WO2023223011A1

WO2023223011A1 - A cleaner head for a surface cleaning appliance

Info

Publication number: WO2023223011A1
Application number: PCT/GB2023/051277
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sam Bennett; Peter Davies; James Hughes; Tobias HALE; Abigail SWAYNE
Original assignee: Techtronic Cordless Gp; Ashton, Timothy
Priority date: 2022-05-16
Filing date: 2023-05-16
Publication date: 2023-11-23
Also published as: GB202207158D0; GB2618794A

Abstract

A cleaner head for a surface cleaning apparatus, including: a housing movable along a surface to be cleaned; wherein the housing at least partially defines a chamber which includes: a dirty air inlet; a dirty air outlet; and an opening for permitting access to the chamber; the cleaner head further including a cover cooperatively associated with, and movable relative to, the housing for permitting access to the chamber through the opening; wherein the cover includes a wiper device which extends laterally between the first and second sides of the housing and which, in use, is positioned directly adjacent or contacts a surface to be cleaned.

Description

A CLEANER HEAD FOR A SURFACE 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 housing movable along a surface to be cleaned; wherein the housing at least partially defines a chamber which includes: a dirty air inlet; a dirty air outlet; and an opening for permitting access to the chamber; the cleaner head further including a cover cooperatively associated with, and movable relative to, the housing for permitting access to the chamber through the opening; wherein the cover includes a wiper device which extends laterally across the housing and which, in use, is positioned directly adjacent or contacts a surface to be cleaned.

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 wiper device may extend between the first and second sides.

The cover may be releasably connectable to the housing.

The cover may be removable from the housing.

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

The cleaner head may include first and second agitators rotatable about first and second respective axes.

The first and second agitators, in use, may be at least partially surrounded by the chamber.

The wiper device may extend towards the first and second agitators. The first and second agitators may have first and second respective ends.

The first ends of the first and second agitators may be positioned closer to each other than the second ends of the first and second agitators.

The wiper device may extend in a direction beyond the first ends of the first and second agitators.

The wiper device may extend laterally beyond a lateral position of the first end of the first and/or second agitator.

The housing may include an intermediate portion including first and second sides.

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

The wiper device may extend in a direction towards and/or beyond the first and second sides of the intermediate portion.

The first and/or second agitator may be a brush bar.

The first and/or second agitator may include microfibre and/or bristles.

The wiper device may deflect dirt and liquid on a surface to be cleaned towards the first agitator.

The wiper device may deflect dirt and liquid on a surface to be cleaned towards the second agitator.

The wiper device may be positioned generally centrally between lateral positions of the first and second sides.

The wiper device may be positioned forwardly of the chamber.

The wiper device may include first and second wiper portions.

The first wiper portion may be configured differently to the second wiper portion.

The first wiper portion may deflect dirt and liquid on a surface to be cleaned towards the first side of the housing. The second wiper portion may deflect dirt and liquid on a surface to be cleaned towards the second side of the housing.

The first wiper portion may be inclined at an angle to the second wiper portion.

The first wiper portion may extend laterally at an angle between the first and second sides of the housing.

The second wiper portion may extend laterally at an angle between the first and second sides of the housing.

The first and/or second wiper portions may be substantially linear in plan view.

The wiper device may further include a connection portion positioned between the first and second wiper portions.

The connection portion may form a point positioned forwardly of the first and second wiper portions.

The first and second wiper portions may substantially form a V-shape.

The wiper device may extend generally vertically downwardly towards a surface to be cleaned.

The wiper device may be elastically deformable.

The wiper device may be formed of or include rubber.

The wiper device may be a squeegee.

The front cover may include a recess.

The wiper device may be mounted in the recess.

The wiper device may be over-moulded into the recess.

According to a second aspect of the invention we include 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. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In orderthatthe 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 2a is a perspective view of a cleaner head in accordance with the present disclosure (outlet pipe not shown);

Figure 2b is an enlarged view of the section 2b of Figure 2a;

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

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the cover of the cleaner head of Figure 2 in isolation;

Figure 5 is a front view of the cleaner head of Figure 2 (outlet pipe not shown);

Figure 6a is a front view of the cleaner head of Figure 2 with the front cover of the cleaner head removed;

Figure 6b 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 7 is a side view of the cleaner head of Figure 2;

Figure 8a is a bottom perspective view of a front portion of the cleaner head of Figure 2;

Figure 8b is an enlarged view of the section 8b of Figure 8a; and

Figure 9 is a bottom view of the cleaner head of Figure 2.

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.

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 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. In particular, 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 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, 6a and 6b). 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 s 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 9.

In the present embodiment the cleaner head 10 includes wheels 22, 24 (best seen in figure 9) 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 Figure 6b) of the cleaner head 10 to the dirt collection container s. As can be seen in Figure 9, 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 9, 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. 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 25 towards the bottom side 28.

The cleaner head 10 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 6a). 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 first agitator may be positioned closer to the second side than the second agitator. 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 the intermediate portion 300 of the housing 12 which extends into the chamber 13. The first and/or second agitators 110, 112 may be driven by a motor.

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. 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.

The first and second agitators 110, 112 in the present embodiment may be brush bars. The agitators 110, 112 each may be formed as a generally cylindrical member including a main body. The main body may include a microfibre material 117 on its outer surface 113. In other words, the first and second agitators 110, 112 may include microfibre. The microfibre material 117 may be tufted. The first and second agitators 110, 112, or in other words the main body 114 of the first and second agitators 110, 112, 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 agitators 110, 112.

As shown in Figure 6a, the first agitator 110 may include first and second respective ends 1100, 1102. The second agitator 112 may include first and second respective ends 1120, 1122. The respective first ends 1100, 1120 of the first and second agitators 110, 112 may be positioned closer to each other than the respective second ends 1102, 1122 of the first and second agitators 110, 112.

The first ends 1100, 1120 in use may be positioned generally centrally in the chamber 13. The first agitator 110 may be positioned to a first side 302 of the intermediate portion 300 in a first chamber portion 1300 and the second agitator 112 may be positioned to a second side 304 of the intermediate portion 300 in a second chamber portion 1302. In particular, the first ends 1100, 1120 may be positioned adjacent the intermediate portion 300. 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 . The first ends 1100, 1120 may be driven by a central drive formation 1130 (shown in Figure 6b) housed in the intermediate portion 300.

The second end 1102 of the first agitator 110 in use is positioned closest to the first, right, side 20 of the housing 12. As shown in Figure 6a, the second end 1102 includes a retaining formation 1110 for retaining the first agitator 110 relative to the housing 12. The second end 1122 of the second agitator 112 in use is positioned closest to the second, left, side 18 of the housing 12. As shown in Figure 6a, the second end 1122 includes a retaining formation 1140 for retaining the second agitator 112 relative to the housing 12.

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, 34 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 (as shown in Figure 9). 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.

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 2a and 5 the cover 17 is shown closing the opening 15. In Figures 3, 6a and 6b the cover 17 has been moved to 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 1100 through the opening 15 before the remainder of the first agitator 110 is removed through the opening 15. A second end 1132 of the second agitator 112 is pivoted about a first end 1130 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.

As shown in Figures 2a, 2b, 4, 8a and 8b the cover 17 includes a front wiper device, or wiper device, 80 which, in use, is positioned directly adjacent or contacts a surface to be cleaned. In the present embodiment, the wiper device 80 is a squeegee. The wiper device 80 may be positioned at a front of the cleaner head 10 and may be laterally positioned generally midway between the first and second sides 20, 18. In other words, the wiper device 80 may be positioned laterally generally centrally with respect to the housing 12. The wiper device 80 may be positioned forwardly of the chamber 13 and/or forwardly of the intermediate portion 300. The cover 17 may include a recess (not shown) into which the wiper device is mounted, or overmoulded. In other words, the wiper device 80 is fixed in position relative to the cover 17.

The wiper device 80 may include first and second wiper portions 82, 84. The first and second wiper portions 82, 84 in the present embodiment are configured differently. The first wiper portion 82 may be configured to deflect dirt and/or debris from the surface to be cleaned towards the first side 20 of the housing 12 and/or the first agitator 110. The second wiper portion 84 may be configured to deflect dirt and/or debris from the surface to be cleaned towards the second side 18 of the housing 12 and/or the second agitator 112. The first wiper portion 82 may be inclined at an angle to the second wiper portion 84 and/or may be inclined at an angle to the first and/or second sides 20, 18 of the housing 12 and/or the front 16 of the housing 12. The first wiper portion 82 may be inclined at an angle to the axis R1 of the first agitator 110 and/or the axis R2 of the second agitator 112. The second wiper portion 84 may be inclined at an angle to the first wiper portion 82 and/or may be inclined at an angle to the first and/or second sides 20, 18 of the housing 12 and/or the front 16 of the housing 12. The second wiper portion 84 may be inclined at an angle to the axis R1 of the first agitator 110 and/or the axis R2 of the second agitator 112. The angle between the first wiper portion 82 and the axis R1 and/or axis R2 may be acute. In embodiments the angle between the first wiper portion 82 and the axis R1 and/or axis R2 may be obtuse without departing from the present disclosure. The angle between the second wiper portion 84 and the axis R1 and/or axis R2 may be acute. In embodiments the angle between the second wiper portion 84 and the axis R1 and/or axis R2 may be obtuse without departing from the present disclosure.

The first and second wiper portions 82, 84 are connected by a connection portion 86 which may extend between and/or be positioned between the first and second wiper portions 82, 84. The connection portion 86 may form a point positioned at a front of the housing 12. In particular, the connection portion 86 may be positioned forwardly of the first and second wiper portions 82, 84. The wiper device 80 may be generally V-shaped, as shown in the Figures, with the point of the V being positioned closest to the front of the housing 12. In embodiments, the connection portion 86 may be substantially linear or curvilinear or arcuate in plan view.

In the present embodiment the wiper device 80 extends generally laterally across the cover 17. In particular, the wiper device 80 extends towards the first and/or second agitators 110, 112 as described in more detail below. The wiper device 80 may also extend laterally across the intermediate portion 300 as seen from a front view of the cleaner head 10. The wiper device 80, in the present embodiment has a lateral length which is less than the first and/or second agitators 110, 112 and/or the intermediate portion 300. In embodiments, the wiper device 80 may have a lateral length which is the same or greater than the first and/or second agitators 110, 112 and/or the intermediate portion 300.

In the present embodiment, the first wiper portion 82 may extend at an angle towards the first side 20 of the housing 12, optionally laterally. The first wiper portion 82 may extend laterally beyond the first end 1100 of the first agitator 110, or may extend in a direction beyond the first end 1100 of the first agitator 110. The first wiper portion 82 may extend up to and/or beyond the first side 302 of the intermediate portion 300.

The second wiper portion 84 may be extend at an angle towards the second side 18 of the housing

12, optionally laterally. The second wiper portion 84 may extend laterally beyond the first end 1120 of the second agitator 112, or may extend in a direction beyond the first end 1120 of the second agitator 112. The second wiper portion 84 may extend up to and/or beyond the second side 304 of the intermediate portion 300.

In the present embodiment the first and/or second wiper portions 82, 84 may be substantially linear in plan view. In embodiments, the first and/or second wiper portions 82, 84 may be curvilinear or arcuate, for example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The first and second wiper portions 82, 84 in the present embodiment are substantially the same length. In embodiments, the first wiper portion 82 may have a greater length than the second wiper portion 84. In embodiments, the second wiper portion 84 may have a greater length than the first wiper portion 82. The connection portion 86 has a smaller length than the first and/or second wiper portions 82, 84 in the present embodiment. In embodiments, the connection portion 86 may have a length greater than the first and/or second wiper portions 82, 84.

In the present embodiment the wiper device 80 extends generally vertically downwardly towards a surface to be cleaned. In embodiments, the wiper device 80 may extend forwardly of the cover 17 as it extends towards a surface to be cleaned. In embodiments, the wiper device 80 may extend rearwardly, e.g., towards the chamber 13, as it extends towards a surface to be cleaned.

In the present embodiment the wiper device 80 is elastically deformable. The wiper device 80 may be formed of, or may include, rubber, for example. Alternatively, the wiper device 80 may be formed from, or include, a thermoplastic elastomer, such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), or may be formed from, or include, polyurethane without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The wiper devices 70, 72 may be formed from similar materials.

The wiper device 80 is advantageous. Whilst the provision of first and second agitators 110, 112 positioned either side of the intermediate portion 300 results in more effective edge cleaning over the footprint of the cleaner a space in the middle of the cleaner head 10 is left which the agitators 110, 112 cannot reach. The wiper device 80, advantageously deflects any dirt and debris which would otherwise pass into this space towards the first or second agitator 110, 112 to subsequently be cleaned up from the floor. Therefore, the wiper device 80 increases the effective cleaning footprint of the cleaner head 10 whilst maintaining the advantageous edge cleaning abilities of the cleaner head 10.

The cover 17 may also include a movable wiper 400 (as shown at Figure 4). The wiper device 80 may be positioned forwardly of the movable wiper 400. The movable wiper includes a movable wiper body 406 which extends between the first and second sides 20, 18. The movable wiper also includes first and second floor engaging members 402, 404 for moving the movable wiper 400 between first and second positions. In the first position the movable wiper body 406 is positioned out of contact with a surface to be cleaned. In the second position the movable wiper body 406 is in contact with the surface to be cleaned. The first and second floor engaging members 402, 404 move the movable wiper 400 between the first and second respective positions by frictional engagement with the surface to be cleaned. The movable wiper is pivotably, or rotatably, connected to the cover 17 to permit the movable wiper 400 to pivot or rotate between the first and second positions. The movable wiper 400 may pivot or rotate about an axis M which extends generally parallel to the front 16 of the housing 12. The axis M may be positioned generally between the movable wiper body 406 and the first and second floor engaging members 402, 404.

In use, the movable wiper 400 may adopt the first position when the cleaner head 10 is moved in a forward direction, whilst the wiper device 80 stays in position. This is advantageous as it permits larger debris to be picked up by the cleaner head 10 and/or be deflected to the first or second agitators 110, 112 to be cleaned. The movable wiper 400 may adopt the second position when the cleaner head 10 is moved in a rearward direction. The wiper device 80 may stay in position. This is advantageous as it provides a more effective seal at the front of the cleaner head 10 to more effectively suction dirt and debris from a surface to be cleaned.

The cover 17 is releasably connectable, or removable from to 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 pivot downwardly into engagement with the cover 17 by virtue of the compressive force stored in the spring.

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

1 . A cleaner head for a surface cleaning apparatus, including: a housing movable along a surface to be cleaned; wherein the housing at least partially defines a chamber which includes: a dirty air inlet; a dirty air outlet; and an opening for permitting access to the chamber; the cleaner head further including a cover cooperatively associated with, and movable relative to, the housing for permitting access to the chamber through the opening; wherein the cover includes a wiper device which extends laterally across the housing and which, in use, is positioned directly adjacent or contacts a surface to be cleaned.

2. A cleaner head according to claim 1 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; wherein the wiper device extends between the first and second sides.

3. A cleaner head according 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.

4. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim including first and second agitators rotatable about first and second respective axes, said first and second agitators, in use, being at least partially surrounded by the chamber.

5. A cleaner head according to claim 4 wherein the wiper device extends towards the first and second agitators.

6. A cleaner head according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the first and second agitators have first and second respective ends, wherein the first ends of the first and second agitators are positioned closer to each other than the second ends of the first and second agitators; and wherein the wiper device extends in a direction beyond the first ends of the first and second agitators; optionally wherein the wiper device extends laterally beyond a lateral position of the first end of the first and/or second agitator.

7. A cleaner head according to any one of claims 4 to 6 when dependent, directly or indirectly, on claim 2 wherein the housing includes an intermediate portion including first and second sides and wherein the first and second agitators are separated by the intermediate portion; and wherein the wiper device extends in a direction towards and/or beyond the first and second sides of the intermediate portion.

8. A cleaner head according to any one of claims 4 to 7 wherein the first and/or second agitator is a brush bar.

9. A cleaner head according to any one of claims 4 to 8 wherein the first and/or second agitator includes microfibre and/or bristles.

10. A cleaner head according to any one of claims 4 to 9 wherein the wiper device deflects dirt and liquid on a surface to be cleaned towards the first agitator; and/or wherein the wiper device deflects dirt and liquid on a surface to be cleaned towards the second agitator.

11. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim when dependent, directly or indirectly, on claim 2 wherein the wiper device is positioned generally centrally between lateral positions of the first and second sides.

12. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim wherein the wiper device is positioned forwardly of the chamber.

13. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim wherein the wiper device includes first and second wiper portions, wherein the first wiper portion is configured differently to the second wiper portion.

14. A cleaner head according to claim 13 when dependent, directly or indirectly, on claim 2 wherein the first wiper portion deflects dirt and liquid on a surface to be cleaned towards the first side of the housing; and/or wherein the second wiper portion deflects dirt and liquid on a surface to be cleaned towards the second side of the housing.

15. A cleaner head according to claim 13 or claim 14 when dependent, directly or indirectly, on claim 2 wherein the first wiper portion is inclined at an angle to the second wiper portion; and wherein the first wiper portion extends laterally at an angle between the first and second sides of the housing; and/or wherein the second wiper portion extends laterally at an angle between the first and second sides of the housing.

16. A cleaner head according to any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the first and/or second wiper portions are substantially linear in plan view.

17. A cleaner head according to any one of claims 13 to 16 wherein the wiper device further includes a connection portion positioned between the first and second wiper portions.

18. A cleaner head according to claim 17 wherein the connection portion forms a point positioned forwardly of the first and second wiper portions.

19. A cleaner head according to any one of claims 13 to 18 wherein the first and second wiper portions substantially form a V-shape.

20. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim wherein the wiper device extends generally vertically downwardly towards a surface to be cleaned.

21 . A cleaner head according to any preceding claim wherein the wiper device is elastically deformable.

22. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim wherein the wiper device is formed of or includes rubber.

23. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim wherein the wiper device is a squeegee.

24. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim wherein the front cover includes a recess; and wherein the wiper device is mounted in the recess; or wherein the wiper device is over-moulded into the recess.

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.