Vacuum cleaner and cleaning system

Abstract

A vacuum cleaner and a cleaning system are provided. The vacuum cleaner includes: a cleaner body; a dust collection cup coupled to the cleaner body, the dust collection cup including a dust collection cup body at least partially forming a dust collection cup cavity and a dust collection cup outlet; the dust collection cup comprises a dust collection cup door configured to selectively open and close the dust collection cup outlet; and at least one of: a releasably connectable connector assembly for holding the dust cup door in a closed position, the releasably connectable connector assembly comprising a first connector comprising a first connector magnet, and / or a deformable debris stopper, the first connector magnet being movable relative to the first connector magnet, and the deformable debris stopper being movable relative to the first connector magnet. And a deformable debris stopper located in the dust cup cavity upstream of the dust cup outlet and the dust cup door, the deformable debris stopper extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the dust cup cavity to protect the dust cup door from debris in the dust cup cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to surface treating devices, and more particularly to a vacuum cleaner configured to interface with a docking station. Background Art

[0002] The surface treatment device is configured to remove at least a portion of any debris deposited on the surface to be cleaned (e.g., floor). For example, the surface treatment device can be a vacuum cleaner comprising a suction motor, a suction inlet, and a dust cup. The suction motor is configured to cause air to flow through the suction inlet and into the dust cup. When air is sucked into the suction inlet, at least a portion of any debris on the surface to be cleaned may be entrained in the air. At least a portion of the entrained debris may be deposited in the dust cup for later processing by the user of the vacuum cleaner. The processing frequency may be based at least in part on the volume of the dust cup. An increase in the volume of the dust cup may result in an increase in the total weight and / or size of the vacuum cleaner. Although a smaller dust cup volume may reduce the weight and / or size of the vacuum cleaner, it may result in more frequent processing of debris, which may cause the user to be exposed to the processed debris more frequently. Utility Model Content

[0003] According to one aspect of the utility model, a vacuum cleaner is provided, which includes: a cleaner body; a dust cup connected to the cleaner body, the dust cup including a dust cup body that at least partially forms a dust cup outlet; the dust cup including a dust cup door configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet; and a releasably connected connector assembly for keeping the dust cup door in a closed position, the releasably connected connector assembly including a first connector, the first connector including a first connector magnet.

[0004] The first connector magnet may include a permanent magnet.

[0005] The releasably connectable connector assembly may further include a second connector connected to the first connector; wherein the second connector includes a second connector ferromagnetic material; and wherein, when the dust cup door is in the closed position, the first connector and the second connector are arranged so that the second connector ferromagnetic material is held by the magnetic force of the first connector magnet.

[0006] The releasably connectable connector assembly may further include a second connector connected to the first connector; wherein the second connector includes a second connector magnet; and wherein, when the dust cup door is in the closed position, the first connector and the second connector are arranged so that the second connector magnet and the first connector magnet are held to each other by the magnetic force of the first connector magnet and the second connector magnet, respectively.

[0007] The first connector magnet may have the dust cup body.

[0008] The releasably connectable connector assembly may further include a second connector connected to the first connector; wherein the second connector includes a second connector ferromagnetic material; and wherein the second connector ferromagnetic material has the dust cup door.

[0009] The dust cup door may be spring biased toward the closed position.

[0010] The vacuum cleaner may further include another releasably connectable connector assembly for retaining the dust cup door in the closed position.

[0011] The releasably connectable connector assembly may be adjacent to the other releasably connectable connector assembly.

[0012] The further releasably connectable connector assembly may comprise a further first connector and a further second connector; wherein the further first connector comprises a further first connector hook; and wherein the further second connector comprises a further second connector hook latch.

[0013] The first connector hook may have a dust cup door retainer pivotably coupled to the dust cup body; and wherein the second connector hook latch has the dust cup door.

[0014] The dust cup door holder may be switchable between a locked position and an unlocked position; and wherein, when the dust cup door is in the closed position, the dust cup holder is in the locked position.

[0015] The dust cup door retainer may be biased toward the locked position by a spring.

[0016] The dust cup body at least partially forms a dust cup cavity; and a deformable debris blocker is located in the dust cup cavity upstream of the dust cup outlet and the dust cup door, and the deformable debris blocker extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the dust cup cavity to protect the dust cup door from the impact of debris in the dust cup cavity.

[0017] According to another aspect of the utility model, a vacuum cleaner is provided, which includes: a cleaner body; a dust cup connected to the cleaner body, the dust cup including a dust cup body at least partially forming a dust cup cavity and a dust cup outlet; the dust cup including a dust cup door configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet; and a deformable debris blocker located in the dust cup cavity upstream of the dust cup outlet and the dust cup door, the deformable debris blocker extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the dust cup cavity to protect the dust cup door from debris in the dust cup cavity.

[0018] The deformable debris blocker may include a debris blocker shroud formed from plastic.

[0019] The debris blocker shield can be elastically deformable in a direction toward the dust cup door in response to negative pressure introduced into the dust cup cavity through the dust cup outlet, and can be elastically recoverable in a direction away from the dust cup door in response to termination of the negative pressure.

[0020] The debris blocker shield may include a debris blocker shield hinge region formed from the plastic.

[0021] The debris blocker guard may be arranged at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the dirt cup cavity such that as the debris blocker guard extends away from the debris blocker guard hinge region, the debris blocker guard transitions closer to the dirt cup door.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cleaning system is provided, which includes a vacuum cleaner and a docking station, the vacuum cleaner being configured to dock with the docking station, the vacuum cleaner including: a cleaner body; a dust cup connected to the cleaner body, the dust cup including a dust cup body at least partially forming a dust cup cavity and a dust cup outlet; the dust cup including a dust cup door configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet; and at least one of the following: a releasably connected connector assembly for maintaining the dust cup door in a closed position, the releasably connected connector assembly including a first connector including a first connector magnet, and / or a deformable debris blocker located in the dust cup cavity upstream of the dust cup outlet and the dust cup door, the deformable debris blocker extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the dust cup cavity to protect the dust cup door from debris in the dust cup cavity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] These and other features and advantages will be better understood from the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 is an illustrative example of a vacuum cleaner docked with a docking station consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 2 is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 Schematic example of a vacuum cleaner with a dust cup in a manual emptying configuration.

[0026] Figure 3 is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 Schematic illustration of a vacuum cleaner with a dust cup in an automatic emptying configuration.

[0027] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner docked with a docking station consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 5 is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 4 Vacuum cleaners from Figure 4 A perspective view of a docking station detached while one or more accessories of a vacuum cleaner remain docked with the docking station.

[0029] Figure 6 is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 4 Perspective view of a docking station.

[0030] Fig. 6A is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 4 The docking station corresponds to Figure 6 An enlarged view of a portion of region 6A.

[0031] Figure 7 is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 4 The docking station is used to accommodate Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a container of a vacuum cleaner.

[0032] Figure 8 is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 4 A perspective view of a vacuum cleaner with a dust cup outlet in a closed configuration.

[0033] Fig. 8A is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 4 The vacuum cleaner corresponds to Figure 8 An enlarged view of a portion of region 8A.

[0034] Fig. 9 is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 4 A perspective view of a vacuum cleaner with a dust cup outlet in an open configuration.

[0035] Fig.10is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 4 The line XX intercepts Figure 4 A cutaway view of a vacuum cleaner and a docking station.

[0036] Fig.11 is a perspective view of another vacuum cleaner docked with a docking station consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Fig.12 is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Fig.11 The line 12-12 is intercepted Fig.11 A cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner and a docking station with the vacuum cleaner dust cup holder in a locked position.

[0038] Fig. 12A is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Fig.12 The vacuum cleaner and the docking station correspond to Fig.12 An enlarged view of the corresponding portion of zone 12A.

[0039] Fig.13 is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Fig.11 A perspective view of a dust cup and a dust cup door of a vacuum cleaner.

[0040] Fig.14 is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Fig.11 Vacuum cleaner Fig.13 Another perspective view of a vacuum cleaner dust cup and a vacuum cleaner dust cup door.

[0041] Fig.15 is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Fig.11 The line 12-12 is intercepted Fig.11 A cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner and a docking station with the vacuum cleaner dust cup holder in an unlocked position.

[0042] Fig.16 is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Fig.11 Another perspective view of a dust cup and a dust cup door of a vacuum cleaner.

[0043] Fig.17 is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Fig.11 Another perspective view of a dust cup and a dust cup door of a vacuum cleaner.

[0044] Fig.18 is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Fig.11 Another perspective view of a dust cup and a dust cup door of a vacuum cleaner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The present disclosure generally relates to a vacuum cleaner and a docking station configured to interface with the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum cleaner suction motor, a vacuum cleaner suction inlet, and a vacuum cleaner dust cup. The vacuum cleaner suction motor is fluidly coupled to the vacuum cleaner suction inlet and the vacuum cleaner dust cup so that the vacuum cleaner suction motor causes air to be sucked through the vacuum cleaner suction inlet and into the vacuum cleaner dust cup when started. The air sucked through the vacuum cleaner suction inlet may be entrained with debris. At least a portion of the entrained debris is deposited in the vacuum cleaner dust cup for later processing. The vacuum cleaner dust cup may include a first emptying configuration and a second emptying configuration for removing debris from the vacuum cleaner dust cup. The first emptying configuration may correspond to a manual emptying configuration (e.g., for emptying the vacuum cleaner dust cup into a trash container by a user), and the second emptying configuration may correspond to an automatic emptying configuration (e.g., for emptying the vacuum cleaner dust cup using a docking station).

[0046] The docking station includes a station suction motor, a container having a station suction inlet, and a station dust cup. The station suction motor is configured to cause air to flow into the station suction inlet and through the station dust cup. The container is configured to interface with a vacuum cleaner so that the vacuum cleaner is removably coupled to (docked with) the docking station. When the vacuum cleaner is docked to the docking station and the station suction motor is activated, the cleaner dust cup is convertible to an automatic emptying configuration. When in the automatic emptying configuration, the cleaner dust cup and the station dust cup are fluidly coupled so that when the station suction motor is activated, at least a portion of any debris stored in the cleaner dust cup is transferred to the station dust cup.

[0047] Using a docking station to empty a vacuum cleaner dust cup can reduce the number of times a user comes into contact with debris collected by the vacuum cleaner (e.g., due to a debris plume during emptying). For example, the station dust cup can be configured to have a larger volume than the vacuum cleaner dust cup (e.g., at least twice as large a volume). Thus, a user can handle the collected debris less frequently, thereby reducing user contact with the debris.

[0048] Figure 1A schematic example of a cleaning system 101 having a vacuum cleaner 100 detachably coupled (docked) to a docking station 102 is shown. The vacuum cleaner 100 includes a handle 104, a vacuum cleaner suction motor 106, a vacuum cleaner dust cup 108, and a vacuum cleaner inlet 110. The vacuum cleaner suction motor 106 is fluidly coupled to the vacuum cleaner inlet 110 and the vacuum cleaner dust cup 108 so that when the vacuum cleaner suction motor 106 is activated, air is caused to flow through the vacuum cleaner inlet 110 and into the vacuum cleaner dust cup 108. Debris may be entrained in the air flowing through the vacuum cleaner inlet 110. At least a portion of the entrained debris may be deposited in the vacuum cleaner dust cup 108 for later disposal. The cleaner dust cup 108 can be configured to have a first empty configuration and a second empty configuration, wherein the cleaner dust cup 108 can be in the first empty configuration when the vacuum cleaner 100 is detached from the docking station 102, and the cleaner dust cup can be in the second empty configuration when the vacuum cleaner 100 is docked with the docking station 102. Therefore, the first empty configuration can generally be referred to as a manual empty configuration, and the second empty configuration can generally be referred to as an automatic empty configuration.

[0049] The user interface 112 may be disposed on and / or near the handle 104 (e.g., within 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 35%, or 50% of the maximum dimension of the handle 104). The user interface 112 may include one or more of a start switch (e.g., for starting the suction motor 106), a cleaning behavior switch (e.g., for increasing the suction power of the suction motor 106), a dust cup emptying switch (e.g., for converting the vacuum cleaner dust cup 108 to a manual emptying configuration), and / or any other switches.

[0050] The docking station 102 includes a base 114, an updraft 116 extending from the base 114, and a container 118 coupled to the updraft 116. The container 118 is configured to receive at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 100. The base 114 includes a station dust cup 120 and a station suction motor 122. In some cases, the base 114 may also include a post-motor filter 115, wherein exhaust from the station suction motor 122 is configured to pass through the post-motor filter 115. The post-motor filter 115 may be a high-efficiency particulate air ("HEPA") filter (e.g., a pleated HEPA filter).

[0051] The upper duct 116 includes an air passage 124 that is fluidly coupled to the station dust cup 120 and the station suction motor 122, such that the station suction motor 122, when activated, draws air through the air passage 124 and into the station dust cup 120. The container 118 includes a station inlet 126 that is fluidly coupled to the air passage 124, such that the station suction motor 122, when activated, draws air through the station inlet 126 and into the air passage 124. In other words, the upper duct 116 fluidly couples the station inlet 126 to the station suction motor 122 and the station dust cup 120.

[0052] As shown, the cleaner dust cup 108 includes a dust cup outlet 128 that is configured to be fluidly coupled to the station inlet 126 when the vacuum cleaner 100 is docked with the docking station 102 (e.g., when at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 100 is received within the container 118). When the station suction motor 122 is activated, air is drawn through the dust cup outlet 128 and into the station inlet 126. The dust cup outlet 128 can be configured to be selectively opened and closed when the vacuum cleaner 100 is docked to the docking station 102. When the dust cup outlet 128 is in an open configuration, the cleaner dust cup 108 is in an automatic emptying configuration.

[0053] Figure 2 A schematic example of a vacuum cleaner 100 having a dust collector cup 108 in a manual emptying configuration is shown. As shown, the dust collector cup 108 is coupled (e.g., movably coupled, detachably coupled, and / or pivotally coupled) to a main body 200 of the vacuum cleaner 100 so that the dust collector cup 108 can be switched between a stowed configuration and a manual emptying configuration. For example, and as shown, the dust collector cup 108 can be pivotally coupled to the main body 200 of the vacuum cleaner 100 at a pivot point 202 so that the dust collector cup 108 pivots from the stowed configuration to the manual emptying configuration. When in the manual emptying configuration, debris in the dust collector cup 108 can be emptied from the dust collector cup open end 204 of the dust collector cup 108. The dust cup open end 204 can be opposite to the pivot point 202 of the dust collector cup 108. This configuration may facilitate the emptying of debris from the dust cup open end 204 due to the pivotal movement of the cleaner dust cup 108 .

[0054] Figure 3A schematic example of a vacuum cleaner 100 having a dust cup 108 in a stowed configuration and a dust cup outlet 128 in an open configuration is shown. As shown, the dust cup door 300 can be configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet 128, thereby selectively switching the dust cup outlet 128 between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The dust cup door 300 is pivotably connected to the dust cup 108 of the vacuum cleaner so that the dust cup door 300 pivots to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet 128. For example, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is docked with the docking station 102, the airflow generated by the station suction motor 122 can pivot the dust cup door 300, open the dust cup outlet 128 and allow debris in the dust cup 108 of the vacuum cleaner to be entrained in the airflow. Therefore, when the dust cup outlet 128 is in an open configuration, the dust cup 108 can generally be described as being in an automatic emptying configuration.

[0055] Figure 4 A perspective view of a vacuum cleaner 400 and a docking station 402 is shown, the vacuum cleaner may be Figure 1 For example, the vacuum cleaner 100 may be Figure 1 An example of a docking station 102 is shown.

[0056] The vacuum cleaner 400 includes a body 403, a handle 404, a cleaner user interface 406 near the handle 404, a cleaner suction motor 408, a cleaner dust cup 410 pivotally coupled to the body 403, and a cleaner inlet 412, the cleaner suction motor 408 being fluidly coupled to the cleaner dust cup 410 and the cleaner inlet 412. The cleaner inlet 412 can be configured to be releasably coupled to an accessory 414 (e.g., a cleaning rod). The accessory 414 can be configured to be releasably coupled to an additional accessory 416 (e.g., a floor nozzle).

[0057] The docking station 402 includes a base 418, a station dust cup 420 releasably coupled to the base 418, a station suction motor 422 disposed within the base 418, an upper air duct 424 extending from the base 418, and a container 426 coupled to the upper air duct 424. The container 426 is configured to receive at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 400 so that the vacuum cleaner 400 is releasably coupled (docked) to the docking station 402. The container 426 may also be configured to receive at least a portion of the accessory 414 so that the accessory 414 is releasably coupled (docked) to the docking station 402.

[0058] Figure 5A perspective view of a vacuum cleaner 400 and a docking station 402 is shown, wherein the vacuum cleaner 400 is detached from the docking station 402. As shown, the vacuum cleaner 400 can be used independently of the accessories 414 and 416, and the accessories 414 and 416 can remain docked with the docking station 402, while being detached from the vacuum cleaner 400. When the vacuum cleaner 400 is detached separately from the accessories 414 and 416, the accessories 414 and 416 can be detached from the docking station 402 independently of the vacuum cleaner 400. In some cases, when the accessories 414 and 416 are not docked with the docking station 402, the vacuum cleaner 400 can be docked with the docking station 402 separately from the accessories 414 and 416.

[0059] Figure 6 A perspective view of the docking station 402 is shown, and Fig. 6A Shown corresponding to Figure 6 6A in FIG. As shown, the container 426 includes a charging contact 600 configured to be electrically connected to the vacuum cleaner 400 (e.g., for charging one or more batteries of the vacuum cleaner 400), one or more accessory aligners 602, one or more cleaner aligners 604, and one or more dust cup aligners 606. In some cases, the docking station 402 may be configured to use the charging contact 600 to detect that the vacuum cleaner 400 is docked with the docking station. Additionally or alternatively, the container 426 may include one or more sensors 601 (e.g., a tactile switch, a Hall effect sensor, and / or any other type of sensor) to detect that the vacuum cleaner 400 is docked with the container. In response to detecting that the vacuum cleaner 400 is docked with the docking station 402, the docking station 402 may be caused to perform an emptying behavior. In some cases, the docking station 402 may perform an emptying behavior in response to detecting that the vacuum cleaner 400 is docked with the docking station 402 and in response to receiving a user input.

[0060] As shown, the container 426 is defined by one or more container sidewalls 608 that are shaped to follow the corresponding contours of the vacuum cleaner 400 and / or the accessory 414, so that the container 426 can be generally described as including a vacuum cleaner area 610 and an accessory area 612. For example, the container 426 can have a first width 614 and a second width 616, wherein the first width 614 is greater than the second width 616. The second width 616 can be closer to the base 418 of the docking station 402 than the first width 614. In some cases, the second width 616 can generally correspond to the width of the accessory 414 ( Figure 4 ), and the first width 614 may correspond to the width of the vacuum cleaner 400 ( Figure 4 ). Thus, the container 426 can generally be described as being configured to receive at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 400 and at least a portion of the accessories 414.

[0061] The one or more accessory aligners 602 are configured to engage (e.g., contact) the accessory 414 so as to align the accessory 414 relative to the container 426. The one or more accessory aligners 602 can be recesses configured to receive corresponding portions (e.g., alignment protrusions) of the accessory 414. In some cases, at least a portion of the one or more accessory aligners 602 is configured to limit movement of the accessory 414 to one or more predetermined axes when at least a portion of the accessory 414 engages the one or more accessory aligners 602. For example, at least a portion of the one or more accessory aligners 602 can be configured to limit movement of the accessory 414 relative to the container 426 about an insertion / removal axis 618 when at least a portion of the accessory 414 engages the one or more accessory aligners 602. The insertion / removal axis 618 can extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the upper air duct 424 (e.g., within a range of 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, or 5°).

[0062] The one or more cleaner alignment members 604 are configured to engage (eg, contact) the body 403 ( Figure 4 ) to align the vacuum cleaner 400 relative to the container 426. The one or more vacuum cleaner aligners 604 can be protrusions configured to be received within corresponding recesses in the vacuum cleaner 400 (e.g., in the body 403). In some cases, at least a portion of the one or more vacuum cleaner aligners 604 is configured to limit movement of the vacuum cleaner 400 to one or more axes when at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 400 engages the one or more vacuum cleaner aligners 604. For example, at least a portion of the one or more vacuum cleaner aligners 604 can be configured to limit movement of the vacuum cleaner 400 relative to the insertion / removal axis 618 when at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 400 engages the one or more vacuum cleaner aligners 604.

[0063] The one or more dust cup aligners 606 are configured to engage the dust cup 410 ( Figure 4) so that the dust cup outlet is aligned with the station entrance 620 of the container 426. As shown, there may be a plurality of dust cup aligners 606 disposed on opposite sides of the station entrance 620. One or more dust cup aligners 606 may be grooves configured to receive at least a portion of the dust cup 410 of the vacuum cleaner. In some cases, at least a portion of the one or more dust cup aligners 606 is configured to limit the movement of the vacuum cleaner 400 to one or more lines when at least a portion of the dust cup 410 of the vacuum cleaner engages the one or more dust cup aligners 606. For example, at least a portion of the one or more dust cup aligners 606 may be configured to limit the movement of the vacuum cleaner 400 relative to the insertion / removal axis 618 when at least a portion of the dust cup 410 of the vacuum cleaner engages the one or more dust cup aligners 606. The dust cup aligner 606 may be further configured to urge the dust cup 410 of the vacuum cleaner to engage with a seal 624 extending around the periphery of the station entrance 620. The seal 624 can be resiliently deformable such that the seal 624 is at least partially compressed when the vacuum cleaner 400 is received within the receptacle 426. For example, the seal 624 can include thermoplastic polyurethane ("TPU").

[0064] refer to Figure 7 , which shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a container 426, one or more dust cup aligners 606 may include a dust cup aligner groove 700 defined by a first groove sidewall 702 and a second groove sidewall 704. The first groove sidewall 702 and the second groove sidewall may be configured to facilitate the seal 624 ( Fig. 6A ) to form a seal between the vacuum cleaner 400 and the dust cup 410 and / or to reduce wear on the seal 624 caused by repeated docking and undocking of the vacuum cleaner 400 with the docking station 402. The first groove sidewall 702 may include a first sidewall portion 706 and a second sidewall portion 708, the first sidewall portion 706 and the second sidewall portion 708 intersecting to form a sidewall portion angle θ. The sidewall portion angle θ may be an obtuse angle extending between the first sidewall portion 706 and the surface of the second sidewall portion 708 facing the second groove sidewall 704. The second sidewall portion 708 may form a groove angle α with the second groove sidewall 704, so that the separation distance 709 extending between the second sidewall portion 708 and the second groove sidewall 704 decreases in the direction of the base 418 of the docking station 402. In other words, the dust cup aligner groove 700 may include a tapered area that tapers in the direction of the base 418.

[0065] The groove angle α extends from the surface of the second sidewall portion 708 facing the second groove sidewall 704 to the second groove sidewall 704. The groove angle α may be, for example, in the range of 1° to 20°. As another example, the groove angle α may be, for example, in the range of 5° to 15°. As yet another example, the groove angle α may be, for example, about 10° (e.g., in the range of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5%).

[0066] The first groove sidewall 702 and / or the second groove sidewall 704 may include a chamfered area 710 and / or 712, which is configured to facilitate the dust cup 410 ( Figure 4 ) is inserted into the dust cup aligner groove 700. The first groove sidewall 702 has a first sidewall height 714, and the second groove sidewall 704 has a second sidewall height 716. The first sidewall height 714 can be greater than the second sidewall height 716. Therefore, the movement of the vacuum cleaner 400 along the insertion / removal axis 618 can be limited for only a portion of the dust cup aligner groove 700 (e.g., the portion of the dust cup aligner groove 700 that extends between the first groove sidewall 702 and the second groove sidewall 704).

[0067] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 400. As shown, the body 403 of the vacuum cleaner 400 includes one or more cleaner alignment grooves 800 that are configured to align with one or more cleaner alignment grooves 604 (e.g., of the docking station 402) (e.g., container 426). Fig. 6A )) and the cleaner dust cup 410 includes a dust cup alignment protrusion 802, which is configured to align with the docking station 402 (e.g., the dust cup aligner 606 ( Fig. 6A The dust cup alignment protrusion 802 may include a dust cup outlet 804 that is configured to be selectively opened and closed by a dust cup door 806 so that debris in the cleaner dust cup 410 may selectively pass through the dust cup outlet.

[0068] As shown, the dust cup door 806 is configured to be in the closed position ( Figure 8 ) and the open position ( Fig. 9 ). For example, the dust cup door 806 can be pivotally coupled to the cleaner dust cup 410 (e.g., the dust cup alignment protrusion 802) so that the dust cup door 806 pivots between an open position and a closed position. The dust cup door 806 can be biased toward the closed position (e.g., using a spring such as a torsion spring). When the dust cup door 806 is in the open position, the cleaner dust cup 410 can generally be described as being in an automatic emptying configuration.

[0069] The vacuum cleaner 400 (eg, the vacuum cleaner dust cup 410) may include a retainer 808. The retainer 808 may be movably (eg, slidably) coupled to the dust cup alignment protrusion 802, wherein the retainer 808 is configured to be in a locked position ( Figure 8 ) and unlocked position ( Fig. 9 ). When the retainer 808 is in the locked position, the dust cup door 806 is prevented from moving from the closed position to the open position (e.g., pivotal movement of the dust cup door 806 may be substantially prevented). When the retainer 808 is in the unlocked position, the dust cup door 806 can move from the closed position to the open position. The retainer 808 may be biased toward the locked position (e.g., using a spring such as a compression spring).

[0070] When the vacuum cleaner 400 is docked with the docking station 402, the retainer 808 can be switched from the locked position to the unlocked position. For example, the container 426 may include an actuation protrusion 626 (eg, perpendicular to) extending transverse to (eg, perpendicular to) the insertion / removal axis 618. Fig. 6A ). The actuation protrusion 626 is configured to engage (e.g., contact) the retainer 808 when the vacuum cleaner 400 is received by the container 426. When the vacuum cleaner 400 is docked with the docking station 402, the engagement of the actuation protrusion 626 with the retainer 808 causes the retainer to transition (e.g., slide) from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0071] The dust cup alignment protrusion 802 is configured to cooperate with the dust cup aligner 606. For example, the dust cup alignment protrusion 802 may have a dust cup alignment groove 700 ( Figure 7 ) is substantially corresponding to the shape (e.g., a wedge shape). For example, the shape of the dust cup alignment protrusion 802 can cause the second groove side wall 704 to engage (e.g., contact) the dust cup alignment protrusion 802, thereby causing the dust cup alignment protrusion 802 to align with the seal 624 ( Fig. 6A ) engagement (e.g., contact). The engagement between the seal 624 and the dust cup alignment protrusion 802 can at least partially compress the seal 624. For example, the seal engagement surface 810 of the dust cup alignment protrusion 802 can engage with the seal 624 to form at least a partial seal. The formation of a partial seal can mitigate debris plume when the cleaner dust cup 410 is emptied.

[0072] In some cases, and with additional references Fig. 8A (which roughly corresponds to Figure 88A in the enlarged view of the region 8A in the dust cup alignment projection 802), the dust cup alignment projection 802 may also include an alignment lip 803, which extends outwardly from the projection sidewall 805 of the dust cup alignment projection 802 by a first extension distance 807. The dust cup alignment projection 802 may include a plurality of alignment lips 803, wherein each alignment lip 803 extends along the opposite longitudinal side of the dust cup alignment projection 802. The alignment lip 803 may be configured to engage at least a portion of the dust cup aligner 606. In some cases, the alignment lip 803 may include at least a portion of the sealing engagement surface 810 of the dust cup alignment projection 802. The dust cup alignment projection 802 may include (in addition to or as an alternative to the alignment lip) an alignment projection 809. The alignment projection 809 may extend a second extension distance 811 from the projection sidewall 805, and the second extension distance 811 is greater than the first extension distance 807. The alignment protrusion 809 can be configured to engage at least a portion of the dust cup aligner 606. In some cases, the alignment protrusion 809 can include at least a portion of the sealing engagement surface 810 of the dust cup alignment protrusion 802.

[0073] As shown, the sealing engagement surface 810 of the dust cup alignment protrusion 802 forms a protrusion angle β with the longitudinal axis 812 of the cleaner. The protrusion angle β may roughly correspond to the groove angle α ( Figure 7 ). The protrusion angle β may, for example, be in the range of 1° to 20°. As another example, the protrusion angle β may, for example, be in the range of 5° to 15°. As yet another example, the protrusion angle β may, for example, be about 10° (e.g., in the range of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5%).

[0074] The dust collector dust cup 410 is pivotally connected to the main body 403 of the vacuum cleaner 400 around the dust cup pivot axis 814. The dust collector dust cup 410 is configured to pivot from the stowed configuration to the manual emptying configuration around the dust cup pivot axis 814. As shown in the figure, when in the stowed configuration, the dust collector dust cup 410 extends between the inlet end 816 of the main body 403 and the handle 404 along the longitudinal axis 812 of the dust collector. When the dust collector dust cup 410 is pivoted to the manual emptying position, the open end 818 of the dust collector dust cup 410 is exposed. As shown in the figure, when the dust collector dust cup 410 is in the stowed configuration, the open end 818 is received in the main body 403. Therefore, the dust collector dust cup 410 can generally be described as being configured to pivot so that the open end 818 is selectively received in the main body 403. The open end 818 and the dirt cup outlet 804 may be located on different sides of the cleaner dirt cup 410 .

[0075] Fig.10 Shown along Figure 4 The line XX intercepts Figure 4402 docked with the vacuum cleaner 400. As shown, the dust cup door 806 is in an open position. The dust cup door 806 can be responsive to the station suction motor 422 ( Figure 4 ) is activated to switch from the closed position to the open position. For example, the airflow generated by the station suction motor 422 can push the dust cup door 806 toward the open position. When the station suction motor 422 is deactivated, the dust cup door 806 can be switched to the closed position (e.g., due to gravity and / or biasing forces). When the dust cup door 806 is in the open position, at least a portion of the dust cup door 806 passes through the station inlet 620 and is at least partially received in the container cavity 1000 of the container 426. In other words, when the dust cup outlet 804 is open, at least a portion of the dust cup door 806 is received in the container cavity 1000.

[0076] The airflow generated by the station suction motor 422 can flow along the exhaust flow path 1002. As shown, the exhaust flow path 1002 extends from the cleaner dust cup 410 through the air passage 1004 of the upper duct 424 into the container cavity 1000 and into the station dust cup 420.

[0077] Fig.11 A perspective view of another vacuum cleaner 1100 according to the present disclosure is shown, wherein Figures 12 to 18 Additional views are shown. The vacuum cleaner 1100 includes a cleaner body 1103, a cleaner handle 1104, a cleaner suction motor 1108, a cleaner dust cup 1109 coupled to the cleaner body 1103, and a cleaner inlet 1112, wherein the cleaner suction motor 1108 is fluidly coupled to the cleaner dust cup 1109 and the cleaner inlet 1112. The cleaner inlet 1112 can be configured to be releasably coupled to an accessory 1114 (e.g., a cleaning rod). The accessory 1114 can be configured to be releasably coupled to an additional accessory 1116 (e.g., a floor nozzle).

[0078] The docking station 1102 includes a station base 1118, a station dust cup 1120 releasably coupled to the station base 1118, a station suction motor 1122 disposed within the station base 1118, a station upper air duct 1124 extending from the station base 1118, and a station container 1126 coupled to the station upper air duct 1124. The station container 1126 is configured to receive at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 1100 so that the vacuum cleaner 1100 is releasably coupled (docked) to the docking station 1102. The station container 1126 may also be configured to receive at least a portion of the accessory 1114 so that the accessory 1114 is releasably coupled (docked) to the docking station 1102.

[0079] Similar to vacuum cleaner 400, vacuum cleaner 1100 can be used independently of accessories 1114 and 1116, and accessories 1114 and 1116 can remain docked with docking station 1102 while being detached from vacuum cleaner 1100. When vacuum cleaner 1100 is detached separately from accessories 1114 and 1116, accessories 1114 and 1116 can be detached from docking station 1102 independently of vacuum cleaner 1100. In some cases, vacuum cleaner 1100 can be docked with docking station 1102 separately from accessories 1114 and 1116 when accessories 1114 and 1116 are not docked with docking station 1102.

[0080] Fig.12 It is along Fig.11 The line 12-12 is intercepted Fig.11 1100 and the docking station 1102. Fig. 12A yes Fig.12 The vacuum cleaner 1100 and the docking station correspond to Fig.12 An enlarged view of the corresponding portion of zone 12A.

[0081] Similar to Figure 4 In the embodiment, the dust cup outlet 1132 defined / formed at least in part by the semicircular dust cup body 1110 is configured to be selectively opened and closed by the dust cup door 1134, so that debris in the dust cup 1109 of the dust collector can selectively pass therethrough. Figure 4 In an embodiment, the dust cup door 1134 is configured to switch between a closed position and an open position. Fig.13 As better shown, the dust cup door 1134 can be pivotally coupled to the cleaner dust cup 1109 such that the dust cup door 1134 pivots between an open position and a closed position via a dust cup door hinge 1135. The dust cup door 1134 can be biased toward the closed position (e.g., using a closing spring 1140 such as a torsion spring). Fig.13 as well as Fig.14 As shown, the dust cup door 1134 includes a closed loop perimeter gasket 1137 that forms a seal with the cleaner dust cup 1109 when the dust cup door 1134 is in the closed position. When the dust cup door 1134 is in the open position, the cleaner dust cup 1109 can generally be described as being in an automatic emptying configuration. Figure 4 Compared to the embodiment of the present invention, when the vacuum cleaner 1100 is docked to the docking station 1102, the dust cup door 1134 is arranged to be substantially horizontal (i.e., arranged to be more horizontal than vertical when in the closed position). More specifically, in the closed position, the dust cup door 1134 can be arranged to be at an angle of 30 degrees or less to the horizontal (to the horizon).

[0082] like Fig. 12A and 13 As shown in FIG. 1 , the vacuum cleaner 1100 (e.g., the vacuum cleaner dust cup 1109) may include a dust cup door holder 1142. The dust cup door holder 1142 may be movably (e.g., pivotally) coupled to the vacuum cleaner dust cup body 1110 of the vacuum cleaner dust cup 1109, wherein the dust cup door holder 1142 is configured to be movable (e.g., pivotally) coupled to the vacuum cleaner dust cup 1109. Fig. 12A The locking position shown in Fig.15 . When the dust cup door retainer 1142 is in the locked position, the dust cup door 1134 is prevented from moving (e.g., pivoting) from the closed position to the open position (e.g., pivoting movement of the dust cup door 1134 can be substantially prevented). When the dust cup door retainer 1142 is in the unlocked position, the dust cup door 1134 can move from the closed position to the open position. Fig. 12A and 15 As shown in , the dust cup door retainer 1142 can be biased toward a locked position (eg, using a locking spring 1144 such as a compression spring).

[0083] When the vacuum cleaner 1100 is docked with the docking station 1102, the dust cup door retainer 1142 can be switched from the locked position to the unlocked position. Fig. 12A and 15 ,in particular Fig. 12A As shown in , the station container 1126 may include a wedge-shaped actuation protrusion 1146 having a protruding (wedge-shaped) inclined surface 1148 extending at an acute angle A1 (e.g., in the range of 15 to 30 degrees) to the insertion / removal axis 1150. The actuation protrusion 1146 is configured to engage (e.g., contact) the dust cup door retainer 1142 when the vacuum cleaner 1100 is received by the station container 1126. When the vacuum cleaner 1100 is docked with the docking station 1102, the engagement of the actuation protrusion 1146 with the dust cup door retainer 1142 causes the dust cup door retainer 1142 to transition (e.g., pivot about the pivot 1152) from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0084] More specifically, by Fig. 12A and 16 As shown (in Fig.16, for clarity, the vacuum cleaner dust cup body 1110 is shown as transparent and the closed-loop peripheral gasket 1137 is removed), the vacuum cleaner dust cup door 1134 includes a first releasable connector (in the first connector assembly / pair) in the form of a hook latch 1136, and the dust cup door retainer 1142 of the vacuum cleaner dust cup 1109 includes a first releasable mating connector (in the first connector assembly / pair) in the form of a hook 1154. When in the locked position, the hook 1154 engages with the hook latch 1136, and in the unlocked position, the hook disengages from the hook latch 1136. Therefore, the first connector pair operates with positive mechanical engagement. A positive mechanical engagement connection may be understood herein as a connection formed between components that not only relies on friction to inhibit separation of the components, but also includes mechanical interlocking to inhibit separation of the components (e.g., overlapping surfaces).

[0085] As described above, when the vacuum cleaner 1100 is docked with the docking station 1102 and the dust cup door retainer 1142 is in the unlocked position, so that the hook 1154 of the dust cup door retainer and the hook latch 1136 of the vacuum cleaner dust cup door are disengaged, the vacuum cleaner dust cup door 1134 is biased toward the closed position using the closing (torsion) spring 1140.

[0086] To better ensure that the cleaner dust cup door 1134 remains closed when the dust cup door retainer 1142 is in the locked position, the vacuum cleaner 1100 further includes a second (additional) connector assembly / pair adjacent to the first connector assembly / pair. More specifically, as Fig.17 As shown in FIG. 1 (the dust cup body 1110 of the vacuum cleaner is shown as transparent and the closed-loop peripheral gasket 1137 is removed for clarity), the vacuum cup door 1134 includes a second releasable connector (in the second connector pair) in the form of a magnetic material 1138 (e.g., a ferromagnetic metal, which may include iron, cobalt, steel, and nickel, and alloys thereof), and the vacuum cup body 1110 of the vacuum cup 1109 includes a second releasable mating connector (in the second connector pair) in the form of a magnet 1158 (e.g., a permanent magnet). When in the locked position, the magnet 1158 engages with the magnetic material 1138, and in the unlocked position, the magnet disengages from the magnetic material 1138. Alternatively or in combination, the second releasable connector (e.g., magnetic material 1138) may be a permanent magnet with opposite magnetic poles (e.g., + / -) of the magnet facing the second releasable mating connector (e.g., magnet 1158) so that the magnetic forces of the magnets cooperate. Thus, the second connector pair operates with a magnetic (force) engagement as opposed to a mechanical engagement.

[0087] Similar to Figure 4In an embodiment, when the dust cup door retainer 1142 is in the unlocked position, the dust cup door 1134 can be converted from a closed position to an open position in response to the station suction motor 1122 being activated. For example, the airflow (negative pressure / vacuum) generated by the station suction motor 1122 can push the dust cup door 1134 toward the open position. When the station suction motor 1122 is deactivated, the dust cup door 1134 can be converted to a closed position (e.g., due to the biasing force of the closing (torsion) spring 1140 and the magnetic force of the second connector pair (e.g., the magnetic material 1138 and the magnet 1158)). When the dust cup door 1134 is in the open position, at least a portion of the dust cup door 1134 passes through the station inlet 1128 of the station container 1126. In other words, when the dust cup outlet 1132 is open, at least a portion of the dust cup door 1134 is received in the air passage 1125 of the station upper air duct 1124.

[0088] Reference now Fig. 12A and 18 To better prevent debris that may be held or otherwise stored in the dust cup chamber 1111 (at least partially defined / formed by the dust cup body 1110 of the dust cup 1109) from getting stuck in the movable dust cup door retainer 1142, the movable dust cup door hinge 1135, or other places that may adversely affect the opening and / or closing operation of the dust cup door 1134, the dust cup chamber 1111 may include an elastically deformable debris blocker 1170 upstream of the dust cup door 1134. The debris blocker 1170 may be disposed in the dust cup chamber 1111 upstream of the dust cup outlet 1132 and the dust cup door 1134 spaced apart by a distance of 0.1 inches to 1.5 inches.

[0089] The debris blocker 1170 includes a debris blocker mounting member 1172 mounted to the dust cup body 1110 of the cleaner, and a debris blocker shroud 1174 extending across a cross-sectional area of ​​the cleaner dust cup chamber 1111 transverse to a longitudinal axis 1113 of the cleaner dust cup chamber 1111 to overlie the cleaner dust cup door 1134. The debris blocker shroud 1174 may specifically extend across at least 80% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the cleaner dust cup chamber 1111, and more specifically, across at least 90% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the cleaner dust cup chamber 1111, and even more specifically, across at least 95% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the cleaner dust cup chamber 1111. Furthermore, the debris blocker shroud 1174 may extend across at least 99% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the cleaner dust cup chamber 1111.

[0090] During operation of the vacuum cleaner 1100 and before debris is transferred to the station dust cup 1120, the debris blocker shield 1174 shields the cleaner dust cup door 1134 from being contacted by debris. In the aforementioned manner, the debris blocker shield 1174 makes it more difficult for debris in the cleaner dust cup chamber 1111 to get stuck in the removable dust cup door retainer 1142, the removable dust cup door hinge 1135, or other places that may adversely affect the opening and / or closing operation of the cleaner dust cup door 1134. As shown, the debris blocker shield 1174 is tilted / angled downwardly toward the cleaner dust cup outlet 1132 / door 1134 (see Fig. 12A , at an angle A2 in the range of 10 to 35 degrees from the horizontal / horizon line, such that the debris blocker shield 1174 is closer to the cleaner dust cup outlet 1132 / door 1134 at its free / terminal end 1178 than its hinge area 1176. In other words, as the debris blocker shield 1174 extends away from the hinge area 1176, it becomes closer to the cleaner dust cup outlet 1132 / door 1134. In addition, the debris blocker shield 1174 converges toward each other as it extends away from its respective hinge area 1176 and the cleaner dust cup door 1134 away from its respective dust cup door hinge 1135. In the aforementioned manner, the dimension of the debris blocker shield 1174 from its hinge region 1176 to its free / terminal end 1178 is longer than the cross-sectional dimension of the dust collector cup cavity 1111 taken perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 1113 of the dust collector cup cavity 1111. Therefore, due to the interference contact with the dust collector cup body 1110, the debris blocker shield 1174 is prevented from pivoting further upward about the hinge region 1176 into the dust collector cup cavity 1111 away from the dust collector cup outlet 1132 / door 1134.

[0091] The debris blocker mounting member 1172 can be formed of a rigid plastic (e.g., polyacetal, polyamide, polypropylene), while the debris blocker shield 1174 can be made of a plastic elastomer, specifically a thermoplastic elastomer. As used herein, an elastomer can be characterized as a material having an elongation of at least 100% at 23°C and, after being stretched to twice its original length and held for one minute, can recover within a range of 50% to 100% within one minute after release from stress. More specifically, the elastomer can recover within a range of 75% to 100% within one minute after release from stress, and even more specifically, within a range of 90% to 100% within one minute after release from stress. The elastomer can be composed of any polymer, including natural or synthetic polymers and thermoplastics or thermosetting polymers. Thus, the elastomer can be a natural or synthetic elastomer. The elastomer can include, consist essentially of, or consist of natural or synthetic rubber.

[0092] like Fig. 12A As shown in , similar to the dust cup door 1134, the debris blocker shield 1174 is configured to be (pivotally) converted between a closed position and an open position. In response to the station suction motor 1122 being activated, the debris blocker shield 1174 can be converted from the closed position to the open position (shown in dashed lines). For example, the airflow (negative pressure / vacuum) generated by the station suction motor 1122 can push the debris blocker shield 1174 to the open position in the direction toward the dust cup outlet 1132 / door 1134 by elastically deforming the debris blocker shield 1174 along its elastic hinge area 1176. When the station suction motor 1122 is deactivated, the debris blocker shield 1174 can be converted to the closed position due to the elastic recovery of the debris blocker shield 1174 along its elastic hinge area 1176 in the direction away from the dust cup outlet 1132 / door 1134. It should be appreciated that when the vacuum cleaner 1100 is docked, the open position of the debris blocker guard 1174 is associated with activation of the station suction motor 1122 and the closed position of the debris blocker guard 1174 is associated with deactivation of the station suction motor 1122 .

[0093] like Fig. 12A As shown in the figure, the airflow generated by the station suction motor 1122 can flow along the emptying flow path 1190. The emptying flow path 1190 extends from the air channel / cavity 1111 of the dust collector cup 1109, through the air channel 1125 of the station upper duct 1124 and into the station dust cup 1120. As shown, during the emptying of the dust collector cup 1109, the debris blocker shield 1174 shields the dust cup door hinge 1135 from being contacted by debris.

[0094] In at least one embodiment, a vacuum cleaner is provided, comprising: a cleaner body; a dust cup connected to the cleaner body, the dust cup comprising a dust cup body at least partially forming a dust cup outlet; the dust cup comprising a dust cup door configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet; and a releasably connectable connector assembly for maintaining the dust cup door in a closed position, the releasably connectable connector assembly comprising a first connector comprising a first connector magnet.

[0095] In at least one embodiment, the first connector magnet comprises a permanent magnet.

[0096] In at least one embodiment, the releasably connectable connector assembly further includes a second connector connected to the first connector; wherein the second connector includes a second connector ferromagnetic material; and wherein when the dust cup door is in a closed position, the first connector and the second connector are arranged such that the second connector ferromagnetic material is held by the magnetic force of the first connector magnet.

[0097] In at least one embodiment, the releasably connectable connector assembly further includes a second connector connected to the first connector; wherein the second connector includes a second connector magnet; and wherein when the dust cup door is in a closed position, the first connector and the second connector are arranged so that the second connector magnet and the first connector magnet are held to each other by the magnetic force of the first connector magnet and the second connector magnet, respectively.

[0098] In at least one embodiment, the first connector magnet has the dust cup body.

[0099] In at least one instance, the releasably connectable connector assembly further comprises a second connector connected to the first connector, wherein the second connector comprises a second connector ferromagnetic material; and wherein the second connector ferromagnetic material has the dust cup door.

[0100] In at least one embodiment, the dust cup door is biased toward a closed position by a spring.

[0101] In at least one instance, the vacuum cleaner further includes another releasably connectable connector assembly for retaining the dust cup door in a closed position.

[0102] In at least one instance, the releasably connectable connector assembly is adjacent to another releasably connectable connector assembly.

[0103] In at least one instance, the another releasably connectable connector assembly comprises another first connector and another second connector; wherein the another first connector comprises another first connector hook; and wherein the another second connector comprises another second connector hook latch.

[0104] In at least one instance, the first connector hook has a dust cup door retainer pivotably coupled to a dust cup body; and wherein the second connector hook latch has a dust cup door.

[0105] In at least one embodiment, the dust cup door holder is convertible between a locked position and an unlocked position; and wherein the dust cup holder is in the locked position when the dust cup door is in the closed position.

[0106] In at least one instance, the dust cup door retainer is biased toward the locked position by a spring.

[0107] In at least one embodiment, the dust cup body at least partially forms a dust cup cavity; and a deformable debris blocker is located in the dust cup cavity upstream of the dust cup outlet and the dust cup door, and the deformable debris blocker extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the dust cup cavity to protect the dust cup door from debris in the dust cup cavity.

[0108] In at least one embodiment, a vacuum cleaner is provided, comprising a cleaner body; a dust cup connected to the cleaner body, the dust cup comprising a dust cup body at least partially forming a dust cup cavity and a dust cup outlet; the dust cup comprising a dust cup door configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet; and a deformable debris blocker located in the dust cup cavity upstream of the dust cup outlet and the dust cup door, the deformable debris blocker extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the dust cup cavity to protect the dust cup door from debris in the dust cup cavity.

[0109] In at least one embodiment, the deformable debris blocker includes a debris blocker shroud formed from a plastic elastomer.

[0110] In at least one instance, the debris blocker shield is elastically deformable in a direction toward the dust cup door in response to negative pressure introduced into the dust cup cavity through the dust cup outlet, and elastically recoverable in a direction away from the dust cup door in response to termination of the negative pressure.

[0111] In at least one embodiment, the debris blocker shield includes a debris blocker shield hinge region formed from a plastic elastomer.

[0112] In at least one instance, the debris blocker shield is arranged at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the dirt cup cavity such that the debris blocker shield is closer to the dirt cup door as the debris blocker shield extends away from the debris blocker shield hinge area.

[0113] In at least one embodiment, a cleaning system is provided, the cleaning system comprising a vacuum cleaner and a docking station, the vacuum cleaner being configured to dock with the docking station, the vacuum cleaner comprising: a cleaner body; a dust cup connected to the cleaner body, the dust cup comprising a dust cup body at least partially forming a dust cup cavity and a dust cup outlet; the dust cup comprising a dust cup door configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet; and at least one of the following: a releasably connectable connector assembly for maintaining the dust cup door in a closed position, the releasably connectable connector assembly comprising a first connector comprising a first connector magnet, and / or a deformable debris blocker located in the dust cup cavity upstream of the dust cup outlet and the dust cup door, the deformable debris blocker extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the dust cup cavity to protect the dust cup door from debris in the dust cup cavity.

[0114] Although the principles of the present invention have been described herein, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is intended only as an example and not as a limitation on the scope of the present invention. In addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein, other embodiments are also within the scope of the present invention. Modifications and substitutions made by those of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner, characterized in that: The vacuum cleaner comprises: Vacuum cleaner body; a dust cup coupled to the cleaner body, the dust cup comprising a dust cup body at least partially forming a dust cup outlet; The dust cup includes a dust cup door configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet; and A releasably connectable connector assembly for holding the dust cup door in a closed position comprises a first connector comprising a first connector magnet.

2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein: The first connector magnet comprises a permanent magnet.

3. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein: The releasably connectable connector assembly further includes a second connector connected to the first connector; wherein the second connector comprises a second connector ferromagnetic material; and Wherein, when the dust cup door is in the closed position, the first connector and the second connector are arranged so that the ferromagnetic material of the second connector is retained by the magnetic force of the first connector magnet.

4. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein: The releasably connectable connector assembly further includes a second connector connected to the first connector; wherein the second connector comprises a second connector magnet; and Wherein, when the dust cup door is in the closed position, the first connector and the second connector are arranged so that the second connector magnet and the first connector magnet are held to each other by the magnetic forces of the first connector magnet and the second connector magnet, respectively.

5. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein: The first connector magnet has the dust cup body.

6. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 5, wherein: The releasably connectable connector assembly further includes a second connector connected to the first connector; wherein the second connector comprises a second connector ferromagnetic material; and Wherein, the second connector ferromagnetic material has the dust cup door.

7. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein: The dust cup door is biased toward the closed position by a spring.

8. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein: The vacuum cleaner further includes another releasably connectable connector assembly for retaining the dust cup door in the closed position.

9. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 8, wherein: The releasably connectable connector assembly is adjacent to the other releasably connectable connector assembly.

10. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 8, wherein: The another releasably connectable connector assembly includes another first connector and another second connector; wherein the another first connector comprises another first connector hook; and Wherein, the another second connector comprises another second connector hook latch.

11. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 10, wherein: The first connector hook has a dust cup door retainer pivotably coupled to the dust cup body; and Wherein, the second connector hook latch has the dust cup door.

12. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 11, wherein The dust cup door holder is switchable between a locked position and an unlocked position; and Wherein, when the dust cup door is in the closed position, the dust cup holder is in the locked position.

13. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 12, wherein: The dust cup door retainer is biased toward the locked position by a spring.

14. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein: The dust cup body at least partially forms a dust cup cavity; and A deformable debris blocker is located in the dust cup cavity upstream of the dust cup outlet and the dust cup door, the deformable debris blocker extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the dust cup cavity to protect the dust cup door from debris in the dust cup cavity.

15. A vacuum cleaner, characterized in that: The vacuum cleaner comprises: Vacuum cleaner body; a dust cup coupled to the cleaner body, the dust cup comprising a dust cup body at least partially forming a dust cup cavity and a dust cup outlet; The dust cup includes a dust cup door configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet; and A deformable debris blocker is located in the dust cup cavity upstream of the dust cup outlet and the dust cup door, the deformable debris blocker extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the dust cup cavity to protect the dust cup door from debris in the dust cup cavity.

16. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 15, wherein The deformable debris blocker includes a debris blocker shroud formed of plastic.

17. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 16, wherein: The debris blocker shield is elastically deformable in a direction toward the dust cup door in response to negative pressure introduced into the dust cup cavity through the dust cup outlet, and is elastically recoverable in a direction away from the dust cup door in response to termination of the negative pressure.

18. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 16, wherein: The debris blocker shield includes a debris blocker shield hinge area formed from the plastic.

19. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 18, wherein The debris blocker guard is arranged at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the dirt cup cavity such that as the debris blocker guard extends away from the debris blocker guard hinge area, the debris blocker guard transitions closer to the dirt cup door.

20. A cleaning system, characterized in that: The cleaning system comprises: A vacuum cleaner, comprising: Vacuum cleaner body; a dust cup coupled to the cleaner body, the dust cup comprising a dust cup body at least partially forming a dust cup cavity and a dust cup outlet; The dust cup includes a dust cup door configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet; and At least one of the following: a releasably connectable connector assembly for holding the dust cup door in a closed position, the releasably connectable connector assembly comprising a first connector, the first connector comprising a first connector magnet, and / or a deformable debris blocker located in the dust cup cavity upstream of the dust cup outlet and the dust cup door, the deformable debris blocker extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the dust cup cavity to protect the dust cup door from debris in the dust cup cavity; and A docking station, the vacuum cleaner is configured to dock with the docking station.

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