Vacuum cleaner and docking station configured to cooperate therewith
By designing a vacuum cleaner that can cooperate with the docking station, the automatic transfer and evacuation of debris using the suction motor and manifold assembly is solved, and the problem of manual evacuation of debris in existing vacuum cleaners is reduced, and the complexity and power consumption of the docking station is improved, improving cleaning efficiency and user experience.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202280100096.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-09-15
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-29
AI Technical Summary
The debris collected by existing vacuum cleaners during cleaning needs to be manually emptied, and the docking station is complex, with high power consumption, and high cost and weight.
A vacuum cleaner is designed that can cooperate with the docking station to transfer debris from the cleaner dust cup to the docking station's station dust cup by a suction motor and transform between the collection and drain positions through a manifold assembly, reducing the complexity and power consumption of the docking station.
Automatic debris emptying of vacuum cleaners is realized, reducing the complexity, power consumption, cost and weight of the docking station, while improving cleaning efficiency and user experience.
Smart Images
Figure CN119907635A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a vacuum cleaner configured to cooperate with a docking station, and more particularly to a vacuum cleaner configured to transfer debris to a docking station. Background Art
[0002] The surface treatment device is configured to move on a surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor). When moving on the surface to be cleaned, the surface treatment device is configured to collect at least a portion of the debris present on the surface to be cleaned. An example of a surface treatment device is a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes an air inlet, a cleaner dust cup, and a cleaner suction motor, which is configured to cause air to flow into the air inlet and through the cleaner dust cup. The airflow may have debris entrained therein, and at least a portion of the entrained debris may be deposited in the cleaner dust cup for later processing. The debris collected in the cleaner dust cup may be emptied manually (e.g., by a user) or automatically in response to the vacuum cleaner being connected to a docking station.
[0003] The docking station may include a station suction motor and a station dust cup. The station suction motor is configured to fluidly couple to the cleaner dust cup in response to the vacuum cleaner being coupled to the docking station. The station suction motor is configured to suck debris from the cleaner dust cup and into the station dust cup. The station dust cup is configured to retain a greater amount of debris than the cleaner dust cup. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] These and other features and advantages will be better understood from the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0005] Figure 1 is an illustrative example of a vacuum cleaner consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0006] Figure 2 is connected to a docking station consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 Schematic example of a vacuum cleaner.
[0007] Figure 3A is a perspective view of an example of a vacuum cleaner with a dust cup in a collection position consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0008] Figure 3B is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 3A Cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner.
[0009] Figure 4A is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 3A A perspective view of a vacuum cleaner with the dust cup in an emptying position.
[0010] Figure 4B is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 4A Cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner.
[0011] Figure 5 is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 3A A perspective view of the manifold plate of a vacuum cleaner.
[0012] Figure 6 is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 3A A perspective view of the dust cup of a vacuum cleaner.
[0013] Figure 7 is connected to a docking station consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 3A Perspective view of a vacuum cleaner.
[0014] Figure 8 is connected to the embodiment consistent with the present disclosure Figure 7 A perspective view of a vacuum cleaner with a docking station, wherein the vacuum cleaner includes one or more accessories removably coupled thereto.
[0015] Fig. 9 is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 7 Figure 3 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner docked at the docking station.
[0016] Fig.10 is consistent with the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner and docking station.
[0017] Fig.11 A vacuum cleaner consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure and having a station dust cup being removed from a docking station Figure 7 Perspective view of a docking station.
[0018] Fig. 12A is a perspective view of a docking station with a station dust cup in a use position consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] Fig. 12B Demonstrating embodiments consistent with the present disclosure Fig. 12A A perspective view of an example of a docking station.
[0020] Fig.13A is a perspective view of the docking station of FIG. 12 with the station dust cup in a removed position consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] Fig. 13B Demonstrating embodiments consistent with the present disclosure Fig.13A A perspective view of an example of a docking station.
[0022] Fig.14Ais a perspective view of the docking station of FIG. 12 with the station dust cup being removed from the docking station, consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] Fig. 14B Demonstrating embodiments consistent with the present disclosure Fig.14A A perspective view of an example of a docking station. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The present disclosure generally relates to a cleaning system having a vacuum cleaner configured to be removably coupled (e.g., docked) to a docking station having a station dust cup. The vacuum cleaner includes a suction motor and a cleaner dust cup, the suction motor being configured to draw air into the cleaner dust cup such that at least a portion of debris entrained in the air is deposited in the cleaner dust cup. When the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the docking station, the cleaner dust cup is fluidly coupled to the station dust cup such that the suction motor of the vacuum cleaner can push debris deposited in the cleaner dust cup into the station dust cup.
[0025] In one example, the cleaner dust cup may be configured to transition from a collection position to an emptying position in response to the vacuum cleaner being coupled to the docking station. When in the collection position, the cleaner dust cup may be fluidly coupled to the suction inlet of the suction motor. When in the emptying position, the cleaner dust cup may be fluidly coupled to the suction outlet of the suction motor. Thus, exhaust from the suction motor may be used to empty the cleaner dust cup into the station dust cup. This configuration may reduce the complexity, power consumption, cost, and / or weight of the docking station (e.g., by allowing the docking station to omit the suction motor).
[0026] Figure 1 A schematic example of a vacuum cleaner 100 is shown, and Figure 2 An illustrative example of a cleaning system is shown that includes a vacuum cleaner 100 and a docking station 200 to which the vacuum cleaner 100 is removably coupled. The vacuum cleaner 100 includes a handle 102, an air inlet 104, a cleaner dust cup 106, a suction motor 108, and a cleaner exhaust port 110. The cleaner dust cup 106 is configured to be in a collection position ( Figure 1 ) and emptying position ( Figure 2 ). The docking station 200 includes a container 202 for removably coupling to the vacuum cleaner 100, a station dust cup 204 configured to fluidly couple to the cleaner dust cup 106, and a station exhaust port 206. In some cases, the docking station 200 can be configured to recharge a power source (e.g., one or more batteries) of the vacuum cleaner 100.
[0027] like Figure 1, when the cleaner dust cup 106 is in the collection position, the inlet side of the suction motor 108 is fluidly coupled to the cleaner dust cup 106, and the outlet side of the suction motor 108 is fluidly coupled to the cleaner exhaust port 110. Thus, when in the collection position, the suction motor 108 is configured to flow air along a collection air path 112 extending from the air inlet 104 through both the cleaner dust cup 106 and the suction motor 108 and out of the cleaner exhaust port 110, wherein the air flows through the cleaner dust cup 106 before entering the suction motor 108. In other words, the cleaner dust cup 106 is upstream of the suction motor 108.
[0028] like Figure 2 , when the vacuum cleaner 100 is coupled to the docking station 200 and the cleaner dust cup 106 is in the emptying position, the cleaner dust cup 106 is fluidly coupled to the outlet side of the suction motor 108 so that air flows along the station emptying path 208. The air flowing along the station emptying path 208 flows into the air inlet 104, passes through both the suction motor 108 and the cleaner dust cup 106, enters the station dust cup 204 of the docking station 200, and flows out of the station exhaust port 206, wherein the air flows through the suction motor 108 before entering the cleaner dust cup 106 and the station dust cup 204. In other words, the cleaner dust cup 106 is downstream of the suction motor 108, and the station dust cup 204 is downstream of the cleaner dust cup 106. Thus, when transitioning from the cleaning position to the emptying position, the cleaner dust cup 106 may generally be described as transitioning from an inlet fluidly coupled to the suction motor 108 to an outlet of the suction motor 108 .
[0029] Transitioning the cleaner dust cup 106 from the collection position to the emptying position in response to the vacuum cleaner 100 being coupled to the docking station 200 allows the suction motor 108 of the vacuum cleaner 100 to be used to empty the contents of the cleaner dust cup 106 into the docking station dust cup 204. Thus, the docking station 200 may not include a suction motor for emptying the cleaner dust cup 106. When the docking station 200 does not include a suction motor, the docking station 200 may generally be referred to as a passive docking station. As will be appreciated, a passive docking station may be configured to perform one or more non-suction related actions (e.g., recharging of a power source of the vacuum cleaner 100).
[0030] Figure 3A A perspective view of a vacuum cleaner 300 is shown with a dust cup 302 in a collecting position, and Figure 3B A cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner is shown. Figure 4A A perspective view of a vacuum cleaner 300 is shown with a dust cup 302 in an empty position, and Figure 4B A cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner is shown. The vacuum cleaner 300 is Figure 1An example of a vacuum cleaner 100 .
[0031] As shown, the vacuum cleaner 300 includes a handle 304, an air inlet 306, a body 307, a cleaner dust cup 302, a suction motor 308, and a cleaner exhaust port 310. The suction motor 308 includes a suction motor inlet 312 and a suction motor outlet 314. When the cleaner dust cup 302 is in the collection position, the suction motor inlet 312 is fluidly connected to the cleaner dust cup 302 so that air is drawn from the air inlet 306 into the cleaner dust cup 302 and passes through the suction motor 308 to be discharged from the cleaner exhaust port 310. In other words, when in the collection position, the cleaner dust cup 302 is upstream of the suction motor inlet 312. When the cleaner dust cup 302 is in the emptying position, the suction motor outlet 314 is fluidly connected to the cleaner dust cup 302 so that the air discharged from the suction motor outlet 314 passes through the dust cup 302. In other words, the cleaner dust cup 302 is downstream of the suction motor outlet 314 when in the emptying position.
[0032] As shown, in Figure 3B and Figure 4B , the vacuum cleaner 300 includes a manifold assembly 316 configured to selectively fluidly couple a cleaner dust cup 302 to one of a suction motor inlet 312 or a suction motor outlet 314. The manifold assembly 316 includes a manifold plate 318 coupled to a body 307 of the vacuum cleaner 300 (e.g., such that the manifold plate 318 is at least partially contained within a housing cavity 336 of the body 307) and a manifold connector 320 coupled to the cleaner dust cup 302. The manifold plate 318 includes a suction opening 322 and an exhaust outlet 324. The manifold connector 320 includes an inlet side 328 facing the cleaner dust cup 302, an outlet side 330 opposite the inlet side 328, and an air penetration 332 extending through the manifold connector 320. The air penetration 332 is configured to be selectively fluidly coupled to one of the suction opening 322 (eg, when the cleaner dust cup 302 is in the collecting position) or the exhaust outlet 324 (eg, when the cleaner dust cup 302 is in the emptying position).
[0033] like Figure 3B, when the cleaner dust cup 302 is in the collection position, the suction motor 308 is configured to flow air along a collection air path 334. The collection air path 334 extends from the air inlet 306 into the cleaner dust cup 302, through the air penetration 332 of the manifold connector 320 and the suction opening 322 of the manifold plate 318, and into the suction motor inlet 312. The collection air path 334 extends from the suction motor inlet 312 to the suction motor outlet 314, into the housing cavity 336 of the body 307 of the vacuum cleaner 300, through the exhaust outlet 324, and into the cleaner exhaust outlet 310. As shown, the cleaner dust cup 302 defines a deflector surface 338 that cooperates with the outlet side 330 of the manifold connector 320 and the manifold plate 318 to direct air flowing along the collection air path 334 toward the cleaner exhaust outlet 310. The deflector surface 338 can be an arcuate surface extending from the cleaner dust cup 302 toward the body 307 of the vacuum cleaner 300. The deflector surface 338 can engage (eg, sealingly engage) the manifold plate 318 of the vacuum cleaner 300 when the cleaner dust cup 302 is in the collection position.
[0034] like Figure 4B , when the cleaner dust cup 302 is in the emptying position, the suction motor 308 is configured to flow air along the exhaust air path 340. As shown, the exhaust air path 340 enters through the suction opening 322 of the manifold plate 318 without passing through the cleaner dust cup 302. The exhaust air path 340 enters the suction motor inlet 312 from the suction opening 322, passes through the suction motor 308, and leaves the suction motor 308 through the suction motor outlet 314. The exhaust air path 340 extends from the suction motor outlet 314 through the exhaust outlet 324 of the manifold plate 318 and through the air penetration 332 of the manifold connector 320 to enter the cleaner dust cup 302. As shown, when entering the cleaner dust cup 302, the exhaust air path 340 may extend through one or more dust cup filters 342. This configuration can remove at least a portion of any debris adhering to the one or more dust cup filters 342. The exhaust air path 340 leaves the cleaner dust cup 302 from the selectively closable open end 344 of the cleaner dust cup 302. The selectively closable open end 344 may be opposite to the manifold assembly 316. As shown, the cleaner dust cup 302 may include an openable door 346, which is configured to selectively open and close the selectively closable open end 344. The openable door 346 is pivotally connected to the cleaner dust cup 302 so that the openable door 346 pivots between an open position and a closed position (e.g., in response to the cleaner dust cup 302 transitioning between a collection position and an exhaust position). In some cases, the openable door 346 may be biased toward the closed position.
[0035] Figure 5 A perspective view showing the manifold plate 318, and Figure 6 A perspective view of the manifold connector 320 coupled to the cleaner dust cup 302 is shown.
[0036] As shown, the manifold assembly 316 includes a plurality of pivot arms 500 configured to pivotally couple the manifold plate 318 to the manifold connector 320. The plurality of pivot arms 500 are configured to pivot so that the manifold connector 320 moves relative to the manifold plate 318 in response to the cleaner dust cup 302 transitioning between the collection position and the emptying position. The plurality of pivot arms 500 each have a first pivot end 502 and a second pivot end 504 opposite the first pivot end 502. The first pivot end 502 of each pivot arm 500 is pivotally coupled to the manifold plate 318. The second pivot end 504 of each pivot arm 500 is pivotally coupled to the manifold connector 320. As shown, the manifold connector 320 includes a plurality of pivot connectors 600 configured to pivotally couple to the respective second pivot ends 504. The pivot arms 500 are configured to pivot when the cleaner dust cup 302 transitions between the collection position and the emptying position. As shown, the pivot arm 500 can be biased to push the cleaner dust cup 302 toward the collection position. For example, the manifold plate 318 can include a biasing mechanism 506 (e.g., a torsion spring) configured to bias the pivot arm 500 so that the cleaner dust cup 302 is pushed toward the collection position.
[0037] like Figure 5 , the suction opening 322 of the manifold plate 318 is formed in the first surface 508 of the manifold plate 318, and the exhaust outlet 324 of the manifold plate 318 is formed in the second surface 510 of the manifold plate 318. The first surface 508 and the second surface 510 are angled relative to each other to form a manifold plate angle θ. The manifold plate angle θ can be configured so that pivotal movement of the cleaner dust cup 302 and the manifold connector 320 relative to the manifold plate 318 causes the air penetration member 332 of the manifold connector 320 to selectively fluidly couple to one of the exhaust outlet 324 (e.g., by sealingly engaging with the manifold plate 318 at the exhaust outlet 324) or the suction opening 322 (e.g., by sealingly engaging with the manifold plate 318 at the suction opening 322).
[0038] Figure 7 A perspective view showing the vacuum cleaner 300 removably coupled to (docked with) a passive docking station 700, which is Figure 2700. As shown, the passive docking station 700 includes a base 702, a support 704 extending from the base 702, a station dust cup 706 removably coupled to the support 704, and a container 708 coupled to the support 704 and configured to hold at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 300. The container 708 may include one or more charging contacts configured to recharge a power source (e.g., one or more batteries) of the vacuum cleaner 300. The passive docking station 700 does not include a suction motor.
[0039] like Figure 8 , the passive docking station 700 may also be configured to support and / or removably couple to one or more cleaning accessories 800 (e.g., a cleaning wand, a surface cleaning head, and / or any other cleaning accessories). The one or more cleaning accessories 800 are configured to be removably coupled to the vacuum cleaner 300. The vacuum cleaner 300 may be removed from the passive docking station 700 while coupled to or separately from the one or more cleaning accessories 800.
[0040] Fig. 9 A perspective view of a vacuum cleaner 300 inserted into a container 708 of a passive docking station 700 is shown. As shown, the container 708 includes a ramp 900 configured to engage a corresponding protrusion 902 of the cleaner dust cup 302. The engagement between the ramp 900 and the protrusion 902 urges the cleaner dust cup 302 to transition from the collection position to the emptying position in response to the vacuum cleaner 300 being inserted into the container 708. In some cases, a latch that holds the cleaner dust cup 302 in the collection position may be actuated in response to the vacuum cleaner being inserted into the container 708, thereby allowing the ramp 900 to move the cleaner dust cup 302 to the emptying position.
[0041] Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner 300 coupled to a passive docking station 700 is shown. As shown, the container 708 includes a dust cup area 1000 and an inlet area 1002. A divider 1004 extends between the dust cup area 1000 and the inlet area 1002, thereby separating the dust cup area 1000 from the inlet area 1002. The dust cup area 1000 is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the cleaner dust cup 302, and the inlet area 1002 is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the air inlet 306 of the vacuum cleaner 300.
[0042] The dust cup area 1000 is configured to fluidly couple the cleaner dust cup 302 to the station dust cup 706 so that debris within the cleaner dust cup 302 can be transferred to the station dust cup 706. In other words, the dust cup area 1000 is configured to fluidly couple the cleaner dust cup 302 to the station dust cup 706 so that the cleaner dust cup 302 is upstream of the station dust cup 706. As shown, the dust cup area 1000 is configured so that when the cleaner dust cup 302 is contained within the dust cup area 1000, the openable door 346 can be transformed to an open position. In some cases, the dust cup area 1000 can be configured to cause the openable door 346 to transform to an open position in response to the cleaner dust cup 302 being inserted into the dust cup area 1000. Thus, the container 708 can generally be described as being configured to transition the openable door 346 to the open position in response to the vacuum cleaner 300 being inserted into the container. In some cases, the openable door 346 can be transitioned to the open position in response to air being exhausted through the cleaner dust cup 302 (e.g., when the cleaner dust cup 302 is in the empty position).
[0043] The inlet area 1002 is configured so that the air inlet 306 is fluidly coupled to the surrounding environment so that the suction motor 308 of the vacuum cleaner 300 can cause air from the surrounding environment to be drawn into the air inlet 306. The drawn air is exhausted from the suction motor 308 and enters the cleaner dust cup 302 so that debris within the cleaner dust cup 302 is transferred to the station dust cup 706.
[0044] As shown, when the vacuum cleaner 300 is coupled to the passive docking station 700, the suction motor 308 is configured to cause air to flow along a station exhaust path 1006. The station exhaust path 1006 extends from the air inlet 306 along a channel 1008 defined between the body 307 of the vacuum cleaner, the cleaner dust cup 302, and the divider 1004. The station exhaust path 1006 extends from the channel 1008 through the suction opening 322 of the manifold plate 318 and into the suction motor 308. The station exhaust path 1006 extends from the suction motor 308 through the exhaust outlet 324 and into the cleaner dust cup 302. The station exhaust path 1006 exits the cleaner dust cup 302 through the selectively closable open end 344 and enters the station dust cup 706. The station exhaust path 1006 exits the station dust cup 706 through the station exhaust port 1010 of the passive docking station 700. At least a portion of the station exhaust 1010 may be formed in one or more of the station dust cup 706 and / or the support 704. The station exhaust 1010 may include one or more station filters 1012. The one or more station filters 1012 may be, for example, high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.
[0045] In some cases, the suction motor 308 can be configured to cause air to flow along the station emptying path 1006 in response to the vacuum cleaner 300 being coupled to the passive docking station 700. For example, the passive docking station 700 can include one or more charging contacts 1014 ( Fig. 9 ), the one or more charging contacts are configured to generate a signal received by the vacuum cleaner 300 when the vacuum cleaner 300 is coupled to the passive docking station 700. In response to receiving the signal, the suction motor 308 can be activated. The generated signal can be a charging signal configured to charge one or more batteries of the vacuum cleaner 300.
[0046] Fig.11 An example of a passive docking station 700 is shown with a station dust cup 706 removed therefrom (e.g., for the purpose of emptying the station dust cup 706). As shown, the station dust cup 706 includes a station dust cup open end 1100 and a selectively closable emptying end 1102 opposite the station dust cup open end 1100. A station dust cup door 1104 is pivotally coupled to the station dust cup 706 to selectively close the selectively closable emptying end 1102.
[0047] As also shown, the station exhaust port 1010 may include a plurality of station filters 1012. For example, the first filter 1106 ( Fig.10 ) can be coupled to the station dust cup 706, and the second filter 1108 can be coupled to the support 704. The second filter 1108 can be configured to collect smaller debris than the first filter 1106. In this example, the first filter 1106 can be generally described as a coarse filter (e.g., a mesh screen), and the second filter 1108 can be generally described as a fine filter (e.g., a HEPA filter). The first filter 1106 can be configured to retain debris within the station dust cup 706 when the station dust cup 706 is separated from the support 704.
[0048] FIG. 12A to FIG. 14B An example of a docking station 1200 is shown. The docking station 1200 is Figure 2 The docking station 200 and / or Figure 7 An example of a passive docking station 700 is shown. Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B As shown in FIG. 1 , the docking station 1200 includes a support 1202 and a station dust cup 1204 removably coupled to the support 1202, the station dust cup 1204 being in a use position. Fig.13A and Fig. 13B, in response to actuation of the dust cup lever 1206, the station dust cup 1204 is pivoted toward the removal position. For example, the station dust cup 1204 may be biased toward the removal position (e.g., using a spring), and actuation of the dust cup lever 1206 may release a dust cup latch that holds the station dust cup 1204 in the use position. When pivoting toward the removal position, the station dust cup 1204 pivots about a pivot axis 1208. The pivot axis 1208 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis 1203 of the support 1202 and / or the longitudinal axis 1205 of the station dust cup 1204. Fig.14A and Fig. 14B The station dust cup 1204 is shown being removed from the support 1202 (e.g., for emptying). Fig.14A and Fig. 14B , the station dust cup 1204 includes a hinge receptacle 1210, and the support 1202 includes a hinge pin 1212, wherein the hinge receptacle 1210 is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the hinge pin 1212. The hinge receptacle 1210 and the hinge pin 1212 are configured to collectively form a hinge assembly, wherein the hinge pin 1212 defines a pivot axis 1208. When the station dust cup 1204 is separated from the support 1202, the hinge receptacle 1210 slides relative to the hinge pin 1212 until the hinge pin 1212 is removed from the hinge receptacle 1210. Thus, the hinge receptacle 1210 and the hinge pin 1212 can generally be described as collectively forming a hinge assembly that is configured to removably and pivotally couple the station dust cup 1204 to the support 1202.
[0049] An example of a cleaning system consistent with the present disclosure includes a vacuum cleaner and a docking station. The vacuum cleaner may include: an air inlet; a suction motor having a suction motor inlet and a suction motor outlet; and a cleaner dust cup configured to transition between a collection position and an emptying position, the cleaner dust cup being upstream of the suction motor inlet when in the collection position, and downstream of the suction motor outlet when in the emptying position. The docking station may include: a base; a support extending from the base; a station dust cup removably coupled to the support; and a container coupled to the support and configured to accommodate at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner, the cleaner dust cup being fluidly coupled to and upstream of the station dust cup when the vacuum cleaner is accommodated in the container.
[0050] In some cases, the container may include a dust cup area for accommodating at least a portion of the cleaner dust cup, an inlet area for accommodating at least a portion of the air inlet of the vacuum cleaner, and a separator extending between the dust cup area and the inlet area. In some cases, the vacuum cleaner may include a manifold assembly configured to selectively couple the cleaner dust cup fluidly to one of the suction motor inlet or the suction motor outlet. In some cases, the manifold assembly may include a manifold plate coupled to the main body of the vacuum cleaner and a manifold connector coupled to the cleaner dust cup. In some cases, the manifold assembly may include a plurality of pivot arms that pivotally couple the manifold plate to the manifold connector. In some cases, the docking station may also include a station exhaust port, at least a portion of which is formed by the station dust cup. In some cases, at least a portion of the station exhaust port may be formed by a support. In some cases, the station exhaust port may include a plurality of filters, a first filter coupled to the station dust cup and a second filter coupled to the support, the second filter being configured to filter smaller debris than the first filter. In some cases, the container may include a plurality of ramps configured to engage corresponding protrusions of the cleaner dust cup to transform the cleaner dust cup from a collection position to an emptying position in response to the insertion of the vacuum cleaner into the container. In some cases, the cleaner dust cup may include an open end and an openable door pivotally connected to the cleaner dust cup to selectively close the open end. In some cases, the openable door may be transformed to an open position in response to the insertion of the vacuum cleaner into the container. In some cases, the docking station may also include one or more charging contacts configured to generate a signal, and the suction motor is activated in response to receiving the signal.
[0051] An example of a vacuum cleaner consistent with the present disclosure may include: a suction motor having a suction motor inlet and a suction motor outlet; and a cleaner dust cup configured to transition between a collection position and an emptying position, wherein the cleaner dust cup is upstream of the suction motor inlet when in the collection position and downstream of the suction motor outlet when in the emptying position.
[0052] In some cases, the cleaner dust cup may include an open end and an openable door, the openable door is pivotally connected to the cleaner dust cup to selectively close the open end. In some cases, the vacuum cleaner may include a manifold assembly, the manifold assembly is configured to selectively fluidly connect the cleaner dust cup to one of the suction motor inlet or the suction motor outlet. In some cases, the manifold assembly may include a manifold plate connected to the main body of the vacuum cleaner and a manifold connector connected to the cleaner dust cup. In some cases, the manifold plate may include a suction opening and an exhaust outlet, and the manifold connector includes an air penetration member configured to selectively fluidly connect to one of the suction opening or the exhaust outlet. In some cases, the suction opening may be formed in a first surface of the manifold plate, and the exhaust outlet is formed in a second surface of the manifold plate, and the first surface and the second surface are angled relative to each other. In some cases, the manifold assembly may include a plurality of pivot arms that pivotally connect the manifold plate to the manifold connector. In some cases, a plurality of pivot arms may be configured to pivot so that the manifold connector moves relative to the manifold plate in response to the cleaner dust cup transitioning between the collection position and the emptying position. In some cases, the pivot arms may be biased to push the cleaner dust cup toward the collection position.
[0053] 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 made by way of example only and is not intended to limit 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 cleaning system comprising: A vacuum cleaner comprising: Air inlet; a suction motor having a suction motor inlet and a suction motor outlet; as well as a cleaner dust cup configured to transition between a collecting position and an emptying position, wherein when in the collecting position, the cleaner dust cup is upstream of the suction motor inlet, and When in the emptying position, the cleaner dust cup is downstream of the suction motor outlet; as well as A docking station, the docking station comprising: base; a support member extending from the base; a station dust cup removably coupled to the support; as well as A container is coupled to the support and is configured to receive at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner, the cleaner dust cup being fluidly coupled to and upstream of the station dust cup when the vacuum cleaner is received in the container.
2. The cleaning system of claim 1 , wherein the container includes a dust cup area for accommodating at least a portion of a dust cup of the cleaner, an inlet area for accommodating at least a portion of the air inlet of the vacuum cleaner, and a divider extending between the dust cup area and the inlet area.
3. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the vacuum cleaner further comprises a manifold assembly configured to selectively fluidly couple the cleaner dust cup to one of the suction motor inlet or the suction motor outlet.
4. The cleaning system of claim 3, wherein the manifold assembly comprises a manifold plate coupled to a body of the vacuum cleaner and a manifold connector coupled to the cleaner dust cup.
5. The cleaning system of claim 4, wherein the manifold assembly further comprises a plurality of pivot arms pivotally coupling the manifold plate to the manifold connector.
6. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the docking station further comprises a station exhaust port, at least a portion of the station exhaust port being formed by the station dust cup.
7. The cleaning system of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the station exhaust is formed by the support.
8. The cleaning system of claim 7, wherein the station exhaust port includes a plurality of filters, a first filter coupled to the station dust cup and a second filter coupled to the support, the second filter configured to filter smaller debris than the first filter.
9. The cleaning system of claim 1 , wherein the container includes a plurality of ramps configured to engage corresponding protrusions of the cleaner dust cup to transition the cleaner dust cup from the collection position to the emptying position in response to the vacuum cleaner being inserted into the container.
10. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the cleaner dust cup includes an open end and an openable door pivotally coupled to the cleaner dust cup to selectively close the open end.
11. The cleaning system of claim 10, wherein the openable door transitions to an open position in response to the vacuum cleaner being inserted into the container.
12. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the docking station further comprises one or more charging contacts configured to generate a signal, the suction motor being activated in response to receiving the signal.
13. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a suction motor having a suction motor inlet and a suction motor outlet; as well as A cleaner dust cup is configured to transition between a collection position and an emptying position, wherein the cleaner dust cup is upstream of the suction motor inlet when in the collection position and downstream of the suction motor outlet when in the emptying position.
14. The vacuum cleaner of claim 13, wherein the cleaner dust cup includes an open end and an openable door pivotally coupled to the cleaner dust cup to selectively close the open end.
15. The vacuum cleaner of claim 13, further comprising a manifold assembly configured to selectively fluidly couple the cleaner dust cup to one of the suction motor inlet or the suction motor outlet.
16. The vacuum cleaner of claim 15, wherein the manifold assembly comprises a manifold plate coupled to a body of the vacuum cleaner and a manifold connector coupled to the cleaner dust cup.
17. The vacuum cleaner of claim 16, wherein the manifold plate includes a suction opening and an exhaust outlet, and the manifold connector includes an air penetration configured to selectively fluidly couple to one of the suction opening or the exhaust outlet.
18. The vacuum cleaner of claim 17, wherein the suction opening is formed in a first surface of the manifold plate and the exhaust outlet is formed in a second surface of the manifold plate, the first and second surfaces being angled relative to each other.
19. The vacuum cleaner of claim 16, wherein the manifold assembly further comprises a plurality of pivot arms pivotally coupling the manifold plate to the manifold connector.
20. The vacuum cleaner of claim 19, wherein the plurality of pivot arms are configured to pivot such that the manifold connector moves relative to the manifold plate in response to the cleaner dust cup transitioning between the collection position and the emptying position.
21. The vacuum cleaner of claim 20, wherein the pivot arm is biased to urge the cleaner dust cup toward the collection position.