Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum motor configured to draw air through the vacuum cleaner; a battery configured to supply electricity to the vacuum motor; and a control system configured to control the supply of electricity from the battery to the vacuum motor. The control system is configured to switch the vacuum cleaner between a first power mode in which electricity is delivered from the battery to the vacuum motor at a first power level, and at least a second power mode in which electricity is delivered from the battery to the vacuum motor at a second power level which is lower than the first power level. The control system is configured to monitor the extent of operation of the vacuum cleaner in the different power modes, and to provide an alert if usage of the vacuum cleaner in the first power mode exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum motor configured to draw air through the vacuum cleaner; a battery configured to supply electricity to the vacuum motor; and a control system configured to control the supply of electricity from the battery to the vacuum motor. The control system is configured to switch the vacuum cleaner between a first power mode in which electricity is delivered from the battery to the vacuum motor at a first power level, and at least a second power mode in which electricity is delivered from the battery to the vacuum motor at a second power level which is lower than the first power level. The control system is configured to monitor the extent of operation of the vacuum cleaner in the different power modes, and to provide an alert if usage of the vacuum cleaner in the first power mode exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus comprising a handheld vacuum cleaner. The handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a separator, an airflow generator, a handle for maneuvering the handheld vacuum cleaner during use and a first connector. The cleaning apparatus further comprises a cleaning implement, comprising a second connector which engages with the first connector such that the cleaning implement is in fluid communication with the separator, where the second connector comprises a catch having a first configuration in which disengagement of the second connector from the first connector is prevented, and a second configuration in which the second connector can be disengaged from the first connector.

Abstract: A cleaning implement comprising a connector for connecting the cleaning implement to a vacuum cleaner such that the cleaning implement is in fluid communication with the vacuum cleaner. The connector comprises an engagement portion and a catch pivotally connected to the engagement portion such that the catch has a pivot axis X, the catch comprises a pressing portion spaced from the pivot axis X and a latching element arranged on a portion of the catch extending from the pivot axis X to the pressing portion. The catch is arranged such that pressing on the pressing portion pivots the catch from a first configuration in which the latching element is in an engagement position for preventing disengagement of the connector from the vacuum cleaner, to a second configuration in which the latching element is in a disengagement position in which the connector can be disengaged from the vacuum cleaner.