Patent ID: 8011063
Filing Date: 2011-09-06
Classification: A47L,F16D

Abstract:
1. An overload clutch assembly for a surface cleaning machine, comprising, in combination: a rotating agitation member adapted to be rotated for cleaning a surface; a clutch member connected to the rotating agitation member to rotate therewith and including an outer periphery having a maximum radial extent from a rotation axis, with the clutch member further including a coupling portion; a coupling member rotatable relative to the clutch member about the rotation axis and adapted to be driven; and a first torque lever including a first end pivotally mounted to the coupling member about a pivot axis and including a second end, with the pivot axis being parallel to and radially spaced from the rotation axis greater than the maximum radial extent of the clutch member; with the second end of the first torque lever being biased to press against and engage with the coupling portion of the clutch member such that the rotating agitation member is rotated together with the coupling member through the first torque lever and the clutch member when a torque load from the rotating agitation member is not greater than a preset level; and with the second end of the first torque lever pivoting outward away from the clutch member about the pivot axis and disengaging from the clutch member to disconnect the first torque lever from the clutch member when the torque load from the rotating agitation member is greater than the preset level.