Cleaning appliance having an optical system for illuminating the surface to be cleaned

Abstract

A cleaning appliance 10 includes a cleaner head 18 for manoeuvring along a surface to be cleaned, a main body 12 to which the cleaner head 18 is attached, and an optical system 76, 78 for illuminating the surface to be cleaned. The cleaner head 18 includes a housing 46 having a first outer periphery 52 and a second outer periphery 54 opposite to the first outer periphery 52, and first and second cleaning members 48, 50 disposed at least partly within the housing 46. The first cleaning member 48 is located between the first outer periphery 52 of the housing 46 and the second cleaning member 50, and the second cleaning member 50 is located between the second outer periphery 54 of the housing 46 and the first cleaning member 48. The optical system 76, 78 is configured to illuminate a first region outside of the first outer periphery 52 of the housing 46 and a second region outside of the second outer periphery 54 of the housing 46.

Description

[0001] 1 P005195-W001

[0002] CLEANING APPLIANCE

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] Cleaning appliances, for example vacuum cleaners and wet floor cleaners, are utilised to clean surfaces by removing dust, debris, and stains and the like. Typically such cleaning appliances comprise cleaner heads which can be manoeuvred over the surface to be cleaned.

[0005] SUMMARY

[0006] A first aspect provides a cleaning appliance comprising: a cleaner head for manoeuvring along a surface to be cleaned; a main body to which the cleaner head is attached; and an optical system for illuminating the surface to be cleaned; wherein: the cleaner head comprises a housing having a first outer periphery and a second outer periphery opposite to the first outer periphery, and first and second cleaning members disposed at least partly within the housing; the first cleaning member is located between the first outer periphery of the housing and the second cleaning member, and the second cleaning member is located between the second outer periphery of the housing and the first cleaning member; and the optical system is configured to illuminate a first region of the surface to be cleaned outside of the first outer periphery of the housing and a second region of the surface to be cleaned outside of the second outer periphery of the housing.

[0007] By illuminating the first and second regions, which are located at opposite sides of the housing by virtue of being outside the respective first and second peripheries of the housing, regions of a surface to be cleaned may be illuminated either side of the cleaner head in use. For example, a region forward of the cleaner head, relative to a user of the cleaning appliance, and a region rearward of the cleaner head, relative to the user of the cleaning appliance, may be illuminated. This may enable for easier detection of surface contaminants, such as dust, debris, and stains, upon a surface to be cleaned relative to an arrangement in which only a region forward of the cleaner head is illuminated. This may particularly be so given that a user of a cleaning appliance will typically move the cleaning 2 P005195-W001 appliance in both forward and rearward strokes in use. The presence of the first and second cleaning members, which are effectively located at opposite sides of the housing of the cleaner head, may provide improved cleaning of a surface to be cleaned compared to a cleaner head with only one cleaning member.

[0008] The first region may be a region adjacent to the first outer periphery of the housing, for example with a distalmost boundary of the first region located no more than 50cm, no more than 40cm, no more than 30cm, or no more than 20cm, away from the first outer periphery of the housing. The first region may be a region in front of the first outer periphery of the housing in use. The second region may be a region adjacent to the second outer periphery of the housing, for example with a distalmost boundary of the second region located no more than 50cm, no more than 40cm, no more than 30cm, or no more than 20cm, away from the second outer periphery of the housing. The second region may be a region behind the second outer periphery of the housing in use.

[0009] The cleaning appliance may comprise a power source configured to provide electrical power to the optical system. The power source may be disposed on the main body. This may reduce a cost and / or complexity of the cleaner head, which can, in some circumstances, be a removable and replaceable part.

[0010] The first cleaning member may have a longitudinal axis that extends in a direction generally parallel to the first outer periphery of the cleaner head. Where the first outer periphery of the housing is non-linear, it will be appreciated that the first outer periphery of the housing may still generally extend between opposing side walls of the cleaner head, and in such circumstances the longitudinal axis of the first cleaning member may extend in a direction generally parallel to a direction between opposing side walls of the cleaner head.

[0011] The second cleaning member may have a longitudinal axis that extends in a direction generally parallel to the second outer periphery of the cleaner head. Where the second outer periphery of the housing is non-linear, it will be appreciated that the second outer periphery of the housing may still generally extend between opposing side walls of the 3 P005195-W001 cleaner head, and in such circumstances the longitudinal axis of the second cleaning member may extend in a direction generally parallel to a direction between opposing side walls of the cleaner head.

[0012] The housing may have a third outer periphery extending between the first and second outer peripheries, and a fourth outer periphery extending between the first and second outer peripheries, the fourth outer periphery substantially opposite to the third outer periphery, and the fourth outer periphery located at an opposite end of the first and second outer peripheries to the third outer periphery. The third outer periphery may extend substantially orthogonally relative to the first and second outer peripheries. The fourth outer periphery may extend substantially orthogonally relative to the first and second outer peripheries. The third and fourth outer peripheries may have lengths shorter than lengths of the first and second outer peripheries. The cleaner head may be generally rectangular in plan view. The longitudinal axis of the first cleaning member may extend generally orthogonally relative to the third and fourth outer peripheries. The longitudinal axis of the second cleaning member may extend generally orthogonally relative to the third and fourth outer peripheries.

[0013] The third and fourth outer peripheries of the housing may be defined by side walls of the housing. The optical system may be configured such that the first region is bounded by planes in which the respective side walls of the housing lie. The optical system may be configured such that the second region is bounded by planes in which the respective side walls of the housing lie.

[0014] The first and second cleaning members may be positioned within the cleaner head such that, with the cleaner head positioned on a surface to be cleaned in an intended use configuration, the cleaning members are located at the bottom of the cleaner head and contact the surface to be cleaned.

[0015] At least part of the optical system, for example at least one light source of the optical system, may be disposed on the cleaner head. By placing at least part of the optical system on the cleaner head, the at least part of the optical system is located closer to the surface to 4 P005195-W001 be cleaned in use than if the entirety of the optical system were located on the main body of the cleaning appliance. This may provide illumination of increased intensity and / or illumination of increased accuracy.

[0016] The first and second cleaning members may be configured to be movably driven, and the optical system may be configured to illuminate the first and second regions whilst the first and second cleaning members are being movably driven. Thus illumination may occur when the cleaning appliance is operated in an intended usage mode, with the first and second cleaning members movably driven. The optical system may be configured to illuminate the first and second regions only whilst the first and second cleaning members are being movably driven. The cleaning appliance may comprise a controller configured to control operation of the optical system and of the first and second cleaning members, for example in response to a user input.

[0017] The first and second cleaning members may each take the form of a roller rotatable within the cleaner head. The first and second cleaning members may be configured to rotate in opposite directions within the cleaner head. The first and second cleaning members may be located outside of a field of view of the optical system.

[0018] The optical system may comprise a first light source configured to illuminate the first region, and a second light source configured to illuminate the second region, the second light source different to the first light source. This may reduce cost and / or complexity of the optical system relative to, for example, an arrangement in which a single light source is utilised to illuminate both the first region and the second region.

[0019] The optical system may comprise a plurality of first light sources and / or a plurality of second light sources. The plurality of first light sources may each be configured to illuminate the first region, or may each be configured to illuminate a sub-region of the first region. The plurality of second light sources may each be configured to illuminate the second region, or may each be configured to illuminate a sub-region of the second region. 5 P005195-W001

[0020] The first light source and the second light source may be configured to illuminate substantially simultaneously. This may provide for simpler control than, for example, an arrangement where the first and second light sources are configured to selectively illuminate when the other of the second and first light sources are not illuminated. This may also provide for improved user comfort and / or safety, for example by avoiding flashing sequences of lights that could otherwise trigger a health condition of a user, such as epilepsy or the like. The first light source and the second light source may be configured to illuminate substantially simultaneously in response to a user input, for example a user pressing a trigger or button to turn on the cleaning appliance.

[0021] The first light source and the second light source may both be disposed on the cleaner head. This may place the first light source and the second light source closer to the surface to be cleaned than, for example, an arrangement in which either or both of the first and second light source are located on the main body, and this may provide for increased accuracy and / or intensity of illumination. An entirety of the optical system may be disposed on the cleaner head. This may, for example, enable the cleaner head to be retrofitted to the main body of an existing cleaning appliance.

[0022] The first light source may be located closer to the first outer periphery of the housing than to the second outer periphery of the housing, and the second light source may be located closer to the second outer periphery of the housing than to the first outer periphery of the housing. This may position the first and second light sources closer to the respective first and second regions to be illuminated, which may reduce a complexity of the optical system compared, for example, a cleaning appliance where the first and second light sources are located centrally on the cleaner head with one or more optical components required to transmit light to the respective first and second regions. The first light source may be located substantially at the first outer periphery of the housing. The second light source may be located substantially at the second outer periphery of the housing.

[0023] The first light source may be located adjacent an end of the first cleaning member, and the second light source may be located adjacent an end of the second cleaning member. This may provide for reduced complexity compared to an arrangement where, for example the 6 P005195-W001 first and / or second light source is located partway along a respective one of the first and second cleaning members, and may remove electrical and / or optical components from a vicinity of the first and / or second cleaning member. The first and second light sources may be located adjacent corresponding ends of the first and second cleaning members, for example ends of the first and second cleaning members that are located at a same side of the cleaner head.

[0024] The first cleaning member may extend across at least 80% or at least 90% of a length of the cleaner head, for example across at least 80% or at least 90% of an extent of the first outer periphery of the housing. The second cleaning member may extend across at least 80% or at least 90% of the length of the cleaner head, for example across at least 80% or at least 90% of an extent of the second outer periphery of the housing.

[0025] The cleaner head may comprise a third cleaning member. The cleaner head may comprise a fourth cleaning member.

[0026] The third cleaning member may be located between the first outer periphery of the housing and the fourth cleaning member, and the fourth cleaning member may be located between the second outer periphery of the housing and the third cleaning member, the third cleaning member spaced from the first cleaning member in a direction along the first outer periphery, the fourth cleaning member spaced from the second cleaning member in a direction along the second outer periphery, wherein the first light source is located intermediate the first cleaning member and the third cleaning member, and the second light source is located intermediate the second cleaning member and the fourth cleaning member. By locating the first and second light sources intermediate the first and third cleaning members, and intermediate the second and fourth cleaning members, respectively, otherwise unutilised space may be used to locate the first and second light sources.

[0027] The first and third cleaning members may be cantilevered from opposing sides of a first hub, and the first light source may be located on or within the first hub. The second and fourth cleaning members may be cantilevered from opposing sides of a second hub, and the second light source may be located on or within the second hub. Each of the first and 7 P005195-W001 third cleaning members may taper in a direction away from the first hub, for example with a diameter of the respective cleaning member decreasing in the direction away from the hub. Each of the second and fourth cleaning members may taper in a direction away from the second hub, for example with a diameter of the respective cleaning member decreasing in the direction away from the hub.

[0028] The third cleaning member may be located between the second cleaning member and the first outer periphery of the housing, and the third cleaning member may be spaced from the first cleaning member in a direction along the first outer periphery. In such a manner there may be two cleaning members located adjacent the first outer periphery of the housing, and one cleaning member located adjacent the second outer periphery of the housing.

[0029] The third cleaning member may be located between the first cleaning member and the second outer periphery of the housing, and the third cleaning member may be spaced from the second cleaning member in a direction along the second outer periphery. In such a manner there may be two cleaning members located adjacent the second outer periphery of the housing, and one cleaning member located adjacent the first outer periphery of the housing.

[0030] The optical system source may be configured such that, in use with the cleaner head located on a planar surface to be cleaned, light emitted by the first light source intersects the planar surface to be cleaned at an angle of no greater than ten degrees, no greater than fifteen degrees, no greater than 20 degrees, or no greater than 25 degrees. The angle may be a maximal angle at which a beam of light emitted by the first light source intersects the surface to be cleaned.

[0031] The optical system source may be configured such that, in use with the cleaner head located on a planar surface to be cleaned, light emitted by the second light source intersects the planar surface to be cleaned at an angle of no greater than ten degrees, no greater than fifteen degrees, no greater than 20 degrees, or no greater than 25 degrees. The angle may be a maximal angle at which a beam of light emitted by the second light source intersects the surface to be cleaned. 8 P005195-W001

[0032] The first light source may be disposed on the cleaner head and the second light source may be disposed on the main body. This may remove component count from the cleaner head, where space may be limited. Furthermore, typically, in use, the main body may move relative to the cleaner head, and so by positioning the second light source on the main body a user may position the second light source so that they are better able to see the light from the second light source when desired.

[0033] The cleaner head may comprise a neck attaching the cleaner head to the main body, the neck may be substantially centrally located upon the cleaner head, and the second light source may be positioned on the main body such that, when viewed in plan view, the second light source is aligned with the neck in a direction parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the second cleaning member. Thus the second light source may be generally centrally located in the direction parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the second cleaning member. The central longitudinal axis of the second cleaning member may be a rotational axis of the second cleaning member.

[0034] The first light source may be offset from the second light source, when viewed in plan view, in the direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the second cleaning member. The first light source may be located adjacent an end of the first cleaning member. This may provide for reduced complexity compared to an arrangement where, for example the first light source is located partway along the first cleaning member, and may remove electrical and / or optical components from a vicinity of the first cleaning member.

[0035] The cleaner head may be releasably attachable to the main body. This may provide flexibility in usage of the cleaning appliance, with a user able to interchange cleaner heads as desired.

[0036] The cleaner head may comprise a connection mechanism for connecting the cleaner head to the main body, and the connection mechanism may be such that the cleaner head is only in one orientation relative to the main body when connected to the main body. The 9 P005195-W001 connection mechanism may be such that the first outer periphery of the housing and the second outer periphery of the housing are located in pre-defined orientations relative to the main body when the cleaner head is connected to the main body.

[0037] The connection mechanism may be such that the first and second cleaning members, and the first and second outer peripheries of the housing, are located either side of a plane containing a longitudinal axis of the main body. The longitudinal axis of the main body may be co-axial with a central longitudinal axis of the neck of the cleaner head. The main body may comprise a handle, and the handle of main body may be located on a same side of the plane as the second periphery of the housing and the second cleaning member. The first cleaning member and the first periphery of the housing may thereby be considered to be forward of the second cleaning member and the second periphery of the housing relative to a user in use.

[0038] A second aspect provides a cleaner head for attachment to a main body of a cleaning appliance, the cleaner head comprising: a housing having a first outer periphery and a second outer periphery opposite to the first outer periphery; first and second cleaning members disposed at least partly within the housing; and a optical system for illuminating the surface to be cleaned, wherein: the first cleaning member is located between the first outer periphery of the housing and the second cleaning member, and the second cleaning member is located between the second outer periphery of the housing and the first cleaning member; and the optical system is configured to illuminate a first region outside of the first outer periphery of the housing and a second region outside of the second outer periphery of the housing.

[0039] A third aspect provides a cleaning appliance comprising: a cleaner head for manoeuvring along a surface to be cleaned; a main body to which the cleaner head is attached; and an optical system for illuminating the surface to be cleaned; wherein: the cleaner head comprises a housing having a first outer periphery and a second outer periphery opposite to the first outer periphery, and a cleaning member disposed at least partly within the housing between the first outer periphery of the housing and the second outer periphery of the housing; the optical system is configured to illuminate a first region of the surface to be 10 P005195-W001 cleaned outside of the first outer periphery of the housing and a second region of the surface to be cleaned outside of the second outer periphery of the housing; and the cleaning appliance comprises a liquid distribution system configured to distribute liquid to at least one of the cleaning member and the surface to be cleaned.

[0040] Optional features of aspects may be equally applied to other aspects, where appropriate.

[0041] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure l is a schematic view of a first example cleaning appliance;

[0043] Figure 2 is a first schematic view of a cleaner head of the first example cleaning appliance of Figure 1;

[0044] Figure 3 is a second schematic view of the cleaner head of the first example cleaning appliance of Figure 1;

[0045] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of the first example cleaning appliance of Figure 1 in use;

[0046] Figure 5 is a schematic view of a second example cleaning appliance;

[0047] Figure 6 is a first schematic view of a cleaner head of the second example cleaning appliance of Figure 5;

[0048] Figure 7 is a second schematic view of the cleaner head of the second example cleaning appliance of Figure 5;

[0049] Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of the cleaner head of the first example cleaning appliance of Figure 5 in use;

[0050] Figure 9 is a first schematic illustration of an alternative cleaner head for use with the second example cleaning appliance of Figure 5; and

[0051] Figure 10 is a second schematic illustration of the alternative cleaner head for use with the second example cleaning appliance of Figure 5.

[0052] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] A first example cleaning appliance 10 is illustrated in Figure 1, and has a main body 12, a handle 14, a user interface 16, a cleaner head 18, an optical system 20 and a battery 22. 11 P005195-W001

[0054] The main body 12 has a water distribution system which has a clean water tank 24, a waste water tank 26, and corresponding clean and waste water pumps (not shown). The main body 12 has a first end 28 from which the handle 14 extends, and a second end 30 to which the cleaner head 18 is connected.

[0055] The handle 14 has an elongate tubular portion 32, and a curved portion 34. A first end 36 of the elongate tubular portion 32 extends from the first end 28 of the main body 12, and the curved portion 34 is located at a second end 38 of the elongate tubular portion 32. The curved portion 34 defines an aperture 40 that a user can pass their fingers through in order to grip the curved portion 34 in use.

[0056] The user interface 16 has a depressible button 42 and a display screen 44. The depressible button 42 is located on the curved portion 34 of the handle 14, such that a user can depress the depressible button 42 with their thumb whilst their fingers are wrapped around the curved portion 34 and located within the aperture 40. The display screen 44 acts as a cap for the second end 38 of the elongate tubular portion 32.

[0057] The cleaner head 18 is illustrated schematically in Figures 2 and 3, and has a housing 46 and first 48 and second 50 mopping rollers disposed within the housing 46. The housing has first 52, second 54, third 56, and fourth 58 outer peripheries, an upper surface 60, and a neck 62. The first 52 and second 54 outer peripheries define front 64 and rear 66 sides of the housing, and are each substantially equal in length. The third 56 and fourth 58 outer peripheries define respective sidewalls 68 of the housing, and are each substantially equal in length. The first 52 and second 54 outer peripheries are each longer than the third 56 and fourth 58 outer peripheries, such that the housing 46 is generally rectangular when viewed in plan view.

[0058] A lower region 70 of the housing 46 is open, such that the first 48 and second 50 mopping rollers contact a surface to be cleaned when the cleaner head 18 rests on the surface to be cleaned in use. The upper surface 60 encloses an upper region of the housing 46. The neck 62 is centrally located upon the upper surface 60, and defines a central axis CA of the 12 P005195-W001 first example cleaning appliance 10. The neck 62 is pivotally mounted to the upper surface 60 of the housing 46 about a first axis 72 that extends in a direction parallel to the first 52 and second 54 outer peripheries of the housing 46. The main body 12 is pivotally mounted to the neck 62 about a second axis 74 that extends in a direction parallel to the third 56 and fourth 58 outer peripheries of the housing 46.

[0059] Each of the first 48 and second 50 mopping rollers are rotatably mounted within the housing 46, and in use are driven to rotate in opposing directions by respective drive motors (not shown). The first 48 and second 50 mopping rollers each have a rotational axis that extends generally parallel to the first axis 72. The first mopping roller 58 is located within the housing 46 such that the first mopping roller 48 is located between the first outer periphery 52 of the housing 46 and the second mopping roller 50. The second mopping roller 60 is located within the housing 46 such that the second mopping roller 50 is located between the second outer periphery 54 of the housing 46 and the first mopping roller 48. The first 48 and second 50 mopping rollers each extend across substantially the entirety of the width of the cleaner head 18.

[0060] The optical system 20 has a first light source 76, and a second light source 78. Each of the first light source 76 and the second light source 78 is a respective LED light.

[0061] The first light source 76 is mounted to the cleaner head 18, and is positioned near an interface between the first outer periphery 52 of the housing 46 and the third outer periphery 56 of the housing 46, at an end of the first mopping roller 48. The first light source 76 is set-back within the housing 46 slightly relative to the first 52 and third 56 outer peripheries of the housing 46, with a corresponding part of the first outer periphery 52 of the housing 46 removed to enable passage of light from the first light source 76. A lens 80 is positioned in front of the first light source 76 to disperse light from the first light source 76 in use, as will be described in further detail hereinafter.

[0062] The second light source 78 is mounted to the main body 12, on a lower side of the main body 12 at the first end 28 of the main body 12, in a region of the interface between the main body 12 and the neck 62 of the cleaner head 18. The second light source 78 is 13 P005195-W001 positioned so that the second light source 78 is aligned with the neck 62 in a direction along the first axis 72.

[0063] The battery 22 is electrically connected to the clean and waster water pumps of the main body 12, the drive motors of the first 48 and second 50 mopping rollers, to the first 76 and second 78 light sources, and to the user interface 16.

[0064] In use of the first example cleaning appliance 10, a user grips the curved portion 34 of the handle 14, with the cleaner head 18 located upon a surface to be cleaned. With the first example cleaning appliance 10 grasped by a user in such a manner, the first outer periphery 52 of the housing 46 of the cleaner head 18 can be considered to be a forward facing side of the cleaner head 18, whilst the second outer periphery 54 of the housing 46 of the cleaner head 18 can be considered to be a rear facing side of the cleaner head 18. Furthermore, with the first example cleaning appliance 10 grasped by a user in such a manner, the first 48 and second 50 mopping rollers are in contact with the surface to be cleaned.

[0065] By pushing and pulling the handle 14 of the first example cleaning appliance 10, the user can manoeuvre the cleaner head 18 over the surface to be cleaned, in a forward motion, away from the user, and in a backward motion, toward the user. Whilst doing so, the user can depress the depressible button 42 of the user interface 16, which causes the battery 22 to supply electrical power to the clean and waster water pumps of the main body 12, the drive motors of the first 48 and second 50 mopping rollers, and to the first 76 and second 78 light sources of the optical system 20.

[0066] The clean water pump causes water to be distributed from the clean water tank 24 to the first 48 and second 50 mopping rollers. The drive motors cause the first 48 and second 50 mopping rollers to counter rotate within the housing 46 of the cleaner head 18. As the cleaner head 18 is manoeuvred over the surface to be cleaned, the first 48 and second 50 mopping rollers clean the surface, and waste liquid is filtered and passed to the waste water tank 26 via the waste water pump. 14 P005195-W001

[0067] At the same time as the first 48 and second 50 mopping rollers are driven, the first 76 and second 78 light sources are illuminated. As shown schematically in Figure 4, the first light source 76 illuminates a first region 82 outside of the first outer periphery 52 of the housing 46 of the cleaner head 18, and the second light source 78 illuminates a second region 84 outside of the second outer periphery 54 of the housing 46 of the cleaner head 18. Thus the first region 82 is located in front of the front side 64 of the cleaner head 18, and the second region 84 is located behind the rear side 66 of the cleaner head 18. In such a manner, the first 82 and second 84 regions are, respectively, in front of and behind the cleaner head 18 as the cleaner head 18 is manoeuvred over the surface to be cleaned by the user. This may enable easier detection of surface contaminants, such as dust, debris, and stains, upon a surface to be cleaned relative to an arrangement in which only a region forward of the cleaner head 18 is illuminated. This may be particularly so given that a user of a cleaning appliance will typically move the cleaning appliance in both forward and rearward strokes in use.

[0068] It will be appreciated that the exact location of the first 82 and second 84 regions of illumination dynamically change as the cleaner head 18 is moved by the user in use. The lens 80 is configured such that the first 82 region is bounded by planes parallel to the third 56 and fourth 58 outer peripheries of the housing 46 of the cleaner head 18, and it will be appreciated that a similar lens may be utilised to constrain the light provided by the second light source 78 in the second region 84.

[0069] The first light source 76 and the lens 80 are configured so that light from the first light source 76 hits the surface to be cleaned at a maximum angle of around 1.5 degrees. With the second light source 78 being located on the main body 12, as the user pivots the main body 12 relative to the cleaner head 18, an angle at which the light from the second light source 78 hits the surface to be cleaned can be varied. This can allow the user to direct the light from the second light source 78 to reflect toward the user in a manner preferred by the user.

[0070] When the user releases the depressible button 42, the battery 22 no longer supplies power to the clean and waster water pumps of the main body 12, the drive motors of the first 48 15 P005195-W001 and second 50 mopping rollers, and the first 76 and second 78 light sources of the optical system 20. Thus the first 76 and second 78 light sources only operate at the same time as the first 48 and second 50 mopping rollers.

[0071] A second example cleaning appliance 100 is illustrated schematically in Figure 5.

[0072] The second example cleaning appliance 100 has a main body 102, a wand 104, and a cleaner head 106.

[0073] The main body has a separation system 108, a suction motor 110, a handle 112, a user interface, and a battery 116.

[0074] The separation system 108 has a primary cyclonic separation stage 118 and a secondary cyclonic separation stage 120. Further details of the separation system 108 will not be provided here for sake of brevity, save to say that the separation system 108 may be similar to that of the VI 0 vacuum cleaner produced by Dyson Technology Limited at the filing date of the present application.

[0075] The suction motor 110 is positioned rearwardly of the secondary cyclonic separation stage 120, and is configured to draw airflow through the separation system 108 in use. An exemplary suction motor may be the VI 0 motor produced by Dyson Technology Limited at the filing date of the present application.

[0076] The handle 112 depends downwardly from a housing of the suction motor 110, and is located and configured such that a user can grasp the handle 112 in their fist in use. The user interface has a depressible trigger, and a display. The depressible trigger is located on the handle 112, and is positioned such that a user can depress the depressible trigger with their index finger whilst gripping the handle 112 in their fist. The display is located on a surface of the housing of the suction motor 110 that faces toward a user when the user grips the handle 112 with their fist. The battery 116 underlies the handle, and is configured to provide electrical power to the suction motor 110, the display, and to electrically 16 P005195-W001 powered components of the cleaner head 106, as will be discussed in more detail hereinafter.

[0077] The wand 104 is elongate, tubular, and hollow in form. The wand 104 is releasably connectable to the main body 102 at a first end 126 of the wand 104, and to the cleaner head 106 at a second end 128 of the wand 104, via appropriate catches. An interior volume of the wand 104 defines a suction flowpath through which air and entrained debris can pass in use. Electrically conductive wires (not shown) extend within a wall of the wand 104 from the first end 126 of the wand 104 to the second end 128 of the wand 104.

[0078] The cleaner head 106 is illustrated schematically in Figures 6 and 7, and has a housing 130, first 132 and second 134 agitators disposed within the housing 130, and an optical system 136.

[0079] The housing 130 has first 138, second 140, third 142, and fourth 144 outer peripheries, an upper surface 146, and a neck 148. The first 138 and second 140 outer peripheries define front 150 and rear 152 sides of the housing, and are each substantially equal in length. The third 142 and fourth 144 outer peripheries define respective sidewalls 154 of the housing, and are each substantially equal in length. The first 138 and second 140 outer peripheries are each longer than the third 142 and fourth 144 outer peripheries, such that the housing 130 is generally rectangular when viewed in plan view.

[0080] A lower region 156 of the housing 130 is open, such that the first 132 and second 134 agitators contact a surface to be cleaned when the cleaner head 106 rests on the surface to be cleaned in use. The upper surface 146 encloses an upper region of the housing 130. The neck 148 is centrally located upon the upper surface 146.

[0081] Each of the first 132 and second 134 agitators are rotatably mounted within the housing 130, and in use are driven to rotate in opposing directions by respective drive motors (not shown). The first 132 and second 134 agitators each have a rotational axis that extends generally parallel to the first 138 and second 140 outer peripheries of the housing 130. The first agitator 132 is located within the housing 130 such that the first agitator 132 is located 17 P005195-W001 between the first outer periphery 138 of the housing 130 and the second agitator 134. The second agitator 134 is located within the housing 130 such that the second agitator 134 is located between the second outer periphery 140 of the housing 130 and the first agitator 132. The first 132 and second 134 agitators each extend across substantially the entirety of the width of the cleaner head 106.

[0082] The optical system 136 has a first light source 160, and a second light source 162. Each of the first light source 160 and the second light source 162 is a respective LED light.

[0083] The first light source 160 is mounted to the cleaner head 106, and is positioned near an interface between the first outer periphery 138 of the housing 130 and the third outer periphery 142 of the housing 130, at an end of the first agitator 132. The first light source 160 is set-back within the housing 130 slightly relative to the first 138 and third 142 outer peripheries of the housing 130, with a corresponding part of the first outer periphery 138 of the housing 130 removed to enable passage of light from the first light source 160. A first lens 164 is positioned in front of the first light source 160 to disperse light from the first light source 160 in use, as will be described in further detail hereinafter.

[0084] The second light source 162 is mounted to the cleaner head 106, and is positioned near an interface between the second outer periphery 140 of the housing 130 and the third outer periphery 142 of the housing 130, at an end of the second agitator 134. The first 160 and second 162 light sources are positioned at a same side of the cleaner head 106. The second light source 162 is set-back within the housing 130 slightly relative to the second 140 and third 142 outer peripheries of the housing 130, with a corresponding part of the second outer periphery 140 of the housing 130 removed to enable passage of light from the second light source 162. A second lens (not shown) is positioned in front of the second light source 162 to disperse light from the second light source 162 in use, as will be described in further detail hereinafter.

[0085] In use of the second example cleaning appliance 100, a user grips the handle 112 of the main body 102, with the cleaner head 106 located upon a surface to be cleaned. With the second example cleaning appliance 100 grasped by a user in such a manner, the first outer 18 P005195-W001 periphery 138 of the housing 130 of the cleaner head 106 can be considered to be a forward facing side of the cleaner head 106, whilst the second outer periphery 140 of the housing 130 of the cleaner head 106 can be considered to be a rear facing side of the cleaner head 106. Furthermore, with the second example cleaning appliance 100 grasped by a user in such a manner, the first 132 and second 134 agitators are in contact with the surface to be cleaned.

[0086] By pushing and pulling the handle 112 of the second example cleaning appliance 100, the user can manoeuvre the cleaner head 106 over the surface to be cleaned, in a forward motion, away from the user, and in a backward motion, toward the user. Whilst doing so, the user can depress the depressible trigger of the user interface, which causes the battery 116 to supply electrical power to the suction motor 110, the drive motors of the first 132 and second 134 agitators, and to the first 160 and second 162 light sources of the optical system 136.

[0087] The suction motor 110 generates an airflow through the housing of 130 of the cleaner head 106, into the wand 104, and then into the separation system 108 of the main body 102. The drive motors cause the first 132 and second 134 agitators to counter rotate within the housing 130 of the cleaner head 106. As the cleaner head 106 is manoeuvred over the surface to be cleaned, the first 132 and second 134 agitators agitate the surface such that dust and other debris is entrained within the airflow, before being separated by the separation system 108 and stored within the main body 102 for disposal at a later time.

[0088] At the same time as the first 132 and second 134 agitators are driven, the first 160 and second 162 light sources are illuminated. As shown schematically in Figure 8, the first light source 160 illuminates a first region 168 outside of the first outer periphery 138 of the housing 130 of the cleaner head 106, and the second light source 162 illuminates a second region 170 outside of the second outer periphery 140 of the housing 130 of the cleaner head 106. Thus the first region 168 is located in front of the front side 150 of the cleaner head 106, and the second region 170 is located behind the rear side 152 of the cleaner head 106. In such a manner, the first 168 and second 170 regions are, respectively, in front of and behind the cleaner head 106 as the cleaner head 106 is manoeuvred over the surface to 19 P005195-W001 be cleaned by the user. This may enable easier detection of surface contaminants, such as dust, debris, and stains, upon a surface to be cleaned relative to an arrangement in which only a region forward of the cleaner head 106 is illuminated. This may be particularly so given that a user of a cleaning appliance will typically move the cleaning appliance in both forward and rearward strokes in use.

[0089] It will be appreciated that the exact location of the first 168 and second 170 regions of illumination dynamically change as the cleaner head 106 is moved by the user in use. The first lens 164 is configured such that the first 168 region is bounded by planes parallel to the third 142 and fourth 144 outer peripheries of the housing 130 of the cleaner head 106, and the second lens is configured such that the second 170 region is bounded by planes parallel to the third 142 and fourth 144 outer peripheries of the housing 130 of the cleaner head 106.

[0090] When the user releases the depressible trigger, the battery 116 no longer supplies power to the suction motor 110, the drive motors of the first 132 and second 134 agitators, and the first 160 and second 162 light sources of the optical system 136. Thus the first 160 and second 162 light sources only operate at the same time as the first 132 and second 134 agitators.

[0091] An alternative cleaner head 200 for use with the main body 102 of the second example cleaning appliance 100 is illustrated schematically in Figures 9 and 10.

[0092] The alternative cleaner head 200 has housing 202, first 204, second 206, third 208 and fourth 210 agitators disposed within the housing 202, and an optical system 212.

[0093] The housing 202 has first 214, second 216, third 218, and fourth 220 outer peripheries, an upper surface 222, and a neck 224. The first 214 and second 216 outer peripheries define front and rear sides of the housing, and are each substantially equal in length. The third 218 and fourth 220 outer peripheries define respective sidewalls of the housing 202, and are each substantially equal in length. The first 214 and second 216 outer peripheries are each longer than the third 218 and fourth 220 outer peripheries, such that the housing 202 20 P005195-W001 is generally rectangular when viewed in plan view, albeit with the first 214 and second 216 outer peripheries slightly curved along their lengths.

[0094] A lower region of the housing 202 is open, such that the first through fourth 204-210 agitators contact a surface to be cleaned when the alternative cleaner head 200 rests on the surface to be cleaned in use. The upper surface 222 encloses an upper region of the housing 202. The neck 224 is centrally located upon the upper surface 222. The neck 224 is pivotally mounted to the upper surface 222 of the housing 202 about a first axis that extends parallel to the direction in which the first 138 and second 140 outer peripheries of the housing 130 generally extend.

[0095] The first through fourth 204-210 agitators are each frustoconical in form. The first 204 and third 208 agitators are respectively mounted either side of a first hub 236 which contains a drive motor (not shown) for driving the first 204 and third 208 agitators. The first hub 236 is positioned toward the first outer periphery 214 of the housing 202. The first 204 and third 208 agitators are each cantilevered from the first hub 236 such that the first 204 and third 208 agitators taper in a direction away from the first hub 236. Rotational axes of the first 204 and third 208 agitators are angled such that the first 204 and third 208 agitators are always in contact with a surface to be cleaned when the alternative cleaner head 200 is located on the surface to be cleaned in use.

[0096] The second 206 and fourth 210 agitators are respectively mounted either side of a second hub 238 which contains a drive motor (not shown) for driving the second 206 and fourth 210 agitators. The second hub 238 is positioned toward the second outer periphery 216 of the housing 202. The second 206 and fourth 210 agitators are each cantilevered from the second hub 238 such that the second 206 and fourth 210 agitators taper in a direction away from the second hub 238. Rotational axes of the second 206 and fourth 210 agitators are angled such that the second 206 and fourth 210 agitators are always in contact with a surface to be cleaned when the alternative cleaner head 200 is located on the surface to be cleaned in use. 21 P005195-W001

[0097] The second agitator 206 is located between the first agitator 204 and the second outer periphery 216 of the housing 202, whilst the first agitator 204 is located between the second agitator 206 and the first outer periphery 214 of the housing 202. Similarly, the fourth agitator 210 is located between the third agitator 208 and the second outer periphery 216 of the housing 202, whilst the third agitator 208 is located between the fourth agitator 210 and the first outer periphery 214 of the housing 202

[0098] The optical system 212 has a first light source 240, and a second light source 242. Each of the first light source 240 and the second light source 242 is a respective LED light.

[0099] The first light source 240 is mounted to the first hub 236 of the alternative cleaner head 200, and is positioned near the first outer periphery 214 of the housing 202. The first light source 240 is thereby positioned between the first 204 and third 208 agitators, and is generally centrally located in a width direction of the alternative cleaner head 200. A first lens (not shown) is positioned in front of the first light source 240 to disperse light from the first light source 240 in use.

[0100] The second light source 242 is mounted to the second hub 238 of the alternative cleaner head 200, and is positioned near the second outer periphery 216 of the housing 202. The second light source 242 is thereby positioned between the second 206 and fourth 210 agitators, and is generally centrally located in a width direction of the alternative cleaner head 200. A second lens (not shown) is positioned in front of the second light source 242 to disperse light from the second light source 242 in use.

[0101] Operation of the alternative cleaner head 200 is generally similar to operation of the cleaner head 106 of the second example cleaning appliance 100 described above. In particular, in use electrical power can be provided to the drive motors to drive the first through fourth 204-210 agitators, and to power the first 240 and second 242 light sources. The first 240 and second 242 light sources respectively illuminate regions to the front and rear of the alternative cleaner head 200, until power is no longer supplied to the alternative cleaner head 200. 22 P005195-W001

[0102] Whilst the optical systems described above have each included first and second light sources, it will be appreciated that embodiments that utilis fewer or greater numbers of light sources are also envisaged, with the proviso that regions both in front of and behind the cleaner head are also envisaged. For example, embodiments in which a single light source is provided, but where light from the single light source is redirected to both front and rear regions of the cleaner head are envisaged. This can be achieved through use of appropriate optical components, such as via use of one or more light pipes. Similarly, embodiments where multiple first light sources and / or multiple second light sources are also envisaged. For example a plurality of LEDs may be utilised to illuminate a region in front of and / or a region behind the cleaner head.

[0103] Whilst particular examples have been described, it should be understood that these are illustrative examples only and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims

23 P005195-W001CLAIMS1. A cleaning appliance comprising: a cleaner head for manoeuvring along a surface to be cleaned; a main body to which the cleaner head is attached; and an optical system for illuminating the surface to be cleaned; wherein: the cleaner head comprises a housing having a first outer periphery and a second outer periphery opposite to the first outer periphery, and first and second cleaning members disposed at least partly within the housing; the first cleaning member is located between the first outer periphery of the housing and the second cleaning member, and the second cleaning member is located between the second outer periphery of the housing and the first cleaning member; and the optical system is configured to illuminate a first region outside of the first outer periphery of the housing and a second region outside of the second outer periphery of the housing.

2. A cleaning appliance as claimed in Claim 1, wherein at least part of the optical system is disposed on the cleaner head.

3. A cleaning appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second cleaning members are configured to be movably driven, and the optical system is configured to illuminate the first and second regions whilst the first and second cleaning members are being movably driven.

4. A cleaning appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical system comprises a first light source configured to illuminate the first region, and a second light source configured to illuminate the second region, the second light source different to the first light source.24 P005195-W0015. A cleaning appliance as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the first light source and the second light source are configured to illuminate simultaneously.

6. A cleaning appliance as claimed in Claim 4 or Claim 5, wherein the first light source and the second light source are both disposed on the cleaner head.

7. A cleaning appliance as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the first light source is located closer to the first outer periphery of the housing than to the second outer periphery of the housing, and the second light source is located closer to the second outer periphery of the housing than to the first outer periphery of the housing.

8. A cleaning appliance as claimed in Claim 6 or Claim 7, wherein the first light source is located adjacent an end of the first cleaning member, and the second light source is located adjacent an end of the second cleaning member.

9. A cleaning appliance as claimed in Claim 6 or Claim 7, wherein the cleaner head comprises a third cleaning member and a fourth cleaning member, the third cleaning member located between the first outer periphery of the housing and the fourth cleaning member, and the fourth cleaning member located between the second outer periphery of the housing and the third cleaning member, the third cleaning member spaced from the first cleaning member in a direction along the first outer periphery, the fourth cleaning member spaced from the second cleaning member in a direction along the second outer periphery, wherein the first light source is located intermediate the first cleaning member and the third cleaning member, and the second light source is located intermediate the second cleaning member and the fourth cleaning member.

10. A cleaning appliance as claimed in Claim 4 or Claim 5, wherein the first light source is disposed on the cleaner head and the second light source is disposed on the main body.

11. A cleaning appliance as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the cleaner head comprises a neck attaching the cleaner head to the main body, the neck is substantially centrally located25 P005195-W001 upon the cleaner head, and the second light source is positioned on the main body such that, when viewed in plan view, the second light source is aligned with the neck in a direction parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the second cleaning member.

12. A cleaning appliance as claimed in Claim 10 or Claim 11, wherein the first light source is offset from the second light source, when viewed in plan view, in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the second cleaning member.

13. A cleaning appliance as claimed in any one of Claims 10 to 12, wherein the first light source is located adjacent an end of the first cleaning member.

14. A cleaning appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaner head is releasably attachable to the main body.

15. A cleaner head for attachment to a main body of a cleaning appliance, the cleaner head comprising: a housing having a first outer periphery and a second outer periphery opposite to the first outer periphery; first and second cleaning members disposed at least partly within the housing; and a optical system for illuminating the surface to be cleaned, wherein: the first cleaning member is located between the first outer periphery of the housing and the second cleaning member, and the second cleaning member is located between the second outer periphery of the housing and the first cleaning member; and the optical system is configured to illuminate a first region outside of the first outer periphery of the housing and a second region outside of the second outer periphery of the housing.

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