Surface Cleaning Appartus

Abstract

A surface cleaning apparatus comprising a debris retrieval body (3; 203; 403) and at least one collection means (67; 69; 259; 413; 447) provided within the debris retrieval body for accumulating debris from a surface to be cleaned. A rotatable elongate brush arrangement (39; 223; 427) is also provided within the debris retrieval body to retrieve a first portion of debris from the surface to be cleaned and to direct the first portion of the debris along a first pathway (301; 310; 311) into the at least one collection means. An inlet aperture (61; 255; 475; 485) is provided in the debris retrieval body for the passage along a second pathway (303; 312; 313; 315), independent of the first pathway, of a second portion of debris from the surface to be cleaned. The inlet aperture is formed in a chamber (57; 243; 469; 479) provided within the debris retrieval body and communicating with a means for creating suction, and the inlet aperture has an area less than the cross-sectional area of the chamber such that the speed of air flow through the inlet aperture as a result of the means for creating suction is high relative to the speed of air flow in the chamber.

Description

This invention relates to a surface cleaning apparatus utilising both a rotatable brush assembly and communication to means to create suction to retrieve debris from a surface.

In conventional vacuum cleaners, debris, for example dirt and dust, is retrieved from a surface by means of motor generated suction and the debris is collected in a suitable collection means, for example a filter bag or receptacle. The quantity of debris that can be picked up from the surface being cleaned depends on the efficiency of the motor generating the suction. Further, it is impractical simply to replace a mains-powered motor with a battery-powered motor due to the lower suction power that can be generated.

Vacuum cleaners are not suitable for the collection of large debris. The generated suction can cause the debris collecting aperture of the vacuum cleaner to become substantially sealed to a surface to be cleaned, preventing large debris from entering the aperture and being removed from the surface. Also, if large pieces of debris are sucked up it is known for them to cause a blockage of the pathways through which suction draws the debris.

Vacuum cleaners with a hose and a battery powered head are known, including cleaners in which the cleaning head can be detached and used independently of the vacuum cleaner in what is known as a sweeper mode. The independent battery powered head has a rotating brush and a debris collection means independent of the collection means of the vacuum cleaner. The debris collection means has a port to which a suction creating means of the vacuum cleaner can be connected when used in a vacuum cleaning mode.

The problem with the known vacuum cleaners with an independent cleaning head is that blocking of the pathway from the independent collection means and the suction means can occur. A relatively large amount of debris can be collected in the collection means of the independent head during use in the sweeper mode. On reconnecting the head to the suction means, the relatively large amount of debris is drawn substantially as one single mass towards the suction means and can lead to blockages.

A known solution to the problem of blockages is the provision of a filter means which only allows particles below a certain size to enter a connection between the independent head and the suction means. However, the filter relatively quickly becomes blocked due to the relatively small surface area of the filter and the potentially large amount of debris that can be present in the collection means of the independent head. Therefore, the performance of such vacuum cleaners can be impaired and such vacuum cleaners have reduced suction power.

Conventional sweepers use a brush arrangement to retrieve debris from a surface. The brush arrangement is adapted to gather up and remove relatively large pieces of debris from a surface, but fine particles of dust, for example, are not efficiently removed from the surface being cleaned, especially from crevices and deep inside soft furnishings.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a surface cleaning apparatus utilising both a rotatable brush assembly and communication with a suction creating means to retrieve debris from a surface and to overcome, or at least ameliorate, the problems of known apparatus.

According to the present invention there is provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

a debris retrieval body;

at least one collection means provided within the debris retrieval body for accumulating debris from a surface to be cleaned;

a rotatable elongate brush arrangement provided within the debris retrieval body and adapted to retrieve a first portion of debris from the surface to be cleaned and to direct the first portion of the debris along a first pathway into the at least one collection means; and

an inlet aperture provided in the debris retrieval body for the passage along a second pathway, independent of the first pathway, of a second portion of debris from the surface to be cleaned, the inlet aperture being formed in a chamber provided within the debris retrieval body and communicating with a means for creating suction, the inlet aperture having an area less than the cross-sectional area of the chamber such that the speed of air flow through the inlet aperture as a result of the means for creating suction is high relative to the speed of air flow in the chamber.

The chamber may be provided with a relatively large cross-sectional area compared to the area of the inlet aperture such that frictional losses caused by the flow of air through the chamber are minimised.

The inlet aperture may be elongate.

The inlet aperture may be spaced from the elongate brush arrangement.

The inlet aperture may be positioned rearward of the elongate brush arrangement.

The inlet aperture may extend substantially the full length of the elongate brush arrangement.

A plurality of perforations may be provided in a removable plate covering the inlet aperture.

The debris retrieval body may be provided with an opening through which bristles of the elongate brush arrangement extend for retrieving the first portion of debris.

The opening for the bristles may be separate from the inlet aperture.

The inlet aperture may extend substantially parallel and adjacent to the opening for the bristles of the elongate brush arrangement.

The inlet aperture may have an area less than the area of the opening for the bristles.

Connection means in the form of ducting means may be provided for the passage of the second portion of the debris from the inlet aperture to the means for creating suction.

The apparatus may be adapted to convey the first portion of debris directly to the at least one collection means.

The at least one collection means may comprise a first collection means for the first portion of debris and a second collection means for the second portion of debris.

The first collection means and the second collection means may comprise a first segregated section and a second segregated section of a single debris collection receptacle.

The second collection means may be substantially sealed.

The at least one collection means may be in the form of a removable tray.

An auxiliary rotary brush may be provided at one side of the elongate brush arrangement.

The auxiliary rotary brush may be provided in a detachable support member secured to the debris retrieval body.

The means for creating suction may be provided within the debris retrieval body and/or provided remotely from the debris retrieval body.

The remotely provided means for creating suction may be incorporated into a cleaner body attached to the debris retrieval body.

The means for creating suction may be a cyclonic suction generating system.

The cyclonic suction generating system may comprise a cyclonic separator adapted to transfer the second portion of the debris to the collecting means.

The cyclonic separator may comprise at least one member extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the cyclonic separator adapted to form at least one pivot between two pivotable sections of the surface cleaning apparatus.

The second portion of debris may be transferred from the cyclonic separator to the collection means via a duct provided within the at least one pivot.

The debris retrieval body may comprise two separate inlet apertures.

A first inlet aperture may be connected to a first suction creating means by a first connection means and a second inlet aperture may be connected to a second suction creating means by a second connection means separate from the first connection means.

The at least one collecting collection means may comprise a collection means for a portion of debris retrieved by the first inlet aperture and a separate collection means for a portion of debris retrieved by the elongate brush arrangement.

The collections means for debris retrieved by the first inlet aperture may be in the form of a removable section of the debris retrieval body.

The second inlet aperture may have a greater area than the first inlet aperture.

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus according to the present invention in a first configuration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in a second configuration;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a cyclonic suction creating assembly of the surface cleaning apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of part of a debris retrieval body of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of part of the debris retrieval body of the surface cleaning apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view, from below, of part of a debris retrieval body of the surface cleaning apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 7 is a perspective cut-away view, from above, of the debris retrieval body shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of part of a cyclonic separator of the cyclonic suction creating assembly shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a cleaning strip assembly for use in the surface cleaning apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic illustrations of part of the surface cleaning apparatus incorporating the cleaning strip shown in FIG. 9 in first and second orientations;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a cleaning strip assembly for use in a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rotatable brush arrangement for use in a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a modification of part of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 with a deflecting means formed in the brush arrangement housing.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a view from below of the surface cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view, from below, of the surface cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view, from above, of the surface cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view from one side of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 14;

FIG. 19 is a first perspective cut-away view, from above, of the surface cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 20 is a second perspective cut-away view, from above, of the surface cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a perspective cut-away view, from above, of the surface cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view, from below, of the surface cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 21; and

FIG. 24 is the perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 23 with a portion of the lower surface removed.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 14, a first embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus, in the form of an upright cleaning apparatus, has a housing comprising a cleaner body 1 pivotably mounted on a debris retrieval body 3. Both the cleaner body 1 and the debris retrieval body 3 are suitably moulded of plastics material.

The surface cleaning apparatus has a handle 5 provided on the cleaner body 1 to enable the surface cleaning apparatus to be maneuvered over a surface to be cleaned. The cleaner body 1 is pivotable relative to the debris retrieval body 3 such that the cleaner body 1 can be tilted rearwardly of the debris retrieval apparatus. Such pivoting facilitates the movement of the surface cleaning apparatus over a surface to be cleaned.

Incorporated into the cleaner body 1 is a cyclonic suction creating assembly 7 as known to a person skilled in the art. As shown in FIG. 3, the cyclonic suction creating assembly 7 includes a cyclonic separator 9 provided with a motor 11 to power an impeller 13 to create suction in the debris retrieval body 3. The motor 11 is powered by a rechargeable battery pack (not shown) provided in the cleaner body 1 as will be described in more detail hereinafter.

The cyclonic suction creating assembly 7 is provided with a pleated filter member 15 to prevent any fine particles of debris which may be entrained in the exhaust of the cyclonic separator 9 from reaching the motor 11 or being reintroduced into the atmosphere outside the surface cleaning apparatus. The filter member 15 can be accessed and cleaned via a removable cover 17 provided in the cleaner body 1. The exhaust from the cyclonic separator 9 exits the cleaner body 1 through an apertured region 19 (see FIG. 1).

As shown in FIG. 3, the cyclonic separator 9 is provided with pivot members 21 extending transversely relative to a longitudinal axis of the cyclonic separator 9. The pivot members 21 act as a means of pivoting the cleaner body 1 relative to the debris retrieval body 3.

Attached to a side of the cleaner body 1 is a cleaning wand 23 in the form of an elongate tube, for example approximately 650 mm in length. The cleaning wand is removably attached at one end (lower end) 25 via a seal to the debris retrieval body 3, and removably attached at the other end (upper end) 27 to a flexible tube 29 which is in turn connected to the cyclonic separator 9. Therefore, the flexible tube 29 provides a connection means for connection of the debris retrieval body 3 to the means for creating suction (cyclonic suction creating assembly 7).

The flexible tube 29 is provided with a handle 31 for using the flexible tube with or without the cleaning wand 23, allowing the tube 29 and/or the wand 23 to be moved independently of the cleaner body 1. In use, debris retrieved by means of the induced suction is drawn to the cyclonic separator 9 via the cleaning wand 23 and the flexible tube 29.

The upper end 27 of the cleaning wand is removably attached, for example for storage, to the side of the cleaner body 1 by means of a magnet 33. The magnet 33 is provided in a recess in a region of the cleaner body 1 adjacent to the upper end 27 of the cleaning wand. The cleaning wand has a steel plate (not shown) at its upper end 27 in a complementary position to the magnet 33.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning wand can be detached from the cleaner body 1 by moving the steel plate away from the magnet 33 and by removing the lower end 25 from the seal on the debris retrieval body 3. A collar (not shown) of plastics material is provided on the outer surface of the lower end 25 of the cleaning wand. The collar supports bristles which extend longitudinally downward from the lower end 25 of the cleaning wand to facilitate the cleaning of surfaces. The lower end 25 of the cleaning wand is shaped to be complementary with connecting portions of a number of attachments 35, such that individual attachments 35 can be push fitted onto the lower end 25 of the cleaning wand 23. The provision of the attachments 35 on the lower end 25 of the cleaning wand enables debris to be removed from surfaces which are difficult to clean using the debris retrieval body 3, for example, upholstery, narrow crevices or a series of stairs. The debris is drawn through the attachment on the cleaning wand 23, through the flexible tube 29 and into the cyclonic separator 9.

The upper end 27 of the cleaning wand 23 can be removed from the flexible tube 29 and the cleaning wand attachments 35 can be connected directly to the flexible tube 29 if required, for example to allow access to relatively difficult-to-reach surfaces.

Moulded into the cleaner body 1 is a number of receptacles for retaining and storing the cleaning wand attachments 35 when they are not required.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the debris retrieval body 3 has four compartments.

A front compartment 37 houses an elongate rotatable brush arrangement 39 comprising rows of tufts of bristles attached to a cylindrical member. For convenience, a front wall 41 of the front compartment 37 is arcuate and extends around the periphery of the brush arrangement 39. The bottom of the front compartment 37 is provided with an opening 43 to allow the bristles of the brush arrangement 39 to contact a floor, carpet or like surface over which the surface cleaning apparatus is to be moved.

The front wall 41 of the front compartment 37 forms the front wall of the surface cleaning apparatus. The lower edge of the front wall is non-planar. The lower edge incorporates a recess 45, as shown in FIGS. 1, 6 and 7, with a width, for example, in a range from about 20 mm to about 150 mm, preferably about 60 mm. The depth of the recess, that is the distance between the top of the recess and the lowest portion of the lower edge is nominally about 10 mm but may, for example, be in the range from about 4 mm to about 20 mm. The recess allows debris, such as dust, dirt and the like, too large to pass under the lowest portion of the lower edge, to pass into the front compartment 37 and be picked up by means of the brush arrangement 39.

At the rear of the front compartment 37 is a rearwardly inclined wall 47 which allows debris, such as dust, dirt and the like, to be propelled up the wall due to rotation of the brush arrangement 39 (shown by arrow 301 in FIG. 4) and to pass over the wall into a rear compartment 49 which will be described in more detail hereinafter. The wall 47 extends upwardly to about the same height as the top of the brush arrangement 39 and is angled rearwardly (i.e. away from the front compartment 37) at an angle of about 18 degrees. The precise angle is not important, but the inclination facilitates the passage of the debris up and over the wall and at the same time facilitates retention of the debris within the rear compartment 49.

An intermediate compartment 51 is provided behind the rear wall of the front compartment 37 and beneath a forward portion of the rear compartment 49. The intermediate compartment 51 houses an electric motor 53. The motor 53 is used to rotate the brush arrangement 39 by way of toothed rollers attached to each of the motor 53 and the brush arrangement 39 and a toothed belt 55, for example of elastomeric material, extending around the rollers (FIG. 7).

A rechargeable battery pack (not shown) is provided within the cleaner body 1 to provide power to both motor 53 and the motor 11 of the cyclonic suction creating assembly 7. The motor 53 is energised independently of the energising of the motor 11 associated with the cyclonic separator 9.

The battery pack may be connected to a mains power supply (not shown) for recharging the battery pack. The battery pack may either be connected to the mains supply whenever the apparatus is not in use or at suitable times when the battery pack has become depleted. Switch means (not shown) is provided to permit a user to energise and de-energise the motor 11 and/or motor 53 as desired. As an alternative to a rechargeable battery pack, the apparatus could employ disposable batteries or be mains powered.

Provided rearward of the inclined wall 47 of the front compartment 37 is an elongate chamber 57, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 shows a cross-section through a first portion of the chamber wherein the chamber is enclosed at its upper surface. FIG. 5 shows a cross-section through a second portion of the chamber which shows an outlet 59 from the chamber provided at one end of the chamber. FIG. 6 shows a nozzle in the form of an elongate inlet aperture 61 in a face 63 of the chamber 57. The inlet aperture enables suction created by the cyclonic suction creating assembly 7 within the chamber to be applied in close proximity to a surface to be cleaned. The application of suction via the inlet aperture in close proximity to the surface to be cleaned enables fine dust to be removed from the surface as will be described hereinafter.

The area of the inlet aperture 61 is less than the cross-sectional area of the chamber 57. The difference in area results in the speed of air flow through the inlet aperture 61, due to the suction created by the cyclonic suction creating assembly 7, being higher than the speed of air flow in the chamber 57 and thus providing sufficiently high air flow to entrain dust and provide effective cleaning over the small area of the surface covered by the inlet aperture.

As shown in FIG. 6, the inlet aperture 61 of the chamber 57 extends along substantially the entire length of the longitudinal extent of the rearwardly inclined wall 47.

The width of the inlet aperture 61 is relatively narrow in a range from 1 to 20 mm, or in a range from 1 to 10 mm. If desired, the width of the inlet aperture may be in a range from 2 to 4 mm.

For a given power usage of a motor associated with suction creating means of a vacuum cleaner, a relatively constant volume of air will be drawn through the suction creating means. To enable debris to be retrieved from a surface, the debris must be entrained in the air that enters the apparatus through an aperture forming a nozzle. To achieve this, a relatively high air speed must be generated through the nozzle. In conventional vacuum cleaners the width of the aperture is relatively large to enable relatively large amounts of debris on a surface to be removed by a single pass of the aperture over the surface. Therefore, a relatively large volume of air must be drawn though the nozzle of a conventional vacuum cleaner in order to achieve sufficient air speed to entrain debris. As such, a motor using relatively high amounts of power is required in order to draw such relatively large volumes of air through the wide apertured nozzle.

For a given volume of air drawn into an apparatus in accordance with the present invention for a given power usage of a motor, the presence of the narrow inlet aperture 61 and the associated lower area compared to the cross-sectional area of the chamber and/or the cross-sectional area of a passage through which the air is drawn causes the speed of the air on passing through the inlet aperture and/or the passage to be increased compared to the speed of the air which passes through the chamber 57 to the suction creating means. As the use of the suction means is directed to retrieving fine dust, which has not been removed along with larger pieces of debris by the rotating brush arrangement, there is no need for a wide aperture for retrieving larger pieces of debris. Therefore, it is possible to generate sufficiently high air speed through the inlet aperture forming the nozzle, to entrain fine dust, by means of the narrow width of the inlet aperture constricting the volume of air as it passes through the inlet aperture. As such, the flow of air through the inlet aperture can have a high air speed generated in this way for a relatively low power usage by the motor 11 of the cyclonic separator 9. The narrow, elongate inlet aperture enables effective cleaning of the surface over which the inlet aperture is positioned in use.

The increased cross-sectional area of the chamber 57 compared to the area of the inlet aperture 61 and the resultant lower speed of air flow in the chamber 57 is also beneficial in that losses resulting from friction between the air flow and walls of the chamber are reduced by the slowing of the air flow on entering the chamber.

The power usage by the motor 11 of the cyclonic separator 9 can be minimised by the reduction of the frictional losses in the chamber by means of the difference between the area of the inlet aperture and the cross-sectional area of the chamber.

For a battery-powered apparatus, an air speed in a range of 5 to 40 m/s, preferably 14 to 19 m/s, can be produced through the inlet aperture for a power usage in a range of 20 to 200 Watts, preferably 60 to 110 Watts, by the motor 11 of the cyclonic separator 9.

For a mains-powered apparatus, an air speed in a range of 5 to 100 m/s can be produced through the inlet aperture for a power usage in a range of 100 to 2500 Watts by the motor 11 of the cyclonic separator 9. A wide range of mains-powered motors is available and the ideal air speed will vary in dependence upon the power of the motor used and the width of the inlet aperture.

The provision of a chamber with a relatively large cross-sectional area also helps to minimise the potential of a blockage being formed in the chamber by the dust entrained in the air flow entering the chamber from the inlet aperture.

When the brush arrangement 39 is rotated to sweep debris from the surface, the larger debris is propelled up and over the inclined wall 47 and conveyed directly into the rear compartment 49 where it is temporarily stored. Simultaneously, fine particles that are not swept up and propelled into the rear compartment 49 by the brush arrangement 39 are drawn through the inlet aperture 61 into the elongate chamber by the suction created by the impeller 13 of the cyclonic separator 9. Thus, the two portions of debris follow separate and distinct pathways through the apparatus.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the fine particles pass through the inlet aperture 61 into an upper compartment 64 via the outlet 59 provided at one side of the debris retrieval body. The upper compartment is substantially the width of the outlet 59 and is positioned ever the intermediate and rear compartments. The upper wall of the rear and intermediate compartments form the lower wall of the upper compartment. The upper wall of the upper compartment is formed by the upper wall of the debris retrieval body.

The upper compartment 64 is in the form of a duct which transfers the fine particles, in the direction of arrow 303, from the inlet aperture 61, into the chamber 57, over the intermediate compartment 51 and the rear compartment 49, and on towards the cyclonic separator 9, provided in the cleaner body 1, via the cleaning wand 23 and the flexible tube 29.

The rear compartment 49, shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, is provided with a removable tray 65 positioned between the wall 47 and a wall which forms the rear wall of the debris retrieval body 3. The tray 65 may be removable from the cleaner body 1 by sliding the tray in a lateral direction. A portion of the rear compartment 49 is contoured to fit over and complement the shape of the intermediate compartment 51 protecting the motor 53 within the intermediate compartment 51 from the ingress of debris.

The removable tray 65 is divided into two sections as shown in FIG. 7. A front section 67 is positioned closest to the front compartment 37 and is open at its front side such that debris swept up and over the wall of the front compartment 37 accumulates within the front section 67 of the removable tray 65. The front section 67 of the removable tray 65 extends substantially the full length of the longitudinal axis of the brush arrangement 39.

A rear section 69 of the removable tray 65 is separated from the front section 67 by a dividing wall 71.

As shown in FIG. 8, a duct 73 is provided within the cyclonic separator 9 and having an axis running parallel with the axis of rotation of the pivot member 21 of the cyclonic separator 9. The duct 73 is provided to enable the transfer of any fine particles of dust, drawn into the cyclonic separator 9 via the inlet aperture 61, from the cyclonic separator into the rear section 69 of the removable tray 65. As such, the duct 73 is only provided in the member 21 of the cyclonic separator 9 adjacent to the rear section 69 of the removable tray 65. Thus, by means of the duct 73 the fine particles of dust are transferred to the rear compartment 49 through the pivotal region of the cyclonic separator 9. At least a part of the tray 65 may be transparent to allow the amount of debris in the tray to be readily determined.

The removable tray 65 is provided with a closure 75 which may be detachable from the remainder of the tray 65 to facilitate the removal of debris from both sections 67, 69 of the removable tray 65 provided in the rear compartment 49.

FIG. 7 shows that the closure 75 comprises a side wall 77 of the rear compartment 49 and a member 79 extending generally perpendicular to the side wall 77 and forming part of an upper wall of the rear compartment 49 and positioned above the front section 67 of the rear compartment 49.

In order to maintain suction created by the impeller 13 in the cyclonic separator 9, the rear section 69 of the removable tray 65 is substantially sealed relative to the front section 67 of the removable tray 65 by means of the dividing wall 71 and a sealing gasket 81 attached to the removable closure 75 and sealing with the rear section 69 of the removable tray 65 to reduce loss of suction. As such, the only path for ingress of debris into the rear section 69 of the removable tray 65 is via the cyclonic separator 9.

The removable tray 65 with the closure 75 still attached to the remainder of the tray 65 can be removed from the rear compartment 49 of the debris retrieval body 3 such that the debris can be discharged from both sections 67, 69 of the removable tray 65.

As an alternative to removing both the tray and the closure, only the closure 75 need be detached for emptying purposes. When the removable tray 65 is to be emptied, the closure 75 is detached from the remainder of the tray and the debris retrieval body 3 is inclined such that the debris within the removable tray 65 is discharged into a suitable receptacle. The closure 75 is then reattached to the remainder of the tray. The wall 47 of the front compartment 37 provides the advantage that debris does not readily escape from the front section 67 of the removable tray 65 and, even if the body is inclined such that the front compartment 37 is below the rear compartment 49, the debris is substantially prevented from passing into the front compartment by the wall 47.

The brush arrangement 39 in the front compartment 37 extends substantially the entire width of the front compartment 37 and is provided with four helically arranged rows of bristles. The rows are arranged at substantially 90 degrees to each other and each row is in the form of a pair of separate helices which twist in opposite directions and meet substantially midway between the ends of the brush arrangement 39. The length of the bristles, for example, is in a range from 8 mm to 25 mm, preferably a range from 14 mm to 17 mm. The thickness of individual bristles is in a range from 0.04 mm to 0.3 mm, preferably in a range from 0.06 mm to 0.25 mm. The bristles are arranged in tufts and the tufts have a diameter in a range from 1.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably a range from 2 mm to 3 mm.

The bristles comprise two different types in the form of standard bristles and fine bristles. The fine bristles have a length of, for example, 15 mm to 17 mm, an individual bristle diameter of nominally 0.06 mm and are arranged in tufts with a diameter of nominally 2.0 mm. The standard bristles have a length of, for example, 14 mm, an individual bristle diameter in a range from 0.12 mm to 0.25 mm and are arranged in tufts with a diameter of nominally 3.0 mm. The bristles are arranged such that the standard bristles comprise at least one of the helical rows, whilst the fine bristles comprise at least another of the helical rows. It should be appreciated, however, that the bristles could be arranged such that a mixture of bristle types is present together in a single helical row.

An auxiliary rotary brush may be provided at one end of the brush arrangement 39. Such an auxiliary brush is described, for example, in GB-A-1 547 286 or GB-A-2 393 900. Such an auxiliary brush is able to sweep debris into the path of the brush arrangement 39. The auxiliary brush may be driven by any suitable means, such as gearing from the brush arrangement 39 or by friction with the surface to be cleaned, and is suspended from and extends outwardly beyond the debris retrieval body 3. The auxiliary brush may comprise a cylindrical body rotatable about an axis which is inclined to the vertical by about 10 degrees so as to extend outwardly beyond the debris retrieval body 3. Bristles protrude radially outwardly from the periphery of the cylindrical body, but need not be perpendicular to the axis of rotation and may preferably be at an angle of about 80 degrees to the axis of rotation so as to form a cone which increases in cross-section with increasing distance from the assembly 3.

Although not shown, the rear compartment 49 may be provided with ground-engaging wheels in order to assist mobility of the surface cleaning apparatus. The ground-engaging wheels may, for example, be provided within recesses formed at least partly beneath the rear compartment 49. Alternatively or additionally, ground-engaging wheels, for example castor wheels, may be provided in recesses formed partly beneath the intermediate compartment 51.

Although the illustrated embodiments of the present invention are intended primarily for domestic use, the surface cleaning apparatus can also be used outdoors or in workshops if desired. However, it may be preferable to provide a more rugged design specifically adapted for such use.

In use, a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with the present invention is placed upon a surface to be cleaned, such as a carpet, and independent switches are operated to energise the brush assembly motor 53 and the cyclonic separator motor 11. Therefore, the surface cleaning apparatus is used simultaneously in both a suction mode and a sweeper mode. Consequently, the brush arrangement 39 is rotated to sweep debris from the surface to be cleaned and then propel the debris up and over the inclined wall 47 and into the removable tray 65 where it is temporarily stored. The lower edge of the front wall 41 is at a level which, when the apparatus is in use, is at a level above the surface to be cleaned. This allows debris readily to pass beneath the front edge, which would not be practicable if the inlet aperture 61 was to open into the front compartment 37.

Simultaneously, fine particles that are not propelled into the removable tray 65 by the brush arrangement 39 are drawn through the inlet aperture 61 by means of the suction produced by the impeller 13 of the cyclonic separator 9. The fine particles are drawn through the duct form upper compartment 64, over the top of the removable tray 65, to the cyclonic separator 9 via the cleaning wand 23 and the flexible tube 29. As an alternative, valve means may be provided which, if the lower end of the cleaning wand 23 is attached to the debris retrieval body 3, directs debris directly to the cyclonic separator 9 rather than through the cleaning wand 23.

In the cyclonic separator 9 the fine particles of dust are separated from the air stream and deposited, via the duct 73 in the pivot member 21 of the cyclonic separator 9, into the rear section 69 of the removable tray 65.

Any dust that passes through the cyclonic separator 9 without being removed from the air stream is retained by the filter member 15 surrounding the motor 11 of the cyclonic separator and the clean air is then expelled from the cleaning apparatus through the apertured exhaust region 19 of the cleaner body 1.

As the surface cleaning apparatus is moved over the surface to be cleaned with the brush arrangement 39 rotating and the impeller 13 of the cyclonic separator 9 creating suction, any further debris is similarly swept from the surface and propelled up and over the wall 47, and/or entrained in the air flow entering the inlet aperture and being removed via the inlet aperture 61 and the cyclonic separator 9, into the rear compartment 49.

The combination of the rotating brush assembly and the relatively high air speed through the narrow apertured inlet aperture provides a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with the present invention with a surprisingly efficient method of retrieving debris from a surface to be cleaned with a relatively small power input.

In order to clean more difficult-to-reach surfaces, for example stairs or upholstery, the cleaning wand 23 can be used. The cleaning wand 23 can be detached from the magnet 33 on the cleaner body 1 and the lower end 25 of the wand can be moved, using the handle 31, over the surface to be cleaned. The suction created by the impeller 13 of the cyclonic separator 9 draws air and entrained debris up through the cleaning wand 23 and via the flexible tube 29 to the cyclonic separator 9. As described hereinbefore the debris entrained in the suction-generated air flow is deposited in the rear section 69 of the removable tray 65. If required, the cleaning wand 23 can be detached from the flexible tube 29 and the various attachments 35 provided on the cleaner body 1 can be attached directly to the flexible tube 29. As with the cleaning wand, debris is drawn up through the attachment to the cyclonic separator 9.

It should be appreciated that the surface cleaning apparatus can be used without the cyclonic separator 9 being energised. In such a case, the upright surface cleaning apparatus is used solely in a sweeper mode. In the sweeper mode, the surface cleaning apparatus is still capable of retrieving a proportion of debris from a surface by means of the rotating brush arrangement 39 sweeping the debris from the surface and into the front section 67 of the removable tray 65 where it is temporarily stored. When used in this manner, the apparatus can be operational for a relatively long time before the battery runs down.

A cleaning strip assembly 83, for example for cleaning hard floor surfaces, may be mounted rearward of the inlet aperture 61.

The cleaning strip assembly 83, as shown in FIG. 9, comprises an elongate member 85 of flexible material, for example rubber or a plastics material, with a substantially circular cross-section. Formed integral with the elongate member 85 are a series of spaced apart flexible tabs 87. Also, formed integral with the elongate member 85 is a flexible strip 89 positioned along substantially the entire length of the elongate member 85. The thickness of the flexible strip 89 decreases progressively towards an edge furthest from the elongate member 85.

The flexible tabs 87 and the flexible strip 89 are positioned on the elongate member 85 at an angle relative to each other of approximately 45 degrees. The flexible tabs 87 and flexible strip 89 extend in a generally radial direction downwards from the elongate member 85.

The elongate member 85 of the cleaning strip assembly 83 is housed within a cavity 91 in the underside of the housing, rearward of the inlet aperture 61, so as to be rotatable about the axis of the elongate member 85. The cleaning strip assembly 83 is orientated such that the flexible strip 89 is nearest to the front of the debris retrieval body 3 and the flexible tabs 87 are nearest to the rear of the debris retrieval body 3. The cavity has an open face through which the flexible strip 89 and the flexible tabs 87 protrude. The cavity has a first major wall 93, the rear wall in use, which is substantially upright. A second major wall 95, the front wall in use, is inclined away from the rear wall at a nominal angle of 60 degrees. The inner face of the cavity, opposite the opening, has a concave curved surface wherein the curvature complements the curvature of the elongate member 85. The elongate member 85 is retained within the cavity by retaining tabs 97 protruding from the rear wall of the cavity at the open face of the cavity. Thus, the first and second walls 93, 95 prevent excessive rotation of the elongate member 85 in either direction by engagement with the flexible tabs 87 or flexible strip 89.

FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the cleaning strip assembly 83 wherein the flexible strip 89 has a first section 99 and a second section 101 positioned close to a first end 103 and to a second end 105 end respectively of the elongate member 85 at which material of the flexible strip 89 is absent such that an isolated portion 107 of the flexible strip 89 is provided at the ends 103, 105 of the elongate member 85. In use, the isolated portions 107, in conjunction with restraining pins 109 present on the ends 103, 105 of the elongate member 85, impinge on retaining tabs 97 of the cavity, to ensure that the elongate member 85 cannot bow when the cleaning strip assembly 83 is moved relative to a surface to be cleaned.

The cleaning strip assembly 83 of the debris retrieval body 3 is used to ensure that efficient cleaning of surfaces, for example hard floor surfaces, is achieved. As shown in FIG. 10A, when the surface cleaning apparatus is pushed forward in the direction of arrow 305 over a surface 113 to be cleaned, the flexible tabs 87 of the cleaning strip assembly 83 are dragged backward by friction with the surface 113 causing the elongate member 85 to rotate about its axis. Rotation of the elongate member 85 brings the flexible strip 89 into contact with the surface 113. Continued forward movement of the surface cleaning apparatus results in the flexible strip 89 being held in contact with the surface 113 and particles of debris 115 on the surface 113 to be cleaned are gathered together and pushed forward along with the movement of the surface cleaning apparatus. Excessive rotation of the elongate member 85, when the surface cleaning apparatus is pushed forward in the direction of arrow 305, is prevented by the rear face of the flexible strip 89 engaging on retaining tabs 97 which retain the elongate member 85 within the cavity 91. Further rotation is also prevented by the flexible tabs 87 engaging the rear wall 93 of the cavity 32.

FIG. 10B shows, when the surface cleaning apparatus is moved in a rearward direction as shown by arrow 307, the flexible strip 89 is dragged towards the front of the surface cleaning apparatus by friction with the surface 113 to be cleaned. In dragging the flexible strip 89 forward, the elongate member 85 of the cleaning strip assembly 83 is rotated such that the flexible tabs 87 are brought into contact with the surface 113. The flexible tabs 87 are also dragged towards the front of the surface cleaning apparatus so resulting in continued rotation of the elongate member 85 and the subsequent lifting of the flexible strip 89 clear of the surface 113 to be cleaned. Excessive rotation of the elongate member 85 is prevented by the flexible strip 89 engaging the inclined front wall 95 of the cavity 91 and being stopped from further forward movement. When the surface cleaning apparatus is pulled in a rearward direction, the particles of debris gathered together by the flexible strip 89 during use in the forward direction are swept from the surface 113 by the brush arrangement 39 and propelled over the wall 47 and/or drawn through the elongate inlet aperture to the cyclonic separator 9, prior to being deposited into the removable tray 65. As the flexible strip 89 is clear of the surface 113, additional particles of debris can pass between adjacent flexible tabs 87 and are not prevented from passing under the flexible strip 89.

Although the cleaning strip assembly 83 described hereinbefore comprises an elongate member 85 of substantially circular cross-section attached to at least one tab and a strip member, it should be appreciated that the cleaning strip assembly 83 may take other forms and the moving of the strip member relative to a surface 113 may be achieved by other methods rather than by rotation of the elongate body of the cleaning strip assembly 83.

It should be understood that electronic or other means may be used in place of frictional means to determine the movement of the surface cleaning apparatus and for controlling the positioning of the flexible strip 89.

When the surface cleaning apparatus is not in use it can be stored, for example in a cupboard or the like, or plugged into a mains supply in order to recharge the batteries.

Although in the rotatable brush arrangement 39 hereinbefore described the tufts all extend substantially radially from the cylindrical member and as such only sweep an area of surface below the cylindrical body of the brush apparatus, it should be appreciated that the rotatable brush arrangement 39 may take other forms to provide means of cleaning an area of surface beyond the end of the cylindrical body of the rotatable brush apparatus, and preferably alongside the surface cleaning apparatus.

FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of a rotatable brush arrangement 117 which comprises a cylindrical elongate body 119 and tufts of bristles 121. The tufts of bristles are arranged as helical rows. In general the tufts are arranged to extend radially from the cylindrical member.

Tufts of bristles 123 positioned at the ends of the cylindrical member 119, the end-most bristles, are arranged such that they are directed towards the nearest end of the cylindrical member and, if unrestrained, extend beyond the end. In use the end-most bristles will contact an area of surface alongside the surface cleaning apparatus in which the rotatable brush arrangement 117 is housed.

FIG. 13 shows a side of the front compartment 37, in which the brush arrangement 117 rotates, with an opening 125 through which the end-most bristles 123 protrude when in line with the opening.

As the brush arrangement 117 is rotated, successive tufts of the bristles 123 positioned at the end of the cylindrical member pass the front wall 127 of the opening 125 and align with the opening 125 itself. When in alignment with the opening 125, the end-most bristles are no longer restrained by the housing wall 129 and the end-most bristles move axially of the cylindrical member to extend outwards through the opening 125 and contact the surface alongside the surface cleaning apparatus. As the brush assembly continues rotating, the end-most bristles will rotate rearwards until they contact the rear wall 131 of the opening 125. At the point of rotation of the brush assembly, when the end-most bristles contact the rear wall, the bristles are deflected axially inwards by the wall such that further rotation leads to the bristles being pulled inside the housing again. The action of the end-most bristles being deflected back inside the housing results in particles of debris in the area of surface alongside the surface cleaning apparatus also being swept into the area below the housing and being swept up by the radially arranged bristles 121 of the brush assembly 117.

In order to facilitate the deflection of the end-most bristles back into the housing, the rear wall of the opening 125 can be contoured to provide a surface curving inwards along which the end-most bristles are moved as the brush assembly rotates.

Although the inlet aperture has been described as being provided rearward of the brush assembly it should be appreciated that the inlet aperture 61 could be provided forward of the brush bar assembly with associated ducting passing over or to the side of the forward compartment.

It should also be appreciated that although a single elongate inlet aperture has been described, the inlet aperture could comprise a plurality of perforations. The plurality of perforations may be provided in a removable plate covering the elongate single inlet aperture. The perforated plate may be removable to enable the removal of blockages from the perforations or the chamber.

It should also be appreciated that, although the debris from the cyclonic separator 9 has been described as being transferred to the rear section 69 of the removable tray 65 within the debris retrieval body 3, the debris from the cyclonic separator 9 could be accumulated elsewhere if desired.

A second embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIGS. 14 to 20

Referring to FIGS. 14 to 20, a surface cleaning apparatus 201 has a debris retrieval body 203 comprising three compartments 205, 207, 209 and a handle 211 which acts as a means for connection to a suction creating means (not shown).

The cleaning apparatus 201 can be used to remove debris from a surface to be cleaned by means of sweeping (sweeper mode) and/or suction (vacuum mode) as will be described hereinafter.

The handle 211 is in the form of an elongate tubular member provided at the rear 213 of the debris retrieval body 203. The handle 211 is pivotably attached to the rear 213 of the debris retrieval body 203 by means of a pivot member 215. Swivel means 217 is provided between the pivot member 215 and the handle 211, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 19. The swivel means 217 allows the handle 211 to rotate about the axis thereof relative to the debris retrieval body 203 and the pivot member 215 allows the handle 211 to pivot about an axis transverse to the axial direction of the handle 211.

The pivot member 215 and the swivel means 217 enable the sweeping apparatus 201 to be steered by the user.

The tube of the handle 211 forms the means for connection to a suction creating means by providing a portion of a channel 219 (see FIGS. 16, 18 and 20) which passes along the length of the elongate handle, through the swivel means 217 and the pivot member 215, and through which suction created by the external suction means, for example a vacuum cleaner apparatus, can be transmitted to within the debris retrieval body 203.

An upper end 221 of the connection means 211, furthest from the debris retrieval body 203, is shaped to be complementary with connecting portions of, for example, a hose member of the suction creating means, such that the connecting portions of the suction creating means can be, for example, push fitted onto the upper end 221.

A front compartment 205, shown in FIGS. 15, 16 and 18, houses an elongate rotatable brush arrangement 223 comprising rows of tufts of bristles (not shown) attached to a cylindrical member 225. For convenience, a front wall 227 of the front compartment 205 is arcuate and extends around the periphery of the brush arrangement 223. The bottom of the front compartment 205 is provided with an opening 229 to allow the bristles of the brush arrangement 223 to contact a floor, carpet or like surface over which the surface cleaning apparatus 201 is to be moved.

The front wall 227 of the front compartment 205 forms the front wall of the surface cleaning apparatus 201. In use, the distance between the lowest portion of the lower edge 231 of the front wall 227 and the surface to be cleaned is in a range from 5 mm to 8 mm. The lower edge 231 of the front wall 227 is non-planar. The lower edge 231 incorporates a recess 233, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 17, with a width, for example, in a range from about 20 mm to about 150 mm, preferably about 60 mm. The depth of the recess 233, that is the distance between the top of the recess 233 and the lowest portion of the lower edge 231, is nominally about 10 mm but may, for example, be in the range from about 4 mm to about 20 mm. The recess 233 allows debris, such as dust, dirt and the like, too large to pass under the lowest portion of the lower edge 23L, to pass into the front compartment 205 and be picked up by means of the brush arrangement 223.

As shown in FIG. 18, a narrow elongate flange 234, substantially parallel to the surface to be cleaned, is provided along the lower edge 231 of the front wall 227 extending both outward and inward of the front compartment. The flange is adapted to substantially prevent air turbulence, generated by the rotation of the brush arrangement 223, forcing debris away from the front of the apparatus 201. The inward extending edge of the flange extends from the front wall 227 towards the elongate brush arrangement 223. The end of the flange 234 nearest to the brush arrangement 223 is positioned such that there is no contact between the flange and the bristles of the elongate brush arrangement.

At the rear of the front compartment 205 is a rearwardly inclined wall 235 which allows debris, such as dust, dirt and the like, to be propelled up the wall 235 due to rotation of the brush arrangement 223 (shown by arrow 310 in FIG. 18) and to pass over the wall 235 into an intermediate compartment 207 which will be described in more detail hereinafter. The wall 235 extends upwardly to about the same height as the top of the brush arrangement 223 and is angled rearwardly (i.e. away from the front compartment 205) at an angle of about 18 degrees. The precise angle is not important, but the inclination facilitates the passage of the debris up and over the wall 235 and at the same time facilitates retention of the debris within the rear compartment.

The brush arrangement 223 in the front compartment 205 extends substantially the entire width of the front compartment 205 and is provided with two helically arranged rows of bristles (not shown). The length of the bristles, for example, is in a range from 8 mm to 25 mm, preferably a range from 14 mm to 17 mm. The thickness of individual bristles is in a range from 0.04 mm to 0.3 mm, preferably in a range from 0.06 mm to 0.25 mm. The bristles are arranged in tufts and the tufts have a diameter in a range from 1.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably a range from 2 mm to 3 mm.

The elongate brush arrangement 223 is arranged such that it can be detached from retaining portions (not shown) of the debris retrieval body 203, for example for cleaning or for replacement.

An auxiliary rotary brush 237 (shown in FIGS. 14 to 17) is provided at one side of the brush arrangement 223. Such an auxiliary brush 237 is described, for example, in GB-A-1 547 286 or GB-A-2 393 900. Such an auxiliary brush 237 is able to sweep debris into the path of the brush arrangement 223. The auxiliary brush 237 is driven by gearing from the brush arrangement 223. Alternative means of driving the auxiliary brush 237, for example by friction with the surface to be swept, may also be used. The auxiliary brush 237 is provided in a support member 239 and extends outwardly beyond the debris retrieval body 203. The auxiliary brush 237 comprises a cylindrical body 241 (see FIG. 17) rotatable about an axis which is inclined to the vertical by about 10 degrees so as to extend outwardly beyond the debris retrieval body 203. Bristles protrude radially outwardly from the periphery of the cylindrical body 241, preferably at an angle of about 80 degrees to the axis of rotation, so as to form a cone which increases in cross-section with increasing distance from the debris retrieval body 203.

The support member 239 of the auxiliary brush 237 is detachable from the debris retrieval body 203, for example for the cleaning or replacement of the auxiliary brush 237. The support member 239 is held in position by two protruding members which fit within complementary apertures in the debris retrieval body 203. The support member 239 is secured to the debris retrieval body 203 by means of a releasable catch on the side of the support member 239 furthest from the front wall 227 of the debris retrieval body 203.

Provided rearward of the inclined wall 235 of the front compartment 205 is an elongate chamber 243 enclosed at its upper surface, as shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 18 shows a cross-section through a portion of the chamber 243 provided with an outlet 245 from the chamber 243 which is positioned substantially equidistant from the ends of the chamber 243. A duct 247 (shown in FIGS. 18, 19 and 20) connects the outlet 245 provided in the rear wall of the elongate chamber 243 with the means 211 for connection to the suction creating means. The duct 247 is substantially the width of the outlet 245 and is positioned beneath the intermediate compartment 207. An upper wall of the duct 247 is positioned adjacent to a portion of the lower wall 251 of the intermediate compartment 207. The lower wall 253 of the duct 247 is formed by the lower wall of the surface cleaning apparatus 201.

FIGS. 15, 16 and 18 show a nozzle in the form of an elongate inlet aperture 255 in a face of the chamber 243. The inlet aperture 255 is separate from the opening 229 for the brush bristles of the front compartment 205. During the use of the apparatus 201 in the vacuum mode, the inlet aperture 255 enables suction created by the external suction means (not shown) within the chamber 243, via the connection means 211, to be applied in close proximity to a surface to be cleaned. The application of suction via the inlet aperture 255 in close proximity to the surface to be cleaned enables debris to be removed from the surface as will be described hereinafter.

The width of the inlet aperture 255 is relatively narrow, for example in a range from 1 to 20 mm, or in a range from 1 to 10 mm. If desired, the width of the inlet aperture may be in a range from 2 to 4 mm.

The area of the inlet aperture 255 is less than the cross-sectional area of the chamber 243. The difference in area results in the speed of air flow through the inlet aperture 255, due to the suction created by the suction means, being higher than the speed of air flow in the chamber 243 and thus providing sufficiently high air flow to entrain dust and provide effective cleaning over the small area of the surface covered by the inlet aperture 255.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the inlet aperture 255 of the chamber 243 extends along substantially the entire length of the longitudinal extent of the rearwardly inclined wall 235.

As discussed hereinbefore for a given power usage of a motor associated with the suction means, a relatively constant volume of air will be drawn through the suction means. Therefore to enable debris to be retrieved from a surface, the debris must be entrained in the air that enters the apparatus through an aperture forming a nozzle as discussed in relation to the first embodiment.

For a given volume of air drawn into an apparatus in accordance with the present invention for a given power usage of a motor, the presence of the inlet aperture 255 and the associated lower area compared to the cross-sectional area of the chamber and/or the cross-sectional area of a passage through which the air is drawn causes the speed of the air on passing through the inlet aperture and/or the passage to be increased compared to the speed of the air which passes through the chamber 243 to the suction means. Therefore, it is possible to generate sufficiently high air speed through the inlet aperture forming the nozzle, to entrain dust and small debris, by means of the width of the inlet aperture constricting the volume of air as it passes through the inlet aperture. As such, the flow of air through the inlet aperture can have a high air speed generated in this way for a relatively low power usage by the motor of the suction means. The narrow, elongate inlet aperture enables effective cleaning of the surface over which the aperture is positioned in use.

The increased cross-sectional area of the chamber 243 compared to the area of the inlet aperture 255 and the resultant lower speed of air flow in the chamber 243 is also beneficial in that losses resulting from friction between the air flow and walls of the chamber are reduced by the slowing of the air flow on entering the chamber. The power usage by the motor of the suction means can be minimised by the reduction of the frictional losses in the chamber by means of the difference between the area of the inlet aperture and the cross-sectional area of the chamber. The provision of a chamber with a relatively large cross-sectional area also helps to minimise the potential of a blockage being formed in the chamber by the dust entrained in the air flow entering the chamber from the inlet aperture.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the inlet aperture 255 of the chamber 243 extends along substantially the entire length of the longitudinal extent of the rearwardly inclined wall 235.

A cover 257 (see FIGS. 15, 16 and 17) is provided over the entire length of the inlet aperture, releasably secured to the debris retrieval body 203 at either side of the inlet aperture by fastening means, for example screw fasteners. The cover 257 has a series of elongate apertures to further reduce the width of the inlet aperture 255 between the surface to be cleaned and the chamber 243.

The intermediate compartment 207, shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, is provided in the form of a substantially enclosed removable tray 259 positioned in a recess 261 provided in the debris retrieval body 203 between the rear wall 235 of the front compartment 205 and a front wall of the rear compartment. The only opening in the intermediate compartment 207 is positioned at its front side, corresponding to the region between the top of the rearwardly inclined wall 235 of the front compartment and the upper side of the debris retrieval body 203, such that debris propelled over the rear wall 235 of the front compartment can enter the tray 259 through the opening. The upper wall of the intermediate compartment 207 forms a portion of the upper wall of the debris retrieval body 203.

The intermediate compartment 207 in the form of the tray 259 is removable from the debris retrieval body 203, for example for emptying, by sliding the tray 259 in a vertical direction away from the bottom surface of the debris retrieval body. A portion 263 of the lower wall 251 of the intermediate compartment 207 is contoured to fit over and complement the shape of the duct 247 connecting the outlet 245 to the means 211 for connection to the suction creating means.

A rear compartment 209 is provided behind the rear wall of the intermediate compartment 207. The rear compartment is divided into a first rear section 265 and a second rear section 267 (see FIGS. 14 and 19).

The first rear section 265 houses an electric motor 269. The motor 269 is used to rotate the brush arrangement 223 by way of toothed rollers attached to each of the motor 269 and the brush arrangement 223 and a toothed belt 271, for example of elastomeric material, extending around the rollers (see FIG. 19 where the front wall of the debris retrieval body and the brush arrangement have been omitted to show the belt and motor arrangement).

The second rear section 267 houses a rechargeable battery pack 273 to provide power to the motor 269.

Electrical connections (not shown) are provided between the rechargeable battery pack 273 and the motor 269 along a tunnel section (not shown) of the rear compartment behind the front wall of the rear compartment.

The battery pack 273 may be connected to a mains power supply (not shown) for recharging the battery pack 273. The battery pack 273 may be connected either to the mains supply whenever the apparatus 201 is not in use or at suitable times when the battery pack 273 has become depleted. Switch means is provided to permit a user to energise and de-energise the motor 269 as desired. As an alternative to a rechargeable battery pack 273, the apparatus 201 could employ disposable batteries or be mains powered.

The rear compartment is provided with ground-engaging wheels 275 in order to assist mobility of the surface cleaning apparatus 201.

In use as a sweeper (sweeper mode), a surface cleaning apparatus 201 in accordance with the present invention is placed upon a surface to be cleaned, such as a carpet, and the switch is operated to energise the brush assembly motor 269. The brush arrangement 223 is rotated to sweep debris from the surface to be cleaned and then propel the debris up and over the inclined wall 235 and into the removable tray 259 where it is temporarily stored. That is, the debris passes along path 310 as shown in FIG. 18.

As the surface cleaning apparatus 201 is moved over the surface to be cleaned, with the brush arrangement 223 rotating, further debris is similarly swept from the surface and propelled up and over the wall 235 into the intermediate compartment 207.

By connecting a suction creating means to the apparatus 201 via the connection means 211, the apparatus 201 is used in the vacuum mode. As shown in FIG. 18, debris passes through the inlet aperture 255 into the duct 247 via the outlet 245 provided in the rear wall of the elongate chamber 243. The duct 247 transfers the debris, in the direction of arrow 312, from the inlet aperture 255 beneath the intermediate compartment 207 and on to a collection means provided in the suction creating means via the connection means 211.

It should be appreciated that the apparatus 201 can be used in both the sweeper mode and the vacuum mode simultaneously. As the brush arrangement 223 is rotated to sweep debris from the surface, the debris is propelled up and over the inclined wall 235 and conveyed directly into the intermediate compartment 207 where it is temporarily stored. Simultaneously, debris that is not swept up and propelled into the intermediate compartment 207 by the brush arrangement 223 is drawn through the inlet aperture 255 into the elongate chamber 243 by the suction created by the suction creating means. Thus, the two portions of debris follow separate and distinct pathways 310 and 312 through the apparatus 201. As such, portions of debris will be swept up by the brush into the intermediate compartment whilst other portions are drawn up through the inlet aperture 255 to the suction creating means via the connection means 211.

There is no connection pathway between the intermediate compartment 207 and the connection means 211 that would enable debris in the intermediate compartment 207 to be conveyed towards the suction creating means. As such, there is no possibility that the debris collected during use of the apparatus in the sweeper mode can be drawn into a hose connecting the apparatus 201 to the suction creating means and cause a blockage of the hose.

Although the inlet aperture 255 has been described as being provided rearward of the brush assembly, it should be appreciated that the inlet aperture 255 could be provided forward of the elongate brush assembly with associated ducting passing over or to the side of the front compartment.

It should also be appreciated that, although a removable plate covering the elongate single inlet aperture 255 has been described, the inlet aperture 255 could be uncovered.

Further it should be appreciated that the tray 259 can be arranged to be removed from the debris retrieval body 203 horizontally rather than vertically.

Alternatively, debris can be collected directly in a non-removable form of an intermediate compartment wherein the intermediate compartment is provided with a closure which can be opened for the emptying of debris therein.

Although an auxiliary brush 237 is described, it should be appreciated that a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with the present invention need not have the auxiliary brush.

It should also be appreciated that the second embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with the present invention may further comprise features of the first embodiment not otherwise described in relation to the second embodiment.

A third embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIGS. 21 to 24

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, a surface cleaning apparatus 401 has a debris retrieval body 403 comprising five compartments 405, 407, 409, 411 and 413 and a handle 415 which acts as a means for connection to a first suction creating means (not shown), for example a vacuum cleaner, provided external to the debris retrieval body.

As will be described hereinafter, the cleaning apparatus 401 can be used in an external vacuum mode to remove debris from a surface to be cleaned by means of the first suction creating means. The cleaning apparatus 401 can also be used in an internal vacuum mode to remove debris from a surface to be cleaned by means of a second suction creating means 417 provided within a first rear compartment 411 of the debris retrieval body suction. Consequently, the apparatus can be used independently of any external suction creating means.

The handle 415 is in the form of an elongate tubular member provided at the rear 419 of the debris retrieval body 403.

The handle 415 is pivotably attached to the rear 419 of the debris retrieval body 403 by means of a pivot member 421. Swivel means 423 is provided between the pivot member 421 and the handle 415, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. As described in relation to the second embodiment, the swivel means 423 allows the handle 415 to rotate about the axis thereof relative to the debris retrieval body 403 and the pivot member 421 allows the handle 415 to pivot about an axis transverse to the axial direction of the handle 415.

The pivot member 421 and the swivel means 423 enable the sweeping apparatus 401 to be steered by the user.

The tube of the handle 415 forms the means for connection to the first suction creating means by providing a portion of a channel 425 (see FIG. 21) which passes down the length of the elongate handle, through the swivel means 423 and the pivot member 421, and through which suction created by the external suction means, for example a vacuum cleaner apparatus, can be transmitted to within the debris retrieval body 403.

An upper end 426 of the connection means 415, furthest from the debris retrieval body 403, is shaped to be complementary with connecting portions of, for example, a hose member of the suction creating means, such that the connecting portions of the suction creating means can be, for example, push fitted onto the upper end 426 when the apparatus is used in external vacuum mode.

The shape of the upper end 426 also enables extension members to be added to the handle when the apparatus is used in the internal vacuum mode.

A front compartment 405 houses an elongate rotatable brush arrangement 427 comprising rows of tufts of bristles attached to a cylindrical member 429. For convenience, a front wall 431 of the front compartment 405 (see FIG. 21) is arcuate and extends around the periphery of the brush arrangement 427. The front wall 431 may be removable. The bottom of the front compartment 405 is provided with an opening 432 to allow the bristles of the brush arrangement 427 to contact a floor, carpet or like surface over which the surface cleaning apparatus 401 is to be moved.

The front wall 431 of the front compartment 405 forms the front wall of the surface cleaning apparatus 401. As described in relation to the second embodiment, in use, the distance between the lowest portion of a lower edge 433 of the front wall 431 and the surface to be cleaned is in a range from 5 mm to 8 mm. The lower edge 433 of the front wall 431 is non-planar (see FIGS. 23 and 24). The lower edge 433 incorporates a recess 435, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, with a width, for example, in a range from about 20 mm to about 150 mm, preferably about 60 mm. The depth of the recess 435, that is the distance between the top of the recess 435 and the lowest portion of the lower edge 433, is nominally about 10 mm but may, for example, be in the range from about 4 mm to about 20 mm. The recess 435 allows debris, such as dust, dirt and the like, too large to pass under the lowest portion of the lower edge 433 to pass into the front compartment 405 and be picked up by means of the brush arrangement 427.

As shown in FIG. 21, the third embodiment comprises a narrow elongate flange 437, substantially as described in relation to the second embodiment.

At the rear of the front compartment 405 is a rearwardly inclined wall 439 which allows debris, such as dust, dirt and the like, to be propelled up the wall 439 due to rotation of the brush arrangement 427 (shown by arrow 311 in FIG. 21) and to pass over the wall 439 into a first intermediate compartment 407 which will be described in more detail hereinafter. The wall 439 extends upwardly to about the same height as the top of the brush arrangement 427 and is angled rearwardly (i.e. away from the front compartment 405) at an angle of about 18 degrees. The precise angle is not important, but the inclination facilitates the passage of the debris up and over the wall 439 and at the same time facilitates retention of the debris within the rear compartment.

The brush arrangement 427 in the front compartment 405 extends substantially the entire width of the front compartment 405 and is provided with two helically arranged rows of bristles. The length and thickness of the bristles, for example, are substantially as described for the second embodiment of the present invention.

The elongate brush arrangement 427 is arranged such that it can be detached from retaining portions (not shown) of the debris retrieval body 403, for example for cleaning or for replacement.

An auxiliary rotary brush 441 provided in a detachable support member 443 (shown in FIGS. 23 and 24) is provided at one side of the brush arrangement 427. Such an auxiliary brush 441 is substantially as described for the second embodiment.

The first intermediate compartment 407, shown in FIGS. 21 to 24, is provided in the form of a removable tray 447 positioned in a recess provided in the debris retrieval body 403 between the rear wall 439 of the front compartment 405, front walls of the first rear compartment 411 and a second rear compartment 413, and an upper wall of the debris retrieval body. The first intermediate compartment 407 is open on an upper face and on its front side in a position corresponding to the region between the top of the rearwardly inclined wall 439 of the front compartment and the upper side of the debris retrieval body 403. Debris propelled over the rear wall 439 of the front compartment can enter the tray 447 through the opening in the front side.

The first intermediate compartment 407 in the form of the tray 447 is removable from the debris retrieval body 403, for example for emptying, by sliding the tray 447 in a lateral direction out of the recess in the debris retrieval body.

The second intermediate compartment 409 (shown in FIG. 22) is provided to one side of the recess 449 of the debris retrieval body. The second intermediate compartment 409 houses a rechargeable battery pack 451. The battery pack 451 may be connected to a mains power supply (not shown) for recharging the battery pack 451. The battery pack 451 may be connected either to the mains supply whenever the apparatus 401 is not in use or at suitable times when the battery pack 451 has become depleted. As an alternative to a rechargeable battery pack 451, the apparatus 401 could employ disposable batteries or be mains powered.

The rear 419 of the debris retrieval body comprises a first rear compartment 411 and a second rear compartment 413 arranged side by side behind the rear walls of the first and second intermediate compartments 407, 409 as shown in FIG. 22. The first rear compartment 411 and the second rear compartment 413 are separated from each other by an internal wall 463.

The first rear compartment 411 houses an electric motor (not shown). The motor is used to rotate the brush arrangement 427 by way of toothed rollers attached to each of the motor and the brush arrangement 427 and a toothed belt 455, for example of elastomeric material, extending around the rollers (see FIG. 22 where the upper wall of the debris retrieval body and the brush arrangement have been omitted to show a portion of the belt arrangement). The motor is powered by the rechargeable battery pack in the second intermediate compartment 409.

Electrical connections including a printed circuit board 452 are provided between the rechargeable battery pack 451 and the motor. Switch means 453 (shown in FIG. 22) is provided on an upper region of the first rear compartment 411 to permit a user to energise and de-energise the motor as desired.

The first rear compartment 411 also houses the second suction creating means 417 which is in the form of a cyclonic suction creating assembly as known to a person skilled in the art. As shown in FIG. 3, the second suction creating means 417 includes a cyclone body, a cyclonic separator 457 and an impeller 459 to create suction in the debris retrieval body 403. A truncated conical-shaped end 461 of the cyclone body, furthest from the impeller 459, protrudes into the second rear compartment 413 through an aperture in the internal wall 463 between the first rear compartment 411 and the second rear compartment 413.

The second suction creating means 417 may be powered by the same motor as that used to rotate the elongate brush arrangement or may be powered by a separated motor (not shown), for example energised/de-energised by an additional switch means (not shown).

The exhaust from the cyclonic separator 457 exits the apparatus 401 through an apertured region in the form of a removable section (not shown) of an upper surface of the first rear compartment 411. The apertured region is provided with a replaceable filter member to minimise the possibility of any debris particles exiting the body.

The second rear compartment 413, in the form of a removable compartment, is provided in a recess provided in the debris retrieval body 403 between a rear wall 439 of the debris retrieval body and a rear wall of the first intermediate compartment 407. The second rear compartment 413 is only open in a central region of a face nearest to the internal wall 463. The open central region corresponds to the position of the aperture in the internal wall 463 through which the truncated conical end 461 of the cyclone body protrudes. Debris propelled out of the truncated conical end 461 of the cyclone body is deposited in the second rear compartment 413.

The second rear compartment 413 is removable from the debris retrieval body 403, for example for emptying, by sliding the second rear compartment 413 in a horizontal direction away from the first rear compartment 411 of the debris retrieval body.

Ground-engaging wheels 467 to assist mobility of the surface cleaning apparatus 401 are provided on the rear of the debris retrieval body.

As shown in FIGS. 21 and 24, a first elongate chamber 469, enclosed at its upper surface, is provided rearward of the inclined wall 439 of the front compartment 405. The first elongate chamber 469 is provided with an outlet 471 from the chamber 469 which is positioned in the region of one end of the chamber 469.

A duct 473 (shown in FIG. 24) connects the outlet 471 provided in the rear wall of the first elongate chamber 469 with the second suction creating means 417 in the first rear compartment 411. The duct 473 is substantially the width of the outlet 471 and is positioned beneath the first intermediate compartment 407. An upper wall of the duct 473 is positioned adjacent to a portion of the lower wall of the first intermediate compartment 407. The lower wall of the duct 473 is formed by a section 474 of the lower wall of the surface cleaning apparatus 401 (see FIG. 23). The section 474 of the lower wall is removable to enable the duct to be cleaned.

FIGS. 21 and 23 show a nozzle in the form of an elongate inlet aperture 475 in a lower face of the first chamber 469. The inlet aperture 475 is separate from the opening 432 for the brush bristles of the front compartment 405. During the use of the apparatus 401, the inlet aperture 475 enables suction created by the internal second suction means within the first chamber 469 to be applied in close proximity to a surface to be cleaned. The application of suction via the inlet aperture 475 in close proximity to the surface to be cleaned enables debris to be removed from the surface as will be described hereinafter.

The area of the inlet aperture 475 is less than the cross-sectional area of the first chamber 469. The difference in area results in the speed of air flow through the inlet aperture 475, as described hereinbefore. Therefore, it is possible to generate sufficiently high air speed through the inlet aperture forming the nozzle, to entrain dust and small debris, by means of the width of the inlet aperture constricting the volume of air as it passes through the inlet aperture. As such, the flow of air through the inlet aperture can have a high air speed generated in this way for a relatively low power usage by the motor of the second suction means. The narrow, elongate inlet aperture enables effective cleaning of the surface over which the aperture is positioned in use.

The increased cross-sectional area of the chamber 469 compared to the area of the inlet aperture 475 and the resultant lower speed of air flow in the chamber 469 is also beneficial in that losses resulting from friction between the air flow and walls of the chamber are reduced by the slowing of the air flow on entering the chamber. The power usage by the motor of the second suction means can be minimised by the reduction of the frictional losses in the chamber by means of the difference between the area of the inlet aperture and the cross-sectional area of the chamber.

The provision of a chamber with a relatively large cross-sectional area also helps to minimise the potential of a blockage being formed in the chamber by the dust entrained in the air flow entering the chamber from the inlet aperture.

As shown in FIG. 23, the inlet aperture 475 of the first chamber 469 extends along substantially the entire length of the longitudinal extent of the opening 432 in the front compartment 405.

A cover 477 (see FIG. 23) is provided over the entire length of the inlet aperture 475 of the first chamber 469, releasably secured to the debris retrieval body 403 by fastening means, for example screw fasteners. The cover 477 has a series of elongate apertures to further reduce the width of the inlet aperture 475 between the surface to be cleaned and the first chamber 469.

Provided rearward of the first chamber 469 is a second elongate chamber 479 enclosed at its upper surface, as shown in FIG. 21. The second chamber 479 is provided with an outlet 481 from the chamber 479 which is positioned substantially equidistant from the side walls of the debris retrieval body (as shown in FIG. 24).

A duct 483 (shown in FIG. 24) connects the outlet 481 provided in the rear wall of the second elongate chamber 479 with the first suction creating means. The duct 483 has a fluted shape such that in a region of the duct adjacent to the outlet 481, the duct 483 widens to extend substantially across the entire width off the outlet 481. The duct 483 between the outlet 481 of the second chamber 479 and the first suction creating means is separate from the duct 473 between the outlet 471 of the first chamber 469 and the second suction creating means 417.

An upper wall of the duct 483 is positioned adjacent to a portion of the lower wall of the first intermediate compartment 407. The lower wall of the duct 483 is formed by the section 474 of the lower wall of the surface cleaning apparatus 401. The section 474 of the lower wall, as described hereinbefore, is removable to enable the duct 483 to be cleaned.

FIG. 23 shows a nozzle in the form of an elongate inlet aperture 485 in a lower face of the second chamber 479. The inlet aperture 485 of the second chamber 469 is separate from the opening 432 for the brush bristles of the front compartment 405 and from the inlet 475 of the first chamber 469. During the use of the apparatus 401, the inlet aperture 485 enables suction created by the external first suction means within the second chamber 479 to be applied in close proximity to a surface to be cleaned. The application of suction via the inlet aperture 485 in close proximity to the surface to be cleaned enables debris to be removed from the surface as will be described hereinafter.

As with the inlet aperture 475 of the first chamber 469, the area of the inlet aperture 485 of the second chamber 479 is less than the cross-sectional area of the chamber 479. The difference in area results in an increase in the speed of air flow through the inlet aperture 475, as described hereinbefore. Therefore, it is possible to generate sufficiently high air speed through the inlet aperture forming the nozzle, to entrain dust and small debris, by means of the width of the inlet aperture constricting the volume of air as it passes through the inlet aperture. As such, the flow of air through the inlet aperture can have a high air speed generated in this way for a relatively low power usage by the motor of the first suction means. The narrow, elongate inlet aperture enables effective cleaning of the surface over which the aperture is positioned in use.

As discussed hereinbefore, the increased cross-sectional area of the chamber 479 compared to the area of the inlet aperture 485 and the resultant lower speed of air flow in the chamber 479 is also beneficial in that losses resulting from friction between the air flow and walls of the chamber are reduced by the slowing of the air flow on entering the chamber. The power usage by the motor of the first suction means can be minimised by the reduction of the frictional losses in the chamber by means of the difference between the area of the inlet aperture and the cross-sectional area of the chamber.

The provision of a chamber with a relatively large cross-sectional area also helps to minimise the potential of a blockage being formed in the chamber by the dust entrained in the air flow entering the chamber from the inlet aperture.

As shown in FIG. 23, the inlet aperture 485 of the second chamber 479 extends along substantially the entire length of the longitudinal extent of the opening 432 in the front compartment 405.

The width of the inlet apertures 475, 485 are relatively narrow, for example in a range from 1 to 20 mm, or in a range from 1 to 10 mm. If desired, the width of the inlet aperture may be in a range from 2 to 4 mm.

The width, and thus the area, of the inlet aperture 485 of the second chamber 479 is greater than the width, and thus the area, of the inlet aperture 475 of the first chamber 469.

The inlet aperture 485 of the second chamber 479 can, and generally does, have a greater area than the inlet aperture 475 of the first chamber 469 as there can be more power available to the external first means to create suction compared to the power available from the battery pack 451 for the internal second means to create suction 417.

The cover 477, described hereinbefore, is provided over the entire length of the inlet aperture 485. The cover 477 has a series of elongate apertures to further reduce the width of the inlet aperture 485 between the surface to be cleaned and the chamber 479.

As shown in FIGS. 21 and 23, provided between the inlet aperture 475 of the first chamber 469 and the inlet aperture 485 of the second chamber 479 is a cleaning strip assembly 487, for example for cleaning hard floor surfaces, substantially as described hereinbefore in relation to the first embodiment.

Ground-engaging wheels 489 to assist mobility of the surface cleaning apparatus 401 are provided in a region adjacent to the inlets 475, 485 of the debris retrieval body 403 (see FIGS. 21 and 23).

In use in the external vacuum mode, a surface cleaning apparatus 401 in accordance with the present invention is placed upon a surface to be cleaned, such as a carpet, and the switch 453 is operated to energise the brush assembly motor. The brush arrangement 427 is rotated to sweep debris from the surface to be cleaned and then propel the debris up and over the inclined wall 439 and into the removable tray 447 where it is temporarily stored. That is, the debris passes along path 311 as shown in FIG. 21.

As the surface cleaning apparatus 401 is moved over the surface to be cleaned, with the brush arrangement 427 rotating, further debris is similarly swept from the surface and propelled up and over the wall 439 into the first intermediate compartment 407.

As shown in FIG. 24, due to the external first suction creating means creating a vacuum in the debris retrieval body of the apparatus 401, debris passes through the inlet aperture 485 of the second elongate chamber 479 into the duct 483 via the outlet 481 provided in the rear wall of the elongate chamber 479. The duct 483 transfers the debris, in the direction of arrow 313, from the inlet aperture 485 beneath the first intermediate compartment 407 and on to a collection means provided in the first suction creating means via the handle 415.

In use in the internal vacuum mode, a surface cleaning apparatus 401 in accordance with the present invention is placed upon a surface to be cleaned, such as a carpet, the motor is energised to rotate the brush assembly and the second suction creating means is also energised. The brush arrangement 427 is rotated to sweep debris from the surface to be cleaned as described for the external vacuum mode.

As shown in FIG. 24, vacuum created within the debris retrieval body by the internal second suction creating means 417 causes debris to pass through the inlet aperture 475 of the first elongate chamber 469 into the duct 473 via the outlet 471 provided in the rear wall of the elongate chamber 469. The duct 473 transfers the debris, in the direction of arrow 315, from the inlet aperture 475 beneath the first intermediate compartment 407 to the cyclonic separator 457. In the cyclonic separator 457 the fine particles of dust are separated from the air stream and deposited, via the truncated conical end 461 of the cyclone body into the second rear compartment 413.

It should be appreciated that the apparatus 401 can be used in both the internal vacuum mode and the external vacuum mode simultaneously. As the brush arrangement 427 is rotated to sweep debris from the surface, the debris is propelled up and over the inclined wall 439 and conveyed directly into the first intermediate compartment 407 where it is temporarily stored. Simultaneously, debris that is not swept up and propelled into the first intermediate compartment 407 by the brush arrangement 427 is drawn through the inlet aperture 475 into the first elongate chamber 469 by the suction created by the second suction creating means and is drawn through the inlet aperture 485 into the second elongate chamber 479 by the suction created by the first suction creating means. The two portions of debris removed by suction means follow separate and distinct pathways 313 and 315 through the apparatus 401 (as shown in FIG. 24). The two portions of debris removed by suction means also follow separate and distinct pathways from the pathway 311 of the debris removed from the surface by the rotatable brush arrangement.

There is no connection pathway between the first intermediate compartment 407, the duct 473 between the first chamber 469 and the second suction creating means 417, and the duct 483 between the second chamber 479 and the first suction creating means that would enable debris in the first intermediate compartment 407 to be conveyed towards either of the suction creating means. As such, there is no possibility that the debris collected during use of the apparatus in the sweeper mode can be drawn towards either the first or the second suction creating means and cause a blockage.

Although the nozzles in the form of inlet apertures 475, 485 have been described as being provided rearward of the brush assembly, it should be appreciated that at least one of the inlet apertures could be provided forward of the elongate brush assembly with associated ducting passing over or to the side of the front compartment.

It should also be appreciated that, although a single removable plate covering the inlet apertures 475, 485 has been described, either of the inlet apertures 475, 485 could be uncovered. It should also be appreciated that the inlet 475 of the first chamber 469 and the inlet aperture 485 of the second chamber 479 may be covered by separate removable plates.

It should be appreciated that debris can be collected directly in a non-removable form of the first intermediate compartment and/or the second rear compartment wherein a closure is provided which can be opened for the emptying of debris therein.

Although an auxiliary brush 441 is described, it should be appreciated that a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with the present invention need not have the auxiliary brush.

It should also be appreciated that the third embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with the present invention may further comprise features of the first embodiment and/or the second embodiment not otherwise described in relation to the third embodiment.

A fourth embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with the present invention is essentially as described for the third embodiment except the second chamber 479 and associated duct 483, inlet 485 and connection to an external suction creating means are not present.

The fourth embodiment removes debris from the surface by means of the rotatable brush arrangement and by suction created by the cyclonic suction creating means 417 connected to the inlet 475 by means of the duct 473, as described for the third embodiment.

Although the means of creating suction within a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with the present invention has been described hereinbefore as a cyclonic system, it should be appreciated that other methods of creating suction within a surface cleaning apparatus, known to a person skilled in the art, could be used, for example a suction creating assembly using a porous bag for the accumulation of debris.

Claims

1. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

a debris retrieval body (3; 203; 403);

at least one collection means (67; 69; 259; 413; 447) provided within the debris retrieval body for accumulating debris from a surface to be cleaned;

a rotatable elongate brush arrangement (39; 223; 427) provided within the debris retrieval body and adapted to retrieve a first portion of debris from the surface to be cleaned and to direct the first portion of the debris along a first pathway (301; 310; 311) into the at least one collection means; and

an inlet aperture (61; 255; 475; 485) provided in the debris retrieval body for the passage along a second pathway (303; 312, 313; 315), independent of the first pathway (301; 310; 311), of a second portion of debris from the surface to be cleaned, the inlet aperture being formed in a chamber (57; 243; 469; 479) provided within the debris retrieval body and communicating with a means for creating suction, the inlet aperture having an area less than the cross-sectional area of the chamber such that the speed of air flow through the inlet aperture as a result of the means for creating suction is high relative to the speed of air flow in the chamber.

2. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chamber is provided with a relatively large cross-sectional area compared to the area of the inlet aperture such that frictional losses caused by the flow of air through the chamber are minimised.

3. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet aperture (61; 255; 475; 485) is elongate.

4. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet aperture (61; 255; 475; 485) is spaced from the elongate brush arrangement (39; 223; 427).

5. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet aperture (61; 255; 475; 485) is positioned rearward of the elongate brush arrangement (39; 223; 427).

6. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet aperture (61; 255; 475; 485) extends substantially the full length of the elongate brush arrangement (39; 223; 427).

7. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of perforations is provided in a removable plate (257; 477) covering the inlet aperture (61; 255; 475; 485).

8. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the debris retrieval body is provided with an opening (43; 229; 432) through which bristles (123) of the elongate brush arrangement extend for retrieving the first portion of debris.

9. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the opening (43; 229; 32) for the bristles is separate from the inlet aperture (61; 255; 475; 485).

10. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the inlet aperture (61; 255; 475) extends substantially parallel and adjacent to the opening for the bristles of the elongate brush arrangement.

11. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the inlet aperture (61; 255; 475; 485) has an area less than the area of the opening (43; 229; 432) for the bristles.

12. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein connection means in the form of ducting means (64; 247; 473; 483) is provided for the passage of the second portion of the debris from the inlet aperture to the means for creating suction.

13. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus is adapted to convey the first portion of debris directly to the at least one collection means.

14. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one collection means comprises a first collection means (67; 259; 447) for the first portion of debris and a second collection means (69; 413) for the second portion of debris.

15. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first collection means (67) and the second collection means (69) comprise a first segregated section and a second segregated section of a single debris collection receptacle.

16. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the second collection means (69) is substantially sealed.

17. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one collection means is in the form of a removable tray.

18. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein an auxiliary rotary brush (237; 441) is provided at one side of the elongate brush arrangement.

19. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the auxiliary rotary brush (237; 441) is provided in a detachable support member (239; 443) secured to the debris retrieval body.

20. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for creating suction (417) is provided within the debris retrieval body.

21. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for creating suction is provided remotely from the debris retrieval body.

22. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein the remotely provided means for creating suction is incorporated into a cleaner body (1) attached to the debris retrieval body.

23. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for creating suction is a cyclonic suction generating system.

24. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein the cyclonic suction generating system comprises a cyclonic separator (9; 457) adapted to transfer the second portion of the debris to the collecting means.

25. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein the cyclonic separator (9) comprises at least one member (21) extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the cyclonic separator adapted to form at least one pivot between two pivotable sections of the surface cleaning apparatus.

26. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 25, wherein the second portion of debris is transferred from the cyclonic separator (9) to the collection means via a duct (73) provided within the at least one pivot (21).

27. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the debris retrieval body comprises two separate inlet apertures (475; 485).

28. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 27, wherein a first inlet aperture (475) is connected to a first suction creating means (417) by a first connection means (473) and a second inlet aperture (485) is connected to a second suction creating means by a second connection means (483) separate from the first connection means (473).

29. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 28, wherein the at least one collecting collection means comprises a collection means (413) for a portion of debris retrieved by the first inlet aperture (475) and a separate collection means (447) for a portion of debris retrieved by the elongate brush arrangement (427).

30. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 29, wherein the collections means (413) for debris retrieved by the first inlet aperture is in the form of a removable section of the debris retrieval body.

31. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 28, wherein the second inlet aperture (485) has a greater area than the first inlet aperture (475).