Cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner

Abstract

A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner that comprises a pair of rotary agitators and one or more wheels. The agitators rotate in opposite directions, and the wheels are moveable between a deployed position and a retracted position. The wheels contact a floor to be cleaned when in the deployed position, and the wheels are lifted clear of the floor when in the retracted position such that the cleaner head is supported on the floor solely by the agitators.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to United Kingdom Application No. 1700330.2, filed Jan. 9, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The cleaner head of a vacuum cleaner may comprise a rotary agitator mounted within a housing. Wheels are often provided on the base of the housing to ensure that, as the cleaner head is manoeuvred over a floor, the housing does not contact and potentially damage the floor. Unfortunately, the wheels tend to constrain movement of the cleaner head to forward and rearward motion only.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0004]According to some embodiments, a cleaner head comprises a pair of rotary agitators and one or more wheels, wherein the agitators rotate in opposite directions, the wheels are moveable between a deployed position and a retracted position, the wheels co...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The cleaner head described in this patent operates in two different modes: a hover mode and a linear mode. The cleaner head can be moved freely in all directions, making it easier to maneuver between narrow gaps or sweep beneath furniture. The wheels on the cleaner head rotate about fixed axes, which helps to control the direction of travel. When the wheels are deployed, the cleaner head is constrained to move in a certain direction. The agitators on the cleaner head rotate and may be positioned in a way that allows the cleaner head to tip in response to a push or pull force. By pivotally attaching the neck of the cleaner head to the housing, the tipping of the housing and agitators in response to push or pull forces is reduced, and smaller push or pull forces are required. The agitators rotate at the same speed, which helps to even out the forward and rearward traction generated by each agitator. Overall, this design provides better control and efficiency for the cleaner head.

Problems solved by technology

A disadvantage with hover mode is that it can be difficult to steer the cleaner head in a particular direction.

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