GB2618791A

GB2618791A - A cleaner head for a cleaning appliance

Info

Publication number: GB2618791A
Application number: GB2207154.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bennett Samuel; Davies Peter; Hale Tobias; Swayne Abigail; Nelson Michaela; Sian Mala
Original assignee: Techtronic Cordless GP
Current assignee: Techtronic Cordless GP
Priority date: 2022-05-16
Filing date: 2022-05-16
Publication date: 2023-11-22
Also published as: GB202207154D0; WO2023223008A1

Abstract

A cleaner head 10 for a surface cleaning apparatus, including: a first 110 and second 112 agitator rotatable about first and second axes respectively; wherein a housing (12, fig.2) at least partially defines a chamber 13 which at least partially surrounds the first and second agitators, wherein said chamber includes: a dirty air inlet (27, fig. 10) and a dirty air outlet 26. In one embodiment, the head may include an opening for permitting access to and removal of the first and/or second agitators from the chamber; the cleaner head further including a cover 17 cooperatively associated with the housing for permitting access to the chamber through the opening; wherein the cover is movable to an agitator access position to permit the first and/or second agitator to be removed from the chamber through the opening. This may be in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first and/or second axis of the respective first and/or second agitator and in a direction which is substantially parallel to a plane of the surface to be cleaned. In another embodiment the head may include a spray nozzle device 6 for spraying cleaning fluid onto the agitator(s) and is connectable to a cleaning-fluid supply tank.

Description

A CLEANER HEAD FOR A CLEANING APPLIANCE

FIELD

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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a cleaner head for a surface cleaning apparatus, including: a first agitator rotatable about a first axis; a second agitator rotatable about a second axis; a housing movable along a surface to be cleaned; wherein the housing at least partially defines a chamber which at least partially surrounds the first and second agitators, wherein said chamber includes: a dirty air inlet; a dirty air outlet; and an opening for permitting access to and removal of the first and/or second agitators from the chamber; the cleaner head further including a cover cooperatively associated with the housing for permitting access to the chamber through the opening; wherein the cover is movable to an agitator access position to permit the first and/or second agitator to be removed from the chamber through the opening in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first and/or second axis of the respective first and/or second agitator and in a direction which is substantially parallel to a plane of the surface to be cleaned.

The first and second agitators may be positioned generally side by side within the chamber.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a cleaner head for a surface cleaning apparatus, including: a first agitator rotatable about a first axis; a second agitator rotatable about a second axis; a housing movable along a surface to be cleaned; wherein the housing at least partially defines a chamber which at least partially surrounds the first and second agitators, wherein said chamber includes: a dirty air inlet; a dirty air outlet; and an opening for permitting access to and removal of the first and/or second agitators from the chamber, said opening being in the front and/or top and/or rear and/or bottom of the housing; wherein the first and second agitators are positioned generally side by side within the chamber; the cleaner head further including a cover cooperatively associated with the housing for permitting access to the chamber through the opening; wherein the cover is movable to an agitator access position to permit the first and/or second agitator to be removed from the chamber through the opening.

The housing may include a front side, a rear side, a first side which extends between the front and rear sides and a second side generally opposite the first side which extends between the front and rear sides The housing may include top and bottom sides which extend generally between the front, rear, first and second sides.

The opening may be in the front and/or top and/or rear and/or bottom of the housing.

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

The first and/or second agitators may be positioned adjacent the cover.

The cover may be releasably connectable, e.g., removable from, the housing.

The cover may be pivotably movable, preferably downwardly, relative to the housing.

The cover may be slidably movable, preferably vertically, with respect to the housing.

The first and second agitators may be generally parallel.

The first and second agitators may be generally coaxial.

The first agitator may be inclined at an angle with respect to the second agitator.

The first axis of the first agitator may be inclined at an angle to the front and/or rear sides of the housing The second axis of the second agitator may be inclined at an angle to the front and/or rear sides of the housing.

The first agitator may be positioned on the first side of the housing.

The second agitator may be positioned on the second side of the housing.

The cleaner head may include a motor for driving the first and/or second agitator.

The cleaner head may include a drive formation operatively connected to the motor.

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

In use, the drive formation may be engaged by the drive engagement formation for driving the first agitator.

The first agitator may include a second end which includes a retaining formation for retaining the first agitator relative to the housing, preferably for retaining the second end of the first agitator relative to the first side of the housing.

The first agitator may be a brush bar.

The first agitator may include microfibre and/or bristles.

The second agitator may include one or more or all of the features of the first agitator.

The first and second agitators each may have a respective length and diameter.

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

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

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

The housing may include an intermediate portion.

The first and second agitators may be separated by the intermediate portion.

The drive formation may be positioned in the intermediate portion.

The drive formation may be positioned generally centrally in the chamber.

The cleaner head may include a spray nozzle device for spraying cleaning fluid onto the first and/or second agitator.

The spray nozzle device may be fluidly connectable to a cleaning fluid supply tank of a cleaning apparatus The cleaner head may include first and second spray nozzle devices.

The first spray nozzle device may be for spraying cleaning fluid onto the first agitator.

The second spray nozzle device may be for spraying cleaning fluid onto the second agitator.

The second aspect of the invention may include one or more or all of the features of the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the invention we provide a cleaner head for a surface cleaning apparatus, including: a first agitator rotatable about a first axis; a second agitator rotatable about a second axis; a housing movable along a surface to be cleaned; wherein the housing at least partially defines a chamber which at least partially surrounds the first and second agitators, wherein said chamber includes: a dirty air inlet; and a dirty air outlet; wherein the first and second agitators are positioned generally side by side within the chamber; and wherein the cleaner head further includes a spray nozzle device for spraying cleaning fluid onto the first and/or second agitator, said spray nozzle device being fluidly connectable to a cleaning fluid supply tank of a cleaning apparatus.

The cleaner head according to third aspect of the invention may include one or more or all of the features of the first aspect and/or second aspect of the invention.

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

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

The cleaning appliance may include a main body.

The cleaning appliance may include a cleaning fluid supply tank for holding a cleaning fluid which is preferably releasably connectable to the main body.

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

The cleaning fluid supply tank may be fluidly connected to a spray nozzle device, or the or each spray nozzle device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner in accordance with the present disclosure (outlet pipe not shown); Figure 2 is a perspective view of a cleaner head in accordance with the present disclosure (outlet pipe not shown); Figure 3 is a further perspective view of the cleaner head of Figure 2 with a front cover of the cleaner head removed; Figure 4 is a partially exploded view of the cleaner head of Figure 2 with the front cover and a first agitator of the cleaner head removed; Figure 5 is a partially exploded view of the cleaner head of Figure 2 with the front cover and first and second agitators of the cleaner head removed; Figure 6 is a front view of the cleaner head of Figure 2 (outlet pipe not shown); Figure 7 is a front view of the cleaner head of Figure 2 with the front cover of the cleaner head removed; Figure 8 is a front view of the cleaner head of Figure 2 with the front cover and the second agitator of the cleaner head removed; Figure 9 is a front view of the cleaner head of Figure 2 with the front cover and the first and second agitators of the cleaner head removed; Figure 10 is a side view of the cleaner head of Figure 2; Figure 11 is a bottom view of the cleaner head of Figure 2; Figure 12 is a perspective view of an agitator in isolation in accordance with the present disclosure; Figure 13 is an end on view of a first end of the agitator of Figure 12; Figure 14 is an end on view of a second end of the agitator of Figure 12; and Figures 15 to 17 show a series of steps to remove first and second agitators of the cleaner head through an opening in a front side of the cleaner head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a surface cleaning appliance 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The surface cleaning appliance 1 is, in particular 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 head 10. In particular 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 particular 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 (shown in Figure 11) 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, or recovery tank, 5. This is described in more detail below.

In 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 particular 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.

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 particular, 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 the present disclosure the cleaning fluid dispensing device may be at least one spray nozzle, or spray nozzle device, 6, or first and second spray nozzles 60, 62 (shown in Figures 3 to 5 and 7 to 9). The at least one spray nozzle 6, or first and second spray nozzles 60, 62, sprays cleaning fluid onto an agitator, or first and second agitators, of the cleaner head 10. The at least one spray nozzle, or the or each first and second spray nozzle 60, 62, 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 dispensing device 6.

The main body 2 also supports the dirt collection container, or recovery tank, 5 (as shown in Figure 1) 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 17.

In the present embodiment the cleaner head 10 includes wheels 22,24 (best seen in Figure 11) which are positioned at a rear side 16 of the cleaner head 10. In particular, the wheels 22, 24 are positioned either side of the outlet pipe 9 which fluidly connects a dirty air outlet 26 (as indicated in Figures 5 and 9) of the cleaner head 10 to the dirt collection container 5. As can be seen in Figure 11, further wheels 21, 23 are provided on a bottom side, or floor facing side, of the cleaner head 10. The further wheels 21, 23 may be positioned generally midway between a front and rear side 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. As shown in Figure 11, the housing 12 includes a front side 14 and first and second sides, e.g. right and left sides, 20, 18 which extend between the front side 14 and the rear side 16. The first side 20 is positioned generally opposite the second side 18. The front side 14, rear side 16, and first and second sides 20, 18 define a periphery which defines a footprint of the cleaner head 10. The housing 12 includes a bottom side, or floor facing side, 28 which is described in more detail below.

The housing 12 includes a top side 25. The top side 25 extends between the front side 14, rear side 16 and first and second sides 20, 18. In use, the top side 25 faces away from a surface to be cleaned. The housing 12 at least partially defines a chamber 13. The chamber 13 at least partially surrounds first and second agitators as described in more detail below.

The cleaner head 10 also includes first and second agitators 110, 112. The first and second agitators 110, 112 may be rotatable about respective axes R1, R2 within the chamber 13 (shown in figure 7). The axis R1 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 axis R2 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 first and second agitators 110, 112 are releasably connectable, or are removable from, the chamber 13, or housing 12, as will be described in more detail below.

In the present embodiment the first and second agitators 110, 112 are positioned generally side by side within the chamber 13. In other words, the chamber 13 at least partially surrounds the first and second agitators 110, 112. As can be seen in the Figures the first agitator 110 is positioned on the first, right, side 20 of the housing 12 and the second agitator 112 is positioned on the second, left, side 18 of the housing 12. In other words, the first agitator 110 is positioned closer to the first side of the housing 12 than the second agitator 112. The second agitator 112 is positioned closer to the second side of the housing 12 than the first agitator 110. In embodiments the second agitator may be positioned closer to the first side than the first agitator.

In the present embodiment the first and second agitators 110, 112 are generally coaxial. In other words, the axes R1, R2 of the first and second agitators 110, 112 may be aligned. In embodiments the first and second agitators 110, 112 may be generally parallel. For example, the second agitator 112 may be positioned rearwardly of the first agitator 110. In further envisaged embodiments the first agitator 110 may be inclined at an angle to the second agitator 112. The first agitator 110, or the axis R1 of the first agitator 110, may be inclined at an angle to the front and/or rear sides 14, 16 of the housing 12. The first and second agitators 110, 112 may be separated by an intermediate portion of the housing 12 which extends into the chamber 13. The first and/or second agitators 110, 112 may be driven by a motor. This is described in more detail below.

The provision of first and second agitators 110, 112 is advantageous. Providing first and second agitators enables the agitators to be driven at a position other than the first or second side 20, 18. This enables the agitators to extend closer to the first and second sides 20, 18 of the housing 12 and so improve the effective cleaning footprint of the cleaner head 10 and the edge cleaning ability of the cleaner head 10.

The first and second agitators 110, 112, advantageously, can be removed from the cleaner head 10 separately, as shown at Figures 4 and 8. For example, the first agitator 110 can be removed whilst the second agitator 112 remains in situ. Conversely, the second agitator 112 can be removed whilst the first agitator 110 remains in situ. This is advantageous as if the agitators 110, 112 wear unevenly then only the first or second agitator 110, 112 need be replaced or cleaned.

In the present disclosure the first and second agitators 110, 112 are substantially the same, or the second agitator 112 is a mirror image of the first agitator 110. Therefore, only the first agitator 110 will be described in detail. In embodiments the first and second agitators 110, 112 may differ. In embodiments, the second agitator may include one or more or all the features of the first agitator. In further envisaged embodiments the second agitator may not share any features with the first agitator. For example, the first and second agitators 110, 112 may each have a respective length and diameter. In the present embodiment the first and second agitators have the same, or substantially the same, length and diameter. In embodiments, the first agitator may have a length and/or diameter which is greater than the second agitator. In embodiments, the second agitator may have a length and/or diameter which is greater than the first agitator.

Referring to Figures 12 to 14 the first agitator 110 in the present embodiment is a brush bar. The first agitator 110 is formed as a generally cylindrical member including a main body 114. The main body may include a microfibre material 117 on its outer surface 113. In other words, the first agitator 110 may include microfibre. The microfibre material 117 may be tufted. The first agitator 110, or main body 114, may include bristles 118. The 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 first agitator 110.

The first agitator 110 includes first and second respective ends 1100, 1102. These are described in more detail below. How the ends interact with a remainder of the cleaner head 10 is described in further detail later.

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

In the present embodiment the drive engagement formation 1130 is a frusto-conical recess operably connected to the main body 114. The drive engagement formation 1130 may be centred on the axis R1. Ridges 1132 may be provided within the recess which extend along the axis R1 of the first agitator 110, preferably helically, to provide surfaces for transmitting drive to the first agitator 110. The ridges may have a width which decreases as the ridges extend away from the main body 114. In other embodiments other drive engagement formations could be used. For example, the drive engagement formation could be formed by one or more gears on the first end or a pulley driven by a belt without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The second end 1102 in use is positioned closest to the first, right, side 20 of the housing 12. As shown in Figure 14, the second end includes a retaining formation 1110 for retaining the first agitator 110 relative to the housing 12. Preferably, the retaining formation 1110 is for retaining the second end 1102 of the first agitator 110 relative to the first side 20 of the housing 12. The retaining formation 1110 is rotatably connected to the main body 114 of the first agitator 110. The retaining formation and/or the second end 1102 may include a bearing to permit the main body 114 to rotate with respect to the retaining formation 1110. The retaining formation is mounted to the main body along the axis R1. In other embodiments this may not be the case. In the present embodiment the retaining formation 1110 is a clip, or tab, which in use is received by a recess and further recesses in a wall of the chamber 13 (described in more detail below). The retaining formation 1110 includes a grip 1112 for a user to grip to facilitate removal of the agitator from the chamber 13. The retaining formation includes first and second protrusions 1114, 1116 positioned generally opposite each other and between a mounting point of the retaining formation 1110 to the main body 114 and the grip 1112. The protrusions 1114, 1116 engage the further recesses when the first agitator 110 is in position in the chamber 13 to provide a snap-fit connection between the housing 12 and the first agitator 110.

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

The bottom side, or floor facing side, 28 includes first, second and third floor engaging devices 30, 32, 34 and first and second wiper devices 70, 72. In the present embodiment the first, second and third floor engaging devices 30, 32, 34 are lint pick up strips, or felt strips. The first and second wiper devices 70, 72, in the present embodiment, are squeegees. The or each floor engaging device 30, 32, 34 is positioned rearwardly of the wiper device 70 and/or the dirty air inlet 27. The or each floor engaging device 30, 32, 34 is positioned forwardly of the wiper device 72. In other words, the or each floor engaging device 30, 32, 34 is positioned between the first and second wiper devices 70, 72. Each of the first, second and third floor engaging devices 30, 32, 32 and the first and second wiper devices 70, 72 extend laterally, preferably linearly, between the first and second sides 20, 18 of the housing 12. In the present embodiment the first, second and third floor engaging devices 30, 32, 34 and the first and second wiper devices 70, 72 each have approximately the same length. In embodiments, this may not be the case. For example, the first and/or second and/or third floor engaging device may have a length greater than, or less than, the first and/or second wiper 70, 72. In embodiments the first, second or third floor engaging devices 30, 32, 34 may have a length greater than or less than the other of the respective first, second or third floor engaging devices 30, 32, 34. In embodiments the first wiper 70 may have a greater length than the second wiper 72. In embodiments, the second wiper 72 may have a greater length than the first wiper 70.

In the present embodiment, the first and second floor engaging devices 30, 32 may be positioned forwardly of the further wheels 21, 23. The third floor engaging device 34 is positioned rearwardly of the further wheels 21, 23. The first wiper device 70 is positioned forwardly of the further wheels 21, 23. The second wiper device 72 is positioned rearwardly of the further wheels 21, 23. In embodiments this may not be the case. For example, the further wheels 21, 23 may be positioned forwardly of any one or more or all the first, second and third floor engaging devices 30, 32, 34 and/or the first wiper device 70. In embodiments, the further wheels 21, 23 may be positioned rearwardly for the second wiper device 72.

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

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

As shown on Figure 10, the bottom side, or floor facing side, 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 The chamber 13 at least partially surrounds the first and second agitators 110, 112. The chamber 13 is at least partially defined by a rear chamber wall 201. The rear chamber wall 201 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.

The chamber is also defined by respective first and second side walls 200, 180 which are respectively positioned closer to or adjacent the first and second sides 20, 18 of the housing 12. The second side wall 180 is a mirror image of the first side wall 200 and so only the first side wall 200 is described in detail. The side wall 200 includes an inwardly facing surface 202. The inwardly facing surface 202 includes a recess 204. The inwardly facing surface 202 also includes an abutment wall 205 which at least partially defines the recess 204. The recess 204 receives, in use, the second end 1102 of the first agitator 110 when the agitator 110 is inserted into the chamber 13. The first agitator 110 also abuts the abutment wall 205 once it is in position, as explained in more detail below. The inwardly facing surface 202 also includes further recesses 206, 208 positioned above and below the recess 204 for providing a snap-fit connection for the first agitator 110 as will be explained in more detail below. The further recesses 206, 208 may be fluidly connected to the recess 204.

The chamber 13 includes an opening 15 for permitting access to and removal of the first and second agitators 110, 112 from the chamber 13. The opening 15 extends at least partially across the front side 14 of the housing 12 between the first and second sides 20, 18 and the top and bottom sides 25, 28. The cleaner head 10 includes a cover 17 positioned, in use, over the opening 15 on the front side 14 of the housing 12. The cover 17 also extends across the front side 14 of the housing 12 and between the first and second sides 20, 18 and the top and bottom sides 25, 28. In embodiments, the opening 15 and/or the cover 17 may extend towards and across the front side 14 and/or the top side 25 and/or the rear side 16 and/or the bottom side 28 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The cover 17 is cooperatively associated with the housing 12 for permitting access to the chamber 13 through the opening 15 in the front side 14 of the housing 12. In use, the first and second agitators 110, 112 may be positioned adjacent the cover 17. In Figures 1, 2, 6 and 10 the cover 17 is shown closing the opening 15. In Figures 3 to 5,7 to 9 and 15 to 17 the cover 17 has been moved to and is shown in an agitator access position. The cover 17 is typically in an, in use, position in which the cover 17 covers the opening 15. The cover 17 is movable to an agitator access position to permit the first and second agitators 110, 112 to be removed from the chamber 13 through the opening 15 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the axes R1, R2 of the first and second agitators 110, 112 and in a direction which is substantially parallel to a plane of the surface to be cleaned. In particular, the second end 1102 of the first agitator 110 is pivoted about the first end 1100 of the first agitator 110 to remove the second end 1102 through the opening 15 before the remainder of the first agitator 110 is removed through the opening 15. A second end 1122 of the second agitator 112 is pivoted about a first end 1120 of the second agitator 112 to remove the second end 1130 through the opening 15 before the remainder of the second agitator 112 is removed through the opening 15. Advantageously, the first and second agitators 110, 112 can be removed separately, or independently.

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

The housing 12 includes an intermediate portion 300 which extends into the chamber 13. In particular the intermediate portion 300 extends downwardly, preferably vertically, from the top side towards the bottom side 28. The first agitator 110 may be positioned to a first side of the intermediate portion 300 in a first chamber portion 1300 and the second agitator 112 may be positioned to a second side of the intermediate portion 300 in a second chamber portion 1302. The first end 1100 of the first agitator 110 may be positioned adjacent the intermediate portion. The first end 1120 of the second agitator 112 may be positioned adjacent the intermediate portion. In the present embodiment the first and second chamber portions 1300, 1302 are fluidly connected by a further portion of the chamber 13 positioned rearwardly of the intermediate portion 300. The further portion may be positioned forwardly of the dirty air outlet 27. In other words, there may be a space between the intermediate portion 300 and the rear chamber wall 201.

A drive formation may be positioned generally centrally in the chamber 13. The drive formation, in the present embodiment, is positioned in the intermediate portion 300. In particular, the drive formation 300 may include first and second protrusions 302, 304 which extend to first and second respective sides of the intermediate portion 300. The protrusions 302, 304 may be generally frusto-conical and may include grooves which increase in width as they extend away from the intermediate portion 300 and which are preferably helical. In use, the protrusions 302, 304 may be received by the drive engagement formations of the respective first and second agitators 110, 112. The protrusions 302, 304 may be a complementary shape to the recesses 1130 to permit the protrusions to engage the recesses 1130 and drive the first and second agitators 110, 112. The drive formation is operably connected to a motor (not shown) to cause the drive formation to rotate with respect to the housing 12. The motor may be positioned rearwardly of the chamber 13, e.g., at a rear side 16 of the housing 12. The motor may be operably connected to the drive formation by a belt (not shown). In embodiments, the motor may be integrally formed with the drive formation and may be positioned generally centrally in the chamber 13.

The cover 17 is releasably connectable, or removable from the housing 12. In particular, the cleaner head 10 includes a holding member 40, as shown in the Figures, in the form of a latch biased by a spring, positioned on the top side 25 of the housing 12 generally midway between the first and second sides 20, 18 of the housing 12 for holding the cover 17 in position relative to the housing 12 in a chamber closed position. The latch may be pivotably connected to the housing 12.

In the present embodiment the cover 17 is pivotably movable and/or slidably movable, preferably downwardly, with respect to the housing 12, e.g., when the cover is moved to an agitator access position. In particular, the cover 17 is pivotably movable downwardly and releasably connectable to the housing 12 when the cover is moved to an agitator access position. To open the cover 17 the holding member 40 is depressed which compresses the spring. The pivoting action of the holding member 40 causes the holding member 40 to pivot upwardly to disengage from the cover 17. This permits the cover 17 to pivot downwardly. The spring then biases the holding member 40 to its original position. To close the cover 17, once opened, a user pivots the cover upwardly and/or slides the cover towards a chamber closed position. This action causes the holding member 40 to pivot upwardly and compress the spring. Once in position the holding member 40 pivots downwardly into engagement with the cover 17 by virtue of the compressive force stored in the spring.

A method of removing the first and second agitators 110, 112 from the cleaner head 10 will now be described with reference to Figures 15 to 17.

Initially, as shown in Figure 15, the cover 17 is in an in use position at or on the front 14 of the housing 12 and is held in position by the holding member 40. The holding member 40 is depressed to compress the spring and such that a front portion of the holding member 40 pivots upwardly. This causes the holding member 40 to disengage from the cover 17. The cover 17 is then free to pivot downwardly and/or slide away from the top side 25 of the housing 12.

From the position in Figure 15 the cover 17 is removed completely to expose the opening 15 and the first and second agitators 110, 112, as shown in Figure 16. A user may then grip the retaining formation 1110 by the grip 1112 and pull the second end 1102 of the first agitator 110 out of an in use position through the opening 15 in the front side 14 of the housing 12. This causes the agitator to effectively pivot about its first end 1100 as shown in Figure 16. From this position it is then possible to remove the first agitator 110 from the chamber 13 through the opening 15 in the front side 14 of the housing 12. Once the first agitator 110 is removed it is possible to clean the first agitator 110, or replace the first agitator 110 with a different agitator, before reinstalling the first agitator 110 by following the reverse process to that described above.

From the position in Figure 16 a user may then grip a retaining formation 1110 of the second agitator 112 by the grip 1112 and pull a second end 1122 of the second agitator 112 out of an in use position through the opening 15 in the front side 14 of the housing 12. This causes the agitator to effectively pivot about its first end 1120 as shown in Figure 17. From this position it is then possible to remove the second agitator 112 from the chamber 13 through the opening 15 in the front side 14 of the housing 12. Once the second agitator 112 is removed it is possible to clean the second agitator 112, or replace the second agitator 112 with a different agitator, before reinstalling the second agitator 112 by following the reverse process to that described above.

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.

The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein.

Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cleaner head for a surface cleaning apparatus, including: a first agitator rotatable about a first axis; a second agitator rotatable about a second axis; a housing movable along a surface to be cleaned; wherein the housing at least partially defines a chamber which at least partially surrounds the first and second agitators, wherein said chamber includes.a dirty air inlet; a dirty air outlet; and an opening for permitting access to and removal of the first and/or second agitators from the chamber; the cleaner head further including a cover cooperatively associated with the housing for permitting access to the chamber through the opening; wherein the cover is movable to an agitator access position to permit the first and/or second agitator to be removed from the chamber through the opening in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first and/or second axis of the respective first and/or second agitator and in a direction which is substantially parallel to a plane of the surface to be cleaned.
2. A cleaner head according to claim 1 wherein the first and second agitators are positioned generally side by side within the chamber.
3 A cleaner head for a surface cleaning apparatus, including: a first agitator rotatable about a first axis; a second agitator rotatable about a second axis; a housing movable along a surface to be cleaned; wherein the housing at least partially defines a chamber which at least partially surrounds the first and second agitators, wherein said chamber includes: a dirty air inlet; a dirty air outlet; and an opening for permitting access to and removal of the first and/or second agitators from the chamber; wherein the first and second agitators are positioned generally side by side within the chamber; the cleaner head further including a cover cooperatively associated with the housing for permitting access to the chamber through the opening; wherein the cover is movable to an agitator access position to permit the first and/or second agitator to be removed from the chamber through the opening.
4. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim wherein the housing includes a front side, a rear side, a first side which extends between the front and rear sides and a second side generally opposite the first side which extends between the front and rear sides.
5. A cleaner head according to claim 4 when dependent on claim 3 wherein the housing includes top and bottom sides which extend generally between the front, rear, first and second sides; wherein the opening is in the front and/or top and/or rear and/or bottom of the housing.
6. A cleaner head according to claim 4 wherein the opening and the cover are positioned at or on the front side of the housing; and/or wherein the first and second agitators are positioned adjacent the cover.
7. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim wherein the cover is releasably connectable, e.g., removable from, the housing; and/or wherein the cover is pivotably movable, preferably downwardly, relative to the housing; or wherein the cover is slidably movable, preferably vertically, with respect to the housing
8. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim wherein the first and second agitators are generally parallel; or wherein the first and second agitators are generally coaxial; or wherein the first agitator is inclined at an angle with respect to the second agitator and wherein the first axis of the first agitator is inclined at an angle to the front and/or rear sides of the housing; and/or wherein the second axis of the second agitator is inclined at an angle to the front and/or rear sides of the housing.
9. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim when dependent, directly or indirectly, on claim 4 wherein the first agitator is positioned on the first side of the housing; and/or wherein the second agitator is positioned on the second side of the housing.
10. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim further including a motor for driving the first and/or second agitator.
11. A cleaner head according to claim 10 further including a drive formation operatively connected to the motor; and wherein the first agitator includes a first end including a drive engagement formation; wherein, in use, the drive formation is engaged by the drive engagement formation for driving the first agitator.
12. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim when dependent, directly or indirectly, on claim 4 wherein the first agitator includes a second end which includes a retaining formation for retaining the first agitator relative to the housing, preferably for retaining the second end of the first agitator relative to the first side of the housing.
13. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim wherein the first agitator is a brush bar.
14. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim wherein the first agitator includes microfibre and/or bristles.
15. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim wherein the second agitator includes one or more or all of the features of the first agitator as set forth in claims 11 to 14.
16. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim wherein the first and second agitators each have a respective length and diameter; wherein the first agitator has a greater length and/or diameter than the second agitator or wherein the first and second agitators have the same length and/or diameter.
17. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim wherein the second agitator is a mirror image of the first agitator.
18. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim wherein the housing includes an intermediate portion, and wherein the first and second agitators are separated by the intermediate portion.
19. A cleaner head according to claim 18 when dependent, directly or indirectly, on claim 11 wherein the drive formation is positioned in the intermediate portion.
20. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim when dependent, directly or indirectly, on claim 11 wherein the drive formation is positioned generally centrally in the chamber
21. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim including a spray nozzle device for spraying cleaning fluid onto the first and/or second agitator, said spray nozzle device being fluidly connectable to a cleaning fluid supply tank of a cleaning apparatus.
22. A cleaner head according to claim 21 including first and second spray nozzle devices; wherein the first spray nozzle device is for spraying cleaning fluid onto the first agitator; and wherein the second spray nozzle device is for spraying cleaning fluid onto the second agitator.
23. A cleaner head for a surface cleaning apparatus, including: a first agitator rotatable about a first axis; a second agitator rotatable about a second axis; a housing movable along a surface to be cleaned; wherein the housing at least partially defines a chamber which at least partially surrounds the first and second agitators, wherein said chamber includes: a dirty air inlet; and a dirty air outlet; wherein the first and second agitators are positioned generally side by side within the chamber; and wherein the cleaner head further includes a spray nozzle device for spraying cleaning fluid onto the first and/or second agitator, said spray nozzle device being fluidly connectable to a cleaning fluid supply tank of a cleaning apparatus.
24. A cleaner head according to claim 23 including one or more or all of the features of the cleaner head as set forth in claims 1 to 22.
25. A cleaning appliance including a cleaner head according to any preceding claim.
26. A cleaning appliance according to claim 25 including a source of suction for drawing air through the dirty air outlet. 25
27. A cleaning appliance according to claim 25 or claim 26 including: a main body; a cleaning fluid supply tank for holding a cleaning fluid which is preferably releasably connectable to the main body; and a recovery tank fluidly connected to the dirty air outlet; wherein the cleaning fluid supply tank is fluidly connected to a spray nozzle device, or the or each spray nozzle device when dependent, directly or indirectly, on claims 21 to 23.