CN115135210A - Cleaner head for a cleaning appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

A cleaner head for a cleaning appliance comprising an agitator, a housing, a squeegee and a floor engaging means, the agitator being rotatable about an axis; said housing having a front side, a rear side and first and second sides extending between said front and rear sides and a ground-facing surface extending between said front side, said rear side and said first and second sides which in use faces a surface to be cleaned, wherein said housing defines a chamber which at least partially surrounds said agitator and has a dirty air inlet and a dirty air outlet; the squeegee extending laterally between the first and second sides of the housing and being disposed on or adjacent the ground-facing surface of the housing; the ground contacting device extends laterally between the first and second sides of the housing and is positioned on or adjacent the ground-facing surface of the housing, the ground contacting device including an absorbent portion, wherein the squeegee and the ground contacting device are positioned rearward of the dirty air inlet.

Description

Cleaner head for cleaning utensils

technical field

The present invention relates to a cleaner head for cleaning appliances. In particular, the present invention relates to, but is not limited to, a cleaner head suitable for use with a variety of floor or wet/dry vacuum cleaners.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, we provide a cleaner head for cleaning appliances, the cleaner head comprising an agitator, a housing, a scraper and a ground contacting device, the agitator being rotatable about an axis ; the housing has a front side, a back side and first and second sides extending between the front side and the back side, the housing further comprising the front side, the back side and the a ground facing surface extending between the first and second sides facing, in use, the surface to be cleaned, wherein the housing defines a chamber at least partially surrounding the agitator, the chamber having a dirty air inlet and a dirty air inlet an air outlet; the wiper extends laterally between the first and second sides of the housing and is positioned on or adjacent to the ground-facing surface of the housing ; said ground contacting means extends laterally between said first and second sides of said housing and is positioned on or adjacent said ground facing surface of said housing, so The ground contacting device includes an absorbent portion, wherein the wiper and the ground contacting device are positioned behind the dirty air inlet.

The ground contacting device may be positioned between the wiper and the rear side of the housing.

The wiper may be positioned between the ground contacting device and the rear side of the housing.

The wiper may be placed on the bottom of the housing at least partially defining the portion of the chamber facing the surface to be cleaned.

The scraper is pivotable, preferably about an axis parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of the agitator.

The length of the scraper measured generally parallel to the axis of the agitator may be equal to or greater than the length of the agitator measured along its axis.

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

The length of the ground contacting device measured generally parallel to the axis of the agitator may be greater than the length of the scraper measured generally parallel to the axis of the agitator.

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

The absorbent portion of the ground contacting device may be or include a lint pick-up strip or similar structure.

The absorbent portion of the ground contacting device may comprise a felt material.

The absorbent portion of the ground contacting device may comprise a microfiber material.

The ground contacting means may be retained in and preferably slidably removable therefrom in the channel formed by the ground facing surface of the housing.

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

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

Description of drawings

The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a cleaner head according to an embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a perspective view of the cleaner head shown in FIG. 2 with the cover and agitator of the cleaner head removed;

Figure 4 is a bottom view of the cleaner head shown in Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a side view of the cleaner head shown in Figure 2;

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

7 is an enlarged schematic side sectional view of the ground contact device viewed along the axis R direction of the agitator 11;

8 is an enlarged schematic side cross-sectional view along the axis R of the agitator 11 when the ground-contacting device shown in FIG. 7 is connected to the ground-facing surface 28 of the housing 12;

Fig. 9 is another side sectional enlarged schematic view of the ground contact device viewed along the axis R direction of the agitator 11;

10 is an enlarged schematic side sectional view taken along the direction of the axis R of the agitator 11 when the ground contacting device shown in FIG. 9 is connected to the ground surface 28 of the housing 12 .

Detailed ways

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a surface cleaning appliance 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The surface cleaning appliance 1 is in a specific embodiment a wet/dry vacuum cleaner or a cleaner suitable for various floors. The surface cleaning appliance 1 includes a body 2 and a cleaner head 10 . The surface cleaning appliance 1 may rest on the cleaner head 10 when in use and/or in the storage position. The main body 2 is connectable to the cleaner head 10 . In particular embodiments, the body 2 is pivotally connected to the cleaner head 10 . The connection between the main body 2 and the cleaner head 10 allows the main body to rotate in the fore-aft direction of the movement of the cleaner in use towards the left and right sides of the cleaner head 10, which are substantially vertical in or perpendicular to the fore-aft direction in which the cleaner moves in use. In particular embodiments, the pivotal connection is such that the body 2 sits within the outer circumference of the cleaner head 10, ie within the front, rear and first and second sides of the cleaner head 10 (described in more detail below), The center of gravity of the surface cleaning appliance 1 is thereby located within the footprint of the cleaner head 10 . This enables the surface cleaning appliance to be stored in an upright position. To achieve this pivotal connection, a discharge pipe 9 is provided between the cleaner head 10 and the body 2 . The discharge tube 9 is more flexible and ensures that the pivotal connection between the body 2 and the cleaner 10 works. The discharge pipe 9 is in fluid connection with the dirty air outlet of the cleaner head and the dust collection container 5 . This will be explained in detail below.

It should be understood that in other specific embodiments, the main body 2 may be fixed in position relative to the cleaner head 10 . In other contemplated embodiments, the surface cleaning appliance 1 may be a cartridge cleaner. In such embodiments, the surface cleaning implement may comprise a wand having a first end connected to the discharge tube 9 and a second end connected to the cleaner head 10 .

The surface cleaning appliance includes a handle 3 for the user to hold. The handle 3 can be placed above the main body 2 . In particular embodiments, the handle 3 may be placed on top of the surface cleaning appliance 1 .

Body 2 encases a suction source (eg motor, fan, impeller) to generate a vacuum (not shown). In some embodiments, the motor may be a brushless motor. The suction source may be placed on top of the body 2 . In particular embodiments, the suction source may be placed adjacent to the handle 3 .

A cleaning liquid supply tank 4 for containing cleaning liquid is supported by the main body 2 . In use, the cleaning fluid supply tank 4 contains fluid for cleaning the surface to be cleaned. For example, a cleaning solution supply tank may contain a premixed cleaning solution for cleaning surfaces. In other specific embodiments, the cleaning liquid supply tank 4 may contain water in which the concentrated cleaning solution is added, and then may also receive another cleaning liquid supply tank (not shown) from the cleaning appliance 1 Water with concentrated cleaning solution added. The cleaning liquid supply tank 4 is detachably connected to the main body 2 , although it may also be fixed to the main body 2 . In a specific embodiment, the cleaning fluid supply tank 4 is at least partially accommodated within a recess in the outer surface of the main body 2 . A liquid inlet (not shown) is provided in the recess, and the cleaning liquid supply tank 4 is fluidly connected to the liquid inlet. The cleaning liquid supply tank 4 is placed behind the main body 2 with respect to the front-rear direction in which the cleaner moves in use. The cleaning liquid supply tank 4 is also placed near or adjacent to the suction source.

The liquid inlet is in fluid connection with the cleaning liquid distribution device 6 on the cleaner head 10 . In a specific embodiment, the cleaning liquid distribution device 6 is at least one nozzle 6 . The at least one nozzle 6 sprays cleaning liquid onto the agitator of the cleaner head 10 . Alternatively, the at least one nozzle sprays the cleaning liquid directly or additionally onto the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning fluid distribution device is fluidly connected to the fluid inlet by fluid passages extending from the body 2 through the body 2 to the cleaner head 10 . This allows liquid from the cleaning liquid supply tank 4 to be conveyed to the cleaning liquid distribution device 6 .

The main body 2 also supports a dust collection container 5, which is fluidly connected to the suction source. The dust collection container 5 is also fluidly connected to the dirty air outlet of the cleaner head via a discharge pipe 9 . The dust collection container 5 may comprise a gas-liquid separator for separating any dirty cleaning liquid and dust contained therein absorbed from the surface to be cleaned from the air. The dust container 5 is detachably connected to the main body 2 of the cleaning appliance 1 , although it may be fixed in the main body 2 . The dust collection container 5 is also provided in the lower half of the main body 2, closer to the cleaner head 10 than the handle 3 is. The dust collecting container 5 is placed in front of the main body with respect to the front-rear direction in which the cleaner moves during use. The dust collection container 5 may support a bag or other container for the collected dust which can be removed to throw away the collected dust.

Next, the cleaner head 10 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2-10 .

In the present embodiment, the cleaner head 10 includes wheels 22 , 24 disposed on the rear side 16 of the cleaner head 10 . In a specific embodiment, the wheels 22 , 24 are placed on either side of a discharge pipe 9 which fluidly connects the dirty air outlet 26 of the cleaner head 10 to the dust collection container 5 . As shown in FIG. 4 , another pair of wheels 21 , 23 is provided on the ground-facing surface of the cleaner head 10 . The wheels 22, 24 and the other pair of wheels 21, 23 enable the surface cleaning appliance 1 to be moved across the surface to be cleaned. In other embodiments, the cleaner head 10 may have rollers instead of or in addition to the wheels 22 , 24 , which are positioned on the rear side 16 of the cleaner head 10 .

The cleaner head 10 includes a housing 12 that is movable along the surface to be cleaned. The housing 12 also includes a front side 14 and first and second sides extending between the front side 14 and the rear side 16 , such as a left side 18 and a right side 20 . The front side 14 , the rear side 16 , and the first and second sides 18 , 20 define an outer perimeter that defines the coverage of the cleaner head 10 . The housing 12 includes a ground-facing surface 28 that will be described in detail below.

The housing 12 includes a top surface 25 . The top surface 25 extends between the front side 14 , the rear side 16 and the first and second sides 18 , 20 . In use, the top surface 25 faces away from the surface to be cleaned.

The cleaner head 10 also includes an agitator 11 which is rotatable about an axis R within a chamber 13 defined at least in part by the housing 12 . The axis R is substantially parallel to the surface to be cleaned and is orthogonal to the front-to-rear direction in which the cleaner moves in use. The agitator 11 is constructed as a generally cylindrical piece with a microfibrous material 117 on its outer surface 113 . The microfibrous material 117 may be in clusters. The bristles 118 may contain microfiber material. The bristles 118 may be helically disposed on the outer surface of the agitator 11 in tufts.

The ground surface 28 extends between the front side 14 , the rear side 16 and the first and second sides 18 , 20 . In use, the ground facing surface 28 faces the surface to be cleaned. The ground facing surface 28 includes the ground contacting device 30 and a wiper, which in this embodiment is a scraper 70 . The ground contacting device 30 is placed behind the wiper 70 . The ground-facing surface 28 includes a dirty air inlet 27 through which the cleaner head 10 may receive dust laden air and dirty cleaning fluid. The dirty air inlet 27 extends between the portion of the agitator that is in contact with the surface to be cleaned and the scraper 70 when the agitator is in use. In a specific embodiment, the wiper 70 is positioned between the dirty air inlet 27 and the ground contacting device 30 . In particular embodiments, the wiper 70 may be positioned between the ground contacting device 30 and the rear side 16 of the housing 12 .

The chamber 13 at least partially surrounds the agitator 11 . Chamber 13 is at least partially defined by rear chamber wall 200 . The rear chamber wall 200 defines the dirty air outlet 26 . The dirty air outlet 26 is in fluid connection with the chamber 13 . The chamber 13 is also in fluid connection with a dirty air inlet 27 facing the surface to be cleaned.

As described above, the ground contacting device 30 is connected to the ground facing surface 28 of the housing 12 . The ground contacting device 30 extends laterally between the first and second sides 18, 20 of the housing (but not all the way to each corresponding side, although this can be done) to sweep or contact the surface to be cleaned. In particular embodiments, the ground contacting device 30 extends generally linearly between the first and second sides 18 , 20 of the housing 12 . The ground contacting device 30 is positioned between the dirty air inlet 27 and the rear side 16 of the housing 12 . In other words, the ground contacting device 30 is placed behind the dirty air inlet 27 .

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

In the current embodiment, the first portion is constructed of felt, eg, similar to a lint pick-up bar used in a vacuum cleaner without a rotatable agitator. This felt consists of natural or synthetic fibers. In particular embodiments, the first portion 40 may comprise one, more or all of the following materials: microfiber, open cell foam, flannel, suede, cloth, cotton, polyester, polyethylene, nylon or Acrylic. However, other absorbent materials may also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The cross-sectional shape/side profile of the first portion 40 viewed in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis R of the agitator 11 is substantially the same over its entire length. The first portion 40 may be substantially trapezoidal in side cross-sectional view perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis R of the agitator 11 (see the embodiments in Figures 9 and 10, where the arrangement of its bristles or tufts creates this overall shape) . However, in other embodiments (see FIGS. 7 and 8 ), the first portion 40 may be substantially square, rectangular, triangular or circular, or any other polygon.

In various embodiments, the first portion 40 has a free end 52 and a proximal end 82 proximate the ground-facing surface 28 . The free end 52 of the first portion 40 may be positioned at a distance X from the base 50 of the ground contacting device 30, the distance X being between 2.00 and 6.00 mm, preferably between 2.50 and 5.00 mm, more preferably 3.00 mm between 4.00mm, most preferably 3.80mm. The base 50 of the ground contacting device 30 will be described in more detail below.

The ground contacting device 30 includes a second portion 42 . The second portion 42 includes first and second lateral ends 60 , 62 . The second portion 42 has a length between the first and second lateral ends 60,62. The second portion 42 extends generally linearly between the first and second sides 18 , 20 of the housing 12 . In a specific embodiment, the second portion 42 extends substantially parallel to the axis R of the agitator 11 . The second portion 42 is closer to the front side 14 of the housing 12 than the first portion 40 is. In particular embodiments, the second portion 42 is placed adjacent the first portion 40 , preferably directly adjacent the first portion 40 , so that it abuts the first portion 40 .

The cross-sectional shape/side profile of the second portion 42 viewed in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis R of the agitator 11 is substantially the same over its entire length. In the embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10, the second portion 42 is generally trapezoidal in side cross-sectional view (wherein the arrangement of its bristles or tufts creates this overall shape). However, in other embodiments, the second portion 42 may be substantially square, rectangular (see FIGS. 7 and 8 ), triangular or circular in side cross-sectional view perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis R of the agitator 11 , or any other polygon.

The second portion 42 also has a free end 54 and a proximal end 80 proximate the ground-facing surface 28 . The free end 54 of the second portion 42 can be positioned at a distance Y from the base 50 of the ground contacting device 30, the distance X being between 2.00 and 6.00 mm, preferably between 2.50 and 5.50 mm, more preferably Between 3.00 and 5.00mm, most preferably 4.50mm.

The second portion 42 is stiffer than the first portion 40 . The second part 42 includes a plurality of bristles 43 for directing the flow of liquid from the surface to be cleaned to the first part 40 . The bristles 43 may be arranged in tufts and extend between the first and second sides 18 , 20 of the housing 12 .

In the current embodiment, the bristles of the second portion 42 are made of plastic. Plastics include thermoplastic elastomers and/or PVC. In specific embodiments, the bristles may be made from one, more or all of the following materials: PVC, polyethylene, nylon, ABS or rubber.

The first and second portions 40, 42 may be at least partially in contact along their respective lengths. This is particularly the case where the first and second parts 40, 42 are composed of bristles or tufts.

In particular embodiments, the proximal end 80 of the second portion 42 is in at least partial contact with the proximal end 82 of the first portion 40 . The proximal end 80 of the second portion 42 and the proximal end 82 of the first portion 40 are permanently connected to the base 50 of the ground contacting device 30 .

The ground contacting device includes a third portion 44 . The third portion 44 is positioned closer to the rear side 16 of the housing 12 than the first portion 40 is. In other words, the third portion 44 is further from the agitator 11 than the first and second portions 40 , 42 . In particular embodiments, the third portion 44 is placed adjacent the first portion 40 , preferably directly adjacent the first portion 40 , so that it abuts the first portion 40 . The third portion 44 is substantially the same (eg, a mirror image of) or the same as the second portion 42, but this is not required.

As described above, the ground contacting device 30 includes a base 50 for attaching the ground contacting device 30 to the ground facing surface 28 . The base 50 includes a pair of members 32 , 34 for attaching the ground contacting device 30 to the ground facing surface 28 . The members 32 , 34 are extensions toward or from the base 50 that extend forward and rearward, respectively, in a plane generally parallel to the surface 28 . These members 32, 34 together with the first, second and third portions 40, 42, 44 give the device 30 a T-shape in side view.

In particular embodiments, the ground facing surface 28 of the housing 12 includes a ground contacting device retaining portion 29 for holding the ground contacting device 30 in place. In a particular embodiment, the ground contacting device retaining portion 29 is a recess 29 formed in the ground facing surface 28 that accommodates the at least one member 32, 34 therein. In particular embodiments, the ground contacting device 30 is connected to the ground surface by sliding at least one member 32 , 34 of the base 50 into the recess 29 from the first side 18 of the housing 12 toward the second side 20 of the housing 12 . However, it should be understood that other types of retaining portions 29 may also be used. For example, either a hook-and-loop structure or a hook-and-hook structure could be used to removably attach the ground contacting device 30 to the ground facing surface 28 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The free end 54 of the second portion 42 is positioned further from the ground-facing surface 28 of the housing 12 than the free end 52 of the first portion 40 . In other words, the free end 54 of the second portion 42 is placed closer to the surface to be cleaned than the free end 52 of the first portion 40 . However, in other contemplated embodiments, the free end 52 of the first portion 40 is positioned further from the ground-facing surface 28 of the housing 12 than the free end 54 of the second portion 42 . In other words, in other contemplated embodiments, the free end 52 of the first portion 40 may be positioned closer to the surface to be cleaned than the free end 54 of the second portion 42 .

In particular embodiments, the first and second ends 60 , 62 of the second portion 42 extend toward the first and second sides 18 , 20 of the housing, respectively, to the same extent as the first and second ends 64 of the first portion 40 , 64 extend to the same extent. In other words, the first and second ends 60 , 62 of the second portion 42 are aligned with the first and second ends 64 , 66 of the first portion 40 along a plane generally orthogonal to the major axis of the ground-contacting device 30 . However, in other embodiments, the second portion 42 may extend closer to the first and/or second sides 18 , 20 of the housing than the first portion 40 does. In particular embodiments, the first and/or second portions 40 , 42 may extend laterally between the first and second sides 18 , 20 of the housing 12 on the ground surface 28 of the housing 12 for a distance of at least 200.00 mm, 210.00mm, 220.00mm, 230.00mm, 240.00mm or 250.00mm, and up to 300.00mm, 290.00mm, 280.00mm, 270.00mm, 260.00mm or 250.00mm. In particular embodiments, the first and second portions 40 , 42 extend laterally over the ground surface 28 of the housing 12 between the first and second sides 18 , 20 of the housing 12 by a distance of 248.30 mm.

A wiper 70 (eg, a scraper) is placed on or adjacent to the ground facing surface 28 of the housing 12 . In the present embodiment, the wiper 70 is placed on the bottom of the housing 12 which at least partially defines the chamber 13 facing the surface to be cleaned. The wiper 70 may be placed on the bottom of the rear wall 200 which at least partially defines the chamber 13 . The scraper 70 is pivotable, preferably about an axis that is parallel or substantially parallel to the agitator axis R. The wiper 70 also extends laterally between the first and second sides 18, 20 of the housing (but not all the way to each corresponding side, although this could be done). In particular embodiments, the wiper 70 extends generally linearly between the first and second sides 18 , 20 of the housing 12 . In the present embodiment, the wiper 70 may contact the surface to be cleaned in use. It should be understood, however, that the wiper 70 may be placed directly on the ground-facing surface 28 in particular embodiments. In particular embodiments, the wiper 70 may also be fixed in position.

The length of the scraper 70 measured substantially parallel to the axis R of the agitator 11 is greater than the length of the agitator 11 measured along the axis R of the agitator 11 . In particular embodiments, the length of the scraper 70 measured approximately parallel to the axis of the agitator 11 may be approximately equal to the length of the agitator 11 measured along the axis of the agitator 11 , or less than the length of the agitator 11 measured along the axis of the agitator 11 the length of the stirrer 11.

The length of the stirrer 11 measured along the axis of the stirrer 11 may be: between 200.00 mm and 230.00 mm, or between 205.00 mm and 225.00 mm, or between 210.00 mm and 220.00 mm, or about 216.00 mm. The diameter of the stirrer 11 may be between 20 mm and 60 mm, or between 30 mm and 50 mm, or about 45 mm, measured in a plane substantially orthogonal to the axis of the stirrer 11 .

The length of the scraper 70, measured generally parallel to the axis of the agitator 11, may be between 220.00 mm and 250.00 mm, or between 225.00 mm and 245.00 mm, or between 230.00 mm and 240.00 mm, or about 236.00 mm.

The wiper 70 includes first and second lateral ends 72 , 74 . The agitator 11 includes first and second transverse ends 76 , 78 . The first and second lateral ends 72 , 74 of the scraper 70 are closer to the first and second sides 18 , 20 of the housing 12 than the first and second lateral ends 76 , 78 of the agitator 11 . However, in other contemplated embodiments, the first lateral end 72 of the scraper 70 may be closer to the first side 18 of the housing 12 than the first end 76 of the agitator 11, while the second lateral end 72 of the scraper 70 The distance between the end 74 and the second side 20 of the housing 12 is greater than or equal to the distance between the second end 78 of the agitator 11 and the second side 20 of the housing 12 . In other contemplated embodiments, the second lateral end 74 of the scraper 70 may be closer to the second side 20 of the housing 12 than the second end 78 of the agitator 11, while the first lateral end 72 of the scraper 70 The distance from the first side 18 of the housing 12 is greater than or equal to the distance between the first end 76 of the agitator 11 and the first side 18 of the housing 12 .

In particular embodiments, the length of the ground contacting device 30 measured generally parallel to the axis of the agitator 11 is greater than the length of the scraper 70 measured generally parallel to the axis of the agitator 11 . In particular embodiments, the length of the ground contacting device 30 measured generally parallel to the axis of the agitator 11 may be approximately equal to the length of the scraper 70 measured generally parallel to the axis of the agitator 11 , or less than the length of the scraper 70 measured generally parallel to the axis of the agitator 11 The length of the wiper 70 is measured by the shaft.

The length of the ground contacting device 30 measured generally parallel to the axis of the agitator 11 may be between 235.00 mm and 265.00 mm, or between 240.00 mm and 260.00 mm, or between 245.00 mm and 255.00 mm, or about 248.30 mm.

The ground contacting device 30 includes first and second lateral ends 36 , 38 . The first and second lateral ends 36 , 38 of the ground contacting device 30 are closer to the first and second sides 18 , 20 of the housing 12 than the first and second lateral ends 72 , 74 of the wiper 70 . However, in other contemplated embodiments, the first lateral end 36 of the ground contacting device 30 may be closer to the first side 18 of the housing 12 than the first end 72 of the wiper 70, while the second lateral end 36 of the ground contacting device 30 may be closer to the first side 18 of the housing 12 than the first end 72 of the wiper 70. The distance between the lateral end 38 and the second side 20 of the housing 12 may be greater than or equal to the distance between the second end 74 of the wiper 70 and the second side 20 of the housing 12 . In other contemplated embodiments, the second lateral end 38 of the ground-contacting device 30 may be closer to the second side 20 of the housing 12 than the second end 74 of the wiper 70 while the first lateral end of the ground-contacting device 30 The distance between 36 and the first side 18 of the housing 12 may be greater than or equal to the distance between the first end 72 of the wiper 70 and the first side 18 of the housing 12 .

The distance between the ground contacting device 30 and the scraper 70, measured along a plane A extending substantially orthogonal to the axis R of the agitator 11, may be between 5.00 mm and 20.00 mm, or between 10.00 mm and 15.00 mm , or about 11.87mm.

As used in this specification and in the claims, the term "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified feature, step or integer is inclusive. This term should not be interpreted as excluding the presence of other features, steps or components.

Features disclosed in the foregoing description or claims or drawings, in their specific forms or in terms of means for achieving the disclosed functions, or in methods or processes for achieving the disclosed results, may be used alone or in combination as required. Class features implement the invention in various ways.

While certain exemplary embodiments in accordance with the present invention have been described, it is not intended to limit the scope of the claims to these embodiments only. These claims are to be taken literally, on purpose, and/or to cover equivalents.

Claims (15)

1. A cleaner head for cleaning utensils, characterized in that the cleaner head comprises an agitator, a housing, a scraper and a ground contact device, the agitator is rotatable about an axis; the housing has a front side, a rear side and first and second sides extending between the front side and the rear side, the housing further comprising between the front side, the rear side and the first and second sides an extended ground facing surface facing, in use, a surface to be cleaned, wherein the housing defines a chamber at least partially surrounding the agitator, the chamber having a dirty air inlet and a dirty air outlet; the scraper Extending laterally between the first and second sides of the housing and positioned on or adjacent to the ground facing surface of the housing; extending laterally between said first and second sides of said outer shell and disposed on or adjacent said ground facing surface of said outer shell, said ground contacting means comprising an absorbent portion , wherein the wiper and the ground contacting device are positioned behind the dirty air inlet. 2. The cleaner head of claim 1, wherein the ground contacting device is positioned between the wiper and the rear side of the housing. 3. The cleaner head of claim 1, wherein the wiper is positioned between the ground contacting device and the rear side of the housing. 4. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim, wherein the wiper is placed on the portion of the housing bottom at least partially defining the chamber towards the surface to be cleaned. 5. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim, wherein the wiper is pivotable, preferably about an axis parallel or substantially parallel to the agitator. 6. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim, wherein the length of the wiper, measured generally parallel to the axis of the agitator, is equal to or greater than the length of the wiper measured along the axis of the agitator the length of the agitator. 7. The cleaner head of any preceding claim, wherein the scraper includes first and second lateral ends and the agitator includes first and second lateral ends, wherein the The first and second lateral ends of the scraper are closer to the first and second sides of the housing, respectively, than the first and second lateral ends of the agitator. 8. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim, wherein the length of the ground contacting means, measured generally parallel to the axis of the agitator, is greater than the length of the ground contacting device, measured generally parallel to the axis of the agitator the length of the scraper. 9. The cleaner head of any preceding claim, wherein the ground contacting means includes first and second lateral ends and the wiper includes first and second lateral ends, wherein the The first and second lateral ends of the ground contacting device are closer to the first and second sides of the housing, respectively, than the first and second lateral ends of the wiper. 10. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent portion of the ground contacting device is or comprises a lint pick-up strip or similar structure. 11. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent portion of the ground contacting means comprises a felt material. 12. The cleaner head of any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent portion of the ground contacting device comprises a microfiber material. 13. A cleaner head according to any preceding claim, wherein the ground contacting means is retained in and preferably slidable from a channel formed by the ground surface of the housing remove. 14. A cleaning appliance comprising a cleaning head according to any preceding claim. 15. The cleaning appliance of claim 14, wherein the cleaning appliance includes a suction source and a dust collection container for drawing air through the dirty air outlet.

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