Description of Invention

The present invention relates to a cleaner head for a cleaning appliance. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a cleaner head for a multi-floor, or wet/dry, vacuum cleaner.

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a cleaner head for a cleaning appliance, including: an agitator rotatable about an axis; a housing having a front side, a rear side, and first and second sides which extend between the front side and rear side, said housing further including a floor facing surface which extends between the front side, the rear side and the first and second sides and which, in use, faces a surface to be cleaned; wherein the housing defines a chamber which at least partially surrounds the agitator, the chamber having a dirty air inlet and a dirty air outlet; a wiper device which extends laterally between the first and second sides of the housing and which is positioned on or adjacent the floor facing surface of the housing; and a floor engaging device which extends laterally between the first and second sides of the housing and which is positioned on or adjacent the floor facing surface of the housing, said floor engaging device including an absorbent portion; wherein the wiper device and the floor engaging device are positioned rearwardly of the dirty air inlet. The floor engaging device may be positioned between the wiper device and the rear side of the housing.

The wiper device may be positioned between the floor engaging device and the rear side of the housing.

The wiper device may be positioned on a portion of a bottom of the housing that at least partially defines the chamber facing towards the surface to be cleaned.

The wiper device may be pivotably moveable, preferably about an axis parallel, or substantially parallel, to the agitator axis.

A length of the wiper device measured substantially parallel to the axis of the agitator may be the same or greater than a length of the agitator measured its axis.

The wiper device may include first and second lateral ends. The agitator may include first and second lateral ends. The first and second lateral ends of the wiper device may be closer, respectively, to the first and second sides of the housing than the first and second lateral ends of the agitator.

A length of the floor engaging device measured substantially parallel to the axis of the agitator may be greater than a length of the wiper device measured substantially parallel to the axis of the agitator.

The floor engaging device may include first and second lateral ends. The wiper device may include first and second lateral ends. The first and second lateral ends of the floor engaging device may be closer, respectively, to the first and second sides of the housing than the first and second lateral ends of the wiper device. The absorbent portion of the floor engaging device may either be or include a lint pick-up strip or the like. The absorbent portion of the floor engaging device may include a felt material.

The absorbent portion of the floor engaging device may include a microfibre material. The floor engaging device may be held in a channel formed in the floor facing surface of the housing and is preferably slidably removable therefrom.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a cleaning appliance including a cleaner head according to the first aspect of the invention.

The cleaning appliance may include a source of suction for drawing air through the dirty air outlet and a dust collection container.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a cleaner head in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a further perspective view of the cleaner head of figure 2 with a cover and agitator of the cleaner head removed;

Figure 4 is a bottom view of the cleaner head of figure 2; Figure 5 is a side view of the cleaner head of figure 2;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the cleaner head of figure 2;

Figure 7 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional side view of a floor engaging device viewed in a direction along the axis R of the agitator 11 ;

Figure 8 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional side view of the floor engaging device of figure 7 viewed in a direction along the axis R of the agitator 11 when connected to a floor facing surface 28 of the housing 12;

Figure 9 is a further enlarged schematic cross-sectional side view of a floor engaging device viewed in a direction along the axis R of the agitator 11 ; and

Figure 10 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional side view of the floor engaging device of figure 9 viewed in a direction along the axis R of the agitator 11 when connected to a floor facing surface 28 of the housing 12. Referring to figure 1 there is shown a surface cleaning appliance 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The surface cleaning appliance 1 is, in embodiments a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, or multi-floor, cleaner. The surface cleaning appliance 1 includes a main body 2 and a cleaner head 10. The surface cleaning appliance 1 may rest on the cleaner head 10 in use and/or when in a stored position. The main body 2 may be connected to the cleaner 10. In embodiments the main body 2 may be pivotably connected to the cleaner head 10. The connection between the main body 2 and the cleaner head 10 may permit the main body to pivot in a fore-aft direction in which the cleaner is moved during use and to respective left and right sides of the cleaner head 10 which are generally perpendicular, or perpendicular, to the fore-aft direction in which the cleaner is moved during use. In embodiments the pivotal connection may permit the main body 2 to sit within a periphery of the cleaner head 10, i.e. within front, rear and first and second sides of the cleaner head 10 (described in more detail below), so that a centre of gravity of the surface cleaning appliance 1 is positioned within a footprint of the cleaner head 10. This permits the surface cleaning appliance to be stored in an upright position. To permit this pivotal connection an outlet pipe 9 is provided between the cleaner head 10 and the main body 2. The outlet pipe 9 is relatively flexible and ensures that the pivotal connection between the main body 2 and cleaner 10 can function. The outlet pipe 9 is fluidly connected to a dirty air outlet of the cleaner head and to a dirt collection container 5. This is described in more detail below.

It should be appreciated that in other embodiments the main body 2 may be fixed in position with respect to the cleaner head 10. In further envisaged embodiments the surface cleaning appliance 1 may be a cylinder style cleaner. In such embodiments the surface cleaning appliance may include a wand, a first end of which is connected to the outlet pipe 9 and a second end of which is connected to the cleaner head 10. The surface cleaning appliance includes a handle 3 for a user to grasp. The handle 3 may be positioned above the main body 2. In embodiments the handle 3 may be positioned at a top of the surface cleaning appliance 1.

The main body 2 houses a source of suction, e.g. a motor, fan, impeller, for creating a vacuum (not shown). In some embodiments the motor may be a brushless motor. The source of suction may be positioned at a top of the main body 2. In embodiments, the source of suction may be positioned adjacent the handle 3. A cleaning fluid supply tank 4 for holding a cleaning fluid is supported on the main body 2. In use, the cleaning fluid supply tank 4 receives fluid for cleaning a surface to be cleaned. For example, the cleaning fluid supply tank may receive a pre-mixed cleaning solution for cleaning a surface. In other embodiments the cleaning fluid supply tank 4 may receive water to which a concentrated cleaning solution is added, either in the cleaning fluid supply tank or subsequently from a further cleaning fluid supply tank (not shown) of the cleaning appliance 1. The cleaning fluid supply tank 4 is releasably connectable to the main body 2, although it could be fixed in the main body 2. In embodiments, the cleaning fluid supply tank 4 is received, at least partially, within a recess on an exterior surface of the main body 2. A fluid inlet (not shown) is provided in the recess to which the cleaning fluid supply tank 4 is fluidly connectable. The cleaning fluid supply tank 4 is positioned on a rear of the main body 2 with respect to a fore-aft direction in which the cleaner is moved during use. The cleaning fluid supply tank 4 is also positioned close to, or adjacent, the source of suction.

The fluid inlet is fluidly connected to a cleaning fluid dispensing device 6 on the cleaner head 10. In embodiments the cleaning fluid dispensing device is at least one spray nozzle 6. The at least one spray nozzle 6 sprays cleaning fluid onto an agitator of the cleaner head 10. The at least one spray nozzle may alternatively, or additionally, spray cleaning fluid onto a surface to be cleaned. The cleaning fluid dispensing device is fluidly connected to the fluid inlet via fluid channels which extend from and through the main body 2 to the cleaner head 10. This permits fluid from the cleaning fluid supply tank 4 to be conveyed to the cleaning fluid dispending device 6.

The main body 2 also supports a dirt collection container 5 which is fluidly connected to the source of suction. The dirt collection container 5 is also fluidly connected to the dirty air outlet of the cleaner head by the outlet pipe 9. The dirt collection container may include an air/liquid separator to separate any dirty cleaning fluid, and dirt entrained therein, which has been suctioned from the surface to be cleaned from the air. The dirt collection container 5 is releasably connectable to the main body 2 of the cleaning appliance 1, although it could be fixed in the body 2. The dirt collection container is also provided in a lower half of the main body 2, closer to the cleaner head 10 than the handle 3. The dirt collection container 5 is provided on a front of the main body with respect to a fore-aft direction in which the cleaner is moved during use. The dirt collection container 5 may support a bag or other receptacle for holding collected dirt, with the bag or other receptacle being removable for discarding the collected dirt. The cleaner head 10 is described in more detail below with reference to figures 2 to 10.

In the present embodiment the cleaner head 10 includes wheels 22, 24 which are positioned at a rear side 16 of the cleaner head 10. In embodiments, the wheels 22, 24 are positioned either side of the outlet pipe 9 which fluidly connects a dirty air outlet 26 of the cleaner head 10 to the dirt collection container 5. As can be seen in figure 4, further wheels 21 , 23 are provided on a floor facing surface of the cleaner head 10. The wheels 22, 24 and further wheels 21, 23 permit the surface cleaning appliance 1 to move across a surface to be cleaned. In other embodiments the cleaner head 10 may be provided with a roller instead of, or in addition to, the wheels 22, 24 positioned at the rear side 16 of the cleaner head 10.

The cleaner head 10 includes a housing 12 which is movable along a surface to be cleaned. The housing 12 also includes a front side 14 and first and second sides, e.g. left and right sides, 18, 20 which extend between the front side 14 and the rear side 16. The front side 14, rear side 16, and first and second sides 18, 20 define a periphery which defines a footprint of the cleaner head 10. The housing 12 includes a floor facing surface 28 which is described in more detail below. The housing 12 includes a top surface 25. The top surface 25 extends between the front side 14, rear side 16 and first and second sides 18, 20. In use, the top surface 25 faces away from a surface to be cleaned. The cleaner head 10 also includes an agitator 11 rotatable about an axis R within a chamber 13 at least partially defined by the housing 12. The axis R is generally parallel to a surface to be cleaned and orthogonal to a fore-aft direction in which the cleaner is moved during use. The agitator 11 is formed as a generally cylindrical member with a microfibre material 117 on its outer surface 113. The microfibre material 117 may be tufted. Bristles 118 may be interspersed with the microfibre material. The bristles 118 may be provided in tufts in a helical pattern on the outer surface of the agitator 11.

The floor facing surface 28 extends between the front side 14, rear side 16 and first and second sides 18, 20. In use the floor facing surface 28 faces a surface to be cleaned. The floor facing surface 28 includes a floor engaging device 30 and a wiper device, in this example a squeegee, 70. The floor engaging device 30 is positioned rearwardly of the wiper device 70. The floor facing surface 28 includes a dirty air inlet 27 through which dirt entrained air and dirty cleaning fluid may be received by the cleaner head 10. The dirty air inlet 27 extends between a portion of the agitator which contacts the surface to be cleaned in use and the wiper device 70. In embodiments, the wiper device 70 is positioned between the dirty air inlet 27 and the floor engaging device 30. In embodiments the wiper device 70 may be positioned between the floor engaging device 30 and the rear side 16 of the housing 12.

The chamber 13 at least partially surrounds the agitator 11. The chamber 13 is at least partially defined by a rear chamber wall 200. The rear chamber wall 200 defines the dirty air outlet 26. The dirty air outlet 26 is fluidly connected to the chamber 13. The chamber 13 is also fluidly connected to the dirty air inlet 27 which faces the surface to be cleaned. As mentioned above, a floor engaging device 30 is connected to the floor facing surface 28 of the housing 12. The floor engaging device 30 extends laterally between (but not all the way to each respective side, although they could) the first and second sides 18, 20 of the housing 12 for wiping, or engaging, a surface to be cleaned. In embodiments the floor engaging device 30 extends generally linearly between the first and second sides 18, 20 of the housing 12. The floor engaging device 30 is positioned between the dirty air inlet 27 and the rear side 16 of the housing 12. In other words, the floor engaging device 30 is positioned rearwardly of the dirty air inlet 27.

The floor engaging device 30 includes a first portion 40 for absorbing liquid from a surface to be cleaned. The first portion 40 includes first and second lateral ends 64, 66. The first portion 40 has a length between the first and second lateral ends 64, 66. The first portion 40 extends generally linearly between the first and second sides 18, 20 of the housing 12. In embodiments, the first portion 40 extends generally parallel to the axis R of the agitator 11.

In the present embodiment the first portion is formed from felt, for example similar to that on a lint pick-up strip for a vacuum cleaner head without a rotatable agitator. The felt could be formed from a natural or synthetic fibre. In embodiments the first portion 40 may be include one or more or all of the following materials: microfibre; open cell foam; flannel; chamois; cloth; cotton; polyester; polyethylene; nylon; or acrylic. However, other absorbent materials could be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The cross-sectional shape/silhouette of the first portion 40 when viewed in a direction perpendicular, or generally perpendicular, to an axis R of the agitator 11, remains substantially the same along its length. The first portion 40 may be generally trapezoidal (see examples in figures 9 and 10 where the configuration of its bristles or tufts creates that general shape) in side cross- sectional view perpendicular, or generally perpendicular, to an axis R of the agitator 11. However, in other embodiments (see figures 7 and 8) the first portion 40 may be generally square, rectangular, triangular or circular, or any other polygonal shape, in side cross-sectional view perpendicular, or generally perpendicular, to an axis R of the agitator 11.

In each example, the first portion 40 has a free end 52 and a proximal end 82 which lies closer to the floor facing surface 28. The free end 52 of the first portion 40 may be positioned at a distance X away from a base 50 of the floor engaging device 30 of between 2.00 to 6.00mm; preferably 2.50 to 5.00mm; even more preferably 3.00 to 4.00mm; and most preferably 3.80mm. The base 50 of the floor engaging device 30 is described in more detail below.

The floor engaging device 30 includes a second portion 42. The second portion 42 includes first and second lateral ends 60, 62. The second portion has a length between the first and second lateral ends 60, 62. The second portion 42 also extends generally linearly between the first and second sides 18, 20 of the housing 12. In embodiments the second portion 42 extends generally parallel to the axis R of the agitator 11. The second portion 42 is positioned closer to the front side 14 of the housing 12 than the first portion 40. In embodiments, the second portion 42 is positioned adjacent, preferably directly adjacent, the first portion 40, such that it abuts the first portion 40.

The cross-sectional shape/silhouette of the second portion 42 when viewed in a direction perpendicular, or generally perpendicular, to an axis R of the agitator 11, remains substantially the same along its length. In the example shown in figures 9 an 10 the second portion 42 is generally trapezoidal in side cross-sectional view (where the configuration of its bristles or tufts creates that general shape). However, in other embodiments the second portion 42 may be generally square, rectangular (see figures 7 and 8), triangular or circular, or any other polygonal shape, in side cross-sectional view perpendicular, or generally perpendicular, to an axis R of the agitator 11.

The second portion 42 also has a free end 54 and a proximal end 80 which lies closer to the floor facing surface 28. The free end 54 of the second portion 42 may be positioned at a distance Y away from the base 50 of the floor engaging device 30 of between 2.00 to 6.00mm; preferably 2.50 to 5.50mm; even more preferably 3.00 to 5.00mm; and most preferably 4.50mm. The second portion 42 is relatively stiff compared to the first portion 40. The second portion 42 includes a plurality of bristles 43 for guiding liquid from a surface to be cleaned towards the first portion 40. The bristles 43 may be arranged in tufts which extend between the first and second sides 18, 20 of the housing 12.

The bristles of the second portion 42 are formed of plastic in the present embodiment. The plastic may include a thermoplastic elastomer and/or PVC. In embodiments, the bristles may be formed of one or more or all of the following materials: PVC; polyethylene; nylon; ABS; or rubber.

The first and second portions 40, 42 may be at least partially in contact along their respective lengths. This is particularly the case where the first and second portions 40, 42 are formed of bristles or tufts. In embodiments the proximal end 80 of the second portion 42 is at least partially in contact with the proximal end 82 of the first portion 40. The proximal end 80 of the second portion 42 and the proximal end 82 of the first portion 40 are permanently connected to the base 50 of the floor engaging device 30. The floor engaging device includes a third portion 44. The third portion 44 is positioned closer to the rear side 16 of the housing 12 than the first portion 40. In other words, the third portion 44 is positioned further from the agitator 11 than the first and second portions 40, 42. In embodiments, the third portion 44 is positioned adjacent, preferably directly adjacent, the first portion 40, such that it abuts the first portion 40. The third portion 44 is substantially the same as, e.g. is a mirror image of, or is identical to, the second portion 42, but it need not be. As mentioned above, the floor engaging device 30 includes a base 50 for permitting the floor engaging device 30 to be connected to the floor facing surface 28. The base 50 includes a pair of formations 32, 34 for permitting connection of the floor engaging device 30 to the floor facing surface 28. The formations 32, 34 are extensions to or from the base 50 which extend forwardly and rearwardly, respectively, in a plane substantially parallel to the surface 28. These formations 32, 34, in hand with the first, second and third portions 40, 42, 44 give the device 30 a T-shape form in side view.

In embodiments, the floor facing surface 28 of the housing 12 includes a floor engaging device holding portion 29 to hold the floor engaging device 30 in position. In embodiments the floor engaging device holding portion 29 is a recess 29 formed in the floor facing surface 28 in which the at least one formation 32, 34 is received. In embodiments the floor engaging device 30 is connected to the floor facing surface by sliding the at least one formation 32, 34 of the base 50 into the recess 29 from the first side 18 of the housing 12 towards the second side 20 of the housing 12. However, it should be appreciated that other types of holding portion 29 could be utilised. For example, hook and loop formations, or hook and hook formations could be used to releasably connect the floor engaging device 30 to the floor facing surface 28 without departing from the scope of the present invention. The free end 54 of the second portion 42 is positioned further away from the floor facing surface 28 of the housing 12 than the free end 52 of the first portion 40. In other words, the free end 54 of the second portion 42 is positioned closer to a surface to be cleaned than the free end 52 of the first portion 40. However, in other envisaged embodiments the free end 52 of the first portion 40 may be positioned further away from the floor facing surface 28 of the housing 12 than the free end 54 of the second portion 42. In other words, in other envisaged embodiments the free end 52 of the first portion 40 may be positioned closer to a surface to be cleaned than the free end 54 of the second portion 42.

In embodiments first and second ends 60, 62 of the second portion 42 extend towards the respective first and second sides 18, 20 of the housing 12 to the same extent as first and second ends 64, 66 of the first portion 40. In other words, the first and second ends 60, 62 of the second portion 42 are in alignment with the first and second ends 64, 66 of the first portion 40 along planes which extend generally orthogonally to a main axis of the floor engaging device 30. However, in other embodiment the second portion 42 may extend closer to the first and/or second sides 18, 20 of the housing than the first portion 40. In embodiments the first and/or second portions 40, 42 may extend laterally across the floor facing surface 28 of the housing 12 between the first and second sides 18, 20 of the housing 12 a distance of at least: 200.00mm; 210.00mm; 220.00mm; 230.00mm; 240.00mm; or

250.00mm; and at most 300.00mm; 290.00mm; 280.00mm; 270.00mm; 260.00mm; or 250.00mm. In embodiments the first and second portions 40,

42 extend laterally across the floor facing surface 28 of the housing 12 between the first and second sides 18, 20 of the housing 12 a distance of 248.30mm. The wiper device 70, e.g. a squeegee, is positioned on or adjacent the floor facing surface 28 of the housing 12. In the present embodiment the wiper device 70 is positioned on a bottom of the housing 12 that at least partially defines the chamber 13 facing towards the surface to be cleaned. The wiper device 70 may be positioned on a bottom of the rear wall 200 which at least partially defines the chamber 13. The wiper device 70 is pivotably moveable, preferably about an axis parallel, or substantially parallel, to the agitator axis R. The wiper device 70 also extends laterally between (but not all the way to each respective side, although it could) the first and second sides 18, 20 of the housing. In embodiments the wiper device 70 extends generally linearly between the first and second sides 18, 20 of the housing 12. In the present embodiment the wiper device 70, in use, may contact a surface to be cleaned. It should be appreciated, however, that in embodiments the wiper device 70 may be positioned directly on the floor facing surface 28. In embodiments the wiper device 70 may also be fixed in position. A length of the wiper device 70 measured substantially parallel to the axis R of the agitator 11 is greater than a length of the agitator 11 measured along the axis R of the agitator 11. In embodiments the length of the wiper device 70 measured substantially parallel to the axis of the agitator 11 may be either: substantially the same as the length of the agitator 11 measured along the axis of the agitator 11 ; or less than the length of the agitator 11 measured along the axis of the agitator 11.

The agitator 11 may have a length measured along the axis of the agitator 11 of between 200.00mm and 230.00mm, or 205.00mm and 225.00mm, or 210.00mm and 220.00mm, or approximately 216.00mm. The agitator 11 may have a diameter, measured in a plane substantially orthogonal to the axis of the agitator 11 of between 20mm and 60mm; or 30mm and 50mm; or approximately 45mm. The wiper device 70 may have a length measured substantially parallel to the axis of the agitator 11 of between 220.00mm and 250.00mm, or 225.00mm and 245.00mm, or 230.00mm and 240.00mm, or approximately 236.00mm. The wiper device 70 includes first and second lateral ends 72, 74. The agitator 11 includes first and second lateral ends 76, 78. The first and second lateral ends 72, 74 of the wiper device 70 are closer to the first and second sides 18, 20 of the housing 12 than the first and second lateral ends 76, 78 of the agitator 11. However, in other envisaged embodiments the first lateral end 72 of the wiper device 70 may be closer to the first side 18 of the housing 12 than the first end 76 of the agitator 11 and the second lateral end 74 of the wiper device 70 may be further or the same distance from the second side 20 of the housing 12 than the second end 78 of the agitator 11. In other envisaged embodiments the second lateral end 74 of the wiper device 70 may be closer to the second side 20 of the housing 12 than the second end 78 of the agitator 11 and the first lateral end 72 of the wiper device 70 may be further or the same distance from the first side 18 of the housing 12 than the first end 76 of the agitator 11. In embodiments, the length of the floor engaging device 30 measured substantially parallel to the axis of the agitator 11 is greater than the length of the wiper device 70 measured substantially parallel to the axis of the agitator 11. In embodiments the length of the floor engaging device 30 measured substantially parallel to the axis of the agitator 11 may be either: substantially the same as the length of the wiper device 70 measured substantially parallel to the axis of the agitator 11; or less than the length of the wiper device 70 measured substantially parallel to the axis of the agitator 11.

The floor engaging device 30 may have a length measured substantially parallel to the axis of the agitator 11 of between 235.00mm and 265.00mm, or 240.00mm and 260.00mm, or 245.00mm and 255.00mm, or approximately 248.30mm.

The floor engaging device 30 includes first and second lateral ends 36, 38. The first and second lateral ends 36, 38 of the floor engaging device 30 are closer to the first and second sides 18, 20 of the housing 12 than the first and second lateral ends 72, 74 of the wiper device 70. However, in other envisaged embodiments the first lateral end 36 of the floor engaging device 30 may be closer to the first side 18 of the housing 12 than the first end 72 of the wiper device 70 and the second lateral end 38 of the floor engaging device 30 may be further or the same distance from the second side 20 of the housing 12 than the second end 74 of the wiper device 70. In other envisaged embodiments the second lateral end 38 of the floor engaging device 30 may be closer to the second side 20 of the housing 12 than the second end 74 of the wiper device 70 and the first lateral end 36 of the floor engaging device 30 may be further or the same distance from the first side 18 of the housing 12 than the first end 36 of the wiper device 70.

A distance between the floor engaging device 30 and the wiper device 70 measured along a plane A which extends in a direction generally orthogonal to the axis R of the agitator 11 may be between 5.00mm and 20.00mm, or 10.00mm and 15.00mm, or approximately 11 87mm

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof. Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to encompass equivalents.