Vacuum cleaner

Abstract

A cleaning system can include a vacuum cleaner having a body and a cleaner dust cup coupled to the body, and a docking station, the vacuum cleaner configured to dock with the docking station. The cleaner dust cup can include an open end configured to be selectively received within the body and a dust cup outlet configured to be selectively opened and closed, the dust cup outlet and the open end being located on different sides of the cleaner dust cup. The docking station can include a base having a suction motor and a station dust cup, an upper duct extending from the base, and a container having a station inlet, the container configured to receive at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner, the upper duct fluidly coupling the station inlet to the suction motor and the station dust cup.

Description

Technical Field

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

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

[0003] These and other features and advantages will be better understood from the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0004] Figure 1 is an illustrative example of a vacuum cleaner docked with a docking station consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0005] Figure 2 is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 Schematic example of a vacuum cleaner with a dust cup in a manual emptying configuration.

[0006] Figure 3 is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 Schematic illustration of a vacuum cleaner with a dust cup in an automatic emptying configuration.

[0007] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner docked with a docking station, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 5 is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 4 Vacuum cleaners from Figure 4 A perspective view of a docking station detached while one or more accessories of a vacuum cleaner remain docked with the docking station.

[0009] Figure 6 is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 4Perspective view of a docking station.

[0010] Fig. 6A is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 4 The docking station corresponds to Figure 6 An enlarged view of a portion of region 6A.

[0011] Figure 7 is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 4 The docking station is used to accommodate Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a container of a vacuum cleaner.

[0012] Figure 8 is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 4 A perspective view of a vacuum cleaner with a dust cup outlet in a closed configuration.

[0013] Fig. 8A is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 4 The vacuum cleaner corresponds to Figure 8 An enlarged view of a portion of region 8A.

[0014] Fig. 9 is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 4 A perspective view of a vacuum cleaner with a dust cup outlet in an open configuration.

[0015] Fig.10 is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 4 The line XX intercepts Figure 4 A cutaway view of the vacuum cleaner and docking station. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The present disclosure as a whole relates to a vacuum cleaner and a docking station configured to interface with the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum cleaner suction motor, a vacuum cleaner suction inlet, and a vacuum cleaner dust cup. The vacuum cleaner suction motor is fluidly connected to the vacuum cleaner suction inlet and the vacuum cleaner dust cup so that the vacuum cleaner suction motor causes air to be sucked through the vacuum cleaner suction inlet and into the vacuum cleaner dust cup when started. The air sucked through the vacuum cleaner suction inlet may be entrained with debris. At least a portion of the entrained debris is deposited in the vacuum cleaner dust cup for later processing. The vacuum cleaner dust cup may include a first emptying configuration and a second emptying configuration for removing debris from the vacuum cleaner dust cup. The first emptying configuration may correspond to a manual emptying configuration (e.g., for emptying the vacuum cleaner dust cup into a garbage container by a user), and the second emptying configuration may correspond to an automatic emptying configuration (e.g., for emptying the vacuum cleaner dust cup using a docking station).

[0017] The docking station includes a station suction motor, a container having a station suction inlet, and a station dust cup. The station suction motor is configured to cause air to flow into the station suction inlet and through the station dust cup. The container is configured to interface with a vacuum cleaner so that the vacuum cleaner can be removably connected to the docking station (docked with the docking station). When the vacuum cleaner is docked to the docking station and the station suction motor is activated, the cleaner dust cup can be converted to an automatic emptying configuration. When in the automatic emptying configuration, the cleaner dust cup and the station dust cup are fluidly connected so that when the station suction motor is activated, at least a portion of any debris stored in the cleaner dust cup is transferred to the station dust cup.

[0018] Using a docking station to empty a vacuum cleaner dust cup can reduce the number of times a user comes into contact with debris collected by the vacuum cleaner (e.g., due to a debris plume during emptying). For example, the station dust cup can be configured to have a larger volume than the vacuum cleaner dust cup (e.g., a volume that is at least twice as large). As a result, a user can handle the collected debris less frequently, thereby reducing user contact with the debris.

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic example of a cleaning system 101 having a vacuum cleaner 100 detachably coupled (docked) to a docking station 102 is shown. The vacuum cleaner 100 includes a handle 104, a vacuum cleaner suction motor 106, a vacuum cleaner dust cup 108, and a vacuum cleaner inlet 110. The vacuum cleaner suction motor 106 is fluidly coupled to the vacuum cleaner inlet 110 and the vacuum cleaner dust cup 108 so that when the vacuum cleaner suction motor 106 is activated, air is caused to flow through the vacuum cleaner inlet 110 and into the vacuum cleaner dust cup 108. Debris may be entrained in the air flowing through the vacuum cleaner inlet 110. At least a portion of the entrained debris may be deposited in the vacuum cleaner dust cup 108 for later disposal. The cleaner dust cup 108 can be configured to have a first empty configuration and a second empty configuration, wherein the cleaner dust cup 108 can be in the first empty configuration when the vacuum cleaner 100 is detached from the docking station 102, and can be in the second empty configuration when the vacuum cleaner 100 is docked with the docking station 102. Thus, the first empty configuration can generally be referred to as a manual empty configuration, and the second empty configuration can generally be referred to as an automatic empty configuration.

[0020] The user interface 112 may be disposed on and / or near the handle 104 (e.g., within 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 35%, or 50% of the maximum dimension of the handle 104). The user interface 112 may include one or more of a start switch (e.g., for starting the suction motor 106), a cleaning behavior switch (e.g., for increasing the suction power of the suction motor 106), a dust cup emptying switch (e.g., for converting the vacuum cleaner dust cup 108 to a manual emptying configuration), and / or any other switches.

[0021] The docking station 102 includes a base 114, an updraft 116 extending from the base 114, and a receptacle 118 coupled to the updraft 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, wherein exhaust from the station suction motor 122 is configured to pass through the post-motor filter 115. The post-motor filter 115 may be a high-efficiency particulate air ("HEPA") filter (e.g., a pleated HEPA filter).

[0022] The upper duct 116 includes an air passage 124 that is fluidly coupled to the station dust cup 120 and the station suction motor 122, such that the station suction motor 122, when activated, draws air through the air passage 124 and into the station dust cup 120. The container 118 includes a station inlet 126 that is fluidly coupled to the air passage 124, such that the station suction motor 122, when activated, draws air through the station inlet 126 and into the air passage 124. In other words, the upper duct 116 fluidly couples the station inlet 126 to the station suction motor 122 and the station dust cup 120.

[0023] As shown, the cleaner dust cup 108 includes a dust cup outlet 128 that is configured to fluidly couple to the station inlet 126 when the vacuum cleaner 100 is docked with the docking station 102 (e.g., when at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 100 is received within the container 118). When the station suction motor 122 is activated, air is drawn through the dust cup outlet 128 and into the station inlet 126. The dust cup outlet 128 can be configured to selectively open and close when the vacuum cleaner 100 is docked to the docking station 102. When the dust cup outlet 128 is in an open configuration, the cleaner dust cup 108 is in an automatic emptying configuration.

[0024] Figure 2A schematic example of a vacuum cleaner 100 having a dust collector cup 108 in a manual emptying configuration is shown. As shown, the dust collector cup 108 is coupled (e.g., movably coupled, detachably coupled, and / or pivotally coupled) to a main body 200 of the vacuum cleaner 100 so that the dust collector cup 108 can be switched between a stowed configuration and a manual emptying configuration. For example, and as shown, the dust collector cup 108 can be pivotally coupled to the main body 200 of the vacuum cleaner 100 at a pivot point 202 so that the dust collector cup 108 pivots from the stowed configuration to the manual emptying configuration. When in the manual emptying configuration, debris in the dust collector cup 108 can be emptied from the dust collector cup open end 204 of the dust collector cup 108. The dust cup open end 204 can be opposite to the pivot point 202 of the dust collector cup 108. This configuration may facilitate the emptying of debris from the dust cup open end 204 due to the pivotal movement of the cleaner dust cup 108 .

[0025] Figure 3 A schematic example of a vacuum cleaner 100 having a dust cup 108 in a stowed configuration and a dust cup outlet 128 in an open configuration is shown. As shown, a dust cup door 300 may be configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet 128, thereby selectively switching the dust cup outlet 128 between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The dust cup door 300 may be pivotally coupled to the dust cup 108 of the vacuum cleaner so that the dust cup door 300 pivots to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet 128. For example, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is docked with the docking station 102, the airflow generated by the station suction motor 122 may pivot the dust cup door 300, open the dust cup outlet 128 and allow debris in the dust cup 108 of the vacuum cleaner to be entrained in the airflow. Therefore, when the dust cup outlet 128 is in an open configuration, the dust cup 108 may generally be described as being in an automatic emptying configuration.

[0026] Figure 4 A perspective view of a vacuum cleaner 400 and a docking station 402 is shown, the vacuum cleaner may be Figure 1 For example, the vacuum cleaner 100 may be Figure 1 An example of a docking station 102 is shown.

[0027] The vacuum cleaner 400 includes a body 403, a handle 404, a cleaner user interface 406 near the handle 404, a cleaner suction motor 408, a cleaner dust cup 410 pivotally coupled to the body 403, and a cleaner inlet 412, the cleaner suction motor 408 being fluidly coupled to the cleaner dust cup 410 and the cleaner inlet 412. The cleaner inlet 412 can be configured to be releasably coupled to an accessory 414 (e.g., a cleaning nozzle). The accessory 414 can be configured to be releasably coupled to an additional accessory 416 (e.g., a floor nozzle).

[0028] The docking station 402 includes a base 418, a station dust cup 420 releasably coupled to the base 418, a station suction motor 422 disposed within the base 418, an upper air duct 424 extending from the base 418, and a container 426 coupled to the upper air duct 424. The container 426 is configured to receive at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 400 so that the vacuum cleaner 400 is releasably coupled (docked) to the docking station 402. The container 426 may also be configured to receive at least a portion of the accessory 414 so that the accessory 414 is releasably coupled (docked) to the docking station 402.

[0029] Figure 5 A perspective view of a vacuum cleaner 400 and a docking station 402 is shown, wherein the vacuum cleaner 400 is detached from the docking station 402. As shown, the vacuum cleaner 400 can be used independently of the accessories 414 and 416, and the accessories 414 and 416 can remain docked with the docking station 402, while being detached from the vacuum cleaner 400. When the vacuum cleaner 400 is detached separately from the accessories 414 and 416, the accessories 414 and 416 can be detached from the docking station 402 independently of the vacuum cleaner 400. In some cases, when the accessories 414 and 416 are not docked with the docking station 402, the vacuum cleaner 400 can be docked with the docking station 402 separately from the accessories 414 and 416.

[0030] Figure 6 A perspective view of the docking station 402 is shown, and Fig. 6A Shown corresponding to Figure 6 6A in FIG. As shown, the container 426 includes a charging contact 600 configured to be electrically connected to the vacuum cleaner 400 (e.g., for charging one or more batteries of the vacuum cleaner 400), one or more accessory aligners 602, one or more cleaner aligners 604, and one or more dust cup aligners 606. In some cases, the docking station 402 may be configured to use the charging contact 600 to detect that the vacuum cleaner 400 is docked with the docking station. Additionally or alternatively, the container 426 may include one or more sensors 601 (e.g., a tactile switch, a Hall effect sensor, and / or any other type of sensor) to detect that the vacuum cleaner 400 is docked with the container. In response to detecting that the vacuum cleaner 400 is docked with the docking station 402, the docking station 402 may be caused to perform an emptying behavior. In some cases, the docking station 402 may perform an emptying behavior in response to detecting that the vacuum cleaner 400 is docked with the docking station 402 and in response to receiving a user input.

[0031] As shown, the container 426 is defined by one or more container sidewalls 608 that are shaped to follow the corresponding contours of the vacuum cleaner 400 and / or the accessory 414, so that the container 426 can be generally described as including a vacuum cleaner area 610 and an accessory area 612. For example, the container 426 can have a first width 614 and a second width 616, wherein the first width 614 is greater than the second width 616. The second width 616 can be closer to the base 418 of the docking station 402 than the first width 614. In some cases, the second width 616 can generally correspond to the width of the accessory 414 ( Figure 4 ), and the first width 614 may correspond to the width of the vacuum cleaner 400 ( Figure 4 ). Thus, the container 426 can generally be described as being configured to receive at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 400 and at least a portion of the accessories 414.

[0032] The one or more accessory aligners 602 are configured to engage (e.g., contact) the accessory 414 so as to align the accessory 414 relative to the container 426. The one or more accessory aligners 602 can be a groove configured to receive a corresponding portion (e.g., an alignment protrusion) of the accessory 414. In some cases, at least a portion of the one or more accessory aligners 602 is configured to limit the movement of the accessory 414 to one or more predetermined axes when at least a portion of the accessory 414 engages the one or more accessory aligners 602. For example, at least a portion of the one or more accessory aligners 602 can be configured to limit the movement of the accessory 414 relative to the container 426 when at least a portion of the accessory 414 engages the one or more accessory aligners 602. The insertion / removal axis 618 can extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the upper air duct 424 (e.g., within a range of 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, or 5°).

[0033] The one or more cleaner alignment members 604 are configured to engage (eg, contact) the body 403 (eg, Figure 4 ) to align the vacuum cleaner 400 relative to the container 426. The one or more vacuum cleaner aligners 604 can be protrusions configured to be received within corresponding recesses in the vacuum cleaner 400 (e.g., in the body 403). In some cases, at least a portion of the one or more vacuum cleaner aligners 604 is configured to limit movement of the vacuum cleaner 400 to one or more axes when at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 400 engages the one or more vacuum cleaner aligners 604. For example, at least a portion of the one or more vacuum cleaner aligners 604 can be configured to limit movement of the vacuum cleaner 400 relative to the insertion / removal axis 618 when at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 400 engages the one or more vacuum cleaner aligners 604.

[0034] One or more dust cup aligners 606 are configured to engage a dust cup 410 ( Figure 4 ) so that the dust cup outlet is aligned with the station entrance 620 of the container 426. As shown, there may be a plurality of dust cup aligners 606 disposed on opposite sides of the station entrance 620. One or more dust cup aligners 606 may be a groove configured to receive at least a portion of the dust cup 410 of the vacuum cleaner. In some cases, at least a portion of the one or more dust cup aligners 606 is configured to limit the movement of the vacuum cleaner 400 to one or more lines when at least a portion of the dust cup 410 of the vacuum cleaner engages the one or more dust cup aligners 606. For example, at least a portion of the one or more dust cup aligners 606 may be configured to limit the movement of the vacuum cleaner 400 relative to the insertion / removal axis 618 when at least a portion of the dust cup 410 of the vacuum cleaner engages the one or more dust cup aligners 606. The dust cup aligner 606 may be further configured to urge the dust cup 410 of the vacuum cleaner to engage with a seal 624 extending around the periphery of the station entrance 620. The seal 624 can be resiliently deformable such that the seal 624 is at least partially compressed when the vacuum cleaner 400 is received within the receptacle 426. For example, the seal 624 can include thermoplastic polyurethane ("TPU").

[0035] refer to Figure 7 , which shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a container 426, one or more dust cup aligners 606 may include a dust cup aligner groove 700 defined by a first groove sidewall 702 and a second groove sidewall 704. The first groove sidewall 702 and the second groove sidewall may be configured to facilitate the seal 624 ( Fig. 6A ) to form a seal between the vacuum cleaner 400 and the dust cup 410 and / or to reduce wear on the seal 624 caused by repeated docking and undocking of the vacuum cleaner 400 with the docking station 402. The first groove sidewall 702 may include a first sidewall portion 706 and a second sidewall portion 708, the first sidewall portion 706 and the second sidewall portion 708 intersecting to form a sidewall portion angle θ. The sidewall portion angle θ may be an obtuse angle extending between the first sidewall portion 706 and the surface of the second sidewall portion 708 facing the second groove sidewall 704. The second sidewall portion 708 may form a groove angle α with the second groove sidewall 704, so that the separation distance 709 extending between the second sidewall portion 708 and the second groove sidewall 704 decreases in the direction of the base 418 of the docking station 402. In other words, the dust cup aligner groove 700 may include a tapered area that tapers in the direction of the base 418.

[0036] The groove angle α extends from the surface of the second sidewall portion 708 facing the second groove sidewall 704 to the second groove sidewall 704. The groove angle α may be, for example, in the range of 1° to 20°. As another example, the groove angle α may be, for example, in the range of 5° to 15°. As yet another example, the groove angle α may be, for example, about 10° (e.g., in the range of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5%).

[0037] The first groove sidewall 702 and / or the second groove sidewall 704 may include a chamfered area 710 and / or 712, which is configured to facilitate the dust cup 410 ( Figure 4 ) is inserted into the dust cup aligner groove 700. The first groove sidewall 702 has a first sidewall height 714, and the second groove sidewall 704 has a second sidewall height 716. The first sidewall height 714 can be greater than the second sidewall height 716. Therefore, the movement of the vacuum cleaner 400 along the insertion / removal axis 618 can be limited only for a portion of the dust cup aligner groove 700 (e.g., the portion of the dust cup aligner groove 700 that extends between the first groove sidewall 702 and the second groove sidewall 704).

[0038] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 400. As shown, the body 403 of the vacuum cleaner 400 includes one or more cleaner alignment grooves 800 that are configured to align with one or more cleaner alignment grooves 604 (e.g., of the docking station 402) (e.g., container 426). Fig. 6A )) and the cleaner dust cup 410 includes a dust cup alignment protrusion 802, which is configured to align with the docking station 402 (e.g., the dust cup aligner 606 ( Fig. 6A The dust cup alignment projection 802 may include a dust cup outlet 804 that is configured to be selectively opened and closed by a dust cup door 806 so that debris in the cleaner dust cup 410 may selectively pass through the dust cup outlet.

[0039] As shown, the dust cup door 806 is configured to be in the closed position ( Figure 8 ) and the open position ( Fig. 9 ). For example, the dust cup door 806 can be pivotally coupled to the cleaner dust cup 410 (e.g., the dust cup alignment protrusion 802) so that the dust cup door 806 pivots between an open position and a closed position. The dust cup door 806 can be biased toward the closed position (e.g., using a spring such as a torsion spring). When the dust cup door 806 is in the open position, the cleaner dust cup 410 can generally be described as being in an automatic emptying configuration.

[0040] The vacuum cleaner 400 (eg, the vacuum cleaner dust cup 410) may include a retainer 808. The retainer 808 may be movably (eg, slidably) coupled to the dust cup alignment protrusion 802, wherein the retainer 808 is configured to be in a locked position ( Figure 8 ) and unlocked position ( Fig. 9 ). When the retainer 808 is in the locked position, the dust cup door 806 is prevented from moving from the closed position to the open position (e.g., pivotal movement of the dust cup door 806 may be substantially prevented). When the retainer 808 is in the unlocked position, the dust cup door 806 can move from the closed position to the open position. The retainer 808 may be biased toward the locked position (e.g., using a spring such as a compression spring).

[0041] When the vacuum cleaner 400 is docked with the docking station 402, the retainer 808 can be switched from the locked position to the unlocked position. For example, the container 426 may include an actuation protrusion 626 (eg, perpendicular to) extending transverse to (eg, perpendicular to) the insertion / removal axis 618. Fig. 6A ). The actuation protrusion 626 is configured to engage (e.g., contact) the retainer 808 when the vacuum cleaner 400 is received by the container 426. When the vacuum cleaner 400 is docked with the docking station 402, the engagement of the actuation protrusion 626 with the retainer 808 causes the retainer to transition (e.g., slide) from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0042] The dust cup alignment protrusion 802 is configured to cooperate with the dust cup aligner 606. For example, the dust cup alignment protrusion 802 may have a substantially corresponding shape to the dust cup aligner groove 700 ( Figure 7 ) of a shape (e.g., a wedge shape). For example, the shape of the dust cup alignment protrusion 802 can cause the second groove sidewall 704 to engage (e.g., contact) the dust cup alignment protrusion 802, thereby causing the dust cup alignment protrusion 802 to align with the seal 624 ( Fig. 6A ) engagement (e.g., contact). The engagement between the seal 624 and the dust cup alignment protrusion 802 can at least partially compress the seal 624. For example, the seal engagement surface 810 of the dust cup alignment protrusion 802 can engage with the seal 624 to form at least a partial seal. The formation of a partial seal can mitigate debris plume when the cleaner dust cup 410 is emptied.

[0043] In some cases, and with additional references Fig. 8A (which roughly corresponds to Figure 88A in the enlarged view of the region 8A in the dust cup alignment projection 802), the dust cup alignment projection 802 may also include an alignment lip 803, which extends outwardly from the projection sidewall 805 of the dust cup alignment projection 802 by a first extension distance 807. The dust cup alignment projection 802 may include a plurality of alignment lips 803, wherein each alignment lip 803 extends along the opposite longitudinal sides of the dust cup alignment projection 802. The alignment lip 803 may be configured to engage at least a portion of the dust cup aligner 606. In some cases, the alignment lip 803 may include at least a portion of the sealing engagement surface 810 of the dust cup alignment projection 802. The dust cup alignment projection 802 may include (in addition to or as an alternative to the alignment lip) an alignment projection 809. The alignment projection 809 may extend a second extension distance 811 from the projection sidewall 805, and the second extension distance 811 is greater than the first extension distance 807. The alignment protrusion 809 can be configured to engage at least a portion of the dust cup aligner 606. In some cases, the alignment protrusion 809 can include at least a portion of the sealing engagement surface 810 of the dust cup alignment protrusion 802.

[0044] As shown, the sealing engagement surface 810 of the dust cup alignment protrusion 802 forms a protrusion angle β with the longitudinal axis 812 of the cleaner. The protrusion angle β may roughly correspond to the groove angle α ( Figure 7 ). The protrusion angle β may, for example, be in the range of 1° to 20°. As another example, the protrusion angle β may, for example, be in the range of 5° to 15°. As yet another example, the protrusion angle β may, for example, be about 10° (e.g., in the range of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5%).

[0045] The dust collector dust cup 410 is pivotally connected to the main body 403 of the vacuum cleaner 400 around the dust cup pivot axis 814. The dust collector dust cup 410 is configured to pivot from the stowed configuration to the manual emptying configuration around the dust cup pivot axis 814. As shown in the figure, when in the stowed configuration, the dust collector dust cup 410 extends between the inlet end 816 of the main body 403 and the handle 404 along the longitudinal axis 812 of the dust collector. When the dust collector dust cup 410 is pivoted to the manual emptying position, the open end 818 of the dust collector dust cup 410 is exposed. As shown in the figure, when the dust collector dust cup 410 is in the stowed configuration, the open end 818 is received in the main body 403. Therefore, the dust collector dust cup 410 can generally be described as being configured to pivot so that the open end 818 is selectively received in the main body 403. The open end 818 and the dirt cup outlet 804 may be located on different sides of the cleaner dirt cup 410 .

[0046] Fig.10 Shown along Figure 4 The line XX intercepts Figure 4402 docked with the vacuum cleaner 400. As shown, the dust cup door 806 is in an open position. The dust cup door 806 can be responsive to the station suction motor 422 ( Figure 4 ) is activated to switch from the closed position to the open position. For example, the airflow generated by the station suction motor 422 can push the dust cup door 806 toward the open position. When the station suction motor 422 is deactivated, the dust cup door 806 can switch to the closed position (e.g., due to 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 in the container cavity 1000 of the container 426. In other words, when the dust cup outlet 804 is open, at least a portion of the dust cup door 806 is received in the container cavity 1000.

[0047] The airflow generated by the station suction motor 422 can flow along the exhaust flow path 1002. As shown, the exhaust flow path 1002 extends from the cleaner dust cup 410 through the air passage 1004 of the upper duct 424 into the container cavity 1000 and into the station dust cup 420.

[0048] An example of a vacuum cleaner consistent with the present disclosure may include a main body and a dust cup coupled to the main body. The dust cup may include an open end and a dust cup outlet, the open end being configured to be selectively received in the main body, and the dust cup outlet being configured to be selectively opened and closed.

[0049] In some cases, the dust cup may further include a dust cup door configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet. In some cases, the dust cup door may be pivotally connected to the dust cup. In some cases, the dust cup may further include a retainer configured to switch between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein when the retainer is in the locked position, the pivotal movement of the dust cup door is substantially prevented. In some cases, the retainer may be biased toward the locked position. In some cases, the dust cup may further include a dust cup alignment protrusion configured to cooperate with the docking station, and the dust cup alignment protrusion includes the dust cup outlet. In some cases, the main body may include an alignment groove configured to cooperate with the docking station. In some cases, the dust cup outlet and the open end may be located on different sides of the dust cup.

[0050] An example of a cleaning system consistent with the present disclosure may include a vacuum cleaner and a docking station, the vacuum cleaner having a main body and a cleaner dust cup coupled to the main body, the vacuum cleaner being configured to dock with the docking station. The cleaner dust cup may include an open end and a dust cup outlet, the open end being configured to be selectively received within the main body, the dust cup outlet being configured to be selectively opened and closed, the dust cup outlet and the open end being located on different sides of the cleaner dust cup. The docking station may include a base having a suction motor and a station dust cup, an upper duct extending from the base, and a container having a station inlet, the container being configured to accommodate at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner, the upper duct fluidly coupling the station inlet to the suction motor and the station dust cup.

[0051] In some cases, the station entrance may be configured to be fluidly coupled to the dust cup outlet when the vacuum cleaner is docked with the docking station. In some cases, the dust cup of the vacuum cleaner may also include a dust cup door, which is configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet. In some cases, the container may include a container cavity, which is configured to receive at least a portion of the dust cup door when the dust cup outlet is opened. In some cases, the dust cup door may be configured to pivot to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet, and the airflow generated by the suction motor pivots the dust cup door to open the dust cup outlet. In some cases, the dust cup of the vacuum cleaner may also include a retainer, which is configured to switch between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein when the retainer is in the locked position, the movement of the dust cup door is substantially prevented. In some cases, the container may include an actuating projection, which is configured to convert the retainer from a locked position to an unlocked position when the vacuum cleaner is docked with the docking station. In some cases, the actuating projection may extend transversely to the insertion / removal axis of the container. In some cases, the retainer may be biased toward the locked position. In some cases, the container may include a dust cup aligner configured to align the dust cup outlet with the station entrance. In some cases, the dust cup aligner may include a groove including a tapered area that tapers in the direction of the base. In some cases, the container may include a cleaning aligner. In some cases, the vacuum cleaner may include an alignment groove configured to cooperate with the cleaner aligner. In some cases, the dust cup may be pivotally connected to the body.

[0052] Although the principles of the present invention have been described herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this description is provided by way of example only and not as a limitation on the scope of the present invention. In addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein, other embodiments are also encompassed within the scope of the present invention. Modifications and substitutions made by those of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner, comprising: main body; as well as A dust cup is connected to the main body, and the dust cup comprises: an open end configured to be selectively received within the body; as well as A dust cup outlet is configured to be selectively opened and closed.

2. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the dust cup further comprises a dust cup door configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet.

3. The vacuum cleaner of claim 2, wherein the dust cup door is pivotally coupled to the dust cup.

4. The vacuum cleaner of claim 3, wherein the dust cup further comprises a retainer configured to transition between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein when the retainer is in the locked position, pivotal movement of the dust cup door is substantially prevented.

5. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the dust cup outlet and the open end are located on different sides of the dust cup.

6. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the dust cup further comprises a dust cup alignment protrusion configured to mate with a docking station, the dust cup alignment protrusion comprising the dust cup outlet.

7. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the body includes an alignment groove configured to mate with a docking station.

8. A cleaning system, comprising: A vacuum cleaner having a main body and a dust cup coupled to the main body, the dust cup comprising: an open end configured to be selectively received within the body; and a dust cup outlet configured to be selectively opened and closed, the dust cup outlet and the open end being located on different sides of the cleaner dust cup; and A docking station, the vacuum cleaner being configured to dock with the docking station, the docking station comprising: A base having a suction motor and a station dust cup; an upper air duct extending from the base; and A container having a station inlet is configured to receive at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner, the upper duct fluidly coupling the station inlet to the suction motor and the station dust cup.

9. The cleaning system of claim 8, wherein the station inlet is configured to fluidly couple with the dirt cup outlet when the vacuum cleaner is docked with the docking station.

10. The cleaning system of claim 9, wherein the cleaner dust cup further comprises a dust cup door configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet.

11. The cleaning system of claim 10, wherein the container includes a container cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the dust cup door when the dust cup outlet is open.

12. The cleaning system of claim 10, wherein the dust cup door is configured to pivot to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet, and the airflow generated by the suction motor pivots the dust cup door to open the dust cup outlet.

13. The cleaning system of claim 10, wherein the vacuum cleaner dust cup further comprises a retainer configured to transition between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein when the retainer is in the locked position, movement of the dust cup door is substantially prevented.

14. The cleaning system of claim 13, wherein the container includes an actuation protrusion configured to transition the retainer from the locked position to the unlocked position when the vacuum cleaner is docked with the docking station.

15. The cleaning system of claim 14, wherein the actuation projection extends transversely to an insertion / removal axis of the container.

16. The cleaning system of claim 8, wherein the dirt cup is pivotally coupled to the body.

17. The cleaning system of claim 8, wherein the container includes a dirt cup aligner configured to align the dirt cup outlet with the station inlet.

18. The cleaning system of claim 17, wherein the dust cup aligner comprises a recess including a tapered region that tapers in the direction of the base.

19. The cleaning system of claim 17, wherein the container comprises a vacuum cleaner aligner.

20. The cleaning system of claim 19, wherein the vacuum cleaner includes an alignment recess configured to mate with the cleaner aligner.

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