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DE-212024000411-U1 - Filament web with multiple properties

DE212024000411U1DE 212024000411 U1DE212024000411 U1DE 212024000411U1DE-212024000411-U1

Abstract

Multifilament felt web (201), comprising filaments (301, 303, 401, 403, 501, 503) which differ in terms of mechanical and electrical properties such as stiffness, abrasion resistance, flexural recovery, fatigue recovery and electrical resistance, characterized by different materials, filament diameters, cut lengths and fillers.

Assignees

  • LEE FOOK YUEN

Dates

Publication Date
20260513
Application Date
20240925
Priority Date
20240925

Claims (7)

  1. Multifilament felt web (201), comprising filaments (301, 303, 401, 403, 501, 503) which differ in terms of mechanical and electrical properties such as stiffness, abrasion resistance, flexural recovery, fatigue recovery and electrical resistance, characterized by different materials, filament diameters, cut lengths and fillers.
  2. Multifilament felt web according to Claim 1 , wherein the thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) used are styrene block copolymers (TPS), thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers (TPO), thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), thermoplastic copolyesters (TPC) or thermoplastic polyamides (TPA).
  3. Multifilament felt web according to Claim 1 , wherein the electrically conductive filaments are synthetic fibers coated with metals such as silver, tin, nickel, stainless steel or carbon composites.
  4. Multifilament felt web according to Claim 1 , where the abrasives can be borides, carbides, nitrides, oxides, silicates and metals.
  5. Multifilament felt web according to Claim 1 , with the length of the filaments ranging from 0.5 to 10 mm.
  6. Multifilament felt web according to Claim 1 , where the felt web is a combination of non-conductive filaments and electrically conductive filaments.
  7. Multifilament felt web according to Claim 1 , where dyes and colored particles are used to produce colored filaments, in order to to enable a color code for identifying specific properties.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a brush element. More precisely, the invention relates to a multifilament cleaning element that is attached to the brush strip of vacuum cleaners. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Vacuum cleaners have a motor-driven rotating roller in the form of a cylindrical brush strip. One type of brush strip has a cylindrical core wrapped with a felt strip. The felt strip is wrapped completely around the brush strip and permanently attached with an adhesive. The felt strip has rows of filaments (fibers) that extend radially outwards. As the brush strip rotates, the filaments agitate dirt and debris upon contact with the surface being cleaned. The suction power of the vacuum cleaner then helps to draw the agitated dirt and debris from the surface into the cleaning head. To reliably achieve the expected cleaning results, the felt mat must withstand extreme operating conditions. Vacuum cleaners are used in areas with a high concentration of dust and dirt particles. The felt mat also comes into direct contact with surfaces made of various materials such as tiles, wood, and textiles. Finally, it is exposed to wet surfaces and household chemicals. All of these factors negatively impact the quality and reliability of the felt mat and, consequently, the performance of the vacuum cleaner. No single filament type is suitable for all the operating conditions listed above. Therefore, the filaments for a felt strip must be selected based on specific criteria that depend on the vacuum cleaner's intended use. These factors include whether the vacuum cleaner is used in a temperate or hot climate, the percentage of use on hard surfaces such as tile floors or stairs compared to textiles such as carpets or sofas, and the frequency of weekly vacuuming. Since vacuum cleaners are used in various environments and under different conditions, and there is no single optimal filament solution, one way to improve vacuuming results is to combine two or more different brush materials into a single cleaning element. The unique properties of each material, such as filament stiffness, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, flexural elasticity, fatigue strength, shape, and moisture absorption, can thus be used to improve cleaning performance. However, combining two or more different filaments (fibers) presents a challenge. During the development phase, the combination of different filaments must be configured to ensure improved cleaning performance. Furthermore, the design of the manufacturing and assembly process flow, in terms of production line productivity, scrap rate, and waste generation, must be comparable to current practices to ensure the new product's economic viability. Finally, the product must be tested and verified to ensure it performs as well as current options in terms of quality and reliability before being launched. Only through intensive development and manufacturing efforts can the introduction of a new product be commercially successful. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One embodiment of the present invention is a felt web consisting of filaments with diverse properties that can be effective under various operating conditions. The filaments exhibit a combination of material properties, such as different filament materials with optimized physical properties—including filament stiffness, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and moisture absorption—as well as electrical properties, such as filaments with low and high surface resistance. According to an advantageous point of view, an embodiment of the present invention improves the performance of the vacuum cleaner by providing a uniform and consistent cleaning function over the entire length of the brush strip. In another advantageous aspect, an embodiment of the present invention improves the performance of the vacuum cleaner by increasing the suction efficiency on different surfaces. In another advantageous aspect, an embodiment of the present invention improves the performance of the vacuum cleaner by optimizing energy savings in order to achieve the desired energy consumption targets. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 1A This is a perspective view of the brush bar.2A This is a perspective view of the felt strip on a brush strip.2B This is a perspective view of a cylindrical and a conical brush strip.3 This is a close-up of the felt track.4 shows a side view of multifilament felt webs.5 shows a side view of multifilament felt sheets cut to different heights.6 This is a top view of various felt patterns. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The following description contains specific details of certain embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated in the drawings, in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of these embodiments. However, it should be noted that the present invention can be expressed in further embodiments and that the invention can also be implemented without some of the details mentioned in the following description. The