Surface cleaning device

Abstract

A vacuum cleaner can include a body having a handle end and an attachment end opposite the handle end along a longitudinal axis of the body, a dust cup disposed between the handle end and the attachment end, a suction motor disposed between the handle end and the attachment end, a body latch configured to releasably engage an accessory, and a body switch configured to transition the body latch between a release position and a retention position, the body switch positioned closer to the handle end than the attachment end.

Description

[0001] Cross-referencing related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 058,397, filed July 29, 2020, entitled Surface Cleaning Apparatus, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 209,701, filed June 11, 2021, entitled Surface Cleaning Apparatus, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to surface cleaning equipment, and more specifically, to vacuum cleaners. Background Technology

[0004] Surface cleaning equipment may include a vacuum cleaner. A vacuum cleaner may include a suction motor, a dust cup, and an inlet. The suction motor is fluidly coupled to the dust cup and the inlet, allowing air to flow from the inlet into the dust cup and through the suction motor. The air flowing into the dust cup may contain debris. At least some of the entrained debris may dislodge as it passes through the dust cup.

[0005] An example of a vacuum cleaner could be an upright vacuum cleaner. An upright vacuum cleaner may include a surface cleaning head and an upright portion, wherein the upright portion is pivotally connected to the surface cleaning head. The upright portion is configured to pivot between a storage position and a use position. Another example of a vacuum cleaner could be a handheld vacuum cleaner, which is configured to be supported in the user's hand independently of the surface to be cleaned. Therefore, handheld vacuum cleaners may be easier to operate compared to upright vacuum cleaners. Attached Figure Description

[0006] These and other features and advantages will be better understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of a surface cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2 It is configured to be fluidly connected to, according to embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 A schematic side view of the bar of a surface cleaning device.

[0009] Figure 3 It is configured to be fluidly connected to, according to embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 A schematic side view of the surface cleaning head of a surface cleaning device.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 5 According to embodiments of this disclosure Figure 4 A perspective view of a vacuum cleaner, with a portion of the vacuum cleaner's main body removed for clarity.

[0012] Figure 6 The embodiments corresponding to this disclosure Figure 5 An enlarged cross-sectional view of area VI.

[0013] Figure 7 It is configured to be fluidly connected to, according to embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 4 A perspective view of the rod of a vacuum cleaner.

[0014] Figure 8 According to embodiments of this disclosure Figure 7 A perspective view of the rod.

[0015] Figure 8A According to embodiments of this disclosure Figure 4 Part of the vacuum cleaner and Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a rod, wherein a portion of the rod is received inside a vacuum cleaner.

[0016] Figure 9 It is configured to be fluidly connected to, according to embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 4 Side view of the rod of a vacuum cleaner.

[0017] Figure 10 The embodiments corresponding to this disclosure Figure 9 An enlarged cross-sectional view of area X.

[0018] Figure 11 The embodiments corresponding to this disclosure Figure 9 An enlarged cross-sectional view of area XI.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of a cleaning assembly connected to a docking station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 13 A perspective view of a docking station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 14 It is in a disengaged state according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 12 Another view of the docking station.

[0022] Figure 15The diagram generally illustrates a docking station and a cleaning system in a first docking state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 16A Generally illustrating embodiments according to this disclosure Figure 14 A view of the docking station.

[0024] Figure 16B Generally illustrating embodiments according to this disclosure Figure 14 Another view of the docking station.

[0025] Figure 17 Generally illustrating embodiments according to this disclosure Figure 14 An example of the first base connector.

[0026] Figure 18 Another view is shown, generally illustrating a docking station and cleaning system in a first docking state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 19 Generally illustrating embodiments according to this disclosure Figure 14 An example of a cleaning component connector.

[0028] Figure 20 Another view of the cleaning component connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in general.

[0029] Figure 21 Another view of the cleaning component connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in general.

[0030] Figure 22 Another view of the cleaning component connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in general.

[0031] Figure 23 Generally illustrating embodiments according to this disclosure Figure 14 An example of a second base connector.

[0032] Figure 24 Generally illustrating embodiments according to this disclosure Figure 14 An example of a vacuum connector.

[0033] Figure 25 Another view of a vacuum connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in general.

[0034] Figure 26 The image generally illustrates a vacuum cleaner advancing toward a docking station to a second docking state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 27The vacuum cleaner and docking station in a second docking state are generally shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 28 A perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0037] Figure 29 The illustration shows a portion of the body removed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 28 A perspective view of a vacuum cleaner.

[0038] Figure 30 An embodiment according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 29 Perspective view of the end of a vacuum cleaner. Detailed Implementation

[0039] This disclosure generally relates to a surface cleaning apparatus. The surface cleaning apparatus may include a cleaner body, a suction motor, and a dust cup. The cleaner body has a handle end and a body attachment end. The body attachment end is opposite to the handle end along a longitudinal axis of the body. The body attachment end includes a cleaner inlet fluidly coupled to the suction motor and the dust cup, such that the suction motor can draw air through the cleaner inlet and into the dust cup. The body attachment end further includes a body latch configured to be actuated between a holding position and a released position in response to actuation of a body switch. When in the holding position, the body latch is configured to engage a cleaning accessory to the body attachment end, and when in the released position, the body latch is configured to allow removal of the cleaning accessory from the body attachment end.

[0040] An example of a cleaning accessory is a stick. The stick includes a stick body having a coupling end configured to be releasably coupled to a body attachment end of a surface cleaning device and a stick attachment end configured to be releasably coupled to an additional cleaning accessory. The coupling end is opposite the stick attachment end along the longitudinal axis of the stick, wherein an air passage extends between the stick attachment end and the coupling end. The air passage is fluidly coupled to a body inlet, a suction motor, and a dust cup. The stick attachment end includes a stick latch configured to be actuated between a holding position and a released position in response to actuation of a stick switch. When in the holding position, the stick latch is configured to engage a cleaning accessory to the stick attachment end, and when in the released position, the stick latch is configured to allow removal of the cleaning accessory from the stick attachment end.

[0041] Figure 1A schematic example of a surface cleaning device 100 is shown. As shown, the surface cleaning device 100 includes a cleaner body 102 having a body attachment end 104 and a handle end 106, a dust cup 108 coupled (e.g., pivotally and / or removably coupled) to the cleaner body 102, and a suction motor 110 (shown in hidden lines) disposed within the cleaner body 102. The handle end 106 is opposite the body attachment end 104 along a longitudinal axis 105 of the cleaner body 102. The cleaner body 102 may have a generally elongated shape. For example, at least a portion of the elongated shape may include a generally tubular shape (e.g., a generally tubular shape may include one or more planar surfaces). The dust cup 108 and the suction motor 110 may be disposed between the handle end 106 and the body attachment end 104. In some cases, the suction motor 110 may be disposed (e.g., along the longitudinal axis 105) between the handle end 106 and the dust cup 108.

[0042] The main body attachment 104 includes a cleaner inlet 112, which is fluidly connected to a dust cup 108 and a suction motor 110, such that the suction motor 110 can draw air into the cleaner inlet 112 and through the dust cup 108 and the suction motor 110. The air drawn into the cleaner inlet 112 may contain debris. At least a portion of the debris in the air may be deposited in the dust cup 108.

[0043] The body attachment 104 can be configured to be removably coupled to the cleaning accessory. For example, the body attachment 104 may include a body latch 114 (shown in concealed line) configured to releasably engage the cleaning accessory. The body latch 114 is configured to change between a holding position and a released position in response to actuation of a body switch 116. The body switch 116 may be mechanically connected to the body latch 114 (e.g., using a lever or push rod) such that movement of the body switch 116 actuates the body latch 114.

[0044] The main switch 116 is located between the handle end 106 and the main attachment end 104. For example, the main switch 116 may be located between the dust cup 108 and the handle end 106. As another example, the main switch 116 may be located between the suction motor 110 and the handle end 106. As yet another example, the main switch 116 may be located close to the suction motor 110 (e.g., within a distance that is measured to be smaller than the maximum size of the main switch 116).

[0045] Figure 2 A schematic example of rod 200 is shown. Rod 200 can be configured to connect to Figure 1An example of a cleaning accessory for the body attachment end 104 of the cleaner body 102 of a surface cleaning device 100. As shown, the rod 200 includes a rod body 202 having a rod attachment end 204 and a connecting end 206, the rod attachment end 204 being opposite the connecting end 206 along the rod's longitudinal axis 208. An air passage 210 (shown in hidden lines) extends from the rod attachment end 204 to the connecting end 206. The air passage 210 is configured to be fluidly coupled to a dust collection cup 108 and a suction motor 110, such that the suction motor 110 can draw air through the air passage 210.

[0046] The coupling end 206 is configured to be coupled to the surface cleaning device 100 at the body attachment end 104. For example, the rod attachment end 204 may include a rod latch 212 configured to engage the body latch 114 of the surface cleaning device 100 when the body latch 114 is in the holding position. Thus, the rod latch 212 and the body latch 114 can generally be described as being configured to cooperate to removably couple the rod 200 to the surface cleaning device 100.

[0047] The rod attachment 204 is configured to be removably coupled to additional cleaning accessories, such as a surface cleaning head having one or more agitators (e.g., one or more brush rollers). For example, the rod attachment 204 may include a rod latch 214 configured to change between a holding position and a released position in response to actuation of a rod switch 216. The rod switch 216 may be mechanically connected to the rod latch 214 (e.g., using a pull rod or push rod) such that movement of the rod switch 216 actuates the rod latch 214.

[0048] Figure 3 A schematic example of a surface cleaning head 300 is shown. As shown, the surface cleaning head 300 includes a head body 302, a connector 304 pivotally coupled to the head body 302, at least one wheel 306 rotatably coupled to the head body 302, and at least one agitator 308 (e.g., a brush roller) rotatably coupled to the head body 302. The connector 304 is configured to be removably coupled to, for example, a rod attachment end 204 and / or a body attachment end 104. For example, the connector 304 may include a connector latch 310 (shown in hidden lines) configured to cooperate with one or more of a rod latch 214 and / or a body latch 114.

[0049] Connector 304 may be further configured to fluidly connect the agitator chamber 312 (shown in hidden line) of the surface cleaning head 300 to the suction motor 110. For example, connector 304 may be configured to fluidly connect the agitator chamber 312 to the air passage 210 of the rod 200. Thus, the agitator chamber 312 can generally be described as being configured to fluidly connect via the rod 200 to the dust collection cup 108 and the suction motor 110. The agitator chamber 312 includes at least one agitator 308. In operation, the suction motor 110 draws air into the agitator chamber 312, and the agitator 308 is driven to rotate. The rotation of the agitator 308 removes at least a portion of debris from the surface to be cleaned, such that at least a portion of the removed debris is entrained in the air flowing through the agitator chamber 312.

[0050] At least one agitator 308 may be coupled to a drive motor 314, such that the drive motor 314 causes at least one agitator 308 to rotate. The drive motor 314 may be powered by, for example, one or more batteries (e.g., one or more batteries of the surface cleaning head 300 and / or the surface cleaning device 100). In some cases, the rod 200 may be further configured to electrically connect the surface cleaning device 100 to the surface cleaning head 300. Thus, one or more batteries of the surface cleaning device 100 can power the drive motor 314.

[0051] Figure 4 A perspective view of a vacuum cleaner 400 is shown, which may be... Figure 1 An example of a surface cleaning device 100. As shown, a vacuum cleaner 400 includes a cleaner body 402 and a dust cup 404 (e.g., removably and / or pivotally) coupled to the cleaner body 402. The cleaner body 402 includes a handle end 406 and a body attachment end 408, the handle end 406 being opposite the body attachment end 408 along the longitudinal axis 410 of the body.

[0052] The main body attachment end 408 is configured to be removably attached to a cleaning accessory (e.g., Figure 2 200 or Figure 3 (Surface cleaning head 300). For example, a vacuum cleaner 400 may include at least one main switch 412 configured to be actuated between a held position and a released position. When the main switch 412 is in the held position, the cleaning accessory can be engaged with the cleaner body 402. When the main switch 412 is in the released position, the cleaning accessory can be removed from the cleaner body 402.

[0053] As shown in the figure, the main switch 412 is positioned between the handle end 406 and the main body attachment end 408. For example, the main switch 412 may be positioned along the cleaner body 402 closer to the handle end 406 than to the main body attachment end 408. In some cases, the main switch 412 may be positioned between the dust cup 404 and the handle end 406.

[0054] As shown, the main switch 412 is configured to slide when actuated. For example, the main switch 412 may be configured to slide in a direction substantially (e.g., within 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5) parallel to the longitudinal axis 410 of the body. In some cases, multiple main switches 412 may be present, wherein the main switches 412 are arranged on opposite sides of the cleaner body 402. For example, two main switches 412 may be actuated together when changing between a holding position and a release position.

[0055] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A perspective view of a vacuum cleaner 400, with a portion of the cleaner body 402 removed for clarity. A body switch 412 can engage (e.g., be coupled to) a body lever 500. As shown, actuation of the body switch 412 causes the body lever 500 to change between a holding position and a released position. The body lever 500 is configured to engage (e.g., be coupled to) a body latch 502. Movement of the body lever 500 causes the body latch 502 to change between a holding position and a released position. For example, the body lever 500 can be configured to push the body latch 502 to change from a holding position toward a released position. When the body latch 502 is in the holding position, a cleaning accessory can be coupled to a body attachment end 408. When the body latch 502 is in the released position, the cleaning accessory can be removed from the body attachment end 408.

[0056] As shown, the body latch 502 is positioned between the handle end 406 and the body attachment end 408. For example, the body latch 502 may be positioned closer to the body attachment end 408 than the handle end 406. In this example, the body switch 412 is longitudinally spaced from the body latch 502. In some cases, and as shown, the body switch 412 may also be vertically spaced from the body latch 502 and / or horizontally spaced from the body latch 502 in a direction laterally (e.g., perpendicular to) the longitudinal axis 410 of the body.

[0057] When the main switch 412 is longitudinally and vertically spaced from the main latch 502, the main pull rod 500 may have a non-linear shape. For example, the main pull rod 500 may include one or more vertical extension regions 504 and one or more longitudinal extension regions 506. When the main switch 412 is horizontally spaced from the main latch 502 in a direction transverse (e.g., perpendicular) to the longitudinal axis 410 of the main body, the main pull rod 500 may include an engagement region 508. The engagement region 508 may extend transversely to the vertical extension regions 504 and the longitudinal extension regions 506. In some cases, the vacuum cleaner 400 may include a plurality of main switches 412 disposed on opposite sides of the cleaner body 402, wherein the main pull rod 500 is coupled to two main switches 412. In some cases, a pull rod biasing mechanism 501 may extend about a portion of the main pull rod 500 and push the main pull rod 500 toward a holding position. For example, the pull rod biasing mechanism 501 may be a compression spring configured to extend along a portion of the longitudinal extension region 506.

[0058] Figure 6 It shows the corresponding Figure 5 An enlarged cross-sectional view of section VI is shown. As illustrated, the body latch 502 is pivotally coupled to the cleaner body 402 at pivot point 600. The body latch 502 includes a claw 602 configured to engage with a fitting latch 604 of the cleaning accessory 606 and a container 608 configured to receive the body pull rod 500. The claw 602 is configured to pivot in response to movement of the body pull rod 500 to disengage (e.g., contact) from the fitting latch 604. A biasing mechanism 610 (e.g., a spring) may be configured to actuate the body latch 502 to pivot such that the claw 602 is actuated to engage with the fitting latch 604. When the claw 602 engages the fitting latch 604, the body latch 502 is in a held position, and when the claw 602 disengages from the fitting latch 604, the body latch 502 is in a released position.

[0059] The container 608 may be at least partially defined by the ramp surface 612. For example, and as shown, the ramp surface 612 may be configured such that the depth of the container 608 decreases with increasing distance from the claw 602. When the main pull rod 500 changes between a holding position and a releasing position, the engagement area 508 of the main pull rod 500 may slide along the ramp surface 612.

[0060] Figure 28 An example of a vacuum cleaner 2800 is shown, which can be... Figure 1 An example of a surface cleaning device 100, and Figure 29 and 30An example of a vacuum cleaner 2800 is shown, with a portion of the cleaner body 2802 removed for clarity. As shown, the vacuum cleaner 2800 includes a handle end 2804 and a body attachment end 2806, which is opposite to the handle end 2804 along the longitudinal axis 2808 of the vacuum cleaner 2800. A body switch 2810 is disposed between the handle end 2804 and the body attachment end 2806. The body switch 2810 may be positioned closer to the handle end 2804 than to the body attachment end 2806. In some cases, multiple body switches 2810 may be present, each on an opposite side of the vacuum cleaner 2800. The body switches 2810 are configured to switch between a held position and a released position. For example, the body switch 2810 may be configured to be pressed inward toward the central longitudinal plane 2812 of the vacuum cleaner 2800. In this example, when there are multiple main switches 2810, each main switch 2810 can move inward toward each other.

[0061] The main body attachment 2806 is configured to be removably attached to one or more cleaning accessories (e.g., Figure 2 200 or Figure 3 (Surface cleaning head 300). For example, the body latch 2814 can be configured to removably attach the cleaning accessory to the body attachment end 2806. As shown, the body latch 2814 can be positioned close to the body attachment end 2806. For example, at least a portion of the body latch 2814 can be located within the suction inlet 2816 of the vacuum cleaner 2800. The body latch 2814 is movably attached to the cleaner body 2802 such that the body latch 2814 changes between a holding position and a released position in response to actuation of the body switch 2810.

[0062] As shown, the main switch 2810 engages (e.g., is coupled to) the push rod 2818. Actuation of the main switch 2810 pushes the push rod 2818 in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 2808 of the vacuum cleaner 2800. When the main switch 2810 is actuated, it moves laterally (e.g., substantially perpendicular to) the movement of the push rod 2818.

[0063] The main switch 2810 can be configured to engage (e.g., contact) the inclined surface 2820 of the push rod 2818, wherein engagement between the main switch 2810 and the inclined surface 2820 causes the push rod 2818 to move longitudinally in the direction of the main attachment end 2806. Movement of the push rod 2818 toward the main attachment end 2806 pushes the main latch 2814 toward a released position. For example, the main latch 2814 can be pivotally coupled to the cleaner body 2802 such that the main latch 2814 pivots about a latch pivot axis 2815 extending transversely to (e.g., perpendicularly to) the longitudinal axis 2808. The main latch 2814 pivots toward the released position in response to longitudinal movement of the push rod 2818. The push rod 2818 can be biased in the direction of the handle end 2804 (e.g., using push rod biasing mechanism 2822, such as a spring), and the body latch 2814 can be biased toward the latch position (e.g., using latch biasing mechanism 2824, such as a spring).

[0064] In some cases, the vacuum cleaner 2800 may include one or more biased accessory plungers 2826. The one or more biased accessory plungers 2826 are configured to push the accessory engaged at the body attachment end 2806 in a direction remote from the handle end 2804. Thus, when the body latch 2814 is turned to the release position, the one or more biased accessory plungers 2826 can cause the accessory to move in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 2808. When the body latch 2814 is turned back to the latched position, the longitudinal movement of the accessory prevents the body latch 2814 from re-engaging with the accessory. This configuration makes the accessory easier to remove.

[0065] Figure 7 A perspective view of rod 700 is shown, which may be... Figure 2 Example of rod 200. Rod 700 is an example of a cleaning accessory. As shown, rod 700 includes a rod body 702 having a rod attachment end 704 and a connecting end 706, the rod attachment end 704 being opposite the connecting end 706 along the rod's longitudinal axis 708. An air passage 710 is defined within the rod body 702. The air passage 710 extends from the rod attachment end 704 to the connecting end 706 and is configured to be fluidly coupled to, for example, a dust cup 404 of a vacuum cleaner 400.

[0066] The coupling end 706 is configured to engage with the vacuum cleaner 400 at the body attachment end 408. For example, the rod 700 may include a rod latch 712 configured to engage with the body latch 502 when the body latch 502 is in a holding position. As shown, the rod latch 712 may define a recessed track 714 extending along an outer surface (e.g., longitudinally) of the rod body 702, wherein the recessed track 714 has a closed end. Thus, the rod latch 712 and the body latch 502 can generally be described as cooperating to removably couple the rod 700 to the vacuum cleaner 400.

[0067] The rod attachment 704 is configured to be removably coupled to additional cleaning accessories, such as a surface cleaning head having one or more agitators (e.g., one or more brush rollers). For example, the rod attachment 704 may include a rod latch configured to change between a holding position and a released position in response to actuation of a rod switch 716. The rod switch 716 may be mechanically connected to the rod latch (e.g., using a lever or push rod) such that movement of the rod switch 716 actuates the rod latch.

[0068] As shown in the figure, the connecting end 706 and the rod attachment end 704 can have different sizes. For example, the widest width of the rod body 702 at the connecting end 706 can be measured to be smaller than the widest width of the rod body 702 at the rod attachment end 704. This configuration allows at least a portion of the rod body 702 to be received within the vacuum cleaner 400 when the rod body 702 is connected to the vacuum cleaner 400 (see, for example...). Figure 8A When at least a portion of the rod body 702 is received within the vacuum cleaner 400, the stiffness of the resulting assembly of the rod 700 and the vacuum cleaner 400 can be increased. For example, the length of the rod body 702 received within the vacuum cleaner 400 can be measured to be approximately (e.g., within 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25%) the maximum width of the rod body 702 measured at the connection end 706. As another example, the length of the rod body 702 received within the vacuum cleaner 400 can be measured to be 1.5 to 2.5 times the maximum width of the rod body 702 measured at the connection end 706. As yet another example, the length of the rod body 702 received within the vacuum cleaner 400 can be measured to be 1.77 times the maximum width of the rod body 702 measured at the connection end 706.

[0069] As also shown in the figure, rod 700 may further include accessory electrical connector 718. Accessory electrical connector 718 may be configured to electrically connect to cleaner electrical connector 720 (see Figure 720). Figure 8Accessory electrical connector 718 is configured to be electrically connected to an additional cleaning accessory (e.g., surface cleaning head 300), and cleaner electrical connector 720 is configured to be electrically connected to a vacuum cleaner 400. Thus, power can be supplied to the additional cleaning accessory using a power source (e.g., one or more batteries) from the vacuum cleaner 400. Accessory electrical connector 718 can be electrically connected to cleaner electrical connector 720 using an electrical conductor (e.g., a wire) extending within the rod body 702.

[0070] Figure 9 A side view of rod 900 is shown, which may be... Figure 2 Example of rod 200. Rod 900 is another example of a cleaning accessory. As shown, rod 900 includes a rod body 902 having a rod attachment end 904 and a rod connecting end 906, the rod attachment end 904 being opposite the rod connecting end 906 along the longitudinal axis 908 of the rod. Air passage 910 (see...) Figure 10 The air passage 910 is confined within the rod body 902. The air passage 910 extends from the rod attachment end 904 to the rod connection end 906 and is configured to be fluidly connected to, for example, the dust cup 404 of a vacuum cleaner 400.

[0071] Bar 900 includes a bar switch 912. Bar switch 912 may be slidably coupled to bar body 902. For example, bar switch 912 may be configured to slide along bar body 902 in a direction substantially (e.g., within 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5) parallel to the longitudinal axis 908 of the bar. Sliding bar switch 912 along bar body 902 causes bar switch 912 to change between a holding position and a released position. Changing bar switch 912 between the holding and released positions causes bar latch 914 (see...) Figure 11 It actuates between the hold position and the release position.

[0072] The rod switch 912 is slidably coupled to the rod body 902 at a location spaced apart from the rod attachment end 904. For example, the rod switch 912 may be slidably coupled to the rod body 902 closer to the rod connection end 906 rather than the rod attachment end 904. In some cases, when the rod 900 is coupled to the vacuum cleaner 400, the rod switch 912 is spaced apart from the vacuum cleaner 400 by a distance measured to be less than the switch length 916. The switch length 916 corresponds to the length extending along the longitudinal axis 908 of the rod. Also as shown, the rod switch 912 is configured to extend at least partially around the periphery of the rod body 902. For example, the rod switch 912 may extend around at least half of the periphery of the rod body 902.

[0073] Figure 10 It shows the corresponding Figure 9An enlarged cross-sectional view of region X. As shown, a bar switch 912 is coupled to a bar lever 1000 such that movement of the bar switch 912 between a holding position and a released position causes a corresponding movement of the bar lever 1000 along the longitudinal axis 908 of the bar. The bar switch 912 can be pushed toward the holding position using, for example, a biasing mechanism 1002 (e.g., a spring).

[0074] Figure 11 It shows the corresponding Figure 9 An enlarged cross-sectional view of area XI. As shown, the bar lever 1000 is coupled to the bar latch 914 such that movement of the bar lever 1000 along the longitudinal axis 908 of the bar causes the bar latch 914 to change between a holding position and a released position. The bar lever 1000 is coupled to the bar latch 914 at a container 1100. The container 1100 defines one or more ramp surfaces 1102 configured to slidably engage a portion of the bar lever 1000. As the bar lever 1000 moves along one or more ramp surfaces 1102, the bar latch 914 is pivoted. The pivoting movement of the bar latch 914 between the holding and released positions causes the pawl 1104 of the bar latch 914 to move into contact with the fitting 1108 (e.g., Figure 3 The accessory latch 1106 of the surface cleaning head 300 engages or disengages. The bar latch 914 can be pushed toward the holding position by a biasing mechanism 1110 (e.g., a spring). Also as shown, the bar latch 914 can be configured to engage the auxiliary latch 1112 when pivoted from the holding position to the release position. Thus, pivoting movement of the bar latch 914 can cause a corresponding movement of the auxiliary latch 1112. Movement of the auxiliary latch 1112 can move the auxiliary lever 1114 (e.g., a push rod or pull rod).

[0075] Figure 12 A perspective view of a cleaning system 1201 with a cleaning assembly 1200 and a docking station 1204 is shown. The cleaning assembly 1200 includes a vacuum cleaner 400, a bar 700, and a surface cleaning head 1202 (which may be...) Figure 3 (Example of surface cleaning head 300). Vacuum cleaner 400 is removably coupled to rod 700, and rod 700 is removably coupled to surface cleaning head 1202. Vacuum cleaner 400 is fluidly coupled to surface cleaning head 1202 via rod 700. Thus, in operation, vacuum cleaner 400 causes a suction force to be generated at surface cleaning head 1202. In some cases, surface cleaning head 1202 may be configured to be directly coupled to vacuum cleaner 400.

[0076] As shown in the figure, in some cases, the cleaning assembly 1200 can be configured to be removably coupled to the docking station 1204. The docking station 1204 can be configured to charge one or more batteries of the cleaning assembly 1200. For example, one or more of the surface cleaning head 1202 and / or the vacuum cleaner 400 may include one or more batteries. In some cases, the vacuum cleaner 400 can be decoupled from the rod 700, while the rod 700 and the surface cleaning head 1202 remain coupled to the docking station 1204. In this case, if the surface cleaning head 1202 includes one or more batteries, the one or more batteries can continue to charge when the vacuum cleaner 400 is used. For example, one or more batteries may be included within the handle of the vacuum cleaner 400. In this example, one or more batteries can be removed from the handle so that the one or more batteries can be charged separately from the vacuum cleaner (e.g., using a battery charging dock on the docking station 1204).

[0077] Figure 13 Another example of docking station 1300 is shown. As illustrated, docking station 1300 is configured to connect to one or more cleaning accessories 1302. One or more cleaning accessories 1302 can be connected to docking station 1300 such that the cleaning accessories can be connected to, for example, a vacuum cleaner 400, without the user having to first remove the corresponding cleaning accessory 1302 from docking station 1300. In other words, one or more accessories 1302 are connected to docking station 1300 at their accessory inlet end 1304.

[0078] Turn now Figure 14-15 It roughly shows Figure 12 Additional drawings show the cleaning system 1201 with cleaning components 1200 and docking station 1204. Specifically, Figure 14 The cleaning system 1201 is generally shown in a disengaged state (i.e., the cleaning component 1200 is not connected to the docking station 1204), and Figure 15 The cleaning system 1201 is generally shown in a first docking state (i.e., where at least a portion of the cleaning component 1200 is connected to the docking station 1204). As described herein, in one or more alternative (e.g., second) configurations, a portion of the cleaning system 1201 may also be docked to the docking station 1204.

[0079] refer to Figure 14 The cleaning assembly 1200 includes a vacuum cleaner 400, a bar 700, and a surface cleaning head 1202 (which may be...) Figure 3(Example of surface cleaning head 300). Vacuum cleaner 400 is removably coupled to rod 700, and rod 700 is removably coupled to surface cleaning head 1202. Vacuum cleaner 400 is fluidly coupled to surface cleaning head 1202 via rod 700. Thus, in operation, vacuum cleaner 400 causes a suction force to be generated at surface cleaning head 1202. In some cases, surface cleaning head 1202 may be configured to be directly coupled to vacuum cleaner 400.

[0080] As shown in the figure, in some cases, the cleaning assembly 1200 can be configured to be removably coupled to the docking station 1204. The docking station 1204 can be configured to charge one or more batteries of the cleaning assembly 1200. For example, one or more of the surface cleaning head 1202 and / or the vacuum cleaner 400 may include one or more batteries. As explained herein, the batteries of the cleaning assembly 1200 (e.g., but not limited to batteries disposed in the vacuum cleaner 400) can be charged in a first docking state and a second docking state.

[0081] Turn Figure 16A and 16B An example of docking station 1204 is shown. Docking station 1204 may include a support base 1602 and a support arm 1604 extending from the support base. The support base 1602 may be configured to support the cleaning assembly 1200 when in a first docking state and may include a lower surface 1601 configured to be positioned on the ground. For example, the surface cleaning head 1202 may contact the upper surface 1606 of the support base 1602 when in the first docking state, such as... Figure 15 The image is generally shown. Although the upper surface 1606 of the support base 1602 is shown to have a surface area at least as large as the bottom surface 1608 of the cleaning assembly 1200, it should be understood that the surface area of ​​the upper surface 1606 of the support base 1602 may be smaller than that of the bottom surface 1608 of the cleaning assembly 1200. In such embodiments, when in the first mating state, a portion of the bottom surface 1608 of the cleaning assembly 1200 may not be mounted on the support base 1602.

[0082] Docking station 1204 may optionally include one or more accessory holders 1610. Accessory holders 1610 may be configured to secure one or more accessories associated with cleaning assembly 1200 to facilitate the organization and storage of accessories. Non-limiting examples of accessories include different types of nozzles, brushes, crevice tools, etc., that can be removably coupled to vacuum cleaner 400 and / or bar 700. In some examples, accessory holders 1610 may define cavities configured to receive and / or support accessories. In at least one example, accessories may include an additional battery pack. Accessory holders 1610 may optionally include charging terminals for charging the additional battery pack. One or more of accessory holders 1610 may be mounted on and / or extend from support base 1602 (e.g., but not limited to, the upper surface 1606 of support base 1602).

[0083] The support arm 1604 can be configured to extend from the support base 1602 and is configured to be removably coupled to the cleaning assembly 1200. The support arm 1604 can extend from the support base 1602 at an angle A. Angle A can be defined as the angle between the longitudinal axis L of the support arm 1604 and a line B extending along the upper surface 1606 of the support base 1602 from the support arm 1604 toward the front portion F of the support base 1602, such as... Figure 17 The general shape is shown in the figure. Angle A can be in the range of 20° to 135°, for example, 90°. When angle A is less than 90°, the support arm 1604 can tilt toward the front part F of the support base 1602. In contrast, when angle A is greater than 90°, the support arm 1604 can tilt away from the front part F of the support base 1602.

[0084] refer to Figure 16A-21 The support arm 1604 may include one or more first base connectors 1612 (see example...) Figure 16A , 16B The first base connector is configured to engage with one or more cleaning component connectors 1902 (see example...). Figure 19 For example, the first base connector 1612 can be configured to receive at least a portion of the cleaning component connector 1902 in a first docking state to secure at least a portion of the cleaning component 1200 to the docking station 1204, for example, as Figure 15 and 18 It is roughly shown in the middle.

[0085] In at least one example, when the cleaning assembly 1200 is coupled to the first base connector 1612 in a first mating state, the rod 700 can be coupled to the vacuum cleaner 400 and the surface cleaning head 1202. For example, in the first mating state, the rod 700 and the vacuum cleaner 400 can extend generally upward (e.g., generally perpendicular to the upper surface 1606 of the support base 1602). In the first mating state, the surface cleaning head 1202 can optionally be positioned on the upper surface 1606 of the support base 1602.

[0086] In at least some examples, the vacuum cleaner 400 is not connected to the rod 700 in the first mating state. For example, both the rod 700 and the surface cleaning head 1202 can be connected to the first base connector 1612 in the first mating state (the first base connector 1612 can be part of either the rod 700 or the surface cleaning head 1202). Alternatively, in the first mating state, only the surface cleaning head 1202 can be connected to the first base connector 1612 (e.g., in the first mating state, the surface cleaning head 1202 can be connected to the first base connector 1612, while the rod 700 cannot). In any case, when in the first mating state, the surface cleaning head 1202 can optionally be positioned on the upper surface 1606 of the support base 1602.

[0087] refer to Figure 17 It roughly shows Figure 16A , 16B A close-up of an example of a first base connector 1612. The first base connector 1612 may include a passage 1702 extending from an opening 1704. The passage 1702 and the opening 1704 may be configured to receive at least a portion of a cleaning component connector 1902 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 15 and 18 (Generally shown in the diagram). Opening 1704 may include a tapered opening configured to generally guide the cleaning component connector 1902 toward and / or into the passage 1702. Passage 1702 may have an internal cross-sectional size generally corresponding to the external cross-sectional size of the cleaning component connector 1902, such that the cleaning component connector 1902 can only move generally along the longitudinal axis La of passage 1702 (e.g., generally only up / down). In at least one example, the internal cross-section of passage 1702 may have a tapered shape that decreases with movement away from opening 1704. Optionally, the tapered shape of passage 1702 may generally correspond to the tapered shape of cleaning component connector 1902.

[0088] The distal end of passage 1702 may be open or may be a blind passage (e.g., a blind hole). In at least one example, passage 1702 may have a length of at least 2 cm, such as at least 3 cm, at least 4 cm, at least 5 cm, and / or any value or range thereof. The groove may have substantially the same length as passage 1702, or may have a shorter length than passage 1702 (e.g., at least 50% of the length of passage 1702, at least 75% of the length of passage 1702, at least 90% of the length of passage 1702, and / or any value or range thereof). The width of passage 1702 (e.g., from left to right when viewed from the front F) may be about 1-3 cm, such as about 2 cm, and the depth (e.g., from front to back) may be about 0.25 to 1.0 cm, such as about 0.5 cm. The width of the slot 1706 (e.g., from left to right) can be about 0.25 to 1.0 cm, such as about 0.5 cm, and the depth (e.g., from front to back) can be about 0.25 to 1.0 cm, such as about 0.5 cm. Of course, these are merely exemplary ranges.

[0089] The first base connector 1612 may optionally include one or more slots 1706. Slots 1706 may extend from opening 1704 along the front face 1705 of the first base connector 1612 (e.g., the surface of the arm connector generally facing the front portion F of the support base 1610). In the illustrated example, the front face 1705 is generally planar, but this is not a limitation of the disclosure unless required. In some examples, the profile (e.g., shape or contour) of the front face 1705 may generally correspond to the profile of the area adjacent to the cleaning component connector 1902. Slots 1706 may also extend along passage 1702. In at least one example, passage 1702 and slot 1706 may generally form an elongated T-shaped channel configured to receive a portion of the elongated T-shaped connector of the cleaning component connector 1902 at opening 1704. Of course, the passage 1702 and the slot 1706 (and the corresponding part of the cleaning component connector 1902) can have other shapes, such as, but not limited to, Y-shaped, U-shaped, etc.

[0090] Therefore, the first base connector 1612 can be configured to receive at least a portion of the cleaning component connector 1902 to removably secure the cleaning component 1200 to the docking station 1204, for example, to store at least a portion of the cleaning component 1200 on the docking station 1204. In at least one example, the support arm 1604 and the first base connector 1612 can be configured to be secured to a portion of the rod 700 of the cleaning component 1200. The rod 700 can also be simultaneously secured to the vacuum cleaner 400 and / or the surface cleaning head 1202. Thus, the support arm 1604 and the first base connector 1612 can be configured to be secured to the entire cleaning component 1200 (i.e., the vacuum cleaner 400, the rod 700, and the surface cleaning head 1202). This allows the user to easily store the cleaning component 1200 without having to disassemble the vacuum cleaner 400, the rod 700, and the surface cleaning head 1202 from each other.

[0091] In the first docking position, the support arm 1604 and the first base connector 1612 can be positioned at a sufficient distance from the support base 1602 to improve overall stability and substantially prevent the cleaning assembly 1200 from accidentally tipping over. For example, in the first docking position, the support arm 1604 and the first base connector 1612 can thus be positioned at a sufficient distance from the support base 1602 to allow the surface cleaning head 1202 to rest on the upper surface 1606 of the support base 1602. This configuration allows the weight of the cleaning assembly 1200 to be transferred directly to the support base 1602, and the support arm 1604 only needs to stabilize the cleaning assembly 1200. Alternatively (or additionally), the cleaning assembly connector 1902 can be part of the rod 700. When in the first docking position, forming the cleaning assembly connector 1902 as part of the rod 700 can improve the stability of the cleaning assembly 1200. However, it should be understood that the cleaning assembly connector 1902 can be part of the surface cleaning head 1202. In at least one example, when in the first mating state, the first base connector 1612 is positioned at least 10 cm away from the support base 1602, for example, at least 15 cm away, at least 20 cm away, at least 30 cm away, and / or any value or range thereof. When in the first mating state, the cleaning component connector 1902 may be positioned at least 10 cm away from the support base 1602, for example, at least 15 cm away, at least 20 cm away, at least 30 cm away, and / or any value or range thereof.

[0092] The first base connector 1612 may optionally include one or more docking charging terminals 1708 configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding vacuum charging terminal 1904 associated with the cleaning assembly 1200 when the cleaning assembly 1200 is in a first docking state. The docking charging terminals 1708 and the vacuum charging terminal 1904 may be configured to supply power to one or more batteries associated with the cleaning assembly 1200. The batteries may be located anywhere within the cleaning assembly 1200, such as, but not limited to, the vacuum cleaner 400, the bar 700, and / or the surface cleaning head 1202. The first base connector 1612 (e.g., passages 1702 and / or slots 1706) may be configured to receive a corresponding cleaning assembly connector 1902 when the cleaning assembly 1200 is in the first docking state to substantially align the docking charging terminals 1708 with the vacuum charging terminals 1904.

[0093] In at least one example, one or more of the docking charging terminals 1708 may be at least partially disposed on the outer surface 1710 of the first base connector 1612. For example, one or more of the docking charging terminals 1708 may be disposed on the front surface 1705 of the first base connector 1612. In at least one example, the first docking charging terminal and the second docking charging terminal 1708 may be disposed on opposite sides of the slot 1706. Alternatively (or additionally), one or more of the docking charging terminals 1708 may be at least partially disposed within the passage 1702.

[0094] Turn now Figure 19-22 An example of a cleaning component connector 1902 is generally shown. As described herein, the cleaning component connector 1902 can be configured to engage with one or more first base connectors 1612 in a first mating state to secure at least a portion of the cleaning component 1200 to the mating station 1204. The cleaning component connector 1902 can be configured to be received at least partially in the passage 1702 and / or groove 1706 of the first base connector 1612. The cleaning component connector 1902 may include one or more ribs 1906 extending outwardly from the cleaning component 1200. In the example shown, the ribs 1906 extend from the rod 700; however, it should be understood that the ribs 1906 may extend from the surface cleaning head 1202.

[0095] The distal region 1908 of the cleaning component connector 1902 (e.g., the distal region of rib 1906) can be configured to be received through opening 1704 and enter into the passage 1702 and / or slot 1706 of the first base connector 1612. The cleaning component connector 1902 may also include one or more flanges 1910 extending outwardly from rib 1906. The flanges 1910 may also be configured to be received through opening 1704 and enter into the passage 1702 of the first base connector 1612. In the example shown, rib 1906 and flange 1910 form an elongated T-shaped connector that generally corresponds to the elongated T-shaped channel of the first base connector 1612 as described herein; however, it should be understood that rib 1906 and flange 1910 may have other shapes, such as, but not limited to, Y-shaped, U-shaped, etc.

[0096] The proximal region 1912 of the cleaning component connector 1902 may include an end cap 1914. The end cap 1914 may substantially limit the distance that the cleaning component connector 1902 can advance into the first base connector 1612. The first base connector 1612 and the cleaning component connector 1902 may each be sized and shaped relative to each other, and are respectively positioned relative to the support base 1602 of the docking station 1204 and the cleaning component 1200, such that the surface cleaning head 1202 can be positioned on the upper surface 1606 of the support base 1602 in the first docking state.

[0097] The first base connector 1612 and the cleaning component connector 1902 can each be sized and shaped relative to each other, and positioned relative to the support base 1602 of the docking station 1204 and the cleaning component 1200, respectively, such that the vacuum charging terminal 1904 is electrically connected to the docking charging terminal 1708 when in the first docking state. The vacuum charging terminal 1904 can be positioned close to the cleaning component connector 1902. For example, the first vacuum charging terminal and the second vacuum charging terminal 1904 can be positioned on opposite sides of the rib 1906.

[0098] To remove the cleaning assembly 1200 from docking station 1204 (i.e., to disengage the cleaning assembly from the docking station), the user can simply lift the cleaning assembly 1200 upwards to disengage the cleaning assembly connector 1902 from the first base connector 1612 (e.g., to advance the distal end 1908 of the rib 1906 and the flange 1910 away from the passage 1702, the slot 1706, and the opening 1704). While a locking mechanism is not necessary, the first base connector 1612 and / or the cleaning assembly connector 1902 may optionally include a lock to secure the cleaning assembly 1200 relative to docking station 1204.

[0099] It should be understood that the configuration of the first base connector 1612 and the cleaning component connector 1902 can be reversed (e.g., the cavity and rib can be reversed, such that the first base connector 1612 forms a T-shaped connector (or a similar connector) and the cleaning component connector 1902 forms a T-shaped channel (or a similar channel). It should also be understood that the first base connector 1612 and the cleaning component connector 1902 are not limited to a channel / connector configuration unless explicitly required to do so.

[0100] The docking station 1204 may optionally include a second base connector 2302 configured to engage with one or more vacuum connectors 2502 associated with the vacuum cleaner 400 in a second docking state. A first base connector 1612 may be configured to secure the entire cleaning assembly 1200 (or optionally only the bar 700 and surface cleaning head 1202) (and optionally charge it), while the second base connector 2302 may be configured to secure only the vacuum cleaner 400 in the second docking state (and optionally charge it). The second base connector 2302 may be configured to position the vacuum cleaner 400 in an easily accessible location relative to the docking station 1204 and may allow for quick and easy removal of the vacuum cleaner 400 from the docking station 1204 for situations where the bar 700 and surface cleaning head 1202 are not needed / desired. It should be understood that the docking station 1204 may advantageously allow the bar 700 and surface cleaning head 1202 to be stored separately from and simultaneously with the vacuum cleaner 400. Therefore, docking station 1204 can be configured to use the first base connector 1612 and cleaning component connector 1902 to store the rod 700 and surface cleaning head 1202 in a first docking state (and optionally charge simultaneously using docking charging terminal 1708 and vacuum charging terminal 1904), while using the second base connector 2302 and vacuum connector 2502 to store the vacuum cleaner 400 in a second docking state (and optionally charge simultaneously using the charging terminals described herein). Thus, the user can quickly and easily disengage the vacuum cleaner 400 from the second base connector 2302 and docking station 1204, and use only the vacuum cleaner 400 as needed, or quickly disconnect the vacuum cleaner 400 from the base connector 2302 and easily connect the vacuum cleaner to the rod 700, and subsequently remove the assembled cleaning component 1200 (e.g., vacuum cleaner 400, rod 700, and surface cleaning head 1202) from the first base connector 1612 (and docking station 1204).

[0101] The second base connector 2302 can be configured to receive at least a portion of the vacuum connector 2502 in a second docking state to secure at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 400 to the docking station 1204, for example, as Figure 27 The general outline is shown below. (Reference) Figure 16A , 16B 23. The second base connector 2302 can be coupled to the support arm 1604. For example, the second base connector 2302 can be coupled to the support arm 1604 via one or more vacuum arms 2304. The vacuum arm 2304 can extend from the support arm 1604 and position the second base connector 2302 to allow the vacuum cleaner 400 to be coupled to the second base connector 2302 in a second mating state, while the rod 700 and the surface cleaning head 1202 are coupled to the first base connector 1612 in a first mating state. The vacuum arm 2304 can also extend from the support arm 1604 and position the second base connector 2302 to allow a user to easily grasp and remove the vacuum cleaner 400 (e.g., disengage it from the mat) without having to remove the rod 700 and the surface cleaning head 1202 from the first base connector 1612 (e.g., disengage it from the mat).

[0102] In the example shown (best in) Figure 16A , 16B (As seen in 23), the second base connector 2302 may include a vacuum protrusion 2306 extending outwardly from the base 2308. The vacuum protrusion 2306 may be configured to be at least partially received in a corresponding vacuum cavity 2504 of the vacuum connector 2502. Figure 25 In, for example, such as Figure 26-27 The general outline is shown in the middle. Specifically, Figure 26 Generally shown is the vacuum protrusion 2306 partially received in the vacuum cavity 2504, and Figure 27 The vacuum cleaner 400 is generally shown in a fully docked state. In the example shown, the base 2308 may be configured to contact a portion of the vacuum cleaner 400 when fully docked. At least a portion of the base 2308 may optionally have a surface profile / configuration that generally corresponds to the portion of the vacuum cleaner 400 that contacts the base 2308. However, it should be understood that the vacuum cleaner 400 need not necessarily contact the base 2308. Additionally, the vacuum protrusion 2306 and / or the vacuum cavity 2504 may have a tapered shape. For example, the vacuum protrusion 2306 may have a tapered shape that decreases towards the distal end from the base 2308, and the vacuum cavity 2504 may have a tapered shape that increases towards the opposite end from the opening. This tapered configuration can facilitate the alignment of the vacuum cleaner 400 relative to the docking station 1204. In an exemplary embodiment, the vacuum cavity 2504 may also include a vacuum inlet 2506 into a portion of the vacuum cleaner 400 (this portion may also be used to fluidly connect the rod 700).

[0103] Although the second base connector 2302 is shown as being coupled to the support arm 1604, it should be understood that the second base connector 2302 can be coupled to any part of the docking station 1204. For example, the vacuum arm 2304 can extend directly from the support base 1602 (e.g., the vacuum arm 2304 may not extend from the support arm 1604). Alternatively (or additionally), the second base connector 2302 can be coupled directly to the support base 1602 (i.e., without the vacuum arm 2304).

[0104] The second base connector 2302 may optionally include one or more docking charging terminals 2310, which are configured to be electrically connected to a corresponding vacuum charging terminal 2508 associated with the vacuum cleaner 400 when the vacuum cleaner 400 is in a docked state. The docking charging terminals 2310 and vacuum charging terminals 2508 may be configured to power one or more batteries associated with the vacuum cleaner 400. The batteries may be located anywhere within the vacuum cleaner 400, such as, but not limited to, the handle 2400. Figure 24 The second base connector 2302 can be configured to connect to the corresponding vacuum connector 2502 when the vacuum cleaner 400 is in the docking state, so as to substantially align the docking charging terminal 2310 with the vacuum charging terminal 2508.

[0105] In at least one example, one or more of the docking charging terminals 2310 may be at least partially disposed on the outer surface 2312 of the second base connector 2302. For example, one or more of the docking charging terminals 2310 may be disposed on the base 2308 of the second base connector 2302. Alternatively (or additionally), one or more of the docking charging terminals 2310 may be at least partially disposed on / in the vacuum protrusion 2306.

[0106] Examples of cleaning systems according to this disclosure include cleaning components and docking stations. The cleaning system includes a vacuum cleaner, a surface cleaning head, a rod configured to be fluidly coupled to the surface cleaning head and the vacuum cleaner, the rod including a vacuum connector and one or more vacuum charging terminals, a cleaning component connector, and one or more vacuum charging terminals. The docking station includes: a support base having a lower surface to be placed on a ground surface and an upper surface; a support arm extending from the support base, the support arm further including a first base connector configured to be secured to the cleaning component connector in a first docking state to secure at least one of the cleaning component's rod or surface cleaning head to the docking station; one or more first docking charging terminals configured to be electrically connected to one or more vacuum charging terminals when the cleaning component is in the first docking state; a second base connector configured to be secured to the vacuum connector in a second docking state to secure the vacuum cleaner to the docking station; and one or more second docking charging terminals configured to be electrically connected to one or more vacuum charging terminals when the vacuum cleaner is in the second docking state.

[0107] In some cases, the second base connector may be coupled to the support arm. In some cases, the cleaning system may further include a vacuum arm extending outward from the support arm, the vacuum arm being configured to be coupled to the second base connector to the support arm. In some cases, the second base connector may include a vacuum protrusion extending outward from the base. In some cases, the vacuum protrusion may be configured to be at least partially received in the vacuum chamber of the vacuum connector. In some cases, the vacuum chamber may include a vacuum inlet to a portion of the vacuum cleaner. In some cases, the vacuum arm may be configured to position the second base connector such that the vacuum cleaner can be coupled to the second base connector in a second mating state, while the bar and surface cleaning head are coupled to the first base connector in a first mating state. In some cases, the first base connector may be configured to be coupled to the bar and surface cleaning head in the first mating state, while the second base connector is coupled to the vacuum cleaner in the second mating state. In some cases, one or more first mating charging terminals may be configured to power one or more batteries disposed in the vacuum cleaner when the cleaning assembly is in the first mating state, and wherein one or more second mating charging terminals are configured to power one or more batteries when the vacuum cleaner is in the second mating state. In some cases, the first base connector and the cleaning component connector may be configured to allow the surface cleaning head to contact the support base when in a first mating state. In some cases, the first base connector and the cleaning component connector may be configured to allow the rod to extend substantially upright from the support base when in the first mating state. In some cases, the first base connector may include a cavity, and the cleaning component connector may include ribs, wherein the ribs are configured to be received at least within the cavity when in the first mating state.

[0108] An example of a vacuum cleaner docking station according to this disclosure for use with a cleaning assembly including a vacuum cleaner, a bar, and a surface cleaning head includes: a support base having a lower surface and an upper surface to be placed on a ground surface; a support arm extending from the support base, the support arm further including a first base connector configured to be secured to a cleaning assembly connector of the cleaning assembly in a first docking state to secure at least one of the bars or surface cleaning heads of the cleaning assembly to the docking station; one or more first docking charging terminals configured to be electrically connected to one or more vacuum charging terminals of the cleaning assembly when the cleaning assembly is in the first docking state; a second base connector configured to be secured to a vacuum connector of the vacuum cleaner in a second docking state to secure the vacuum cleaner to the docking station; and one or more second docking charging terminals configured to be electrically connected to one or more vacuum charging terminals of the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is in the second docking state.

[0109] In some cases, the second base connector can be coupled to the support arm. In some cases, a vacuum arm can extend outward from the support arm, and the vacuum arm is configured to connect to the second base connector to the support arm. In some cases, the vacuum arm can be configured to position the second base connector such that the vacuum cleaner can be coupled to the second base connector in a second mating state, while the bar and surface cleaning head are coupled to the first base connector in a first mating state. In some cases, the first base connector can be configured to be coupled to the bar and surface cleaning head in the first mating state, while the second base connector is coupled to the vacuum cleaner in the second mating state. In some cases, one or more first mating charging terminals can be configured to power one or more batteries disposed in the vacuum cleaner when the cleaning assembly is in the first mating state, and one or more second mating charging terminals are configured to power one or more batteries when the vacuum cleaner is in the second mating state. In some cases, the first base connector can be configured to allow the surface cleaning head to contact the support base when in the first mating state. In some cases, the first base connector can be configured to allow the bar to extend substantially upright from the support when in the first mating state.

[0110] Examples of vacuum cleaners according to this disclosure include: a body having a handle end and an attachment end opposite to the handle end along a longitudinal axis of the body; a dust collection cup disposed between the handle end and the attachment end; a suction motor disposed between the handle end and the attachment end; a body latch configured to releasably engage a fitting; and a body switch configured to change the body latch between a released position and a held position, the body switch being positioned closer to the handle end than the attachment end.

[0111] In some cases, the vacuum cleaner may further include a body lever configured to engage the body latch. In some cases, the vacuum cleaner may further include a body push rod configured to engage the body latch. In some cases, the body latch can be pushed toward a holding position by a biasing mechanism. In some cases, the body switch may be vertically spaced from the body latch. In some cases, the body switch may be longitudinally spaced from the body latch. In some cases, the body switch may be horizontally spaced from the body latch in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body.

[0112] Examples of cleaning components according to this disclosure include a vacuum cleaner, a rod fluidly coupled to the vacuum cleaner, and a surface cleaning head fluidly coupled to the rod. The vacuum cleaner includes: a body having a handle end and an attachment end opposite the handle end along a longitudinal axis of the body; a dust collection cup disposed between the handle end and the attachment end; a suction motor disposed between the handle end and the attachment end; a body latch configured to releasably engage the rod; and a body switch configured to switch the body latch between a released position and a held position, the body switch being closer to the handle end than the attachment end.

[0113] In some cases, the vacuum cleaner may further include a body lever configured to actuate a body latch from a held position to a released position. In some cases, the vacuum cleaner may further include a body push rod configured to actuate a body latch from a held position to a released position. In some cases, the body latch can be actuated toward the held position by a biasing mechanism. In some cases, a body switch may be vertically spaced from the body latch. In some cases, the body switch may be longitudinally spaced from the body latch. In some cases, the body switch may be horizontally spaced from the body latch in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body. In some cases, the bar may include a bar latch configured to engage the body latch. In some cases, the bar may include a bar switch configured to actuate the bar latch. In some cases, the bar latch may be coupled to a connector of a surface cleaning head. In some cases, the bar switch may be spaced from the vacuum cleaner by a distance less than the length of the bar switch.

[0114] Examples of cleaning systems according to this disclosure may include a docking station and a cleaning assembly configured to be coupled to the docking station. The cleaning assembly includes a vacuum cleaner, a rod fluidly coupled to the vacuum cleaner, and a surface cleaning head fluidly coupled to the rod. The vacuum cleaner includes: a body having a handle end and an attachment end opposite the handle end along a longitudinal axis of the body; a dust collection cup disposed between the handle end and the attachment end; a suction motor disposed between the handle end and the attachment end; a body latch configured to releasably engage the rod; and a body switch configured to switch the body latch between a released position and a held position, the body switch being closer to the handle end than the attachment end.

[0115] In some cases, the vacuum cleaner can be configured to separate from the rod when the rod and surface cleaning head are attached to the docking station.

[0116] While the principles of the invention have been described herein, those skilled in the art will understand that this description is by way of example only and not as a limitation on the scope of the invention. Other embodiments, in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein, are also covered within the scope of the invention. Modifications and substitutions made by those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of the invention, which is not limited to anything other than the following claims.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner, comprising: A body having a longitudinal axis extending through a handle end and an attachment end, the attachment end being opposite the handle end along the longitudinal axis of the body, the attachment end being configured to be removably coupled to an accessory and including a suction inlet; A dust collection cup is disposed between the handle end and the attachment end; A suction motor is disposed between the handle end and the attachment end and is configured to be fluidly connected to the suction inlet; A main body latch, which is at least partially located within the main body, adjacent to the attachment end; A first body switch and a second body switch are disposed on a first side and an opposite second side of the body, the first body switch and the second body switch being positioned closer to the handle end than the attachment end, and the first body switch and the second body switch being configured to slide to change the body latch between the following positions: In the held position, the body latch engages the fitting to the suction inlet, such that the suction inlet is fluidly connected to the fitting; as well as In the release position, the main body latch is disengaged from the fitting, such that the suction inlet is not fluidly connected to the fitting. as well as The main body latch is connected to a connector between the first main body switch and the second main body switch, the connector being at least partially located within the main body.

2. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, further comprising a body lever configured to engage the body latch.

3. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, further comprising a body push rod configured to engage the body latch.

4. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the main body latch is pushed toward the holding position by a biasing mechanism.

5. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the first main switch and the second main switch are vertically spaced apart from the main latch.

6. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 5, wherein the first main switch and the second main switch are longitudinally spaced apart from the main latch.

7. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 6, wherein the first main switch and the second main switch are horizontally spaced apart from the main latch in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the main body.

8. A cleaning component, comprising: Vacuum cleaner; A rod, which is fluidly connected to the vacuum cleaner; as well as A surface cleaning head, fluidly coupled to the rod, is included in the vacuum cleaner: A body having a longitudinal axis extending through a handle end and an attachment end, the attachment end being opposite the handle end along the longitudinal axis of the body, the attachment end being configured to be removably coupled to the rod and including a suction inlet; A dust collection cup is disposed between the handle end and the attachment end; A suction motor is disposed between the handle end and the attachment end and is configured to be fluidly connected to the suction inlet; A body latch, which is at least partially located within the body, adjacent to the attachment end; and A first body switch and a second body switch are disposed on a first side and an opposite second side of the body, the first body switch and the second body switch being positioned closer to the handle end than the attachment end, and the first body switch and the second body switch being configured to slide to change the body latch between the following positions: In the held position, the body latch engages the rod to the suction port such that the suction port is fluidly connected to the rod; and In the release position, the body latch is disengaged from the rod, such that the suction inlet is not fluidly connected to the rod, and The main body latch is connected to a connector between the first main body switch and the second main body switch, the connector being at least partially located within the main body.

9. The cleaning assembly of claim 8, wherein the vacuum cleaner further includes a body lever configured to actuate the body latch from the held position toward the released position.

10. The cleaning assembly of claim 8, wherein the vacuum cleaner further includes a body push rod configured to actuate the body latch from the held position toward the released position.

11. The cleaning assembly of claim 8, wherein the body latch is pushed toward the holding position by a biasing mechanism.

12. The cleaning assembly of claim 8, wherein the first main switch and the second main switch are vertically spaced apart from the main latch.

13. The cleaning assembly of claim 12, wherein the first main switch and the second main switch are longitudinally spaced apart from the main latch.

14. The cleaning assembly of claim 13, wherein the first body switch and the second body switch are horizontally spaced from the body latch in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body.

15. The cleaning assembly of claim 8, wherein the bar includes a bar latch configured to engage the body latch.

16. The cleaning assembly of claim 8, wherein the rod includes a rod switch configured to actuate a rod latch, and the rod attachment end includes a rod latch configured to actuate between a holding position and a released position in response to actuation of the rod switch, thereby enabling connection and removal of the surface cleaning head from the rod attachment end.

17. The cleaning assembly of claim 16, wherein the bar latch is coupled to the connector of the surface cleaning head.

18. The cleaning assembly of claim 17, wherein the bar switch is spaced from the vacuum cleaner by a distance less than the length of the bar switch.

19. A cleaning system comprising: docking station; as well as A cleaning component, configured to be coupled to the docking station, the cleaning component comprising: Vacuum cleaner; A rod, which is fluidly connected to the vacuum cleaner; and A surface cleaning head, fluidly coupled to the rod, is included in the vacuum cleaner: A body having a longitudinal axis extending through a handle end and an attachment end, the attachment end being opposite the handle end along the longitudinal axis of the body, the attachment end being configured to be removably coupled to the rod and including a suction inlet; A dust collection cup is disposed between the handle end and the attachment end; A suction motor is disposed between the handle end and the attachment end and is configured to be fluidly connected to the suction inlet; A body latch, which is at least partially located within the body, adjacent to the attachment end; and A first body switch and a second body switch are disposed on a first side and an opposite second side of the body, the first body switch and the second body switch being positioned closer to the handle end than the attachment end, and the first body switch and the second body switch being configured to slide to change the body latch between the following positions: In the held position, the body latch engages the rod to the suction port such that the suction port is fluidly connected to the rod; and In the release position, the body latch is disengaged from the rod, such that the suction inlet is not fluidly connected to the rod; and The main body latch is connected to a connector between the first main body switch and the second main body switch, the connector being at least partially located within the main body.

20. The cleaning system of claim 19, wherein the vacuum cleaner is configured to be detachable from the rod when the rod and the surface cleaning head are engaged with the docking station.

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