Surface cleaning apparatus

Abstract

A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a body including a plurality of compartments. An elongate rotating brush arrangement is positioned within and extends across a first compartment. An electric motor is positioned in a second compartment for driving the brush. The motor for the brush can be operated at a plurality of speeds. A feedback loop maintains the selected speed during operation, and the motor will automatically shut off if the brush is unable to rotate.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to a surface cleaning apparatus, such as for a floor or upholstery, incorporating an elongate rotating brush arrangement and an electric motor for rotating the brush. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Sweepers provide a convenient tool for household cleaning applications. Unlike vacuum cleaners, sweepers do not generate suction to collect dirt and particles from a surface. Instead, a sweeper relies on a rotating brush bar for dirt collection. As a result, sweepers require less power than vacuum cleaners, and may be adequately powered using a battery. [0003] Conventional brush drives do not monitor the rotational speed of the brush. The motor operates at a single speed, leading to a single rotational speed for the brush. This leads to less than ideal cleaning, as a given brush speed may not be effective for collecting particles of various sizes and / or densities. Additionally, depending on the type of surface being swept, the rotat...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] In another embodiment, the invention provides a surface cleaning apparatus including a body having at least two compartments. An elongate rotating brush extends across the front of the cleaning apparatus within the body. The body also contains an electric motor for driving the brush. Preferably, a belt connects the motor and rotating brush. The surface cleaning

Problems solved by technology

This leads to less than ideal cleaning, as a given brush speed may not be effective for collecting particles of various sizes and / or densities.

Additionally, depending on the type of surface being swept, the rotational speed of the brush can vary as the surface can impede the progress of the brush when the brush contacts the surface.

Another problem encountered when using a surface cleaning device with a rotating brush bar is that the rotating bar can become jammed during operation.

When the brush bar stops rotating, the motor can become overloaded and damage the motor.

However, this type of interlock can pose problems, as setting the interlock threshold to a level that guarantees safe operation of the motor may also lead to triggering of the interlock under routine operating conditions.

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