CLEANING HEAD

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to cleaning heads, for instance cleaning heads suitable for use with surface treatment appliances, such as electric vacuum cleaners, and in particular to a cleaning head having a rotating brush bar.

BACKGROUND

Cleaning heads having a rotating brush bar are known. In general, a cleaning head of this type is configured to run or slide along a surface to be treated (for example cleaned), such as a wooden floor or carpet or the like. In use, the cleaning head is attached or fixed or otherwise connected to a surface treating appliance. Suitable surface treating appliances include an electric vacuum cleaner. Whilst the description herein is given in relation to an electric vacuum cleaner, it will be appreciated that the cleaning head described can be applied to other cleaning heads by appropriate adaption. The cleaning head may be connected to the electric vacuum cleaner via a flexible hose to provide an air flow passage. However, the vacuum cleaning head may also be integral to or otherwise part of the electric vacuum cleaner and connected via flexible or rigid air flow passages through the electric vacuum cleaner. As is known, the connection between the electric vacuum cleaner and cleaning head provides an air flow connection. In use the electric vacuum cleaner generates a negative air-pressure which, via the connection to the cleaning head, provides a suction to remove debris from the surface being cleaned. Here, the debris, for instance dust, dirt, hair, or the like, is entrained in the air flow through the cleaning head to the electric vacuum cleaner for collection therein.

Known cleaning heads comprise a casing assembly defining a suction chamber. A suction port is formed in the casing to connect the suction chamber to the electric vacuum cleaner. To assist the entraining of the debris in the air flow, it is known to arrange a rotating brush bar within the suction chamber. The rotating brush bar typically provides a mechanical agitation to the surface being cleaned, acting to lift debris into the airflow generated by the suction applied to the suction port.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a known cleaning head 10 having a brush bar 20. The brush bar is a substantially cylindrical assembly comprising a supporting tube 22 and an arrangement of bristles 24. A casing assembly 30 is shown in a typical rectangular or parallelepiped shape, and the brush bar 20 is rotationally mounted to the casing assembly 30. For instance, the brush bar 20 is suitably connected to the casing assembly 30 via bearing assemblies (not shown) between the casing assembly 30 and the supporting tube 22 such that the brush bar rotates about its longitudinal axis. As is known, a turbine (not shown) may be arranged within the supporting tube 22, and airflow diverted from a suction port 32 is configured to drive the turbine to rotate the brush bar 20 in the casing assembly 30.

The brush bar 20 is arranged within a suction chamber 36 defined by the casing assembly 30. The suction port 32 from the suction chamber 36 is shown as being arranged adjacent the approximate centre of the brush bar. The bristles 24 of the brush bar are attached or otherwise fixed to the supporting tube 22 in strips to form a brush 26. Here, the brush is suitably formed in a helical pattern about the supporting tube 22. The brush bar can have one or a plurality of helical brushes on the brush bar. As the brush bar is rotated, the helical brush 26 generates a mechanical pump to push debris in one longitudinal direction of the brush bar's longitudinal axis. In FIG. 1, the rotational direction of the brush bar is shown as acting to move debris from left to right along the brush bar's longitudinal axis.

Referring to FIG. 1a, the migration of hair 12 (i.e. 12a and 12b) along the brush bar 20 is shown. Under the mechanical pump generated by the rotating brush bar, hair 12a contacted by the brush bar to the left of the suction port 32 (i.e. to the side of the suction port against the direction of the mechanical pump) has been found to migrate very quickly from the left and as a result, tends to wrap tightly to the brush bar 20. The hair 12a also tends to build up in the middle of the brush bar where air flow is at its highest (i.e. due to the proximity to the suction port). Hair 12b contacted by the brush bar 20 to the right of the suction port 32 (i.e. to the side of the suction port in the direction of the mechanical pump) tends to be pushed by the brush to the end of the brush bar, becoming tightly wrapped around the right hand end.

The gathering and wrapping of hair around the brush bar prevents the hair from being removed by being entrained in the airflow from the suction port. Wrapped hair can reduce the cleaning performance of the cleaning head by clogging up the bristles. The wrapped hair can also be unsightly. Consequently, users often have to manually remove the hair from the brush bar.

The present disclosure has been devised in light of the above considerations. In particular, the present disclosure aims to provide a cleaning head that increases the entraining of hair in the airflow.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, there is provided a cleaning head comprising a suction chamber having a suction aperture; a brush bar arranged in the suction chamber; and a comb having a plurality of teeth, each tooth extending into the suction chamber so that at least a distal end of said tooth is arranged to contact a portion of the brush bar; wherein

- a contact face of each tooth is arranged to contact a radially extending portion of the brush bar. Here, at least one corner between the contact face and a side face of the angled tooth includes a first notch. In some embodiments, said at least one corner between the contact face and a side face of the angled tooth includes a second notch. Optionally, both first and second corners between the contact face and respective side faces of the angled tooth include first and optionally second notches. In the embodiments wherein both corners comprise first and optionally second notches, the contact face may comprise corresponding notch channels. For instance, notch channels may run across the contact face between the corner notches. Here, the notch channels across the front face may be parallel to each other. Additionally, or alternatively, at least one of the notch channels or both notch channels may be parallel to the longitudinal axis. Advantageously, the corner notches and the notch channels help break hair and other debris that might be wound on the brush bar, and assists in entraining the hair or debris in the airflow through the suction aperture.

According to an exemplary embodiment, at least one angled tooth is arranged at an oblique angle relative to a radial direction of the brush bar and so as to extend at least partially in a longitudinal direction of a longitudinal axis of the brush bar and towards the suction port. The at least one angled tooth contacts the brush bar and assists in urging hair to migrate in the longitudinal direction of the brush bar that the angled tooth extends. Advantageously, by arranging the angled tooth to extend at least partially in the longitudinal direction and towards a suction aperture, the hair can be urged to migrate towards the suction aperture. Since the suction is generally highest adjacent the suction aperture, using the angled tooth to urge hair towards the suction aperture increases the likelihood of the hair being entrained in the airflow.

In the exemplary embodiments, the cleaning head suitably comprises a comb having a plurality of teeth. Here, each tooth extends into a suction chamber of the cleaning head and so as to contact a portion of the brush bar. In some embodiments, any tooth in the plurality of teeth that is angled at an oblique angle relative to the radial direction of the brush bar and so as to extend at least partially in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis can be considered an angled tooth.

However, in some embodiments, the oblique angle that the angle tooth extends relative to the radial direction and so as to extend in the longitudinal direction is preferably at least 8°. Here, it has been found that an oblique angle of at least 8° is particularly suitable for encouraging the migration of the hair. In these embodiments wherein the comb has a plurality of teeth, only the teeth in the plurality of teeth arranged at an oblique angle of at least 8° are considered angled teeth. Thus, if the comb has one or more teeth arranged at an oblique angle of at least 8°, these teeth are considered angled teeth. If the comb also has one or more teeth arranged at an angle of less than 8°, these teeth are not considered angled teeth in these preferable embodiments, wherein the oblique angle is preferably at least 8°.

In some embodiments, the oblique angle that the angled tooth extends relative to the radial direction and so as to extend in the longitudinal direction is preferably less than 30°, or less than 20°, or less than 15°, or less than 12°. Thus, in some embodiments, the preferred range of the oblique angle is between 8° and 30°, or between 8°, and 20°, or between 8° and 15° or, between 8° and 12°. Again, in these embodiments, the comb may have one or more teeth arranged at an angle outside of the preferred range, in which case teeth that are arranged at an oblique angle within the range are considered angled teeth, and teeth that are arranged at an angle outside the range are not considered angle teeth.

In a particularly suitable embodiment, the oblique angle that the angled tooth extends relative to the radial direction and so as to extend in the longitudinal direction is around 10°. In these embodiments, teeth arranged at an oblique angle of around 10° are considered angled teeth. If the comb includes one or more teeth arranged at an angle relative to the radial direction and so as to extend in the longitudinal direction but not at an angle of around 10°, these teeth are not considered angled teeth.

A combination of the oblique angle that the angled tooth extends relative to the radial direction and so as to extend in the longitudinal direction, and the spacing and angle of adjacent teeth, along with a length and a width of the teeth define a coverage area. The coverage area is an area of the brush bar contacted by the angled tooth. Preferably, the angled tooth and said adjacent teeth are configured so that the coverage area covers a substantial width of the brush bar between an axial extent of one tooth and an axial extent of the adjacent tooth. Here, the axial extent of the teeth is relative to a base of each tooth. That is, the axial extent of the angled tooth is a radial line through the base of the angled tooth. And the axial extent of said adjacent tooth is a radial line through the base of the adjacent tooth. Whilst the coverage area is preferably at least 100% of the distance between the axial extents, the coverage area may be at least 90% or at least 70% or at least 50% or at least 40% of the width of the brush bar from an axial extent of one tooth to an axial extent of the adjacent tooth.

In embodiments having a comb with a plurality of teeth, the plurality of teeth suitably comprise a first set of two or more of said angled teeth. Here, the plurality of angled teeth of said first set are spaced from one another along a first region of the brush bar. In suitable embodiments, the first region of the brush bar is a first end region of the brush bar. The plurality of angled teeth in said first set may be arranged at a common first oblique angle. The first set of angled teeth may be arranged to extend in a longitudinal direction of the brush bar aligned with a mechanical pump direction of the brush bar. In this instance, the angled teeth act to slow migration of hair along the brush bar's longitudinal axis. That is, although the angled teeth act to urge the hair in the longitudinal direction aligned with the mechanical pump direction, the presence of angled teeth slows the migration compared to a brush bar operating without angled teeth. However, the common first oblique angle preferably acts to move the hair against a mechanical pump direction of the brush bar. That is, the brush bar may comprise a supporting body with a helical brush that acts as a mechanical pump to move debris along the brush bar in a mechanical pump direction, and the angled teeth of the first region are arranged to extend counter to the mechanical pump direction. As explained, in particularly suitable embodiments, the oblique angle that the angled teeth are arranged is at least 8°. In these embodiments, the first region can be spaced from the suction aperture. Here, the comb may preferably comprise a set of transition teeth, where the transition teeth are arranged between the first region and the suction aperture.

In embodiments having a comb with a plurality of teeth, including a first set of two or more of said angled teeth, the plurality of teeth may further comprise a second set of two or more of said angled teeth. Again, the plurality of angled teeth of said second set are spaced from one another along a second region of the brush bar. Suitably, additionally to the first region of the brush bar being a first end region, the second region of the brush bar may be a second end region of the brush bar. The plurality of angled teeth in said second set may be inclined towards the angled teeth of said first set. As explained, in particularly suitable embodiments the oblique angle at which the angled teeth are arranged is at least 8°. Here, the comb preferably comprises a set of transition teeth, where the transition teeth are arranged between the first region and the suction aperture.

In the embodiments having a first set of angled teeth and a second set of angled teeth, the first region and the second region are suitably separated by the suction aperture. Thus, the angled teeth in the first region extend in a first longitudinal direction, and the angled teeth in the second region extend in a second longitudinal direction, where the first longitudinal direction is opposed to the second longitudinal direction. In the exemplary embodiments wherein the angled teeth of the first region are arranged to extend counter to a mechanical pump direction of the brush bar, the angled teeth in the second region may be arranged to extend in the mechanical pump direction. That is, the brush bar may comprise a supporting body with a constant helical brush along a longitudinal length of the supporting body and that acts as a mechanical pump to move debris along the brush bar in a mechanical pump direction, and the angled teeth in the second region are arranged to extend in a longitudinal direction aligned with the mechanical pump direction, whereas the angled teeth in the first region are arranged to extend in a longitudinal direction counter to the mechanical pump direction.

As explained, in some exemplary embodiments, one or more transition teeth are arranged between the suction aperture and the first region and the suction aperture and the second region.

In embodiments having transition teeth, each transition tooth is arranged so as to extend at least partially in said longitudinal direction, wherein the transition teeth are not parallel to the angled teeth. Preferably, the transition teeth therefore transition from an angle of around 8° and to around 0°.

In the exemplary embodiments, the cleaning head suitably comprises a suction chamber. The suction chamber has an inlet generally arranged to be adjacent a surface being treated. The suction chamber defines an enclosure within which the brush bar is arranged. Suitably, the cleaning head comprises a casing assembly. Here, the casing assembly at least partially defines the suction chamber and the suction aperture. The suction aperture is formed adjacent the brush bar and is an opening aperture through the casing from the suction chamber. Thus, the suction aperture is a part of a suction port formed in the casing assembly. For instance, the suction port may include a connection to a hose or the like. The suction port therefore also includes a channel through the casing assembly from the suction aperture to the connection. The channel is suitably approximately orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the brush bar.

In the exemplary embodiments wherein the cleaning head comprises a casing assembly, the at least one angled tooth may be included in a comb having a plurality of teeth, wherein the comb extends from the casing assembly, for instance from the casing assembly and into the suction chamber. That is, the comb, and in particular the plurality of teeth, project from the casing assembly and into the suction chamber. Suitably, the comb is formed integrally to the casing assembly.

In the exemplary embodiments, suitably the brush bar is arranged in the suction chamber to rotate about its longitudinal axis. In the embodiments including a casing assembly, the brush bar is preferably rotatably mounted to the casing assembly.

Consequently, according to an exemplary aspect, there is provided a cleaning head for a surface treating appliance, the cleaning head comprising: a suction chamber having a suction aperture; a brush bar arranged in the suction chamber to rotate about a longitudinal axis; and a comb having a plurality of teeth, each tooth extending into the suction chamber so that at least a distal end of said tooth is arranged to contact a portion of the brush bar; wherein at least one of the plurality of teeth comprises an angled tooth that is arranged at an oblique angle relative to a radial direction of the brush bar and so as to extend at least partially in a longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis and towards the suction aperture.

The brush bar may be an assembly including a supporting body and bristles. The bristles are attached to the supporting body and extend generally radially therefrom. In an alternative embodiment, a set of bristles may extend from the supporting body such that the bristles form an acute angle (a) with the surface normal of the supporting body, forming a set of slanted bristles. The bristles can be generally arranged in one or more helical brush patterns. When the brush bar, and specifically the supporting body is rotated, the helical brush patterns act to move debris along the longitudinal axis of the brush bar. For instance, the helical brush patterns are arranged to act as a mechanical pump to move debris. The plurality of teeth of the comb extend into contact with the brush bar. Suitably, the portion of the brush bar which the plurality of teeth extend into contact with is a portion of the bristles. Here, the teeth may extend a depth into the bristles. That is, the teeth extend from the tips of the bristles towards the supporting body. Suitably, the bristles have a height from the supporting body, and the teeth may extend a depth at least 30% of the height or at least 50% of the height or at least 80% of the height. Accordingly, there is always a gap in between the comb and the surface of the supporting body in order to avoid rubbing and damaging the supporting body surface. When the tangled hair wraps tighter onto the supporting body surface as the brush bar rotates, it may lose possible contact with the comb and hence may not be picked up. In order to move the hair out from the supporting body surface so it can come in contact with the comb, the hair may need to be migrated from one bristle filament to an adjacent bristle filament. As such a migration effect can be created when the slanted bristles are combined with the one or more helical brush patterns. With the migration effect, tangled hair may be forced away from the supporting body surface and the hair removal efficiency may be further improved.

In some embodiments, the acute angle (a) that the slanted bristles form with the surface normal of the supporting body is preferably less than 90°, or less than 60°, or less than 45°, or less than 35°. Thus, in some embodiments, the preferred range of the oblique angle is between 25° and 90°, or between 25°, and 60°, or between 25° and 45° or, between 25° and 35°. Again, in these embodiments, the bristles may be arranged such that a subset of the bristles extend substantially parallel to the surface normal of the supporting body, in which case the bristles that are arranged at an acute angle within the range are considered slanted bristles, and the bristles that are arranged to extend substantially parallel to the surface normal of the supporting body are considered straight bristles.

The cleaning head preferably comprises a first set of two or more of said angled teeth, wherein the angled teeth of said first set are spaced from one another along a first region of the brush bar and wherein the angled teeth of said first set are arranged at a common first oblique angle. When the cleaning head has a first set of said angled teeth, the cleaning head may further comprise a second set of two or more of said angled teeth, wherein the angled teeth of said second set are spaced from one another along a second region of the brush bar and wherein the angled teeth of said second set are arranged at a common second oblique angle. Here, suitably, the first region of the brush bar is a first end region of the brush bar and the second region of the brush bar is a second end region of the brush bar.

When the cleaning head has a first set of said angled teeth, the cleaning head may comprise a third set of the plurality of teeth. Here, the third set is preferably arranged between the suction aperture and said first region, the third set of the plurality of teeth comprising transition teeth. Each transition tooth of the third set is arranged so as to extend at least partially in said longitudinal direction, wherein the transition teeth are not parallel to the angled teeth. Here, the angle of transition teeth is less than the oblique angle of the angled teeth.

When the cleaning head has a second set of said angled teeth, the cleaning head may comprise a fourth set of the plurality of teeth arranged between the suction aperture and said second region, the fourth set of the plurality of teeth comprising transition teeth. Here, each transition tooth of the fourth set is angled relative to the radial direction of the brush bar and so as to extend at least partially in said longitudinal direction, wherein the angle of adjacent said transition teeth reduces as a spacing from said second region increases. Here, the angle of transition teeth is less than the oblique angle of the angled teeth.

In the exemplary embodiments including a first region, suitably the first region extends at least 5% of a longitudinal length of the brush bar. Additionally, or alternatively, in the exemplary embodiments including a second region, suitably the second region extends at least 5% of the longitudinal length of the brush bar. Optionally the first region, and additionally or alternatively the second region, extend at least 15% or at least 20% of the longitudinal length of the brush bar. The first region, and additionally or alternatively the second region, may extend less than 50% of the longitudinal length of the brush. The first region, and additionally or alternatively the second region, may extend less than 40% or less than 25% of the longitudinal length of the brush bar. Thus, the first region, and additionally or alternatively the second region, may extend between 5% and 50% or between 15% and 40% or between 20% and 30% of the longitudinal length of the brush bar. In a particularly suitable example, the first region, and additionally or alternatively the second region, extends around 25% of the longitudinal length of the brush bar.

The plurality of teeth of the comb may be symmetrical about a mid-point of the brush bar along the longitudinal axis. Suitably, the suction aperture is arranged about the mid-point of the brush bar. Thus, the plurality of teeth to one side of the suction aperture may be arranged at an angle to a radial direction of the brush bar and so as to extend at least partially in one longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis towards the suction port, for instance a positive angle. The plurality of teeth to the other side of the suction aperture may be arranged at an angle to a radial direction of the brush bar and so as to extend at least partially in a second longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis towards the suction port, for instance a negative angle. Here, teeth which are equidistant from the mid-point have the same angle, but the angle is a positive angle to one side of the suction aperture and a negative angle to the other side of the suction aperture.

In the exemplary embodiments including a first set of angled teeth, suitably, the brush bar is configured so that when it is rotated, the brush bar forms a mechanical pump to move debris along a first direction of the longitudinal axis, and wherein the angled teeth of said first set are arranged to extend at least partially in a second direction of the longitudinal axis, wherein the second direction is opposed to the first direction. Advantageously, the angled tooth assists in urging the hair to migrate against the mechanical pump direction and therefore reduce build-up of hair at an end of the brush bar.

Preferably, the cleaning head having at least one angled tooth, has a first tooth that is configured to extend towards a centre of the brush bar in the longitudinal axis, and said first angled tooth is arranged in an end region of the brush bar. Suitably, the brush bar is configured so that when it is rotated, the brush bar forms a mechanical pump to move debris along a first direction of the longitudinal axis, and wherein said first angled tooth is arranged to extend at least partially in a second direction of the longitudinal axis, wherein the second direction is opposed to the first direction. Advantageously, the angled tooth assists in urging the hair to migrate against the mechanical pump direction and therefore reduce build-up of hair at an end of the brush bar.

In exemplary embodiments of the cleaning head, a contact face of each said angled tooth is arranged to contact a radially extending portion of the brush bar. Here, at least one corner between the contact face and a side face of the angled tooth includes a first notch.

According to a further aspect, there is further provided a surface treating appliance including the cleaning head of the exemplary aspects and embodiments.

According to a yet further aspect, there is provided a method of treating a surface with a cleaning head. The method comprises applying a suction to a suction aperture of a suction cavity; causing a brush bar to rotate about a longitudinal axis within the suction chamber; using a comb having a plurality of teeth, each tooth extending into the suction chamber so that at least a distal end of each said tooth is arranged to contact the brush bar, wherein at least one tooth of the plurality of teeth is an angled tooth arranged at an oblique angle relative to a radial direction of the brush bar and so as to extend at least partially in a longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis. Advantageously, the method comprises using the at least one angled tooth to guide debris to move along the brush bar in said longitudinal direction.

In the exemplary method, the brush bar acts as a mechanical pump to move debris along the brush bar in a first longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis, and the method comprises rotating the brush bar and using the at least one angled tooth to move at least some of the debris along the brush bar in a second longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis, the second direction being opposed to the first direction.

The exemplary method may comprise using a cleaning head according to the exemplary embodiments or using a surface treating appliance of the exemplary embodiments.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE FIGURES

Embodiments will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is an example of a cleaning head having a brush bar according to the acknowledged art;

FIG. 1a shows a schematic representation of the migration of hair along the brush bar according the acknowledged art cleaning head of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 shows an explanatory cleaning head having a brush bar and comb according to an example arrangement;

FIG. 2a shows a schematic representation of the migration of hair along the brush bar according to the example arrangement of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 shows a pictorial view of a portion of the example arrangement showing the comb interacting with the brush bar;

FIG. 4 shows a cleaning head having a brush bar and comb according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4a shows a schematic representation of the migration of hair along the brush bar according to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 shows a pictorial view of a portion of the exemplary embodiment showing the comb interacting with the brush bar;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a portion of the comb of the example arrangement and a portion of the comb of the exemplary embodiment, for comparison;

FIG. 7 shows a top plan view of the exemplary cleaning head;

FIG. 8 shows a bottom plan view of the exemplary cleaning head;

FIG. 9 shows a detailed section view taken along line B-B of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 shows a detailed section view taken along line C-C of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 shows a detailed sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 shows a detailed view of region Y of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 shows a detailed view of region Z of FIG. 13;

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of an electric vacuum cleaner system comprising an electric vacuum cleaner and attached cleaning head according to the exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 15 shows a schematic representation of the migration of debris, for instance hair along the brush bar according to an example arrangement where the brush bar includes slanted bristles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects and embodiments will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 2a, an example arrangement of a cleaning head 10 is shown. In the example arrangement, the cleaning head 10 comprises a brush bar 20 rotatably assembled to a casing assembly 30. The casing assembly defines a suction chamber having a suction aperture 34. The suction aperture forms a portion of a suction port 32. The suction port 32 is an area generally defining a channel through the casing assembly. The channel extends between the suction aperture 34 and a connector with a suction outlet. The connector connects the suction outlet to a negative air pressure. The brush bar 20 comprises a supporting body 23. The supporting body may be a supporting tube housing a turbine, but embodiments without a turbine are envisaged. In any event, the supporting body has a generally circular outer surface. The supporting body 23 is rotationally mounted to the casing assembly 30 within the suction chamber and so that the brush bar can rotate about a rotational axis. As will be appreciated, the longitudinal axis of the brush bar is generally coincident with a centre of the circular outer surface.

In FIGS. 2 and 2a, the brush bar comprises the supporting body 23 and bristles 24. The bristles extend radially from the supporting body. In FIG. 15 an alternative embodiment is illustrated, comprising a set of bristles extending from the supporting body 23 such that the bristles form an acute angle (a) with the surface normal of the supporting body 23, to form a set of slanted bristles 64. The bristles are arranged in a strip or pattern forming a helical brush. The helical brush wraps around the supporting body. In FIGS. 2 and 2a, the bristles are shown as forming two helical brushes, but one helical brush or further helical brushes are envisaged as is known in the art. The helical brushes are arranged to act as a mechanical pump as the brush bar is rotated. The brush bar therefore has a mechanical pump direction. Here the mechanical pump direction is a direction along the longitudinal axis in which the bristles urge dirt and the like to migrate. In FIGS. 2 and 2a, the mechanical pump direction is shown as acting in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis from left to right.

The cleaning head 10 shown in FIGS. 2 and 2a is therefore substantially similar to the acknowledged art arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 1a. However, advantageously, in FIGS. 2 and 2a, the cleaning head 10 further comprises a comb 40. The comb 40 includes a plurality of teeth 42. The plurality of teeth 42 are shown as extending across a longitudinal extent of the brush bar. Each tooth of the plurality of teeth is spaced from an adjacent tooth to form the comb. Each tooth 42 of the plurality of teeth extend into the suction chamber so that a distal end of the tooth contacts the bristles 24 of the brush bar. As best shown in FIG. 3, when the brush bar rotates, the plurality of teeth forming the comb penetrate the helical brush and part the bristles 24. In the example arrangement shown in FIGS. 2 and 2a, the plurality of teeth forming the comb are arranged to extend radially relative to the brush bar. The radial direction is shown in FIG. 3 as line A and the teeth extend parallel to the radial direction That is, the plurality of teeth forming the comb do not extend at an oblique angle relative to the radial direction of the brush bar and so as to extend in a longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis.

As shown in FIG. 2a, hair 12a contacted by the bristles 24 on the left-hand end of the brush bar 20 is urged to migrate in the mechanical pump direction of the brush bar. However, as the plurality of teeth forming the comb penetrate the helical brushes, they act to part the bristles and contact the hair. It has been found that the plurality of teeth forming the comb acting on the hair assist in slowing the migration of the hair along the brush bar. In turn, by slowing the migration of hair, the hair 12a is encouraged to be entrained in the airflow which therefore reduces the likelihood of hair wrapping tightly around the supporting body at the suction aperture. This action can be clearly seen by the differences between FIG. 1a which shows an arrangement without a comb and FIG. 2a which shows an arrangement with a comb. Thus, the example arrangement of FIG. 2a requires less manual cleaning of the hair from the brush bar. However, whilst the comb acts on hair 12b contacted by bristles to the right hand side of the suction aperture to also slow migration of the hair in the mechanical pump direction, which increases the entraining of the hair 12b in the airflow, it has been found that hair 12b can still amass at the end of the brush bar in the mechanical pump direction.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the cleaning head 10 comprises the brush bar 20 rotatably assembled to the casing assembly 30. The casing assembly defines the suction chamber having the suction aperture 34. The brush bar has a mechanical pump direction in one longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis of the brush bar. The brush bar 20 is rotationally mounted to the housing assembly 30. The cleaning head also further includes a comb 40 being formed from a plurality of teeth 42. The cleaning head 10 shown in FIGS. 3 and 3a is therefore substantially similar to the example arrangement shown in FIGS. 2 and 2a. However, the comb of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 3a comprises a plurality of teeth wherein at least one of the plurality of teeth is an angled tooth 44. The angled tooth 44 is arranged at an oblique angle relative to a radial direction of the brush bar 20 so as to extend at least partially in a longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis of the brush bar and towards the suction aperture 34.

Referring to FIG. 5, the angled tooth 44 is shown as extending at an angle θ to the radial direction of the brush bar (shown as line A). As shown, in the exemplary embodiments, the comb comprises a plurality of angled teeth. Herein, references to the angled tooth relate to any of the angled teeth. Thus, the angled tooth, may also refer to the or each angled tooth as appropriate. As with the example arrangement, the angled tooth 44 extends into the suction chamber and so that a portion of the tooth contacts the brush bar. That is, the tooth 44 penetrates the brush 26 and parts the bristles 24. The bristles extend from the supporting body a height (shown as distance X in FIG. 5). The angled tooth 44 penetrates a depth into the bristles (shown as distance Y in FIG. 5).

Referring to FIG. 4a, the angled teeth 44 to the left-hand side of the suction aperture 34 are arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the mechanical pump direction. Here, as with the example arrangement shown in FIG. 3a, the angled teeth 44 act to slow the migration of hair 12a along the brush bar, thereby increasing the likelihood of the hair 12a being entrained in the airflow and therefore removed from the brush bar. Whilst the angled teeth 44 encourage the hair to migrate in the direction in which they extend (i.e. with the angled teeth on the left-hand side to migrate in the mechanical pump direction), the angled teeth still act to reduce the speed at which the hair 12a migrates as compared to the acknowledged art arrangement of FIGS. 1 and 1a in which the cleaning head does not comprise a comb. In relation to the angled teeth 44 arranged to the right-hand side of the suction aperture 34, the angled teeth 44 extend in a second direction along the longitudinal axis. The second direction is opposed to the mechanical pump direction. Here, the angled teeth act to urge the hair to migrate against the mechanical pump direction and move back towards the suction aperture 34. It has been found (as shown in a comparison of FIGS. 4a and 3a), that the angled teeth 44 on the right-hand side of the suction aperture 34 assist in reducing a build-up of hair 12b at the right-hand end of the brush bar. Instead, the hair 12a is urged back towards the suction aperture. It is believed that the higher level of suction at the suction aperture 34 increases the entraining of the hair in the airflow and therefore removal of the hair 12b from the brush bar. Consequently, the manual cleaning of the brush bar 20 is reduced.

FIG. 6 provides a comparison of the angled teeth 44 of the exemplary embodiment described in relation to FIG. 4, and the (non-angled) teeth of the example arrangement described in relation to FIG. 3. As shown in the upper image, where the teeth 42 are not angled to the radial direction, each tooth 42 contacts an area of the brush bar spanning a width of the brush bar in the longitudinal axis which is equal to a thickness of the tooth. In contrast, the angled teeth 44 shown in the lower image have an increased coverage area. That is each angled tooth 44 extends from a base 45 to a tip 46 that penetrates the bristles. A radial extent of one angled tooth 44 is indicated by line B drawn through the base 45 of the angled tooth 44. A distal extent of an adjacent tooth 44 is also indicated by line C drawn through the base of the adjacent tooth. Here, the distal extent of the angled tooth 44 and the adjacent tooth span a width Z, being a portion of the brush bar. As can be seen, the tip 46 of the adjacent tooth extends substantially the full width Z of the axial extent of the angled tooth 44 and the axial extent of the adjacent tooth.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show the exemplary casing assembly 30 without the brush bar fitted. The casing assembly 30 forms the suction chamber (indicated generally at 36) and the suction aperture (indicated generally at 34). The comb 40 is shown as extending across the suction chamber 36. Each tooth of the plurality of teeth of the comb extends from the casing assembly into the suction chamber. Suitably, each tooth is connectedly fixed to the casing assembly 30 at a base and extends in the longitudinal direction to the tip 46. As explained, the teeth are arranged to both sides of the suction aperture 34. Preferably, the teeth are symmetrical about a mid-point along the casing assembly (i.e. a mid point along the brush bar), with the suction aperture 34 centred on the mid-point. Apart from the central tooth 48 that is not arranged at an angle to the radial direction, all of the teeth of the plurality of teeth are arranged at an angle to the radial direction and so as to extend at least partially in either one longitudinal direction (i.e. in the mechanical pump direction to the left-hand side of the suction aperture) or in the other longitudinal direction (i.e. against the mechanical pump direction to the right-hand side of the suction aperture). Thus, other than the central tooth 48, all of the teeth of the plurality of teeth forming the comb 40 can be considered angled teeth.

However, it has been found that to provide good action on the hair to move the hair against the mechanical pump direction, an oblique angle of the angled tooth of at least 8° is preferred. As shown in FIG. 8, the teeth of the plurality of angled teeth extending at an oblique angle of at least 8° are shown as a first set of teeth 40a to the right-hand end region of the casing assembly (i.e. to the right-hand end region of the brush bar) and a second set of teeth 40b to the left-hand end region of the casing assembly (i.e. to the left-hand end region of the brush bar). Thus, all of the plurality of teeth in the first set and the second set are arranged at an oblique angle of at least 8° and preferably between 8° and 30°. As shown, the teeth in the first set are arranged parallel to each other and at a first oblique angle of around 10°. Also, the teeth in the second set are arranged parallel to each other and at a second oblique angle of around 10°, where the second oblique angle might be considered an angle of −10°. Here, third and fourth sets 40c, 40d of the plurality of teeth are formed between the mid-point and the respective first and second set 40a, 40b. The teeth in the third and fourth sets 40c, 40d are angled to the radial direction at an angle of less than the oblique angle of the angled teeth. That is, the teeth in the third and fourth sets are arranged at an angle of less than 8° to the radial direction and so as to extend in a longitudinal direction of the brush bar. Here, the teeth in the third and fourth sets 40c, 40d are termed transition teeth 49. In the exemplary embodiment wherein the angled teeth have an oblique angle of at least 8°, the transition teeth are arranged at varying angles. For instance, in the third set 40c, the transition tooth adjacent the first set 40a forms an angle of around 7°, and adjacent teeth towards the mid-point reduce the angle so that a tooth of the third set adjacent the mid-point is angled around 1°.

Like the third set 40c, the fourth set 40d of teeth also comprise transition teeth arranged between the second set 40b and the mid-point.

Referring to FIG. 9, the plurality of teeth forming the comb have a length (indicated by length L) being the distance which each tooth extends from the base to the tip. Each tooth also has a thickness (indicted by width T). The plurality of teeth of the first set 40a and the second set 40b are arranged in a generally planar arrangement. However as shown, and in particular around the suction aperture, some of the teeth (shown as some of the transition teeth 49) are arranged off-set from the general planar arrangement.

As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, the plurality of teeth of the comb 40 (shown in relation to an angled tooth 44 and a centre tooth 48 but also applicable to the transition teeth 49) include notches 50. The notches 50 act to catch and break hairs as the teeth penetrate the bristles. By breaking the hair, larger strands are broken and more easily entrained in the airflow. The notches are shown as first 51 and second 52 notches. The notches are formed in a contact face 54 of each tooth. Here, the contact face 54 is the face of the tooth that contacts and parts the bristles. Thus, the contact face extends in a plane defined by the length and thickness of the tooth. Sides of each tooth extend orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the brush bar so that they extend in a direction of movement of the bristles as they are rotated (i.e. the sides extend generally in a front-to-back direction). The notches 50 form notch channels across the contact face from corner notches in the corners between the respective sides and the contact face.

As will be appreciated, the exemplary cleaning head 10 is useable with a surface treating appliance 60, shown as an electric vacuum cleaner as shown in FIG. 14. The surface treating appliance 60 is shown suitably connected to the cleaning head by a flexible hose 62. Here, the flexible hose connects to the suction port of the cleaning head, the hose therefore being in fluid communication with the suction chamber via the suction aperture of the suction port. The cleaning head is useable by moving the cleaning head over the surface being treated and using the angled teeth to contact the bristles of the rotating brush bar to urge hair to migrate in one longitudinal direction of the brush bar's longitudinal axis.

As described herein, the exemplary cleaning head provides improved entrainment of hair into the airflow. In particular, by providing at least one angled tooth that is arranged at an oblique angle relative to the radial direction and so as to extend at least partially in a longitudinal direction against a mechanical pump direction of the brush bar, hair gathering at the end of the brush bar and at the end of the mechanical pump direction can be reduced. Consequently, the user is less likely to need to manually remove the hair from the brush bar, and the suction performance can be better maintained.

The exemplary embodiments set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” and “include”, and variations such as “comprises”, “comprising”, and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” in relation to a numerical value is optional and means for example +/−10%.

CLEANING HEAD

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