Dual-purpose rotating brush for vacuum cleaner.

摘要

A cylindrical power brush for a vacuum cleaner includes two types of bristle tufts (70). One type (70b) of bristle tuft is short and stiff for contacting and agitating a carpeted surface. The other type (70a) of bristle tuft is longer and softer for contacting a hard surface. In addition to the differences in length and bristle stiffness, the tufts (70b) for the hard surface contain substantially fewer bristles, whereby catching and rolling of carpet edges is avoided. One embodiment alternates types of bristle tufts in a row of bristle tufts. Another embodiment employs multiple rows of bristle tufts arranged such that a point on a surface being cleaned is contacted alternately by the two types of bristle tuft. Winding up of thread and hair on the axle of the rotating brush is avoided by overlapping annular extensions (190, 188) on a support wheel (184) and a brush spindle (186). The brush support wheel is locked in place in the floor tool by a resilient locking tab integrally formed with one of the halves of the floor tool.