows a perspective view of a portion of a robotic cleaner having an agitator cover 14A coupled thereto consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Fig.15 It is shown that the embodiment consistent with the present disclosure can be Fig.14 A perspective view of an agitator cover for use with a surface cleaning head;

[0052] Fig.16 The embodiment consistent with the present disclosure is shown Fig.15 A bottom view of a blender cover;

[0053] Fig.17 It is shown that the embodiment consistent with the present disclosure can be Fig.14 A perspective view of an agitator cover for use with a surface cleaning head;

[0054] Fig.18 The embodiment consistent with the present disclosure is shown Fig.17 A bottom view of a blender cover;

[0055] Fig.19 shows a side view of a rib consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] Fig. 20 A schematic diagram of an agitator having a flap and bristles consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0057] Fig.21 A schematic diagram of an agitator with bristles consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0058] Fig. 22 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an agitator with an end cap consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0059] Fig.23 The embodiment consistent with the present disclosure is shown Fig. 22 A schematic cross-sectional view of an example of an agitator having ribs extending along a portion of the agitator and disposed between end caps;

[0060] Fig.24 shows a perspective view of an end cap of an agitator consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0061] Fig.25 The embodiment consistent with the present disclosure is shown Fig.24 Another perspective view of the end cap;

[0062] Fig.26 shows a perspective view of an end cap consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0063] Fig. 27The embodiment consistent with the present disclosure is shown Fig.26 Another perspective view of the end cap;

[0064] Fig.27A shows a perspective view of an end cap consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0065] Fig.27B An embodiment consistent with the present disclosure is shown with a Fig.27A A perspective view of a surface cleaning head of an end cap;

[0066] Fig.28 is a front view of another example of an agitator consistent with the present disclosure;

[0067] Fig.29 is taken along line 29-29 consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.29 A cross-sectional view of a stirrer;

[0068] Fig.30 A diagram showing a device without a flap consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.29 An example of an elongated body of an agitator;

[0069] Fig.31A The embodiment consistent with the present disclosure is shown Fig.30 Another example of an elongated body of an agitator;

[0070] Fig.31B The embodiment consistent with the present disclosure is shown Fig.31A A close-up of the end of the flap;

[0071] Fig.32 A device without an elongated body is shown consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.29 An example of a folding plate;

[0072] Fig.33 The embodiment consistent with the present disclosure is shown Fig.32 Another example of a flap;

[0073] Fig.34 An example of a flap having a portion removed to form a cone is shown consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0074] Fig.35 Another example of a flap having a base configured to form a cone is shown consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0075] Fig.36 An example of an agitator consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure having a flap disposed at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the agitator body is shown;

[0076] Fig.37 Another example of an end cap having a plurality of ribs for engaging a distal end of a flap consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0077] Fig.37A shows a perspective view of an agitator consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0078] Fig.37B shows a cross-sectional view of an agitator having passively angled bristles and actively angled flaps consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0079] Fig.37C shows a perspective view of an agitator consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0080] Fig.37D A perspective view of a cleaner having a bristle comb consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0081] Fig.37E Shown with Fig.37A -D is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner including a front guide roller and an agitator consistent with the embodiment;

[0082] Fig.37F shows a side view of a deformable flap including one or more apertures consistent with the present disclosure;

[0083] Figure 37G Various cross-sections of bristles consistent with the present disclosure are shown;

[0084] Fig.38 Another example of a vacuum cleaner consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0085] Fig.39 A trigger is shown consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.38 An example of a handheld vacuum unit;

[0086] Fig.40 The embodiment consistent with the present disclosure is shown Fig.38 An example of a handheld vacuum section of the invention comprising an air flow path extending therethrough;

[0087] Fig.41 generally illustrates one example of a close-up of a debris collection chamber secured to the body of a handheld vacuum section consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0088] Fig.42 generally illustrates one example of a close-up of a debris collection chamber not secured to the body of a handheld vacuum section consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0089] Fig.43One example of a debris collection chamber and primary filter consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure is generally shown;

[0090] Fig.44 Generally shown is a schematic diagram of a device with a lid open consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.43 An example of a debris collection chamber and a primary filter;

[0091] Fig.45 One example of a second stage filter consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure is generally shown;

[0092] Fig.46 One example of a pre-motor filter consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure is generally shown;

[0093] Fig.47 One example of a post-motor filter consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure is generally shown;

[0094] Fig.48 One embodiment of a robotic vacuum cleaner is generally shown, which may include one or more features described in the present disclosure;

[0095] Fig.49 generally illustrating a perspective view of another embodiment of an elastically deformable flap consistent with the present disclosure;

[0096] Fig.50A Generally shows Fig.49 A side view of an elastically deformable folded plate;

[0097] Fig.50B Generally shows Fig.49 A cross-sectional view of an elastically deformable folded plate;

[0098] Fig.50C Generally shows Fig.50B An enlarged view of the protrusion;

[0099] Fig.51 generally illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an elastically deformable flap consistent with the present disclosure;

[0100] Fig.52 Various dimensions of one example of an elastically deformable flap generally consistent with the present disclosure;

[0101] Fig.53 Generally speaking Fig.52 Various sizes of elastically deformable flaps;

[0102] Fig.54 Various dimensions of one example of an elastically deformable flap generally consistent with the present disclosure;

[0103] Fig.55 Generally speaking Fig.53 Various sizes of elastically deformable flaps;

[0104] Fig.56 A perspective view generally illustrating an example of an agitator having a body and a plurality of bristle bars and / or a plurality of tufts consistent with the present disclosure;

[0105] Fig.57 Generally shows Fig.56 A cross-sectional view of a main body and a plurality of bristle strips and / or a plurality of tufts;

[0106] Fig.58 An exemplary test of power spectral density is generally shown;

[0107] Fig.59 An exemplary test generally showing psychoacoustics over time; and

[0108] Fig.60 One example of an elastically deformable flap including a plurality of molded protrusions is generally shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0109] Although the manufacture and use of various embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed in detail below, it should be understood that the present disclosure provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be implemented in a variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrations of specific ways to manufacture and use the present disclosure, rather than limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0110] The present disclosure generally relates to an agitator for a surface treating device. The agitator includes a body and a deformable flap extending from the body. The deformable flap includes one or more cones extending within corresponding end regions of the deformable flap. The agitator is configured to be received in an agitator chamber of the surface treating device so that the agitator can be rotated within the agitator chamber. Rotation of the agitator causes the deformable flap to engage a surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor) so that debris deposited thereon may be disturbed by the deformable flap. In operation, the one or more cones may promote the migration of fiber debris (e.g., hair) along the longitudinal axis of the body toward a common position (e.g., a removal position).

[0111] Now go to Figure 1 and 2, generally illustrating one embodiment of a vacuum cleaner 10. The term vacuum cleaner 10 is intended to refer to any type of vacuum cleaner, including, but not limited to, manually operated vacuum cleaners and robotic vacuum cleaners. Non-limiting examples of manually operated vacuum cleaners include upright vacuum cleaners, canister vacuum cleaners, stick vacuum cleaners, and central vacuum systems. Thus, while various aspects of the present disclosure may be shown and / or described in the context of a manually operated vacuum cleaner or a robotic vacuum cleaner, it should be understood that the features disclosed herein apply to both manually operated vacuum cleaners and robotic vacuum cleaners unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0112] With this in mind, Figure 1 A bottom view of the vacuum cleaner 10 is generally shown. Figure 2 Generally shows along Figure 1 The cross section of the vacuum cleaner 10 is taken along the line II-II. It should be understood that Figure 1 and 2 The vacuum cleaner 10 shown in FIG. 1 is for exemplary purposes only, and a vacuum cleaner consistent with the present disclosure may not include Figure 1 and 2 All features shown in and / or may be included in Figure 1 and 2 1 and 12. Additional features not shown in the drawings. For exemplary purposes only, the vacuum cleaner 10 may include a cleaning head (which may also be referred to as a nozzle and / or cleaning nozzle) 12, and optionally a handle 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 14 is pivotally coupled to the cleaning head 12 so that a user can grip the handle 14 while standing to move the cleaning head 12 over a surface 114 (e.g., a floor) to be cleaned using one or more wheels 16. However, it should be understood that the cleaning head 12 and the handle 14 may be an integrated or unitary structure (e.g., a handheld vacuum cleaner). Alternatively, the handle 14 may be eliminated (e.g., in a robotic vacuum cleaner).

[0113] The cleaning head 12 includes a cleaning head body or housing 13 that at least partially defines / includes one or more agitator chambers 22. The agitator chamber 22 includes one or more openings (or air inlets) 23 that are defined within and / or by a portion of a bottom surface / plate 25 of the cleaning head 12 / cleaning head body 13. At least one rotating agitator or brush roller 18 is configured to be coupled to the cleaning head 12 (permanently or removably coupled to the cleaning head) and is configured to rotate within the agitator chamber 22 about a pivot axis 20 (e.g., in the direction of arrow A and / or in the opposite direction, Figure 2The rotation system 24 may be at least partially disposed in the vacuum head 12 and / or the handle 14 and may include one or more motors 26 (e.g., AC and / or DC motors) coupled to one or more belts and / or gear trains 28 for rotating the agitator 18.

[0114] The vacuum cleaner 10 includes a debris collection chamber 30 in fluid communication with the agitator chamber 22, so that debris collected by the rotating agitator 18 can be stored. The agitator chamber 22 and the debris chamber 30 can be fluidly connected to a vacuum source 32 (e.g., a suction motor, etc.) for generating an airflow (e.g., a partial vacuum) in the agitator chamber 22 and the debris collection chamber 30, thereby absorbing debris near the agitator chamber 22 and / or the agitator 18. As can be appreciated, the rotation of the agitator 18 can help to stir / loosen the debris from the cleaning surface. Optionally, one or more filters 34 can be provided to remove any debris (e.g., dust particles, etc.) entrained in the vacuum airflow. The debris chamber 30, the vacuum source 32, and / or the filter 34 can be at least partially located in the cleaning head 12 and / or the handle 14. In addition, one or more suction tubes, ducts, etc. 36 can be provided to fluidly connect the debris chamber 30, the vacuum source 32, and / or the filter 34. For example, the suction tube 36 may include a suction inlet and / or a suction opening 33, Figure 2 , which separates the suction tube 36 from the stirring chamber 22 (e.g., it is the inlet of the suction tube 36 from the stirring chamber 22). The vacuum cleaner 10 may include and / or may be configured to be electrically coupled to one or more power sources, such as, but not limited to, cords / plugs, batteries (e.g., rechargeable and / or non-rechargeable batteries), and / or circuits (e.g., AC / DC converters, voltage regulators, step-up / step-down transformers, etc.), to provide power to various components of the vacuum cleaner 10 (e.g., but not limited to, the rotation system 24 and / or the vacuum source 32).

[0115] The agitator 18 includes an elongated agitator body 40 configured to extend along and rotate about a longitudinal / pivot axis 20. The agitator 18 (e.g., but not limited to, one or more of the ends of the agitator 18) is permanently or removably coupled to the vacuum head 12 and is rotatable about the pivot axis 20 by the rotation system 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated agitator body 40 has a generally cylindrical cross-section, but other cross-sectional shapes (e.g., but not limited to, oval, hexagonal, rectangular, octagonal, concave, convex, etc.) are also possible. The agitator 18 may have bristles, fabrics, felt, fleece, lint, and / or other cleaning elements (or any combination thereof) 42 surrounding the exterior of the elongated agitator body 40. Examples of brush rollers and other agitators 18 are shown and described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 9,456,723 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0220082, which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

[0116] As the agitator 18 rotates within the agitation chamber 22, the agitator 18 may come into contact with elongated (or fibrous) debris, such as, but not limited to, hair, string, etc. The fibrous debris 44 may have a length that is much longer than the diameter of the agitator 18. By way of non-limiting example, the fibrous debris 44 may have a length that is 2-10 times longer than the diameter of the agitator 18. Due to the rotation of the agitator 18 and the length and flexibility of the fibrous debris 44, the fibrous debris 44 will tend to wrap around the diameter of the agitator 18.

[0117] As may be appreciated, excess fiber debris 44 accumulated on the agitator 18 may reduce the efficiency of the agitator 18 and / or cause damage to the vacuum cleaner 10 (e.g., the rotating system 24, etc.). To address the problem of fiber debris 44 being entangled around the agitator 18, the vacuum cleaner 10 may include one or more hair removal systems 49 and / or one or more combing units 50 (also referred to as a cleaner) disposed at least partially within the agitation chamber 22. As explained herein, the hair removal system 49 may be configured to move at least some of the fiber debris 44 entangled around the agitator 18 along (and optionally removed from) the agitator 18 as the agitator 18 rotates about the pivot axis 20. The combing unit 50 (which may optionally be used in combination with the hair removal system 49) may be configured to dislodge at least some of the fiber debris 44 entangled around the agitator 18, wherein the dislodged fiber debris 44 may be entrained into the suction air flow, through the suction tube 36, and ultimately to the debris collection chamber 30. The hair removal system 49 may include one or more ribs 116, bristles 60, and / or sidewalls 62 (e.g., elastically deformable sidewalls / flaps). At least one rib 116 (shown in phantom) may extend within the surface cleaning head 12 and may be configured to engage (e.g., contact) the agitator 18 so that fiber debris may be pushed toward one or more predetermined locations on the agitator 18. For example, at least one rib 116 may extend transversely (e.g., at a non-perpendicular angle) to the longitudinal axis L of the agitator 18 so that when fiber debris is entangled around the agitator 18, the fiber debris engages (e.g., contacts) the rib 116 and is pushed toward a predetermined location along the agitator 18. Although the vacuum cleaner 10 is shown with both the hair removal system 49 and the combing unit 50, it should be understood that some examples of the vacuum cleaner 10 may include only the hair removal system 49 or the combing unit 50.

[0118] Now go to Figure 3 , generally showing an example of a hair migration system 49. The hair migration system 49 may include a plurality of bristles 60 aligned in one or more rows or strips on the agitator 18. Alternatively (or in addition), the hair migration system 49 may include one or more side walls and / or continuous side walls (which may be referred to as flaps or elastically deformable flaps in some examples) 62 adjacent to at least one row of bristles 60. These rows of bristles 60 and / or continuous side walls 62 are configured to reduce hair entanglement in the bristles 60 of the agitator 18. Optionally, the combination of the bristles and side walls 62 may be configured to generate an Archimedean screw force that pushes / causes the hair to migrate toward one or more collection areas of the agitator 18 (for example, but not limited to, the central area 41 of the agitator 18). The bristles 60 may include a plurality of bristle tufts 60 arranged in rows and / or one or more rows of continuous bristles 60.

[0119] A plurality of bristles 60 extend outwardly (e.g., generally radially outwardly) from the elongated agitator body 40 (e.g., a base portion) to define one or more continuous rows. One or more of the continuous rows of bristles 60 can be coupled (permanently or removably coupled) to the elongated agitator body 40 using one or more form-locking connections (e.g., but not limited to, tongue and groove connections, T-groove connections, etc.), interference connections (e.g., interference fit, press fit, friction fit, Morse taper, etc.), adhesives, fastener overmolding, etc.

[0120] The rows of bristles 60 rotate at least partially about and extend along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis / pivot axis 20 of the elongated agitator body 40 of the agitator 18. As defined herein, a continuous row of bristles 60 is defined as a plurality of bristles 60 wherein the spacing between adjacent bristles 60 along the axis of rotation 20 is less than or equal to 3 times the maximum cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) of the bristles 60.

[0121] As mentioned above, the plurality of bristles 60 are aligned with and / or define at least one row that at least partially rotates about and extends along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis / pivot axis 20 of the elongated agitator body 40 of the agitator 18. For example, at least one of the rows of bristles 60 may be arranged in a generally spiral, arcuate, and / or V-shaped configuration / pattern / shape. Optionally, one or more of the rows of bristles 60 (e.g., the entire row or a portion thereof) may have a constant pitch (e.g., a constant spiral pitch). Alternatively (or in addition), one or more of the rows of bristles 60 (e.g., the entire row or a portion thereof) may have a variable pitch (e.g., a variable spiral pitch). For example, at least a portion of the rows of bristles 60 may have a variable pitch that is configured to accelerate the migration of hair and / or generally direct debris toward a desired location (e.g., the central area 41 of the agitator 18 and / or toward the primary inlet 33 of the suction tube 36).

[0122] In one example, at least one row of bristles 60 can be arranged close to (e.g., immediately adjacent to) at least one side wall 62. The side wall 62 can be arranged as close as possible to the nearest row of bristles 60 while still allowing the bristles 60 to bend freely from left to right. For example, one or more of the side walls 62 can extend substantially continuously along the row of bristles 60. In one embodiment, the side wall 62 can have a length that is at least the same as the length of an adjacent row of bristles 60. The side wall 62 can extend substantially parallel to at least one of the multiple rows of bristles 60. As used herein, the term "substantially parallel" is intended to mean that the separation distance between the side wall 62 and the row of bristles 60 is maintained within 25% of the maximum separation distance along the entire longitudinal length of the row of bristles 60, for example, within 20% of the maximum separation distance along the entire longitudinal length of the row of bristles 60 and / or within 15% of the maximum separation distance along the entire longitudinal length of the row of bristles 60. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "proximate to" is intended to mean that no other structural features or elements having a height greater than the height of the side wall 62 are disposed between the side wall 62 and the nearest row of bristles 60, and that the separation distance D between the side wall 62 and the nearest row of bristles 60 is less than or equal to 5 mm (e.g., less than or equal to 3 mm, less than or equal to 2.5 mm, less than or equal to 1.5 mm, and / or any range between 1.5 mm and 3 mm).

[0123] One or more of the side walls 62 can thus at least partially rotate about and extend along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis / pivot axis 20 of the elongated agitator body 40 of the agitator 18. For example, at least one of the side walls 62 can be arranged in a generally spiral, arcuate, and / or V-shaped configuration / pattern / shape. Optionally, one or more of the side walls 62 (e.g., an entire row or a portion thereof) can have a constant pitch (e.g., a constant spiral pitch). Alternatively (or in addition), one or more of the side walls 62 (e.g., an entire row or a portion thereof) can have a variable pitch (e.g., a variable spiral pitch).

[0124] Although the agitator 18 is shown as having a row of bristles 60 with the sidewall 62 disposed behind the row of bristles 60 when the agitator 18 rotates about the pivot axis 20, the agitator 18 may include one or more sidewalls 62 in front of the row of bristles 60, behind the row of bristles 60, and / or without the row of bristles 60. As described above, one or more of the sidewalls 62 may be disposed behind the row of bristles 60. Figure 36 and 7. The sidewalls 62 may extend outwardly from a portion of the elongated agitator body 40 as generally shown in FIG. 6. For example, one or more of the sidewalls 62 may extend outwardly from a base of the elongated agitator body 40 to which the row of bristles 60 is coupled, and / or may extend outwardly from a portion of the outer periphery of the elongated agitator body 40. Alternatively (or in addition), one or more of the sidewalls 62 may extend inwardly from a portion of the elongated agitator body 40. For example, a radially distal-most portion of the sidewall 62 may be disposed at a radial distance from the pivot axis 20 of the elongated agitator body 40 that is within 20% of the radial distance of the adjacent surrounding periphery of the elongated agitator body 40, and a proximal-most portion of the sidewall 62 (i.e., the portion of the sidewall 62 that begins to extend away from the base) may be disposed at a radial distance that is less than the radial distance of the adjacent surrounding periphery of the elongated agitator body 40. As used herein, the term "adjacent surrounding periphery" is intended to refer to a portion of the periphery of the elongated agitator body 40 that is within 30 degrees about the pivot axis 20.

[0125] In some examples, the agitator 18 may include at least one row of bristles 60 that is substantially parallel to at least one side wall 62. According to one embodiment, at least a portion (e.g., all) of the bristles 60 in a row may have a total height Hb (e.g., the height measured from the pivot axis 20) that is longer than the total height Hs (e.g., the height measured from the pivot axis 20) of at least one of the adjacent side walls 62. Alternatively (or additionally), at least a portion (e.g., all) of the bristles 60 in a row may have a height Hb that is longer than the height Hs of at least one of the adjacent side walls 62, i.e., 2-3 mm (e.g., but not limited to 2.5 mm). Alternatively (or additionally), the height Hs of at least one of the adjacent side walls 62 may be 60% to 100% of the height Hb of at least a portion (e.g., all) of the bristles 60 in the row. For example, the bristles 60 may have a height Hb in the range of 12 to 32 mm (e.g., but not limited to, in the range of 18 to 20.5 mm), and the adjacent side wall 62 may have a height Hs in the range of 10 to 29 mm (e.g., but not limited to, in the range of 15 to 18 mm).

[0126] The bristles 60 may have a height Hb that extends at least 2 mm beyond the farthest end of the sidewall 62. The sidewall 62 may have a height Hs of at least 2 mm from the base, and may have a height Hs of at most 50% or less of the height Hb of the bristles 60. At least one sidewall 62 may be positioned close enough to at least one row of bristles 60 to increase the stiffness (e.g., reduce the range or movement) of the bristles 60 in at least one front-to-back direction when the agitator 18 rotates during normal use. The sidewall 62 may thus allow the bristles 60 to flex more freely in at least one lateral direction than in the front-to-back direction. For example, the bristles 60 may be 25%-40% (including all values ​​and ranges therein) stiffer in the front-to-back direction than in the lateral direction. According to one embodiment, the sidewall 62 may be positioned adjacent to (e.g., in close proximity to) the row of bristles 60. For example, the farthest end of the side wall 62 (i.e., the end of the side wall 62 farthest from the rotation center PA) can be 0-10 mm away from the row of bristles 60, for example, 1-9 mm away from the row of bristles 60, 2-7 mm away from the row of bristles 60, and / or 1-5 mm away from the row of bristles 60, including all ranges and values ​​therein.

[0127] In another example, at least a portion (e.g., all) of the bristles 60 in a row may have a total height Hb shorter than the total height Hs of at least one of the adjacent side walls 62. Alternatively (or additionally), at least a portion (e.g., all) of the bristles 60 in a row may have a height Hb shorter than the height Hs of at least one of the adjacent side walls 62, i.e., 2-3 mm (e.g., but not limited to, 2.5 mm). Alternatively (or additionally), the height Hb of at least a portion (e.g., all) of the bristles 60 in a row may be 60% to 100% of the height Hs of at least one of the adjacent side walls 62. For example, the bristles 60 may have a height Hb in the range of 10 to 29 mm (e.g., but not limited to, in the range of 15 to 18 mm), and the adjacent side walls 62 may have a height Hs in the range of 12 to 32 mm (e.g., but not limited to, in the range of 18 to 20.5 mm). The side walls 62 may have a height Hs that extends at least 2 mm beyond the farthest end of the bristles 60. The bristles may have a height Hb of at least 2 mm from the base, and may have a height Hb of at most 50% or less of the height Hs of the side wall 62 .

[0128] According to one embodiment, the side wall 62 includes a flexible and / or elastic material, and can generally be referred to as a flap and / or an elastically deformable flap. Examples of flexible and / or elastic materials include (but are not limited to) rubber, silicone and / or the like. The side wall 62 may include a combination of a flexible material and a fabric. The combination of a flexible material and a fabric can reduce the wear of the side wall 62, thereby increasing the service life of the side wall 62, and providing an additional method for cleaning and stirring. The rubber may include natural and / or synthetic rubber, and may be thermoplastic and / or thermosetting plastic. Rubber and / or silicone may be combined with polyester fabric and / or nylon fabric (e.g., PA66). In one embodiment, the side wall 62 may include cast rubber and fabric (e.g., polyester fabric). The cast rubber may include natural rubber cast together with the polyester fabric. Alternatively (or in addition), the cast rubber may include polyurethane (e.g., but not limited to PU 45 Shore A) and cast together with the polyester fabric.

[0129] Because the sidewall 62 can be assembled on a spiral path, it may be desirable for the top and bottom edges of the sidewall 62 to follow different spiral portions having different spiral radii, respectively. When selecting a flexible material with reinforcements to pass life requirements, the stretch required along these edges should be considered so that the position of the sidewall 62 after assembly is consistent with the different spiral radii and spiral paths of each edge (because the fiber material of the composite sidewall 62 can reduce the flexibility of the sidewall 62). If this requirement is not met, the distal end of the sidewall 62 may not be positioned at a constant distance from the bristles 60 (e.g., within 10 mm as described herein). Therefore, the geometry and material selection of the sidewall 62 may be selected to meet the space / position requirements of the sidewall 62, the flexibility required to perform the anti-entanglement function, and the durability to withstand normal use of the vacuum cleaner. The addition of fabric can be used for higher agitator speed applications (for example, but not limited to, upright vacuum applications).

[0130] The agitator 18 (e.g., bristles 60 and / or sidewalls 62) should be aligned within the agitator chamber 22 so that the bristles 60 and / or sidewalls 62 can contact the surface to be cleaned. The bristles 60 and / or sidewalls 62 should be hard enough in at least one direction to engage the surface to be cleaned (e.g., but not limited to, carpet fibers) without undesirable bending (e.g., hard enough to stir debris from the carpet), but also soft enough to allow lateral bending. The size (e.g., height Hs) and position of the sidewalls 62 relative to the row of bristles 60 can be configured to generally prevent and / or reduce hair from becoming tangled around the base or bottom of the bristles 60. The bristles 60 can be sized so that when used on a hard floor, they sweep the floor during use. However, when the surface cleaning device 10 is on a carpet, the wheel will sink and the bristles 60 and / or sidewalls 62 will penetrate the carpet. The length of the bristles 60 and / or sidewalls 62 can be selected so that it always contacts the floor, regardless of the floor surface. Additional details of the agitator 18 (e.g., but not limited to, bristles 60 and / or sidewalls 62) are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0070785, entitled “Agitator for Hair Removal,” filed on September 8, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0131] As mentioned herein, the hair removal system 49 (e.g., a combination of bristles 60 and / or sidewalls 62) can be configured to remove fiber debris 44 in a desired and / or targeted direction and / or to a desired location. According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the hair removal system 49 is configured to remove fiber debris 44 toward the combing unit 50 and / or toward an area of ​​the agitator 18 proximate to the inlet of the suction tube 36, which is fluidly coupled to the mixing chamber 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the hair removal system 49 is configured to move the fiber debris 44 toward the central area 41 of the agitator 18 (e.g., which is proximate to the combing unit 50) and the primary inlet 33 of the suction tube 36 when the agitator 18 rotates within the mixing chamber 22. Figure 4-6 ) Migrate fiber debris 44. For example, the hair migration system 49 can be configured to migrate fiber debris 44 along the agitator 18 toward the combing unit 50 to allow the combing unit 50 to remove fiber debris 44 from the agitator 18, whereby the fiber debris 44 can be entrained in the suction air flow into the suction duct 36.

[0132] In at least one example, the hair migration system 49 may include a first hair migration section and at least a second (e.g., left and right) hair migration section 66, 67. Each hair migration section 66, 67 may include one or more sidewalls 62 and / or bristles 60 as generally described herein. The sidewalls 62 and / or bristles 60 of one or more hair migration sections 66, 67 may have a generally spiral pattern and / or a generally V-shaped pattern. According to one aspect, at least a portion of the hair migration sections 66, 67 may partially overlap in the overlap region 69. In the example shown, only the sidewalls 62 overlap; however, it should be understood that only the bristles 60 may overlap and / or both the sidewalls 62 and the bristles 60 may partially overlap. As used herein, when the agitator 18 rotates in the agitator chamber 22 around the pivot axis 20, if the sidewalls 62 and / or bristles 60 of adjacent hair migration sections 66, 67 pass through a radial cross section, the hair migration sections 66, 67 are considered to overlap. The amount and / or degree of overlap (i.e., the size of the overlap region 69) can vary depending on the intended application. For example, the size of the overlap region 69 can vary depending on the length of the combing unit 50, the total length of the agitator 18, the rotation speed of the agitator 18, etc. According to one embodiment, the size of the overlap region 69 can be 10-30 mm, and the agitator 18 can have a length of 225 mm. According to another embodiment, the size of the overlap region 69 can be 4-20% of the length of the agitator 18. Of course, these are just examples.

[0133] Optionally, the height of one or more of the sidewalls 62 and / or bristles 60 may taper in at least a portion of the overlap region 69. The reduced height of the sidewalls 62 and / or bristles 60 in the overlap region 69 may facilitate removal of the fiber debris 44 from the agitator 18 by reducing the compressive force that the fiber debris 44 applies to the agitator 18.

[0134] Although the hair transport system 49 is shown as having two adjacent hair transport sections 66, 67, each of which extends across only a portion of the length of the agitator 18, it should be understood that the hair transport system 49 may have more or less than two transport sections 66, 67. For example, the hair transport system 49 may include one or more continuous hair transport sections extending substantially along the entire length of the agitator 18. Specifically, the elongated hair transport sections may have a generally spiral and / or generally V-shaped pattern that may change direction at a target location so as to migrate from both ends of the agitator 18 toward the target location.

[0135] Now go to Figure 4-6 , generally shows an example of a combing unit 50. Specifically, Figure 4 Generally shows along Figure 1 The perspective cross-sectional view is taken along the line IV-IV of FIG. 1 , and for the sake of clarity, the agitator 18 is not shown. Figure 5 Generally shows along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of Figure 6 Generally shows along Figure 2 VI-VI of the cross-sectional view, and for the sake of clarity, the agitator 18 is not shown. Although only a single combing unit 50 is shown, it should be understood that the vacuum cleaner 10 may include a plurality of combing units 50.

[0136] The combing unit 50 can be at least partially disposed in the agitator chamber 22 and can include a plurality of fingers, ribs, and / or teeth 52 that form a comb-like structure configured to contact a portion of the length of the agitator 18 (e.g., bristles 60 and / or sidewalls 62 as discussed herein). The fingers 52 are configured to extend (e.g., protrude) from a portion of the vacuum cleaner 10 (e.g., but not limited to, the body 13, the agitator chamber 22, the bottom surface 25, and / or the debris collection chamber 30) generally toward the agitator 18, such that at least a portion of the fingers 52 contact end portions of the bristles 60 and / or one or more of the sidewalls 62. Rotation of the agitator 18 causes the fingers 52 of the combing unit 50 to pass between the plurality of bristles 60 and / or contact one or more of the sidewalls 62, thereby preventing hair from becoming tangled on the agitator 18. It should be understood that the shapes or fingers, ribs, and / or teeth 52 are not limited to those shown and / or described in this application unless specifically claimed.

[0137] According to one embodiment, at least some fingers 52 (e.g., all fingers 52) extend generally toward agitator 18 such that the distal ends of fingers 52 are within 2 mm of sidewall 62 as sidewall 62 rotates past fingers 52. Thus, fingers 52 may or may not contact sidewall 62.

[0138] Alternatively (or additionally), at least some of the fingers 52 (e.g., all of the fingers 52) extend generally toward the agitator 18 such that the distal-most ends of the fingers 52 contact (e.g., overlap) the sidewall 62 as the sidewall 62 rotates past the fingers 52. For example, the distal-most ends of the fingers 52 may contact the distal-most end of the sidewall 62 by up to 3 mm, such as 1-3 mm from the distal-most end of the sidewall 62, 0.5-3 mm from the distal-most end of the sidewall 62, up to 2 mm from the distal-most end of the sidewall 62, and / or 2 mm from the distal-most end of the sidewall 62, including all ranges and values ​​therein.

[0139] The fingers 52 may be placed along all or a portion of the longitudinal length L of the combing unit 50, for example, uniformly or randomly spaced along the longitudinal length L. According to one embodiment, the density of the fingers 52 (e.g., the number of fingers 52 per inch) may be in the range of 0.5-16 fingers 52 per inch, for example, but not limited to 1-16 fingers 52 per inch, 2-16 fingers 52 per inch, 4 to 16 fingers 52 per inch, and / or 7-9 fingers 52 per inch, including all ranges and values ​​therein. For example, the fingers 52 may have a 2-5 mm center-to-center spacing, a 3-4 mm center-to-center spacing, a 3.25 mm center-to-center spacing, a 1-26 mm center-to-center spacing, up to a 127 mm center-to-center spacing, up to a 102 mm center-to-center spacing, up to a 76 mm center-to-center spacing, up to a 50 mm center-to-center spacing, a 2-26 mm center-to-center spacing, a 2-50.8 mm center-to-center spacing, and / or a 1.58-25.4 mm center-to-center spacing, including all ranges and values ​​therein.

[0140] The width of the fingers 52 (e.g., also referred to as teeth) can be configured to occupy a minimum width constrained by manufacturing and strength requirements. The reduced width of the fingers 52 can minimize wear on the agitator 18 and facilitate airflow between the fingers 52 for cleaning hair. The common width of the plastic fingers 52 can be 30% or less of the total width of the combing unit 50, particularly when the combing unit 50 is plastic.

[0141] The width of the finger 52 along the profile and the brush roller axis 20 can be based on structural and molding requirements. The profile of the distal end of the finger 52 can be arcuate (e.g., rounded) or can form a sharp end (e.g., the front edge and the rear edge can intersect at an inflection point to form an acute angle). According to one embodiment, the profile of the distal end of the finger 52 can be rounded and smooth based on material and production factors. For example, for a 28 mm diameter agitator 18, the diameter of the profile of the distal end of the finger 52 can be 0.6-2.5 mm (e.g., but not limited to, 1-2 mm diameter and / or 1.6 mm diameter).

[0142] The root gap of the fingers 52 (e.g., the transition between adjacent fingers 52) may have a radial gap of 0 to 25% of the major diameter of the agitator 18. For example, the root gap of the fingers 52 may be 2-7% of the major diameter of the agitator 18, such as, but not limited to, 3-6% of the major diameter of the agitator 18 and / or 5.4% of the major diameter of the agitator 18. As a non-limiting example, the root gap of the fingers 52 may be a 1.5 mm gap for a 28 mm agitator 18.

[0143] Although the fingers 52 are shown as being spaced apart in a direction extending along the longitudinal length L of the combing unit 50 that is generally parallel to the pivot axis 20 of the agitator 18, it should be understood that all or a portion of the fingers 52 may extend along one or more axes (e.g., multiple axes) in one or more directions transverse to the pivot axis 20 (e.g., in a V-shape, for example, but not limited to).

[0144] The combing unit 50 extends across only a portion of the length of the stirring chamber 22, for example a portion corresponding to the primary suction inlet 33 of the suction pipe 36. At least one combing unit 50 may be disposed proximate to the primary suction inlet 33 of the suction pipe 36. As used herein, the phrase "proximate to the primary suction inlet 33 of the suction pipe 36" and the like are intended to mean that the combing unit 50 is disposed within and / or upstream of the primary suction inlet 33 of the suction pipe 36 at a distance less than 20% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the primary suction inlet 33 of the suction pipe 36.

[0145] In the example shown, the vacuum cleaner 10 is shown with a primary suction inlet 33 (at Figure 6 ) and two adjacent secondary suction inlets 71 that extend laterally (e.g., left and right) from the primary suction inlet 33 along the length of the stirring chamber 22. The primary suction inlet 33 and the secondary suction inlet 71 of the suction duct 36 are defined as a transition area between the stirring chamber 22 and the suction duct 36, which defines the beginning end of the suction path from the stirring chamber 22. Although the vacuum cleaner 10 is shown as having only a single primary suction inlet 33 and two adjacent secondary suction inlets 71, it should be understood that the vacuum cleaner 10 may have less than or more than two secondary suction inlets 71 and / or more than one primary suction inlet 33. In embodiments having more than one primary suction inlet 33, the vacuum cleaner 10 may optionally include more than one combing unit 50. In addition, the vacuum cleaner 10 may not have any secondary suction inlets 71.

[0146] The primary suction inlet 33 of the suction tube 36 is defined as having a height greater than the height of the adjacent secondary suction inlet 71. Therefore, the primary suction inlet 33 can have a greater pressure (but a lower velocity) than the secondary suction inlet 71. For example, the secondary suction inlet 71 can have a height less than 25% of the height of the primary suction inlet 33, for example, the secondary suction inlet 71 can have a height less than 20% of the height of the primary suction inlet 33; the secondary suction inlet 71 can have a height less than 15% of the height of the primary suction inlet 33; and / or the secondary suction inlet 71 can have a height less than 10% of the height of the primary suction inlet 33, including all values ​​and ranges therein. The primary suction inlets 33 collectively have a length less than the length of the stirring chamber 22. For example, the common length of the primary suction inlets 33 is less than 80% of the length of the stirring chamber 22, for example, the common length of the primary suction inlets 33 may be less than 60% of the length of the stirring chamber 22; the common length of the primary suction inlets 33 may be less than 50% of the length of the stirring chamber 22; the common length of the primary suction inlets 33 may be less than 40% of the length of the stirring chamber 22; and / or the common length of the primary suction inlets 33 may be less than 30% of the length of the stirring chamber 22, including all values ​​and ranges therein.

[0147] According to one aspect, when the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed on a surface to be cleaned, the upper surface of the secondary suction inlet 71 can be placed 3-5 mm from the surface to be cleaned. The secondary suction inlet 71 can be configured to extend from the primary suction inlet 33 substantially across the entire length of the stirring chamber 22. This configuration can enhance the suction of the vacuum cleaner 10 by reducing and / or eliminating dead zones within the stirring chamber 22, where the airflow is too low to entrain debris. Additionally (or alternatively), the upper surface of the primary suction inlet 33 can be 12-18 mm (e.g., 15 mm) from the upper surface of the secondary suction inlet 71 (e.g., 15-21 mm from the ground).

[0148] As discussed herein, the fingers 52 of the combing unit 50 can be configured to contact the agitator 18, for example, the bristles 60 and / or the sidewalls 62. According to one aspect, the fingers 52 of the combing unit 50 can all have the same Figure 4-6 . According to one aspect, the fingers 52 can have a height of 8-10 mm, and the combing unit 50 can have an overall length of 30-40 mm (e.g., but not limited to 35 mm). The plurality of fingers 52 of the combing unit 50 can extend across the entire length of the upper portion of the primary suction inlet 33. Alternatively, one or more of the fingers 52 can have a different length. For example, one or more of the fingers 52' on the lateral region 73 can have a longer length, generally as shown in FIG. Figure 7In other words, one or more fingers 52' corresponding to the lateral region 73 may have a length measurement that is greater than the teeth 52 corresponding to the central region 77. As a further example, one or more fingers 52' within the lateral region 73 may have a length measurement that is less than the one or more fingers 52 within the central region 77. Fig. 7A , an example of a combing unit 93 having a plurality of fingers 94 is shown, wherein a portion of the plurality of fingers 94 corresponding to a central region 95 of the combing unit 93 has a length 96 measured to be greater than a length 96 of a portion of the plurality of fingers 94 corresponding to a lateral region 97. Fig. 7A As shown, the central region 95 extends between each of the lateral regions 97. The length 98 of the central region 95 may be measured to be in the range of 20% to 60% of the length 99 of the combing unit 93.

[0149] Now go to Figure 8 , the present disclosure may also feature a plurality of segmented agitator chambers 80. Specifically, the segmented agitator chamber 80 may extend between the agitator 18 and an inner wall 82 defining the agitator chamber 22. The pressure within the segmented agitator chamber 80 may be higher and / or lower than the pressure within the remaining sections of the agitator chamber 22 (e.g., the pressure of the agitator chamber 22 proximate the opening 23) and / or the pressure within the suction tube 36. The segmented agitator chamber 80 may be defined by a sidewall 62 and / or bristles 60 extending from the agitator body 40 and contacting the inner wall 82 of the agitator chamber 22. Specifically, the bristles 60 and / or the sidewall 62 may form a partial seal with the inner wall 82. The shape, size, and pattern of the bristles 60 and / or the sidewall 62 may be used to adjust the pressure within the segmented agitator chamber 80 as the agitator 18 rotates about the pivot axis 20. While the illustrated example is shown as having four segmented agitator chambers 80 , it should be appreciated that the vacuum cleaner 10 may have more or less than four segmented agitator chambers 80 .

[0150] Now go to Fig. 9 , which generally shows that it can be Figure 1 18 is a schematic diagram of an agitator 200 of an example of an agitator 18. As shown, the agitator 200 includes at least one elastically deformable flap 202 (which can be an example of a side wall 62) that spirally extends around an elongated body 203 of the agitator 200 in the direction of a longitudinal axis 204 of the agitator 200. As discussed herein, the agitator 200 may not include any bristles; however, it should be understood that the agitator 200 may optionally include bristles in addition to the flap 202 (or without the flap).

[0151] The flap 202 can be generally described as a continuous strip extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the elongated body 203 of the agitator 200 and in a direction away from the elongated body. In some cases, the flap 202 can extend longitudinally along the elongated body 203 for a majority of the length 205 of the elongated body 203 (e.g., at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99%). The flap 202 is configured to engage (e.g., contact) the surface to be cleaned when the agitator 200 is rotated so that debris is removed, for example, by the agitator 200. Figure 1 The vacuum cleaner 10 is pushed in the direction of the opening / air inlet 23 .

[0152] In some cases, the fold 202 can extend spirally around the body 203 of the agitator 200 according to a first direction. In other cases, the fold 202 can extend spirally around the body 203 of the agitator 200 according to first and second directions so as to form at least one V-shape.

[0153] When the flap 202 extends around the elongated body 203 of the agitator 200, the spiral shape of the flap 202 can be configured to push fiber debris toward one or more predetermined locations along the agitator 200. For example, when fiber debris such as hair is tangled around the agitator 200, the flap 202 may contact the surface to be cleaned and / or the surface to be cleaned according to the spiral shape of the flap 202. Figure 1 Engagement (eg, contact) of the ribs 116 may cause the fiber debris to be pushed along the agitator 200 .

[0154] Fig.10 A schematic example of a plurality of ribs 300 is shown, which can be an example of a rib 116 that engages (e.g., contacts) an agitator 200. As shown, each of the ribs 300 extends transversely to the longitudinal axis 204 of the agitator 200 at a non-perpendicular angle and is configured to engage (e.g., contact) at least a portion of the flap 202. For example, a rib angle α formed between the longitudinal axis 204 and a corresponding one or more of the ribs 300 can be measured in a range of about 30° to about 60°. As the number of ribs 300 increases and the rib angle α decreases, the rate at which fiber debris is propelled along the agitator 200 can increase.

[0155] In some cases, the ribs 300 can be configured to extend at least partially around the agitator 200. Thus, the ribs 300 can have an arcuate shape. This configuration can increase the amount of engagement (e.g., contact) between the flap 202 and the ribs 300. The ribs 300 are configured to deform the flap 202 in response to the flap 202 engaging (e.g., contacting) the ribs 300. For example, the ribs 300 can be made of plastic (e.g., acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), metal (e.g., aluminum or steel alloy), and / or any other suitable material, and the flap 202 can be made of rubber (e.g., natural or synthetic rubber) and / or any other suitable material.

[0156] In some cases, each of the ribs 300 can extend parallel to each other. In other cases, one or more of the ribs 300 may not extend parallel to at least one other of the ribs 300 (e.g., at least one rib 300 may extend transverse to at least one other rib 300). As shown, in some cases, each of the ribs 300 can be evenly spaced. In other cases, the ribs 300 can be unevenly spaced. For example, the separation distance 301 extending between the ribs 300 can decrease or increase in a migration direction 304 extending along the longitudinal axis 204 of the agitator 200. The migration direction 304 can generally be described as the direction in which the fiber debris is pushed.

[0157] As shown, each of the ribs 300 can be oriented such that at least a portion of at least one rib 300 overlaps at least a portion of at least one other rib 300 (e.g., a longitudinal position along a first rib corresponds to a longitudinal position along an adjacent rib). Thus, an overlapping region 303 can extend between two adjacent ribs 300. The overlapping region 303 can result in substantially continuous pushing of fiber debris along the migration direction 304.

[0158] When the agitator 200 rotates according to the rotation direction 302, the flap 202 engages (e.g., contacts) a portion of at least one of the ribs 300 and moves along the peripheral edge of the ribs 300. The mutual engagement between the ribs 300 and the flap 202 pushes the fiber debris in the migration direction 304.

[0159] In some cases, there may be multiple migration directions 304. For example, agitator 200 may be configured to push fiber debris toward opposite ends of agitator 200. Migration directions 304 may be based at least in part on the helical pitch of flaps 202, direction of rotation 302, and / or rib angle α.

[0160] Fig.11A schematic illustration of a plurality of ribs 400, which may be examples of ribs 116, is shown engaging (eg, contacting) an agitator 401, which may be an example of a rib 116. Fig. 9 As shown in the figure, the rotation direction 402 and the migration direction 404 are Fig.10 Thus, the migration directions 304 and 404 can generally be described as being based at least in part on the orientation of the ribs 300 and 400.

[0161] Fig.12 A schematic cross-sectional end view of a surface cleaning head 500 is shown, which may be Figure 1 12. As shown, the surface cleaning head 500 includes an agitator chamber 502 configured to receive an agitator 504, which may be Fig. 9 504 includes a plurality of folds 506, and the surface cleaning head 500 includes at least one rib 508 configured to engage (e.g., contact) the plurality of folds 506. As shown, at least one rib 508 extends from the inner surface 501 of the agitator chamber 502. For example, at least one rib 508 can be formed by or coupled to at least a portion of the surface cleaning head 500.

[0162] When the flap 506 engages (e.g., contacts) at least one rib 508, an overlap distance 512 between the rib 508 and the flap 506 can be measured from the engagement surface 516 of the at least one rib 508 to the most distal portion of the flap 506 adjacent to the rib 508. For example, the overlap distance 512 can be measured to have a maximum value within a range of about 1 millimeter (mm) to about 3 mm. As another example, the overlap distance 512 can be measured to have a maximum value within a range of about 1 mm to about 2 mm.

[0163] In the case of multiple ribs 508, the measure of the height 514 of one or more ribs 508 may be different than at least one other rib 508. Thus, the overlap distance 512 may be configured to vary between the ribs 508. Additionally or alternatively, the measure of the length 510 of the engagement surface 516 may be different than at least one other rib 508. Alternatively, the measure of the height 514 of each rib 508 and / or the measure of the length 510 of the engagement surface 516 may be substantially the same.

[0164] In some cases, a friction increasing material can be coupled to at least a portion of engagement surface 516. For example, rubber (e.g., natural or synthetic rubber) can extend along at least a portion of engagement surface 516. This configuration can improve the rate at which the fiber material is propelled along agitator 504.

[0165] Fig.13 A schematic cross-sectional perspective view of a surface cleaning head 500 is shown. As shown, the surface cleaning head 500 can include a plurality of ribs 508, each rib being configured to engage (e.g., contact) a flap 506. As shown, the ribs 508 are configured to extend at least partially around at least a portion of the agitator 504.

[0166] Fig.14 A perspective view of a surface cleaning head 700 is shown, which may be Figure 1 12. The surface cleaning head 700 may include a blender cover 702 having a plurality of ribs 704 (shown in dotted lines) extending therefrom. The blender cover 702 may be coupled to the surface cleaning head 700 or may be integrally formed by the surface cleaning head so that the blender cover 702 defines at least a portion of the blender chamber in which the blender (e.g., blender 18) rotates. In some cases, the blender cover 702 may be invisible to the user of the surface cleaning head 700 and may have a length measured to be less than the length of the blender. For example, the surface cleaning head 700 may include a plurality of blender covers 702, wherein each blender cover 702 corresponds to the respective distal end of the blender, and the combined length of the blender cover 702 is measured to be less than the total length of the blender. Fig.14A An example of a blender cover 710 is shown having a length measured less than the overall length of the blender. Fig. 14B An example of an agitator chamber 712 of a robotic cleaner is shown having a plurality of agitator covers 710 disposed therein at relatively distal ends of the agitator chamber 712. The agitator covers 710 include ribs 714 and may be coupled to or integrally formed with the agitator chamber 712 such that the ribs 714 are positioned to engage at least a portion of the agitator. In other words, the agitator chamber 712 includes ribs at relatively distal ends of the agitator chamber 712. By positioning the agitator covers 710 at relatively distal ends of the agitator chamber 712, migration of fiber debris on the ends of the agitator (e.g., into bearings and / or shafts) may be reduced and / or prevented while reducing wear on the agitator.

[0167] The ribs 704 are configured to engage (e.g., contact) an agitator (e.g., agitator 18) disposed within the surface cleaning head 700 so that fiber debris (e.g., hair) entangled about the agitator can be pushed toward one or more locations along the agitator at least partially by the ribs 704.

[0168] In some cases, the ribs 704 may extend along only a portion of the blender cover 702. For example, the ribs 704 may extend along a central portion of the blender cover 702 (e.g., a portion corresponding to 20% to 60% of the length of the blender cover 702 that is substantially centered between the distal ends of the blender cover 702). As another example, the ribs 704 may extend along one or more distal portions of the blender cover 702 (e.g., a portion corresponding to 15% to 40% of the length of the blender cover 702 that is proximate to or extends from the distal end of the blender cover 702).

[0169] Although the ribs 704 are shown as being disposed along the agitator cover 702, the ribs 704 may be disposed elsewhere within the surface cleaning head 700. Thus, the ribs 704 may generally be described as being disposed within the surface cleaning head 700 such that the ribs 704 are fixed relative to the agitator when the agitator rotates. For example, the ribs 704 may be disposed along the sidewalls of the surface cleaning head 700. In these cases, when the agitator cover 702 is transparent and visible to the user, the ribs 704 may not obstruct the agitator from being seen through the agitator cover 702.

[0170] Fig.15 and 16 They are shown respectively Fig.14 8. As shown, the plurality of ribs 704 each extend parallel to one another and (e.g., at a non-perpendicular angle) transverse to the longitudinal axis 800 of the agitator cover 702. The ribs 704 can generally be described as being oriented to push fiber debris toward a single distal end of the agitator.

[0171] Fig.17 and 18 Shows that it can be Fig.14 1000 is a perspective view and a bottom view of an agitator cover 1000 for use with a surface cleaning head 700 of the present invention. As shown, the agitator cover 1000 includes a plurality of ribs 1002. The ribs 1002 are configured to engage (e.g., contact) an agitator (e.g., agitator 18) so that fiber debris is pushed toward at least one predetermined position between the distal ends of the agitator (e.g., toward the center of the agitator). As shown, at least one of the ribs 1002 extends transversely to at least one other of the ribs 1002. Therefore, the transverse ribs 1002 can be generally described as collectively defining a V-shape. In some cases, the agitator may include one or more folds that extend spirally around the elongated body of the agitator according to a first and second direction, such that the one or more folds define a V-shape.

[0172] Fig.19 A side view of a rib 1200 is shown, which may be Figure 1 1200. The ribs 116 may have an arcuate shape that extends at least partially around an agitator (e.g., agitator 18) in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the agitator (e.g., at a non-perpendicular angle). Thus, the ribs 1200 may generally be described as extending helically around the elongated body of the agitator. In some cases, the ribs 1200 may be coupled to a surface cleaning head (e.g., surface cleaning head 12) such that the ribs 1200 are fixed relative to the agitator and push the fiber debris toward a predetermined location.

[0173] Fig. 20 A schematic example of an agitator 1300 is shown, which may be Figure 1 18. As shown, the agitator 1300 includes a plurality of folds 1302 and a plurality of bristle strips 1304 extending substantially parallel to the corresponding folds 1302. The bristle strips 1304 may include a plurality of individual bristles extending from an elongated body 1305 of the agitator 1300.

[0174] The bristle height 1306 can be measured to be less than the flap height 1308. For example, the bristle height 1306 can be such that when the agitator 1300 is in a position such as Figure 1 When the surface cleaning head 12 of the surface cleaning head is rotated within the surface cleaning head, the bristle strip 1304 does not engage (e.g., contact) one or more ribs that are configured to push fiber debris along the agitator 1300. As another example, in some cases, the bristle strip height 1306 can be measured so that the portion of the bristles that engage (e.g., contact) one or more ribs is measured to be less than the portion of the flap 1302 that engages (e.g., contacts) one or more ribs. Alternatively, the bristle height 1306 can be measured to be greater than the flap height 1308. Therefore, the bristle strip 1304 can engage (e.g., contact) one or more ribs that are configured to push fiber debris along the agitator 1300. In some cases, the bristle height 1306 can be measured to be substantially equal to the flap height 1308. Therefore, both the bristle strip 1304 and the flap 1302 can engage (e.g., contact) one or more ribs that are configured to push fiber debris along the agitator 1300. In some cases, the agitator 1300 may not include the bristle strips 1304 (e.g., Fig. 9 In some examples, the bristle height 1306 and / or the fold height 1308 can be measured from the axis of rotation of the agitator 1300.

[0175] Fig.21 A schematic example of an agitator 1500 is shown, which may be Figure 118. As shown, the agitator 1500 includes a plurality of bristle strips 1502 extending spirally around an elongated body 1504 of the agitator 1500. The bristle strips 1502 may include a plurality of individual bristles extending from the elongated body 1504 of the agitator 1500.

[0176] Fig. 22 A schematic cross-sectional view of an agitator 1600 is shown, which may be Figure 1 16. As shown, the agitator 1600 includes an elongated body 1602 having one or more flaps 1604 extending therefrom. The flaps 1604 are configured to engage a surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor). The elongated body 1602 is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation 1606 that extends longitudinally through the elongated body 1602. One or more shafts 1608 can be disposed along the axis of rotation 1606 and coupled to the elongated body 1602. For example, multiple shafts 1608 can be coupled to the elongated body 1602 at opposite ends of the body 1602.

[0177] The first end cap 1610 and the second end cap 1612 can be disposed at opposite distal ends of the elongated body 1602. The end caps 1610 and 1612 can be generally described as a blender cover, wherein at least a portion of the blender cover extends completely around the axis of rotation of the blender. The first end cap 1610 and the second end cap 1612 are configured to be fixed relative to the elongated body 1602 so that the elongated body 1602 rotates relative to the first end cap 1610 and the second end cap 1612. For example, the first end cap 1610 and the second end cap 1612 can be coupled to a surface cleaning head (e.g., Figure 1 The surface cleaning head 12 is a part of the surface cleaning head 12).

[0178] The first end cap 1610 and the second end cap 1612 may define respective end cap cavities 1614 and 1616 having cavity sidewalls 1615 and 1617. At least a portion of the elongated body 1602 and at least a portion of one or more of the flaps 1604 are received within respective ones of the end cap cavities 1614 and 1616. When the elongated body 1602 and the one or more flaps 1604 are received within respective end cap cavities 1614 and 1616, the cavity sidewalls 1615 and 1617 extend longitudinally along the elongated body 1602 and the one or more flaps 1604 by an extension distance 1619 and 1621. The extension distances 1619 and 1621 may be measured, for example, to be in the range of 1% to 25% of the total length 1623 of the elongated body 1602. As another example, the extension distances 1619 and 1621 can be measured in the range of 5% to 15% of the total length 1623 of the elongated body 1602. As yet another example, the extension distances 1619 and 1621 can be measured in the range of 10% of the total length 1623 of the elongated body 1602. As yet another example, the extension distances 1619 and 1621 can be measured in the range of 1.3 centimeters (cm) to 5 cm. In some cases, the extension distances 1619 and 1621 can be measured differently for each of the first end cap 1610 and the second end cap 1612.

[0179] Each of the end caps 1610 and 1612 may include one or more ribs 1618 and 1620 extending within the end cap cavities 1614 and 1616. The one or more ribs 1618 and 1620 extend in a radial direction toward the elongated body 1602 such that the one or more ribs 1618 and 1620 engage (e.g., contact) one or more of the flaps 1604. As shown, at least a portion of the one or more flaps 1604 overlaps with one or more of the ribs 1618 and 1620. For example, the measure of overlap between the ribs 1618 and 1620 and one or more of the flaps 1604 may be measured to be in the range of 1% to 99% of the rib thickness 1625. By further example, the measure of overlap between the ribs 1618 and 1620 and one or more of the flaps 1604 may be measured to be in the range of 10% to 75% of the rib thickness 1625. As yet another example, the measure of overlap between the ribs 1618 and 1620 and one or more of the flaps 1604 may be measured as greater than 0% and less than 99% of the rib thickness 1625. Reducing the amount of overlap between the ribs 1618 and 1620 and one or more of the one or more flaps 1604 may reduce the amount of wear experienced by the one or more flaps 1604, increasing the life of the one or more flaps 1604.

[0180] The one or more ribs 1618 and 1620 can be configured to push fiber debris (e.g., hair) in a direction away from the distal end of the elongated body 1602 (e.g., in the direction of the central portion of the elongated body 1602). The interaction between the ribs 1618, 1620 and the flaps 1604 can reduce and / or prevent fiber debris from becoming tangled around the one or more shafts 1608 and / or trapped within one or more bearings supporting the one or more shafts 1608.

[0181] One or more flaps 1604 may be configured to cooperate with one or more ribs 1618 and 1620 to push fiber debris in a direction away from the distal end of the elongated body 1602. For example, one or more flaps 1604 may extend spirally around at least a portion of the elongated body 1602. In some cases, one or more flaps 1604 may extend spirally around at least a portion of the elongated body 1602 according to two or more directions so that one or more V-shaped shapes are formed. In some cases, one or more flaps 1604 may be configured to push fiber debris in a direction away from the distal end of the elongated body 1602 after the fiber debris is separated from the end caps 1610 and 1612. In these cases, one or more flaps 1604 may push the fiber debris to a common location along the elongated body 1602 so that the fiber debris can be removed therefrom (e.g., using a combing unit / cleaning rib that engages one or more flaps 1604 and removes the fiber debris therefrom due to the rotation of the elongated body 1602).

[0182] like Fig.23 As shown, one or more ribs 1700 may extend between end caps 1610 and 1612. Ribs 1700 may be coupled to, for example, a surface cleaning head (e.g., Figure 1 The ribs 1700 may be formed integrally with and / or integrally formed from a portion of the surface cleaning head 12 and / or one or more of the end caps 1610 and 1612. The ribs 1700 may cooperate with the ribs 1618 and 1620 of the end caps 1610 and 1612 to push fiber debris (e.g., hair) along the elongated body 1602 toward one or more common locations. When the elongated body 1602 includes one or more bristles (e.g., in addition to or as an alternative to one or more flaps 1604), the ribs 1700 may improve the migration of fiber debris along the elongated body 1602 toward one or more locations.

[0183] Fig.24 It shows that it can be Fig. 22 1610 of the end cap 1800 is a perspective view of an example of an end cap 1800. As shown, the end cap 1800 defines a portion for receiving an agitator (e.g., Figure 11806). The end cap 1800 may be configured to extend from the cavity base 1806 to a distal surface 1810 of the cavity sidewall 1804, which is spaced apart from the cavity base 1806. The end cap 1800 may be configured to extend from the cavity base 1806 to a distal surface 1810 of the cavity sidewall 1804, which is spaced apart from the cavity base 1806. The measurement of the extension distance 1805 may vary along the periphery of the cavity base 1806. For example, the end cap 1800 may be configured such that when the end cap 1800 is coupled to a surface cleaning head (e.g., Figure 1 When the end cap 1800 is used as the surface cleaning head 12), the measurement of the extension distance 1805 increases with the distance from the surface to be cleaned. As shown, the measurement of the extension distance 1805 corresponding to the floor-facing portion 1807 of the end cap 1800 is less than the measurement of the extension distance 1805 corresponding to the surface-facing cleaning head portion 1809 of the end cap 1800. By exposing a larger portion of the agitator on the floor-facing portion 1807 compared to the surface-facing cleaning head portion 1809, such a configuration can increase the effective cleaning width of the agitator while still mitigating and / or preventing hair from migrating into the shaft and / or bearings.

[0184] The cavity sidewall 1804 may include one or more ribs 1808 extending from the cavity sidewall 1804 and extending into the cavity 1802. As shown, the ribs 1808 may extend from the cavity base 1806 along the cavity sidewall 1804 in the direction of the distal surface 1810 of the cavity sidewall 1804. The ribs 1808 may form a rib angle β with the cavity base 1806. The rib angle β may be measured to be greater than or less than 90°. Thus, in some cases, one or more ribs 1808 may extend helically along the cavity sidewall 1804.

[0185] As shown, rib 1808 extends from cavity base 1806 to distal surface 1810 of cavity sidewall 1804. In some cases, multiple ribs 1808 extend from cavity sidewall 1804. When multiple ribs 1808 extend from cavity sidewall 1804, the measurement of rib length 1812 corresponding to each rib 1808 can be different. For example, the measurement of rib length 1812 can be based at least in part on the measurement of the extension distance 1805 of cavity sidewall 1804 at a position along the periphery of cavity base 1806, where the corresponding rib 1808 ends. As shown, the measurement of rib length 1812 corresponding to rib 1808 facing floor portion 1807 close to end cap 1800 is less than the measurement of rib length 1812 corresponding to rib 1808 facing surface cleaning head portion 1809 close to end cap 1800.

[0186] Fig.25Another perspective view of the end cap 1800 is shown. As shown, the end cap 1800 may include an axis opening 1902, and the axis (e.g., Fig. 22 At least a portion of the shaft 1608 of the rib 1808 may extend through the shaft opening. The protrusion 1903 may extend from the cavity base 1806 and extend around the shaft opening 1902. As also shown, one or more rib openings 1904 may extend along the cavity base 1806. The rib openings 1904 may have a rib opening length 1906 that generally corresponds to a measure of the distance that the corresponding rib 1808 extends along the cavity base 1806. Thus, the measure of the rib opening length 1906 may be less than the measure of the rib length 1812 of the corresponding rib 1808.

[0187] The cavity sidewall 1804 may further define an engagement region 1908 extending on an outer surface 1910 of the cavity sidewall 1804. The outer surface 1910 faces away from the cavity 1802. The engagement region 1908 is configured to engage, for example, a surface cleaning head (e.g., Figure 1 The end cap 1800 may be attached to at least a portion of the surface cleaning head 12 such that the end cap 1800 is retained within the surface cleaning head. For example, the engagement region 1908 may include a raised portion 1911 and a recessed portion 1912 that together define a portion of a snap-fit ​​joint.

[0188] Fig.26 and 27 It shows that it can be Fig. 22 1612 of the embodiment of the end cap 2000. As shown, the end cap 2000 includes a cavity 2002 defined by a cavity base 2004 and a cavity sidewall 2006 extending from the cavity base 2004. One or more ribs 2008 may extend from the cavity sidewall 2006 and enter the cavity 2002. As shown, the one or more ribs 2008 have a spiral shape. In other words, the cavity base 2004, the cavity sidewall 2006, and the ribs 2008 may be similar to those described above. Fig.24 and 25 Cavity base 1806, cavity sidewalls 1804, and ribs 1808 are depicted.

[0189] As shown, the end cap 2000 may include an engagement region 2010. The engagement region 2010 may be configured to engage, for example, a surface cleaning head (e.g., Figure 1 2000) so that the end cap 2000 remains within the surface cleaning head. For example, the engagement area 2010 may define a portion of a snap-fit ​​joint. As also shown, the cavity base 1806 may be substantially planar and include one or more rib openings 2012 and a rib for receiving a shaft (e.g., Fig. 22 An axis opening 2014 of at least a portion of the axis 1608).

[0190] Although end caps 1800 and 2000 have been shown as components separate from the housing / body of vacuum cleaner 10, it should be understood that any one or more of the end caps described herein may be integrally formed as part of the housing / body of vacuum cleaner 10. Any one or more of the end caps described herein may be formed as a component separate from agitator 18, such that removal of agitator 18 does not result in removal of the end caps. Alternatively, one or more of the end caps may form part of an agitator assembly, wherein removal of agitator 18 results in removal of at least one of the end caps.

[0191] In some cases, one or more openings can extend through at least a portion of cavity sidewalls 1804 and 2006. For example, Fig.27A An example of an end cap 2750 is shown having one or more openings 2752 extending through a cavity sidewall 2754. As shown, the one or more openings 2752 extend between adjacent ribs 2756. For example, and as shown, the common area of ​​each of the one or more openings 2752 can be measured to be greater than the surface area of ​​the cavity sidewall 2754. When the end cap 2750 is coupled to a surface cleaning head, a portion of the surface cleaning head extends over the one or more openings 2752. Fig.27B 2750 in a surface cleaning head 2758. As shown, the end cap 2750 is coupled to the inner surface of the surface cleaning head 2758. For example, the end cap 2750 can be coupled to the surface cleaning head 2758 so that the end cap 2750 extends around at least a portion of the top portion of the agitator 2760. In some cases, at least a portion of the surface cleaning head 2758 can be transparent to visible light so that the agitator 2760 and / or at least a portion of the end cap 2750 are visible.

[0192] Now go to Fig.28 and 29 , generally showing another example of agitator 2800, which may be Figure 1 An example of the agitator 18. Specifically, Fig.28 is a front view of the agitator 2800, Fig.29 It was taken along line 29-29 Fig.2962. The agitator 2800 may include at least one elastically deformable flap 2802 (which may be an example of a sidewall 62) that spirally extends around at least a portion of an elongated body 2804 of the agitator 2800 in a direction along a longitudinal axis 2806 of the agitator 2800. For example, the agitator 2800 may include a plurality of deformable flaps 2802, wherein the length of each deformable flap 2802 measures less than the length of the body 2804. As shown, the agitator 2800 includes a plurality of deformable flaps 2802 that extend from end regions 3000, 3002 of the body 2804 to a central region 3004 of the body 2804. As discussed herein, the agitator 2800 may not include any bristles; however, it should be understood that the agitator 2800 may optionally include bristles in addition to the flaps 2802 (or without the flaps).

[0193] Fig.30 The brush is shown without flaps 2802 and / or bristles. Fig.29 An example of an elongated body 2804 of an agitator 2800. The elongated body 2804 of the agitator 2800 may have a generally circular cross-section (taken along a cross-section generally transverse to the longitudinal axis 2806). As used herein, the phrase "generally circular cross-section" is intended to mean that the radius R of the elongated body 2804 at any point within the circular cross-section is within 25% of the maximum radius of the elongated body 2804 within the circular cross-section. In the example shown, the circular cross-section of the elongated body 2804 is larger in the proximal regions 3000, 3002 than in the central region 3004. Thus, the circular cross-section of the elongated body 2804 can be said to taper from the proximal regions 3000, 3002 to the central region 3004. The taper of the proximal regions 3000, 3002 can be constant (e.g., linear) and / or non-linear. In at least one example, the middle portion 3008 of the elongated body 2804 may have the smallest circular cross-section. The taper of the first proximal region 3000 may be the same as or different from the taper of the second end region 3002 .

[0194] The taper of the elongated body 2804 can increase the stiffness of the elastically deformable flaps 2802 in the proximal regions 3000, 3002 while increasing the flexibility of the elastically deformable flaps 2802 in the central region 3004. The reduced cross-section of the central region 3004 can also increase debris (e.g., hair) removal by allowing the combing units 50 (e.g., teeth 52) to extend further into the elastically deformable flaps 2802 and / or bristles (e.g., further toward the center of the agitator 2800), thereby increasing contact between the combing units 50 and the elastically deformable flaps 2802 and / or bristles. Thus, the teeth 52 can have a greater length in the central region 3004 than teeth 52 located outside the central region 3004.

[0195] refer to Fig.31A -B, shows Fig.30 Another example of an elongated body 2804 of an agitator 2800. Similar to Fig.30 , the elongated body 2804 can have a generally circular cross-section, wherein the circular cross-section of the proximal regions 3000, 3002 is greater than that of the central region 3004. In at least one embodiment, the first end region 3000 can have a length extending along the longitudinal axis 2806 that is 10% to 40% of the total length 3100 of the elongated body 2804. For example, the length of the first end region 3000 can be 25% to 30% of the total length 3100 of the elongated body 2804 and / or 20% of the total length 3100 of the elongated body 2804.

[0196] The length of the second end region 3002 along the longitudinal axis 2806 can be the same as the first end region 3000. Alternatively, the length of the second end region 3002 can be shorter than the first end region 3000. In at least one example, the second end region 3002 can have a length extending along the longitudinal axis 2806 that is 8% to 30% of the total length 3100 of the elongated body 2804. For example, the length of the second end region 3002 can be 10% to 20% of the total length 3100 of the elongated body 2804, for example, 17% of the total length 3100 of the elongated body 2804. As a non-limiting example, the total length 3100 of the elongated body 2804 can be 222.2 mm, the first end region 3000 can have a length of 45.7 mm, and the second end region 3002 can have a length of 36.9 mm.

[0197] As discussed herein, the proximal regions 3000, 3002 may have a tapered radius R. The taper may be linear or non-linear (e.g., curvilinear). In at least one embodiment, the radius R of the inner region 3102 of the proximal region 3000, 3002 (e.g., a region 3102 of the proximal region 3000, 3002 adjacent to the central region 3004) may be 3-15% smaller than the radius R of the distal region 3104 of the proximal region 3000, 3002 (e.g., a region 3104 of the proximal region 3000, 3002 adjacent to the end cap). For example, the radius R of the inner region 3102 may be 5-10% smaller than the radius R of the distal region 3104 and / or 8.6% smaller than the radius R of the distal region 3104. The difference in the radius of the end regions of the first proximal region 3000 may be the same as or different from the difference in the radius of the end regions of the second proximal region 3002.

[0198] As a non-limiting example, the radius R of the inner end region 3102 may be 21.25 mm, and the radius R of the distal region 3104 may be 23.25 mm. The taper of the end regions 3000, 3002 may promote hair migration by tapering the stiffness of the ribs / folds and / or bristles. To this end, increasing the length of the free / unsupported portion of the ribs / folds and / or bristles will result in a reduction in the effective stiffness of the ribs / folds and / or bristles, thereby enhancing hair migration.

[0199] Now go to Figure 32-33 , generally showing the absence of the elongated body 2804 Fig.292. As described herein, the folding plate 2802 may extend helically generally around at least a portion of the elongated body 2804 and may be formed of an elastically deformable material. One or more of the end regions 3200, 3202 of the folding plate 2802 may include a bevel or a taper (e.g., the folding plate may include a taper only in one or each end region 3200, 3202). Therefore, the height 3204 of the folding plate 2802 in at least a portion of the end regions 3200, 3202 may be less than the height 3204 of the folding plate 2802 in the central region 3206. In other words, the taper may bring the cleaning edge 3201 of the folding plate 2802 close to the elongated body 2804. According to one example, the height 3204 of the flap 2802 can be measured from the base 3208 of the flap 2802 to the clean edge 3201 of the flap 2802, wherein the base 3208 is configured to be fixed to the agitator 2800 (e.g., the elongated body 2804). Alternatively, the height 3204 of the flap 2802 can be measured from the rotation axis of the agitator 2800 to the clean edge 3201 of the flap 2802. The taper of the end regions 3200, 3202 can be constant (e.g., linear) and / or non-linear. In at least one example, the middle portion 3210 of the flap 2802 can have a maximum height 3204. The taper of the first end region 3200 can be the same as or different from the taper of the second end region 3202.

[0200] Additional references Fig.28 , the first end region 3200 can be disposed within one of the proximal regions 3000, 3002 of the elongated body 2804, and the second end region 3202 can be disposed within the central region 3004 of the elongated body 2804. The taper of the first end region 3200 can be configured to be at least partially received in an end cap, e.g. Figure 22-27 The taper of the first end region 3200 can reduce wear and / or friction between the flap 2802 and the end cap, thereby enhancing the service life of the flap 2802 and the end cap. In at least some examples, when the flap 2802 rotates within the end cap, the taper of the first end region 3200 can reduce the folding of the flap 2802 (within the end cap and in the portion of the flap 2802 adjacent to the end cap and disposed outside the end cap). Reducing the folding of the flap 2802 can increase the contact between the flap 2802 and the surface to be cleaned, thereby enhancing the cleaning performance.

[0201] refer to Fig.33, the taper of the first end region 3200 can have a length 3304 and a height 3306. The length 3304 can be selected based on the size of the end cap receiving it. For example, the length 3304 can be the same as the insertion distance of the folding plate 2802 in the end cap, shorter than the insertion distance of the folding plate 2802 in the end cap, or longer than the insertion distance of the folding plate 2802 in the end cap. The taper of the first end region 3200 helps to alleviate the bending of the folding plate when the folding plate 2802 is inserted into the end cap. For example, the taper of the first end region 3200 can have a length 3304 between 5-9 mm and a height 3306 between 1-3 mm, and / or a length 3304 of 7 mm and a height 3306 of 2 mm.

[0202] The taper of the second end region 3202 can be configured to enhance the migration of hair along the agitator 2800. Specifically, the taper can enhance the migration of hair because hair will tend to migrate to the smallest diameter. Therefore, the taper of the second end region 3202 can allow hair to migrate toward a specific location more effectively. In addition, the taper of the second end region 3202 can be used as a hair storage area. To this end, the central region 3004 of the agitator 2800 can have a smaller overall diameter than the overall diameter of the proximal regions 3000, 3002. Therefore, hair can accumulate and entangle around the central region 3004 of the agitator 2800. Figure 29-30 3004, the taper of the second end region 3202 of the first flap 2802 may overlap the taper of the second end region 3202 of the adjacent flap 2802 within the central region 3004. When the flap 2802 is optionally used in combination with the cleaning unit 50 and / or the rib 116, the teeth of the cleaning unit 50 and / or the rib 116 may optionally be longer in the area proximate the second end region 3202 of the flap 2802.

[0203] Back to Fig.33 , the size of the taper of the flap 2802 can affect the performance and / or service life of the flap 2802. Increasing the taper (e.g., length 3300 and / or height 3302) can improve hair migration; however, a taper that is too large can adversely affect cleaning performance. For example, a taper in the second end region 3202 that is too large can result in a gap in which the flap 2802 does not adequately contact the surface to be cleaned. On the other hand, a taper in the second end region 3202 that is too small (e.g., length 3300 and / or height 3302) may not result in adequate hair migration.

[0204] Experiments have shown that eliminating the internal bevel (e.g., eliminating the taper of the second end region 3202) can eliminate the intermediate gap, which can result in improved cleaning performance and aesthetic appearance (bevel without tangles); however, eliminating the intermediate gap can cause hair to accumulate on the agitator 2800 due to insufficient hair migration. The taper in the second end region 3202 with a length 3300 that is too short can mitigate and / or eliminate the adverse effects caused by the intermediate gap and can promote the migration of hair; however, such a configuration may result in the bevel being too steep and may result in undesirable tangling. For example, experiments have shown that the taper in the second end region 3202 with a length 3300 of 5 mm and a height 3302 of 7 mm results in a taper that results in tangles that are aesthetically unpleasant to the user and may cause the flap 2802 to fold back, which may impair cleaning / hair removal.

[0205] A taper in the second end region 3202 with a length 3300 that is too long may improve the migration of hair and may not tangle the flaps 2802; however, this may result in a larger intermediate gap. For example, experiments have shown that a taper in the second end region 3202 with a length 3300 of 30 mm and a height 3302 of 7 mm results in a taper with a larger cleaning gap that may be detrimental to the overall cleaning performance.

[0206] The inventors of the present application unexpectedly discovered that the taper in the second end region 3202 having a length 3300 of 15-25 mm and a height 3302 of 5-12 mm allows hair migration while minimizing the size of the intermediate cleaning gap and any resulting tangles (e.g., the resulting tangles are generally not visible and do not substantially affect performance). As a non-limiting example, the taper in the second end region 3202 may have a length 3300 of 17-23 mm and a height 3302 of 6-10 mm, such as a length 3300 of 20 mm and a height 3302 of 7 mm. In other words, the taper in the second end region 3202 has a length 3300 and a height 3302 that can have a slope of 1 to 0.3, such as a slope of 0.28 to 0.42, a slope of 0.315 to 0.0385, and / or a slope of 0.35.

[0207] The one or more tapers in the first end region 3200 and / or the second end region 3202 may be formed by removing a portion 3400 of the outer cleaning edge 3201 (e.g., the edge that contacts the surface to be cleaned) of the flap 2802, e.g., as Fig.34 This is particularly useful when the flap 2802 is formed from a nonwoven material (such as, but not limited to, rubber, plastic, silicon, etc.).

[0208] In embodiments where the flap 2802 is at least partially formed of a woven material, it may be desirable to maintain a selvedge in one or more of the first end region 3200 and / or the second end region 3202. The selvedge extends along the clean edge 3201 of the flap 2802, and the selvedge may improve the wear resistance of the flap 2802 when compared to a portion of the clean edge 3201 of the flap 2802 that does not include the selvedge (e.g., if a portion of the flap 2802 is removed to create a taper). In at least one example, the manufacturer's selvedge is maintained, and one or more tapers in the first end region 3300 and / or the second end region 3202 may be formed to modify the installation edge of the flap 2802. Fig.35 One example of a trim 3500 is generally shown. Specifically, a cleaning edge 3201 of the flap 2802 can be substantially linear prior to installation into the agitator, and a mounting edge 3402 (which can also be a base 3208) of the flap 2802 in the region of the first end region 3200 and / or the second end region 3202 can have a reduced length 3502 as compared to a length 3504 of the flap 2802 in a center region 3206 (e.g., a middle portion 3210). In at least one example, the mounting edge 3402 can include a plurality of segments 3506 (e.g., a plurality of contoured "T" segments created in a mold) that straighten when the flap 2802 is installed in the agitator body 2804, thereby creating a contoured (e.g., tapered) trim 3500 in the first end region 3200 and / or the second end region 3202. In other words, the flap 2802 can generally be described as including a plurality of segments 3506 along the mounting edge 3402 that, when mounted to the body 2804 , causes a taper to be formed within the flap 2802 .

[0209] Now go to Fig.36 , generally showing another example of an agitator 3600, which may be Figure 1An example of an agitator 18. Agitator 3600 may include an agitator body 3602 including a plurality of channels 3604 configured to receive a mounting edge 3606 of, for example, a flap 3608 as generally described herein. The plurality of channels 3604 and / or the mounting edge 3606 of the flap 3608 may be configured to align the flap 3608 at a mounting angle 3610. The mounting angle 3610 may be defined as the angle between a line 3612 extending along a radius of the agitator body 3602 and a line 3614 extending along a length of the flap 3608. The lines 3612, 3614 may intersect at an outer edge 3615 of the agitator body 3602. The mounting angle 3610 may be angled toward the direction of rotation (e.g., when the agitator 3600 rotates, the line 3614 may contact the surface to be cleaned before the line 3612). The mounting angle 3610 can be any angle within the range of 10-45 degrees, such as 15-30 degrees, 30-25 degrees, and / or 22.53 degrees. Aggressive mounting angles 3610 can improve cleaning and help prevent hair from bending the flaps 3608 and wrapping around the agitator 3600. However, if the mounting angle 3610 is too aggressive, excessive noise and / or wear may occur.

[0210] Reference Fig.37 , generally illustrates a cross-sectional view of another example of an end cap 3700. The end cap 3700 may be similar to Fig. 22 1610 of the end cap 3700. Therefore, unless otherwise noted, the same reference numerals refer to similar features and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity. Similar to the end cap 1610, the end cap 3700 may include a plurality of ribs 3702-3712. For example, the plurality of ribs 3702-3708 may extend from an inner surface 3714 of the end cap 3700, for example, near a top area 3716 of the end cap 3700. The plurality of ribs 3702-3708 may have different heights 3718. The different heights of the ribs 3702-3708 may help reduce noise and / or wear on the flap 2802.

[0211] The height 3718 of the plurality of ribs 3702-3708 can generally correspond inversely to the taper of the flap 2802 (e.g., the taper of the first end region 3200). In at least one example, different heights 3718 of the plurality of ribs 3702-3708 can have different amounts of rib / flap junctions 3720. For example, the ribs (e.g., but not limited to ribs 3702) closest to the distal end 3722 of the agitator 2800 can have larger rib / flap junctions 3720 than the ribs (e.g., but not limited to ribs 3708) at the end 3722 farthest from the agitator 2800. In at least one example, the end cap 3700 can include one or more ribs that engage and / or are proximate to the flap 2802 but are not within the taper of the first end region 3200. For illustrative purposes, the rib / flap joint 3720 of the nearest rib (e.g., but not limited to rib 3702) and the distant rib (e.g., but not limited to rib 3708) can be tapered between 2.0 mm and 0 mm, for example, 1.5 mm to 0 mm. The spacing between adjacent ribs 3702-3712 can be constant or variable. For example, the spacing between adjacent ribs 3702-3712 can be 2-4 mm, such as 2-3 mm, 2.5-2.75 mm and / or 2.75 mm. The close proximity of ribs / teeth 3702-3712 can prevent hair from continuously rotating between two adjacent ribs / teeth. Ribs / teeth 3702-3712 can have a tooth width of 1-3 mm, such as 1-2 mm, 1.5-1.75 mm and / or 1.75 mm.

[0212] In at least one example, a bottom region 3724 of the end cap 3700 (e.g., the region of the end cap 3700 closest to the surface to be cleaned) can have a different configuration of ribs 3710-3712 than the top region 3716. For example, the bottom region 3724 of the end cap 3700 can have fewer ribs than the top region 3716. The ribs 3710-3712 can also extend across a smaller area of ​​the flap 2802. For example, the ribs 3710-3712 can be disposed only in the taper of the first end region 3200.

[0213] Fig.37AA perspective view of an example of an agitator 3750 having a plurality of deformable flaps 3752 (which may be an example of a sidewall 62) and a plurality of bristle bars and / or a plurality of tufts arranged in rows 3754 is shown. The bristle bars and / or tuft rows 3754 extend along and generally parallel to at least a portion of a corresponding deformable flap 3752 (e.g., the separation distance between a deformable flap 3752 and an adjacent bristle bar and / or tuft row 3754 may deviate by less than 10%, e.g., less than 5% or less than 2% along their coextensive portion). As shown, the length of the bristle bars and / or tuft rows 3754 is measured to be less than the length of the corresponding deformable flap 3752. In other words, the bristle bars and / or tuft rows 3754 extend only along a portion of the corresponding deformable flap 3752. For example, the measure of the length of the bristle bars and / or tuft rows 3754 may be less than half the measure of the length of the corresponding deformable flap 3752.

[0214] One or more of the bristle bars and / or tuft rows 3754 may be arranged in front of the corresponding deformable flap 3752 (e.g., from a rotational perspective, when the agitator rotates, the bristle bars and / or tuft rows 3754 contact the surface to be cleaned before the corresponding deformable flap 3752 adjacent to the bristle bars and / or tuft rows 3754). Alternatively (or in addition), one or more of the bristle bars and / or tuft rows 3754 may be arranged behind the corresponding deformable flap 3752 (e.g., from a rotational perspective, when the agitator rotates, the bristle bars and / or tuft rows 3754 contact the surface to be cleaned after the corresponding deformable flap 3752 adjacent to the bristle bars and / or tuft rows 3754).

[0215] As shown, the deformable flaps 3752 each include a taper 3753 at a central end region 3756. The taper 3753 of the central end region 3756 of at least one deformable flap 3752 can be different from the taper 3753 of the central end region 3756 of at least one other deformable flap 3752. For example, a first set of deformable flaps 3752 can have a first taper 3753a with a first slope, and a second set of deformable flaps 3752 can have a second taper 3753b with a second slope, the second slope measured to be different from the first slope. In some cases, the first set of deformable flaps and the second set of deformable flaps 3752 can be arranged in a generally alternating manner around the body 3758 of the agitator 3750. For example, a deformable flap 3752 having a first taper 3753a may be positioned so that the next immediately adjacent deformable flap 3752 on one side has a second taper 3753b, while the next immediately adjacent deformable flap 3752 on the other side includes the first taper 3753a. As another example, a deformable flap 3752 having a first taper 3753a may be positioned so that the next immediately adjacent deformable flap 3752 on either side has a second taper 3753b.

[0216] In some cases, the body 3758 of the agitator 3750 can narrow and / or taper toward a central portion of the body 3758. A taper can extend from a distal end of the body 3758. In some cases, the taper can extend from an end region of the body 3758 such that the taper begins at a location spaced apart from the distal end of the body 3758.

[0217] refer to Fig.37B, when the agitator 3750 rotates, the bristle strips and / or tuft rows 3754 can be arranged at a passive angle. As used herein, the passive angle means that when the agitator 3750 rotates, before the tips of the bristle strips and / or tuft rows 3754 are arranged perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned, the base of the bristle strips and / or tuft rows 3754 (i.e., the portion of the bristle strips and / or tuft rows 3754 extending from the body 3758 of the agitator 3750) is arranged perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned. The corresponding deformable flaps 3752 can be arranged at an aggressive angle when the agitator 3750 rotates. As used herein, the active angle means that when the agitator 3750 rotates, before the base of the deformable flaps 3752 is arranged perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned, the tip of the deformable flaps 3752 is arranged perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned. As a non-limiting example, the active angle may be defined as the angle between a line extending along the radius of the agitator body 3758 and a line extending along the length of the bristle strip and / or tuft row 3754 or the deformable flap 3752 in the direction of rotation of the agitator, and may include any angle in the range of 10-45 degrees (e.g., 15-30 degrees, 30-25 degrees, 16 degrees, and / or 22.53 degrees). As a non-limiting example, the passive angle may be defined as the angle between a line extending along the radius of the agitator body 3758 and a line extending along the length of the bristle strip and / or tuft row 3754 or the deformable flap 3752 in the direction of rotation away from the agitator, and may include any angle in the range of 10-45 degrees (e.g., 15-30 degrees, 30-25 degrees, 16 degrees, and / or 22.53 degrees).

[0218] exist Fig.37B 3750 is rotated clockwise, the bristle bars and / or tuft rows 3754 are shown on the left and the deformable flaps 3752 are shown on the right. As previously described, the arrangement of the bristle bars and / or tuft rows 3754 and the deformable flaps 3752 can be reversed (i.e., the bristle bars and / or tuft rows 3754 can be rotationally arranged in front of the deformable flaps 3752). In such an arrangement, the distal ends (e.g., tips) of the bristle bars and / or tuft rows 3754 and the deformable flaps 3752 can generally converge toward each other (e.g., in an inverted V configuration, but the tips do not necessarily need to touch each other).

[0219] As referred to herein, the agitator 3750 may include one or more bristle strips and / or rows of tufts 3754 (collectively, bristle / fold arrangement 5000, Fig.37C). The length of the bristle strips and / or tuft rows 3754 can be the same as, less than, or equal to the length of the corresponding deformable flap 3752. In one example, the first bristle / folder arrangement 5000a can extend from the first lateral end region 5051 of the agitator 3750 toward the central region 5052 of the agitator 3750 (e.g., to the central region 5052), and the second bristle / folder arrangement 5000b can extend from the second lateral end region 5053 of the agitator 3750 toward the central region 5052 of the agitator 3750 (e.g., to the central region 5052). In at least one example, the first and / or second bristle / folder arrangements 5000a, 5000b can extend from the first lateral end region 5051 to the second lateral end region 5053. The second bristle / flap arrangement 5000b can be rotationally / circumferentially offset relative to the first bristle / flap arrangement 5000a as the agitator 3750 rotates, so that the first bristle / flap arrangement 5000a first contacts the surface to be cleaned before the second bristle / flap arrangement 5000b. This arrangement of the first and second bristle / flap arrangements 5000a, b can be repeated around the agitator 3750.

[0220] In at least one example, an agitator 3750 consistent with the present disclosure may include one or more first and second bristle / flap groups 5050a, b. The first bristle / flap group 5050a may include at least two bristle / flap arrangements 5000 and / or at least one bristle / flap arrangement 5000 and one or more bristle strips and / or tuft rows 3754 or deformable flaps 3752. The first bristle / flap group 5050a may extend from a first lateral end region 5051 of the agitator 3750 toward a central region 5052 of the agitator 3750 (e.g., to the central region 5052). In at least one example, multiple bristle / fold plate arrangements 5000 (e.g., bristle strips and / or tuft rows 3754 and / or deformable fold plates 3752) within a first bristle / fold plate group 5050a can be spaced apart from each other by a circumferential distance of no more than 20% of the circumference of the agitator 3750 body (e.g., no more than 15% of the circumference of the agitator 3750 body, no more than 10% of the circumference of the agitator 3750 body, and / or no more than 5% of the circumference of the agitator 3750 body).

[0221] The second bristle / flap group 5050b may include at least two bristle / flap arrangements 5000 and / or at least one bristle / flap arrangement 5000 and one or more bristle bars and / or tuft rows 3754 or deformable flaps 3752. The second bristle / flap group 5050b may extend from the second lateral end region 5053 of the agitator 3750 toward the central region 5052 of the agitator 3750 (e.g., to the central region 5052). In at least one example, multiple bristle / fold plate arrangements 5000 (e.g., bristle strips and / or tuft rows 3754 and / or deformable fold plates 3752) within a second bristle / fold plate group 5050b can be spaced apart from each other by a circumferential distance of no more than 20% of the circumference of the agitator 3750 body (e.g., no more than 15% of the circumference of the agitator 3750 body, no more than 10% of the circumference of the agitator 3750 body, and / or no more than 5% of the circumference of the agitator 3750 body).

[0222] Optionally, when the agitator 3750 rotates, the central end region 3756 of the deformable flaps 3752 and / or bristle strips and / or rows of tufts 3754 of one or more bristle / flap arrangements 5000 of the first bristle / flap group 5050a can partially overlap the same area on the surface to be cleaned as the central end region 3756 of the deformable flaps 3752 and / or bristle strips and / or rows of tufts 3754 of one or more bristle / flap arrangements 5000 of the second bristle / flap group 5050b. In one example, the length of the bristle strips and / or rows of tufts 3754 in the central region of the agitator 3750 can be shorter than its corresponding deformable flaps 3752 and / or eliminated.

[0223] The first and second bristle / folder groups 5050a, b may be rotationally / circumferentially offset relative to each other. In other words, when the agitator 3750 rotates, the first bristle / folder group 5050a first contacts the surface to be cleaned before the second bristle / folder group 5050b. This arrangement of the first and second bristle / folder groups 5050a, b may be repeated around the agitator 3750. In other words, the first and second bristle / folder groups 5050a, b may generally be described as being staggered (e.g., staggered) around the circumference of the agitator 3750. In some cases, there may be some overlap between the first and second bristle / folder groups 5050a, b. For example, when extending spirally in a staggered configuration, portions of the first and second bristle / folder groups 5050a, b may contact the surface to be cleaned simultaneously. In at least one example, no portion of either bristle / fold plate group 5050a, b intersects with or extends into another bristle / fold plate group 5050a, b (e.g., no portion of the bristle / fold plate arrangement 5000 of either bristle / fold plate group 5050a, b is disposed between the bristle / fold plate arrangement 5000 of another bristle / fold plate group 5050a, b).

[0224] It should be understood that in any embodiments described herein, the deformable flaps, rows of bristle strips, and / or rows of tufts may contact the teeth of the cleaner 5061. Alternatively (or additionally), any embodiments described herein may include deformable flaps, rows of bristle strips, and / or rows of tufts that are gapped (i.e., spaced apart) from the teeth of the cleaner 5061 such that the deformable flaps, rows of bristle strips, and / or rows of tufts do not contact the teeth of the cleaner 5061. In particular, the deformable flaps, rows of bristle strips, and / or rows of tufts and the teeth of the cleaner 5061 may be spaced apart from one another such that one or more layers of hair (e.g., two or more layers, three or more layers, etc.) on the agitator 3750 may contact the cleaner 5061 when the agitator 3750 rotates. In addition, the teeth of any cleaner 5061 described herein may include rigid teeth and / or flexible teeth (e.g., such as Fig.37D ), the rigid teeth and / or flexible teeth can deflect when contacting hair on the deformable flap, the row of bristle strips, the row of tufts and / or the agitator 3750.

[0225] Agitator 3750 may be used in any vacuum cleaner known to those skilled in the art. Fig.37EAn example of a vacuum cleaner including a dual agitator consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. The vacuum cleaner includes a surface cleaning head 100 having a housing 110 having a front side 112 and a rear side 113, a left side 116a and a right side 116b, an upper side 118, and a lower side or underside 120. The housing 110 defines a suction duct 128 having an opening 127 on the underside 120 of the housing 110. The suction duct 128 is fluidly coupled to a dirty air inlet that leads to a suction motor (not shown) in the surface cleaning head 100 or in another location in the vacuum cleaner. The suction duct 128 is an interior space defined by an inner wall in the housing 110 that receives and guides air drawn in by suction, and the opening 127 is where the suction duct 128 meets the underside 120 of the housing 110. Although embodiments of housing 110 are described herein for illustrative purposes, housing 110 and its components may have other shapes and configurations.

[0226] The surface cleaning head 100 includes dual rotating agitators 122, 124, for example, a brush roller 122 and a front guide roller 124. The brush roller 122 and the front guide roller 124 can be configured to rotate around first and second rotation axes (RA1, RA2) extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA of the surface cleaning head 100 (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the intended direction of dust suction movement of the surface cleaning head 100 and / or substantially parallel to the front side 112), respectively. The rotating brush roller 122 and / or the front guide roller 124 can be coupled to a rotation shaft by one or more motors and rotated around the rotation axis.

[0227] Rotating brush roller 122 (which may include Fig.37A -D) can be at least partially disposed within the suction conduit 128 (at Fig.37E The front guide roller 124 is positioned in front of and spaced apart from the brush roller 122 and at least substantially outside the suction duct 128. The front guide roller 124 may include any roller known to those skilled in the art, including but not limited to, Fig.37A - A soft roller (e.g., a roller with nap or velvet) or agitator 3750 as shown in D. Fig.37E, at least the inner upper portion (e.g., at least the inner upper half) of the front guide roller 124 may not be exposed to the flow path in the opening 127 entering the suction duct 128, while at least the inner portion of the bottom portion of the front guide roller 124 may be exposed to the flow path in the opening 127 entering the suction duct 128. The front guide roller 124 can be received in the front guide roller chamber 126, which can prevent the inner upper half of the front guide roller 124 from being exposed to the flow path. Other variations are possible, in which different portions of the front guide roller 124 are exposed or not exposed to the flow path. The space between the lower portion of the front guide roller 124 and the lower portion of the brush roller 122 forms an inter-roller air passage 146, which can provide at least a portion of the flow path to the opening 127 of the suction duct 128 and allow debris to be carried into the suction duct 128.

[0228] As shown, the brush roller 122 can be arranged in front of one or more wheels 130 for supporting the housing 110 on the surface 10 to be cleaned. For example, one or more larger wheels can be arranged along the rear side 114, and / or one or more smaller intermediate wheels (not shown) can be arranged on the lower side of the housing 110 and / or along the left side 116a and the right side 116b at the middle section. Other wheel configurations can also be used. The wheel 130 helps to move the surface cleaning head 100 along the surface 10 to be cleaned, and can also allow the user to easily tilt or pivot the surface cleaning head 100 (e.g., the brush roller 122 and / or the front guide roller 124) away from the surface 10 to be cleaned. The rear wheel 130 and the intermediate wheel can provide the main contact with the surface being cleaned, and therefore mainly support the surface cleaning head 100. When the surface cleaning head 100 is positioned on the surface 10 being cleaned, the front guide roller 124 can also be placed on the surface 10 being cleaned. In other embodiments, the front guide roller 124 may be positioned so that the front guide roller 124 is just above the surface being cleaned.

[0229] One or more combing units, cleaning protrusions and / or ribs can contact the surface of the front guide roller 124 and / or the brush roller 122 to promote debris removal and / or migration of hair to a desired location. The combing units, cleaning protrusions and / or ribs may include any combing units, cleaning protrusions and / or ribs known to those skilled in the art and / or described herein, including but not limited to, combing units, cleaning protrusions and / or ribs include combing units 50, 93, cleaners 5061, cleaning protrusions 150 and ribs 508, 704, 1002, 1200, 1700, 1808, 2008, 3702.

[0230] According to an embodiment, one or more sealing strips 170, 172 may be positioned along the rear side and the left and right sides of the opening 127 to the suction duct 128. The sealing strips 170, 172 may contact the surface 10 being cleaned to seal the surface with the front guide roller 124 contacting the surface 10 in front of the roller. Side edge vacuum passages may be formed between the side sealing strips 172 and the front guide roller 124 to direct air into the inter-roller air passages 146 and back toward the opening 127 of the suction duct 128. Thus, the side edge vacuum passages and the inter-roller air passages 146 provide at least a portion of the airflow path to the suction duct 128.

[0231] The housing 110 may be open at the front side 112 so that the front portion of the front guide roller 124 is exposed to facilitate edge cleaning. According to an embodiment, the housing 110 may include a front damper 160 extending from the front side 112 of the housing 110, just beyond (or at least reaching) the front contact surface of the front guide roller 124, so that the damper 160 first contacts the vertical surface 12 to prevent damage to the front guide roller 124. The damper 160 may be sufficiently elastic to bend or compress, thereby allowing the front guide roller 124 to contact the vertical surface 12 for edge cleaning.

[0232] The rotating brush roller 122 can have bristles, fabrics, or other cleaning elements, or any combination thereof, around the exterior of the brush roller 122. For example, the rotating brush roller 122 can include an agitator 3750. The agitator 3750 can also include two deformable folds 3752 in front of each row of bristle strips 3754. Thus, as the agitator 3750 rotates, two deformable folds 3752 can be disposed in front of (e.g., directly in front of) each bristle strip 3754, and two deformable folds 3752 can be disposed behind (e.g., directly behind) each bristle strip 3754. Having two deformable folds 3752 disposed in front of each bristle strip 3754 and two deformable folds 3752 disposed behind each bristle strip 3754 can increase the number of agitation interactions, thereby improving carpet cleaning. Reference Fig.37F , one or more deformable flaps 3752 may include holes 6262, which can reduce the stiffness of the deformable flaps 3752, thereby reducing noise. The holes 6262 can be located anywhere on the deformable flaps 3752, for example, near the base of the deformable flaps 3752.

[0233] In addition, the hardness of the deformable flap 3752 can be reduced, thereby reducing the flap impact force and buckle reaction force and reducing noise. The engagement of the flap tip OD / flap with the ground can be reduced, which can increase the deep agitation of the carpet and reduce noise. Optionally, the bristle strip 3754 can be replaced by a row of bristle tufts. The bristle tufts can increase the deep agitation of the carpet, thereby improving carpet cleaning. The bristle strip 3754 can be actively angled, which can increase the deep agitation and rough agitation of the carpet, and enhance carpet cleaning and pet hair pickup. The actively angled bristle strip 3754 can be optionally used in combination with the passively angled deformable flap 3752 and / or the actively angled deformable flap 3752. The bristle filament length diameter / hardness can be increased to improve the deep agitation of the carpet and carpet cleaning. Alternatively, the bristle filament diameter / hardness can be reduced to reduce human hair entanglement and improve hair migration ability (e.g., hair migration to the center). Instead of a circular cross-section, the bristle filament shape in any of the examples disclosed herein may include a Figure 37G One or more of the following cross-sectional shapes generally shown in the figure: triangular cross-section 7102 (optionally, having a diameter of 0.15-0.20 mm); square cross-section 7104 (optionally, having a diameter of 0.15-0.20 mm); hexagonal cross-section 7106 (optionally, having a diameter of 0.12-0.15 mm); elliptical cross-sections 7108, 7110 (optionally, having a diameter of 0.13-0.15 mm); unequal cross-sections 7112 (optionally, having a diameter of 0.13-0.16 mm); hexalobal cross-section 7114 (optionally, having a diameter of 0.16 mm); caterpillar cross-section 7116 (optionally, having a diameter of 0.24-0.30 mm); and star cross-section 7118 (optionally, having a diameter of 0.15-0.30 mm). Variations in bristle shapes can increase cleaning or pet hair pickup. Soft material can be added between the deformable flaps 3752 to improve fine scrubbing / wiping of hard floors and to improve pickup of adherent dust. The rotation speed of the agitator 3750 can be reduced to reduce the number of total interactions, thereby reducing noise.

[0234] Other examples of brush rollers and agitators are shown and described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 9,456,723 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0220082, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0235] The front guide roller 124 may include a relatively soft material (e.g., soft bristles, fabric, felt, nap, or lint) arranged in a pattern (e.g., a spiral pattern) to facilitate capturing debris, as will be described in more detail below. The front guide roller 124 may be selected to be substantially softer than the brush roller 122. The softness, length, diameter, arrangement, and resiliency of the bristles and / or lint of the front guide roller 124 may be selected to form a seal with a hard surface (e.g., but not limited to hardwood floors, tile floors, laminate floors, etc.), while the bristles of the brush roller 122 may be selected to agitate carpet fibers, etc. For example, the front guide roller 124 may be at least 25% softer than the brush roller 122, alternatively, the front guide roller 124 may be at least 30% softer than the brush roller 122, alternatively, the front guide roller 124 may be at least 35% softer than the brush roller 122, alternatively, the front guide roller 124 may be at least 40% softer than the brush roller 122, alternatively, the front guide roller 124 may be at least 50% softer than the brush roller 122, alternatively, the front guide roller 124 may be at least 60% softer than the brush roller 122. The softness may be determined, for example, based on the flexibility of the bristles or pile being used.

[0236] The size and shape of the bristles and / or hair can be selected based on the intended application. For example, the front guide roller 124 can include bristles and / or hair having a length between 5 and 15 mm (e.g., 7 to 12 mm) and a diameter of 0.01 to 0.04 mm (e.g., 0.01-0.03 mm). According to one embodiment, the bristles and / or hair can have a length of 9 mm and a diameter of 0.02 mm. The bristles and / or hair can have any shape. For example, the bristles and / or hair can be straight, arched, and / or can have a composite shape. According to one embodiment, the bristles and / or hair can have a generally U and / or Y shape. U-shaped and / or Y-shaped bristles and / or hair can increase the number of points that contact the floor surface 10, thereby enhancing the cleaning function of the front guide roller 124. The bristles and / or hair can be made of any material, such as, but not limited to, nylon 6 or nylon 6 / 6.

[0237] The outer diameter Dlr of the front guide roller 124 may be smaller than the outer diameter Dbr of the brush roller 122. For example, the diameter Dlr may be greater than zero and less than or equal to 0.8Dbr, greater than zero and less than or equal to 0.7Dbr, or greater than zero and less than or equal to 0.6Dbr. According to example embodiments, the diameter Dlr may be in the range of 0.3Dbr to 0.8Dbr, in the range of 0.4Dbr to 0.8Dbr, in the range of 0.3Dbr to 0.7Dbr, or in the range of 0.4Dbr to 0.7Dbr. As an illustrative example, the brush roller 122 may have an outer diameter of 48mm, and the front guide roller 124 may have an outer diameter of 30mm. Although the outer diameter Dlr of the front guide roller 124 may be smaller than the outer diameter Dbr of the brush roller 122, the bristles of the brush roller 122 may be longer than the bristles and / or fluff of the front guide roller 122.

[0238] Positioning the front guide roller 124 (having a diameter D1r that is smaller than the diameter Dbr of the brush roller 122) in front of the brush roller 122 provides a number of benefits. For example, this arrangement reduces the height Hf of the front side 112 (e.g., the housing 110) of the surface cleaning head 100 from the surface 10 to be cleaned (see, e.g., Figure 1 ). The reduced height Hf of the front of the surface cleaning head 100 provides a lower profile that allows the surface cleaning head 100 to fit under an object (e.g., furniture and / or cabinets). In addition, the lower height Hf allows one or more light sources 111 (e.g., but not limited to LEDs) to be added while still allowing the surface cleaning head 100 to fit under an object.

[0239] In addition, the smaller diameter D1r of the front guide roller 124 allows the rotation axis of the front guide roller 124 to be placed closer to the front side 112 of the surface cleaning head 100. When rotating, the front guide roller 124 forms a generally cylindrical protrusion having a radius based on the overall diameter of the front guide roller 124. When the diameter of the front guide roller 124 is reduced, the bottom contact surface 140 ( Figure 1 ) moves forward toward the front side 112 of the surface cleaning head 100. In addition, when the surface cleaning head 100 contacts a vertical surface 12 (for example, but not limited to a wall, a side bar, and / or a cabinet), the bottom contact surface 140 of the front guide roller 124 is also closer to the vertical surface 12, thereby enhancing the front edge cleaning of the surface cleaning head 100 compared to a larger diameter front guide roller. In addition, the smaller diameter D1r of the front guide roller 124 also reduces the load / drag on the motor driving the front guide roller 124, thereby increasing the life of the motor and / or allowing a smaller motor to be used to rotate the brush roller 122 and the front guide roller 124.

[0240] refer to Fig.38, generally illustrating another example of a vacuum cleaner 3800. The vacuum cleaner 3800 may include a head 3802 (which may optionally include one or more agitators as described herein), a wand 3804 (which may optionally include one or more joints 3806 configured to allow the wand 3804 to bend, for example, between an extended position and a bent position as shown), and a hand-held vacuum section 3808. The hand-held vacuum section 3808 may include a debris collection chamber 3810 and a vacuum source 3812 (e.g., a suction motor, etc.) for generating an airflow (e.g., a partial vacuum) in the head 3802, the wand 3804, and the debris collection chamber 3810 to suction debris proximate the head 3802. The wand 3804 may define a wand longitudinal axis 3814 extending between a first end 3816 configured to couple to the head 3802 and a second end 3818 configured to couple to the hand-held vacuum section 3808. One or more of the first end 3816 and the second end 3818 can be removably coupled to the head 3802 and the handheld vacuum section 3808, respectively.

[0241] Now go to Fig.39 , showing in more detail Fig.38 3808 of the handheld vacuum unit 3808. Specifically, the handheld vacuum unit 3808 may include a rod connector 3900 having a first end region 3902 fluidly coupled to a second end 3818 of the rod 3804 and a second end region 3904 coupled to a handle body 3906 to form a portion of the body 3908 of the handheld vacuum unit 3808. The rod connector 3900 includes a longitudinal rod axis 3910 extending through the first end region 3902 to the second end region 3904 and extending through at least a portion of the handle body 3906. The longitudinal rod axis 3910 may be parallel to the rod longitudinal axis 3814. For example, the longitudinal rod axis 3910 may be colinear with the rod longitudinal axis 3814.

[0242] The handle body 3906 may also include a handle 3912, such as in the form of a pistol grip, that a user may grasp to manipulate the handheld vacuum portion 3808. The handle body 3906 may optionally include one or more actuators (e.g., buttons) 3914. The actuator 3914 may be located anywhere on the handheld vacuum portion 3808 (e.g., but not limited to, on the handle body 3906). The actuator 3914 may be configured to adjust one or more parameters of the handheld vacuum portion 3808 and / or the head 3802. For example, the actuator 3914 may turn on the power to the suction motor 3812 and / or one or more rotatable agitators located in the head 3802.

[0243] Alternatively, or in addition to the actuator 3914, the handle body 3906 may include a trigger 3916 configured to adjust one or more parameters of the handheld vacuum portion 3808 and / or the head 3802. The trigger 3916 may be at least partially located between the handle 3912 and the rod connector 3900 and may be movable along a trigger direction 3918. The trigger direction 3918 may be linear or non-linear (e.g., arcuate, etc.). In at least one example, the trigger direction 3918 may be parallel to the longitudinal rod axis 3910 and / or the rod longitudinal axis 3814. For example, the trigger direction 3918 may be colinear with the longitudinal rod axis 3910 and / or the rod longitudinal axis 3814. The trigger direction 3918 may extend through at least a portion of the rod connector 3900 and / or the rod 3804. The trigger 3916 may be particularly suitable for adjusting the suction force of the suction motor 3812 and / or adjusting the rotation speed of one or more rotatable agitators located in the head 3802. The positioning of the trigger 3916 may provide an ergonomic design that facilitates use of the vacuum cleaner 3800 .

[0244] refer to Figure 40-47 , showing Figure 38-39 3808 of a handheld vacuum unit 3808. Specifically, air path 4000 can extend from rod 3804 (not shown) through rod connector 3900 (e.g., through first end region 3902) and into debris collection chamber 3810. At least some of the debris can be drawn into the debris collection chamber 3810, for example, through inlet 4001 ( Figure 43-44 ) is collected in the debris collection chamber 3810, the inlet coupling rod connector 3900 second end region 3904. The air path 4000 may extend from the debris collection chamber 3810 through one or more primary filters 4002 (see, e.g. Figure 43-44 ). In at least one example, the primary filter 4002 can include one or more cyclone filters 4004 as generally shown, but it should be understood that any filter can be used. Optionally, the air path 4000 can extend through one or more secondary (e.g., second stage) filters 4006 (see, e.g., Fig.45 ). The secondary filter 4006 may include any known filter, such as, but not limited to, a plurality of cyclone separators 4008. The plurality of second stage cyclone separators 4008 may be smaller than the primary filter 4002 and may be configured to separate smaller debris particles from the air path 4000 than the primary filter 4002. The secondary filter 4006 may be located in the air path 4000 between the primary filter 4002 and the vacuum source 3812.

[0245] Optionally, one or more pre-motor filters 4010 may be provided (see e.g. Fig.46). The pre-motor filter 4010 can be located in the air path 4000 between the primary filter 4002 and the vacuum source 3812, such as between the secondary filter 4006 and the vacuum source 3812. The pre-motor filter 4010 can be configured to separate smaller debris particles from the air path 4000 than the primary filter 4002 and / or the secondary filter 4006. In at least one example, the pre-motor filter 4010 can include one or more foam layers, cloth and / or woven layers, etc. Optionally, the exhaust gas in the air path 4000 can exit the vacuum source 3812 through one or more post-motor filters 4012 (see, e.g., Fig.47 ). The post-motor filter 4012 may include a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter or the like.

[0246] Although the various features disclosed herein have been shown in combination with a manually operated vacuum cleaner, any one or more of these features may be incorporated into a robotic vacuum cleaner, such as a Fig.48 It should be understood that the robotic vacuum cleaner shown is for exemplary purposes only and that the robotic vacuum cleaner may not include Fig.48 All features shown in, and / or may include Fig.48 Additional features not shown in the figure. The robot vacuum cleaner may include an air inlet 23 fluidly coupled to the debris compartment 30 and a suction motor 32. The suction motor 32 causes debris to be sucked into the air inlet 23 and deposited into the debris compartment 30 for later disposal. The robot vacuum cleaner may optionally include one or more agitators 18 disposed at least partially within the air inlet 23. The agitator 18 may be driven by one or more motors disposed within the robot vacuum cleaner. As a non-limiting example, the agitator 18 may include a rotatable liner rod having a plurality of bristles and / or a side wall 62 (e.g., an elastically deformable flap). The robot vacuum cleaner may include one or more wheels 16 coupled to a corresponding drive motor 910. Therefore, each wheel 16 can generally be described as being independently driven. The robot vacuum cleaner can be turned by adjusting the rotational speed of one of the multiple wheels 16 relative to another wheel in the multiple wheels 16. One or more side brushes 918 may be positioned so that a portion of the side brush 918 extends at least to (e.g., beyond) the perimeter defined by the vacuum housing 13 of the robot vacuum cleaner. The side brush 918 may be configured to push debris in the direction of the air inlet 23 so that debris outside the perimeter of the vacuum housing 13 may be collected. For example, the side brush 918 may be configured to rotate in response to activation of the side brush motor 920.

[0247] A user interface 922 may be provided to allow a user to control the robotic vacuum cleaner. For example, the user interface 922 may include one or more buttons corresponding to one or more features of the robotic vacuum cleaner. The robotic vacuum cleaner may optionally include a power source (e.g., one or more batteries) and / or one or more shiftable buffers 912 disposed along a portion of a perimeter defined by the vacuum housing 13 of the robotic vacuum cleaner. The shiftable buffers 912 may shift in response to engaging (e.g., contacting) at least a portion of an obstacle spaced apart from the surface to be cleaned. Thus, the robotic vacuum cleaner may avoid getting stuck between the obstacle and the surface to be cleaned. The robotic vacuum cleaner may include any one or more of the various features disclosed herein.

[0248] Now go to Figure 49-50C , generally shows another example of an elastically deformable flap 4900. The elastically deformable flap 4900 may be similar to Figure 28-37G The elastically deformable flaps 4900 may be used in combination with one or more bristle bars and / or tuft rows (e.g., one or more adjacent bristle bars and / or tuft rows) or with an agitator without bristle bars and / or tuft rows as described herein.

[0249] The elastically deformable flap 4900 includes an elongated body 4902 extending from a base 4904. The elongated body 4902 extends outwardly from the base 4904, and its distal end forms a cleaning edge 4906. The elongated body 4902 may have a generally planar front face 4908 and / or rear face 4909; however, it should be understood that the front face 4908 and / or rear face 4909 may be non-planar. As used herein, the front face 4808 of the elongated body 4902 refers to the face / surface of the elongated body 4902 that is proximate to (and / or first contacts) the surface to be cleaned when the flap 4900 is coupled to an agitator and the agitator is rotating during cleaning (i.e., the "front face" of the flap 4900), and the rear face 4909 of the elongated body 4902 refers to the face of the elongated body 4902 that is generally opposite the front face 4908 (i.e., the "back face" of the flap 4900). The cleaning edge 4906 may extend generally along the length L of the flap 4900 (ie, Fig.50A However, it should be understood that cleaning edge 4906 may also be non-linear.

[0250] Fig.50AThe distance D that the elongated body 4902 in FIG. 4 extends from the base 4904 can be constant or vary along the overall length L. For example, as generally described herein, the distance between the base 4904 and the cleaning edge 4906 can be smaller in the first end region 4912 and / or the second end region 4913 than in the center region 4914. The first end region 4912 and / or the second end region 4913 can have a taper as generally described herein.

[0251] The base 4904 (which may also be referred to as a mounting edge) may be configured to be secured to the flap 4900, which is secured to the agitator as generally described herein. As a non-limiting example, the base 4904 may include a "T" shape that is configured to be slidingly advanced into a corresponding "T" channel formed in the agitator. The base / mounting edge 4904 may be formed from one continuous section as generally shown; however, it will be appreciated that the base / mounting edge 4904 may optionally include a plurality of segments (e.g., a plurality of contoured "T" segments produced in a mold) that straighten when the flap 4900 is installed in the agitator body, thereby producing a contoured (e.g., tapered) cleaning edge 4906 in the first end region 4912 and / or the second end region 4913 as generally described herein.

[0252] The elongated body 4902 may include one or more (e.g., a plurality of) protrusions 4920. The protrusions 4920 may be disposed on at least a portion of the front face 4908 of the elongated body 4902. In the example shown, the protrusions 4920 are disposed only on the front face 4908 of the elongated body 4902. However, it should be appreciated that the protrusions 4920 may be disposed on both the front face 4908 and the rear face 4909 of the elongated body 4902. For example, separate protrusions 4902 may be disposed on the front face 4908 and the rear face 4909, and / or the protrusions 4920 may extend from the front face 4908 to the rear face 4909.

[0253] One or more of the projections 4920 may extend substantially across a substantial portion of the length of the elongated body 4902, for example, at least 25% of the length of the elongated body 4902, at least 33% of the length of the elongated body 4902, at least 50% of the length of the elongated body 4902, at least 75% of the length of the elongated body 4902, at least 80% of the length of the elongated body 4902, at least 85% of the length of the elongated body 4902, at least 90% of the length of the elongated body 4902, at least 95% of the length of the elongated body 4902, including all values ​​and ranges therein. The elastically deformable flap 4900 may optionally include two or more rows of projections 4920 that may extend substantially across a substantial portion of the length of the elongated body 4902.

[0254] refer to Fig.50B and 50C , the protrusion 4920 may include a raised portion 4922 extending outwardly from the front 4908 or the rear 4909 of the elongated body 4902. For example, the raised portion 4922 may extend generally perpendicular to the front 4908 or the rear 4909 of the elongated body 4902. As shown, the raised portion 4922 may have a generally annular or ring shape; however, the raised portion 4922 may have other shapes, including but not limited to a rectangular shape, a star shape, an elliptical shape, etc. In addition, the raised portion 4922 may be a partial shape or a truncated shape (e.g., a truncated annular or ring shape, a rectangular shape, a star shape, an elliptical shape, etc.). The distance that the protrusion 4920 extends away from the face of the elongated body 4902 (e.g., the thickness of the raised portion 4922) may be selected based on durability, effectiveness of agitation and debris release, repeatability in manufacturing, and / or selected to minimize the possibility of increasing hair entanglement by remaining within the triangle created by the hair 5102.

[0255] The protrusion 4920 may optionally include a recessed portion 4924. The recessed portion 4924 may extend into the elongated body 4902 (e.g., inwardly relative to the front face 4908 from which the protrusion 4920 extends and / or inwardly relative to the rear face 4908 from which the protrusion 4920 extends). In the example shown, the recessed portion 4924 is at least partially disposed within a central region of the raised portion 4922. The raised portion 4922 may define a perimeter of the recessed portion 4924 (e.g., the raised portion 4922 may define the recessed portion 4924). The distance that the protrusion 4920 extends from the face into the elongated body 4902 (e.g., the thickness of the recessed portion 4924) may be selected to disperse sufficient molten material to form the raised portion 4922 and avoid reducing the overall durability of the flap 4900. The recessed portion 4924 may have a generally "melt pit"-like shape with the base at the lower / deepest point; however, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration unless specifically required.

[0256] Return to reference Figure 49-50A, a plurality of protrusions 4920 may be disposed along the length L of the flap 4900. For example, the protrusions 4920 may be arranged in one or more rows 4930 extending generally along the length L of the flap 4900. In the example shown, the protrusions 4920 are arranged in two rows 4930 (4930a, 4930b). Within each row 4930, the separation distance between adjacent protrusions 4920 (e.g., center to center) may be constant or vary along the length L. One or more of the rows 4930 (e.g., 4930a) may extend generally parallel to the cleaning edge 4906. One or more of the rows 4930 (e.g., 4930a) may extend generally parallel to another (e.g., adjacent) row 4930 (e.g., 4930b). The protrusions 4920 within a first row 4930 (e.g., row 4930a) can be offset from left to right relative to the protrusions 4920 in an adjacent row 4930 (e.g., row 4930b). Offsetting the protrusions 4920 in adjacent rows 4930 can allow the protrusions 4920 to be grouped more closely together, thereby reducing / minimizing the "empty space" between the protrusions 4920 and increasing the likelihood that the surface to be cleaned will contact the protrusions 4920 as the agitator rotates. In at least an example, the protrusions 4920 can be spaced apart from the cleaning edge 4906 to reduce the likelihood that the protrusions 4920 will scratch a hard (e.g., wooden) floor.

[0257] refer to Fig.51 , generally showing the Figure 49-5 0 is a cross-sectional view of another example of an elastically deformable flap that is consistent with 0. The elastically deformable flap 5200 may include two or more layers. For example, the elastically deformable flap 5200 may include a face layer 5202 and a backing layer 5204. As used herein, the face layer 5202 defines a front face (e.g., during cleaning, when the flap 5200 is fixed to the agitator and the agitator rotates about its axis of rotation, the face layer 5202 faces the direction of rotation), and the backing layer 5204 defines a back face (e.g., the backing layer 5204 is the opposite surface of the flap 5200 and is substantially opposite to the face layer 5202). The face layer 5202 can be configured to provide toughness / durability to the elastically deformable flap 5200, while the backing layer 5204 can be configured to provide elasticity and support to the face layer 5202. In at least one example, the facing layer 5202 can include a fabric (e.g., but not limited to, a woven or non-woven polyester fabric), and the backing layer 5204 can include an elastomer (e.g., but not limited to, silicone and / or rubber). It should be appreciated that the flap 5200 can include additional layers between the facing layer 5202 and the backing layer 5204. Additionally, the flap 5200 can include only a single layer.

[0258] The facing layer 5202 and the backing layer 5204 can be coupled together. For example, the facing layer 5202 and the backing layer 5204 can be bonded together, welded together, adhered together, etc. In at least some examples, the facing layer 5202 and the backing layer 5204 can be co-molded or overmolded together.

[0259] In the example shown, both the facing layer 5202 and the backing layer 5204 may form at least a portion of the base 5206 of the flap 5200. The backing layer 5204 may extend across both the front portion 5208 and the back portion 5209 of the base 5206, while the facing layer 5202 may extend across only the front portion 5208 of the base 5206. However, it should be appreciated that the base 5206 may be formed of only the facing layer 5202, only the backing layer 5204, or an entirely different layer (e.g., the base 5206 may not be formed of either the facing layer 5202 or the backing layer 5204).

[0260] In the example shown, when the flap 5200 is mounted to the agitator, the face layer 5202 extends radially outward farther than the backing layer 5204. For example, the face layer 5202 can extend a distance D1 away from the base 5206, which is farther than the distance D2 of the backing layer 5204. Therefore, the farthest end of the face layer 5202 can be configured to contact the surface to be cleaned, while the backing layer 5204 generally may not contact the surface to be cleaned. This configuration can be beneficial because the face layer 5202 can be more durable / more wear-resistant compared to the backing layer 5204. The cleaning edge 5205 of the flap 5200 can form a trim that further enhances the durability / wear resistance of the face layer 5202.

[0261] In one example, the plurality of protrusions 5210 may be formed in the face layer 5202 and / or may be formed only by the face layer. In other examples, the plurality of protrusions 5210 may extend into the face layer 5202, but may not extend into the backing layer 5204. Thus, the plurality of protrusions 5210 may extend into the face layer 5202, and optionally into any layer between the face layer 5202 and the backing layer 5204. In still other examples, the plurality of protrusions 5210 may be formed by and / or from at least a portion of both the face layer 5202 and the backing layer 5204 (and optionally any layer therebetween).

[0262] In any case, the plurality of protrusions 5210 can be formed by heat fusion. For example, a press machine (e.g., a hydraulic press machine with an upper plate and / or a lower plate, a pneumatic press machine, etc.) can be used to press a heat fusion head onto and / or into the face layer 5202 (and optionally the backing layer 5204 and / or any other layer) of the flap 5200. When the heat fusion head is pushed toward the flap 5200, the heat fusion head can be configured to melt a portion of the face layer 5202 of the flap 5200 (e.g., but not limited to, a melted polyester fabric) to form the plurality of protrusions 5210. When the face layer 5202 melts, a portion of the melted face layer 5202 flows away from the face layer 5202 to form the raised portion 4922. This displaced portion of the melted face layer 5202 also forms the recessed portion 4924. The heat fusion head can be configured to melt only the face layer 5202 (thereby keeping the backing layer 5204 intact). The hot melt head can also be configured to melt any additional layers (also referred to as intermediate layers) between the surface layer 5202 and the backing layer 5204. The additional layers between the surface layer 5202 and the backing layer 5204 can form all or part of the plurality of protrusions 5210. The hot melt head can also be configured to melt the backing layer 5204, in which case the backing layer 5204 can optionally form all or part of the plurality of protrusions 5210. Additional hot melt heads can also be provided, for example to melt the backing layer 5204.

[0263] The plurality of protrusions 5210 may optionally form hardened polyester plastic protrusions. Since the plurality of protrusions 5210 are formed by the face layer 5202, the "1-piece" construction between the face layer 5202 and the plurality of protrusions 5210 increases adhesion between the plurality of protrusions 5210 and the face layer 5202. The partially hardened protrusions may increase agitation without affecting hair migration or hair entanglement. The partially hardened protrusions may also provide high durability to withstand wear during the life of the product relative to features made of compliant materials. The plurality of protrusions 5210 may also form a plurality of microscopic hooks that facilitate picking up hair or debris, and specifically facilitate picking up pet hair. As can be appreciated, flaps on agitators generally do not do much for hair pickup, and agitators generally include bristles (e.g., bristle strips and / or bristle tufts) to improve hair pickup.

[0264] Now go to Figure 52-55 , generally showing the Figure 49-51 Various exemplary dimensions of an embodiment of an elastically deformable flap 5600 that includes a plurality of protrusions 5602. One or more of the protrusions 5602 may have an annulus 5604 having an outer diameter of 2.20 mm + / - 0.30 mm (see, e.g. Fig.52 and 54 ). This range of outer diameters of the annulus 5604 can ensure that the facing (e.g., fabric) remains between the protrusions / ablations to maintain the service life / durability of the flap 5600.

[0265] One or more of the protrusions 5602 may have a 3D ablated protrusion thickness 5702 of 0.40 mm + / - 0.15 mm (see e.g. Fig.53 and 55 ). The thickness 5702 of the 3D ablated protrusions may also be referred to as the distance that the raised portion 5704 of the protrusion 5602 extends away from the outer surface of the facing. This thickness range 5702 of the 3D ablated protrusions is configured to provide sufficient height of the protrusions 5602 to effectively grab pet hair from carpet while not being so high that the protrusions 5602 become fragile or lock onto debris.

[0266] One or more of the protrusions 5602 may have a protrusion center-to-center distance 5606 of 5.00 mm + / - 1.5 mm in the same row, and a 2.5 mm + / - 1.5 mm left-right offset 5608 between adjacent rows (e.g., but not limited to, between the first and second rows). These ranges can ensure that the facing (e.g., fabric) remains between the melted / ablated portions to maintain the service life / durability of the flap 5600, while also achieving 100% (or substantially 100%) coverage of the width.

[0267] One or more of the protrusions 5602 may be located in each row of protrusions 5802 ( Fig.54 ) have a protrusion center-to-center distance of 1.50 + / - 1.0 mm between rows of protrusions 5802. This range of protrusion center-to-center distances between rows of protrusions 5802 can ensure that the facing (e.g., fabric) remains between the ablations to maintain the life / durability of the flap 5600, while also placing the second row of protrusions closer to the fin tip / cleaning edge to increase pet hair pickup effectiveness.

[0268] One or more of the protrusions 5602 may have a distance of 6.85 mm + 0.50 / - 0.60 mm from the protrusion closest to the fin tip / cleaning edge to the fin base 5610. This range of distances from the protrusion closest to the fin tip / cleaning edge to the fin base 5610 is configured to provide a 6 sigma tolerance stackup that the protrusions 5602 will not scratch the bare floor. The protrusions in the first row (i.e., the row or protrusions farthest from the base) may be 1.75 mm + 0.50 / - 0.60 mm.

[0269] One or more of the protrusions 5602 enter a central depression (e.g., a "melt pit") in a facing (e.g., a fabric surface) (see, e.g., Fig.53 and 55) can be 0.2 mm + / - 0.1 mm. This depth 5712 of the central recessed portion can be set by pressing down on the hot melt machine so that the hot head pins do not pierce the surface layer (e.g., fabric). This range can also be configured to maintain service life / durability while providing enough displaced molten polyester to form a protrusion (e.g., ablated ring).

[0270] The projection 5602 can be formed by using a hot melt 530, for example, using a hot melt head with a temperature of about 300-400 degrees Celsius and lasting 1-2 seconds. In at least one example, the temperature used is 399 degrees Celsius and lasts for 1 second. The temperature of 399 degrees Celsius can produce a rapid deflection of the molten material to provide a semi-smooth projection / ablation ring with a desired height. The time of 1 second can allow the material to form a projection / ablation ring without being brittle or easily broken. The temperature should be hot enough to effectively melt the surface layer (e.g., polyester) without damaging other layers (e.g., backing layer). Lower temperatures can lead to more dragging of molten debris, which can produce more fragile projections and increase the risk of hair entanglement. Increasing the melting time after 2 seconds can make the projection more fragile, and the material can be easily removed from the folding plate 5200 when it is adhered to the hot head fixture.

[0271] It should be understood that the values ​​and ranges described herein are for exemplary purposes only, and the present disclosure is not limited to these values ​​unless explicitly required. The number and placement of the plurality of protrusions may vary depending on the application. For example, the plurality of protrusions may not be arranged in a row, the spacing between adjacent protrusions may vary, and the size of the plurality of protrusions may vary.

[0272] Fig.56 A perspective view of an example of an agitator 6000 is shown having a body 6001 and a plurality of bristle bars and / or a plurality of tufts 6002. The agitator 6000 may optionally include one or more deformable flaps 6004. The deformable flaps 6004 may include any sidewall or deformable flap described herein.

[0273] A plurality of bristle bars and / or a plurality of tufts 6002 are arranged in one or more rows 6006. The rows may extend along and generally parallel to at least a portion of the corresponding deformable flap 6004 (e.g., the separation distance between the deformable flap 6004 and the adjacent bristle bar and / or tuft row 6002 may deviate by less than 10%, e.g., less than 5% or less than 2% along their coextensive portion). As shown, the length of the bristle bar and / or tuft row 6002 is measured to be less than the length of the corresponding deformable flap 6004. In other words, the bristle bar and / or tuft row 6002 extends only along a portion of the corresponding deformable flap 6004. For example, the measure of the length of the bristle bar and / or tuft row 6002 may be less than half the measure of the length of the corresponding deformable flap 6004. However, it should be understood that the bristle bar and / or tuft row 6002 may have a length equal to or greater than the length of the corresponding deformable flap 6004. In some examples, the bristle bars and / or tuft rows 6002 can extend substantially from a first lateral end 6006 of the body 6001 of the agitator 6000 to substantially a second lateral end 6005 of the body 6001 of the agitator 6000 .

[0274] One or more of the bristle bars and / or tuft rows 6002 may be arranged in front of the corresponding deformable flap 6004 (e.g., from a rotational perspective, during cleaning, when the agitator rotates, the bristle bars and / or tuft rows 6002 contact the surface to be cleaned before the corresponding deformable flap 6004 adjacent to the bristle bars and / or tuft rows 6002). Alternatively (or in addition), one or more of the bristle bars and / or tuft rows 6002 may be arranged behind the corresponding deformable flap 6004 (e.g., from a rotational perspective, during cleaning, when the agitator rotates, the bristle bars and / or tuft rows 6002 contact the surface to be cleaned after the corresponding deformable flap 6004 adjacent to the bristle bars and / or tuft rows 6002). Again, it should be understood that the bristle bars and / or tuft rows 6002 need not be used in combination with the deformable flap 6004.

[0275] Now go to Fig.57, generally showing a cross-section of one example of a bristle bar and / or tuft row 6002. The bristle bar and / or tuft row 6002 may extend generally between a first opposing lateral end and a second opposing lateral end (e.g., generally left and right relative to the pivot axis PA) of the agitator body 6001. The bristle bar and / or tuft row 6002 may extend substantially completely between the first lateral end and the second lateral end of the body 6001 (e.g., completely across the left and right of the body 6001), and / or partially between the first lateral end and the second lateral end of the body 6001 (e.g., partially across the left and right of the body 6001). In some examples, the bristle bar and / or tuft row 6002 may extend partially or completely in a spiral across all or a portion (e.g., left and right) of the body 6001. Alternatively (or in addition), the bristle strips and / or rows of tufts 6002 can extend partially or completely generally linearly across all or a portion (e.g., left and right) of the body 6001. The bristle strips and / or rows of tufts 6002 can cover 75% to 100% of the outer surface of the body 6001, for example, 50% to 75% of the outer surface of the body 6001, 40% to 50% of the outer surface of the body 6001, 30% to 40% of the outer surface of the body 6001, 20% to 30% of the outer surface of the body 6001, 10% to 20% of the outer surface of the body 6001, 5% to 10% of the outer surface of the body 6001, and / or 1% to 5% of the outer surface of the body 6001, including all ranges and values ​​therein.

[0276] The bristle strip and / or tuft row 6002 includes a first bristle group 6102 including a plurality of nylon bristles 6103 and at least a second bristle group 6104 including a plurality of para-aramid (e.g., Kevlar TM ) bristles 6105. The bristle strip and / or tuft row 6002 may optionally include one or more third bristle groups 6106, wherein the one or more third bristle groups include a plurality of para-aramid (e.g., Kevlar TM ) bristles 6107. One or more of the third bristle groups 6106 can be similar to the second bristle group 6104. The second bristle group 6104 and the third bristle group 6106 can have bristles formed from a common filament (e.g., a single filament can form a "U" or "V" shape, where the base or middle section is fixed to the body 6001, and the other parts of the "U" or "V" shape form the bristles in the second bristle group 6104 and the third bristle group 6106. The bristle strip and / or tuft row 6002 can optionally include one or more fourth bristle groups (not shown) that can be similar to the first bristle group 6102, and the one or more fourth bristle groups include a plurality of nylon bristles.

[0277] The first bristle group 6102 can extend along all or one or more portions of the bristle strip 6002. The second bristle group 6104 can extend along all or one or more portions of the bristle strip 6002. In some examples, the second bristle group 6104 can extend along all or one or more portions of the bristle strip 6002. In some examples, the second bristle group 6104 can extend together with the first bristle group 6102 (for example, the second bristle group 6104 and the first bristle group 6102 can have the same length and / or can start / end at the same position on the body 6001). In other examples, the length of the second bristle group 6104 can be longer and / or shorter than the length of the first bristle group 6102 (for example, the second bristle group 6104 can start and / or end at a different position on the body 6001 than the first bristle group 6102). In at least one example, the second bristle group 6104 can limit the first bristle group 6102. The second bristle group 6104 can partially define the first bristle group 6102, for example, the second bristle group 6104 can be about 50% of the first bristle group 6102, about 60% of the first bristle group 6102, about 70% of the first bristle group 6102, about 80% of the first bristle group 6102, or about 90% of the first bristle group 6102. Alternatively, the first bristle group 6102 can define the second bristle group 6104. The first bristle group 6102 can partially define the second bristle group 6104, for example, the first bristle group 6102 can be about 50% of the second bristle group 6104, about 60% of the second bristle group 6104, about 70% of the second bristle group 6104, about 80% of the second bristle group 6104, or about 90% of the second bristle group 6104. As described above, one or more of the third bristle groups 6106 can be similar to the second bristle groups 6104.

[0278] The second bristle group 6104 can be disposed substantially adjacent to the first bristle group 6102. At least a portion (e.g., all) of the second bristle group 6104 can be disposed in front of the first bristle group 6102 (i.e., during cleaning, when the agitator rotates about the pivot axis PA, the second bristle group 6104 can contact the surface to be cleaned before the first bristle group 6102). Disposing at least a portion (e.g., all) of the second bristle group 6104 in front of the first bristle group 6102 can reduce the roughness and / or sharpness of the bristle bars and / or tuft rows 6002 when the agitator rotates during cleaning. It should be understood that the bristles of the first bristle group 6102, the second bristle group 6104, and / or the third bristle group 6106 can be angled. Thus, the distal ends of the bristles in any of the first bristle group 6102, the second bristle group 6104, and / or the third bristle group 6106 may be disposed in front of and / or behind the bristles in another of the first bristle group 6102, the second bristle group 6104, and / or the third bristle group 6106. In some examples, the relative positions of the first bristle group 6102, the second bristle group 6104, and / or the third bristle group 6106 may be described based on the relative positions of the bases of the bristles (i.e., the portions of the bristles that immediately extend from the body 6001) within the first bristle group 6102, the second bristle group 6104, and / or the third bristle group 6106. The second bristle group 6404 and the third bristle group 6106 may be disposed on substantially opposite sides of the first bristle group 6102. At least a portion (e.g., all) of the third bristle group 6106 can be disposed behind the first bristle group 6102 (i.e., during cleaning, when the agitator rotates about the pivot axis PA, the third bristle group 6106 can contact the surface to be cleaned after the first bristle group 6102). In some examples, the second bristle group 6104 and / or the third bristle group 6106 can contact the first bristle group 6102.

[0279] The parameters of the first bristle group 6102 and the second bristle group 6104 can vary depending on the intended application. The following examples are provided for explanatory purposes and are not limitations of the present disclosure unless expressly required. The first bristle group 6102 may have a filament (bristle) density of 240 fil / cm (filaments / cm) (±10%) (as measured at the base of the first bristle group 6102 close to the body 6001). The first bristle group 6102 may have a filament (bristle) diameter of 0.1 mm (±0.015 mm). The height of the first bristle group 6102 (i.e., the distance away from the base 6001 that is generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the agitator) may be 10.3 mm (±0.25 mm). The length of the first bristle group 6102 (i.e., the distance measured generally between the lateral ends of the agitator) may be 95.7 mm (±0.5 mm). The width of the first bristle set 6102 (ie, the distance measured generally front to back between the lateral ends of the agitator at the base of the first bristle set 6102 proximate the body 6001) can be 0.5 mm (±1 mm).

[0280] The second bristle group 6104 may have a filament (bristle) density of 11952 fil / cm (±10%) (as measured at the base of the second bristle group 6104 proximate to the body 6001). The second bristle group 6104 may have a filament (bristle) diameter of 0.02 mm (±0.01 mm). The height of the second bristle group 6104 (i.e., the distance away from the base 6001 that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the agitator) may be 10.3 mm (±0.25 mm). The height of the second bristle group 6104 may be the same as the height of the first bristle group 6102. The height of the second bristle group 6104 may be longer than the height of the first bristle group 6102. The height of the second bristle group 6104 may be shorter than the height of the first bristle group 6102. The length of the second bristle group 6104 (i.e., the distance measured substantially between the lateral ends of the agitator) may be 95.7 mm (±0.5 mm). The width of the second bristle set 6104 (ie, the distance measured generally front to back between the lateral ends of the agitator at the base of the second bristle set 6104 proximate the body 6001) can be 0.5 mm (±1 mm).

[0281] The third bristle group 6106 may have a filament (bristle) density of 11952 fil / cm (±10%) (as measured at the base of the third bristle group 6106 close to the body 6001). The third bristle group 6106 may have a filament (bristle) diameter of 0.02 mm (±0.01 mm). The height of the third bristle group 6106 (i.e., the distance away from the base 6001 that is generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the agitator) may be 10.3 mm (±0.25 mm). The length of the third bristle group 6106 (i.e., the distance measured generally between the lateral ends of the agitator) may be 95.7 mm (±0.5 mm). The width of the third bristle group 6106 (i.e., the distance measured generally front to back between the lateral ends of the agitator at the base of the third bristle group 6106 close to the body 6001) may be 0.5 mm (±1 mm).

[0282] Four different agitators were tested, including three different nylon bristle agitators (BR1, BR2, BR3) and one Kevlar agitator (BR4) using a brush roll isolation device. BR1 included only nylon bristles with a 0.1 mm filament diameter (480 fil / cm^2 density). BR2 included only nylon bristles with a 0.2 mm filament diameter (72 fil / cm^2 density). BR3 included only nylon bristles with a 0.04 mm filament diameter (1450 fil / cm^2 density). BR4 included only Kevlar bristles with a 0.02 mm filament diameter (11952 fil / cm^2 density). The flaps were removed from all brush rolls (i.e., only bristles). The brush rolls were isolated using a brush roll isolation device placed 20 cm from the central axis of the brush roll. 1 A / 4” condenser microphone recorded time domain sound pressure data. RPM was kept low so that motor noise would not confound the data and was monitored with an optical tachometer to maintain consistency between tests. Power spectral density, sharpness, and roughness were calculated for the time domain data.

[0283] The results of the tests (see e.g. Figure 58-59) indicates that the Kevlar bristles do not affect the overall sound pressure level of the brushroll, and the levels are similar for all four brushrolls. The Kevlar bristles significantly reduce the roughness of the brushroll. Each row of bristles contacts the floor once each time the brushroll rotates (e.g., 4 rows = 4 times total). This contact is believed to produce a pressure wave that increases the total amplitude of the brushroll pressure. The varying amplitude is believed to produce roughness, and by using a softer material (e.g., Kevlar), the amplitude variation appears less drastic. The Kevlar bristles significantly reduce the sharpness of the brushroll. Kevlar should be understood to be less "scratchy" than nylon, thereby reducing high frequency content, which is believed to be attributed to the smaller filament diameter (because smaller diameter nylon bristles are believed to have lower sharpness than larger diameter nylon). By placing Kevlar on the outside of the nylon / Kevlar sandwich (i.e., the first bristle group 6102 and the second bristle group 6104), the Kevlar (e.g., the second bristle group 6104) is the contact surface of the agitator, thereby reducing roughness and / or reducing sharpness.

[0284] As used herein, roughness is defined as a psychoacoustic metric that describes the amount of rapid amplitude modulation, i.e., it describes rapid changes in the SPL of a sound, and is measured in asper (with a maximum value of 1 asper). As used herein, sharpness is defined as a psychoacoustic metric that quantifies the amount of high-frequency content of a signal, and is measured in acum. As used herein, A-weighting is defined as a method of weighting frequency domain data that scales the frequency domain data to more accurately represent how humans would perceive those frequencies (based on equal loudness curves). As used herein, power spectral density is defined as how the acoustic power of a signal varies with frequency. As used herein, sound pressure level is defined as the pressure level of a sound (SPL = 20*log10(pressure / (20*10^-6))).

[0285] It will be appreciated that the plurality of protrusions may be formed by molding. Fig.60 , generally shows an example of an elastically deformable flap 6400 including a plurality of molded protrusions 6402. For example, the plurality of protrusions can be molded polyurethane protrusions 6402. The plurality of protrusions 6402 can be molded from a flap made entirely of plastic, such as entirely of polyurethane, etc. The flap 6400 can be molded with raised protrusions / bumps 6402 to mimic the appearance and / or function of ablation points. The molded protrusions 6402 can use the same spacing and distribution as the ablation points, but are contoured to match the curve of the fin / flap 6400. In at least one example, the molded flap 6400 and protrusions 6402 can be molded using 57A polyurethane rubber. The flap 6400 and protrusions 6402 can be molded entirely of polyurethane.

[0286] An example of an agitator for a vacuum cleaner consistent with the present disclosure may include a body and at least one deformable flap extending from the body. The deformable flap may include at least one taper. The at least one taper brings a cleaning edge of the deformable flap close to the body.

[0287] In some cases, the at least one cone may extend in an end region of the at least one deformable flap. In some cases, the at least one cone may include a first cone and a second cone, each cone extending in a corresponding end region of the deformable flap. In some cases, the first cone may have a first slope and the second cone may have a second slope, the first slope being measured differently than the second slope. In some cases, the deformable flap may include a woven material. In some cases, the deformable flap may include a trim along a cleaning edge. In some cases, the deformable flap may include a mounting edge having a plurality of segments that, when mounted to the body, cause the cone to form within the deformable flap. In some cases, the at least one deformable flap may include a plurality of deformable flaps, each deformable flap extending helically around the body, and wherein the length of each deformable flap is measured to be less than the length of the body. In some cases, each deformable flap may extend from an end region of the body to a central region of the body. In some cases, the agitator can further include at least one bristle bar extending generally parallel to the corresponding deformable flap. In some cases, the length of the at least one bristle bar can measure less than the length of the corresponding deformable flap.

[0288] An example of a vacuum cleaner consistent with the present disclosure may include: an agitator chamber including one or more ribs; and an agitator disposed within the agitator chamber such that at least a portion of the agitator engages the one or more ribs. The agitator may include a body and at least one deformable flap extending from the body. The deformable flap may include at least one taper. The at least one taper brings a cleaning edge of the deformable flap into proximity with the body.

[0289] In some cases, the one or more ribs may be disposed at opposite distal ends of the blender chamber. In some cases, the at least one cone may include a first cone and a second cone, the first cone and the second cone extending in opposite end regions of the corresponding deformable flap. In some cases, the ribs may extend from the blender cover. In some cases, the blender cover may be an end cap. In some cases, the blender may also include at least one bristle strip, the at least one bristle strip extending substantially parallel to the corresponding deformable flap. In some cases, the length of the at least one bristle strip may be measured to be less than the length of the corresponding deformable flap. In some cases, the at least one cone may include a first cone and a second cone, each cone extending in a corresponding end region of the deformable flap. In some cases, the first cone may have a first slope, and the second cone may have a second slope, the first slope being measured in a manner different from the second slope. In some cases, the body may include a cone extending toward a central region of the body.

[0290] Although the principle of the present invention has been described herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this description is intended to be illustrative only, rather than limiting the scope of the present invention. In addition to the illustrative embodiments shown and described herein, other embodiments are also within the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that surface cleaning equipment and / or agitators may embody any one or more features included herein, and these features may be used in any specific combination or sub-combination. Modifications and substitutions of those of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is limited only by the claims.

Claims

1. An agitator for a vacuum cleaner, characterized in that include: Agitator body; as well as bristle bars and / or tufts arranged to extend outwardly from the agitator body in one or more rows along the agitator body, the bristle bars and / or tufts comprising: a first bristle group, the first bristle group comprising a plurality of nylon bristles; as well as At least a second bristle group, the at least second bristle group includes a plurality of para-aramid bristles.

2. The agitator of claim 1, wherein the second bristle group is disposed substantially adjacent to the first bristle group.

3. The agitator according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the second bristle group is disposed in front of the first bristle group. The agitator of claim 3 , wherein the second bristle group contacts the first bristle group. 5 . The agitator according to claim 1 , further comprising a third bristle group, the third bristle group comprising a plurality of para-aramid bristles, the first bristle group being disposed between the second bristle group and the third bristle group.

6. The agitator of claim 5, wherein the second and third bristle groups contact the first bristle group on opposite sides of the first bristle group.

7. The agitator of claim 1, wherein the first bristle group has a filament density of 240 fil / cm ± 10%, and the second bristle group has a filament density of 11952 fil / cm ± 10%.

8. The agitator of claim 1, wherein the first bristle group has a filament diameter of 0.1 mm ± 0.015 mm, and the second bristle group has a filament diameter of 0.02 mm ± 0.01 mm.

9. The blender of claim 1 further comprising at least one elastically deformable flap extending outwardly from said blender body.

10. The agitator of claim 9, wherein the at least one elastically deformable flap comprises: Front; later; as well as One or more protrusions extend outwardly from the front face, wherein the one or more protrusions include a convex portion extending outwardly from the front face and a concave portion extending inwardly from the front face.

11. The blender of claim 10, further comprising a facing layer coupled to a backing layer, the facing layer forming the front face, and the backing layer forming the rear face, wherein at least a portion of the facing layer is melted to at least partially form the one or more protrusions.

12. The agitator of claim 9, wherein the elastically deformable flap is disposed adjacent to the first deformable flap.

13. An agitator according to claim 12, wherein the bristle bar and / or plurality of tufts extend along only a portion of the at least one elastically deformable flap.

14. The agitator of claim 12, wherein the bristle bar and / or plurality of tufts are substantially coextensive with the at least one elastically deformable flap.

15. The agitator of claim 1, wherein the second bristle group is coextensive with the first bristle group.

16. The agitator of claim 1, wherein the length of the second bristle group is longer than the length of the first bristle group.

17. The agitator of claim 1, wherein the length of the second bristle group is shorter than the length of the first bristle group.

18. The agitator of claim 1, wherein the second bristle group circumscribes the first bristle group.

19. The agitator of claim 1, wherein the second bristle group partially defines the first bristle group.

20. The agitator of claim 1, wherein the first bristle group defines the second bristle group.

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