Robotic cleaner dirt removal integrated docking station

Abstract

In an approach of a docking station for a robotic cleaner, the docking station comprises: a base; the garbage can is provided with a garbage bag which is basically airtight and is removably arranged on the garbage can; a docking dirty air inlet defined in the base, the docking dirty air inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to the robotic cleaner; and a docking suction motor, where the docking suction motor is activated after the robotic cleaner is determined to be docked with the docking station and configured to actuate dirt from the robotic cleaner into the dustbin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to automated cleaning devices, and more specifically to robotic cleaners and docking stations for robotic cleaners. Background Technology

[0002] Autonomous surface treatment devices are configured to traverse surfaces (e.g., floors) while removing dirt from them with little or no human intervention. For example, a robotic vacuum cleaner may include a controller, multiple driven wheels, a suction motor, brush rollers, and a dust cup for storing dirt. The controller causes the robotic vacuum cleaner to travel according to one or more patterns (e.g., random bounce pattern, point pattern, wall / obstacle following pattern, etc.). While traveling according to one or more patterns, the robotic vacuum cleaner collects dirt into the dust cup. As the dust cup accumulates dirt, the performance of the robotic vacuum cleaner may decrease. Therefore, it may be necessary to empty the dust cup at regular intervals to maintain consistent cleaning performance. Attached Figure Description

[0004] The following detailed description should be consulted, and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same parts.

[0005] Figure 1 An example schematic diagram of a robotic cleaner and a docking station for the robotic cleaner, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown, the docking station being configured to remove dirt from the dust cup of the robotic cleaner.

[0006] Figure 1A A further example schematic diagram of a robotic cleaner and a docking station for the robotic cleaner, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown, the docking station being configured to remove dirt from the dust cup of the robotic cleaner.

[0007] Figure 2A A perspective view is shown of a docking station consistent with an embodiment of this disclosure and a robotic vacuum cleaner configured to dock with the docking station.

[0008] Figure 2B Another perspective view shows a docking station consistent with an embodiment of this disclosure and a robotic vacuum cleaner configured to dock with the docking station.

[0009] Figure 3 A perspective view of a docking station for receiving a robotic vacuum cleaner, consistent with an embodiment of this disclosure, is shown.

[0010] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a docking station consistent with an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 5The diagram illustrates the docking station along the route consistent with embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 2B The cross-sectional view taken from line AA.

[0012] Figure 6A A cross-sectional perspective view of a docking station consistent with an embodiment of this disclosure is shown, with the cover open.

[0013] Figure 6B An embodiment consistent with this disclosure is shown. Figure 6A A sectional perspective view of the docking station, with the cover closed.

[0014] Figure 7A Another perspective view of a docking station consistent with an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0015] Figure 7B An embodiment consistent with this disclosure is shown. Figure 7A Detailed view of the docking station.

[0016] Figure 8 An embodiment consistent with this disclosure is shown. Figure 2A A three-dimensional view of the docking station from the front.

[0017] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a portion of an example docking station consistent with an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figure 10A A cross-sectional view of an example docking station constructed for two-step evacuation in a filling location, consistent with embodiments of this disclosure, is shown.

[0019] Figure 10B The embodiment shown is in the cleared position, consistent with the present disclosure. Figure 10A A cross-sectional view of an example waste bin.

[0020] Figure 10C A perspective view of an example sludge bin for two-step emptying at the filling position is shown, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 10D The embodiment shown is in the cleared position, consistent with the present disclosure. Figure 10A A 3D view of an example waste bin.

[0022] Figure 10E This is a cross-sectional view of an example waste bin consistent with embodiments of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 11A A method for one-step evacuation consistent with embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Figure 3 Example of docking station along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of line BB.

[0024] Figure 11B An example of a docking station for two-step emptying, consistent with embodiments of this disclosure, is shown along [the route / line]. Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of line BB. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The application of this disclosure is not limited to the details of the structure and configuration of the components set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. The examples described herein are capable of other implementations and can be practiced or performed in various ways. Furthermore, it is understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting, as this will be understood by those skilled in the art. Throughout this description, and across several views, the same reference numerals may indicate the same structures, and such structures need not be discussed separately. Moreover, any particular feature of a particular exemplary embodiment may appropriately be applied equally to any other exemplary embodiment of this specification. In other words, the features among the various exemplary embodiments described herein are interchangeable, not exclusive.

[0027] This disclosure generally relates to a robotic cleaning system comprising a robotic cleaner and a docking station for the robotic cleaner, the docking station being configured to remove waste from the dust cup of the robotic cleaner. The docking station includes a trash can configured to receive waste from the dust cup of the robotic cleaner during an automatic emptying operation, whereby a suction motor in the docking station generates suction to actuate the waste from the dust cup of the robotic cleaner into the trash can of the docking station. In some cases, the trash can may include a trash bag for receiving waste, which makes it easier for the user to empty the trash can. The docking station is also configured to allow the user to manually deposit trash into the trash can via a hinged lid. Combining the functionality of the docking station with the functionality of the trash can eliminates the need for the user to dedicate space solely to both the robotic cleaner docking station and the trash can.

[0028] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a robotic cleaner 101 and a docking station 100 for the robotic cleaner 101 is shown. The docking station 100 is configured to automatically empty waste from a robotic dust cup 140 into a trash can within the docking station 100. The robotic cleaner 101 includes a robotic suction motor 130 configured to draw air and waste into the robotic cleaner 101 through a robotic inlet 126. Suction from the robotic suction motor 130 actuates waste into the robotic dust cup 140, and the air drawn in by the robotic suction motor 130 exits the robotic cleaner 101 through a robotic air outlet port 138. To reduce and / or prevent any waste from leaving the robotic cleaner 101, the air first passes through a robotic outlet filter 136, which may be, for example, a filter medium.

[0029] The robotic cleaner 101 is also configured to autonomously clean surfaces and includes at least one drive wheel 118, a stirrer 120 arranged in a robot inlet 126 to actuate dirt into the robot inlet 126, and one or more sensors 124. Sensors 124 may include one or more navigation sensors or devices, such as cameras or light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors. The robotic cleaner 101 includes a controller 122, which may be, for example, a microcontroller or microprocessor, to control the autonomous cleaning of the surface. Furthermore, the controller 122 can control the automatic emptying of dirt from the robotic dust cup 140 into a trash can 105 in the docking station 100.

[0030] The robotic cleaner 101 also includes a robotic outlet port 116 configured to be fluidly coupled to a docking dirty air inlet 108 on the docking station 100. The docking dirty air inlet 108 is configured to be fluidly coupled to at least a portion of the robotic cleaner 101, such that at least a portion of any contaminants stored in the robotic dust cup 140 can be actuated through the docking dirty air inlet 108 and into the docking station waste bag 114. During automatic evacuation operations, suction-driven air and contaminants generated by the docking suction motor 106 exit the robotic cleaner 101 through the robotic outlet port 116.

[0031] The docking station 100 includes a base 102, a bin 105, and a cover 110. The cover 110 is rotatably connected to the bin 105 via a hinge 128 arranged at the rear of the docking station 100. A docking suction motor 106 (shown in dashed lines) is arranged within the base 102, and a garbage bag 114 (shown in dashed lines) is arranged within the bin 105. The garbage bag 114 may comprise a porous material (e.g., a filter material in the form of a bag) or a substantially airtight material (e.g., a plastic material in the form of a bag). As used herein, a substantially airtight material is one that prevents at least 99% of air from passing through it. The docking station 100 also includes a docking dirty air inlet 108 (shown in dashed lines) and a docking clean air outlet 134 (shown in dashed lines) arranged within the base 102, both fluidly connected to the docking suction motor 106. Clean air leaving docking station 100 via docking clean air outlet 134 first passes through docking outlet filter 132 (e.g., filter medium, shown in dashed lines).

[0032] Figure 1A Another example schematic diagram shows a robotic cleaner 101 and a docking station 100A for the robotic cleaner 101, the docking station 100A being configured to remove waste from the waste container 104 of the robotic cleaner. Similar to... Figure 1 The docking station 100A includes a base 102, a trash can 105, and a cover 110 connected to the trash can 105 via a hinge 128. A docking suction motor 106 (shown in dashed lines) is arranged within the base 102, and a trash bag 114 (shown in dashed lines) is arranged within a waste container 104. However, the docking station 100A also includes a removable waste container 104 (shown in dashed lines) arranged within the trash can 105. The removable waste container 104 allows a user to remove the waste container 104, for example, for cleaning.

[0033] Similar to Figure 1 The docking station 100A also includes a docking dirty air inlet 108 (shown in dashed lines) and a docking clean air outlet 134 (shown in dashed lines) disposed within the base 102, both fluidly connected to the docking suction motor 106. Clean air leaving the docking station 100 through the docking clean air outlet 134 first passes through a docking outlet filter 132 (e.g., a filter medium, shown in dashed lines).

[0034] Although the following discussion is for Figure 1 Example docking station 100, but it should be understood that this discussion also applies to Figure 1A Example docking station 100A.

[0035] like Figure 2A As shown, the cover 110 is configured to be in the closed position about an axis 202 extending along the hinge 128 (e.g., as shown). Figure 1 (as shown) and opening position (e.g., as shown) Figure 2A Pivoting between (as shown). In the open position, the lid 110 allows the user to manually place trash into the trash bag 114 for disposal, or to remove and replace the trash bag 114 when, for example, it is full. In some embodiments, the docking station 100 includes a pedal 142 disposed on the outer surface of the trash can 105 and operatively coupled to the lid 110, and configured to actuate the lid 110 to the open position when (e.g., by a user) a force is applied to the top surface 143 of the pedal 142. The pedal 142 may be disposed at any location on the outer surface of the trash can 105, a location that allows the user to access the pedal 142 when, for example, a user wishes to manually dispose of trash into the trash can 105.

[0036] In one embodiment, docking station 100 may include a lid sensor 152 to detect that lid 110 is open. When the sensor detects that the lid is open, controller 122 may be configured to prevent automatic emptying operation from starting or pausing an ongoing automatic emptying operation until lid 110 is closed. In some cases, a locking element (e.g., a latch) may prevent lid 110 from opening during automatic emptying operation. In another embodiment, lid 110 may open during automatic emptying operation, but when lid 110 is open, the large opening of bin 105 will effectively disrupt the vacuum from suction motor 106, thereby effectively stopping the automatic emptying operation until lid 110 is closed.

[0037] In another embodiment, docking station 100 may include a touchless sensor for detecting the presence of a user near the lid 110 of docking station 100 and a touchless mechanism for actuating the lid 110 to an open position in response to detecting the presence of a user. In this embodiment, controller 122 may be configured to disable the touchless mechanism during automatic emptying operation to prevent a user from opening trash can 105 while automatic emptying operation is in progress. Alternatively, controller 122 may be configured to pause automatic emptying operation when the touchless sensor signals that a user is attempting to open trash can 105, and to resume automatic emptying operation when the lid 110 has been closed. In this embodiment, pedal 142 may be omitted, but may also be included in case the touchless mechanism malfunctions.

[0038] The lid 110 is configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position. When the lid 110 is in the closed position, the docking suction motor 106 is fluidly coupled to the trash can 105 and the docking dirty air inlet 108. When the lid 110 is in the open position, the user can manually deposit trash into the trash can 105. Furthermore, when the lid 110 is in the open position, the trash bag 114 is configured to be removable from the trash can 105. For example, the docking suction motor 106 can be disabled when the trash can 105 is in the open position.

[0039] Docking station 100 is configured to automatically empty waste from robot dust cup 140 into garbage bag 114 of garbage bin 105. Robot cleaner 101 can enter docking mode when attempting to empty robot dust cup 140. In docking mode, robot cleaner 101 approaches docking station 100 in a manner that allows robot cleaner 101 to fluidly connect robot outlet port 116 to docking dirty air inlet 108. In other words, when in docking mode, robot cleaner 101 can generally be described as moving to align itself relative to docking station 100 so that robot cleaner 101 can dock with docking station 100. For example, when in docking mode, robot cleaner 101 can approach docking station 100 in a forward direction until reaching a predetermined distance from docking station 100, stop at the predetermined distance and rotate approximately 180°, and then proceed in a backward direction until robot cleaner 101 docks with docking station 100.

[0040] After determining that the robotic cleaner 101 has docked with the docking station 100, and in response to a triggering event, such as the docking station 100 detecting the presence of the robotic cleaner 101 (e.g., via charging contacts, using a Hall effect sensor, etc.), the docking station 100 empties the container in response to the detection of its presence. In some cases, the docking station 100 detects whether the lid 110 is open, for example, by using a lid sensor 152 to detect whether the lid 110 is properly closed (e.g., a user may have too much trash in the trash can 105 or has not properly closed the lid 110), and only begins emptying if the lid 110 is properly closed. Similarly, since docking station 100 is configured to allow users to manually deposit trash into the bin in addition to automatic emptying docking, in some cases, sensors can be used to detect when there is too much trash in bin 105 to complete the automatic emptying cycle (e.g., an IR transmitter that emits to IR sensors throughout bin 105, where the IR beam is interrupted when the trash level is above a certain level), and if the trash level is below a threshold, only automatic emptying of robotic cleaner 101 begins.

[0041] When the robotic cleaner 101 docks with the docking station 100, the robotic outlet port 116 of the robotic cleaner 101 is fluidly connected to the docking dirty air inlet 108. When the docking suction motor 106 is activated, it actuates the waste stored in the robotic dust cup 140 of the robotic cleaner 101 into the waste bag 114 of the waste bin 105. The waste can then be collected in the waste bag 114 of the waste bin 105 for later disposal. The waste bag 114 of the waste bin 105 can be configured such that the waste bag 114 can receive waste from the robotic dust cup 140 multiple times (e.g., at least twice) before the waste bag 114 of the waste bin 105 becomes full (e.g., the performance of the docking station 100 is significantly reduced). In other words, the waste bag 114 of the waste bin 105 can be configured such that the robotic dust cup 140 of the robotic cleaner 101 can be emptied several times before the waste bag 114 of the waste bin 105 becomes full.

[0042] In some cases, the docking suction motor 106 is activated before the robotic cleaner 101 engages with the docking station 100. In these cases, the suction generated by the docking suction motor 106 at the docking dirty air inlet 108 can actuate the robotic cleaner 101 to engage with the docking station 100. In this way, the docking suction motor 106 can help facilitate the alignment of the robotic cleaner 101 with the docking dirty air inlet 108.

[0043] In one embodiment, during the automatic evacuation operation, air is drawn along air path 150 through the robotic cleaner 101 and docking station 100 to actuate contaminants collected in the robotic dust cup 140 into a waste bag 114 in the docking station 100. The docking suction motor 106 is configured to generate suction to draw air into air path 150 through robotic inlet 126 and robotic dust cup 140, and to draw air and contaminants from robotic dust cup 140 into docking dirty air inlet 108 through robotic outlet port 116. Air is actuated along air path 150 into cover 110 (e.g., cover duct 412 defined within cover 110). Figure 6A In this process, gravity causes waste to fall into garbage bag 114. In one embodiment, cover 110 may include a cyclone separator to facilitate the entry of waste into garbage bag 114 (see discussion below). Figure 4 Air exits docking station 100 through docking clean air outlet 134. To reduce and / or prevent contaminants from leaving docking station 100 through docking clean air outlet 134, the air first passes through docking outlet filter 132.

[0044] In some cases, the docking suction motor 106 and the robotic suction motor 130 may be configured to cooperate in transferring waste from the robotic dust cup 140 to the garbage bag 114, and in other cases, only one of the docking suction motor 106 or the robotic suction motor 130 may be used to transfer waste from the robotic dust cup to the garbage bag 114.

[0045] Figure 2B Another perspective view shows a docking station 100 consistent with an embodiment of this disclosure and a robotic cleaner 101 configured to dock with the docking station. Figure 2B In the example, docking station 100 has a docking dirty air inlet 108, which is configured to allow the robotic cleaner 101 to dock with docking station 100 from the front.

[0046] Figure 3 A perspective view of an example docking station 100 consistent with an embodiment of this disclosure is shown, wherein the docking station 100 receives a robotic cleaner 101 within a cavity 103 defined therein. The cavity 103 may be sized to receive the entire robotic cleaner 101. Figure 3 In one example, docking station 100 has a dirty air inlet 108 configured to allow the robotic cleaner 101 to dock with docking station 100 from the left side 160. In another embodiment, docking station 100 may have a dirty air inlet 108 configured to allow the robotic cleaner 101 to dock with docking station 100 from the right side 164. Allowing the robotic cleaner 101 to dock with docking station 100 from the left side 160 or right side 164 allows a footrest 112 to be located on the front side 162 of docking station 100 for user convenience when manually storing trash or when removing and replacing trash bags 114. The front side 162 extends between the left side 160 and the right side 164 and faces the user in use. The front side 162, left side 160, and right side 164 extend laterally to the surface of docking station 100 disposed thereon.

[0047] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a portion of an example of a docking station 100 consistent with an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 4 In the example, air path 410 (which could be from...) Figure 1 The air path 150 shows more details of the path that air and contaminants follow during automatic evacuation operations. Figure 4The example illustrates one implementation that uses a cyclone separator to actuate waste into the garbage bag 114 while clean air exits the docking station 100. In other implementations, as described above, a cyclone separator is not used in the cover 110, but the docking station 100 relies on gravity to separate the waste from the air.

[0048] exist Figure 4 In this embodiment, the dirty air inlet 108 is shown at the rear of the docking station 100; however, in other embodiments, the dirty air inlet 108 may be on any other side of the docking station 100. Air and dirt from the robotic cleaner 101 are drawn into the air path 150 through the dirty air inlet 108 by suction generated by the docking suction motor 106 (shown in dashed lines), and reach the cover 110 through the docking inlet conduit 402. The cover inlet conduit 416 is fluidly connected to the docking inlet conduit 402, and suction generated by the docking suction motor 106 actuates air and dirt into the cover 110 through the cover inlet conduit 416. The air and dirt enter a separation chamber defined by a baffle 408, which can actuate the air and dirt, as shown in the cyclone air path 414. The rotation of the air and dirt can cause the formation of a “cyclone,” which actuates the dirt to separate from the air and fall into the garbage bag 114 through the dirt opening 412. Air is then drawn into the cap outlet duct 418 by suction from the docking suction motor 106. The cap outlet duct 418 is fluidly connected to the docking outlet duct 404, and air is drawn into the docking outlet duct 404 by suction generated by the docking suction motor 106 and actuated to leave the docking station 100 through the docking clean air outlet 134. To reduce and / or prevent any residual contaminants in the air from leaving the docking station 100, the air passes through the docking outlet filter 132 (see [link to filter]) before leaving the docking station through the docking clean air outlet 134. Figure 1 ).

[0049] Figure 5 An example docking station consistent with embodiments of this disclosure is shown along... Figure 2B The cross-sectional view taken from line AA. Figure 5 The example illustrates a bag holding system 500 to prevent garbage bags 114 from collapsing within garbage bins 105 during automatic emptying operations due to suction from docking suction motor 106. It should be noted that... Figure 5 The docking station 100A in the example is from Figure 1A An example of docking station 100A includes a waste container 104 arranged within a waste bin 105. For waste from... Figure 1 In the implementation of docking station 100, bag holding system 500 is equivalent to bag holding system 500 for docking station 100A, except that bag holding system 500 may be arranged inside trash can 105 instead of waste container 104.

[0050] exist Figure 5 In the example, the bag suction inlet 502 is fluidly connected to the docking outlet pipe 404, thereby generating a suction force in the bag suction inlet 502 by the suction generated in the docking outlet pipe 404 by the docking suction motor 106. The bag suction inlet 502 is fluidly connected to one or more bag suction channels 506 arranged in the waste container 104 via the waste container suction outlet 504. Each bag suction channel 506 is formed by two suction channel walls 508 (a first suction channel wall 508 arranged on a first side of each bag suction channel 506 and a second suction channel wall 508 arranged on a second side of each bag suction channel 506), the first suction channel wall 508 and the second suction channel wall 508 extending substantially vertically from the base 510 of the bag suction channel. One or more bag suction channels 506 are arranged downward from the waste container suction outlet 504 along the first wall 512 of the waste container 104, across the bottom surface 514 of the waste container 104, and upward on a second wall 516 of the waste container 104, substantially opposite the first wall 512. In other embodiments, one or more bag suction channels may be arranged on any or all walls of the waste container 104.

[0051] The suction generated by the docking suction motor 106 creates a suction force in one or more bag suction channels 506, which attracts the garbage bag 114 against the suction channel wall 508 during automatic emptying operation, thereby preventing the garbage bag 114 from collapsing under the suction force generated by the docking suction motor 106 in the cover 110.

[0052] Figure 6A A cross-sectional perspective view of an example docking station 100 consistent with an embodiment of this disclosure is shown, wherein the cover 110 is open, and Figure 6B It shows Figure 6A A sectional perspective view of docking station 100, with cover 110 closed. Figure 6A In the example, the cover 110 rotates about hinge 128 to an open configuration. In this embodiment, docking station 100 also includes a waste container 104. To create a suction chamber between the cover 110 and the waste container 104, the cover 110 includes a peripheral wall 604 disposed within the cover 110 and configured to mate with the top surface 610 of the waste container 104. To facilitate the formation of a seal (e.g., a substantially airtight seal) between the peripheral wall 604 and the top surface 610, the peripheral wall 604 includes a cover air seal 602.

[0053] exist Figure 6A In the embodiments shown, Figure 4The docking inlet pipe 402 and docking outlet pipe 404 are each composed of two sections: docking inlet pipes 402-1 and 402-2, and docking outlet pipes 404-1 and 404-2. Docking inlet pipe 402-1 and docking outlet pipe 404-1 are arranged within the main body of the garbage bin 105, in the cavity formed between the inner wall 614 of the garbage bin 105 and the outer wall 612 of the waste container 104. The cover inlet pipe 402-2 and cover outlet pipe 404-2 are arranged within the cover 110, in the cavity formed between the inner wall 616 and the peripheral wall 604 of the cover 110.

[0054] To facilitate a seal between the docking inlet pipe 402-1 and the cap inlet pipe 402-2, the cap inlet pipe 402-2 includes a cap inlet air seal 608. To facilitate a seal between the docking outlet pipe 404-1 and the cap outlet pipe 404-2, the cap outlet pipe 404-2 includes a cap outlet air seal 606. In other embodiments, the cap inlet air seal 608 may be disposed on the docking inlet pipe 402-1 or the cap inlet pipe 402-2 or both, and the cap outlet air seal 606 may be disposed on the docking outlet pipe 404-1 or the cap outlet pipe 404-2 or both.

[0055] In one embodiment, the cover air seal 602, cover inlet air seal 608, and cover outlet air seal 606 may be made of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) foam. In other embodiments, the cover air seal 602, cover inlet air seal 608, and cover outlet air seal 606 may be made of any other suitable material for producing an effective air seal.

[0056] Figure 7A A perspective view of another example of a docking station 100 consistent with embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Figure 7A In the example docking station 100, the dirty air inlet 108 can be arranged directly below the pedal 142, such that when the robotic cleaner 101 docks with the docking station 100 to perform, for example, an automatic emptying operation, the robotic cleaner 101 physically prevents the pedal 142 from being engaged to open the cover 110, thereby preventing the user from opening the cover 110 on the trash can 105 and interfering with the automatic emptying operation.

[0057] exist Figure 7AIn the example, docking station 100 may also include a backflow preventer 518, which may include one or more one-way valves or gates. These valves or gates may be further configured to return to a seated / sealed position when the flow rate and / or pressure of air through air path 410 drops below a threshold (e.g., docking suction motor 106 is shut off), to reduce and / or otherwise prevent air from escaping from docking clean air outlet 134. In some cases, the backflow preventer 518 may be configured to open only when suction motor 106 discharges air from docking station 100 using airflow.

[0058] In some cases, docking station 100 may include one or more odor control components 720 to control odor in the garbage bag 114 of docking station 100. Odor control component 720 may include a fragrance member fluidly coupled to odor control air path 722, the fragrance member being configured to release fragrance particles output by odor control component 720 during use (e.g., during the emptying of robotic dust cup 140 from robotic cleaner 101 into garbage bag 114 in docking station 100). Suction generated by docking suction motor 106 creates a suction force in odor control air path 722, which may actuate fragrance particles from fragrance member in odor control component 720 into garbage bag 114, thereby reducing or eliminating odor in garbage bag 114. In some cases, odor control component 720 may be removably coupled to lid 110. In other cases, odor control component 720 may be removably coupled to garbage bin 105. In other cases, the odor control component 720 may be arranged anywhere on the docking station 100 that allows the odor control component 720 to be fluidly connected to the air path 410 via the odor control air path 722.

[0059] Figure 7B A detailed view of another example of a docking station 100 consistent with embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Figure 7B In the example docking station 100, the docking inlet pipe 402 and the docking outlet pipe 404 are constructed of pipes or hoses bent into the cover 110. The use of flexible pipes or hoses reduces the number of joints (e.g., the joint where the docking inlet pipe 402-1 and the cover inlet pipe 402-2 meet, and the joint where the docking outlet pipe 404-1 and the cover outlet pipe 404-2 meet), which reduces the number of sealing points (e.g., the cover inlet air seal 608 and the cover outlet air seal 606 can be omitted). Similarly... Figure 7B As shown, the bag suction hose 702 can be fluidly connected to, for example, the bag suction inlet 502.

[0060] Figure 8 An embodiment consistent with this disclosure is shown. Figure 7BA three-dimensional view of the docking station from the front. Figure 8 The disassembled cover 110 is shown to expose the tubes or hoses that are fluidly connected to the mating inlet pipe 402 and the mating outlet pipe 404 on the inner surface 802 of the cover.

[0061] Figure 9 A perspective front view of a portion of an example of docking station 100 is shown, with cover 110 removed and bin 105 cut open to expose bag suction inlet 502. Figure 9 In the example docking station 100, the bag suction inlet 502 is connected to the trash can 105 and the bag holding system 500, and is configured to prevent the trash bag 114 from collapsing inside the trash can 105 during automatic emptying operations due to suction from the docking suction motor 106.

[0062] In some implementations, docking station 100 may use a two-step emptying operation. This two-step operation can be used, for example, to allow automatic emptying when garbage bag 114 is full. Without a two-step emptying operation, attempting automatic emptying when garbage bag 114 is full may result in the automatic emptying operation failing.

[0063] Figure 10A A cross-sectional view of an example docking station 100 configured for two-step emptying in a filling location, consistent with embodiments of this disclosure, is shown. Figure 10B The clearing position is shown. Figure 10A A cross-sectional view of an example waste bin 1000. Figure 10A and Figure 10B In one example, docking station 100 includes a waste bin 1000 disposed within a cover 110 and configured to receive waste from a robotic dust cup 140 during an automatic emptying operation. In one embodiment, a plunger 1004 is disposed on the exterior of the cover 110 to allow a user to press the plunger 1004 to manually open the waste bin 1000, actuating waste from the waste bin 1000 into a garbage bag 114. When docking station 100 performs an automatic emptying operation, the waste bin 1000 is in the filled position ( Figure 10A In this configuration, waste from the robotic cleaner 101 is allowed to be stored in the waste bin 1000 by suction generated by the docking suction motor 106. When the automatic emptying operation is complete, or when the user otherwise wishes to empty the contents of the waste bin 1000 into the garbage bag 114, the user can apply a downward force to the plunger 1004, which causes the waste bin 1000 to switch to the empty position. Figure 10BGravity causes the waste to fall into the garbage bag 114. In one embodiment, the waste bin 1000 can be configured to automatically switch to the emptying position after the automatic emptying operation is completed, so as to avoid the user having to manually empty the waste bin 1000. In another embodiment, the waste bin 1000 can be configured to switch to the emptying position to empty the waste when the user manually opens the lid 110.

[0064] Figure 10C A perspective view is shown of an example sludge bin 1000 for two-step emptying at a filling position, consistent with embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 10D The clearing position is shown. Figure 10A A perspective view of an example waste bin 1000. The waste bin 1000 includes a plunger 1004 and a shaft 1006, the shaft 1006 including an upper shaft 1054 and a lower shaft 1050. The shaft 1006 has a first end 1056 coupled to the bottom surface of the plunger 1004 and a second end 1058 coupled to a waste bin cover 1008. The upper shaft 1054 has a diameter D1 and is arranged to enter the waste bin body 1002 through a hole 1048 (shown in dashed lines) and coupled to the lower shaft 1050. The lower shaft 1050 may have a diameter D2, where D2 is greater than D1, thereby creating a shoulder 1052 (see [reference needed]). Figure 10E A mating surface is created between the lower shaft 1050 and the top surface 1046 of the plunger 1004. A waste bin cover 1008 is disposed on the bottom surface 1044 of the waste bin body 1002 and is configured to engage with and provide a seal against the bottom surface to contain waste in the waste bin 1000 during automatic emptying operations. The waste bin 1000 also includes a waste bin air inlet 1010 and a waste bin air outlet 1012, which are fluidly coupled to an air path 410 (e.g., see...). Figure 4 ).

[0065] Figure 10D The diagram shows the waste bin 1000 in the empty position, where the user has applied a downward force 1020 to the top surface 1046 of the plunger 1004. The downward force 1020 applied to the top surface 1046 of the plunger 1004 forces the upper shaft 1054 and the lower shaft 1050 downward, which in turn forces the waste bin cover 1008 to disengage from the bottom surface 1044 of the waste bin body 1002, thereby creating an opening to allow waste to fall from the waste bin 1000 into the garbage bag 114.

[0066] Figure 10E This is a cross-sectional view of an example waste bin 1000 consistent with embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 10E Details of a possible example implementation of the waste bin 1000 are shown. Figure 10EIn this configuration, the waste bin 1000 includes a plunger 1004 coupled to a shaft 1006. As previously described, when a user applies a downward force to the top surface of the plunger 1004, the lower shaft 1050 is forced against the waste cover 1008, causing the waste cover 1008 to move downward and create an opening between the waste cover 1008 and the bottom surface 1044 of the waste bin, allowing waste to exit the waste bin 1000 and be collected in the garbage bag 114. When the force is released from the plunger 1004, a plunger spring 1034 can provide an upward force on the plunger 1004 to return the plunger 1004 to the filling position and force the waste cover 1008 to provide a seal against the bottom surface 1044 of the waste bin. To reduce and / or prevent waste from passing through the hole 1048 in the waste bin body 1002... Figure 10C Leaving the waste tank 1000, the waste tank 1000 may include an O-ring 1036 arranged around the circumference of the upper shaft 1054 and configured to provide a seal between the bottom surface 1046 of the plunger 1004 and the top surface 1042 of the waste tank body 1002. In one embodiment, the lower shaft 1050 is configured to have a larger diameter than the orifice 1048 to seal the orifice 1048 during automatic emptying operations. To further provide a seal, the waste tank 1000 may include a plunger seal 1038 arranged around the circumference of the orifice 1048 and configured to provide a seal between the top surface 1056 of the lower shaft 1050 and the bottom surface 1046 of the top surface 1042 of the waste tank. In one embodiment, the plunger seal 1038 may be made of sealing foam. In other embodiments, the plunger seal 1038 may be made of any other suitable sealing material known to those skilled in the art.

[0067] Figure 10E Examples include a waste bin air inlet 1010 and a waste bin air outlet 1012, which create an air path to actuate waste from the robotic dust cup 140 in the robotic cleaner 101 into the waste bin 1000 during an automated emptying operation. To reduce and / or prevent waste from leaving the waste bin 1000 and returning to the waste bin air inlet 1010, a waste bin backflow preventer 1030 may be present. The waste bin backflow preventer 1030 may include one or more one-way valves or gates, which may be further configured to return to a seated / sealed position when the flow rate and / or pressure of air through the air path 410 drops below a threshold (e.g., the docking suction motor 106 is shut off), to reduce and / or prevent air from escaping from the waste bin air inlet 1010. Figure 10E In the example, the waste bin backflow preventer 1030 can be kept in the closed position by the backflow preventer spring 1032.

[0068] In order to reduce and / or prevent dirt from leaving the dirt tank 1000 through the dirt tank air outlet 1012, a filter 1040 is arranged inside the dirt tank 1000 and fluidly connected to the dirt tank air outlet 1012, thereby reducing and / or preventing dirt from leaving the dirt tank 1000 through the dirt tank air outlet 1012.

[0069] Figure 11A An embodiment consistent with this disclosure is shown, configured for one-step evacuation. Figure 3 Example of docking station 100 along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of line BB. Figure 11A An example of a docking station 100 constructed for one-step emptying is shown, and the docking station 100 in this example also includes a waste container 104. Figure 11A The example also shows a robotic cleaner 101 that is positioned almost entirely below the trash can 105 during docking and automatic emptying. Figure 11A Various example mechanisms for retaining a garbage bag 114 within a waste container 104 are shown, which may include a circular tube or conduit 1102 disposed within the garbage bag 114 and configured to exert an outward force on the inner surface of the waste container 104, thereby preventing the garbage bag 114 from collapsing into the waste container 104. In some cases, plastic clips or elastic elements 1106 may be used to retain the top edge of the garbage bag 114 to the top edge of the waste container 104. To facilitate the formation of a seal between the lid 110 and the bin 105, EPDM edge foam 1104 may be disposed on the top surface 902 of the bin 105 and / or the bottom surface 904 of the lid 110.

[0070] Figure 11B An embodiment consistent with this disclosure is shown. Figure 11A Example of docking station along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of line BB is shown, but the docking station is constructed for two-step venting. Figure 11B The example shown above illustrates the target Figure 11A All components are described, but the cover 110 of docking station 100 includes the components as described above. Figures 10A to 10E The waste bin 1000 described in the text.

[0071] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a docking station for a robotic cleaner is thus provided, the docking station comprising: a base; a trash can having a substantially airtight trash bag removably disposed thereon; a docking dirty air inlet defined in the base, the docking dirty air inlet being configured to be fluidly coupled to the robotic cleaner; and a docking suction motor, wherein the docking suction motor is activated after the robotic cleaner is determined to dock with the docking station, and the docking suction motor is configured to actuate dirt from the robotic cleaner into the trash can.

[0072] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a system for robotic cleaning is thus provided, the system comprising: a base; a trash can; a trash bag disposed within the trash can; a lid rotatably coupled to the trash can; a pedal operably coupled to the lid and configured to actuate the lid to an open position when a force is applied to a top surface of the pedal; a docking dirty air inlet defined in the base; a docking suction motor; and a robotic cleaner, wherein the docking suction motor is activated after the robotic cleaner is determined to dock with a docking station. The robotic cleaner includes: a robotic dust cup configured to receive dirt, the robotic dust cup including a robotic inlet and a robotic outlet port configured to be fluidly coupled to the docking station; the robotic suction motor; and an agitator.

[0073] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a docking station for a robotic cleaner is thus provided, the docking station comprising: a base; a trash can; a trash bag disposed within the trash can; a lid rotatably coupled to the trash can; a pedal operably coupled to the lid and configured to actuate the lid to an open position when a force is applied to a top surface of the pedal; a waste bin disposed within the lid and configured to receive waste from the robotic cleaner; a docking suction motor, wherein the docking suction motor is activated after the robotic cleaner is determined to dock with the docking station and is configured to actuate waste from the robotic cleaner into the trash can; a bag holding system fluidly coupled to the docking suction motor and configured to prevent the trash bag from collapsing when the docking suction motor is activated; and a docking dirty air inlet defined in the base and configured to be fluidly coupled to the robotic cleaner.

[0074] As used in this application and claims, a list of items connected by the term "and / or" can represent any combination of the listed items. For example, the phrase "A, B and / or C" can mean A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B and C. As used in this application and claims, a list of items connected by the term "at least one" can represent any combination of the listed terms. For example, the phrase "at least one of A, B or C" can mean A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B and C.

[0075] Unless otherwise stated, the use of the word "substantially" can be interpreted as including precise relationships, conditions, configurations, orientations, and / or other characteristics and their deviations, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, to the extent that such deviations do not materially affect the disclosed methods and systems. Throughout this disclosure, unless otherwise specifically stated, the use of the articles "a" and / or "an" and / or "the" to modify nouns can be understood as being used for convenience and includes one or more of the modified nouns. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may be present in addition to the listed elements.

[0076] Although the methods and systems have been described with respect to their specific embodiments, they are not limited thereto. It is evident that many modifications and variations can become apparent from the foregoing teachings. Those skilled in the art can make numerous additional changes to the details, materials, and configurations of the components described and illustrated herein.

Claims

1. A docking station for a robotic cleaner, comprising: Base; A trash can having a substantially airtight trash bag removably disposed therein; A dirty air inlet is defined in the base and configured to be fluidly connected to the robotic cleaner. as well as A docking suction motor, wherein the docking suction motor is activated after the robotic cleaner is determined to dock with the docking station, and is configured to actuate waste from the robotic cleaner into the trash can.

2. The docking station for a robotic cleaner according to claim 1 further includes a removable waste container disposed within the trash can, wherein the trash bag is disposed within the waste container.

3. The docking station for a robotic cleaner according to claim 1 further includes: A bag holding system, fluidly coupled to the docking suction motor and configured to prevent the garbage bag from collapsing when the docking suction motor is activated, the bag holding system including one or more bag suction channels arranged within the garbage bin, wherein: Each of the one or more bag suction channels is formed by a first suction channel wall disposed on a first side of each bag suction channel and a second suction channel wall disposed on a second side of each bag suction channel, the first suction channel wall and the second suction channel wall extending substantially perpendicularly from the base of the bag suction channel.

4. The docking station for a robotic cleaner according to claim 3, wherein the one or more bag suction channels extend downward from the waste container suction outlet along the first wall of the trash can, across the bottom surface of the trash can, and extend upward on the second wall of the trash can, the second wall being substantially opposite to the first wall.

5. The docking station for a robotic cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising: A docking inlet pipe is fluidly connected to the docking dirty air inlet and the docking suction motor; A lid, which is rotatably connected to the trash can, and is fluidly connected to the docking suction motor via the docking inlet pipe; A docking outlet pipe is fluidly connected to the docking suction motor. as well as A docking clean air outlet is fluidly connected to the docking suction motor and configured to allow clean air to leave the docking station.

6. The docking station for a robotic cleaner according to claim 5 further includes a pedal operably coupled to the cover and configured to actuate the cover to an open position when a force is applied to the top surface of the pedal.

7. The docking station for a robotic cleaner according to claim 5 further includes a touchless mechanism to actuate the cover to an open position upon detecting the presence of a user.

8. The docking station for a robotic cleaner according to claim 5, further comprising: A waste bin is disposed within the cover and configured to receive waste from the robotic cleaner during an automatic emptying operation.

9. The docking station for a robotic cleaner according to claim 8, wherein the waste bin further comprises: A shaft, the shaft including a first end and a second end; A plunger, the plunger being connected to the first end of the shaft; The main body is configured to hold the waste from the robotic cleaner, and the main body has an opening on its bottom surface to allow the waste to leave the waste bin. A waste bin air inlet is disposed on the main body and fluidly connected to the docking inlet pipe, and is configured to allow air and the waste from the robotic cleaner to enter the main body; A waste bin outlet is disposed on the main body and fluidly connected to the docking outlet pipe and configured to allow the air to exit the main body; A waste bin lid, which is coupled to the second end of the shaft and configured to engage with the bottom surface of the body and open to allow the waste to leave the waste bin; as well as A spring, arranged on the shaft and configured to provide an upward force on the plunger to return the plunger to a filling position and actuate the sludge bin lid to engage with the bottom surface of the body, wherein a downward force applied to the top surface of the plunger causes the lid to open to allow the sludge to leave the sludge bin and enter the trash can.

10. The docking station for a robotic cleaner according to claim 5, wherein the cover includes a cyclone separator to facilitate the entry of waste into the trash can.

11. The docking station for a robotic cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising: One or more odor control components, which are fluidly connected to the docking suction motor and configured to actuate fragrance particles from a fragrance component in the odor control components into the trash can.

12. A robotic cleaning system, comprising: The docking station includes: Base; Trash can; Garbage bags, which are placed inside the garbage bin; A lid, which is rotatably connected to the trash can; A pedal, operably connected to the cover and configured to actuate the cover to an open position when a force is applied to the top surface of the pedal; A dirty air inlet is connected, the dirty air inlet being defined within the base; Connecting to the suction motor; and A robotic cleaner, wherein the docking suction motor is activated after the robotic cleaner is determined to dock with the docking station, the robotic cleaner comprising: A robotic dust cup, configured to receive contaminants, includes a robotic inlet and a robotic outlet port, the robotic outlet port being configured to be fluidly connected to the docking station; Robotic suction motor; and Mixer.

13. The robotic cleaning system of claim 12, wherein when the robotic cleaner engages with the docking station, the docking station receives the robotic cleaner within its cavity.

14. The robotic cleaning system according to claim 12, further comprising: A bag holding system, fluidly coupled to the docking suction motor and configured to prevent the garbage bag from collapsing when the docking suction motor is activated, the bag holding system including one or more bag suction channels arranged within the garbage bin, wherein: Each of the one or more bag suction channels is formed by a first suction channel wall disposed on a first side of each bag suction channel and a second suction channel wall disposed on a second side of each bag suction channel, the first suction channel wall and the second suction channel wall extending substantially perpendicularly from the base of the bag suction channel.

15. The robotic cleaning system of claim 12, wherein the docking dirty air inlet is arranged directly below the pedal, such that when the robotic cleaner docks with the docking station to perform an automatic evacuation operation, the robotic cleaner physically prevents the pedal from being engaged, thereby preventing the user from opening the cover and interfering with the automatic evacuation operation.

16. The robotic cleaning system according to claim 12, further comprising: A waste bin is disposed within the cover and configured to receive waste from the robotic cleaner during an automatic emptying operation.

17. The robotic cleaning system of claim 16, wherein the waste bin further comprises: A shaft, the shaft including a first end and a second end; A plunger, the plunger being connected to the first end of the shaft; The main body is configured to hold the waste from the robotic cleaner, and the main body has an opening on its bottom surface to allow the waste to leave the waste bin. A waste bin air inlet is disposed on the main body and fluidly connected to a docking inlet pipe, and is configured to allow air and the waste from the robotic cleaner to enter the main body; A waste bin outlet is disposed on the main body and fluidly connected to a docking outlet pipe and configured to allow the air to exit the main body; A waste bin lid, which is coupled to the second end of the shaft and configured to engage with the bottom surface of the body and open to allow the waste to leave the waste bin; as well as A spring, arranged on the shaft and configured to provide an upward force on the plunger to return the plunger to a filling position and actuate the sludge bin lid to engage with the bottom surface of the body, wherein a downward force applied to the top surface of the plunger causes the lid to open to allow the sludge to leave the sludge bin and enter the trash can.

18. The robotic cleaning system of claim 12 further includes a waste container disposed within the trash can and configured to be removed by a user, wherein the trash bag is disposed within the waste container.

19. A docking station for a robotic cleaner, comprising: Base; Trash can; Garbage bags, which are placed inside the garbage bin; A lid, which is rotatably connected to the trash can; A pedal, operably connected to the cover and configured to actuate the cover to an open position when a force is applied to the top surface of the pedal; A waste bin, the waste bin being disposed within the cover and configured to receive waste from the robotic cleaner; A docking suction motor, wherein the docking suction motor is activated after the robotic cleaner is determined to dock with the docking station and is configured to actuate waste from the robotic cleaner into the trash can; A bag holding system, which is fluidly coupled to the docking suction motor and configured to prevent the garbage bag from collapsing when the docking suction motor is activated; as well as A dirty air inlet is provided, which is defined in the base and configured to be fluidly connected to the robotic cleaner.

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