A filter system for a vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The system comprises a housing reconfigurable relative to a bin between an operative configuration in which the housing is disposed upon the bin so that dirt separated from dirt-laden air can collect in the bin, and an idle configuration in which the housing is removed from the bin. The housing comprises an inlet for receiving dirt-laden air into the housing, an outlet via which cleaned air can exit the housing. The system further comprises first filtering means and second filtering means disposed within the housing, the first filtering means being positioned upstream of the second filtering means. The first and second filtering means comprises a filter medium configured to separate dirt from the dirt-laden air passing from the inlet to the outlet through the filter medium. The system further comprises filter cleaning means for removing dirt from the filter medium of the first filtering means when the housing is configured at least in the operative configuration.

Disclosed are devices, systems, and methods for modular vacuum cleaners. An example vacuum cleaner system includes a canister vacuum cleaner device and a robotic vacuum cleaner device, where the robotic vacuum cleaner is removably coupled to or is digitally communicable with the canister vacuum cleaner device. The canister vacuum cleaner device comprises a canister to collect debris, a vertical hollow structure that located towards a rear of the canister and coupled to the canister, a flexible extendable hose, and a housing located below the canister, wherein the housing includes a retractable electrical cord. The robotic vacuum cleaner device comprises: a storage area to collect debris, a battery, a plurality of wheels that are removably coupled to one or more motors, and a lever or a valve structured to direct debris either to the storage area or to the canister.

A vacuum cleaner includes a body having a space that allows air to flow therethrough. The vacuum cleaner also includes a suction inlet configured to introduce the air into the body. Further, the vacuum cleaner includes a suction motor provided in the body. The vacuum cleaner includes a dust separation module provided in the body. The dust separation module is arranged between the suction inlet and the suction motor. The dust separation module separates foreign substances from the air. The vacuum cleaner includes an exhaust module that discharges the air passing through the suction motor from the body. The exhaust module includes an exhaust filter comprising a photocatalyst. Further, the vacuum cleaner includes a lighting module that radiates light toward the exhaust filter. The vacuum cleaner includes a battery supplying electrical energy for the operation of the vacuum cleaner and a controller configured that controls operations of the vacuum cleaner.

A filtering device for an evacuation station includes a filter bag configured to collect debris evacuated from a cleaning robot by an evacuation station. The filtering device includes an interface assembly configured to interface with the evacuation station. The interface assembly includes (i) a base attached to the filter bag along an opening of the filter bag, (ii) an access door configured to provide or limit access to a space within the filter bag depending on whether the access door is in an open position or a closed position, and (iii) one or more hinges connecting the base to the access door. The access door is rotatable around the one or more hinges from the closed position to the open position.

A cleaning apparatus may include a cleaning unit that is kept from moving downwardly from a predetermined limit position. The apparatus body includes a positioning member that positions the cleaning unit at the limit position. The cleaning unit includes an intake nozzle that is arranged at a position separated from the surface to be cleaned by a predetermined gap, a cam member that holds the cleaning unit at the limit position, and an operation input unit that changes the limit position to a higher position by moving the cleaning unit upward by operating the cam member.

Hand held vacuum cleaning apparatus (100) includes an elongate housing (122) which is cylindrical in shape. The housing (122) defines an inlet opening (108), an interior (124) and an exhaust opening (118). The housing (122) further defines, within the interior (124), a receptacle receiving chamber (112) in which, in use, a removable dust retaining receptacle (115) is located. The receptacle receiving chamber (112) is substantially circular in cross section and comprises substantially the whole of the diameter of the interior (124) in cross section. The apparatus (100) includes a flow inducer (117) located in the interior (124). In use, the flow inducer (117) induces air flow from the inlet opening (108), through the receptacle (115) in the chamber (112), through the flow inducer (117) to the exhaust opening (118).

Hand held vacuum cleaning apparatus (100) includes an elongate housing (122) which is cylindrical in shape. The housing (122) defines an inlet opening (108), an interior (124) and an exhaust opening (118). The housing (122) further defines, within the interior (124), a receptacle receiving chamber (112) in which, in use, a removable dust retaining receptacle (115) is located. The receptacle receiving chamber (112) is substantially circular in cross section and comprises substantially the whole of the diameter of the interior (124) in cross section. The apparatus (100) includes a flow inducer (117) located in the interior (124). In use, the flow inducer (117) induces air flow from the inlet opening (108), through the receptacle (115) in the chamber (112), through the flow inducer (117) to the exhaust opening (118).

A vacuum filter bag includes an inlet flange and gasket and a plug. The inlet flange includes axial ribs and recesses which improve the seal between the inlet gasket and a vacuum inlet port and prevent accidental removal of the filter bag from the vacuum inlet port. The plug more securely closes the filter inlet opening after use of the filter bag. The filter bag reduces user exposure to dust and debris captured with a vacuum and is particularly suited for minimizing exposure to hazardous materials.

A debris-collecting apparatus includes a draft inducer operable to draw air and debris, an input portion for receiving incoming air and debris caused by operation of the draft inducer, and a bagging portion. The bagging portion includes a hood having an arcuate portion, a bag removably positioned below the hood and having an inner face, and a bagging passage for directing the air and debris from the input portion to the hood. The arcuate portion extends from the bagging passage to the bag such that the air and debris from the bagging passage travels along the arcuate portion and thereafter apply a dislodging force to dislodge debris collected at the inner face of the bag.

A debris-collecting apparatus includes a draft inducer operable to draw air and debris, an input portion for receiving incoming air and debris caused by operation of the draft inducer, and a bagging portion. The bagging portion includes a hood having an arcuate portion, a bag removably positioned below the hood and having an inner face, and a bagging passage for directing the air and debris from the input portion to the hood. The arcuate portion extends from the bagging passage to the bag such that the air and debris from the bagging passage travels along the arcuate portion and thereafter apply a dislodging force to dislodge debris collected at the inner face of the bag.