Floor cleaning head

Abstract

A floor cleaning head includes a head housing defining a brushroll cavity and a motor cavity, a motor positioned within the motor cavity, a brushroll positioned within the brushroll cavity and coupled to the head housing for rotation relative to the head housing, the brushroll including an inner roller rotatable about a first rotational axis and an outer cylinder rotatable about a second rotational axis, spaced apart from the first rotational axis. The inner roller is positioned within the outer cylinder. The inner roller includes a plurality of bristles. The outer cylinder includes a plurality of openings through which the plurality of bristles is configured to extend. A fully extended position of a bristle of the plurality of bristles relative to the outer cylinder corresponds to a position in which the bristle is aligned with a leading edge of the inlet.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 748,298, filed January 22, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND

[0002] The present subject matter relates to vacuum cleaners and more particularly to brushroll assemblies for portable vacuum cleaners. SUMMARY

[0003] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head for use with a vacuum device to clean a surface, the floor cleaning head including: a head housing defining a brushroll cavity, a motor cavity, and an inlet of the brushroll cavity through which dirt and debris from the surface is configured to be drawn into the brushroll cavity; a motor positioned within the motor cavity; a brushroll positioned within the brushroll cavity and coupled to the head housing for rotation relative to the head housing, the brushroll including an inner roller rotatable about a first rotational axis and an outer cylinder rotatable about a second rotational axis, spaced apart from the first rotational axis; a drivetrain coupled to an output shaft of the motor, the inner roller, and the outer cylinder; wherein the inner roller is positioned within the outer cylinder, wherein the inner roller includes a plurality of bristles, wherein the outer cylinder includes a plurality of openings through which the plurality of bristles are configured to extend, and wherein a fully extended position of a bristle of the plurality of bristles relative to the outer cylinder corresponds to a position in which the bristle is aligned with a leading edge of the inlet.

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, wherein a diameter of the inner roller inclusive of the plurality of bristles is greater than a diameter of the outer cylinder.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, wherein the first rotational axis is located forward and below the second rotational axis when the floor cleaning head is located on the surface in a normal use position.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, wherein the plurality of bristles follow a helical path along the inner roller, and wherein the plurality of openings follow a helical path along the outer cylinder.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, wherein a wipe position of a bristle of the plurality of bristles relative to the outer cylinder corresponds to a position in which the bristle is aligned with a leading edge of an outlet passage of the brushroll cavity.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, wherein an entering threshold position of a bristle of the plurality of bristles relative to the outer cylinder corresponds to a position in which the bristle is aligned with the outlet passage.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, wherein an entering threshold position of a bristle of the plurality of bristles relative to the outer cylinder corresponds to a position in which the bristle is aligned with an outlet passage.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, wherein the drivetrain includes a first pulley coupled to the inner roller, a second pulley coupled to the outer cylinder, a first belt coupling the motor output shaft to the first pulley, and a second belt coupling the motor output shaft to the second pulley.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, wherein the inner roller is configured to rotate synchronously with the outer cylinder.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, further including an attachment housing coupled to the head housing and rotatable relative to the head housing, wherein the attachment housing includes a release configured to engage the vacuum device such that the floor cleaning head is removable from the vacuum device.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, wherein the rotational axis of the inner roller is at a height of a trailing edge of an outlet passage of the brushroll cavity.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, wherein a diameter of the inner roller inclusive of the bristles is at least 7% greater than a diameter of the outer cylinder.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head for use with a vacuum device to clean a surface, the floor cleaning head including: an inner roller rotatable about a first rotational axis; an outer cylinder rotatable about a second rotational axis, the outer cylinder extending around the inner roller; a first pulley coupled to a longitudinal end of the inner roller; a second pulley coupled to a longitudinal end of the outer cylinder; wherein the inner roller includes a plurality of bristles, wherein a diameter of the inner roller inclusive of the plurality of bristles is greater than a diameter of the outer cylinder; and wherein the outer cylinder includes a plurality of openings through which the plurality of bristles is configured to extend.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, wherein the plurality of bristles follow a helical path along the inner roller, and wherein the plurality of openings follow a helical path along the outer cylinder.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, wherein each opening of the plurality of openings has a width of 20-25 millimeters, and wherein each bristle of the plurality of bristles has a diameter of 3-5 millimeters.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, wherein the outer cylinder is formed of glass-filled nylon or metal.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of operating a floor cleaning head to clean a surface, the method including: positioning an inner roller of a brushroll within an outer cylinder of the brushroll such that a plurality of bristles of the inner roller extend through openings in the outer cylinder; drawing airflow through a brushroll cavity formed within a head housing; operating a motor positioned within the head housing to rotate the inner roller of the brushroll about a first axis and the outer cylinder of the brushroll about a second axis, spaced apart from the first axis; brushing the plurality of bristles against the surface; and retracting each bristle of the plurality of bristles fully within the outer cylinder to dislodge hair and debris from the plurality of bristles at an entering threshold position in which each bristle is aligned with an outlet passage of the brushroll cavity.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including extending each bristle of the plurality of bristles to a fully extended position relative to the outer cylinder at a position in which each bristle is aligned with a leading edge of an inlet of the brushroll cavity.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including wiping each bristle of the plurality of bristles against the outer cylinder, wherein a wipe position of each bristle corresponds to a position in which the bristle is aligned with a leading edge of the outlet passage of the brushroll cavity.

[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein operating the motor to rotate the inner roller includes driving a first belt about a first pulley coupled to the inner roller, and wherein operating the motor to rotate the outer cylinder includes driving a second belt about a second pulley coupled to the outer cylinder.

[0023] Other aspects of the present subject matter will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a floor cleaning head according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the floor cleaning head of FIG. 1 with a portion of a housing of the floor cleaning head removed.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a brushroll of the floor cleaning head of FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of floor cleaning head of FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of floor cleaning head of FIG. 1 illustrating a bristle of the floor cleaning head in a fully retracted position.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of floor cleaning head of FIG. 1 illustrating a bristle of the floor cleaning head in a fully extended position.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of floor cleaning head of FIG. 1 illustrating a bristle of the floor cleaning head in an exiting threshold position.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of floor cleaning head of FIG. 1 illustrating a bristle of the floor cleaning head in an entering threshold position.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of floor cleaning head of FIG. 1 illustrating a bristle of the floor cleaning head in a wipe position.

[0033] Before any embodiments of the present subject matter are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The present subject matter is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a floor cleaning head 100 in the form of an attachment for a vacuum device (not shown; e.g., a vacuum cleaner, portable vacuum cleaner, etc.) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the floor cleaning head 100 may be incorporated into the overall housing of a non-separable vacuum device. The floor cleaning head 100 includes a head housing 104 and an attachment housing 112. The head housing 104 defines an interior volume therein (FIG. 2), the interior volume forming a brushroll cavity 128 and a motor cavity 140. The head housing 104 is generally rectangular (when viewed from above), having a width extending between two end caps 104A, 104B of the housing 104. A depth of the housing extends rearwardly from the brushroll cavity 128 towards the motor cavity 140 and further rearward still to a pair of wheels 108 for moving the floor cleaning head 100 along a ground surface to be cleaned. A height of the head housing 104 extends upward from the ground surface (upon which the housing rests), perpendicular to the depth and width.

[0035] The attachment housing 112 is coupled to the head housing 104 and extends upward from the head housing 104 to couple to a hose or other attachment of the vacuum device such that suction generated by the vacuum device is provided to the floor cleaning head 100. A release 116 is positioned on the attachment housing 112 and secures the vacuum device to the attachment housing 112. In some embodiments, the release 116 is a button or a switch that is depressed to disengage the attachment housing 112 (and therefore the floor cleaning head 100 as a whole) from the vacuum device. In the embodiment shown, the release 116 is located on a forward side of the attachment housing 112. In some embodiments, the attachment housing 112 is movable (e.g., rotatable about one or more axes) relative to the head housing 104 to provide for an increased range of motion of the head housing 104 on the ground surface when coupled to a vacuum device.

[0036] A flexible conduit or tube 120 extends within the head housing 104 and the attachment housing 112, providing a closed airflow path therebetween. In some embodiments, the flexible conduit 120 is a corrugated hose. A first end of the flexible conduit 120 is attached to (e.g., extends within, fixed to) an outlet passage 132 (i.e., conduit) formed within the head housing 104 and a second end is open within the attachment housing 112. The outlet passage 132 is located within the head housing 104 rearward of the brushroll cavity 128 and includes an inlet through which dust and debris is drawn from the brushroll cavity 128. As shown in FIG. 4, the inlet of the outlet passage 132 is located directly rearward of the brushroll cavity 128 and extends substantially parallel to the ground surface (when the floor cleaning head 100 is in a normal use position on the ground surface) along the longitudinal axis 196. The flexible conduit 120 extends upward (substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 196) from the outlet passage 132 to the attachment housing 112.

[0037] The brushroll cavity 128 is located at a front end of the head housing 104 and is sized to accommodate a brushroll 164. An inlet 124 of the brushroll cavity 128 is located on an underside of the head housing 104 adjacent the ground surface to be cleaned. In some embodiments, the inlet 124 is the only inlet through which dust and debris is drawn into the brushroll cavity 128. An airflow path through which dust and debris are drawn by a suction source of a vacuum device extends from the inlet 124 of the brushroll cavity 128, through the brushroll cavity 128, into the inlet of the outlet passage 132, through the outlet passage 132, into the flexible conduit 120, and out an upper end of the attachment housing 112, to the vacuum device.

[0038] With reference to FIGS. 1-2, a motor 136 is located within a motor cavity 140 and is located rearward of the brushroll cavity 128 within the head housing 104. The motor 136 drives the brushroll 164 via a drivetrain assembly 144. As shown, the drivetrain assembly 144 includes first and second belts 148, 152 connected to an output shaft (e.g., on gears / timing pulleys of differing diameters) of the motor 136 at a first end and pulleys 156, 160 (e.g., timing pulleys) of different diameters at a second end. The drivetrain assembly 144 is configured to convert the rotational output of the motor 136 into separate rotation of an inner roller 168 and an outer cylinder 172 of the brushroll 164. In some embodiments, the brushroll 164 is rotated by the motor 136 and drivetrain assembly 144 at 7000 rpm (e.g., 7000 rpm, 6500-7500 rpm, 6000-8000 rpm, at least 6000 rpm, at least 5000 rpm). In the embodiment shown, the drivetrain assembly 144 is located within a housing end cap 104A affixed at a widthwise end of the head housing 104 to the remainder of the head housing 104.

[0039] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the brushroll 164 includes the inner roller 168 (as shown, a cylinder, though may be otherwise shaped in other embodiments) and the outer cylinder 172 (i.e., outer roller). The inner roller 168 includes an outer cylindrical surface with bristles 176 extending substantially radially outward therefrom. An end of the inner roller 168 is coupled to the first pulley 156 (e.g., via a keyed connection) such that rotation of the first pulley 156 by the motor 136 results in similar rotation of the inner roller 168 about the rotational axis 180. The bristles 176 are arranged in rows that extend between from adjacent one lengthwise end of the inner roller 168 towards the other lengthwise end of the cylinder 168. In the embodiment shown, four rows of bristles 176 extend across the inner roller 168, equidistantly spaced apart from one another about the perimeter of the inner roller 168. Described another way, a cross-section through a bristle 176 of the inner roller 168 taken perpendicular to the rotational axis 180 includes four bristles spaced apart from one another by 90 degrees about the circumference of the inner roller 168.

[0040] As shown, each row follows a helical pattern about the circumference, rotating 90 degrees about the circumference from a first bristle of the row nearest the first lengthwise end of the inner roller 168 to the last bristle of the row nearest the second lengthwise end of the inner roller 168. As each row rotates in the same direction, the spacing between bristles 176 of adjacent rows remains consistent. In some embodiments, the bristles 176 are grouped together in bristle tufts having a diameter of 4.0 mm (e.g., 4.0 mm, between 3.0 mm – 5.0 mm, between 3.5 mm – 4.5 mm). Each individual bristle176 (of which there are tens or hundreds within each bristle tuft) has a diameter of 0.1mm or 0.2 mm (e.g., 0.1-0.2 mm, 0.05-0.25 mm, at least 0.1 mm, no more than 0.2 mm) and is made of polyamide-6 (PA-6).

[0041] With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the outer cylinder 172 is hollow and tubular, having a thickness extending between in inner surface and an outer surface. At an end of the outer cylinder 172, the outer cylinder 172 is coupled to the second pulley 160, the second pulley 160 having a greater diameter than the first pulley 156. The rotation of the second pulley 160 by the motor 136 results in similar rotation of the outer cylinder 172 about the rotational axis 190. The outer cylinder 172 defines an interior volume 188 within which the inner roller 168 is positioned. However, the inner and outer cylinders 168, 172 are not axially aligned, as the rotational axis 180 of the inner roller 168 is offset from (though still parallel to) the rotational axis 192 of the outer cylinder 172. In particular, as shown in FIG. 4, the rotational axis 180 of the inner roller 168 is lower and forward of the rotational axis 192 of the outer cylinder 172. In the embodiment shown, the rotational axis 180 of the inner roller 168 is at a similar height as the trailing edge (i.e., upper edge) of the outlet passage 132.

[0042] While the inner roller 168 itself has a smaller diameter than the outer cylinder 172 such that the inner roller 168 is positioned within the interior volume 188 defined by the outer cylinder 172, the diameter of the inner roller 168 inclusive of the bristles 176 is, as shown, greater than an inner diameter and an outer diameter of the outer cylinder 172. To accommodate the bristles 176, the outer cylinder 172 includes a plurality of openings 184 that extend through the thickness of the outer cylinder 172 to provide passages through which the bristles 176 extend. As shown, the openings 184 follow the helical paths of the rows of bristles 176. As the inner and outer cylinders 168, 172 are driven by the same motor 136, the inner and outer cylinders 168, 172 maintain synchronous rotations. In the embodiment shown, each row (as shown, four rows) includes multiple openings 184 (e.g., as shown seven, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven) separated from one another by braces extending between adjacent openings 184. The braces extend substantially circumferentially and increase the structural rigidity of the outer cylinder 172.

[0043] In some embodiments, the outer cylinder 172 is made of a glass-filled nylon or a metal material. In some embodiments, materials or material coatings with a low coefficient of friction (resulting in increased slickness) may be utilized for the outer cylinder 172 to prevent hair and other debris from sticking to the outer cylinder 172. In some embodiments, the openings 184 have a width (in the circumferential direction) of 22 millimeters (e.g., 22 millimeters, 20-25 millimeters) and a length of 46 millimeters (e.g., 46 millimeters, 40-50 millimeters). In some embodiments, the dimensions of the openings 184 are consistent, while in other embodiments, the widths and / or the lengths of the openings 184 may vary within a row or from one row to the next.

[0044] In some embodiments, the inner roller 168 has a diameter of 35 millimeters or 30-40 millimeters. In some embodiments, the outer cylinder 172 has a diameter of 64 millimeters or 60-70 millimeters. In some embodiments, a length of the bristles 176 is 18 millimeters or 15-20 millimeters. In some embodiments, the inner roller 168 inclusive of the bristles 176 has a diameter of 70 millimeters or 60-80 millimeters. In some embodiments, the diameter of the inner roller 168 inclusive of the bristles 176 is approximately 10% (e.g., 10%, 9%-11%, 8%-12%, at least 5%, at least 7%, at least 9%) greater than the diameter of the outer cylinder 172. With such a ratio of diameters, the bristles 176 are configured to wipe along the outer cylinder 172 as the bristle 176 passes the outlet passage 132.

[0045] In some embodiments, the horizontal distance between the rotational axes 180, 192 is 4.5 millimeters or 3-6 millimeters. In some embodiments, the vertical distance between the rotational axes 180, 192 is 7 millimeters or 5-9 millimeters. In some embodiments, the height of the rotational axis 180 of the inner roller 168 is 33 millimeters or 25-40 millimeters above a surface to be cleaned when the floor cleaning head 100 is in a normal use position. In some embodiments, the height of the central longitudinal axis 196 of the outlet passage 132 is 21 millimeters or 15-25 millimeters above a surface to be cleaned when the floor cleaning head 100 is in a normal use position. In some embodiments, the horizontal distance between the rotational axis 180 of the inner roller 168 and the inlet of the outlet passage 132 is 41 millimeters or 30-50 millimeters.

[0046] As the rotational axes 180, 192 of the inner and outer cylinders 168, 172, respectively, are offset from one another, the extent to which the bristles 176 of the inner roller 172 extend through the openings 184 differs dependent upon the rotational position of the bristle 176. By extending outside of the outer cylinder 172, the bristles 176 are able to engage the floor surface to be cleaned to pick up dirt and debris to be drawn to the vacuum device through the inlet 124 and the outlet passage 132. With the bristles 176 extending fully within the outer cylinder 172, the bristles 176 disengage from hairs that may otherwise wrap around the bristles 176 and inner roller 168, instead engaging the outer cylinder 172 where the hairs are shed from the brushroll 164 and drawn through the outlet passage 132. FIGS. 5-9 illustrate various rotational positions of the bristle 176 with the referenced bristle 176 labeled with an alphabetical suffix.

[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates a bristle 176A in a fully retracted position. The fully retracted position corresponds to the position in which the bristle 176A is recessed furthest within the outer cylinder 172. Described in another way, in the fully retracted position, the bristle 176A is fully positioned within the outer cylinder 172 and the distance between the outer tip of the bristle and inner surface of the outer cylinder 172 is greatest. FIG. 6 illustrates a bristle 176B in a fully extended position. The fully extended position corresponds to the position in which the bristle 176B extends furthest out of the outer cylinder 172. The fully extended position is antipodal to the fully retracted position, offset from the fully retracted position by 180 degrees. The angle of the bristle 176A in the fully extended position and the bristle 176B in the fully retracted position correspond to the angle created by a line that connects the two rotational axes 180, 192. As the rotational axis 192 (FIG. 4) of the outer cylinder 172 is located upward and rearward of the rotational axis 180 of the inner roller 168 (and bristles 176), the fully retracted position corresponds to the (radially extending) bristle 176A angled similarly upward and rearward. The fully extended position of the bristle 176B corresponds to a leading edge of the inlet 124 of the brushroll cavity 128 such that the bristle 176B is configured to reach out a full amount when first engaging the ground surface to be cleaned through the inlet 124.

[0048] FIG. 7 illustrates a bristle 176C in an exiting threshold position. The exiting threshold position corresponds to the position in which a portion of the bristle 176C first passes out of and is external to the outer cylinder 172. The exiting threshold position is between the fully retracted position (FIG. 5) and the fully extended position (FIG. 6) and, in rotation (counterclockwise from the perspective of FIG. 7) occurs after the fully retracted position and before the fully extended position. The exiting threshold position is offset from the fully retracted position by approximately sixty degrees (e.g., 60 degrees, 50-70 degrees).

[0049] FIG. 8 illustrates a bristle 176D in an entering threshold position. The entering threshold position corresponds to the position in which the entirety of the bristle 176C first passes into and is wholly internal to the outer cylinder 172. The entering threshold position is between the fully extended position (FIG. 6) and the fully retracted position (FIG. 5) and, in rotation (counterclockwise from the perspective of FIG. 8) occurs after the fully extended position and before the fully retracted position. The entering threshold position is offset from the fully retracted position by approximately sixty degrees (e.g., 60 degrees, 50-70 degrees) and the offset from the exiting threshold position by approximately 120 degrees (e.g., 120 degrees, 110-130 degrees). The entering threshold position is also the position in which hair that engages the bristles 176 is likely to disengage the bristles 176 as the bristle 176D retracts within the outer cylinder 172. The entering threshold position is aligned with and directly adjacent to the outlet passage 132 such that hair that is removed from the bristle 176D is drawn out of the brushroll cavity 128, into the outlet passage 132, and to the vacuum device.

[0050] FIG. 9 illustrates a bristle 176E in a wipe position. The wipe position corresponds to the position in which the length of the bristle is first engaged by the edge of the opening 184 through which the bristle 176E extends. The location of the wipe position is dependent upon the width of the opening 184. In the embodiment shown, the wipe position is offset from the fully extended position (FIG. 6) by approximately 75 degrees (e.g., 75 degrees, 70-80 degrees) and is substantially aligned with a rear of the inlet 124 of the brushroll cavity 128 and the leading edge of the outlet passage 132. When wiped, the outer cylinder 172 dislodges dirt and debris from the bristle 176E to clean the bristle 176E. By wiping adjacent the leading edge of the outlet passage 132, the dirt and debris are less likely to complete a rotation about the brushroll 164 and are instead drawn into the outlet passage 132.

[0051] The progression of the bristles within a single rotation follows a path from fully retracted position shown in FIG. 5, to the exiting threshold position shown in FIG. 7, then to the fully extended position shown in FIG. 6, then to the wipe position shown in FIG. 9, and then to the entering threshold position shown in FIG. 8. The cycle then begins again with the retracted position shown in FIG. 5.

[0052] In operation, with the floor cleaning head 100 coupled to a vacuum device, the vacuum device generates an airflow to draw dust and debris into the head housing 104 through the inlet 124, into the brushroll cavity 128, through the outlet passage 132 and the flexible conduit 120 and into the attachment housing 112 and to the vacuum device. The motor 136 within the head housing 104 rotates an output shaft and drivetrain 144 coupled thereto. The belts 148, 152 and pulleys 156, 160 of the drivetrain 144 transmit the rotational output of the motor output shaft to the inner and outer cylinders 168, 172 of the brushroll 164, respectively, thereby rotating each of the inner and outer cylinders 168, 172 relative to the head housing 104. The bristles 176 of the inner roller 168 pass out of the outer cylinder 172 and subsequently retract back into the outer cylinder 172 with each revolution, thereby dislodging the hair and other debris from the bristles 176, such that the hair and debris is drawn through the outlet passage 132 to the vacuum device.

[0053] Although the present subject matter has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope of one or more independent aspects of the subject matter as described.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0034]FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a floor cleaning head 100 in the form of an attachment for a vacuum device (not shown; e.g., a vacuum cleaner, portable vacuum cleaner, etc.) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the floor cleaning head 100 may be incorporated into the overall housing of a non-separable vacuum device. The floor cleaning head 100 includes a head housing 104 and an attachment housing 112. The head housing 104 defines an interior volume therein (FIG. 2), the interior volume forming a brushroll cavity 128 and a motor cavity 140. The head housing 104 is generally rectangular (when viewed from above), having a width extending between two end caps 104A, 104B of the housing 104. A depth of the housing extends rearwardly from the brushroll cavity 128 towards the motor cavity 140 and further rearward still to a pair of wheels 108 for moving the floor cleaning head 100 along a ground surface to be cleaned. A height of the head housing 104 extend...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 748,298, filed January 22, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND

[0002] The present subject matter relates to vacuum cleaners and more particularly to brushroll assemblies for portable vacuum cleaners. SUMMARY

[0003] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head for use with a vacuum device to clean a surface, the floor cleaning head including: a head housing defining a brushroll cavity, a motor cavity, and an inlet of the brushroll cavity through which dirt and debris from the surface is configured to be drawn into the brushroll cavity; a motor positioned within the motor cavity; a brushroll positioned within the brushroll cavity and coupled to the head housing for rotation relative to the head housing, the brushroll including an inner roller rotatable about a first rotational axis and an outer cylinder rotatable about a second rotational axis, spaced apart from the first rotational axis; a drivetrain coupled to an output shaft of the motor, the inner roller, and the outer cylinder; wherein the inner roller is positioned within the outer cylinder, wherein the inner roller includes a plurality of bristles, wherein the outer cylinder includes a plurality of openings through which the plurality of bristles are configured to extend, and wherein a fully extended position of a bristle of the plurality of bristles relative to the outer cylinder corresponds to a position in which the bristle is aligned with a leading edge of the inlet.

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, wherein a diameter of the inner roller inclusive of the plurality of bristles is greater than a diameter of the outer cylinder.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, wherein the first rotational axis is located forward and below the second rotational axis when the floor cleaning head is located on the surface in a normal use position.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, wherein the plurality of bristles follow a helical path along the inner roller, and wherein the plurality of openings follow a helical path along the outer cylinder.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, wherein a wipe position of a bristle of the plurality of bristles relative to the outer cylinder corresponds to a position in which the bristle is aligned with a leading edge of an outlet passage of the brushroll cavity.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, wherein an entering threshold position of a bristle of the plurality of bristles relative to the outer cylinder corresponds to a position in which the bristle is aligned with the outlet passage.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, wherein an entering threshold position of a bristle of the plurality of bristles relative to the outer cylinder corresponds to a position in which the bristle is aligned with an outlet passage.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, wherein the drivetrain includes a first pulley coupled to the inner roller, a second pulley coupled to the outer cylinder, a first belt coupling the motor output shaft to the first pulley, and a second belt coupling the motor output shaft to the second pulley.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, wherein the inner roller is configured to rotate synchronously with the outer cylinder.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, further including an attachment housing coupled to the head housing and rotatable relative to the head housing, wherein the attachment housing includes a release configured to engage the vacuum device such that the floor cleaning head is removable from the vacuum device.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, wherein the rotational axis of the inner roller is at a height of a trailing edge of an outlet passage of the brushroll cavity.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, wherein a diameter of the inner roller inclusive of the bristles is at least 7% greater than a diameter of the outer cylinder.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head for use with a vacuum device to clean a surface, the floor cleaning head including: an inner roller rotatable about a first rotational axis; an outer cylinder rotatable about a second rotational axis, the outer cylinder extending around the inner roller; a first pulley coupled to a longitudinal end of the inner roller; a second pulley coupled to a longitudinal end of the outer cylinder; wherein the inner roller includes a plurality of bristles, wherein a diameter of the inner roller inclusive of the plurality of bristles is greater than a diameter of the outer cylinder; and wherein the outer cylinder includes a plurality of openings through which the plurality of bristles is configured to extend.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, wherein the plurality of bristles follow a helical path along the inner roller, and wherein the plurality of openings follow a helical path along the outer cylinder.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, wherein each opening of the plurality of openings has a width of 20-25 millimeters, and wherein each bristle of the plurality of bristles has a diameter of 3-5 millimeters.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor cleaning head, wherein the outer cylinder is formed of glass-filled nylon or metal.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of operating a floor cleaning head to clean a surface, the method including: positioning an inner roller of a brushroll within an outer cylinder of the brushroll such that a plurality of bristles of the inner roller extend through openings in the outer cylinder; drawing airflow through a brushroll cavity formed within a head housing; operating a motor positioned within the head housing to rotate the inner roller of the brushroll about a first axis and the outer cylinder of the brushroll about a second axis, spaced apart from the first axis; brushing the plurality of bristles against the surface; and retracting each bristle of the plurality of bristles fully within the outer cylinder to dislodge hair and debris from the plurality of bristles at an entering threshold position in which each bristle is aligned with an outlet passage of the brushroll cavity.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including extending each bristle of the plurality of bristles to a fully extended position relative to the outer cylinder at a position in which each bristle is aligned with a leading edge of an inlet of the brushroll cavity.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including wiping each bristle of the plurality of bristles against the outer cylinder, wherein a wipe position of each bristle corresponds to a position in which the bristle is aligned with a leading edge of the outlet passage of the brushroll cavity.

[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein operating the motor to rotate the inner roller includes driving a first belt about a first pulley coupled to the inner roller, and wherein operating the motor to rotate the outer cylinder includes driving a second belt about a second pulley coupled to the outer cylinder.

[0023] Other aspects of the present subject matter will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a floor cleaning head according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the floor cleaning head of FIG. 1 with a portion of a housing of the floor cleaning head removed.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a brushroll of the floor cleaning head of FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of floor cleaning head of FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of floor cleaning head of FIG. 1 illustrating a bristle of the floor cleaning head in a fully retracted position.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of floor cleaning head of FIG. 1 illustrating a bristle of the floor cleaning head in a fully extended position.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of floor cleaning head of FIG. 1 illustrating a bristle of the floor cleaning head in an exiting threshold position.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of floor cleaning head of FIG. 1 illustrating a bristle of the floor cleaning head in an entering threshold position.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of floor cleaning head of FIG. 1 illustrating a bristle of the floor cleaning head in a wipe position.

[0033] Before any embodiments of the present subject matter are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The present subject matter is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a floor cleaning head 100 in the form of an attachment for a vacuum device (not shown; e.g., a vacuum cleaner, portable vacuum cleaner, etc.) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the floor cleaning head 100 may be incorporated into the overall housing of a non-separable vacuum device. The floor cleaning head 100 includes a head housing 104 and an attachment housing 112. The head housing 104 defines an interior volume therein (FIG. 2), the interior volume forming a brushroll cavity 128 and a motor cavity 140. The head housing 104 is generally rectangular (when viewed from above), having a width extending between two end caps 104A, 104B of the housing 104. A depth of the housing extends rearwardly from the brushroll cavity 128 towards the motor cavity 140 and further rearward still to a pair of wheels 108 for moving the floor cleaning head 100 along a ground surface to be cleaned. A height of the head housing 104 extends upward from the ground surface (upon which the housing rests), perpendicular to the depth and width.

[0035] The attachment housing 112 is coupled to the head housing 104 and extends upward from the head housing 104 to couple to a hose or other attachment of the vacuum device such that suction generated by the vacuum device is provided to the floor cleaning head 100. A release 116 is positioned on the attachment housing 112 and secures the vacuum device to the attachment housing 112. In some embodiments, the release 116 is a button or a switch that is depressed to disengage the attachment housing 112 (and therefore the floor cleaning head 100 as a whole) from the vacuum device. In the embodiment shown, the release 116 is located on a forward side of the attachment housing 112. In some embodiments, the attachment housing 112 is movable (e.g., rotatable about one or more axes) relative to the head housing 104 to provide for an increased range of motion of the head housing 104 on the ground surface when coupled to a vacuum device.

[0036] A flexible conduit or tube 120 extends within the head housing 104 and the attachment housing 112, providing a closed airflow path therebetween. In some embodiments, the flexible conduit 120 is a corrugated hose. A first end of the flexible conduit 120 is attached to (e.g., extends within, fixed to) an outlet passage 132 (i.e., conduit) formed within the head housing 104 and a second end is open within the attachment housing 112. The outlet passage 132 is located within the head housing 104 rearward of the brushroll cavity 128 and includes an inlet through which dust and debris is drawn from the brushroll cavity 128. As shown in FIG. 4, the inlet of the outlet passage 132 is located directly rearward of the brushroll cavity 128 and extends substantially parallel to the ground surface (when the floor cleaning head 100 is in a normal use position on the ground surface) along the longitudinal axis 196. The flexible conduit 120 extends upward (substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 196) from the outlet passage 132 to the attachment housing 112.

[0037] The brushroll cavity 128 is located at a front end of the head housing 104 and is sized to accommodate a brushroll 164. An inlet 124 of the brushroll cavity 128 is located on an underside of the head housing 104 adjacent the ground surface to be cleaned. In some embodiments, the inlet 124 is the only inlet through which dust and debris is drawn into the brushroll cavity 128. An airflow path through which dust and debris are drawn by a suction source of a vacuum device extends from the inlet 124 of the brushroll cavity 128, through the brushroll cavity 128, into the inlet of the outlet passage 132, through the outlet passage 132, into the flexible conduit 120, and out an upper end of the attachment housing 112, to the vacuum device.

[0038] With reference to FIGS. 1-2, a motor 136 is located within a motor cavity 140 and is located rearward of the brushroll cavity 128 within the head housing 104. The motor 136 drives the brushroll 164 via a drivetrain assembly 144. As shown, the drivetrain assembly 144 includes first and second belts 148, 152 connected to an output shaft (e.g., on gears / timing pulleys of differing diameters) of the motor 136 at a first end and pulleys 156, 160 (e.g., timing pulleys) of different diameters at a second end. The drivetrain assembly 144 is configured to convert the rotational output of the motor 136 into separate rotation of an inner roller 168 and an outer cylinder 172 of the brushroll 164. In some embodiments, the brushroll 164 is rotated by the motor 136 and drivetrain assembly 144 at 7000 rpm (e.g., 7000 rpm, 6500-7500 rpm, 6000-8000 rpm, at least 6000 rpm, at least 5000 rpm). In the embodiment shown, the drivetrain assembly 144 is located within a housing end cap 104A affixed at a widthwise end of the head housing 104 to the remainder of the head housing 104.

[0039] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the brushroll 164 includes the inner roller 168 (as shown, a cylinder, though may be otherwise shaped in other embodiments) and the outer cylinder 172 (i.e., outer roller). The inner roller 168 includes an outer cylindrical surface with bristles 176 extending substantially radially outward therefrom. An end of the inner roller 168 is coupled to the first pulley 156 (e.g., via a keyed connection) such that rotation of the first pulley 156 by the motor 136 results in similar rotation of the inner roller 168 about the rotational axis 180. The bristles 176 are arranged in rows that extend between from adjacent one lengthwise end of the inner roller 168 towards the other lengthwise end of the cylinder 168. In the embodiment shown, four rows of bristles 176 extend across the inner roller 168, equidistantly spaced apart from one another about the perimeter of the inner roller 168. Described another way, a cross-section through a bristle 176 of the inner roller 168 taken perpendicular to the rotational axis 180 includes four bristles spaced apart from one another by 90 degrees about the circumference of the inner roller 168.

[0040] As shown, each row follows a helical pattern about the circumference, rotating 90 degrees about the circumference from a first bristle of the row nearest the first lengthwise end of the inner roller 168 to the last bristle of the row nearest the second lengthwise end of the inner roller 168. As each row rotates in the same direction, the spacing between bristles 176 of adjacent rows remains consistent. In some embodiments, the bristles 176 are grouped together in bristle tufts having a diameter of 4.0 mm (e.g., 4.0 mm, between 3.0 mm – 5.0 mm, between 3.5 mm – 4.5 mm). Each individual bristle176 (of which there are tens or hundreds within each bristle tuft) has a diameter of 0.1mm or 0.2 mm (e.g., 0.1-0.2 mm, 0.05-0.25 mm, at least 0.1 mm, no more than 0.2 mm) and is made of polyamide-6 (PA-6).

[0041] With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the outer cylinder 172 is hollow and tubular, having a thickness extending between in inner surface and an outer surface. At an end of the outer cylinder 172, the outer cylinder 172 is coupled to the second pulley 160, the second pulley 160 having a greater diameter than the first pulley 156. The rotation of the second pulley 160 by the motor 136 results in similar rotation of the outer cylinder 172 about the rotational axis 190. The outer cylinder 172 defines an interior volume 188 within which the inner roller 168 is positioned. However, the inner and outer cylinders 168, 172 are not axially aligned, as the rotational axis 180 of the inner roller 168 is offset from (though still parallel to) the rotational axis 192 of the outer cylinder 172. In particular, as shown in FIG. 4, the rotational axis 180 of the inner roller 168 is lower and forward of the rotational axis 192 of the outer cylinder 172. In the embodiment shown, the rotational axis 180 of the inner roller 168 is at a similar height as the trailing edge (i.e., upper edge) of the outlet passage 132.

[0042] While the inner roller 168 itself has a smaller diameter than the outer cylinder 172 such that the inner roller 168 is positioned within the interior volume 188 defined by the outer cylinder 172, the diameter of the inner roller 168 inclusive of the bristles 176 is, as shown, greater than an inner diameter and an outer diameter of the outer cylinder 172. To accommodate the bristles 176, the outer cylinder 172 includes a plurality of openings 184 that extend through the thickness of the outer cylinder 172 to provide passages through which the bristles 176 extend. As shown, the openings 184 follow the helical paths of the rows of bristles 176. As the inner and outer cylinders 168, 172 are driven by the same motor 136, the inner and outer cylinders 168, 172 maintain synchronous rotations. In the embodiment shown, each row (as shown, four rows) includes multiple openings 184 (e.g., as shown seven, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven) separated from one another by braces extending between adjacent openings 184. The braces extend substantially circumferentially and increase the structural rigidity of the outer cylinder 172.

[0043] In some embodiments, the outer cylinder 172 is made of a glass-filled nylon or a metal material. In some embodiments, materials or material coatings with a low coefficient of friction (resulting in increased slickness) may be utilized for the outer cylinder 172 to prevent hair and other debris from sticking to the outer cylinder 172. In some embodiments, the openings 184 have a width (in the circumferential direction) of 22 millimeters (e.g., 22 millimeters, 20-25 millimeters) and a length of 46 millimeters (e.g., 46 millimeters, 40-50 millimeters). In some embodiments, the dimensions of the openings 184 are consistent, while in other embodiments, the widths and / or the lengths of the openings 184 may vary within a row or from one row to the next.

[0044] In some embodiments, the inner roller 168 has a diameter of 35 millimeters or 30-40 millimeters. In some embodiments, the outer cylinder 172 has a diameter of 64 millimeters or 60-70 millimeters. In some embodiments, a length of the bristles 176 is 18 millimeters or 15-20 millimeters. In some embodiments, the inner roller 168 inclusive of the bristles 176 has a diameter of 70 millimeters or 60-80 millimeters. In some embodiments, the diameter of the inner roller 168 inclusive of the bristles 176 is approximately 10% (e.g., 10%, 9%-11%, 8%-12%, at least 5%, at least 7%, at least 9%) greater than the diameter of the outer cylinder 172. With such a ratio of diameters, the bristles 176 are configured to wipe along the outer cylinder 172 as the bristle 176 passes the outlet passage 132.

[0045] In some embodiments, the horizontal distance between the rotational axes 180, 192 is 4.5 millimeters or 3-6 millimeters. In some embodiments, the vertical distance between the rotational axes 180, 192 is 7 millimeters or 5-9 millimeters. In some embodiments, the height of the rotational axis 180 of the inner roller 168 is 33 millimeters or 25-40 millimeters above a surface to be cleaned when the floor cleaning head 100 is in a normal use position. In some embodiments, the height of the central longitudinal axis 196 of the outlet passage 132 is 21 millimeters or 15-25 millimeters above a surface to be cleaned when the floor cleaning head 100 is in a normal use position. In some embodiments, the horizontal distance between the rotational axis 180 of the inner roller 168 and the inlet of the outlet passage 132 is 41 millimeters or 30-50 millimeters.

[0046] As the rotational axes 180, 192 of the inner and outer cylinders 168, 172, respectively, are offset from one another, the extent to which the bristles 176 of the inner roller 172 extend through the openings 184 differs dependent upon the rotational position of the bristle 176. By extending outside of the outer cylinder 172, the bristles 176 are able to engage the floor surface to be cleaned to pick up dirt and debris to be drawn to the vacuum device through the inlet 124 and the outlet passage 132. With the bristles 176 extending fully within the outer cylinder 172, the bristles 176 disengage from hairs that may otherwise wrap around the bristles 176 and inner roller 168, instead engaging the outer cylinder 172 where the hairs are shed from the brushroll 164 and drawn through the outlet passage 132. FIGS. 5-9 illustrate various rotational positions of the bristle 176 with the referenced bristle 176 labeled with an alphabetical suffix.

[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates a bristle 176A in a fully retracted position. The fully retracted position corresponds to the position in which the bristle 176A is recessed furthest within the outer cylinder 172. Described in another way, in the fully retracted position, the bristle 176A is fully positioned within the outer cylinder 172 and the distance between the outer tip of the bristle and inner surface of the outer cylinder 172 is greatest. FIG. 6 illustrates a bristle 176B in a fully extended position. The fully extended position corresponds to the position in which the bristle 176B extends furthest out of the outer cylinder 172. The fully extended position is antipodal to the fully retracted position, offset from the fully retracted position by 180 degrees. The angle of the bristle 176A in the fully extended position and the bristle 176B in the fully retracted position correspond to the angle created by a line that connects the two rotational axes 180, 192. As the rotational axis 192 (FIG. 4) of the outer cylinder 172 is located upward and rearward of the rotational axis 180 of the inner roller 168 (and bristles 176), the fully retracted position corresponds to the (radially extending) bristle 176A angled similarly upward and rearward. The fully extended position of the bristle 176B corresponds to a leading edge of the inlet 124 of the brushroll cavity 128 such that the bristle 176B is configured to reach out a full amount when first engaging the ground surface to be cleaned through the inlet 124.

[0048] FIG. 7 illustrates a bristle 176C in an exiting threshold position. The exiting threshold position corresponds to the position in which a portion of the bristle 176C first passes out of and is external to the outer cylinder 172. The exiting threshold position is between the fully retracted position (FIG. 5) and the fully extended position (FIG. 6) and, in rotation (counterclockwise from the perspective of FIG. 7) occurs after the fully retracted position and before the fully extended position. The exiting threshold position is offset from the fully retracted position by approximately sixty degrees (e.g., 60 degrees, 50-70 degrees).

[0049] FIG. 8 illustrates a bristle 176D in an entering threshold position. The entering threshold position corresponds to the position in which the entirety of the bristle 176C first passes into and is wholly internal to the outer cylinder 172. The entering threshold position is between the fully extended position (FIG. 6) and the fully retracted position (FIG. 5) and, in rotation (counterclockwise from the perspective of FIG. 8) occurs after the fully extended position and before the fully retracted position. The entering threshold position is offset from the fully retracted position by approximately sixty degrees (e.g., 60 degrees, 50-70 degrees) and the offset from the exiting threshold position by approximately 120 degrees (e.g., 120 degrees, 110-130 degrees). The entering threshold position is also the position in which hair that engages the bristles 176 is likely to disengage the bristles 176 as the bristle 176D retracts within the outer cylinder 172. The entering threshold position is aligned with and directly adjacent to the outlet passage 132 such that hair that is removed from the bristle 176D is drawn out of the brushroll cavity 128, into the outlet passage 132, and to the vacuum device.

[0050] FIG. 9 illustrates a bristle 176E in a wipe position. The wipe position corresponds to the position in which the length of the bristle is first engaged by the edge of the opening 184 through which the bristle 176E extends. The location of the wipe position is dependent upon the width of the opening 184. In the embodiment shown, the wipe position is offset from the fully extended position (FIG. 6) by approximately 75 degrees (e.g., 75 degrees, 70-80 degrees) and is substantially aligned with a rear of the inlet 124 of the brushroll cavity 128 and the leading edge of the outlet passage 132. When wiped, the outer cylinder 172 dislodges dirt and debris from the bristle 176E to clean the bristle 176E. By wiping adjacent the leading edge of the outlet passage 132, the dirt and debris are less likely to complete a rotation about the brushroll 164 and are instead drawn into the outlet passage 132.

[0051] The progression of the bristles within a single rotation follows a path from fully retracted position shown in FIG. 5, to the exiting threshold position shown in FIG. 7, then to the fully extended position shown in FIG. 6, then to the wipe position shown in FIG. 9, and then to the entering threshold position shown in FIG. 8. The cycle then begins again with the retracted position shown in FIG. 5.

[0052] In operation, with the floor cleaning head 100 coupled to a vacuum device, the vacuum device generates an airflow to draw dust and debris into the head housing 104 through the inlet 124, into the brushroll cavity 128, through the outlet passage 132 and the flexible conduit 120 and into the attachment housing 112 and to the vacuum device. The motor 136 within the head housing 104 rotates an output shaft and drivetrain 144 coupled thereto. The belts 148, 152 and pulleys 156, 160 of the drivetrain 144 transmit the rotational output of the motor output shaft to the inner and outer cylinders 168, 172 of the brushroll 164, respectively, thereby rotating each of the inner and outer cylinders 168, 172 relative to the head housing 104. The bristles 176 of the inner roller 168 pass out of the outer cylinder 172 and subsequently retract back into the outer cylinder 172 with each revolution, thereby dislodging the hair and other debris from the bristles 176, such that the hair and debris is drawn through the outlet passage 132 to the vacuum device.

[0053] Although the present subject matter has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope of one or more independent aspects of the subject matter as described.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0034]FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a floor cleaning head 100 in the form of an attachment for a vacuum device (not shown; e.g., a vacuum cleaner, portable vacuum cleaner, etc.) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the floor cleaning head 100 may be incorporated into the overall housing of a non-separable vacuum device. The floor cleaning head 100 includes a head housing 104 and an attachment housing 112. The head housing 104 defines an interior volume therein (FIG. 2), the interior volume forming a brushroll cavity 128 and a motor cavity 140. The head housing 104 is generally rectangular (when viewed from above), having a width extending between two end caps 104A, 104B of the housing 104. A depth of the housing extends rearwardly from the brushroll cavity 128 towards the motor cavity 140 and further rearward still to a pair of wheels 108 for moving the floor cleaning head 100 along a ground surface to be cleaned. A height of the head housing 104 extend...

Claims

1. A floor cleaning head for use with a vacuum device to clean a surface, the floor cleaning head comprising:a head housing defining a brushroll cavity, a motor cavity, and an inlet of the brushroll cavity through which dirt and debris from the surface is configured to be drawn into the brushroll cavity;a motor positioned within the motor cavity;a brushroll positioned within the brushroll cavity and coupled to the head housing for rotation relative to the head housing, the brushroll including an inner roller rotatable about a first rotational axis and an outer cylinder rotatable about a second rotational axis, spaced apart from the first rotational axis;a drivetrain coupled to an output shaft of the motor, the inner roller, and the outer cylinder;wherein the inner roller is positioned within the outer cylinder, wherein the inner roller includes a plurality of bristles; wherein the outer cylinder includes a plurality of openings through which the plurality of bristles is configured to extend, andwherein a fully extended position of a bristle of the plurality of bristles relative to the outer cylinder corresponds to a position in which the bristle is aligned with a leading edge of the inlet.

2. The floor cleaning head of claim 1, wherein a diameter of the inner roller inclusive of the plurality of bristles is greater than a diameter of the outer cylinder.

3. The floor cleaning head of claim 1, wherein the first rotational axis is located forward and below the second rotational axis when the floor cleaning head is located on the surface in a normal use position.

4. The floor cleaning head of claim 1, wherein the plurality of bristles follows a helical path along the inner roller, and wherein the plurality of openings follows a helical path along the outer cylinder.

5. The floor cleaning head of claim 1, wherein a wipe position of a bristle of the plurality of bristles relative to the outer cylinder corresponds to a position in which the bristle is aligned with a leading edge of an outlet passage of the brushroll cavity.

6. The floor cleaning head of claim 5, wherein an entering threshold position of a bristle of the plurality of bristles relative to the outer cylinder corresponds to a position in which the bristle is aligned with the outlet passage.

7. The floor cleaning head of claim 1, wherein an entering threshold position of a bristle of the plurality of bristles relative to the outer cylinder corresponds to a position in which the bristle is aligned with an outlet passage.

8. The floor cleaning head of claim 1, wherein the drivetrain includes a first pulley coupled to the inner roller, a second pulley coupled to the outer cylinder, a first belt coupling the motor output shaft to the first pulley, and a second belt coupling the motor output shaft to the second pulley.

9. The floor cleaning head of claim 1, wherein the inner roller is configured to rotate synchronously with the outer cylinder.

10. The floor cleaning head of claim 1, further comprising an attachment housing coupled to the head housing and rotatable relative to the head housing, wherein the attachment housing includes a release configured to engage the vacuum device such that the floor cleaning head is removable from the vacuum device.

11. The floor cleaning head of claim 1, wherein the rotational axis of the inner roller is at a height of a trailing edge of an outlet passage of the brushroll cavity.

12. The floor cleaning head of claim 1, wherein a diameter of the inner roller inclusive of the bristles is at least 7% greater than a diameter of the outer cylinder.

13. A floor cleaning head for use with a vacuum device to clean a surface, the floor cleaning head comprising:an inner roller rotatable about a first rotational axis;an outer cylinder rotatable about a second rotational axis, the outer cylinder extending around the inner roller;a first pulley coupled to a longitudinal end of the inner roller;a second pulley coupled to a longitudinal end of the outer cylinder;wherein the inner roller includes a plurality of bristles, wherein a diameter of the inner roller inclusive of the plurality of bristles is greater than a diameter of the outer cylinder; andwherein the outer cylinder includes a plurality of openings through which the plurality of bristles is configured to extend.

14. The floor cleaning head of claim 13, wherein the plurality of bristles follows a helical path along the inner roller, and wherein the plurality of openings follows a helical path along the outer cylinder.

15. The floor cleaning head of claim 13, wherein each opening of the plurality of openings has a width of 20-25 millimeters, and wherein each bristle of the plurality of bristles has a diameter of 3-5 millimeters.

16. The floor cleaning head of claim 13, wherein the outer cylinder is formed of glass-filled nylon or metal.

17. A method of operating a floor cleaning head to clean a surface, the method comprising:positioning an inner roller of a brushroll within an outer cylinder of the brushroll such that a plurality of bristles of the inner roller extend through openings in the outer cylinder;drawing airflow through a brushroll cavity formed within a head housing;operating a motor positioned within the head housing to rotate the inner roller of the brushroll about a first axis and the outer cylinder of the brushroll about a second axis, spaced apart from the first axis;brushing the plurality of bristles against the surface; andretracting each bristle of the plurality of bristles fully within the outer cylinder to dislodge hair and debris from the plurality of bristles at an entering threshold position in which each bristle is aligned with an outlet passage of the brushroll cavity.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising extending each bristle of the plurality of bristles to a fully extended position relative to the outer cylinder at a position in which each bristle is aligned with a leading edge of an inlet of the brushroll cavity.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising wiping each bristle of the plurality of bristles against the outer cylinder, wherein a wipe position of each bristle corresponds to a position in which the bristle is aligned with a leading edge of the outlet passage of the brushroll cavity.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein operating the motor to rotate the inner roller includes driving a first belt about a first pulley coupled to the inner roller, and wherein operating the motor to rotate the outer cylinder includes driving a second belt about a second pulley coupled to the outer cylinder.

Images