Cleaner head for cleaning appliance

Abstract

A cleaner head for a surface cleaning apparatus, comprising: a first agitator rotatable about a first axis; a second agitator rotatable about a second axis; the shell can move along a surface to be cleaned; wherein the housing at least partially defines a chamber, the chamber at least partially surrounding the first agitator and the second agitator, and wherein the chamber comprises: a contaminated air inlet; a contaminated air outlet; and an opening for allowing access to and removal of the first and / or second agitator from the chamber; the cleaner head further includes a cover cooperatively associated with the housing for allowing access to the chamber through the opening; wherein the cover is movable to an agitator entry position to allow removal of the first and / or second agitator from the chamber through the opening in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first and / or second axis of the respective first and / or second agitator and in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of 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 first agitator rotatable about a first axis; a second agitator rotatable about a second axis; a housing movable along the surface to be cleaned; wherein the housing at least partially defines a chamber, the chamber at least partially surrounding the first agitator and the second agitator, wherein the chamber comprises: Dirty air inlet; Dirty air outlets; and an opening for allowing access to and removal of the first and / or second agitator from the chamber; The cleaner head further includes a cover cooperatively associated with the housing for allowing access to the chamber through the opening; The cover is movable to an agitator access position to allow the first agitator and / or the second agitator to be removed from the chamber through the opening in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first axis and / or the second axis of the corresponding first agitator and / or the second agitator and in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the surface to be cleaned.

[0003] The first and second agitators may be positioned substantially side-by-side within the chamber.

[0004] According to a second aspect of the invention, we provide a cleaner head for a surface cleaning device, comprising: a first agitator rotatable about a first axis; a second agitator rotatable about a second axis; a housing movable along the surface to be cleaned; wherein the housing at least partially defines a chamber, the chamber at least partially surrounding the first agitator and the second agitator, wherein the chamber comprises: Dirty air inlet; Dirty air outlets; and an opening for allowing access to and removal of the first and / or second agitator from the chamber, the opening being located at the front and / or top and / or rear and / or bottom of the housing; wherein the first agitator and the second agitator are positioned substantially side-by-side within the chamber; The cleaner head further includes a cover cooperatively associated with the housing for allowing access to the chamber through the opening; The cover is movable to an agitator access position to allow the first and / or second agitator to be removed from the chamber through the opening.

[0005] 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.

[0006] The housing may include a top side and a bottom side extending generally between the front side, the back side, the first side, and the second side.

[0007] The opening may be located at the front and / or top and / or rear and / or bottom of the housing.

[0008] The opening and the cover may be positioned at or on a front side of the housing.

[0009] The first and / or second agitator may be positioned adjacent the cover.

[0010] The cover may be releasably connected to the housing, eg removable from the housing.

[0011] The cover is pivotably movable relative to the housing, preferably downwardly.

[0012] The cover is slidably movable relative to the housing, preferably vertically.

[0013] The first and second agitators may be substantially parallel.

[0014] The first and second agitators may be substantially coaxial.

[0015] The first agitator may be inclined at a certain angle relative to the second agitator.

[0016] The first axis of the first agitator may be inclined at a certain angle to the front side and / or the rear side of the housing.

[0017] The second axis of the second agitator may be inclined at a certain angle to the front side and / or the rear side of the housing.

[0018] A first agitator may be positioned on the first side of the housing.

[0019] A second agitator may be positioned on the second side of the housing.

[0020] The cleaner head may comprise a motor for driving the first and / or second agitator.

[0021] The cleaner head may comprise a drive formation operably connected to the motor.

[0022] The first agitator may include a first end including a drive engagement formation.

[0023] In use, the drive formation may be engageable by the drive engagement formation for driving the first agitator.

[0024] The first agitator may include a second end including a retaining formation for retaining the first agitator relative to the housing, preferably for retaining the second end of the first agitator relative to the first side of the housing.

[0025] The first agitator may be a brush bar.

[0026] The first agitator may include microfibers and / or bristles.

[0027] The second agitator may include one, more than one, or all of the features of the first agitator.

[0028] The first and second agitators may each have a corresponding length and diameter.

[0029] The first agitator may have a greater length and / or diameter than the second agitator.

[0030] The first and second agitators may have the same length and / or diameter.

[0031] The second agitator may be a mirror image of the first agitator.

[0032] The housing may include an intermediate portion.

[0033] The first and second agitators may be separated by a central portion.

[0034] The drive formation may be located in the intermediate portion.

[0035] The drive formation may be positioned substantially centrally within the chamber.

[0036] The cleaner head may comprise nozzle means for spraying cleaning fluid onto the first and / or second agitator.

[0037] The nozzle arrangement may be fluidly connected to a cleaning fluid supply tank of the cleaning apparatus.

[0038] The cleaner head may comprise first and second nozzle arrangements.

[0039] The first nozzle arrangement may be used to spray a cleaning fluid onto the first agitator.

[0040] The second nozzle arrangement may be used to spray the cleaning fluid onto the second agitator.

[0041] The second aspect of the present invention may include one or more than one or all of the features of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0042] According to a third aspect of the invention, we provide a cleaner head for a surface cleaning device, comprising: a first agitator rotatable about a first axis; a second agitator rotatable about a second axis; a housing movable along the surface to be cleaned; wherein the housing at least partially defines a chamber, the chamber at least partially surrounding the first agitator and the second agitator, wherein the chamber comprises: Dirty air inlets; and Dirty air outlet; wherein the first and second agitators are positioned substantially side-by-side within the chamber; and Therein, the cleaner head further comprises a nozzle device for spraying the cleaning fluid onto the first and / or second agitator, the nozzle device being fluidly connected to a cleaning fluid supply tank of the cleaning device.

[0043] The cleaner head according to the third aspect of the invention may comprise one or more than one or all of the features of the first aspect and / or the second aspect of the invention.

[0044] According to a fourth aspect of the invention we provide a cleaning appliance comprising a cleaner head according to the first aspect and / or the second aspect and / or the third aspect of the invention.

[0045] The cleaning appliance comprises a suction source for drawing air through the dirty air outlet.

[0046] The cleaning appliance may comprise a main body.

[0047] The cleaning appliance may comprise a cleaning fluid supply tank for holding a cleaning fluid, which is preferably releasably connected to the main body.

[0048] The cleaning appliance may include a recovery tank fluidly connected to the dirty air outlet.

[0049] A cleaning fluid supply tank may be fluidly connected to the, or the or each, nozzle arrangement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] 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 2 is a perspective view of a cleaner head according to the present invention (the discharge pipe is not shown); Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Another perspective view of the cleaner head of , wherein the front cover of the cleaner head is removed; Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A partially exploded view of a cleaner head of the embodiment of the present invention, wherein a front cover and a first agitator of the cleaner head are removed; Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A partially exploded view of a cleaner head of the embodiment of the present invention, wherein a front cover and first and second agitators of the cleaner head are removed; Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A front view of a cleaner head (discharge pipe not shown); Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A front view of a cleaner head with a front cover of the cleaner head removed; Figure 8 yes Figure 2 A front view of the cleaner head with the front cover and the second agitator of the cleaner head removed; Fig. 9 yes Figure 2 A front view of a cleaner head with a front cover and first and second agitators of the cleaner head removed; Fig.10 yes Figure 2 A side view of a cleaner head; Fig.11 yes Figure 2 A bottom view of a cleaner head; Fig.12 is a perspective view of a separate agitator according to the present invention; Fig.13 yes Fig.12 an end view of a first end of the agitator; Fig.14 yes Fig.12 an end view of a second end of the agitator; and Figures 15 to 17 A series of steps are shown for removing the first and second agitators of the cleaner head through the opening in the front side of the cleaner head. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] 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 includes 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. In order to achieve this pivot connection, ( Fig.11 The exhaust pipe 9 (shown in FIG. 1 ) 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.

[0052] In an envisaged embodiment, the surface cleaning appliance 1 may be a cylinder cleaner. In such an embodiment, the surface cleaning appliance may comprise a wand having a first end connected to the discharge tube 9 and a second end connected to the cleaner head 10.

[0053] 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.

[0054] The main 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 may be a brushless motor. The suction source may be positioned at the top of the main body 2.

[0055] 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, and the cleaning fluid supply tank 4 can be fluidically connected to the fluid inlet. 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.

[0056] 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 Figures 3 to 5 7 to 9). 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] Combined with the following Figure 2-Figure 17 The cleaner head 10 is described in more detail.

[0059] In this embodiment, the cleaner head 10 includes wheels 22, 24 (in Fig.11 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 5 and Fig. 9 As shown) the fluid is connected to the dirt collection container 5. Fig.11 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.

[0060] The cleaner head 10 includes a housing 12 that is movable along the surface to be cleaned. Fig.11 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.

[0061] 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. As described in more detail below, the chamber 13 at least partially surrounds the first and second agitators.

[0062] The cleaner head 10 further 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 7 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.

[0063] 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 located 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 second agitator may be positioned closer to the first side than the first agitator.

[0064] 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 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. This will be described in detail below.

[0065] It is advantageous to provide the first agitator 110 and the second agitator 112. Providing the first and second agitators enables the agitators to be driven at locations other than the first side 20 or the second side 18. This enables the agitators to extend closer to the first side 20 and the second side 18 of the housing 12, thereby improving the effective cleaning footprint of the cleaner head 10 and the edge cleaning capability of the cleaner head 10.

[0066] Advantageously, the first agitator 110 and the second agitator 112 can be removed from the cleaner head 10 separately, such as Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown. For example, the first agitator 110 can be removed while the second agitator 112 remains in place. Conversely, the second agitator 112 can be removed while the first agitator 110 remains in place. This is advantageous in that if the agitators 110, 112 wear unevenly, only the first or second agitator 110, 112 needs to be replaced or cleaned.

[0067] 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. Therefore, only the first agitator 110 is described in detail. 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.

[0068] See also Figure 12 to Figure 14 , the first agitator 110 in this embodiment is a brush bar. The first agitator 110 is formed as a generally cylindrical member including a body 114. The body may include a microfiber material 117 on its outer surface 113. In other words, the first agitator 110 may include microfibers. The microfiber material 117 may be tufted. The first agitator 110 or the body 114 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 first agitator 110.

[0069] The first agitator 110 comprises a first end 1100 and a second end 1102 respectively. This will be described in more detail below. How the end interacts with the rest of the cleaner head 10 will be described in further detail below.

[0070] The first end 1100 is positioned generally centrally in the chamber 13 in use. Fig.13 As shown, the first end 1100 includes a drive engagement formation 1130. In use, the drive engagement formation 1130 is engaged with a drive formation for driving the first agitator 110. The drive formation may be located in an intermediate portion of the housing 12 as described in more detail below.

[0071] In the present embodiment, the drive engagement structure 1130 is a frustoconical recess operably connected to the body 114. The drive engagement structure 1130 may be centered on the axis R1. A ridge 1132 may be disposed within the recess, the ridge 1132 extending along the axis R1 of the first agitator 110, preferably extending helically, to provide a surface for transmitting drive to the first agitator 110. The ridge may have a width that decreases as the ridge extends away from the body 114. In other embodiments, other drive engagement structures may be used. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the drive engagement structure may be formed by one or more gears on the first end or a pulley driven by a belt.

[0072] The second end 1102 is positioned closest to the first / right side 20 of the housing 12 during use. Fig.14 As shown, the second end includes a retaining structure 1110 for retaining the first agitator 110 relative to the housing 12. Preferably, the retaining structure 1110 is used to retain the second end 1102 of the first agitator 110 relative to the first side 20 of the housing 12. The retaining structure 1110 is rotatably connected to the body 114 of the first agitator 110. The retaining structure and / or the second end 1102 may include a bearing to allow the body 114 to rotate relative to the retaining structure 1110. The retaining structure is mounted to the body along the axis R1. In other embodiments, this may not be the case. In this embodiment, the retaining structure 1110 is a clip or tab, which is received by a recess and another recess in the wall of the chamber 13 during use (this will be described in more detail below). The retaining structure 1110 includes a handle 1112 for a user to grasp to facilitate removal of the agitator from the chamber 13. The retaining structure includes a first protrusion 1114 and a second protrusion 1116, which are positioned generally opposite each other between the mounting point of the retaining structure 1110 to the body 114 and the handle 1112. When the first agitator 110 is in place in the chamber 13, the protrusions 1114, 1116 engage the other recesses to provide a snap-fit ​​connection between the housing 12 and the first agitator 110.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] The bleed air inlets 92, 90 may be disposed in the first side 20 and the second side 18. The bleed air inlets 92, 90 may be fluidly connected to the chamber 13. The bleed air inlets 92, 90 may be positioned in front of the wiper device 70. Side sealing strips 94, 96 may be disposed on the first side 20 and the second side 18 of the housing 12. The side sealing strips 94, 96 may be positioned in front of the bleed air inlets 92, 90.

[0078] like Fig.10 As shown, the underside 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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, as will be further explained below. The inwardly facing surface 202 also includes further recesses 206, 208 positioned above and below the recess 204 for providing a snap-fit ​​connection for the first agitator 110, as will be explained further below.

[0081] 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 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Fig.10 In FIG. 1 , a cover 17 is shown closing the opening 15. Figures 3 to 5 , Figures 7 to 9 and Figures 15 to 17, the cover 17 has been moved to the agitator entry position and is shown in the agitator entry position. In use, the cover 17 is generally in a position where the cover 17 covers the opening 15. The cover 17 is movable to the agitator entry 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 is pivoted around the first end 1100 of the first agitator 110 to remove the second end 1102 via the opening 15 before the rest of the first agitator 110 is removed through the opening 15. The second end 1122 of the second agitator 112 is pivoted around the first end 1120 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. Advantageously, the first agitator 110 and the second agitator 112 may be separately or individually removable.

[0082] When the cover 17 is in the use position, the retaining formation 1110 can abut the inner surface of the cover 17. In other embodiments, when the cover 17 is in the use position, a gap can be provided between the inner surface of the cover 17 and the retaining formation 1110. When the first agitator 110 is inserted into the chamber 13, the retaining formation 1110 abuts the abutment wall 205 and is received in the recess 204. Then, when the first agitator 110 is in position in the chamber 13, the protrusions 1114, 1116 engage the other recesses 206, 208 to provide a snap-fit ​​connection between the housing 12 and the first agitator 110.

[0083] The housing 12 includes a middle portion 300 extending into the chamber 13. In particular, the middle portion 300 extends downward from the top side 25 toward the bottom side 28, preferably vertically. The first agitator 110 can be positioned to a first side of the middle portion 300 in the first chamber portion 1300, and the second agitator 112 can be positioned to a second side of the middle portion 300 in the second chamber portion 1302. The first end 1100 of the first agitator 110 can be positioned adjacent to the middle portion. The first end 1120 of the second agitator 112 can be positioned adjacent to the middle portion. In this embodiment, the first chamber portion 1300 and the second chamber portion 1302 are fluidly connected by another portion of the chamber 13 positioned behind the middle portion 300. The other portion can be positioned in front of the dirty air outlet 27. In other words, there can be a space between the middle portion 300 and the rear chamber wall 201.

[0084] The drive structure can be positioned approximately centrally in the chamber 13. In the present embodiment, the drive structure is positioned in the middle portion 300. In particular, the drive structure 300 can include first and second protrusions 302, 304 extending to first and second respective sides of the middle portion 300. The protrusions 302, 304 can be generally frustoconical and can include grooves that increase in width as they extend away from the middle portion 300 and are preferably spiral. In use, the protrusions 302, 304 can be received by the drive engagement structures of the corresponding first agitator 110 and the second agitator 112. The protrusions 302, 304 can be complementary shapes to the recesses 1130 to allow the protrusions to engage the recesses 1130 and drive the first agitator 110 and the second agitator 112. The drive structure is operably connected to a motor (not shown) to rotate the drive structure relative to the housing 12. The motor can be positioned behind the chamber 13, for example, at the rear side 16 of the housing 12. The motor can be operably connected to the drive structure by a belt (not shown). In an embodiment, the motor may be integrally formed with the drive arrangement and may be positioned substantially centrally within the chamber 13 .

[0085] 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, in a substantially intermediate position 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 downwardly moved. In particular, when the cover is moved to the agitator entry position, the cover 17 is pivotally moved downwardly 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 downwardly. The spring then 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 the lid 17 by virtue of the compression force stored in the spring.

[0086] Now combine Figures 15 to 17 A method of removing the first agitator 110 and the second agitator 112 from the cleaner head 10 will be described.

[0087] At the beginning, Fig.15As shown, the cover 17 is in a use position at or on the front 14 of the housing 12 and is held in place by the retaining member 40. The retaining member 40 is depressed to compress the spring and cause the front portion of the retaining member 40 to pivot upward. This causes the retaining member 40 to disengage from the cover 17. The cover 17 is then free to pivot downward and / or slide off the top side 25 of the housing 12.

[0088] from Fig.15 The cover 17 is completely removed from the position in the middle to expose the opening 15 and the first agitator 110 and the second agitator 112, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 The user can then grasp the retaining structure 1110 by the handle 1112 and pull the second end 1102 of the first agitator 110 out of the use position through the opening 15 in the front side 14 of the housing 12. This effectively allows the agitator to pivot about its first end 1100, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 The first agitator 110 can then be removed from this position from the chamber 13 through the opening 15 in the front side 14 of the housing 12. Once removed, the first agitator 110 can be cleaned or replaced with a different agitator before being reinstalled by following the process reversed above.

[0089] Then, users can select Fig.16 The retaining structure 1110 of the second agitator 112 is grasped by the handle 1112 in the position in the middle, and the second end 1122 of the second agitator 112 is pulled out of the use position through the opening 15 in the front side 14 of the housing 12. This effectively allows the agitator to pivot about its first end 1120, such as Fig.17 The second agitator 112 can then be removed from the chamber 13 from this position through the opening 15 in the front side 14 of the housing 12. Once removed, the second agitator 112 can be cleaned or replaced with a different agitator before being reinstalled by following the process reversed from above.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] The present invention may also be found broadly in the patent specification in any and all combinations of two or more parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features that are individually or jointly mentioned or indicated. In particular, one or more features in any embodiment described in the present invention may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment described herein.

[0094] 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 first agitator rotatable about a first axis; a second agitator rotatable about a second axis; a housing movable along the surface to be cleaned; wherein the housing at least partially defines a chamber, the chamber at least partially surrounding the first agitator and the second agitator, wherein the chamber comprises: Dirty air inlet; Dirty air outlets; and an opening for allowing access to and removal of the first agitator and / or the second agitator from the chamber; The cleaner head further includes a cover cooperatively associated with the housing for allowing access to the chamber through the opening; wherein the cover is movable to an agitator entry position to allow the first agitator and / or the second agitator to be removed from the chamber through the opening in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first axis and / or second axis of the corresponding first agitator and / or the second agitator and in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the surface to be cleaned.

2. The cleaner head according to claim 1, wherein The first agitator and the second agitator are positioned generally side-by-side within the chamber.

3. A cleaner head for a surface cleaning device, comprising: a first agitator rotatable about a first axis; a second agitator rotatable about a second axis; a housing movable along the surface to be cleaned; wherein the housing at least partially defines a chamber, the chamber at least partially surrounding the first agitator and the second agitator, wherein the chamber comprises: Dirty air inlet; Dirty air outlets; and an opening for allowing access to and removal of the first agitator and / or the second agitator from the chamber; wherein the first agitator and the second agitator are positioned substantially side by side within the chamber; The cleaner head further includes a cover cooperatively associated with the housing for allowing access to the chamber through the opening; Wherein, the cover is movable to an agitator access position to allow the first agitator and / or the second agitator to be removed from the chamber through the opening.

4. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim, wherein: The housing includes 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 substantially opposite the first side.

5. A cleaner head according to claim 4, when dependent on claim 3, wherein: the housing including a top side and a bottom side extending generally between the front side, the rear side, the first side, and the second side; Wherein, the opening is located in the front and / or top and / or rear and / or bottom of the housing.

6. The cleaner head according to claim 4, wherein: The opening and the cover are positioned at or on the front side of the housing; and / or Wherein, the first agitator and the second agitator are positioned adjacent to the cover.

7. 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 wherein the cover is pivotally movable relative to the housing, preferably downwardly; or Therein, the cover is slidably movable relative to the housing, preferably vertically movable.

8. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim, wherein: The first agitator and the second agitator are substantially parallel; or wherein the first agitator and the second agitator are substantially coaxial; or wherein the first agitator is inclined at a certain angle relative to the second agitator, and wherein the first axis of the first agitator is inclined at a certain angle relative to the front side and / or the rear side of the housing; and / or The second axis of the second agitator is inclined at a certain angle relative to the front side and / or the rear side of the housing.

9. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 4, wherein: The first agitator is positioned on the first side of the housing; and / or Wherein, the second agitator is positioned on the second side of the housing.

10. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim, further comprising a motor for driving the first agitator and / or the second agitator.

11. A cleaner head according to claim 10, further comprising a drive structure operably connected to the motor; and in, The first agitator includes a first end, the first end including a drive engagement formation; Wherein, in use, the drive formation is engaged by the drive engagement formation for driving the first agitator.

12. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 4, wherein: The first agitator comprises a second end comprising a retaining formation for retaining the first agitator relative to the housing, preferably for retaining the second end of the first agitator relative to the first side of the housing.

13. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim, wherein The first agitator is a brush bar.

14. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim, wherein The first agitator comprises microfibers and / or bristles.

15. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim, wherein The second agitator comprises one or more than one or all of the features of the first agitator as claimed in claims 11 to 14.

16. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim, wherein The first agitator and the second agitator each have a corresponding length and diameter; wherein the first agitator has a greater length and / or diameter than the second agitator; or Wherein, the first agitator and the second agitator have the same length and / or diameter.

17. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim, wherein The second agitator is a mirror image of the first agitator.

18. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim, wherein The housing includes a middle portion, and wherein the first agitator and the second agitator are separated by the middle portion.

19. A cleaner head according to claim 18 when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 11, wherein The drive formation is positioned in the intermediate portion.

20. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 11, wherein The drive formation is generally centrally located within the chamber.

21. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim, comprising nozzle means for spraying cleaning fluid onto the first and / or second agitator, the nozzle means being fluidly connectable to a cleaning fluid supply tank of the cleaning apparatus.

22. A cleaner head according to claim 21, comprising a first nozzle means and a second nozzle means; in, The first nozzle device is used to spray the cleaning fluid onto the first agitator; and The second nozzle device is used to spray the cleaning fluid onto the second agitator.

23. A cleaner head for a surface cleaning device, comprising: a first agitator rotatable about a first axis; a second agitator rotatable about a second axis; a housing movable along the surface to be cleaned; wherein the housing at least partially defines a chamber, the chamber at least partially surrounding the first agitator and the second agitator, wherein the chamber comprises: Dirty air inlets; and Dirty air outlet; wherein the first agitator and the second agitator are positioned substantially side by side within the chamber; and Wherein, the cleaner head further comprises a nozzle device for spraying cleaning fluid onto the first agitator and / or the second agitator, and the nozzle device can be fluidly connected to a cleaning fluid supply tank of the cleaning device.

24. A cleaner head according to claim 23, comprising one or more than one or all of the features of a cleaner head according to claims 1 to 22.

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.

27. A cleaning appliance according to claim 25 or 26, comprising: main body; a cleaning fluid supply tank for holding a cleaning fluid, the cleaning fluid supply tank preferably being releasably connected to the body; and a recovery tank fluidly connected to the dirty air outlet; Wherein when dependent directly or indirectly on claims 21 to 23, the cleaning fluid supply tank is fluidly connected to the or the or each nozzle arrangement.

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