Abstract: A vacuum cleaner motor assembly includes a motor in a bucket, configured so as to drive a fan to provide airflow. An epicyclic gear system is attached to the output shaft of the motor, to produce an output of reduced rotational speed. The output is employed to drive an agitator via a belt. The belt is driven at a reduced rotational speed to that achievable hitherto, and thus there is reduced wear on the belt. The provision of a gear arrangement mounted directly to the motor casing provides a compact assembly. One of the epicyclic gears, such as the ring gear, is arranged to slip with respect to a clutch member if the agitator becomes jammed. An actuator switches off the motor if the heat of friction of the slipping gear exceeds a predetermined value, or if the slipping gear rotates at a speed above a predetermined value. Thus, the motor switches off before damage occurs to any of the components of the system.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism includes clutch members having an engaged position, in which torque generated by a drive is transmitted to an output, and a disengaged position, in which torque is not transmitted to the output. The clutch members are capable of slipping with respect to each other in order to prevent damage caused by overload conditions. The clutch mechanism further comprises an actuator associated with a clutch member. If the clutch members slip and a characteristic associated with slipping of the clutch members, such as the temperature rise of the slipping surfaces or the relative rotational speed of the clutch members is above a predetermined value, transmission of torque to the output is interrupted. The clutch mechanism is particularly suited for inclusion in a drive mechanism for the agitator of a surface treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism includes clutch members having an engaged position, in which torque generated by a drive is transmitted to an output, and a disengaged position, in which torque is not transmitted to the output. The clutch members are capable of slipping with respect to each other in order to prevent damage caused by overload conditions. The clutch mechanism further comprises an actuator associated with a clutch member. If the clutch members slip and a characteristic associated with slipping of the clutch members, such as the temperature rise of the slipping surfaces or the relative rotational speed of the clutch members is above a predetermined value, transmission of torque to the output is interrupted. The clutch mechanism is particularly suited for inclusion in a drive mechanism for the agitator of a surface treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner.