Cleaner head for surface cleaning appliance

Abstract

A cleaner head for a surface cleaning apparatus, comprising: a housing movable along a surface to be cleaned; wherein the housing at least partially defines a chamber, the chamber comprising: a contaminated air inlet; a contaminated air outlet; and an opening for allowing access to the chamber; the cleaner head further includes a cover cooperatively associated with the housing and movable relative to the housing for allowing access to the chamber through the opening; wherein the cover comprises a wiper device extending laterally between the first side and the second side of the housing and, in use, positioned directly adjacent to or in contact with the surface to be cleaned.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaner head for a cleaning appliance. The present invention relates particularly but not exclusively to multi-floor or wet / dry vacuum cleaners. Summary of the invention

[0002] According to a first aspect of the invention, we provide a cleaner head for a surface cleaning device, comprising: a housing movable along the surface to be cleaned; wherein the housing at least partially defines a chamber, the chamber comprising: Dirty air inlet; Dirty air outlets; and an opening for allowing access to the chamber; The cleaner head further includes a cover cooperatively associated with the housing and movable relative to the housing for allowing access to the chamber through the opening; Therein, the cover includes a wiper device which extends transversely across the housing and which, in use, is positioned directly adjacent to or in contact with the surface to be cleaned.

[0003] The housing may include a front side, a rear side, a first side extending between the front side and the rear side, and a second side extending between the front side and the rear side and generally opposite the first side.

[0004] The wiper device may extend between the first and second sides.

[0005] The cover may be releasably connectable to the housing.

[0006] The cover may be removable from the housing.

[0007] The cover is pivotably movable relative to the housing, preferably downwardly.

[0008] The cleaner head may comprise first and second agitators rotatable about first and second respective axes.

[0009] The first and second agitators may, in use, be at least partially surrounded by the chamber.

[0010] The wiper arrangement may extend towards the first and second agitators.

[0011] The first and second agitators may have first and second respective ends.

[0012] The first ends of the first and second agitators may be positioned closer to each other than the second ends of the first and second agitators.

[0013] The wiper arrangement may extend in a direction beyond the first ends of the first and second agitators.

[0014] The wiper device may extend laterally beyond the lateral position of the first end of the first and / or second agitator.

[0015] The housing may include a middle portion including first and second sides.

[0016] The first and second agitators may be separated by a middle portion.

[0017] The wiper device may extend in a direction towards and / or beyond the first and second sides of the intermediate portion.

[0018] The first and / or second agitator may be a brush bar.

[0019] The first and / or second agitator may comprise microfibers and / or bristles.

[0020] The wiper device may deflect dirt and liquid on the surface to be cleaned towards the first agitator.

[0021] The wiper device may deflect dirt and liquid on the surface to be cleaned towards the second agitator.

[0022] The wiper device may be positioned substantially centrally between the lateral positions of the first and second sides.

[0023] A wiper device may be positioned at the front of the chamber.

[0024] The wiper device may comprise first and second wiper parts.

[0025] The first wiper portion may be configured differently than the second wiper portion.

[0026] The first wiper portion may deflect dirt and liquid on the surface to be cleaned toward the first side of the housing.

[0027] The second wiper portion may deflect dirt and liquid on the surface to be cleaned toward the second side of the housing.

[0028] The first wiper portion may be inclined at an angle relative to the second wiper portion.

[0029] The first wiper portion may extend laterally at an angle between the first and second sides of the housing.

[0030] The second wiper portion may extend laterally at an angle between the first and second sides of the housing.

[0031] The first and / or second wiper portion may be substantially linear in plan view.

[0032] The wiper device may further comprise a connecting portion positioned between the first and second wiper portions.

[0033] The connecting portion may form a point located in front of the first and second wiper portions.

[0034] The first and second wiper portions may generally form a V-shape.

[0035] The wiper device may extend generally vertically downwardly towards the surface to be cleaned.

[0036] The wiper device may be elastically deformable.

[0037] The wiper device may be formed from or comprise rubber.

[0038] The wiper means may be a scraper.

[0039] The front cover may include a recess.

[0040] The wiper device may be mounted in the recess.

[0041] The wiper device may be overmoulded into the recess.

[0042] According to a second aspect of the invention we comprise a cleaning appliance comprising a cleaner head according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0043] The cleaning appliance may comprise a suction source for drawing air in through the dirty air outlet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] In order to make the present invention easier to understand, the preferred embodiments thereof will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the form of embodiments, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention (the discharge pipe is not shown); Figure 2a is a perspective view of a cleaner head according to the present invention (the discharge pipe is not shown); Figure 2b yes Figure 2a An enlarged view of section 2b; Figure 3 yes Figure 2a Another perspective view of the cleaner head of , wherein the front cover of the cleaner head is removed; Figure 4 is an isolated perspective view of the cover of the cleaner head of FIG. 2 ; Figure 5 is a front view of the cleaner head of FIG. 2 (the discharge pipe is not shown); Figure 6a is a front view of the cleaner head of FIG. 2 with the front cover of the cleaner head removed; Figure 6b is a front view of the cleaner head of FIG. 2 with the front cover and the first and second agitators of the cleaner head removed; Figure 7 is a side view of the cleaner head of Figure 2; Figure 8a is a perspective bottom view of the front portion of the cleaner head of FIG. 2 ; Figure 8b yes Figure 8a An enlarged view of section 8b; Fig. 9 2 is a bottom view of the cleaner head. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] See also Figure 1 , which shows a surface cleaning appliance 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The surface cleaning appliance 1 is specifically a wet / dry vacuum cleaner or a multi-floor cleaner. The surface cleaning appliance 1 comprises a main body 2 and a cleaner head 10. The surface cleaning appliance 1 can be placed on the cleaner head 10 in use and / or when in a storage position. The main body 2 can be connected to the cleaner head 10. In particular, the main body 2 is pivotally connected to the cleaner head 10. The connection between the main body 2 and the cleaner head 10 can allow the main body to pivot in the front-to-back direction in which the cleaner moves during use, and allows the main body to pivot to the respective left and right sides of the cleaner head 10, which are substantially perpendicular to or perpendicular to the front-to-back direction in which the cleaner moves during use. In particular, the pivot connection can allow the main body 2 to be located within the periphery of the cleaner head 10, that is, within the front side, the rear side, and the first and second sides of the cleaner head 10 (described in detail below), so that the center of gravity of the surface cleaning appliance 1 is positioned within the footprint of the cleaner head 10. This allows the surface cleaning appliance to be stored in an upright position. To achieve this pivot connection, an exhaust pipe 9 (shown in FIG. 11 ) is provided between the cleaner head 10 and the main body 2. The exhaust pipe 9 is relatively flexible and ensures that the pivot connection between the main body 2 and the cleaner 10 can function. The exhaust pipe 9 is fluidly connected to the dirty air outlet of the cleaner head and the dirt collection container or recovery tank 5. This will be described in detail below.

[0046] It should be understood that in other embodiments, the body 2 may be fixed in position relative to the cleaner head 10. In further contemplated embodiments, the surface cleaning appliance 1 may be a cylinder cleaner. In such an embodiment, the surface cleaning appliance may include a wand having a first end connected to the discharge tube 9 and a second end connected to the cleaner head 10.

[0047] The surface cleaning appliance comprises a handle 3 for a user to grasp. The handle 3 may be positioned above the body 2. In particular, the handle 3 may be positioned at the top of the surface cleaning appliance 1.

[0048] The body 2 accommodates a suction source, such as a motor, a fan, an impeller, for generating a vacuum (not shown). In some embodiments, the motor can be a brushless motor. The suction source can be positioned at the top of the body 2. In particular, the suction source can be positioned adjacent to the handle 3.

[0049] A cleaning fluid supply tank 4 for holding a cleaning fluid is supported on the main body 2. In use, the cleaning fluid supply tank 4 receives a fluid for cleaning the surface to be cleaned. For example, the cleaning fluid supply tank can receive a premixed cleaning solution for cleaning the surface. In other embodiments, the cleaning fluid supply tank 4 can receive water to which a concentrated cleaning solution is added in the cleaning fluid supply tank or subsequently from another cleaning fluid supply tank (not shown) of the cleaning device 1. The cleaning fluid supply tank 4 is releasably connected to the main body 2, although it can be fixed in the main body 2. In particular, the cleaning fluid supply tank 4 is at least partially received in a recess on the outer surface of the main body 2. A fluid inlet (not shown) is provided in the recess, to which the cleaning fluid supply tank 4 can be fluidically connected. The cleaning fluid supply tank 4 is positioned at the rear of the main body 2 relative to the front-to-back direction in which the cleaner moves during use. The cleaning fluid supply tank 4 is also positioned near the suction source and / or the handle 3 or positioned adjacent to the suction source.

[0050] The fluid inlet is fluidly connected to the cleaning fluid distribution device 6 on the cleaner head 10. In the present invention, the cleaning fluid distribution device can be at least one nozzle or nozzle device 6, or first and second nozzles 60, 62 (in Figure 3 , 6a 6a and 6b). At least one nozzle 6 or the first and second nozzles 60, 62 spray the cleaning fluid onto the agitator or the first and second agitators of the cleaner head 10. Each of the at least one nozzle or the first and second nozzles 60, 62 may alternatively or additionally spray the cleaning fluid onto the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning fluid dispensing device is connected to the fluid inlet via a fluid channel extending from the main body 2 and passing through the main body 2 to the cleaner head 10. This allows the fluid from the cleaning fluid supply tank 4 to be delivered to the cleaning fluid dispensing device 6.

[0051] The body 2 also supports a dirt collection container or recovery tank 5 (e.g. Figure 1). The dirt collection container 5 is also fluidly connected to the dirty air outlet of the cleaner head via an exhaust pipe 9. The dirt collection container may include an air-liquid separator to separate any dirty cleaning fluid drawn from the surface to be cleaned and dirt entrained therein from the air. The dirt collection container 5 is releasably connected to the main body 2 of the cleaning appliance 1, although it may be fixed in the main body 2. The dirt collection container is also arranged in the lower half of the main body 2, closer to the cleaner head 10 than the handle 3. The dirt collection container 5 is arranged on the front of the main body relative to the front-to-back direction in which the cleaner moves when in use. The dirt collection container 5 may support a bag or other container for holding collected dirt, wherein the bag or other container is removable to discard the collected dirt.

[0052] The cleaner head 10 is described in more detail below with reference to Figures 2-9.

[0053] In this embodiment, the cleaner head 10 includes wheels 22, 24 (in Fig. 9 1 ), which is positioned at the rear side 16 of the cleaner head 10. In particular, the wheels 22, 24 are positioned on either side of the exhaust duct 9 which directs the dirty air outlet 26 (e.g. Figure 6b As shown) the fluid is connected to the dirt collection container 5. Fig. 9 As shown, additional wheels 21, 23 are provided on the bottom side or floor-facing side of the cleaner head 10. The additional wheels 21, 23 may be positioned approximately midway between the front and rear sides of the cleaner head 10. The wheels 22, 24 and the additional wheels 21, 23 allow the surface cleaning appliance 1 to be moved over the surface to be cleaned. In other embodiments, the cleaner head 10 may be provided with rollers to replace or supplement the wheels 22, 24 located at the rear side 16 of the cleaner head 10.

[0054] The cleaner head 10 includes a housing 12 that is movable along the surface to be cleaned. Fig. 9 As shown, the housing 12 includes a front side 14 and a first side and a second side, such as a right side 20 and a left side 18 extending between the front side 14 and the rear side 16. The first side 20 is generally oppositely positioned from the second side 18. The front side 14, the rear side 16, and the first side 20 and the second side 18 define a perimeter that defines a footprint of the cleaner head 10. The housing 12 includes a bottom side or floor-facing side 28, which will be described in more detail below.

[0055] The housing 12 includes a top side 25. The top side 25 extends between the front side 14, the rear side 16, and the first side 20 and the second side 18. In use, the top side 25 faces away from the surface to be cleaned. The housing 12 at least partially defines a chamber 13. The chamber 13 at least partially surrounds the first and second agitators. The housing 12 includes a middle portion 300 extending into the chamber 13. In particular, the middle portion 300 extends downwardly from the top side 25 toward the bottom side 28, preferably vertically.

[0056] The cleaner head 10 includes a first agitator 110 and a second agitator 112. The first agitator 110 and the second agitator 112 can rotate around respective axes R1 and R2 in the chamber 13 (eg, Figure 6a 1 and 12). Axis R1 is generally parallel to the surface to be cleaned and is orthogonal to the front-to-back direction in which the cleaner moves during use. Axis R2 is generally parallel to the surface to be cleaned and is orthogonal to the front-to-back direction in which the cleaner moves during use. The first agitator 110 and the second agitator 112 are releasably connected to the chamber 13 or the housing 12, or can be removed from the chamber 13 or the housing 12, which will be described in more detail below.

[0057] In the present embodiment, the first agitator 110 and the second agitator 112 are positioned substantially side by side within the chamber 13. In other words, the chamber 13 at least partially surrounds the first agitator 110 and the second agitator 112. As can be seen from the figure, the first agitator 110 is positioned on the first / right side 20 of the housing 12, and the second agitator 112 is positioned on the second / left side 18 of the housing 12. In other words, the first agitator 110 is positioned closer to the first side of the housing 12 than the second agitator 112. The second agitator 112 is positioned closer to the second side of the housing 12 than the first agitator 110. In an embodiment, the first agitator may be positioned closer to the second side than the second agitator. In an embodiment, the second agitator may be positioned closer to the first side than the first agitator.

[0058] In the present embodiment, the first agitator 110 and the second agitator 112 are substantially coaxial. In other words, the axes R1 and R2 of the first agitator 110 and the second agitator 112 may be aligned. In an embodiment, the first agitator 110 and the second agitator 112 may be substantially parallel. For example, the second agitator 112 may be positioned behind the first agitator 110. In a further contemplated embodiment, the first agitator 110 may be tilted at an angle relative to the second agitator 112. The first agitator 110 or the axis R1 of the first agitator 110 may be tilted at an angle relative to the front side 14 and / or the rear side 16 of the housing 12. The first agitator 110 and the second agitator 112 may be separated by the middle portion 300 of the housing 12 extending into the chamber 13. The first agitator 110 and / or the second agitator 112 may be driven by a motor.

[0059] In the present invention, the first agitator 110 and the second agitator 112 are substantially the same, or the second agitator 112 is a mirror image of the first agitator 110. In an embodiment, the first agitator 110 and the second agitator 112 may be different. In an embodiment, the second agitator may include one or more than one or all of the features of the first agitator. In a further contemplated embodiment, the second agitator may not share any features with the first agitator. For example, the first agitator 110 and the second agitator 112 may each have a corresponding length and diameter. In the present embodiment, the first and second agitators have the same or substantially the same length and diameter. In an embodiment, the first agitator may have a length and / or diameter greater than the second agitator. In an embodiment, the second agitator may have a length and / or diameter greater than the first agitator.

[0060] The first agitator 110 and the second agitator 112 in the present embodiment may be brush bars. The agitators 110, 112 may each be formed as a generally cylindrical member including a body. The body may include a microfiber material 117 on its outer surface 113. In other words, the first agitator 110 and the second agitator 112 may include microfibers. The microfiber material 117 may be tufted. The first agitator 110 and the second agitator 112, or in other words, the body 114 of the first agitator 110 and the second agitator 112 may include bristles 118. The bristles 118 may be interspersed with microfiber material. The bristles 118 may be arranged in clusters in a spiral pattern on the outer surface of the agitators 110, 112.

[0061] like Figure 6a As shown, the first agitator 110 may include first and second respective ends 1100, 1102. The second agitator 112 may include first and second respective ends 1120, 1122. The respective first ends 1100, 1120 of the first and second agitators 110, 112 may be positioned closer to each other than the respective second ends 1102, 1122 of the first and second agitators 110, 112.

[0062] The first end 1100, 1120 in use can be positioned approximately centrally in the chamber 13. The first agitator 110 can be positioned to a first side 302 of the middle portion 300 in the first chamber portion 1300, and the second agitator 112 can be positioned to a second side 304 of the middle portion 300 in the second chamber portion 1302. In particular, the first end 1100, 1120 can be positioned adjacent to the middle portion 300. In this embodiment, the first chamber portion 1300 and the second chamber portion 1302 are fluidly connected by an additional portion of the chamber 13 located behind the middle portion 300. The additional portion can be positioned in front of the dirty air outlet 27. In other words, there can be space between the middle portion 300 and the rear chamber wall 201. The first end 1100, 1120 can be driven by a central drive structure 1130 (at Figure 6b ) drive.

[0063] The second end 1102 of the first agitator 110 in use is positioned closest to the first / right side 20 of the housing 12. Figure 6a As shown, the second end 1102 includes a retaining structure 1110 for retaining the first agitator 110 relative to the housing 12. The second end 1122 of the second agitator 112 in use is positioned closest to the second / left side 18 of the housing 12. Figure 6a As shown, the second end 1122 includes a retaining structure 1140 for retaining the second agitator 112 relative to the housing 12.

[0064] The bottom or floor-facing side 28 extends between the front side 14, the rear side 16 and the first and second sides 20, 18. In use, the bottom or floor-facing side 28 faces the surface to be cleaned.

[0065] The bottom or floor facing side 28 comprises first, second and third floor engaging means 30, 32, 34 and first and second wiper means 70, 72. In the present embodiment, the first, second and third floor engaging means 30, 32, 34 are lint pick-up belts or felt belts. In the present embodiment, the first wiper means 70 and the second wiper means 72 are scrapers. The or each floor engaging means 30, 32, 34 is positioned behind the wiper means 70 and / or the dirty air inlet 27. The or each floor engaging means 30, 32, 34 is positioned in front of the wiper means 72. In other words, the or each floor engaging means 30, 32, 34 is positioned between the first wiper means 70 and the second wiper means 72. Each of the first, second and third floor engaging devices 30, 32, 34 and the first and second wiper devices 70, 72 extends transversely, preferably linearly, between the first side 20 and the second side 18 of the housing 12. In the present embodiment, the first, second and third floor engaging devices 30, 32, 34 and the first and second wiper devices 70, 72 each have substantially the same length. In embodiments, this may not be the case. For example, the first and / or second and / or third floor engaging devices may have a length greater than or less than the first and / or second wiper 70, 72. In embodiments, the first floor engaging device 30, the second floor engaging device 32 or the third floor engaging device 34 may have a length greater than or less than the other of the corresponding first floor engaging device 30, the second floor engaging device 32 or the third floor engaging device 34. In embodiments, the first wiper 70 may have a greater length than the second wiper 72. In embodiments, the second wiper 72 may have a greater length than the first wiper 70.

[0066] In this embodiment, the first floor engaging device 30 and the second floor engaging device 32 may be positioned in front of the further wheels 21, 23. The third floor engaging device 34 is positioned behind the further wheels 21, 23. The first wiper device 70 is positioned in front of the further wheels 21, 23. The second wiper device 72 is positioned behind the further wheels 21, 23. In embodiments, this may not be the case. For example, the further wheels 21, 23 may be positioned in front of any one, more than one, or all of the first, second and third floor engaging devices 30, 32, 34 and / or the first wiper device 70. In embodiments, the further wheels 21, 23 may be positioned behind the second wiper device 72.

[0067] One or more than one or all of the first floor engaging device 30, the second floor engaging device 32 and the third floor engaging device 34 and the first wiper device 70 and the second wiper device 72 may be mounted to a base 36 that is releasably connected to the bottom side 28 of the housing 12. The base 36 may include a first opening 37 and a second opening 38 through which the further wheels 21, 23 extend. The base 36 may be retained relative to the housing 12 by fasteners 35, 39. In the present embodiment, the fasteners are screws.

[0068] The bleed air inlets 92, 90 may be disposed in the first side 20 and the second side 18 (eg, Fig. 9 1 ). The bleed inlets 92, 90 may be fluidly connected to the chamber 13. The bleed inlets 92, 90 may be positioned in front of the wiper device 70. Side seals 94, 96 may be provided on the first side 20 and the second side 18 of the housing 12. The side seals 94, 96 may be positioned in front of the bleed inlets 92, 90.

[0069] 10, the bottom or floor facing side 28 includes a dirty air inlet 27 through which the cleaner head 10 can receive dirt laden air and dirty cleaning fluid. The dirty air inlet 27 extends between the portion of the agitator which contacts the surface to be cleaned in use and the wiper arrangement 70.

[0070] The chamber 13 at least partially surrounds the first agitator 110 and the second agitator 112. The chamber 13 is at least partially defined by a rear chamber wall 201. The rear chamber wall 201 defines a dirty air outlet 26. The dirty air outlet 26 is fluidly connected to the chamber 13. The chamber 13 is also fluidly connected to a dirty air inlet 27 facing the surface to be cleaned.

[0071] The chamber is further defined by respective first and second side walls 200, 180, which are located closer to or adjacent to the first and second sides 20, 18 of the housing 12, respectively. The second side wall 180 is a mirror image of the first side wall 200, and therefore only the first side wall 200 will be described in detail. The side wall 200 includes an inwardly facing surface 202. The inwardly facing surface 202 includes a recess 204. The inwardly facing surface 202 also includes an abutment wall 205 that at least partially defines the recess 204. In use, when the agitator 110 is inserted into the chamber 13, the recess 204 receives the second end 1102 of the first agitator 110. Once the first agitator 110 is in place, the first agitator 110 also abuts the abutment wall 205.

[0072] The chamber 13 includes an opening 15 for allowing access to and removal of the first agitator 110 and the second agitator 112 from the chamber 13. The opening 15 extends at least partially across the front side 14 of the housing 12 between the first side 20 and the second side 18 and the top side 25 and the bottom side 28. The cleaner head 10 includes a cover 17 positioned above the opening 15 on the front side 14 of the housing 12 in use. The cover 17 also extends through the front side 14 of the housing 12 and extends between the first side 20 and the second side 18 and the top side 25 and the bottom side 28. In an embodiment, the opening 15 and / or the cover 17 may extend toward and across the front side 14 and / or the top side 25 and / or the rear side 16 and / or the bottom side 28 without departing from the scope of the present invention. The cover 17 is cooperatively associated with the housing 12 for allowing access to the chamber 13 through the opening 15 in the front side 14 of the housing 12. In use, the first agitator 110 and the second agitator 112 may be positioned adjacent to the cover 17. Figure 2a and 5 In FIG. 1 , a cover 17 is shown closing the opening 15. Figure 3 , 6a In FIGS. 6 and 6 b, the cover 17 has been moved to the agitator access position. In use, the cover 17 is generally in a position in which the cover 17 covers the opening 15. The cover 17 can be moved to the agitator access position to allow the first agitator 110 and the second agitator 112 to be removed from the chamber 13 via the opening 15 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axes R1, R2 of the first agitator 110 and the second agitator 112 and in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the surface to be cleaned. In particular, the second end 1102 of the first agitator 110 pivots around the first end 1100 of the first agitator 110 to remove the second end 1100 via the opening 15 before the rest of the first agitator 110 is removed through the opening 15. The second end 1132 of the second agitator 112 pivots around the first end 1130 of the second agitator 112 to remove the second end 1130 via the opening 15 before the rest of the second agitator 112 is removed through the opening 15.

[0073] like Figure 2a , 2b, 4, 8a and 8b, the cover 17 includes a front wiper device or wiper device 80, which is directly adjacent to the surface to be cleaned or contacts the surface to be cleaned in use. In the present embodiment, the wiper device 80 is a scraper. The wiper device 80 can be positioned at the front of the cleaner head 10, and can be positioned laterally in the approximate middle between the first side 20 and the second side 18. In other words, the wiper device 80 can be positioned approximately laterally centered relative to the housing 12. The wiper device 80 can be positioned in front of the chamber 13 and / or in front of the middle part 300. The cover 17 can include a recess (not shown), and the wiper device is installed in this recess or is overmolded in this recess. In other words, the wiper device 80 is fixed in place relative to the cover 17.

[0074] The wiper device 80 may include a first wiper portion 82 and a second wiper portion 84. The first wiper portion 82 and the second wiper portion 84 in this embodiment are configured in different ways. The first wiper portion 82 can be configured to deflect dirt and / or debris from the surface to be cleaned toward the first side 20 of the housing 12 and / or the first agitator 110. The second wiper portion 84 can be configured to deflect dirt and / or debris from the surface to be cleaned toward the second side 18 of the housing 12 and / or the second agitator 112.

[0075] The first wiper portion 82 may be inclined at an angle relative to the second wiper portion 84 and / or may be inclined at an angle relative to the first side 20 and / or the second side 18 of the housing 12 and / or the front 16 of the housing 12. The first wiper portion 82 may be inclined at an angle relative to the axis R1 of the first agitator 110 and / or the axis R2 of the second agitator 112. The second wiper portion 84 may be inclined at an angle relative to the first wiper portion 82 and / or may be inclined at an angle relative to the first side 20 and / or the second side 18 of the housing 12 and / or the front 16 of the housing 12. The second wiper portion 84 may be inclined at an angle relative to the axis R1 of the first agitator 110 and / or the axis R2 of the second agitator 112. The angle between the first wiper portion 82 and the axis R1 and / or the axis R2 may be an acute angle. In an embodiment, the angle between the first wiper portion 82 and the axis R1 and / or the axis R2 may be an obtuse angle, which does not depart from the present invention. The angle between the second wiper portion 84 and the axis R1 and / or the axis R2 may be an acute angle. In an embodiment, the angle between the second wiper portion 84 and the axis R1 and / or the axis R2 may be an obtuse angle without departing from the invention.

[0076] The first wiper portion 82 and the second wiper portion 84 are connected by a connecting portion 86, which can extend between and / or be positioned between the first wiper portion 82 and the second wiper portion 84. The connecting portion 86 can form a point positioned at the front of the housing 12. In particular, the connecting portion 86 can be positioned in front of the first wiper portion 82 and the second wiper portion 84. The wiper device 80 can be generally V-shaped, as shown in the figure, with the point of the V being positioned closest to the front of the housing 12. In an embodiment, the connecting portion 86 can be generally linear or curvilinear or arcuate in a plan view.

[0077] In the present embodiment, the wiper device 80 extends generally transversely across the cover 17. In particular, as described in more detail below, the wiper device 80 extends toward the first agitator 110 and / or the second agitator 112. The wiper device 80 may also extend transversely across the middle portion 300, as seen from the front view of the cleaner head 10. In the present embodiment, the wiper device 80 has a transverse length that is less than the first and / or second agitators 110, 112 and / or the middle portion 300. In an embodiment, the wiper device 80 may have a transverse length that is the same as or greater than the first and / or second agitators 110, 112 and / or the middle portion 300.

[0078] In this embodiment, the first wiper portion 82 can extend at an angle toward the first side 20 of the housing 12, optionally extending laterally. The first wiper portion 82 can extend laterally beyond the first end 1100 of the first agitator 110, or can extend in a direction beyond the first end 1100 of the first agitator 110. The first wiper portion 82 can extend to and / or beyond the first side 302 of the intermediate portion 300.

[0079] The second wiper portion 84 can extend at an angle, optionally laterally, toward the second side 18 of the housing 12. The second wiper portion 84 can extend laterally beyond the first end 1120 of the second agitator 112, or can extend in a direction beyond the first end 1120 of the second agitator 112. The second wiper portion 84 can extend to and / or beyond the second side 304 of the intermediate portion 300.

[0080] In the present embodiment, the first wiper portion 82 and / or the second wiper portion 84 may be substantially linear in a plan view. In an embodiment, the first wiper portion 82 and / or the second wiper portion 84 may be, for example, curved or arcuate, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The lengths of the first wiper portion 82 and the second wiper portion 84 in the present embodiment are substantially the same. In an embodiment, the first wiper portion 82 may have a greater length than the second wiper portion 84. In an embodiment, the second wiper portion 84 may have a greater length than the first wiper portion 82. In the present embodiment, the length of the connecting portion 86 is less than the first wiper portion 82 and / or the second wiper portion 84. In an embodiment, the connecting portion 86 may have a length greater than the first wiper portion 82 and / or the second wiper portion 84.

[0081] In this embodiment, the wiper device 80 extends generally vertically downward toward the surface to be cleaned. In an embodiment, as the wiper device 80 extends toward the surface to be cleaned, the wiper device 80 may extend in front of the cover 17. In an embodiment, as the wiper device 80 extends toward the surface to be cleaned, the wiper device 80 may extend backward, for example toward the chamber 13.

[0082] In this embodiment, the wiper device 80 is elastically deformable. The wiper device 80 may be formed of or may include rubber, for example. Alternatively, the wiper device 80 may be formed of or may include a thermoplastic elastomer, such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), or may be formed of or may include polyurethane, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The wiper devices 70, 72 may be formed of similar materials.

[0083] The wiper device 80 is advantageous. While providing the first and second agitators 110, 112 positioned on either side of the middle portion 300 results in more effective edge cleaning over the footprint of the cleaner, a space is still left in the middle of the cleaner head 10 that the agitators 110, 112 cannot reach. The wiper device 80 advantageously deflects any dirt and debris that would otherwise enter the space toward the first or second agitators 110, 112 for subsequent cleaning from the floor. Thus, the wiper device 80 increases the effective cleaning footprint of the cleaner head 10 while maintaining the advantageous edge cleaning capabilities of the cleaner head 10.

[0084] The cover 17 may also include a removable wiper 400 (eg Figure 417 ). The wiper device 80 can be positioned in front of the movable wiper 400. The movable wiper includes a movable wiper body 406 extending between the first side 20 and the second side 18. The movable wiper also includes first and second floor engagement members 402, 404 for moving the movable wiper 400 between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the movable wiper body 406 is positioned not to contact the surface to be cleaned. In the second position, the movable wiper body 406 is in contact with the surface to be cleaned. The first floor engagement member 402 and the second floor engagement member 404 move the movable wiper 400 between the first and second corresponding positions by frictional engagement with the surface to be cleaned. The movable wiper can be pivotally or rotatably connected to the cover 17 to allow the movable wiper 400 to pivot or rotate between the first position and the second position. The movable wiper 400 can pivot or rotate around an axis M that extends approximately parallel to the front portion 16 of the housing 12. The axis M may be positioned generally between the movable wiper body 406 and the first and second floor engaging members 402 , 404 .

[0085] In use, when the cleaner head 10 moves in a forward direction, the movable wiper 400 can adopt a first position while the wiper device 80 remains in place. This is advantageous because it allows larger debris to be picked up by the cleaner head 10 and / or deflected to the first or second agitator 110, 112 to be cleaned. When the cleaner head 10 moves in a backward direction, the movable wiper 400 can adopt a second position. The wiper device 80 can remain in place. This is advantageous because it provides a more effective seal at the front of the cleaner head 10 to more effectively suck dirt and debris from the surface to be cleaned.

[0086] The cover 17 can be releasably connected or removed from the housing 12. In particular, the cleaner head 10 includes a retaining member 40, as shown in the figure, in the form of a latch biased by a spring, which is positioned on the top side 25 of the housing 12, approximately in the middle between the first side 20 and the second side 18 of the housing 12, for holding the cover 17 in a proper position relative to the housing 12 in the chamber closed position. The latch is pivotally connected to the housing 12. In this embodiment, for example, when the cover is moved to the agitator entry position, the cover 17 is pivotally moved and / or slidably moved relative to the housing 12, preferably downward. In particular, when the cover is moved to the agitator entry position, the cover 17 is pivotally moved downward and releasably connected to the housing 12. In order to open the cover 17, the retaining member 40 is pressed down, thereby compressing the spring. The pivoting action of the retaining member 40 causes the retaining member 40 to pivot upward to disengage from the cover 17. This allows the cover 17 to pivot downward. Then, the spring biases the retaining member 40 to its original position. To close the lid 17, once opened, the user pivots the lid upward and / or slides the lid toward the chamber closed position. This action causes the retaining member 40 to pivot upward and compress the spring. Once in position, the retaining member 40 pivots downward to engage with the lid 17 by virtue of the compression force stored in the spring.

[0087] When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean including the specified features, steps or integers. These terms should not be interpreted as excluding the presence of other features, steps or components.

[0088] The features disclosed in the foregoing description or in the appended claims or in the drawings, expressed in their specific form or according to means for performing the disclosed functions or methods or processes for obtaining the disclosed results, may be used, as appropriate, alone or in any combination of these features, to realize the invention in its different forms.

[0089] Although certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited to only those embodiments. The claims are to be interpreted literally, intentionally, and / or encompass equivalents.

[0090] The invention may also be found broadly in the parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features mentioned or indicated individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features in the patent specification. In particular, one or more features in any embodiment described in the invention may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment described herein.

[0091] Protection may be sought for the present invention in combination with any features disclosed in any one or more of the publications cited in this invention.

Claims

1. A cleaner head for a surface cleaning device, comprising: a housing movable along the surface to be cleaned; Wherein, the housing at least partially defines a chamber, the chamber comprising: Dirty air inlet; Dirty air outlets; and an opening for allowing access to the chamber; The cleaner head further includes a cover cooperatively associated with the housing and movable relative to the housing, the cover being adapted to allow access to the chamber through the opening; Wherein the cover comprises a wiper device extending transversely across the housing and being positioned directly adjacent to or in contact with a surface to be cleaned in use.

2. The cleaner head according to claim 1, wherein The housing may include a front side, a rear side, a first side extending between the front side and the rear side, and a second side extending between the front side and the rear side and generally opposite the first side; Wherein, the wiper device extends between the first side and the second side.

3. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim, wherein: The cover is releasably connected to the housing, e.g. removable from the housing; and / or Therein, the cover is pivotally movable relative to the housing, preferably downwardly.

4. A cleaner head as claimed in any preceding claim comprising first and second agitators rotatable about first and second respective axes, the first and second agitators being at least partially surrounded by the chamber in use.

5. A cleaner head according to claim 4, wherein The wiper device extends towards the first and second agitators.

6. A cleaner head according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein: The first and second agitators have first respective ends and second respective ends, wherein the first ends of the first and second agitators are closer to each other than the second ends of the first and second agitators; and wherein the wiper device extends in a direction beyond the first ends of the first agitator and the second agitator; Optionally, wherein said wiper means extends laterally beyond a lateral position of said first end of said first and / or second agitator.

7. A cleaner head according to any one of claims 4 to 6 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 2, wherein the housing comprises a middle portion, the middle portion comprising a first side and a second side, and wherein the first agitator and the second agitator are separated by the middle portion; and in, The wiper device extends in a direction towards and / or beyond the first and second sides of the intermediate portion.

8. A cleaner head according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the first and / or second agitator is a brush bar.

9. A cleaner head according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the first and / or second agitator comprises microfibres and / or bristles.

10. A cleaner head according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein The wiper device deflects dirt and liquid on the surface to be cleaned toward the first agitator; and / or The wiper device deflects dirt and liquid on the surface to be cleaned towards the second agitator.

11. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 2, wherein: The wiper device is positioned generally centrally between lateral locations of the first and second sides.

12. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim, wherein The wiper device is positioned in front of the chamber.

13. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim, wherein The wiper device comprises a first wiper part and a second wiper part, wherein the first wiper part is configured differently than the second wiper part.

14. A cleaner head according to claim 13 when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 2, wherein: The first wiper portion deflects dirt and liquid on the surface to be cleaned toward a first side of the housing; and / or The second wiper portion deflects dirt and liquid on the surface to be cleaned toward the second side of the housing.

15. A cleaner head according to claim 13 or claim 14 when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 2, wherein: The first wiper portion is inclined at an angle relative to the second wiper portion; and wherein the first wiper portion extends laterally at an angle between the first and second sides of the housing; and / or Wherein the second wiper portion extends laterally at an angle between the first side and the second side of the housing.

16. A cleaner head according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein The first wiper portion and / or the second wiper portion may be substantially linear in plan view.

17. A cleaner head according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein The wiper device further comprises a connecting portion positioned between the first wiper portion and the second wiper portion.

18. A cleaner head according to claim 17, wherein The connecting portion forms a point located in front of the first wiper portion and the second wiper portion.

19. A cleaner head according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein The first wiper portion and the second wiper portion generally form a V-shape.

20. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim, wherein The wiper device extends generally vertically downwardly towards the surface to be cleaned.

21. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim, wherein The wiper device is elastically deformable.

22. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim, wherein The wiper device is formed from or comprises rubber.

23. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim, wherein The wiper device is a scraper.

24. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim, wherein The front cover includes a recess; and wherein the wiper device is mounted in the recess; or Therein, the wiper device is overmolded into the recess.

25. A cleaning appliance comprising a cleaner head according to any preceding claim.

26. A cleaning appliance according to claim 25, comprising a suction source for drawing air through the dirty air outlet.

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