Vacuum cleaning machine
The vacuum cleaner system with a docking station addresses the issue of frequent debris disposal by enabling automatic emptying into a larger station dust cup, reducing user exposure and device size.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-13
AI Technical Summary
Vacuum cleaners with smaller dust cups require frequent debris disposal, exposing users to debris and increasing the weight and size of the device with larger dust cups.
A vacuum cleaner system that includes a docking station for automatic debris disposal, where the vacuum cleaner dust cup is switched to an automatic emptying configuration when docked, allowing debris to be transferred into a larger station dust cup.
Reduces user exposure to debris by minimizing the frequency of manual disposal and allows for a more compact vacuum cleaner design by utilizing a larger capacity dust cup.
Smart Images
Figure 2026514803000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a surface treatment device, and more specifically, to a vacuum cleaner configured to interact with a docking station.
Background Art
[0002] A surface treatment device is configured to remove at least a portion of any debris deposited on a surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor). For example, the surface treatment device can be a vacuum cleaner that includes a suction motor, a suction inlet, and a dust cup. The suction motor is configured to cause air to flow into the dust cup through the suction inlet. As air is drawn into the suction inlet, at least a portion of any debris on the surface to be cleaned can become entrained within the air. At least a portion of the entrained debris can be deposited within the dust cup for later disposal by the user of the vacuum cleaner. The frequency of disposal can be based at least in part on the capacity of the dust cup. An increase in the capacity of the dust cup can result in an increase in the overall weight and / or size of the vacuum cleaner. A smaller dust cup capacity can reduce the weight and / or size of the vacuum cleaner while potentially leading to more frequent disposal of debris, whereby the user can be exposed to the debris being disposed of more frequently.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0003] These features, as well as other features and advantages, will be better understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.
[0004] [Figure 1] A schematic example of a docking station and a docked vacuum cleaner in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] A schematic example of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 having a dust cup configured to be emptied manually, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3]Figure 1 shows a schematic embodiment of a vacuum cleaner having a dust cup configured to automatically empty, consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of a docking station and a docked vacuum cleaner, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, in which one or more accessories of the vacuum cleaner remain docked with the docking station, while the vacuum cleaner is undocked from the docking station of Figure 4. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the docking station shown in Figure 4, consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] This is an enlarged view of a portion of the docking station in Figure 4, corresponding to area 6A in Figure 6, which is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of the receptacle of the docking station of Figure 4 for receiving the vacuum cleaner of Figure 4, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner having a closed dust cup outlet, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] This is an enlarged view of a portion of the vacuum cleaner in Figure 4, corresponding to area 8A in Figure 8, which is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner having an open dust cup outlet, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner and docking station of Figure 4, obtained along line XX of Figure 4, consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of another vacuum cleaner docked with a docking station, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner and docking station of Figure 11, obtained along line 12-12 of Figure 11, consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 12A]These are enlarged views of the respective parts of the vacuum cleaner and docking station in Figure 12, corresponding to area 12A in Figure 12, which are consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner dust cup and vacuum cleaner dust cup door of a vacuum cleaner, consistent with the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 14] Figure 13 shows another perspective view of the vacuum cleaner dust cup and vacuum cleaner dust cup door of the vacuum cleaner shown in Figure 11, consistent with the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner and docking station of Figure 11, obtained along line 12-12 in Figure 11, with the vacuum cleaner dust cup retainer in the unlocked position, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] Another perspective view of the vacuum cleaner dust cup and vacuum cleaner dust cup door of the vacuum cleaner shown in Figure 11, consistent with the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 17] Another perspective view of the vacuum cleaner dust cup and vacuum cleaner dust cup door of the vacuum cleaner shown in Figure 11, consistent with the embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 18] Another perspective view of the vacuum cleaner dust cup and vacuum cleaner dust cup door of the vacuum cleaner shown in Figure 11, consistent with the embodiments of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0005] This disclosure generally relates to a vacuum cleaner and a docking station configured to interact 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 such that, when activated, the vacuum cleaner suction motor draws air into the vacuum cleaner dust cup through the vacuum cleaner suction inlet. The air drawn in through the vacuum cleaner suction inlet may contain debris mixed in there. At least a portion of the mixed debris is deposited in the vacuum cleaner dust cup for later disposal. 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., a configuration for the user to empty the vacuum cleaner dust cup and place it in a dust receptacle), and the second emptying configuration may correspond to an automatic emptying configuration (e.g., a configuration for the docking station to empty the vacuum cleaner dust cup).
[0006] The docking station includes a station suction motor, a receptacle with 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 receptacle is configured to interact with the vacuum cleaner so that the vacuum cleaner is detachably coupled to the docking station (docks with the docking station). When the vacuum cleaner is docked to the docking station and the station suction motor is activated, the vacuum cleaner dust cup can be switched to an automatic emptying configuration. When in the automatic emptying configuration, the vacuum cleaner dust cup and the station dust cup are fluid-coupled so that when the station suction motor is activated, at least a portion of any debris stored in the vacuum cleaner dust cup is transferred into the station dust cup.
[0007] Using a docking station to empty the vacuum cleaner dust cup can reduce the number of times the user is exposed to debris collected by the vacuum cleaner (for example, as a result of debris being ejected and dispersed while emptying). For example, the station dust cup may be configured to have a larger capacity than the vacuum cleaner dust cup (for example, at least twice the capacity). In this way, the user can dispose of the collected debris less frequently and reduce the user's exposure to debris.
[0008] Figure 1 shows a schematic embodiment of a cleaning system 101 having a vacuum cleaner 100 detachably coupled (docked) to a docking station 102. 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 flows through the vacuum cleaner inlet 110 into the vacuum cleaner dust cup 108. The air flowing through the vacuum cleaner inlet 110 may contain debris mixed in with it. At least a portion of the mixed debris may accumulate in the vacuum cleaner dust cup 108 for later disposal. The vacuum cleaner dust cup 108 can be configured to have a first emptying configuration and a second emptying configuration. The vacuum cleaner dust cup 108 can be configured to have the first emptying configuration when the vacuum cleaner 100 is undocked from the docking station 102, and the second emptying configuration when the vacuum cleaner 100 is docked with the docking station 102. Therefore, the first emptying configuration may generally be called a manual emptying configuration, and the second emptying configuration may generally be called an automatic emptying configuration.
[0009] The user interface 112 may be located on and / or adjacent to the handle 104 (for example, within 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 35%, or 50% of the maximum dimensions of the handle 104). The user interface 112 may include one or more of the following: a start toggle (for example, a toggle for starting the suction motor 106), a cleaning operation toggle (for example, a toggle for increasing the suction force of the suction motor 106), a dust cup empty toggle (for example, a toggle for switching to a configuration in which the vacuum cleaner dust cup 108 is manually emptied), and / or any other toggles.
[0010] The docking station 102 includes a base 114, an upduct 116 extending from the base 114, and a receptacle 118 connected to the upduct 116. The receptacle 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, and 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).
[0011] The upduct 116 includes an air channel 124 which is fluidly coupled to the station dust cup 120 and the station suction motor 122, so that when the station suction motor 122 is activated, it draws air into the station dust cup 120 through the air channel 124. The receptacle 118 includes a station inlet 126 which is fluidly coupled to the air channel 124, so that when the station suction motor 122 is activated, it draws air into the air channel 124 through the station inlet 126. In other words, the upduct 116 fluidly couples the station inlet 126 to the station suction motor 122 and the station dust cup 120.
[0012] As shown, the vacuum cleaner dust cup 108 includes a dust cup outlet 128 configured to be in fluid connection with 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 receptacle 118). When the station suction motor 122 is activated, air is drawn into the station inlet 126 through the dust cup outlet 128. The dust cup outlet 128 can be configured to be selectively opened and closed when the vacuum cleaner 100 is docked with the docking station 102. When the dust cup outlet 128 is in an open configuration, the vacuum cleaner dust cup 108 is configured to be automatically emptied.
[0013] FIG. 2 shows a schematic embodiment of a vacuum cleaner 100 having a vacuum cleaner dust cup 108 in a manually emptied configuration. As shown, the vacuum cleaner dust cup 108 is connected (e.g., movably connected, removably connected, and / or pivotally connected) to the body 200 of the vacuum cleaner 100 such that the vacuum cleaner dust cup 108 can transition between a stored configuration and a manually emptied configuration. For example, as shown, the vacuum cleaner dust cup 108 can be pivotally connected to the body 200 of the vacuum cleaner 100 at a pivot point 202 such that the vacuum cleaner dust cup 108 pivots from a stored configuration to a manually emptied configuration. When in the manually emptied configuration, debris within the vacuum cleaner dust cup 108 can be discharged from the dust cup open end 204 of the vacuum cleaner dust cup 108. The dust cup open end 204 can be opposite the pivot point 202 of the vacuum cleaner dust cup 108. Such a configuration can facilitate the discharge of debris from the dust cup open end 204 as a result of the pivotal movement of the vacuum cleaner dust cup 108.
[0014] Figure 3 shows a schematic embodiment of a vacuum cleaner 100 having a dust cup 108 in a storage configuration and a dust cup outlet 128 in an open configuration. As shown, the dust cup door 300 can be configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet 128 and to selectively transition the dust cup outlet 128 between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The dust cup door 300 can be pivotally coupled to the vacuum cleaner dust cup 108 such 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 dust debris within the vacuum cleaner dust cup 108 to be entrained within the airflow. Thus, the dust cup 108 can generally be described as being configured to automatically empty when the dust cup outlet 128 is in the open configuration.
[0015] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner 400 that can be an embodiment of the vacuum cleaner 100 of FIG. 1 and a docking station 402 that can be an embodiment of the docking station 102 of FIG. 1.
[0016] The vacuum cleaner 400 includes a body 403, a handle 404, a vacuum cleaner user interface 406 proximate the handle 404, a vacuum cleaner suction motor 408, a vacuum cleaner dust cup 410 pivotally coupled to the body 403, and a vacuum cleaner inlet 412, and the vacuum cleaner suction motor 408 is fluidly coupled to the vacuum cleaner dust cup 410 and the vacuum cleaner inlet 412. The vacuum cleaner inlet 412 can be configured to removably couple to an accessory 1114 (e.g., a cleaning wand). The accessory 1114 can be configured to removably couple to an additional accessory 416 (e.g., a floor nozzle).
[0017] The docking station 402 includes a base 418, a station dust cup 420 detachably connected to the base 418, a station suction motor 422 disposed within the base 418, an upduct 424 extending from the base 418, and a receptacle 426 connected to the upduct 424. The receptacle 426 is configured to receive at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 400 so that the vacuum cleaner 400 detachably connects (docks) with the docking station 402. The receptacle 426 may also be configured to receive at least a portion of the accessory 414 so that the accessory 414 detachably connects (docks) with the docking station 402.
[0018] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner 400 and docking station 402 with the vacuum cleaner 400 undocked 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 may remain docked with the docking station 402, which is separate from the vacuum cleaner 400. When the vacuum cleaner 400 is undocked independently of the accessories 414 and 416, the accessories 414 and 416 may be undocked from the docking station 402 independently of the vacuum cleaner 400. In some cases, when the accessories 414 and 416 are undocked from the docking station 402, the vacuum cleaner 400 may be docked with the docking station 402 independently of the accessories 414 and 416.
[0019] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the docking station 402, and Figure 6A shows a magnified view corresponding to area 6A in Figure 6. As shown, the receptacle 426 includes a charging contact 600 configured to electrically connect to the vacuum cleaner 400 (for example, for charging one or more batteries of the vacuum cleaner 400), one or more accessory aligners 602, one or more vacuum cleaner aligners 604, and one or more dust cup aligners 606. In some cases, the docking station 402 may be configured to detect, using the charging contact 600, that the vacuum cleaner 400 is docked to the docking station. Additionally or alternatively, the receptacle 426 may include one or more sensors 601 (for example, tactile switches, Hall effect sensors, and / or any other type of sensor) to detect that the vacuum cleaner 400 is docked to the receptacle. In response to detecting that the vacuum cleaner 400 is docked with the docking station 402, the docking station 402 may be made to perform an ejection operation. In some cases, the docking station 402 may perform an ejection operation in response to detecting that the vacuum cleaner 400 is docked with the docking station 402 and in response to receiving user input.
[0020] As shown, the receptacle 426 is defined by one or more receptacle sidewalls 608 that are molded to follow the corresponding contours of the vacuum cleaner 400 and / or accessory 414, so that the receptacle 426 may generally be described as including a vacuum cleaner area 610 and an accessory area 612. For example, the receptacle 426 may have a first width 614 and a second width 616, where the first width 614 is greater than the second width 616. The second width 616 may be closer to the base 418 of the docking station 402 than the first width 614. In some cases, the second width 616 may 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). Therefore, the receptacle 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.
[0021] One or more accessory aligners 602 are configured to engage with (e.g., contact) the accessory 414 in order to align the accessory 414 with respect to the receptacle 426. One or more accessory aligners 602 may be grooves configured to receive corresponding portions of the accessory 414 (e.g., alignment protrusions). In some cases, at least a portion of one or more accessory aligners 602 is configured to restrict the movement of the accessory 414 to one or more predetermined axes when at least a portion of the accessory 414 is engaged with one or more accessory aligners 602. For example, at least a portion of one or more accessory aligners 602 may be configured to restrict the movement of the accessory 414 to the insertion / removal axis 618 of the receptacle 426 when at least a portion of the accessory 414 is engaged with one or more accessory aligners 602. The insertion / removal shaft 618 may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the upduct 424 (for example, within 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis).
[0022] One or more vacuum cleaner aligners 604 are configured to engage (e.g., contact) with the body 403 (Figure 4) of the vacuum cleaner 400 in order to align the vacuum cleaner 400 with respect to the receptacle 426. One or more vacuum cleaner aligners 604 may be protrusions configured to be received in corresponding grooves of the vacuum cleaner 400 (e.g., of the body 403). In some cases, at least a portion of one or more vacuum cleaner aligners 604 is configured to restrict the movement of the vacuum cleaner 400 to one or more axes when at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 400 is engaged with one or more vacuum cleaner aligners 604. For example, at least a portion of one or more vacuum cleaner aligners 604 may be configured to restrict the movement of the vacuum cleaner 400 to the insertion / removal axis 618 when at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 400 is engaged with one or more vacuum cleaner aligners 604.
[0023] One or more dust cup aligners 606 are configured to engage with the vacuum cleaner dust cup 410 (Figure 4) to align the dust cup outlet with the station inlet 620 of the receptacle 426. As shown, there may be multiple dust cup aligners 606 arranged on opposite sides of the station inlet 620. One or more dust cup aligners 606 may be grooves configured to receive at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner dust cup 410. In some cases, at least a portion of one or more dust cup aligners 606 is configured to restrict the movement of the vacuum cleaner 400 to one or more axes when at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner dust cup 410 is engaged with one or more dust cup aligners 606. For example, at least a portion of one or more dust cup aligners 606 may be configured to restrict the movement of the vacuum cleaner 400 to the insertion / removal axis 618 when at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner dust cup 410 is engaged with one or more dust cup aligners 606. The dust cup aligner 606 may be further configured to facilitate the engagement of the vacuum cleaner dust cup 410 with a seal 624 extending around the outer circumference of the station inlet 620. The seal 624 may be elastically deformable such that it is at least partially compressed when the vacuum cleaner 400 is received in the receptacle 426. For example, the seal 624 may include thermoplastic polyurethane ("TPU").
[0024] Referring to Figure 7, which shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the receptacle 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 and second groove sidewalls 702 may be configured to facilitate the formation of a seal between the seal 624 (Figure 6A) and the vacuum cleaner dust cup 410 and / or to reduce wear on the seal 624 resulting from 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 intersecting with the second sidewall portion 708 to form a sidewall portion angle θ. The sidewall angle θ may be an obtuse angle extending between the surfaces of the first sidewall portion 706 and 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 such that the separation distance 709 extending between the second groove 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 region that tapers in the direction of the base 418.
[0025] 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 in the range of, for example, 1 to 20 degrees. As a further example, the groove angle α may be in the range of, for example, 5 to 15 degrees. As yet another example, the groove angle α may be about 10 degrees (for example, within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of this angle).
[0026] The first and / or second groove sidewalls 702 and / or 704 may include chamfered areas 710 and / or 712 configured to facilitate the insertion of at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner dust cup 410 (Figure 4) 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 may be greater than the second sidewall height 716. Thus, the movement of the vacuum cleaner 400 along the insertion / removal axis 618 may be restricted to only a portion of the dust cup aligner groove 700 (for example, a portion of the dust cup aligner groove 700 extending between the first groove sidewall 702 and the second groove sidewall 704).
[0027] Figures 8 and 9 show perspective views of the vacuum cleaner 400. As shown, the body 403 of the vacuum cleaner 400 includes one or more vacuum cleaner alignment grooves 800 (e.g., one or more vacuum cleaner aligners 604 of the receptacle 426 (Figure 6A)) configured to cooperate with the docking station 402, and the vacuum cleaner dust cup 410 includes a dust cup alignment projection 802 (e.g., a dust cup aligner 606 (Figure 6A)) configured to cooperate with the docking station 402. The dust cup alignment projection 802 may include a dust cup outlet 804 configured to be selectively opened and closed by a dust cup door 806 so that debris in the vacuum cleaner dust cup 410 can selectively pass through the dust cup outlet.
[0028] As shown, the dust cup door 806 is configured to move between a closed position (Figure 8) and an open position (Figure 9). For example, the dust cup door 806 can be pivotably connected to the vacuum cleaner dust cup 410 (e.g., a dust cup alignment projection 802) so that the dust cup door 806 pivots between the open and closed positions. 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 vacuum cleaner dust cup 410 can generally be described as being configured to empty automatically.
[0029] The vacuum cleaner 400 (e.g., vacuum cleaner dust cup 410) may include a retainer 808. The retainer 808 may be movably (e.g., slidably) connected to the dust cup alignment projection 802, and the retainer 808 is configured to move between a locked position (Figure 8) and an unlocked position (Figure 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).
[0030] The retainer 808 can be moved from a locked position to an unlocked position when the vacuum cleaner 400 is docked with the docking station 402. For example, the receptacle 426 may include an operating projection 626 (Figure 6A) that extends transversely (e.g., perpendicularly) with respect to the insertion / removal shaft 618. The operating projection 626 is configured to engage (e.g., contact) with the retainer 808 when the vacuum cleaner 400 is received by the receptacle 426. The engagement of the operating projection 626 with the retainer 808 causes the retainer to move (e.g., slide) from a locked position to an unlocked position when the vacuum cleaner 400 is docked with the docking station 402.
[0031] The dust cup alignment projection 802 is configured to cooperate with the dust cup aligner 606. For example, the dust cup alignment projection 802 may have a shape (e.g., wedge shape) that generally corresponds to the shape of the dust cup aligner groove 700 (Figure 7). For example, the shape of the dust cup alignment projection 802 may be such that the second groove sidewall 704 engages (e.g., contacts) with the dust cup alignment projection 802, and facilitates the engagement (e.g., contact) of the dust cup alignment projection 802 with the seal 624 (Figure 6A). The engagement between the seal 624 and the dust cup alignment projection 802 can compress the seal 624 at least partially. For example, the seal engagement surface 810 of the dust cup alignment projection 802 can engage with the seal 624 to form at least a partial seal. The formation of a partial seal can reduce the ejection and dispersion of debris when the vacuum cleaner dust cup 410 is empty.
[0032] In some cases, and referring to Figure 8A (an enlarged view generally corresponding to area 8A in Figure 8), the dust cup alignment projection 802 may further include an alignment lip 803 extending outward from the projection side wall 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, each alignment lip 803 extending along opposing longitudinal sides of the dust cup alignment projection 802. The alignment lip 803 may be configured to engage with 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 seal engagement surface 810 of the dust cup alignment projection 802. The dust cup alignment projection 802 may include an alignment projection 809 (in addition to or as a substitute for the alignment lip 803). The alignment projection 809 may extend from the projection sidewall 805 by a second extension distance 811, the second extension distance 811 being greater than the first extension distance 807. The alignment projection 809 may be configured to engage with at least a portion of the dust cup aligner 606. In some cases, the alignment projection 809 may include at least a portion of the sealing engagement surface 810 of the dust cup alignment projection 802.
[0033] As shown, the seal engagement surface 810 of the dust cup alignment projection 802 forms a projection angle β with the vacuum cleaner longitudinal axis 812. The projection angle β can generally correspond to the groove angle α (Figure 7). The projection angle β may be in the range of, for example, 1 to 20 degrees. As a further example, the projection angle β may be in the range of, for example, 5 to 15 degrees. As yet another example, the projection angle β may be about 10 degrees (for example, within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of this angle).
[0034] The vacuum cleaner dust cup 410 is pivotably connected to the body 403 of the vacuum cleaner 400 around a dust cup pivot axis 814. The vacuum cleaner dust cup 410 is configured to pivot around the dust cup pivot axis 814 from a retracted configuration to a manually empty configuration. As shown, when in the retracted configuration, the vacuum cleaner dust cup 410 extends along the vacuum cleaner's longitudinal axis 812 between the inlet end 816 of the body 403 and the handle 404. When the vacuum cleaner dust cup 410 pivots to the manually empty position, the open end 818 of the vacuum cleaner dust cup 410 is exposed. As shown, the open end 818 is receptacled within the body 403 when the vacuum cleaner dust cup 410 is in the retracted configuration. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner dust cup 410 can generally be described as being configured to pivot such that the open end 818 is selectively receptacled within the body 403. The open end 818 and the dust cup outlet 804 can be located on different sides of the vacuum cleaner dust cup 410.
[0035] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the docking station 402 and docked vacuum cleaner 400 of Figure 4, obtained along line XX of Figure 4. As shown, the dust cup door 806 is in the open position. The dust cup door 806 can be moved from the closed position to the open position in response to the station suction motor 422 (Figure 4) being activated. For example, the airflow generated by the station suction motor 422 may propel the dust cup door 806 toward the open position. When the station suction motor 422 is stopped, the dust cup door 806 may move toward the closed position (for example, as a result of gravity and / or biasing force). 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 within the receptacle cavity 1000 of the receptacle 426. In other words, when the dust cup outlet 804 is open, at least a portion of the dust cup door 806 is received within the receptacle cavity 1000.
[0036] The airflow generated by the station suction motor 422 may flow along the discharge channel 1002. As shown, the discharge channel 1002 extends from the vacuum cleaner dust cup 410 into the receptacle cavity 1000 and through the air channel 1004 of the up duct 424 into the station dust cup 420.
[0037] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of another vacuum cleaner 1100 according to the present disclosure, and Figures 12-19 are additional figures. The vacuum cleaner 1100 includes a vacuum cleaner body 1103, a vacuum cleaner handle 1104, a vacuum cleaner suction motor 1108, a vacuum cleaner dust cup 1109 connected to the body 1103, and a vacuum cleaner inlet 1112, the vacuum cleaner suction motor 1108 being fluidly coupled to the vacuum cleaner dust cup 1109 and the vacuum cleaner inlet 1112. The vacuum cleaner inlet 1112 may be configured to be detachably connected to an accessory 1114 (e.g., a cleaning wand). The accessory 1114 may be configured to be detachably connected to an additional accessory 1116 (e.g., a floor nozzle).
[0038] The docking station 1102 includes a station base 1118, a station dust cup 1120 detachably connected to the base 1118, a station suction motor 1122 disposed within the base 1118, a station upduct 1124 extending from the station base 1118, and a station receptacle 1126 connected to the upduct 1124. The receptacle 1126 is configured to receive at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 1100 so that the vacuum cleaner 1100 detachably connects (docks) with the docking station 1102. The receptacle 1126 is also configured to receive at least a portion of the accessory 1114 so that the accessory 1114 detachably connects (docks) with the docking station 1102.
[0039] Similar to the vacuum cleaner 400, the vacuum cleaner 1100 can be used independently of accessories 1114 and 1116, and accessories 1114 and 1116 may remain docked with the vacuum cleaner 1100 and a separate docking station 1102. When the vacuum cleaner 1100 is undocked independently of accessories 1114 and 1116, accessories 1114 and 1116 may be undocked from the docking station 1102 independently of the vacuum cleaner 1100. In some cases, when accessories 1114 and 1116 are undocked from the docking station 1102, the vacuum cleaner 1100 may be docked with the docking station 1102 independently of accessories 1114 and 1116.
[0040] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner 1100 and docking station 1102 of Figure 11, obtained along line 12-12 of Figure 11. Figure 12A is an enlarged view of the respective parts of the vacuum cleaner 1100 and docking station of Figure 12, corresponding to area 12A of Figure 12.
[0041] Similar to the embodiment in Figure 4, the dust cup outlet 1132, at least partially defined / formed by the semicircular vacuum cleaner dust cup body 1110, is configured to be selectively opened and closed by the dust cup door 1134 so that debris in the vacuum cleaner dust cup 1109 can selectively pass through it. Again, similar to the embodiment in Figure 4, the dust cup door 1134 is configured to move between a closed position and an open position. For example, as better shown by Figure 13, the dust cup door 1134 can be pivotably connected to the vacuum cleaner dust cup 1109 so 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 (for example, by using a closing spring 1140 such as a torsion spring). As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the dust cup door 1134 includes a closed-loop surrounding gasket 1137 that forms a seal with the vacuum 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 vacuum cleaner dust cup 1109 can generally be described as being configured to empty automatically. In contrast to the embodiment in Figure 4, when the vacuum cleaner 1100 is docked to the docking station 1102, the dust cup door 1134 is positioned substantially horizontally (i.e., positioned to be more horizontal than vertical when in the closed position). More specifically, in the closed position, the dust cup door 1134 may be positioned at an angle of 30 degrees or less from horizontal (relative to horizontal).
[0042] As shown in Figures 12A and 13, the vacuum cleaner 1100 (e.g., the vacuum cleaner dust cup 1109) may include a dust cup door retainer 1142. The dust cup door retainer 1142 may be movably connected (e.g., pivotable about a pivot axis 1152) to the vacuum cleaner dust cup body 1110 of the vacuum cleaner dust cup 1109, and the dust cup door retainer 1142 may be configured to move between a locked position as shown in Figure 12A and an unlocked position as shown in Figure 15. When the dust cup door retainer 1142 is in the locked position, the dust cup door 1134 is prevented from moving from the closed position to the open position (e.g., pivoting) (e.g., pivoting movement of the dust cup door 806 may 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. As shown in Figures 12A and 15, the dust cup door retainer 1142 can be biased toward the locked position (for example, using a locking spring 1144 such as a compression spring).
[0043] The dust cup door retainer 1142 can be moved from a locked position to an unlocked position when the vacuum cleaner 1100 is docked with the docking station 1102. For example, as shown in Figures 12A and 15, particularly Figure 12A, the station receptacle 1126 may include a wedge-shaped operating projection 1146 having a projection (wedge) inclined surface 1148 that extends at an acute angle A1 (e.g., in the range of 15 to 30 degrees) with respect to the insertion / removal shaft 1150. The operating projection 1146 is configured to engage (e.g., contact) the dust cup door retainer 1142 when the vacuum cleaner 1100 is received by the station receptacle 1126. The engagement between the operating projection 1146 and the dust cup door retainer 1142 causes the dust cup door retainer 1142 to move from a locked position to an unlocked position (for example, pivoting around the pivot axis 1152) when the vacuum cleaner 1100 is docked with the docking station 1102.
[0044] More specifically, in Figures 12A and 16 (in Figure 16, the vacuum cleaner dust cup body 1110 is shown transparently and the gasket 1137 is removed for clarity), the vacuum cleaner dust cup door 1134 comprises a first removable connector (a first connector assembly / pair) in the form of a hook latch 1136, while the dust cup door retainer 1142 of the vacuum cleaner dust cup 1109 comprises a first removable mating connector (a first connector assembly / pair) in the form of a hook 1154. The hook 1154 engages with the hook latch 1148 when in the locked position and disengages from the hook latch 1148 when in the unlocked position. Thus, the first connector pair operates in positive mechanical engagement. A positive mechanical engagement connection can be understood herein as a connection formed between components that does not rely solely on friction to prevent the separation of components, but includes a mechanical interlock to prevent the separation of components (e.g., overlapping surfaces).
[0045] 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, the vacuum cleaner dust cup door 1134 is biased toward the closed position using the closing (torsion) spring 1140, so that the dust cup door retainer hook 1154 and the vacuum cleaner dust cup door hook latch 1136 are disengaged.
[0046] To better ensure that the vacuum cleaner dust cup door 1134 is held closed when the retainer 1142 is in the locked position, the vacuum cleaner 1100 further comprises a second (further) connector assembly / pair adjacent to the first connector assembly / pair. More specifically, as shown in Figure 17 (the vacuum cleaner dust cup body 1110 is shown transparently and the gasket 1137 has been removed for clarity), the vacuum cleaner dust cup door 1134 comprises a second removable connector (of the second connector pair) in the form of a magnetic material 1138 (a ferromagnetic metal which may include, for example, iron, cobalt, steel and nickel and their alloys), while the vacuum cleaner dust cup body 1110 of the vacuum cleaner dust cup 1109 comprises a second removable mating connector (of the second connector pair) in the form of a magnet 1158 (for example, a permanent magnet). The magnet 1158 engages with the magnetic material 1138 when in the locked position and disengages from the magnetic material 1138 when in the unlocked position. Alternatively, or in combination, the second removable connector 1138 may be a permanent magnet having opposing magnetic poles (e.g., + / -) facing the magnet of the second removable mating connector 1158 so that the magnetic forces of the magnets cooperate. Thus, the second connector pair operates by magnetic (force) engagement as opposed to mechanical engagement.
[0047] Similar to the embodiment in Figure 4, when the retainer 1142 is in the unlocked position, the dust cup door 1134 can be moved from the closed position to the open position in response to the activation of the station suction motor 1122. For example, the airflow generated by the station suction motor 1122 may propel the dust cup door 1134 toward the open position. When the station suction motor 1122 is stopped, the dust cup door 1134 can move toward the closed position (for example, as a result of the biasing force of the spring 1140 and the magnetic force of the second connector pair 1138, 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 receptacle 1126. In other words, when the dust cup outlet 1132 is open, at least a portion of the dust cup door 1134 is received within the air passage 1125 of the station up duct 1124.
[0048] Referring here to Figures 12A and 18, to prevent debris that may be held or otherwise stored within the vacuum dust cup cavity 1111 (at least partially defined / formed by the vacuum dust cup body 1110 of the vacuum dust cup 1109) from remaining in the movable dust cup door retainer 1142, the movable dust cup door hinge 1135, or other locations that could adversely affect the opening and closing operation of the vacuum dust cup door 1134, the vacuum dust cup cavity 1111 may include an elastically deformable debris circuit breaker 1170 upstream of the vacuum dust cup door 1134. The debris circuit breaker 1170 may be located in the vacuum dust cup cavity 1111 upstream of the vacuum dust cup outlet 1132 and the vacuum dust cup door 1134, separated by a distance of 0.1 to 1.5 inches.
[0049] The dustbin circuit breaker 1170 comprises a dustbin circuit breaker mounting member 1172 attached to the vacuum cleaner dust cup body 1110, and a dustbin circuit breaker shield 1174 extending transversely to the longitudinal axis 1113 of the vacuum cleaner dust cup cavity 1111 across the cross-sectional area of the vacuum cleaner dust cup cavity 1111, so as to be located above the vacuum cleaner dust cup door 1134. The dustbin circuit breaker shield 1174 may extend over at least 80% of the cross-sectional area of the vacuum cleaner dust cup cavity 1111, more specifically over at least 90% of the cross-sectional area of the vacuum cleaner dust cup cavity 1111, and even more specifically over at least 95% of the cross-sectional area of the vacuum cleaner dust cup cavity 1111. Furthermore, the dustbin circuit breaker shield 1174 may extend over at least 99% of the cross-sectional area of the vacuum cleaner dust cup cavity 1111.
[0050] The debris shield 1174 protects the vacuum cleaner dust cup door 1134 from contact by debris while the vacuum cleaner 1100 is in operation and before the debris is transferred to the station dust cup 1120. In the manner described above, the debris shield 1174 makes it more difficult for debris in the vacuum cleaner dust cup cavity 1111 to remain in the movable dust cup door retainer 1142, the movable dust cup door hinge 1135, or other locations that could adversely affect the opening and closing operation of the vacuum cleaner dust cup door 1134. As shown, the trash circuit breaker shield 1174 is tilted / angled downward toward the vacuum cleaner dust cup outlet 1132 / door 1134 such that the trash circuit breaker shield 1174 is closer to the vacuum cleaner dust cup outlet 1132 / door 1134 at its free end 1178 than at its hinge region 1176 (see Figure 12A with an angle A2 ranging from 10 to 35 degrees relative to horizontal). In other words, the trash circuit breaker shield 1174 moves closer to the vacuum cleaner dust cup outlet 1132 / door 1134 as it extends away from the hinge region 1176. Furthermore, both the trash circuit breaker shield 1174 and the vacuum cleaner dust cup door 1134 converge toward each other as they extend away from their respective hinges 1176 and 1135. In the method described above, the dimensions of the dustbin breaker shield 1174 from its hinge region 1176 to its free end / end 1178 are longer than the cross-sectional dimensions of the vacuum cleaner dust cup cavity 1111 obtained perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 1113 of the vacuum cleaner dust cup cavity 1111. Therefore, the dustbin breaker shield 1174 is prevented from further pivoting upward around the hinge region 1176 within the vacuum cleaner dust cup cavity 1111, away from the vacuum cleaner dust cup outlet 1132 / door 1134, due to interference contact with the vacuum cleaner dust cup body 1110.
[0051] The trash circuit breaker mounting member 1172 may be formed from a rigid plastic (e.g., polyacetal, polyamide, polypropylene), while the trash circuit breaker shield 1174 may be made from a plastic elastomer, particularly a thermoplastic elastomer. As used herein, an elastomer may be characterized as a material having at least 100% elongation at 23°C, which can be stretched to twice its original length, held at that length for 1 minute, and then recover within 50% to 100% within 1 minute after release from stress. More specifically, an elastomer can recover within 75% to 100% within 1 minute after release from stress, and even more specifically, within 90% to 100% within 1 minute after release from stress. An elastomer may consist of any polymer, including natural or synthetic polymers and thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers. Thus, an elastomer may be either a natural or synthetic elastomer. Elastomers include, and may essentially consist of, natural rubber or synthetic rubber.
[0052] As shown in Figure 12A, similar to the dust cup door 1134, the trash circuit breaker shield 1174 is configured to move (pivotably) between a closed position and an open position. The trash circuit breaker shield 1174 can be moved from the closed position to the open position (shown by the dashed line) in response to the activation of the station suction motor 1122. For example, the airflow generated by the station suction motor 1122 (negative pressure / vacuum) can bias the trash circuit breaker shield 1174 to the open position toward the dust cup outlet 1132 / door 1134 by elastically deforming the trash circuit breaker shield 1174 along its elastic hinge region 1176. When the station suction motor 1122 is stopped, the trash circuit breaker shield 1174 can move to the closed position due to the elastic recovery of the trash circuit breaker shield 1174 along its elastic hinge region 1176 toward away from the dust cup outlet 1132 / door 1134. It should be understood that when the vacuum cleaner 1100 is docked, the open position of the debris circuit breaker shield 1174 is associated with starting the station suction motor 1122, and the closed position of the debris circuit breaker shield 1174 is associated with stopping the station suction motor 1122.
[0053] As shown in Figure 12A, the airflow generated by the station suction motor 1122 may flow along the discharge channel 1190. The discharge channel 1190 extends from the air channel / cavity 1111 of the vacuum cleaner dust cup 1109 through the air channel 1125 of the up duct 1124 into the station dust cup 1120. As shown, during discharge of the vacuum cleaner dust cup 1109, the debris barrier shield 1174 protects the door cup hinge 1135 from contact by debris.
[0054] A vacuum cleaner is provided, in at least one case, comprising: a vacuum cleaner body; a dust cup coupled to the vacuum cleaner body, including a dust cup body that at least partially forms a dust cup outlet and a dust cup door configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet; and a removable connector assembly for holding the dust cup door in a closed position, wherein the removable connector assembly comprises a first connector, and the first connector comprises a first magnet.
[0055] In at least one case, the first connector magnet includes a permanent magnet.
[0056] In at least one case, a detachably connectable connector assembly further comprises a second connector connecting to a first connector, the second connector comprising a second connector ferromagnetic material, and when the dust cup door is in the closed position, the first and second connectors are positioned such that the second connector ferromagnetic material is held by the magnetic force of the first connector magnet.
[0057] In at least one case, a detachably connectable connector assembly further comprises a second connector connecting to a first connector, the second connector comprising a second connector magnet, and when the dust cup door is in the closed position, the first and second connectors are positioned such that the second connector magnet and the first connector magnet are held together by the magnetic force of the first and second connector magnets, respectively.
[0058] In at least one case, the first connector magnet is provided to the dust cup body.
[0059] In at least one case, a detachably connectable connector assembly further comprises a second connector that connects to a first connector, the second connector comprising a second connector ferromagnetic material, the second connector ferromagnetic material being provided to the dust cup door.
[0060] In at least one case, the dust cup door is biased toward the closed position by a spring.
[0061] In at least one case, the vacuum cleaner further comprises a more detachably connectable connector assembly for holding the dust cup door in the closed position.
[0062] In at least one case, a detachably connectable connector assembly is adjacent to a further detachably connectable connector assembly.
[0063] In at least one case, the further detachably connectable connector assembly comprises a further first connector and a further second connector, the further first connector comprising a further first connector hook, and the further second connector comprising a further second connector hook latch.
[0064] In at least one case, the first connector hook is provided on a dust cup door retainer pivotably coupled to the dust cup body, and the second connector hook latch is provided on the dust cup door.
[0065] In at least one case, the dust cup door retainer is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and when the dust cup door is in the closed position, the dust cup retainer is in the locked position.
[0066] In at least one case, the dust cup door retainer is biased toward the locked position by a spring.
[0067] In at least one case, the dust cup body forms at least partially the dust cup cavity, and a deformable debris barrier is located in the dust cup cavity upstream of the dust cup outlet and dust cup door, extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the dust cup cavity to protect the dust cup door from debris within the dust cup cavity.
[0068] A vacuum cleaner is provided, in at least one case, comprising: a vacuum cleaner body; a dust cup connected to the vacuum cleaner body, which includes a dust cup body that at least partially forms a dust cup cavity and a dust cup outlet, and a dust cup door configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet; and a deformable debris circuit breaker located in the dust cup cavity upstream of the dust cup outlet and the dust cup door, which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the dust cup cavity to protect the dust cup door from debris in the dust cup cavity.
[0069] In at least one case, the deformable trash circuit breaker comprises a trash circuit breaker shield formed from a plastic elastomer.
[0070] In at least one example, the trash circuit breaker shield is elastically deformable toward the dust cup door in response to negative pressure introduced into the dust cup cavity through the dust cup outlet, and elastically recoverable toward the dust cup door in response to the termination of the negative pressure.
[0071] In at least one case, the trash circuit breaker shield includes a trash circuit breaker shield hinge region formed from a plastic elastomer.
[0072] In at least one case, the trash circuit breaker shield is positioned at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the dust cup cavity such that the trash circuit breaker shield moves closer to the dust cup door as it extends away from the trash circuit breaker shield hinge area.
[0073] A cleaning system is provided, comprising a vacuum cleaner body, a dust cup connected to the vacuum cleaner body, including a dust cup body that at least partially forms a dust cup cavity and a dust cup outlet, and a dust cup door configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet, a removable connector assembly for holding the dust cup door in a closed position, the removable connector assembly comprising a first connector, the first connector comprising a first magnet, and / or one of deformable debris circuit breakers located in the dust cup cavity upstream of the dust cup outlet and the dust cup door, the deformable debris circuit breaker extending transversely 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 configured to dock the vacuum cleaner.
[0074] While the principles of the present invention are described herein, those skilled in the art should understand that this description is illustrative only and not limited to the scope of the invention. In addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein, other embodiments are intended within the scope of the invention. Modifications and substitutions by those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of the invention and should not be limited other than by the following claims.
Claims
1. It is a vacuum cleaner, The vacuum cleaner body and A dust cup connected to the vacuum cleaner body, comprising a dust cup body that at least partially forms a dust cup outlet, A dust cup including a dust cup door configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet, A vacuum cleaner comprising a connector assembly for holding the dust cup door in a closed position, wherein the connector assembly comprises a first connector, and the first connector comprises a first connector magnet.
2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the first connector magnet includes a permanent magnet.
3. The detachably connectable connector assembly further comprises a second connector that connects to the first connector, The second connector includes a second connector ferromagnetic material, The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the first connector and the second connector are arranged such that when the dust cup door is in the closed position, the second connector ferromagnetic material is held by the magnetic force of the first connector magnet.
4. The detachably connectable connector assembly further comprises a second connector that connects to the first connector, The second connector includes a second connector magnet, The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the first connector and the second connector are arranged such that when the dust cup door is in the closed position, the second connector magnet and the first connector magnet are held together by the magnetic force of the first connector magnet and the second connector magnet, respectively.
5. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the first connector magnet is provided to the dust cup body.
6. The detachably connectable connector assembly further comprises a second connector that connects to the first connector, The second connector includes a second connector ferromagnetic material, The vacuum cleaner according to claim 5, wherein the second connector ferromagnetic material is provided in 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, further comprising a removable connector assembly for holding the dust cup door in the closed position.
9. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 8, wherein the detachably connectable connector assembly is adjacent to the further detachably connectable connector assembly.
10. The aforementioned detachably connectable connector assembly comprises a further first connector and a further second connector, The further first connector comprises a further first connector hook, The vacuum cleaner according to claim 8, wherein the further second connector comprises a further second connector hook latch.
11. The first connector hook is provided on a dust cup door retainer that is pivotably connected to the dust cup body. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 10, wherein the second connector hook latch is provided on the dust cup door.
12. The dust cup door retainer is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 11, wherein the dust cup retainer is in the locked position when the dust cup door is in the closed position.
13. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 12, wherein the dust cup door retainer is biased toward the locking position by a spring.
14. The dust cup body forms at least partially a dust cup cavity, The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein a deformable debris shutoff is located in the dust cup cavity upstream of the dust cup outlet and dust cup door, and extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the dust cup cavity to protect the dust cup door from debris in the dust cup cavity.
15. It is a vacuum cleaner, The vacuum cleaner body and A dust cup connected to the vacuum cleaner body, comprising a dust cup body that at least partially forms a dust cup cavity and a dust cup outlet, A dust cup including a dust cup door configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet, A vacuum cleaner comprising: a deformable debris circuit breaker located in the dust cup cavity upstream of the dust cup outlet and the dust cup door, the deformable debris circuit breaker 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 waste circuit breaker comprises a waste circuit breaker shield made of plastic.
17. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 16, wherein the waste circuit breaker shield is elastically deformable toward the dust cup door in response to negative pressure introduced into the dust cup cavity through the dust cup outlet, and elastically recoverable toward the dust cup door in response to the termination of the negative pressure.
18. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 16, wherein the waste circuit breaker shield includes a waste circuit breaker shield hinge region formed from the plastic.
19. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 18, wherein the debris circuit breaker shield is positioned at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the dust cup cavity such that the debris circuit breaker shield moves closer to the dust cup door as the debris circuit breaker shield extends away from the debris circuit breaker shield hinge region.
20. It is a cleaning system, It is a vacuum cleaner, The vacuum cleaner body and A dust cup connected to the vacuum cleaner body, comprising a dust cup body that at least partially forms a dust cup cavity and a dust cup outlet, A dust cup including a dust cup door configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet, at least, A removable connector assembly for holding the dust cup door in a closed position, wherein the removable connector assembly comprises a first connector, and the first connector comprises a first connector magnet, and / or A vacuum cleaner comprising: at least one deformable debris circuit breaker located in the dust cup cavity upstream of the dust cup outlet and dust cup door, the deformable debris circuit breaker extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the dust cup cavity to protect the dust cup door from debris in the dust cup cavity; A cleaning system comprising a docking station, wherein the vacuum cleaner is configured to dock with the docking station.