Surface cleaner

Abstract

A surface cleaner, comprising: a base housing assembly, the base housing assembly defining an agitator chamber; and comprises: an end cap; a bearing disposed axially adjacent to the end cap; and a stirrer rotatably supported on the bearing for rotation in the stirrer chamber about a rotation axis. The end cap and the agitator define an axial gap between the axial end of the agitator and the end cap. The surface cleaner includes: a motor shaft spaced apart from the agitator; a drive belt operatively connecting the motor shaft and the agitator; and a motor connected with the motor shaft and operable to rotatably drive the agitator through the motor shaft and the drive belt. The surface cleaner includes: an impeller blower mounted on a motor shaft; and a duct system at least partially defining an air passage that directs air blown by the impeller blower into the axial gap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a surface cleaner for cleaning a surface. Background Art

[0002] There are many types of surface cleaners, some of which may use suction and / or fluid to clean a surface. One class of surface cleaners is known as upright cleaners. Some surface cleaners (including some upright cleaners) can be extractable cleaners that use both a vacuuming system that sucks debris and / or fluid from a surface and a fluid delivery system to extract dirt from the surface. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Disclosed herein is a surface cleaner with various improvements. The surface cleaner can be, but is not limited to, an upright extractable cleaner. The surface cleaner is configured to blow air into an axial gap between a stirrer (such as a brush roll) and an end cap, and the stirrer is rotatably supported on the end cap by a bearing. The blown air prevents debris from depositing in the gap. For example, the blown air can prevent hair picked up from a cleaning surface by the suction of the surface cleaner from tangling at the end cap and / or bearing.

[0004] A surface cleaner configured to move on a surface to be cleaned includes a base housing assembly that defines a stirrer chamber; and includes an end cap. The surface cleaner may further include: a bearing disposed axially adjacent to the end cap; and a stirrer rotatably supported on the bearing for rotating about a rotation axis in the stirrer chamber. In a non-limiting example, the stirrer can be a brush roll. The end cap and the stirrer can define an axial gap between an axial end of the stirrer and the end cap. The surface cleaner may further include: a motor shaft spaced from the stirrer; a drive belt operatively connecting the motor shaft and the stirrer; and a motor connected to the motor shaft and operable to rotatably drive the stirrer through the motor shaft and the drive belt. The surface cleaner may include: an impeller blower mounted on the motor shaft; and a duct system that at least partially defines an air passage for guiding air blown by the impeller blower into the axial gap.

[0005] Thus, the surface cleaner is configured to prevent debris (such as hair) from depositing in the axial gap. This can prevent hair picked up by the suction of the surface cleaner from tangling at the end cap and bearing. Compared with a system having a separate motor and motor shaft for the impeller blower, by mounting the impeller motor on the same motor shaft as the motor driving the stirrer, a reduction in parts and the necessary packaging space can be achieved.

[0006] In one example, the end cap may define at least one opening extending therethrough. The air passageway directs air through the at least one opening toward the bearing and the axial gap. In some embodiments, the outlet of the at least one opening in the end cap may be arranged such that the air blown into the axial gap is at least partially directed to the axial end face of the bearing. For example, the at least one opening may extend through the axial wall of the end cap parallel to the axis of rotation of the agitator. By directing air in this manner, the blown air can more effectively prevent hair and other collected debris from getting stuck in or around the end cap and the bearing.

[0007] In some embodiments, the blown air may be further directed to continue through the axial gap and out through an opening in the agitator. For example, the surface cleaner may further include a bearing retainer that surrounds an outer race of the bearing and is disposed between the outer race and an inner surface of the agitator. The agitator may define an opening extending from the inner surface to the outer surface of the agitator. The bearing retainer may define an air passageway extension, an inlet at the axial gap leading to the air passageway extension, and an outlet of the air passageway extension that is in fluid communication with the opening in the agitator to discharge the blown air from the gap.

[0008] In one embodiment of such a configuration, the inlet of the bearing retainer may be arranged perpendicular to the outlet of the bearing retainer. In the same or different embodiments, the outlet of the bearing retainer may be a first outlet, the opening in the agitator may be a first opening, and the bearing retainer may further define a second outlet of the air passageway extension. The agitator may define a second opening extending from the inner surface to the outer surface of the agitator. The first outlet and the first opening may be arranged axially adjacent to a first edge of the drive belt. The second outlet and the second opening may be arranged axially adjacent to a second edge of the drive belt. In this way, in addition to preventing debris in the axial gap between the end of the agitator and the bearing, the blown air is directed through the first and second openings in the agitator to either side of the drive belt. Since the drive belt is typically protected by ribs extending closely adjacent to the first and second edges of the drive belt, the air blown through the first and second openings can further prevent hair and debris from entering the small gaps between the ribs and the pulleys and becoming entangled with the drive belt.

[0009] In one embodiment, the bearing retainer may have an annular extension that axially extends away from the end cap and the bearing within a central cavity of the agitator. The annular extension may define the air passageway extension.

[0010] In some embodiments, the agitator itself can be configured to help direct the blown air. For example, a bearing retainer can surround the outer race of the bearing and can be disposed between the outer race and the inner surface of the agitator. The bearing retainer can define a first air passage extension, an inlet to the first air passage extension located at the axial gap, and an outlet of the first air passage extension. The agitator can define a second air passage extension, an axial inlet opening of the second air passage extension that is in fluid communication with the outlet of the first air passage extension defined by the bearing retainer, and an outlet of the second air passage extension located at the outer surface of the agitator. For example, the second air passage extension can extend axially away from the first air passage extension.

[0011] In one embodiment, the outlet of the second air passage extension defined by the agitator can be a first outlet; and the agitator can include a second outlet that is axially spaced from the first outlet and located at the outer surface of the agitator.

[0012] In some embodiments, the duct system can include a flexible tube that defines at least a portion of the air passage between the vane blower and the end cap. In the same or other embodiments, the duct system can include a portion of the base housing assembly that is configured to define at least a portion of the air passage. The base housing assembly can include a first housing member and a second housing member that cooperate with each other to jointly form a portion of the air passage of the duct system that directs the air blown by the vane blower into the axial gap.

[0013] In one example, the first housing member can include a first set of ribs, and the second housing member can include a second set of ribs. When the first housing member and the second housing member cooperate with each other, the first set of ribs can cooperate with the second set of ribs to define the portion of the air passage defined by the first housing member, the second housing member, the first set of ribs, and the second set of ribs. In some embodiments, each of the first set of ribs and the second set of ribs can include only one rib. For example, multiple sets of ribs do not need to form the entire air passage and can be used with other structures (such as a flexible tube, etc.) to form the air passage.

[0014] Within the scope of the present disclosure, a surface cleaner configured to move on a surface to be cleaned may include a base housing assembly that defines an agitator chamber; and may include an end cap. The end cap may define at least one opening extending therethrough. A bearing may be disposed axially adjacent the end cap. The agitator may be rotatably supported on the bearing for rotation about a rotational axis within the agitator chamber. The end cap and the agitator may define an axial gap between an axial end of the agitator and the end cap. The surface cleaner may further include: a motor; an impeller blower operatively connected to the motor; and a duct system that at least partially defines an air passage for guiding air blown by the impeller blower through the at least one opening in the end cap into the axial gap. The at least one opening in the end cap may be configured to direct the blown air at least partially in an axial direction into the axial gap.

[0015] In one example, the at least one opening may extend through an axial wall of the end cap parallel to the rotational axis of the agitator. In other words, the blown air flows axially through the end cap. Additionally, the at least one opening may include a plurality of openings spaced apart from one another about the rotational axis. The openings may each be the same shape or may be of multiple shapes (such as circular, square, or fan-shaped), and may be equally spaced apart from one another, or adjacent openings may have multiple different spacings from one another.

[0016] In one example, the motor that drives the impeller blower may be a first motor mounted on a first motor shaft spaced apart from the agitator and not drivingly connected to the agitator. The surface cleaner may further include: a second motor mounted on a second motor shaft spaced apart from the agitator; and a drive belt operatively connecting the second motor shaft and the agitator. The second motor may rotatably drive the agitator via the drive belt. Such an embodiment including two motors located on different motor shafts enables the impeller blower to rotate at a different speed than the agitator. Additionally, the first motor may be controlled separately from the second motor such that power does not need to be provided to the first motor to drive the impeller blower at all times when the second motor rotatably drives the agitator. For example, when the second motor is driving the agitator, the impeller blower may be pulsed at discrete time intervals to blow air into the axial gap.

[0017] Within the scope of the present disclosure, a surface cleaner configured to move over a surface to be cleaned may include a base housing assembly that defines an agitator chamber; and may include an end cap. The end cap may define at least one opening extending therethrough. The surface cleaner may further include: a bearing disposed axially adjacent to the end cap; and an agitator rotatably supported on the bearing for rotation about a rotational axis within the agitator chamber. The end cap and the agitator may define an axial gap between an axial end of the agitator and the end cap. The surface cleaner may further include: an impeller blower; and a motor operatively connected to the impeller blower and operable to rotatably drive the impeller blower. The surface cleaner may include a duct system that at least partially defines an air passage for directing air blown by the impeller blower through the opening in the end cap into the axial gap. The surface cleaner may include a bearing retainer that surrounds an outer race of the bearing and is disposed between the outer race and an inner surface of the agitator. The duct system may define an air passage extension that at least partially axially extends within the agitator and has an outlet at an outer surface of the agitator. In this way, the exiting blown air moves further away from the axial gap. For example, the exiting blown air may be adjacent to a drive belt of the agitator and may further help prevent debris, such as hair, from tangling at the drive belt.

[0018] In some embodiments, the bearing retainer defines at least a portion of the air passage extension and defines an inlet at the axial gap. In some embodiments, the agitator may define an additional air passage extension that includes an axial inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the portion of the air passage extension defined by the bearing retainer. For example, the additional portion of the air passage extension may extend from the axial inlet opening to an opening that extends through the agitator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are schematic in nature and are intended to be exemplary and not limiting of the scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 1 is a plan view of an example of a surface cleaner having a base and a spine assembly, which shows the spine assembly in an upright position and shows the inclined position in dashed lines.

[0021] Figure 2 is Figure 1Partial cross-sectional plan view of a portion of a surface cleaner, showing an example of a duct system that defines an air passage for guiding air blown by an impeller blower into the axial gap between an end cap and a stirrer in a base.

[0022] Figure 3 is Figure 2 Plan view of a portion of a surface cleaner, showing the Figure 2 specific example of a duct system using a flexible tube and a tube connector.

[0023] Figure 4 is in the Figure 3 partial cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in Figure 3 partial view of a portion of a surface cleaner.

[0024] Figure 5 is Figures 3 to 4 Perspective view of an impeller cover included in a duct system of

[0025] Figure 6 is Figures 1 to 4 Partial perspective view of a portion of a surface cleaner, showing an example of an end cap included in the surface cleaner.

[0026] Figure 7 is Figure 6 Axial end view of an end cap of

[0027] Figure 8 is along Figure 3 partial cross-sectional view of a surface cleaner taken along line 8-8 in

[0028] Figure 9 is for Figure 1 exploded view of an alternative base for a surface cleaner, showing the disassembly of an upper cover and a lower cover.

[0029] Figure 10 is including Figure 9 partial cross-sectional view of a surface cleaner with a base, showing the upper cover and the lower cover assembled together.

[0030] Figure 11 is Figure 1 plan view of a portion of a surface cleaner, showing an alternative example including a separate motor for driving an impeller and a stirrer.

[0031] Figure 12 is Figure 1 partial cross-sectional plan view of a portion of a surface cleaner, showing an alternative example of a duct system that defines an air passage for guiding air blown by an impeller blower into the axial gap between an end cap and a stirrer.

[0032] Figure 13 is Figure 12 A partial view of a portion of a surface cleaner.

[0033] Figure 14 is Figure 13 A partial view of a portion of the base of a surface cleaner that includes a base housing assembly.

[0034] Figure 15 is Figure 1 A partial view of a portion of a surface cleaner that shows an alternative example of a duct system that defines an air passage that directs air blown by an impeller blower into an axial gap between an end cap and an agitator.

[0035] When taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the above features and advantages of the present teachings, as well as other features and advantages, will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the modes for carrying out the present teachings. It should be understood that although the embodiments may be described separately in the following drawings, their individual features may be combined into additional embodiments. Detailed Description

[0036] The present disclosure generally relates to a surface cleaner 10 (such as Figure 1 shown) and various aspects thereof for improved performance, compactness, ease of use, and other benefits. More specifically, the surface cleaner 10 may include features that prevent hair and other debris picked up in the working air stream from remaining in and around the agitator assembly (such as in the axial gap between the end cap and the bearings of the agitator). Such locations may be difficult for an operator to clean, and thus, the features disclosed herein may ensure optimal performance of the surface cleaner 10.

[0037] The surface cleaner 10 includes a base 12 and a spine assembly 14 that is pivotally connected to the base 12 and is pivotable about a pivot axis 16 between a first position P1 and a second position P2. The first position P1 is also referred to as the upright position or the storage position and is shown in Figure 1 The second position P2 is also referred to as the use position or the tilted position and is shown in dashed lines in Figure 1 in which the spine assembly 14 is pivoted backward relative to the upright position.

[0038] The surface S can be, for example, any type of floor, including soft surfaces (such as carpets and mats) and hard surfaces (such as tile, wood, vinyl, and laminate surfaces). According to some aspects, the surface cleaner 10 can be in the form of an upright deep cleaner, also referred to as an extractor cleaner, which is configured for use on soft floor surfaces (such as carpets and mats). However, the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented on other types and configurations of cleaning devices within the scope of this disclosure. The surface cleaner 10 can include various systems and components, including a two-phase fluid delivery system, a liquid delivery system, and a recovery system. These various systems and components can be supported by either or both of the base 12 and the spine assembly 14.

[0039] For purposes of the description associated with the figures, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", and derivatives thereof shall refer to the disclosure as oriented from the perspective of a user behind the surface cleaner 10 (e.g., Figure 1 the right side of the surface cleaner 10 in Figure 1 ), which defines the rear R of the surface cleaner 10. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure can assume various alternative orientations unless explicitly stated to the contrary. The front F of the surface cleaner 10 is also indicated in Figure 1 and is located at the nozzle 17. The left side LS of the surface cleaner 10 is indicated in Figure 1 and the right side RS is as well.

[0040] The spine assembly 14 can include a frame 18 and can include any type of handle 20, rod, body, or combination thereof suitable for the purposes described herein, which purposes include enabling a user to maneuver the surface cleaner 10 on the surface S to be cleaned. The handle 20 extends upwardly from the frame 18 and has a handle 22 disposed at one end, which can be used to maneuver the surface cleaner 10 on the surface S to be cleaned.

[0041] The frame 18 is the main support section (also referred to as the spine) for supporting the components of the surface cleaner 10, which components include but are not limited to the recovery tank 26 for recovering dirty fluid and which is part of the recovery system and the supply tank 28 for supplying cleaning fluid and which is part of the liquid delivery system. The accessory hose port can be in fluid communication with the recovery system in the upper portion of the suction nozzle 17 for selectively coupling with an accessory hose (not shown) to which a cleaning tool can be attached.

[0042] A suction source, such as a motor / impeller system, may be located in the base 12 or in the lower portion of the frame 18 that is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle 17 and the recovery tank 26. The nozzle 17 defines a nozzle inlet 29 through which the suction source creates a vacuum, and the suction source is in fluid communication with the nozzle 17 for creating a working air flow to the recovery tank 26, which is used to separate and collect fluids and dirt from the working air flow for subsequent disposal.

[0043] The recovery system may include a suction nozzle 17, a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle 17 for creating a working air flow, and a recovery tank 26 for separating and collecting fluids and debris from the working air flow for subsequent disposal. Other components of the spine assembly 14 may include, but are not limited to, heaters, pumps, power supplies, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0044] The base 12 may include any type of base, foot, or cleaning head suitable for the purposes described herein. In one embodiment, the base 12 includes a base housing assembly 36 that supports components of various systems, including but not limited to a steam distributor, a liquid distributor, a suction nozzle, and an agitator. Wheels 38 may at least partially support the base housing assembly 36 for movement over a surface S to be cleaned.

[0045] A movable joint assembly (not shown) may connect the base 12 to the spine assembly 14 to enable the spine assembly 14 to move about a pivot axis 16. Wiring and / or conduits may optionally supply power, air, liquid, and / or steam between the spine assembly 14 and the base 12, or vice versa, and may extend through the joint assembly. For example, portions of the drive assembly 68 discussed herein may be located in the spine assembly while portions are located in the base 12. For example, the drive motor 76 may be housed in the spine assembly 14. Thus, portions of the conduit system 40 described herein may span the joint between the spine assembly 14 and the base 12. An example of a movable joint assembly is disclosed in U.S. Non - Provisional Application No. 18 / 307,923, filed on April 27, 2023, by DeJonge et al., and published as US20230363612, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In the embodiment shown herein, the spine assembly 14 may pivot relative to the base 12 about the pivot axis 16. In some embodiments, the movable joint assembly that connects the base 12 to the spine assembly 14 may alternatively include a universal joint such that the spine assembly 14 may rotate about its longitudinal axis in addition to pivoting relative to the base 12.

[0046] Figure 2 is Figure 1Plan view of a portion of the surface cleaner 10, showing an example of a duct system 40 that defines an air passage 42 for guiding air blown by an impeller blower 44 into an axial gap 46 between an end cap 48 and a agitator 50 in a base 12. Figure 2 Schematically shows the base housing assembly 36 and indicates that the base housing assembly 36 at least partially defines an agitator chamber 52 in which an agitator assembly 54 including an agitator 50 is received. For example, the base housing assembly 36 may include an upper housing portion 36A and a lower housing portion 36B that are configured to cooperate with each other and / or be fastened to each other, such as by screws, to jointly define the agitator chamber 52. The upper housing portion 36A and the lower housing portion 36B may also be referred to as an upper cover and a lower cover, respectively.

[0047] The nozzle 17 may be fastened to the front of the assembled base housing assembly 36. Although only one agitator 50 is shown, multiple agitators may be received in the base housing assembly 36 and arranged parallel to each other, such as a first or front agitator and a second or rear agitator. The agitator 50 is shown as a brush roll having bristles 56 for agitating the surface S during cleaning to loosen dirt and debris. Although the agitator 50 is shown as a brush roll having multiple rows of bristles, agitators including additional or alternative configurations are also within the scope of the present disclosure, non-limiting examples of which include microfiber materials, fabric or polymer blades, and combinations thereof.

[0048] The agitator 50 defines a rotational axis A1 about which the agitator 50 rotates in the agitator chamber 52. When the agitator assembly 54 is in use, the axis A1 is generally horizontal and parallel to the surface S to be cleaned. Since the agitator 50 is open at both ends, the agitator 50 defines a central cavity 57 configured as a through hole. The agitator axis A1 is the longitudinal axis of a locating pin rod 58 that extends longitudinally in the central cavity 57 and operatively supports the agitator 50. The locating pin rod 58 extends parallel to the axis A1 of the front portion F of the base 12 and extends from Figure 1 the left side LS shown to the right side RS.

[0049] Corresponding end caps 48 are provided at each end of the locating pin rod 58 and support the locating pin rod 58 at hubs 60 of the end caps 48. Bearings 62 and bearing retainers 64 are also provided axially inside the end caps 48 at each end. The end caps 48, the locating pin rod 58, and the inner race 62A of the bearing 62 are non-rotating, while the outer race 62B of the bearing 62 rotatably supports the annular bearing retainer 64. Rolling elements 62C are provided between the inner race 62A and the outer race 62B. Thus, the outer race 62B, the bearing retainer 64, and the agitator 50 are rotatable about the rotational axis A1.

[0050] The bearing retainer 64 is then fixed to the inner surface 65 of the agitator 50 and supports the inner surface of the agitator for rotation about axis A1. In other words, the annular bearing retainer 64 surrounds and supports the outer circumference of the bearing 62 and is then supported at the end of the agitator 50 at its outer circumference within the cavity 57.

[0051] The agitator 50 is driven by a belt 66 of a drive assembly 68, which also includes pulleys 70, 72, a motor shaft 74, and a drive motor 76. The pulley 70 is disposed on the agitator 50 and rotates therewith. The belt 66 engages the pulley 70 near one end of the agitator 50. The pulley 70 rotates about the agitator axis A1 together with the agitator 50. A sprocket can be used in place of the pulley 70. The pulley 72 is disposed on the motor shaft 74 and rotates therewith. A sprocket can be used in place of the pulley 72. The belt 66 also engages the pulley 72 on the motor shaft 74, which is arranged parallel to the rotational axis A1. In one example, the drive motor 76 can be an electric motor and is disposed on and drives the motor shaft 74, and in turn drives the agitator 50.

[0052] Reference Figure 8 to the enlarged view, the bearing 62 (e.g., via the annular bearing retainer 64) is arranged axially adjacent to the end cap 48. The bearing 62 and the end cap 48 at the opposite end of the agitator 50 can be Figure 8 a mirror image of the bearing and end cap shown, and accordingly, the discussion regarding Figure 8 also applies to the structure at the opposite end of the agitator 50. The agitator 50 is rotatably supported on the bearing 62 for rotation about the rotational axis A1 within the agitator chamber 52. The end cap 48 and the agitator 50 define an axial gap 46 between the axial end 80 of the agitator 50 and the end cap 48.

[0053] Referring again to Figure 2 , the duct system 40 at least partially defines an air passage 42 that directs air to be blown by the impeller blower 44 into the axial gap 46. The duct system 40 can include a first section 82 surrounding the impeller blower 44 (best shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 ), a second section 84 extending from the first section toward the opposite end of the agitator assembly 54, and an end section 86 connecting the second section 84 to the end cap 48. The second section 84 is shown extending generally parallel to the rotational axis A1. The air flow through the air passage 42 of the duct system 40 is indicated by arrow A, starting with air at one or more inlets 88 in the first section 82 (regarding Figure 4 and Figure 5(discussed in more detail) is drawn in by the impeller blower 44 and then blown by the impeller blower 44 through the second section 84, the third section 86, through one or more openings 90 in each of the end caps 48 (discussed with respect to Figure 6 and Figure 7 in further detail).

[0054] The duct system 40 can include a variety of hoses, tubes, and connectors that define the respective sections 82, 84, and 86. Figure 3 is Figure 2 A plan view of a part of the surface cleaner 10, which shows the use of the impeller cover 82A and various flexible tubes and tube connectors that make up the sections 82, 84, and 86 of Figure 2 a specific example of the duct system 40 of. The impeller cover 82A is shaped to define a chamber 83 in which the impeller blower 44 is disposed. The chamber 83 is part of the air passage 42. As Figure 5 indicated, the opening in the impeller cover 82A defines an air inlet 88. Additionally, a central through-hole 91 receives the motor shaft 74 on which the impeller blower 44 is mounted, as Figure 4 best shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 the belt 66 of is not shown in Figure 4 but will be disposed around the right end portion of the shaft 74 in Figure 4 . By mounting the impeller motor 76 on the same motor shaft 74 as the motor 76 that drives the agitator 50 and using the motor 76 to also drive the impeller blower 44, a reduction in parts and the necessary packaging space can be achieved compared to a system having separate motors and motor shafts for the agitator 50 and for the impeller blower 44.

[0055] The outlet 92 of the impeller cover 82A is connected to a flexible tube 82B that is assembled to the inlet 85A of a T-shaped connector 84A. The impeller cover 82A and the flexible tube 82B serve as Figure 2 the first section 42A of the duct 40 of and define the portion of the air passage 42 between the impeller blower 44 and the end cap 48.

[0056] The T-shaped connector 84A includes legs having opposite outlets 85B and 85C that are respectively assembled to inlets 85D and 85E of flexible tubes 84B and 84C. Finally, the outlets of the flexible tubes 84B and 84C are assembled to the respective inlets of hose connectors 86A, 86B as Figure 3 shown. The hose connectors 86A, 86B are mounted to the outer hub 93 of the end cap 48 and have outlets at the outer hub 93. One inlet 86D and one outlet 86E are shown in Figure 8 to be defined by the hose connector 86B. The hose connector 86A can be a mirror image with similar inlets and outlets. Figure 6Shows one of the end caps 48 having an outer hub 93 but with the hose connector 86B removed. Figure 8 Shows the hose connector 86B mounted to the end cap 48 by a seal 87 that is snapped into a groove 89 at the outer surface 97 of the end cap 48. Screws or other fasteners may also be used to secure the hose connector 86B to the end cap 48 at the seal 87. The T-shaped connector 84A, the flexible tubes 84B and 84C, and the hose connectors 86A and 86B define additional portions of the air passage 42 between the impeller blower 44 and the end cap 48.

[0057] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the end cap 48 is shown as defining a plurality of openings 90 extending therethrough. In other embodiments, there may be only one opening. As shown, the plurality of openings 90 are spaced apart from each other about the rotational axis A1. The openings 90 are shown as each having the same shape (the shape being a sector shape) and are shown as being equidistantly spaced from each other. Alternatively, the end cap 48 may include a plurality of openings having a variety of different shapes (such as circular, square, or sector-shaped). Additionally, the plurality of openings may be spaced apart from each other by a variety of different spacings rather than being equidistantly spaced from each other.

[0058] As Figure 6 and Figure 8 Best shown, the openings 90 extend through the axial wall 48A of the end cap 48 parallel to the rotational axis A1 of the agitator 50. In this configuration, the air passage 42 (e.g., the portion leaving the end connector 86B) directs air through the openings 90 toward the bearing 62 and the axial gap 46. In other words, the blown air flows at least partially in the axial direction through the end cap 48 and is at least partially directed to the axial end face 94 of the bearing 62. By directing the air in this manner, the blown air can more effectively blow hair and other collected debris out of the axial gap 46 and prevent it from getting stuck in or around the end cap 48 and the bearing 62.

[0059] After being blown into the axial gap 46, the air can leave through the gap 95 between the outer periphery 98 of the bearing retainer 64 and the end cap 48. The end cap 48 has a diameter larger than that of the annular bearing retainer 64 and a diameter larger than that of the agitator 50, thereby forming an annular gap 95. In other words, the gap 95 extends further axially outward than the outer periphery 98 and further axially outward than the outer surface 99 of the agitator 50 adjacent to the gap 95, such that air can leave through the gap 95.

[0060] Figure 9 is for Figure 1Exploded view of an alternative base 112 for a surface cleaner 10, which can be used to replace base 12. Base 112 includes a base housing assembly 136, and the base housing assembly includes a first housing member 136A and a second housing member 136B. The first housing member 136A and the second housing member 136B may also be referred to as an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion respectively, or as an upper cover and a lower cover respectively. The base housing assembly 136 is shown in Figure 9 as disassembled, where the upper housing portion 136A is shown from a bottom view and the lower housing portion is shown from a top view. For example, the upper housing portion 136A supports the agitator assembly 54 by cooperating with the end cap 48.

[0061] The upper housing portion 136A and the lower housing portion 136B are shown in Figure 10 as assembled. Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view taken perpendicular to the motor shaft 74 through the outlet 92 of the impeller cover 82A. As Figure 10 shown, the first housing member 136A and the second housing member 136B cooperate with each other to jointly form at least a part of the duct system 140 and the air passage 142 of the duct system 140, and the air passage guides the air blown by the impeller blower 44 into the axial gap between the end cap 48 and the bearing 62 at each end of the agitator 50. For example, the bearing 62, the bearing retainer 64, the axial gap 46, and the end cap 48 are as shown in Figure 2 the embodiment of.

[0062] The duct system 140 may include a first section 182 adjacent to the outlet 92 of the impeller blower 44, a second section 184 extending from the first section toward the opposite end of the agitator assembly 54, and an end section 186 connecting the second section 184 to the end cap 48. The second section 184 is shown to extend generally parallel to the axis of rotation A1. The air flow through the air passage 142 of the duct system 140 is indicated by arrow A, starting with the air at one or more inlets 88 in the impeller cover 82A (discussed in more detail with respect to Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) being drawn in by the impeller blower 44 and then being blown by the impeller blower 44 through the second section 184 and the third section 186 and through one or more openings 90 in each of the end caps 48 (as discussed with respect to Figure 6 and Figure 7 ).

[0063] More specifically, the first housing member 136A includes a first set of ribs 100 that form a part of the air passage 142, and the second housing member 136B includes a second set of ribs 102 that form another part of the air passage 142. For example, the first set of ribs 100 includes a pair of ribs 100A spaced apart from each other (such as parallel to each other), and the second set of ribs 102 includes a pair of ribs 102A spaced apart from each other (such as parallel to each other). Thus, the first pair of ribs 100A forms a part of the sidewall of the air passage 142. The second pair of ribs 102A forms another part of the sidewall of the air passage 142. As Figure 10 indicated, when the first housing member 136A mates with the second housing member 136B, the first pair of ribs 100A mates with the second pair of ribs 102A to jointly form a part of the sidewall of the air passage 142, such that the air passage 142 is defined by the first housing member 136A, the second housing member 136B, the first set of ribs 100, and the second set of ribs 102.

[0064] Figure 11 is Figure 1 a plan view of a part of the surface cleaner 10, which shows an alternative example of a drive assembly 168 including separate motors 76, 76A for driving the agitator system 54 and the impeller blower 44, respectively. The motor 76A drives the impeller blower 44 and is referred to as the first motor. The first motor 76A has a first motor shaft 74A spaced apart from the agitator 50 and not drivingly connected to the agitator. The impeller blower 44 is mounted on the first motor shaft 74A. The motor 76 is referred to as the second motor, and the motor shaft 74 on which the motor is mounted is referred to as the second motor shaft. As with Figure 2 discussed, the second motor 76 is spaced apart from the agitator 50, and a drive belt 66 operatively connects the second motor shaft 74 and the agitator 50 to rotatably drive the agitator 50 via the drive belt 66. The components are otherwise the same as those described in the example of Figures 2 to 8 The legs of the connectors 84A and the flexible tubes 84B, 84C, and 82B are shown to have lengths different from those in Figure 3 but are otherwise the same. Such an embodiment including two motors 76, 76A located on different motor shafts 74, 74A enables the impeller blower 44 to rotate at a different speed from the agitator 50. Additionally, the first motor 76A can be separately controlled from the second motor 76, such that power does not need to be supplied to the first motor to drive the impeller blower 44 all the time the second motor 76 rotatably drives the agitator 50. For example, when the second motor 76 continuously drives the agitator 50, the impeller blower 44 can be pulsed only at discrete time intervals to blow air into the axial gap 46.

[0065] Figure 12 isFigure 1 Plan view of a part of a surface cleaner, which shows an alternative example of a duct system 240 that defines an air passage 242 for guiding air to be blown by an impeller blower 44 into an axial gap 46 between an end cap 48 and a stirrer 50. Figure 12 The example shown is similar in all respects to Figures 2 to 8 the example described, except that a bearing retainer 264 is used instead of the bearing retainer 64 and forms a part 242A (referred to as an air passage extension 242A) of the air passage 242, and openings 96A, 96B are provided in the stirrer 50 to serve as outlets for a part of the air passage 242. The air passage 242 is the same in other respects as the air passage 42 described with respect to Figures 2 to 8 the air passage 42.

[0066] Referring to Figure 13 , the bearing retainer 264 surrounds the outer ring 62B of the bearing 62 and is disposed between the outer ring 62B and the inner surface 65 of the stirrer 50. The bearing retainer 264 includes an annular extension 264A that axially extends away from the end cap 48 and the bearing 62 within the central cavity 57 of the stirrer 50, such that it is elongated in the axial direction compared to the bearing retainer 64 and defines the air passage extension 242A. There are two bearing retainers 264 on each end of the stirrer 50. Figure 13 The description of the bearing retainer 264 in Figure 13 also applies to the bearing retainer 264 at the opposite end of the stirrer 50. The stirrer 50 defines at least two openings 96A and 96B at each end, which extend from the inner surface 65 of the stirrer 50 to the outer surface 99. The opening 96A is referred to herein as the first opening and the opening 96B is referred to herein as the second opening. In fact, the stirrer 50 may define a plurality of openings 96A ( Figure 13 two are shown in the cross-section of

[0067] The bearing retainer 264 defines an inlet 120 to the air passage extension 242A at the axial gap 46. The inlet 120 of the bearing retainer 264 is disposed perpendicular to the axially spaced outlets 123A, 123B of the bearing retainer 264. More specifically, the bearing retainer 264 defines two axially spaced outlets 123A and 123B that are axially spaced the same distance as the axial spacing between the openings 96A, 96B of the agitator 50 and are in fluid communication with the openings 96A, 96B in the agitator 50. The outlet 123A is referred to herein as the first outlet, and the outlet 123B is referred to herein as the second outlet.

[0068] The blown air entering the axial gap 46 is further directed through the inlet 120 to continue through the axial gap 46 and discharged from the air passage extension 242A at the outlets 123A, 123B and then through the openings 96A, 96B in the agitator 50. Similar to the openings 96A, 96B of the agitator 50, the bearing retainer 264 may define a plurality of outlets 123A ( Figure 13 two are shown in the cross-section of) circumferentially spaced about the circumferential extension 264A at the same axial position and a plurality of spaced outlets 123B ( Figure 13 two are shown in the cross-section of) circumferentially spaced about the circumferential extension 264A at the same axial position. Additionally, the axial ends 122 of the bearing retainer 264 sealingly engage the axial inner surface 124 of the end cap 48 such that the end cap 48 does not provide a gap 95 through which the blown air can escape, as was the case with the bearing retainer 64 as described with respect to Figure 8 the configuration of.

[0069] As Figure 13 and Figure 14 indicated, the axial spacing of the outlets 123A, 123B and the openings 96A, 96B is such that the pulley 70 at the engagement of the drive belt 66 with the agitator 50 is axially disposed between the first outlet 123A and the second outlet 123B and the corresponding openings 96A, 96B aligned with the first and second outlets. In other words, the first outlet 123A and the first opening 96A may be disposed axially adjacent to the first edge 66A of the drive belt 66. The second outlet 123B and the second opening 96B may be disposed axially adjacent to the second edge 66B of the drive belt 66. In this way, in addition to preventing debris in the axial gap 46 between the end of the agitator 50 and the bearing 264, the blown air is directed to either side of the drive belt 66 through the first opening 96A and the second opening 96B in the agitator 50.

[0070] As Figure 14As shown, a base housing assembly 236 can be used, which includes a first housing member 236A (also referred to as an upper housing portion or upper cover) and a second housing member 236B (also referred to as a lower housing portion or lower cover) that cooperates with the first housing member 236A to define a blender chamber 54. The upper housing portion 236A includes a window 250 through which a belt 66 extends to engage a pulley 70. To protect the belt 66 and help further enclose the blender chamber 54, the first housing member 236A includes ribs 257 that extend inwardly toward the blender 50 adjacent to the side edges 66A, 66B of the belt 66 at the window 250. The lower housing portion 236B includes similar ribs 259 that are spaced apart from the side edges 66A, 66B of the belt 66. By directing the blown air outwardly through the outlets 96A, 96B in a radial direction (e.g., a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the blender 50), the air blown through the first outlet 96A and the second outlet 96B can help prevent hair and debris from entering the small gaps 261 between the ribs 259 and the pulley 70 and tangling with the drive belt 66.

[0071] Figure 15 is Figure 1 A partial view of a part of the surface cleaner 10, which shows an alternative example of a duct system 340 that defines an air passage 342 for guiding the air blown by Figure 1 the impeller blower 44 of into the axial gap 46 between the end cap 48 and the blender 350. The blender 350 is configured to be similar to the blender 50, except that the blender 350 defines an axially extending portion 342B of the air passage 342 to help guide the blown air. The axially extending portions 342A and 342B are collectively referred to as the air passage extensions 342A, 342B. The axially extending portion 342A is referred to herein as the first part of the air passage extensions 342A, 342B, and the axially extending portion 342B is referred to herein as the second part of the air passage extensions 342A, 342B. The axially extending portion 342B is similar to Figure 14 the axially extending air passage extension 242A of the bearing retainer 264 of, except that the axially extending portion is defined by an annular portion of the blender 350 rather than by the bearing retainer. Specifically, Figure 15 the duct system 340 of includes a bearing retainer 364 that surrounds the outer ring 62B of the bearing 62 and is disposed between the outer ring 62B and the inner surface 365 of the blender 350. Similar to the bearing retainer 264, the bearing retainer 364 has an end 122 that sealingly engages the axial inner surface 124 of the end cap 48 such that the end cap 48 does not provide a gap 95 through which the blown air can escape, as described with respect to Figure 8like the bearing retainer 64 described by the configuration of. By not having such a gap 95, the blown air is forced to pass through the first air passage extension 342A and the second air passage extension 342B.

[0072] The bearing retainer 364 defines a first portion 342A of the air passage extensions 342A, 342B, an inlet 320 to the first portion 342A located at the axial gap 46, and an outlet 325 of the first portion 342A. The agitator 350 defines a second portion 342B of the air passage extensions 342A, 342B, an axial inlet opening 327 of the second portion 342B that is in fluid communication with the outlet 325 of the first portion 342A defined by the bearing retainer 364, and an outlet 329 of the second portion 342B located at the outer surface 99 of the agitator 350. For example, the second portion 342B may extend axially away from the first portion 342A. The outlet 329 of the second portion 342B defined by the agitator 350 may be referred to herein as the first outlet, and the agitator 350 may include a second outlet 396A located at the outer surface 99 of the agitator 350. The second outlet 396A is in fluid communication with the outlet 323A of the bearing retainer 364. Thus, the blown air exits through the two outlets 329, 396A. The second portion 342B is configured such that the outlets 329, 396A are axially adjacent opposite sides of the pulley 70. The axial spacing of the outlets 329, 396A is such that the pulley 70 at the engagement of the drive belt 66 with the agitator 350 is axially disposed between the outlets 329, 396A. Thus, if the base housing assembly 236 is utilized, the outlets 329, 396A will prevent hair and debris from entering the gap 261, as described with respect to Figure 14 the example of.

[0073] The following clauses provide exemplary configurations of the surface cleaner and other articles disclosed herein.

[0074] Clause 1. A surface cleaner configured to move over a surface to be cleaned, the surface cleaner comprising: a base housing assembly defining an agitator chamber; an end cap; a bearing disposed axially adjacent to the end cap; an agitator rotatably supported on the bearing for rotation about a rotational axis within the agitator chamber, the end cap and the agitator defining an axial gap between an axial end of the agitator and the end cap; a motor shaft spaced from the agitator; a drive belt operatively connecting the motor shaft and the agitator; a motor connected to the motor shaft and operable to rotatably drive the agitator via the motor shaft and the drive belt; an impeller blower mounted on the motor shaft; and a duct system at least partially defining an air passage for directing air blown by the impeller blower into the axial gap.

[0075] Clause 2. The surface cleaner according to Clause 1, wherein: the end cap defines at least one opening extending therethrough; and the air passage directs air toward the bearing and the axial gap through the at least one opening.

[0076] Clause 3. The surface cleaner according to Clause 2, wherein an outlet of the at least one opening in the end cap is arranged such that the air blown into the axial gap is at least partially directed to an axial end face of the bearing.

[0077] Clause 4. The surface cleaner according to Clause 3, wherein the at least one opening extends through an axial wall of the end cap parallel to the rotational axis of the agitator.

[0078] Clause 5. The surface cleaner according to any one of Clauses 2 to 4, further comprising: a bearing retainer surrounding an outer race of the bearing and disposed between the outer race and an inner surface of the agitator; wherein the agitator defines an opening extending from the inner surface to an outer surface of the agitator; and wherein the bearing retainer defines an air passage extension, an inlet to the air passage extension located at the axial gap, and an outlet of the air passage extension, the outlet being in fluid communication with the opening in the agitator to discharge the blown air from the gap.

[0079] Clause 6. The surface cleaner according to Clause 5, wherein the inlet of the bearing retainer is arranged perpendicular to the outlet of the bearing retainer.

[0080] Clause 7. The surface cleaner as described in Clause 5, wherein: the outlet of the bearing retainer is a first outlet and the opening in the agitator is a first opening; the bearing retainer further defines a second outlet of the air passage extension; the agitator defines a second opening extending from the inner surface to the outer surface of the agitator; the first outlet and the first opening are arranged axially adjacent to a first edge of the drive belt; and the second outlet and the second opening are arranged axially adjacent to a second edge of the drive belt.

[0081] Clause 8. The surface cleaner as described in Clause 7, wherein: the bearing retainer has an annular extension axially extending away from the end cap and the bearing within the central cavity of the agitator; and the annular extension defines the air passage extension.

[0082] Clause 9. The surface cleaner as described in any one of Clauses 2 to 4, further comprising: a bearing retainer surrounding the outer ring of the bearing and disposed between the outer ring and the inner surface of the agitator; wherein the bearing retainer defines a first air passage extension, an inlet leading to the first air passage extension at the axial gap, and an outlet of the first air passage extension; and wherein the agitator defines a second air passage extension, an axial inlet opening of the second air passage extension that is in fluid communication with the outlet of the first air passage extension defined by the bearing retainer, and an outlet of the second air passage extension at the outer surface of the agitator.

[0083] Clause 10. The surface cleaner as described in Clause 9, wherein: the outlet of the second air passage extension defined by the agitator is a first outlet; and the agitator includes a second outlet axially spaced from the first outlet at the outer surface of the agitator.

[0084] Clause 11. The surface cleaner as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the base housing assembly includes a first housing member and a second housing member; and wherein the first housing member and the second housing member cooperate with each other to jointly form a part of the air passage of the conduit system that guides the air blown by the vane blower to the axial gap.

[0085] Clause 12. The surface cleaner as described in Clause 11, wherein: the first housing member includes a first set of ribs, and the second housing member includes a second set of ribs; and when the first housing member cooperates with the second housing member, the first set of ribs cooperates with the second set of ribs to define the portion of the air passage defined by the first housing member, the second housing member, the first set of ribs, and the second set of ribs.

[0086] Clause 13. The surface cleaner as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the duct system includes a flexible tube that defines at least a portion of the air passage between the impeller blower and the end cap.

[0087] Clause 14. A surface cleaner configured to move over a surface to be cleaned, the surface cleaner including: a base housing assembly that defines an agitator chamber; an end cap; wherein the end cap defines at least one opening extending therethrough; a bearing disposed axially adjacent to the end cap; an agitator rotatably supported on the bearing for rotation about a rotation axis within the agitator chamber, the end cap and the agitator defining an axial gap between an axial end of the agitator and the end cap; a motor; an impeller blower operatively connected to the motor; and a duct system that at least partially defines an air passage for guiding air blown by the impeller blower through the at least one opening in the end cap into the axial gap; wherein the at least one opening in the end cap is configured to guide the blown air at least partially in an axial direction into the axial gap.

[0088] Clause 15. The surface cleaner as described in Clause 14, wherein the at least one opening extends through an axial wall of the end cap parallel to the rotation axis of the agitator.

[0089] Clause 16. The surface cleaner as described in Clause 15, wherein the at least one opening includes a plurality of openings spaced apart from each other about the rotation axis.

[0090] Clause 17. The surface cleaner as described in any one of Clauses 14 to 17, wherein the motor is a first motor mounted on a first motor shaft spaced apart from and not drivingly connected to the agitator; the surface cleaner further includes: a second motor mounted on a second motor shaft spaced apart from the agitator; and a drive belt operatively connecting the second motor shaft and the agitator; wherein the second motor rotatably drives the agitator through the drive belt.

[0091] Clause 18. A surface cleaner configured to move over a surface to be cleaned, the surface cleaner comprising: a base housing assembly that defines an agitator chamber; an end cap; wherein the end cap defines at least one opening extending therethrough; a bearing axially adjacent to the end cap; an agitator rotatably supported on the bearing for rotation about a rotational axis within the agitator chamber, the end cap and the agitator defining an axial gap between an axial end of the agitator and the end cap; an impeller blower; a motor operatively connected to the impeller blower and operative to rotatably drive the impeller blower; a duct system that at least partially defines an air passage for guiding air blown by the impeller blower through the opening in the end cap into the axial gap; and a bearing retainer surrounding an outer race of the bearing and disposed between the outer race and an inner surface of the agitator; wherein the duct system defines an air passage extension that at least partially extends axially within the agitator from an inlet at the axial gap to an opening extending through the agitator and has an outlet at an outer surface of the agitator.

[0092] Clause 19. The surface cleaner according to Clause 18, wherein the bearing retainer defines at least a portion of the air passage extension and defines the inlet at the axial gap.

[0093] Clause 20. The surface cleaner according to Clause 19, wherein: the agitator defines an additional portion of the air passage extension, the additional portion including an axial inlet opening in fluid communication with an outlet of the portion of the air passage extension defined by the bearing retainer; and the additional portion of the air passage extension extends from the axial inlet opening to the opening extending through the agitator.

[0094] To assist in and clarify the description of the various embodiments, various terms are defined herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the following definitions apply throughout the specification (including the claims). Additionally, all referenced documents are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0095] The terms "a", "an", "the", "at least one", and "one or more" are used interchangeably to indicate the presence of at least one of the items. There may be more than one such item, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Unless expressly or clearly stated otherwise in view of the context (including the appended claims), all numerical values of parameters (such as quantities or conditions) in this specification should be understood to be modified in all cases by the term "about", whether or not "about" actually appears before the numerical value. "About" indicates that the specified numerical value allows for some slight imprecision (by some method of making the value precise; approximately or reasonably close to the value; very close). If the imprecision provided by "about" is not understood in the art in this ordinary meaning, then "about" as used herein indicates at least the variations that may be caused by the ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. Additionally, the disclosure of a range should be understood to specifically disclose all values within the range and further divided ranges.

[0096] The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" are non-exclusive and thus specify the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. Where possible, the order of steps, processes, and operations may be changed, and additional or alternative steps may be employed. As used in this specification, the term "or" includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term "any one of" is understood to include any possible combination of the referenced items, including "any one of" the referenced items. The term "any one of" is understood to include any possible combination of the claims that refer to the appended claims, including "any one of" the referenced claims.

[0097] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives corresponding to the illustrated embodiments may be employed throughout the detailed description. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "top", "bottom", etc. may be used descriptively with respect to the figures without indicating a limitation on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0098] Although various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary rather than restrictive, and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that more embodiments and implementations within the scope of the embodiments are possible. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or substitute for any other feature or element in any other embodiment, unless specifically restricted. Thus, the embodiments are not limited except as by the appended claims and their equivalents. Additionally, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

[0099] Although several modes for implementing many aspects of the present teachings have been described in detail, those skilled in the art familiar with the field to which these teachings pertain will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing the present teachings within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that all content included in the foregoing description or shown in the drawings be interpreted as illustrative of the entire scope of alternative embodiments, which those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize as being structurally and / or functionally equivalent to, or otherwise obvious based on the content included, and not limited to only those embodiments explicitly depicted and / or described.

Claims

1. A surface cleaner configured to move over a surface to be cleaned, the surface cleaner comprising: a base housing assembly defining an agitator chamber; End caps; a bearing, the bearing being disposed adjacent to the end cover in the axial direction; an agitator rotatably supported on the bearing for rotation about an axis of rotation in the agitator chamber, the end cap and the agitator defining an axial gap between an axial end of the agitator and the end cap; a motor shaft, the motor shaft being spaced apart from the agitator; a drive belt operatively connecting the motor shaft and the agitator; a motor connected to the motor shaft and operable to rotatably drive the agitator via the motor shaft and the drive belt; an impeller blower mounted on the motor shaft; as well as A duct system at least partially defines an air passage for directing air blown by the impeller blower into the axial gap.

2. The surface cleaner of claim 1, wherein: The end cap defines at least one opening extending therethrough; and The air passage directs air through the at least one opening toward the bearing and the axial gap.

3. The surface cleaner of claim 2, wherein an outlet of the at least one opening in the end cover is arranged so that the air blown into the axial gap is at least partially directed to an axial end surface of the bearing.

4. The surface cleaner of claim 3, wherein the at least one opening extends through an axial wall of the end cap parallel to the axis of rotation of the agitator.

5. The surface cleaner of claim 2, further comprising: a bearing retainer surrounding an outer race of the bearing and disposed between the outer race and an inner surface of the agitator; wherein the agitator defines an opening extending from the inner surface to an outer surface of the agitator; and The bearing holder defines an air passage extension, an inlet to the air passage extension at the axial gap, and an outlet of the air passage extension, the outlet being in fluid communication with the opening in the agitator to discharge the blown air from the gap.

6. The surface cleaner of claim 5, wherein the inlet of the bearing holder is disposed perpendicular to the outlet of the bearing holder.

7. The surface cleaner of claim 5, wherein: the outlet of the bearing holder being a first outlet and the opening in the agitator being a first opening; The bearing retainer further defines a second outlet of the air passage extension; the agitator defining a second opening extending from the inner surface to the outer surface of the agitator; The first outlet and the first opening are disposed axially adjacent a first edge of the drive belt; and The second outlet and the second opening are disposed axially adjacent to a second edge of the drive belt.

8. The surface cleaner of claim 2, further comprising: a bearing retainer surrounding an outer race of the bearing and disposed between the outer race and an inner surface of the agitator; wherein the bearing retainer defines a first air passage extension, an inlet to the first air passage extension at the axial gap, and an outlet of the first air passage extension; and Wherein the agitator defines a second air passage extension, an axial inlet opening of the second air passage extension in fluid communication with the outlet of the first air passage extension defined by the bearing holder, and an outlet of the second air passage extension at an outer surface of the agitator.

9. The surface cleaner of claim 1 or 2, wherein the base housing assembly comprises a first housing member and a second housing member; and The first housing component and the second housing component cooperate with each other to jointly form a part of the air passage of the duct system for guiding the air blown by the impeller blower into the axial gap.

10. The surface cleaner of claims 1 or 2, wherein the duct system comprises a flexible tube defining at least a portion of the air passage between the impeller blower and the end cap.

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