Cleaning system

Abstract

A cleaning system includes a docking station. The docking station includes: a station suction inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to a vacuum cleaner; a station dust cup configured to be removably fluidly coupled to the docking station, where the station dust cup includes a debris chamber; an odor control assembly fluidly coupled to the station dust cup; and a station suction motor configured to flow air into the station suction inlet and through the station dust cup. The station suction motor is configured to generate an airflow through the odor control assembly and into the debris chamber.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application Serial No. 18 / 213,129, filed on June 22, 2023, the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to surface treatment devices, and more particularly to a vacuum cleaner configured to interface with a docking station. Background Art

[0004] Surface treatment devices are configured to remove at least a portion of any debris deposited on a surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor). For example, the surface treatment device can be a vacuum cleaner including a suction motor, a suction inlet, and a dust collection cup. The suction motor is configured to cause air to flow through the suction inlet and into the dust collection cup. When air is drawn into the suction inlet, at least a portion of any debris on the surface to be cleaned may be entrained in the air. At least a portion of the entrained debris can be deposited within the dust collection cup for later disposal by the user of the vacuum cleaner. The disposal frequency can be at least partially based on the volume of the dust collection cup. An increase in the dust collection cup volume may result in an increase in the total weight and / or size of the vacuum cleaner. While a smaller dust collection cup volume can reduce the weight and / or size of the vacuum cleaner, it may result in more frequent disposal of debris, which may expose the user to the disposed debris more frequently. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] In one aspect, a cleaning system is provided. The cleaning system includes a docking station that includes: a station suction inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to a vacuum cleaner; a station dust collection cup configured to be removably fluidly coupled to the docking station, the station dust collection cup including a debris chamber; an odor control assembly fluidly coupled to the station dust collection cup; and a station suction motor configured to cause air to flow into the station suction inlet and through the station dust collection cup, wherein the station suction motor is configured to generate an air flow through the odor control assembly and into the debris chamber.

[0006] In some embodiments, the docking station further includes a base configured to removably secure to the station dust collection cup, the base including the station suction motor.

[0007] In some embodiments, the odor control assembly includes a fragrance disk and a dial body configured to be removably secured to the station dust collection cup and configured to receive the fragrance disk, wherein the dial body at least partially defines an aromatic agent chamber configured to receive and enclose the fragrance disk.

[0008] In some embodiments, the odor control assembly further includes one or more fragrance passages configured to allow air to flow through the fragrance disk to transfer fragrance particles into the air to form scented air.

[0009] In some embodiments, the docking station further includes: a drain hole disposed in an outer surface of the docking station and configured to allow external air to be suctioned into the docking station; and an inlet air path for fluidly coupling the drain hole to the one or more fragrance passages.

[0010] In some embodiments, the inlet air path further includes a backflow preventer configured to isolate the odor control assembly from the atmosphere to prevent air from escaping from the inlet air path.

[0011] In some embodiments, the backflow preventer includes a check valve.

[0012] In some embodiments, the dial body includes: a disk cap; and a disk cylinder removably coupled to the disk cap to at least partially form the fragrance chamber and the one or more fragrance passages, the disk cap including an inlet and an outlet leading to the one or more fragrance passages, wherein air flows through the inlet, across the fragrance disk, and out of the outlet.

[0013] In some embodiments, the disk cap further includes: a retaining ring fixed to the disk cap; and one or more rotatable segments serving as a handle for facilitating insertion of the odor control assembly into the station dust cup and removal of the odor control assembly.

[0014] In some embodiments, the disk cylinder further includes: a base; and one or more sidewalls extending upward from the base, wherein the one or more sidewalls define a disk chamber configured to receive the fragrance disk; the one or more sidewalls at least partially define an inlet and an outlet leading to the one or more fragrance passages; the inlet and the outlet leading to the one or more fragrance passages are aligned 180 degrees relative to each other; and the one or more sidewalls include one or more disk alignment features for aligning the one or more fragrance passages with the inlet and the outlet.

[0015] In some embodiments, the odor control assembly is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position within the station dust cup to adjust at least one of a cross-sectional size of an inlet or an outlet leading to the one or more fragrance passages to cover or expose the one or more fragrance passages, thereby regulating the amount of air suctioned through the one or more fragrance disks.

[0016] In some embodiments, the docking station dust collection cup includes an outlet air path formed by an outlet chamber between an outlet of the one or more fragrance passages and an inlet port of the docking station dust collection cup, wherein the outlet air path draws the fragrant air from the odor control assembly into the docking station dust collection cup.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cleaning system further includes an odor control chamber disposed at least partially in the top surface of the docking station dust collection cup, the odor control chamber configured to at least partially receive the odor control assembly.

[0018] On the other hand, a cleaning system is provided. The cleaning system includes a vacuum cleaner and a docking station. The vacuum cleaner is configured to dock with the docking station, and the docking station includes: a station suction inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to the vacuum cleaner; a docking station dust collection cup configured to be removably fluidly coupled to the docking station, the docking station dust collection cup including a debris chamber; an odor control assembly fluidly coupled to the docking station dust collection cup; and a station suction motor configured to cause air to flow into the station suction inlet and through the docking station dust collection cup, wherein the station suction motor is configured to generate an air flow through the odor control assembly and into the debris chamber.

[0019] In some embodiments, the docking station further includes a base configured to be removably fixed to the docking station dust collection cup, the base including the station suction motor.

[0020] In some embodiments, the odor control assembly includes: a fragrance disk; and a dial body configured to be removably fixed to the docking station dust collection cup and configured to receive the fragrance disk, wherein the dial body at least partially defines an aromatic agent chamber configured to receive and enclose the fragrance disk.

[0021] In some embodiments, the odor control assembly further includes one or more fragrance passages configured to allow air to flow through the fragrance disk to transfer fragrance particles to the air to form fragrant air flowing into the debris chamber.

[0022] In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner is a handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0023] In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner is a robotic vacuum cleaner.

[0024] In another aspect, a cleaning system is provided. The cleaning system includes: a vacuum cleaner; a first odor control assembly; and a docking station. The first odor control assembly is fluidly coupled to the vacuum cleaner; the vacuum cleaner is configured to dock with the docking station, and the docking station includes: a station suction inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to the vacuum cleaner; a station dust cup configured to be removably fluidly coupled to the docking station, the station dust cup including a debris chamber; a second odor control assembly fluidly coupled to the station dust cup; and a station suction motor configured to cause air to flow from the vacuum cleaner into the station suction inlet and through the station dust cup, wherein the station suction motor is configured to generate an air flow through the second odor control assembly and into the debris chamber. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] These and other features and advantages will be better understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic example of a vacuum cleaner docked with a docking station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2 is according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 of a vacuum cleaner having a dust cup in a manual emptying configuration.

[0028] Figure 3 is according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 of a vacuum cleaner having a dust cup in an automatic emptying configuration.

[0029] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner docked with a docking station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 5 is according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 4 of a vacuum cleaner Figure 4 detached from a docking station with one or more accessories of the vacuum cleaner remaining docked with the docking station.

[0031] Figure 6 is according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 4 of a docking station.

[0032] Figure 6A is according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 4 of a docking station corresponding to Figure 6 a magnified view of a portion of region 6A.

[0033] Figure 7 is according to an embodiment of the present disclosureFigure 4 of the docking station for receiving Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the container of the vacuum cleaner.

[0034] Figure 8 is according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 4 Perspective view of a vacuum cleaner having a dust collection cup outlet in a closed configuration.

[0035] Figure 8A is according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 4 of the vacuum cleaner corresponding to Figure 8 An enlarged view of a portion of region 8A.

[0036] Figure 9 is according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 4 Perspective view of a vacuum cleaner having a dust collection cup outlet in an open configuration.

[0037] Figure 10 is according to an embodiment of the present disclosure along Figure 4 taken along line X-X of Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner and the docking station.

[0038] Figure 11 Schematic example of a vacuum cleaner docked to a docking station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 12A Perspective view of a docking station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the vacuum cleaner is detached from the docking station.

[0040] Figure 12B Perspective view of the station dust collection cup, showing the odor control chamber with the odor control assembly removed.

[0041] Figure 12C Top view of the station dust collection cup, showing the odor control chamber with the odor control assembly removed.

[0042] Figure 13A is for according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 11 Perspective view of the odor control assembly for the vacuum cleaner.

[0043] Figure 13B is for according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 11 Exploded view of the odor control assembly for the vacuum cleaner.

[0044] Figure 13C is for according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 11 Front view of the odor control assembly for the vacuum cleaner.

[0045] Figure 13Dis a side view of an odor control assembly for a Figure 11 vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 13E is a front view of a dial body for a Figure 11 vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 13F is a perspective view of a disk cylinder for a Figure 11 vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 13G is a front view of a fragrance disk for a Figure 11 vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 13H is a bottom perspective view of a disk cylinder of an odor control assembly for a Figure 11 vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 14A is a front cross-sectional view of an odor control assembly installed in a station dust cup, showing an inlet air path.

[0051] Figure 14B is a front perspective view of an odor control assembly installed in a station dust cup in a docking station for a Figure 11 vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 14C is a rear perspective view of an odor control assembly installed in a station dust cup in a docking station for a Figure 11 vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 15 is a top cross-sectional view of an odor control assembly installed in a station dust cup, showing an inlet air path.

[0054] Figure 16 is a front cross-sectional view of a station dust cup, showing an outlet air path.

[0055] Figure 17 is a side view of a docking station for a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing an outlet port for the station dust cup.

[0056] Figure 18A is a perspective view of a station dust cup according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing an alternative bleed hole position for inlet air of the odor control assembly.

[0057] Figure 18B FIG. 1 is a front cross-sectional view of a station dust collection cup according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing alternative bleed hole locations for inlet air to an odor control assembly.

[0058] Figure 19 FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a docking station for a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing alternative locations for an odor control assembly.

[0059] Figure 20 FIG. 3 is a front view of a docking station for a robotic vacuum cleaner including an odor control assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Figure 21 FIG. 4 is a front cross-sectional view of an odor control assembly in a docking station for a robotic vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The present disclosure generally relates to vacuum cleaners and docking stations configured to interface with vacuum cleaners. The vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner suction motor, a cleaner suction inlet, and a cleaner dust collection cup. The cleaner suction motor is fluidly coupled to the cleaner suction inlet and the cleaner dust collection cup such that when the cleaner suction motor is activated, air is suctioned through the cleaner suction inlet and into the cleaner dust collection cup. Debris may be entrained in the air suctioned through the cleaner suction inlet. At least a portion of the entrained debris is deposited within the cleaner dust collection cup for later disposal. The cleaner dust collection cup may include a first emptying configuration and a second emptying configuration for removing debris from the cleaner dust collection cup. The first emptying configuration may correspond to a manual emptying configuration (e.g., for a user to empty the cleaner dust collection cup into a waste container), while the second emptying configuration may correspond to an automatic emptying configuration (e.g., for using the docking station to empty the cleaner dust collection cup).

[0062] The docking station includes a station suction motor, a container having a station suction inlet, and a station dust collection cup. The station suction motor is configured to draw air into the station suction inlet and through the station dust collection cup. The container is configured to interface with the vacuum cleaner such that the vacuum cleaner is removably coupled to (docked with) the docking station. When the vacuum cleaner is docked with the docking station and the station suction motor is activated, the cleaner dust collection cup may be switched to the automatic emptying configuration. When in the automatic emptying configuration, the cleaner dust collection cup and the station dust collection cup are fluidly coupled such that when the station suction motor is activated, at least a portion of any debris stored within the cleaner dust collection cup is transferred to the station dust collection cup.

[0063] Using a docking station to empty the cleaner dust cup can reduce the number of times a user is exposed to debris collected by the vacuum cleaner (e.g., due to a debris plume during emptying). For example, the station dust cup can be configured to have a volume greater than that of the cleaner dust cup (e.g., at least twice as large). Thus, the user can handle the collected debris less frequently, reducing the user's exposure to the debris.

[0064] Figure 1 A schematic example of a cleaning system 101 is shown having a vacuum cleaner 100 removably coupled (docked) to a docking station 102. The vacuum cleaner 100 includes a handle 104, a cleaner suction motor 106, a cleaner dust cup 108, and a cleaner inlet 110. The cleaner suction motor 106 is fluidly coupled to the cleaner inlet 110 and the cleaner dust cup 108 such that when the cleaner suction motor 106 is activated, air is caused to flow through the cleaner inlet 110 and into the cleaner dust cup 108. Debris may be entrained in the air flowing through the cleaner inlet 110. At least a portion of the entrained debris may be deposited in the cleaner dust cup 108 for later disposal. The cleaner dust cup 108 can be configured to have a first emptying configuration and a second emptying configuration, where the cleaner dust cup 108 can be in the first emptying configuration when the vacuum cleaner 100 is detached from the docking station 102, and the cleaner dust cup can be in the second emptying configuration when the vacuum cleaner 100 is docked to the docking station 102. Thus, the first emptying configuration can generally be referred to as a manual emptying configuration, while the second emptying configuration can generally be referred to as an automatic emptying configuration.

[0065] The user interface 112 can be provided on and / or near the handle 104 (e.g., within 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 35%, or 50% of the maximum dimension of the handle 104). The user interface 112 can include a start switch (e.g., for starting the suction motor 106), a cleaning behavior switch (e.g., for increasing the suction power of the suction motor 106), a dust cup emptying switch (e.g., for switching the cleaner dust cup 108 to the manual emptying configuration), and / or one or more of any other switches.

[0066] The docking station 102 includes a base 114, an upper air duct 116 extending from the base 114, and a container 118 coupled to the upper air duct 116. The container 118 is configured to receive at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 100. The base 114 includes a station dust cup 120 and a station suction motor 122. In some cases, the base 114 may also include a rear motor filter 115, where the exhaust from the station suction motor 122 is configured to pass through the rear motor filter 115. The rear motor filter 115 can be a high-efficiency particulate air (“HEPA”) filter (e.g., a pleated HEPA filter).

[0067] The upper air duct 116 includes an air passage 124 that is fluidly coupled to the station dust collection cup 120 and the station suction motor 122 such that when the station suction motor 122 is activated, air is drawn through the air passage 124 and into the station dust collection cup 120. The container 118 includes a station inlet 126 that is fluidly coupled to the air passage 124 such that when the station suction motor 122 is activated, air is drawn through the station inlet 126 and into the air passage 124. In other words, the upper air duct 116 fluidly couples the station inlet 126 to the station suction motor 122 and the station dust collection cup 120.

[0068] As shown, the cleaner dust collection cup 108 includes a dust collection cup outlet 128 that is configured to be fluidly coupled to the station inlet 126 when the vacuum cleaner 100 is docked with the docking station 102 (e.g., when at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 100 is received within the container 118). When the station suction motor 122 is activated, air is drawn through the dust collection cup outlet 128 and into the station inlet 126. The dust collection cup outlet 128 can be configured to selectively open and close when the vacuum cleaner 100 is docked to the docking station 102. When the dust collection cup outlet 128 is in the open configuration, the cleaner dust collection cup 108 is in the automatic emptying configuration.

[0069] Figure 2 A schematic example of a vacuum cleaner 100 with a cleaner dust collection cup 108 in a manual emptying configuration is shown. As shown, the cleaner dust collection cup 108 is coupled (e.g., movably coupled, detachably coupled, and / or pivotally coupled) to the body 200 of the vacuum cleaner 100 such that the cleaner dust collection cup 108 is capable of transitioning between a stowed configuration and a manual emptying configuration. For example, and as shown, the cleaner dust collection cup 108 is pivotally coupled to the body 200 of the vacuum cleaner 100 at a pivot point 202 such that the cleaner dust collection cup 108 pivots from the stowed configuration to the manual emptying configuration. When in the manual emptying configuration, debris within the cleaner dust collection cup 108 can be emptied from the dust collection cup open end 204 of the cleaner dust collection cup 108. The dust collection cup open end 204 can be opposite the pivot point 202 of the cleaner dust collection cup 108. This configuration can facilitate the emptying of debris from the dust collection cup open end 204 due to the pivotal movement of the cleaner dust collection cup 108.

[0070] Figure 3Schematic example of a vacuum cleaner 100 showing the cleaner dust cup 108 in a retracted configuration and the dust cup outlet 128 in an open configuration. As shown, the dust cup door 300 can be configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet 128, thereby selectively transitioning the dust cup outlet 128 between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The dust cup door 300 is pivotally coupled to the cleaner dust cup 108 such that the dust cup door 300 pivots to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet 128. For example, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is docked with the docking station 102, the airflow generated by the station suction motor 122 can cause the dust cup door 300 to pivot, opening the dust cup outlet 128 and allowing debris within the cleaner dust cup 108 to be entrained in the airflow. Thus, when the dust cup outlet 128 is in the open configuration, the dust cup 108 can generally be described as being in an automatic emptying configuration.

[0071] Figure 4 Perspective view showing a vacuum cleaner 400 and a docking station 402, where the vacuum cleaner can be Figure 1 an example of the vacuum cleaner 100, and the docking station can be Figure 1 an example of the docking station 102.

[0072] The vacuum cleaner 400 includes a body 403, a handle 404, a cleaner user interface 406 near the handle 404, a cleaner suction motor 408, a cleaner dust cup 410 pivotally coupled to the body 403, and a cleaner inlet 412, where the cleaner suction motor 408 is fluidly coupled to the cleaner dust cup 410 and the cleaner inlet 412. The cleaner inlet 412 can be configured to releasably couple to an accessory 414 (such as a cleaning tube). The accessory 414 can be configured to releasably couple to an additional accessory 416 (such as a floor nozzle).

[0073] The docking station 402 includes a base 418, a station dust cup 420 releasably coupled to the base 418, a station suction motor 422 disposed within the base 418, an upper air duct 424 extending from the base 418, and a container 426 coupled to the upper air duct 424. The container 426 is configured to receive at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 400 such that the vacuum cleaner 400 is releasably coupled (docked) to the docking station 402. The container 426 can also be configured to receive at least a portion of the accessory 414 such that the accessory 414 is releasably coupled (docked) to the docking station 402.

[0074] Figure 5A perspective view of a vacuum cleaner 400 and a docking station 402 is shown, where the vacuum cleaner 400 is detached from the docking station 402. As shown, the vacuum cleaner 400 can be used independently of the accessory 414 and the additional accessory 416, and the accessory 414 and the additional accessory 416 can remain docked with the docking station 402 while being separated from the vacuum cleaner 400. When the vacuum cleaner 400 is detached separately from the accessory 414 and the additional accessory 416, the accessory 414 and the additional accessory 416 can be detached from the docking station 402 independently of the vacuum cleaner 400. In some cases, when the accessory 414 and the additional accessory 416 are not docked with the docking station 402, the vacuum cleaner 400 can be docked with the docking station 402 separately from the accessory 414 and the additional accessory 416.

[0075] Figure 6 A perspective view of the docking station 402 is shown, while Figure 6A shows a magnified view corresponding to Figure 6 zone 6A in. As shown, the container 426 includes charging contacts 600 configured to be electrically coupled to the vacuum cleaner 400 (e.g., for charging one or more batteries of the vacuum cleaner 400), one or more accessory aligners 602, one or more cleaner aligners 604, and one or more dust cup aligners 606. In some cases, the docking station 402 can be configured to use the charging contacts 600 to detect the docking of the vacuum cleaner 400 with the docking station. Additionally or alternatively, the container 426 can include one or more sensors 601 (such as tactile switches, Hall effect sensors, and / or any other type of sensor) to detect the docking of the vacuum cleaner 400 with the container. In response to detecting the docking of the vacuum cleaner 400 with the docking station 402, the docking station 402 can be caused to perform an evacuation behavior. In some cases, the docking station 402 can perform an evacuation behavior in response to detecting the docking of the vacuum cleaner 400 with the docking station 402 and in response to receiving a user input.

[0076] As shown, the container 426 is defined by one or more container sidewalls 608 that are shaped to follow the corresponding contours of the vacuum cleaner 400 and / or the accessory 414, such that the container 426 can generally be described as including a cleaner zone 610 and an accessory zone 612. For example, the container 426 can have a first width 614 and a second width 616, where the first width 614 is greater than the second width 616. The second width 616 can be closer to the base 418 of the docking station 402 than the first width 614. In some cases, the second width 616 can generally correspond to the width of the accessory 414 ( Figure 4 ), while the first width 614 can correspond to the width of the vacuum cleaner 400 ( Figure 4 ). Thus, the container 426 can generally be described as being configured to receive at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 400 and at least a portion of the accessory 414.

[0077] One or more attachment aligners 602 are configured to engage (e.g., contact) an attachment 414 to align the attachment 414 relative to a container 426. The one or more attachment aligners 602 can be grooves configured to receive corresponding portions (e.g., alignment protrusions) of the attachment 414. In some cases, at least a portion of the one or more attachment aligners 602 is configured to limit movement of the attachment 414 relative to one or more predetermined axes when at least a portion of the attachment 414 engages the one or more attachment aligners 602. For example, at least a portion of the one or more attachment aligners 602 can be configured to limit movement of the attachment 414 relative to an insertion / removal axis 618 of the container 426 when at least a portion of the attachment 414 engages the one or more attachment aligners 602. The insertion / removal axis 618 can extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the upper air duct 424 (e.g., within a range of 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, or 5°).

[0078] One or more cleaner aligners 604 are configured to engage (e.g., contact) a body 403 of the vacuum cleaner 400 ( Figure 4 ) to align the vacuum cleaner 400 relative to the container 426. The one or more cleaner aligners 604 can be protrusions configured to be received within corresponding grooves in the vacuum cleaner 400 (e.g., in the body 403). In some cases, at least a portion of the one or more cleaner aligners 604 is configured to limit movement of the vacuum cleaner 400 relative to one or more axes when at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 400 engages the one or more cleaner aligners 604. For example, at least a portion of the one or more cleaner aligners 604 can be configured to limit movement of the vacuum cleaner 400 relative to the insertion / removal axis 618 when at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 400 engages the one or more cleaner aligners 604.

[0079] One or more dust cup aligners 606 are configured to engage a cleaner dust cup 410 ( Figure 4) so as to align the dust collection cup outlet with the station inlet 620 of the container 426. As shown, there may be a plurality of dust collection cup aligners 606 disposed on opposite sides of the station inlet 620. One or more of the dust collection cup aligners 606 may be recesses configured to receive at least a portion of the cleaner dust collection cup 410. In some cases, at least a portion of one or more of the dust collection cup aligners 606 is configured to limit movement of the vacuum cleaner 400 relative to one or more axes when at least a portion of the cleaner dust collection cup 410 engages one or more of the dust collection cup aligners 606. For example, at least a portion of one or more of the dust collection cup aligners 606 may be configured to limit movement of the vacuum cleaner 400 relative to the insertion / removal axis 618 when at least a portion of the cleaner dust collection cup 410 engages one or more of the dust collection cup aligners 606. The dust collection cup aligner 606 may further be configured to urge the cleaner dust collection cup 410 to engage a seal 624 extending around the perimeter of the station inlet 620. The seal 624 may be elastically deformable such that when the vacuum cleaner 400 is received within the container 426, the seal 624 is at least partially compressed. For example, the seal 624 may include thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”).

[0080] Reference Figure 7 , which shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the container 426, one or more of the dust collection cup aligners 606 may include a dust collection cup aligner recess 700 defined by a first recess sidewall 702 and a second recess sidewall 704. The first recess sidewall 702 and the second recess sidewall 704 may be configured to promote formation of a seal between the seal 624 ( Figure 6A ) and the cleaner dust collection cup 410 and / or reduce wear on the seal 624 due to repeated docking and undocking of the vacuum cleaner 400 with the docking station 402. The first recess sidewall 702 may include a first sidewall portion 706 and a second sidewall portion 708, and the first sidewall portion 706 intersects the second sidewall portion 708 to form a sidewall portion angle θ. The sidewall portion angle θ may be an obtuse angle extending between the surfaces of the first sidewall portion 706 and the second sidewall portion 708 facing the second recess sidewall 704. The second sidewall portion 708 may form a recess angle α with the second recess sidewall 704 such that a separation distance 709 extending between the second sidewall portion 708 and the second recess sidewall 704 decreases in the direction of the base 418 of the docking station 402. In other words, the dust collection cup aligner recess 700 may include a tapered region that tapers in the direction of the base 418.

[0081] The groove angle α extends from the surface of the second sidewall portion 708 facing the second groove sidewall 704 to the second groove sidewall 704. The groove angle α can be, for example, in the range of 1° to 20°. As another example, the groove angle α can be, for example, in the range of 5° to 15°. As yet another example, the groove angle α can be, for example, about 10° (e.g., within a range of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5%).

[0082] The first groove sidewall 702 and / or the second groove sidewall 704 can include a chamfered region 710 and / or 712 configured to urge at least a portion of the cleaner dust cup 410 ( Figure 4 ) to be inserted into the dust cup aligner groove 700. The first groove sidewall 702 has a first sidewall height 714, while the second groove sidewall 704 has a second sidewall height 716. The first sidewall height 714 can be greater than the second sidewall height 716. Thus, the movement of the vacuum cleaner 400 along the insertion / removal axis 618 can be restricted only for a portion of the dust cup aligner groove 700 (e.g., the portion of the dust cup aligner groove 700 that extends between the first groove sidewall 702 and the second groove sidewall 704).

[0083] Figure 8 and Figure 9 A perspective view of the vacuum cleaner 400 is shown. As shown, the body 403 of the vacuum cleaner 400 includes one or more cleaner alignment grooves 800 configured to cooperate with a docking station 402 (e.g., one or more cleaner aligners 604 of the container 426 ( Figure 6A ))), and the cleaner dust cup 410 includes a dust cup alignment protrusion 802 configured to cooperate with the docking station 402 (e.g., the dust cup aligner 606 ( Figure 6A ))). The dust cup alignment protrusion 802 can include a dust cup outlet 804 configured to be selectively opened and closed by a dust cup door 806 such that debris within the cleaner dust cup 410 can selectively pass through the dust cup outlet.

[0084] As shown, the dust cup door 806 is configured to transition between a closed position ( Figure 8 ) and an open position ( Figure 9 ). For example, the dust cup door 806 can be pivotally coupled to the cleaner dust cup 410 (e.g., the dust cup alignment protrusion 802) such that the dust cup door 806 pivots between the open position and the closed position. The dust cup door 806 can be biased toward the closed position (e.g., using a spring such as a torsion spring). When the dust cup door 806 is in the open position, the cleaner dust cup 410 can generally be described as being in an automatic emptying configuration.

[0085] The vacuum cleaner 400 (such as the cleaner dust cup 410) may include a retainer 808. The retainer 808 may be movably (e.g., slidably) coupled to the dust cup alignment protrusion 802, where the retainer 808 is configured to transition between a locked position ( Figure 8 ) and an unlocked position ( Figure 9 ). When the retainer 808 is in the locked position, the dust cup door 806 is prevented from moving from the closed position to the open position (e.g., pivotal movement of the dust cup door 806 can be substantially prevented). When the retainer 808 is in the unlocked position, the dust cup door 806 is able to move from the closed position to the open position. The retainer 808 may be biased towards the locked position (e.g., using a spring such as a compression spring).

[0086] When the vacuum cleaner 400 is docked with the docking station 402, the retainer 808 can transition from the locked position to the unlocked position. For example, the container 426 may include an actuation protrusion 626 ( Figure 6A ) that extends transverse (e.g., perpendicular) to the insertion / removal axis 618. The actuation protrusion 626 is configured to engage (e.g., contact) the retainer 808 when the vacuum cleaner 400 is received by the container 426. When the vacuum cleaner 400 is docked with the docking station 402, the engagement of the actuation protrusion 626 with the retainer 808 causes the retainer to transition (e.g., slide) from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0087] The dust cup alignment protrusion 802 is configured to cooperate with the dust cup aligner 606. For example, the dust cup alignment protrusion 802 may have a shape that generally corresponds to the shape of the dust cup aligner groove 700 ( Figure 7 ), such as a wedge shape. For example, the shape of the dust cup alignment protrusion 802 may be such that the second groove sidewall 704 engages (e.g., contacts) the dust cup alignment protrusion 802, thereby urging the dust cup alignment protrusion 802 to engage (e.g., contact) the seal 624 ( Figure 6A ). The engagement between the seal 624 and the dust cup alignment protrusion 802 may at least partially compress the seal 624. For example, the seal engagement surface 810 of the dust cup alignment protrusion 802 may engage the seal 624, thereby forming at least a partial seal. When the cleaner dust cup 410 is emptied, the formation of the partial seal may mitigate the debris plume.

[0088] In some cases, and with additional reference Figure 8A (which is generally corresponding to Figure 8(An enlarged view of region 8A in FIG.), the dust collection cup alignment protrusion 802 may further include an alignment lip 803 that extends outwardly from the protrusion sidewall 805 of the dust collection cup alignment protrusion 802 by a first extension distance 807. The dust collection cup alignment protrusion 802 may include a plurality of alignment lips 803, where each alignment lip 803 extends along opposite longitudinal sides of the dust collection cup alignment protrusion 802. The alignment lip 803 may be configured to engage at least a portion of the dust collection cup aligner 606. In some cases, the alignment lip 803 may include at least a portion of the sealing engagement surface 810 of the dust collection cup alignment protrusion 802. The dust collection cup alignment protrusion 802 may include (in addition to or as an alternative to the alignment lip 803) an alignment protrusion 809. The alignment protrusion 809 may extend from the protrusion sidewall 805 by a second extension distance 811, and the second extension distance 811 is greater than the first extension distance 807. The alignment protrusion 809 may be configured to engage at least a portion of the dust collection cup aligner 606. In some cases, the alignment protrusion 809 may include at least a portion of the sealing engagement surface 810 of the dust collection cup alignment protrusion 802.

[0089] As shown, the sealing engagement surface 810 of the dust collection cup alignment protrusion 802 forms a protrusion angle β with the cleaner longitudinal axis 812. The protrusion angle β may generally correspond to the groove angle α ( Figure 7 ). The protrusion angle β may be, for example, in the range of 1° to 20°. As another example, the protrusion angle β may be, for example, in the range of 5° to 15°. As yet another example, the protrusion angle β may be, for example, approximately 10° (e.g., within the range of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5%).

[0090] The cleaner dust collection cup 410 is pivotally coupled to the body 403 of the vacuum cleaner 400 about a dust collection cup pivot axis 814. The cleaner dust collection cup 410 is configured to pivot from a stowed configuration to a manual emptying configuration about the dust collection cup pivot axis 814. As shown, when in the stowed configuration, the cleaner dust collection cup 410 extends along the cleaner longitudinal axis 812 between the inlet end 816 of the body 403 and the handle 404. When the cleaner dust collection cup 410 is pivoted to the manual emptying position, the open end 818 of the cleaner dust collection cup 410 is exposed. As shown, when the cleaner dust collection cup 410 is in the stowed configuration, the open end 818 is received within the body 403. Thus, the cleaner dust collection cup 410 may generally be described as being configured to pivot such that the open end 818 is selectively received within the body 403. The open end 818 and the dust collection cup outlet 804 may be located on different sides of the cleaner dust collection cup 410.

[0091] Figure 10 Shown along Figure 4 the line X-X taken of Figure 4Cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner 400 docked to the docking station 402. As shown, the dust cup door 806 is in the open position. The dust cup door 806 can be switched from the closed position to the open position in response to the activation of the station suction motor 422 ( Figure 4 ). For example, the airflow generated by the station suction motor 422 can push the dust cup door 806 towards the open position. When the station suction motor 422 is deactivated, the dust cup door 806 can be switched to the closed position (e.g., due to gravity and / or biasing force). When the dust cup door 806 is in the open position, at least a portion of the dust cup door 806 passes through the station inlet 620 and is at least partially received within the container cavity 1000 of the container 426. In other words, when the dust cup outlet 804 is open, at least a portion of the dust cup door 806 is received within the container cavity 1000.

[0092] The airflow generated by the station suction motor 422 can flow along the evacuation flow path 1002. As shown, the evacuation flow path 1002 extends from the cleaner dust cup 410 through the air passage 1004 of the upper air duct 424 into the container cavity 1000 and into the station dust cup 420.

[0093] An example of a vacuum cleaner according to the present disclosure may include a main body and a dust cup coupled to the main body. The dust cup may include an open end configured to be selectively received within the main body and a dust cup outlet configured to be selectively opened and closed.

[0094] In some cases, the dust cup may further include a dust cup door configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet. In some cases, the dust cup door may be pivotally coupled to the dust cup. In some cases, the dust cup may further include a retainer configured to switch between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein when the retainer is in the locked position, pivotal movement of the dust cup door is substantially prevented. In some cases, the retainer may be biased towards the locked position. In some cases, the dust cup may further include a dust cup alignment protrusion configured to cooperate with the docking station, the dust cup alignment protrusion including the dust cup outlet. In some cases, the main body may include an alignment groove configured to cooperate with the docking station. In some cases, the dust cup outlet and the open end may be located on different sides of the dust cup.

[0095] Examples of cleaning systems according to the present disclosure may include a vacuum cleaner and a docking station. The vacuum cleaner may have a main body and a cleaner dust cup coupled to the main body, and the vacuum cleaner may be configured to dock with the docking station. The cleaner dust cup may include an open end and a dust cup outlet. The open end may be configured to selectively receive within the main body, and the dust cup outlet may be configured to selectively open and close. The dust cup outlet and the open end are located on different sides of the cleaner dust cup. The docking station may include a base having a suction motor and a station dust cup, an upper air duct extending from the base, and a container having a station inlet. The container may be configured to receive at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner, and the upper air duct may fluidly couple the station inlet to the suction motor and the station dust cup.

[0096] In some cases, the station inlet may be configured to fluidly couple with the dust cup outlet when the vacuum cleaner docks with the docking station. In some cases, the cleaner dust cup may further include a dust cup door configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet. In some cases, the container may include a container cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the dust cup door when the dust cup outlet is open. In some cases, the dust cup door may be configured to pivot to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet, and the airflow generated by the suction motor may pivot the dust cup door to open the dust cup outlet. In some cases, the cleaner dust cup may further include a retainer configured to transition between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein when the retainer is in the locked position, movement of the dust cup door is substantially prevented. In some cases, the container may include an actuating protrusion configured to transition the retainer from the locked position to the unlocked position when the vacuum cleaner docks with the docking station. In some cases, the actuating protrusion may extend transversely to the insertion / removal axis of the container. In some cases, the retainer may be biased toward the locked position. In some cases, the container may include a dust cup aligner configured to align the dust cup outlet with the station inlet. In some cases, the dust cup aligner may include a groove having a tapered region that tapers in the direction of the base. In some cases, the container may include a cleaner aligner. In some cases, the vacuum cleaner may include an alignment groove configured to cooperate with the cleaner aligner. In some cases, the dust cup may be pivotally coupled to the main body.

[0097] In some cases, a docking station for a vacuum cleaner may include one or more odor control components for controlling odors in the dust cup in the docking station. The odor control components may include an adjustment member that may be transitioned to vary the amount of fragrance particles output by the odor control component during use (e.g., during emptying of the dust cup in the vacuum cleaner into the dust cup in the docking station).

[0098] More specifically, the fragrance particles can be provided by a fragrance member coupled to an adjustment member, where the fragrance member provides at least one fragrance air path. The adjustment member can adjust the cross-sectional size of the opening leading to the fragrance air path by rotating the odor control assembly to cover or expose the air path, thereby regulating the amount of air that can be drawn through the fragrance member. Then, the air traveling through the fragrance air path can atomize the fragrance particles. Then, the odor control assembly can output the fragrance particles into the dust collection cup in the docking station. The air conveyed through the air path of the fragrance member can be provided from a motor (such as a suction motor disposed in the docking station) for evacuating debris from the dust collection cup in the vacuum cleaner into the dust collection cup in the docking station. The temperature and / or the speed of the air conveyed across the motor can be advantageously used to ensure that a predetermined amount of fragrance particles are output by the odor control assembly.

[0099] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a cleaning system 1101 having a vacuum cleaner 1100, which can be Figure 1 an example of the vacuum cleaner 100, which is detachably coupled (docked) to a docking station 1200, which can be Figure 1 an example of the docking station 102. Figure 11 The cleaning system 1101 can further include a station dust collection cup 1210, and the station dust collection cup 1210 can further include an odor control assembly 1300.

[0100] Figure 12A is a perspective view of the docking station 1200 with the vacuum cleaner 1100 detached from the docking station. The odor control assembly 1300 can be detachably coupled to the station dust collection cup 1210. For example, the odor control assembly 1300 can be at least partially disposed in the station dust collection cup 1210, and more specifically, in an odor control cavity 1212 in the top surface of the station dust collection cup 1210 ( Figure 12B ). Figure 12C A close-up view of the odor control cavity in the top surface of the station dust collection cup 1210 is shown in Figure 12C Also shown is a protrusion 1214 that holds the odor control assembly 1300 in the station dust collection cup 1210.

[0101] Refer to Figure 13E, generally shows an example of an odor control assembly 1300 in accordance with the present disclosure. The odor control assembly 1300 may include a dial body 1312 configured to removably secure to a station dust cup 1210 and configured to receive one or more fragrance disks 1306. The dial body 1312 may have a generally circular cross-section and may be configured to generally form one or more seals with the station dust cup 1210 and, optionally, may define an aromatic chamber 1326 configured to receive and generally enclose the fragrance disk 1306. The dial body 1312 and / or the disk cylinder 1308 may define one or more aromatic passages 1328 configured to allow air to flow through / past the disk cylinder 1308 to transfer aromatic particles into the air to form aromatic air.

[0102] Turning now to Figure 13B , a exploded view generally showing an example of the odor control assembly 1300 is shown. The dial body 1312 may include a disk cylinder 1308 and a disk cap 1304. The disk cylinder 1308 and the disk cap 1304 may be configured to removably couple to each other to at least partially form the aromatic chamber 1326 and the aromatic passages 1328. In the example shown, the disk cylinder 1308 includes an inlet 1348 and an outlet 1350 leading to the aromatic passages 1328 (see Figure 13F ). Atmosphere may flow through the inlet 1348, across the fragrance disk 1306 and out of the outlet. Optionally, the disk cap 1304 may include one or more rotatable segments or pivot adjustment members 1302A that function as a handle or D-ring to assist in inserting and removing the odor control assembly 1300. The pivot adjustment member 1302A may be coupled to the disk cap 1304, for example, by one or more hinges or pins 1303, etc. Optionally, the disk cap 1304 may also include a retaining ring 1302B fixed to the disk cap 1304.

[0103] As described above, the disk cylinder 1308 and the disk cap 1304 may be configured to removably couple to each other to at least partially form the aromatic chamber 1326 and the aromatic passages 1328. The disk cylinder 1308 and the disk cap 1304 may be removably secured to each other in any manner known to those skilled in the art, such as but not limited to threaded connections, tabs, detents, clips, etc.

[0104] One benefit of the detachable connection between the disk cartridge 1308 and the disk cap 1304 is that it allows for replacement of the disk cartridge 1308 and the fragrance disk 1306 to be completed without the user having to touch the fragrance disk 1306 and without having to replace the entire odor control assembly 1300. In particular, when the user desires to replace the fragrance disk 1306, the user can purchase a disk cartridge 1308 pre-loaded with the fragrance disk 1306. The user can then disconnect the disk cartridge 1308 (which includes the fragrance disk 1306) from the disk cap 1304 and then connect the new disk cartridge 1308 (with the fragrance disk 1306 pre-loaded therein) to the existing disk cap 1304.

[0105] Turning now to Figure 13F , an example of the disk cartridge 1308 is generally shown. The disk cartridge 1308 can include, for example, one or more side walls 1342 extending upwardly from a base 1344. The side walls 1342 (and optionally, the base 1344) can define a disk chamber 1346 configured to receive the fragrance disk 1306. The disk chamber 1346 can be the same as the aromatic chamber 1326 or can define a portion of the aromatic chamber 1326. The side walls 1342 can also at least partially define an inlet 1348 and an outlet 1350 leading to the aromatic passage 1328. In the example shown, the inlet 1348 and the outlet 1350 of the aromatic passage 1328 are generally aligned 180 degrees relative to each other; however, it should be understood that the inlet 1348 and the outlet 1350 can be aligned at any other angle.

[0106] Optionally, the side walls 1342 can include one or more disk alignment features 1352. The disk alignment features 1352 are configured to align the fragrance disk 1306 relative to the inlet 1348 and the outlet 1350. In the example shown, the disk alignment features 1352 include grooves configured to receive corresponding tabs 1354 of the fragrance disk 1306 ( Figure 13G), and align the passage 1356 that extends through the body 1358 of the fragrance disk 1306 with the inlet 1348 and the outlet 1350. The inlet 1348, the outlet 1350, and the passage 1356 can jointly (at least partially) define the fragrance passage 1328. The height H of the inlet 1348 and / or the outlet 1350 can vary across the width W. In particular, the height H can be smaller near one or more ends of the width and larger between one or more ends of the width (e.g., in the middle). When the odor control assembly 1300 rotates, the varying height H can facilitate adjusting the airflow through the fragrance passage 1328. The passage 1356 that extends through the body 1358 of the fragrance disk 1306 can include through-holes that are aligned with the inlet and the outlet of the fragrance air path. The through-holes can define a passage through the fragrance disk 1306 that is surrounded by the fragrance disk 1306 and has an inlet and an outlet. The through-holes can also have a cross-section corresponding to the cross-sections of the inlet 1348 and the outlet 1350. The benefit of the through-holes in the fragrance disk 1306 is that they increase the surface area available for transferring fragrance particles to the air flowing through the fragrance disk 1306.

[0107] Reference Figure 13H , optionally, the bottom surface of the disk cylinder 1308 can include grooves or the like that allow the disk cylinder 1308 to be easily disconnected from the disk cap 1304. This can allow the user to remove the disk cylinder 1308 without having to touch the disk cylinder 1308.

[0108] In some cases, the odor control assembly 1300 can be implemented as shown in Figure 13A and Figure 13B . The odor control assembly 1300 includes an adjustment assembly 1302 composed of a pivot adjustment member 1302A and a fixed ring 1302B, a disk cap 1304, a fragrance disk 1306, and a disk cylinder 1308. The adjustment assembly 1302, the disk cap 1304, the fragrance disk 1306, and the disk cylinder 1308 are detachably coupled to each other to form the odor control assembly 1300. The adjustment assembly 1302, the disk cap 1304, the fragrance disk 1306, and the disk cylinder 1308 can be detachably fixed to each other in any manner known to those skilled in the art, such as but not limited to threaded connections, tabs, detents, clips, etc.

[0109] The adjustment assembly 1302 can be configured to allow the user to adjust the amount of fragrance particles introduced into the dirty air passage of the station dust collection cup 1210 based on the rotational movement of the adjustment assembly 1302 about the rotation axis 1222 (see Figure 12A ). The adjustment assembly 1302 can be configured to transition the adjustment assembly 1302 between a plurality of user-selectable positions.

[0110] When a user applies a rotational force to the adjustment assembly 1302, the odor control assembly 1300 is rotated as a unit relative to the cleaning system 1101 and / or the station dust collection cup 1210, thereby controlling the amount of input air allowed to pass through the odor control assembly 1300 and into the station dust collection cup 1210. The user-selectable positions may include at least a fully open position and a closed position. The fully open position is used to release a first predetermined amount of the fragrance from the fragrance member into the station dust collection cup 1210, and the closed position is used to substantially prevent and / or minimize the amount of fragrance released into the station dust collection cup 1210 of the cleaning system 1101. The user can rotate the adjustment assembly 1302, and thus the odor control assembly 1300, to any position between the fully open position and the substantially closed position to achieve the desired amount of fragrance released into the station dust collection cup 1210.

[0111] The plurality of user-selectable positions may include a release position. The release position may be located at a position outside the rotational direction of the user-selectable positions for adjusting the output of the fragrance particles. In the release position, the adjustment assembly 1302 may be configured to separate from the station dust collection cup 1210 based on a pulling force provided by the user along an axis extending substantially parallel (e.g., coaxial) to the rotational axis 1222. The adjustment assembly 1302 and the fragrance disk 1306 may separate from the station dust collection cup 1210 at the release position. The adjustment assembly 1302 and the fragrance disk 1306 may be fixed together such that when the adjustment assembly 1302 separates from the station dust collection cup 1210, the adjustment assembly 1302 and the fragrance disk 1306 remain coupled together. In some cases, the release position may allow the entire odor control assembly 1300 to separate from the station dust collection cup as a unit.

[0112] The adjustment assembly 1302 may include a pivot adjustment member 1302A that can pivot about a pin 1303 inserted into a corresponding hole (not shown) in the disk cap 1304. The user can rotate the pivot adjustment member 1302A away from the disk cap 1304 to facilitate rotating the adjustment assembly 1302. Additionally, the user can rotate the pivot adjustment member 1302A to allow removal and replacement of the fragrance disk 1306.

[0113] Figure 13C is a front view of the odor control assembly 1300, and Figure 13D shows a side view of the odor control assembly 1300. Figure 13C and Figure 13D shows how the adjustment assembly 1302 controls the amount of fragrance particles allowed to pass through the odor control assembly 1300 and into the station dust collection cup 1210, and thus controls the amount of fragrance particles released into the station dust collection cup 1210. As Figure 13C and Figure 13DAs can be seen in FIG. 1 , the disc cartridge 1308 and the scent disc 1306 have an opening 1314 on the left side of the disc cartridge 1308 and the scent disc 1306, and an opening 1316 on the right side of the disc cartridge 1308 and the scent disc 1306. In the fully open position, the openings 1314 and 1316 are respectively aligned with the inlet port ( Figure 15 1502) and output ports ( Figure 15 1504 in the odor control chamber 1212). As the adjustment assembly 1302 is rotated toward the minimum position, the openings 1314 and / or 1316 rotate away from the inlet port 1502 and / or the outlet port 1504 until, when fully rotated, the inlet port 1502 and / or the outlet port 1504 are substantially blocked (i.e., the openings 1314 and / or 1316 are not aligned with the inlet port 1502 and / or the outlet port 1504). The minimum rotational position and the maximum rotational position of the adjustment assembly 1302 can be limited by the interaction of the cam 1310 with the matching protrusion 1214 in the odor control chamber 1212. Of course, it should be understood that the amount of fragrance particles dispensed from the odor control assembly 1300 into the station dust cup 1210 can be adjusted in any manner known to those skilled in the art in view of the present application.

[0114] Figure 14A The odor control assembly 1300 is installed in the station dust cup 1210 in the docking station 1200. Figure 12A 14, and 14. The front cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the docking station 1200 shows an inlet air path 1330 for clean air from the exterior of the docking station 1200 to the odor control assembly 1300. In some embodiments, the docking station 1200 may include a bleed hole 1432 that is fluidly coupled to the inlet air path 1330 so that the station suction motor (e.g. Figure 1The station suction motor 122) causes air to be suctioned through the inlet air path 1330 and into the station dust collection cup 1210 through the odor control assembly 1300 when starting up. The inlet air path 1330 may further include a backflow preventer 1320 configured to substantially isolate the odor control assembly 1300 from the atmosphere (e.g., when the station suction motor 122 is turned off). In one example, the backflow preventer 1320 may include one or more check valves or one-way doors, which may be further configured to return to the in-place / sealed position when the flow rate and / or pressure of the air through the inlet air path 1330 drops below a threshold (e.g., when the station suction motor 122 is turned off) to minimize or otherwise substantially prevent air from escaping from the inlet air path 1330 (e.g., substantially prevent the airflow from the odor control assembly 1300 to the atmosphere). The backflow preventer 1320 can increase the lifespan of the odor control assembly 1300 by minimizing the exposure of the odor control assembly 1300 to the atmosphere when the flow rate and / or pressure within the inlet air path 1330 is below the threshold, thereby minimizing the amount of fragrance particles dispensed by the odor control assembly 1300.

[0115] In some other embodiments, the drain hole and the air path 1330 can be eliminated. For example, the odor control assembly 1300 (e.g., the disc cartridge 1308 and / or the fragrance disc 1306) can be at least partially exposed and / or disposed within the debris chamber 1640. Air can be suctioned through the odor control assembly 1300 (e.g., the disc cartridge 1308 and / or the fragrance disc 1306) by suction from, for example, the station suction motor 122 and / or the cleaner suction motor 106. The odor control assembly 1300 can also dispense fragrance particles into the debris chamber 1640 without using the suction from the station suction motor 122 and / or the cleaner suction motor 106. For example, the odor control assembly 1300 can diffuse the fragrance particles into the debris chamber 1640 due to the odor control assembly 1300 being at least partially disposed within the debris chamber 1640.

[0116] Figure 14B is a front perspective view of the odor control assembly 1300 mounted in the station dust collection cup 1210, which shows the inlet air path 1330 between the backflow preventer 1320, which is a one-way door, and the inlet 1348 of the odor control assembly 1300 (e.g., the disc cartridge 1308). The inlet air path 1330 is at least partially defined by a chamber formed by the sidewall 1322, which at least partially surrounds the odor control assembly 1300 (e.g., the disc cartridge 1308) and is fluidly connected to the station suction motor. The cross-sectional size of the inlet 1348 that is in fluid communication with the inlet air path 1330 will increase or decrease depending on the rotational position of the odor control assembly 1300 selected by the user relative to the docking station 1200 and / or the station dust collection cup 1210.Figure 14B The example of Figure 14B shows the odor control assembly 1300 in the open position. When the odor control assembly 1300 rotates, the cross-sectional size of the inlet 1348 that is in fluid communication with the inlet air path 1330 will become smaller, thereby resulting in fewer fragrance particles being dispensed into the debris chamber of the station dust collection cup 1210. In the closed position, the cross-sectional size of the inlet 1348 is no longer in fluid communication with the inlet air path 1330, substantially preventing air from flowing through the odor control assembly 1300 and substantially preventing fragrance particles from being set into the debris chamber of the station dust collection cup 1210.

[0117] Figure 14C is a rear perspective view of the odor control assembly 1300 installed in the station dust collection cup 1210, which shows the outlet air path 1430 between the outlet 1350 of the disc cylinder 1308 and the station dust collection cup inlet port 1318. The outlet air path 1430 is formed by the outlet chamber 1324, which fluidly couples the outlet 1350 to the station dust collection cup inlet port 1318.

[0118] Figure 15 is along Figure 11 is a top cross-sectional view of the odor control assembly 1300 installed in the station dust collection cup 1210 taken along line B-B of Figure 11 , showing the inlet air path 1530 when air enters through the backflow preventer 1320, which is a one-way door, and passes through the odor control assembly 1300 from the inlet 1348, through the fragrance disc 1306, and exits the fragrance disc 1306 through the outlet 1350. The air path 1530 then enters the station dust collection cup 1210 via the outlet chamber 1324.

[0119] Figure 16 is along Figure 11 is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the station dust collection cup taken along line C-C of Figure 11 , showing the outlet air path 1630 entering the station dust collection cup 1210. The suction generated by the station suction motor 122 during the evacuation of debris from the cleaner dust collection cup 108 sucks air from the air path 1530 to suck fragrance particles from the fragrance disc 1306 into the debris chamber 1640 of the station dust collection cup 1210. The air sucked into the station dust collection cup 1210 by the station suction motor 122 ultimately exits the station dust collection cup 1220, for example, via one or more station exhaust ports 1634. In the example shown, the station exhaust ports 1634 may be located near the bottom of the docking station 1200, but it should be understood that the station exhaust ports 1634 may be located at any position on the station dust collection cup 1210. To prevent debris from being pushed out of the debris chamber 1640 of the station dust collection cup 1210 through the station exhaust ports 1634, the air passes through one or more output air filters 1632.

[0120] The docking station dust collection cup 1210 includes a body 1642 that at least partially defines a debris chamber 1640. The body may include, for example, one or more top sidewalls 1644. Optionally, the docking station dust collection cup 1210 may include one or more lids 1646. The lid 1646 may be configured to seal substantially with the body 1642 and may be configured to transition to an empty position where the user can remove debris from the debris chamber 1640. For example, the lid 1646 may be fully removable from the body 1642 or hingedly coupled to the body 1642. Optionally, the body 1642 may include one or more handles 1648.

[0121] The odor control assembly 1300 may be configured to be removably fixed to the body 1642 and / or the lid 1646. In the illustrated example, the odor control assembly 1300 may be removably fixed to the top sidewall 1644. The lid 1646 may be located near the bottom of the debris chamber 1640. The user can grasp the docking station dust collection cup 1210 by the handle, transition the lid 1646 to the empty position, and remove debris from the debris chamber 1640. By fixing the odor control assembly 1300 to the body 1642, the user can empty the debris chamber 1640 without having to contact the odor control assembly 1300. Additionally, for example, when the station suction motor 122 is off, positioning the odor control assembly 1300 on the top sidewall 1644 can substantially prevent debris from contacting the odor control assembly 1300.

[0122] Figure 17 is a side view of another embodiment of the docking station 1200 for a vacuum cleaner, showing a station exhaust port 1734 provided on the side of the docking station 1200. In Figure 17 In the embodiment, the air path 1630 still pushes the output air through the output air filter 1632 and out through the station exhaust port 1734. It should be understood that the station exhaust port 1734 can be located at any position on the docking station 1200.

[0123] Although the docking station 1200 is shown in combination with the handheld vacuum cleaner 1100, it should be understood that the docking station 1200 can be used with any vacuum cleaner including but not limited to a robotic vacuum cleaner. In some cases, in addition to or instead of the odor control assembly coupled to the docking station dust collection cup, the vacuum cleaner 1100 may have an odor control assembly 1300 fluidly coupled to the vacuum cleaner. In some cases, the odor control assembly for the vacuum cleaner and the odor control assembly for the docking station may be the same and interchangeable.

[0124] Figure 18A is a perspective view of the docking station dust collection cup, showing an alternative bleed hole position for the inlet air of the odor control assembly. In some cases, as Figure 18AAs shown, the drain hole 1432 can be provided on the right side of the station dust collection cup 1210. In Figure 18A the case shown, the drain hole 1432 is provided on the right side of the station dust collection cup 1210 and allows air to enter through the drain hole 1432 and travel through the air passage 1802 in the station dust collection cup 1210 to the inlet 1348 of the odor control assembly 1300.

[0125] Figure 18B is a front cross-sectional view of the docking station 1200 taken along line C-C of Figure 11 showing an alternative position of the drain hole 1432 for the inlet air of the odor control assembly of Figure 18A . The air passage 1802 is shown in this figure.

[0126] In other cases, the drain hole 1432 can be located anywhere in the docking station 1200.

[0127] In some cases, the odor control assembly 1300 can be located anywhere in the docking station 1200 that provides an air path to allow fragrance particles to be pushed into the station dust collection cup 1210. Figure 19 is a perspective view of the docking station 1200 for the vacuum cleaner 1100 showing an alternative position of the odor control assembly 1300. In Figure 19 the odor control assembly 1300 can be provided on the docking station 1200 instead of on the station dust collection cup 1210 as described above. In this case, the odor control assembly 1300 can be fluidly coupled to the upper air duct 116 to use the suction of the main air path 1630 (i.e., the air path used by the station suction motor) to empty the cleaner dust collection cup 108, thereby sucking air through the drain hole 1432 and through the fragrance disk 1306 to output fragrance particles to the station dust collection cup 1210.

[0128] As Figure 19 shown, the odor control assembly 1300 is coupled to a bracket 1902 that includes an odor control chamber 1212. The bracket 1902 includes a drain hole 1432 and an outlet chamber 1324. The drain hole can be provided at the first end of the bracket 1902, and the outlet chamber can be provided at the second end of the bracket 1902 opposite the first end of the bracket 1902. The bracket 1902 can be mounted such that the drain hole 1432 generally points in a downward direction when the docking station 1200 is in an upright position (i.e., ready to receive the vacuum cleaner 1100). This helps prevent debris from entering the drain hole 1432. The bracket 1902 also includes an inlet port 1502 and an outlet port 1504 for the odor control assembly 1300.

[0129] In some embodiments, the odor control assembly 1300 can be used in a docking station for a robotic vacuum cleaner.Figure 20 A front perspective view of a docking station 2000 for a robotic vacuum cleaner 2001 is shown including one or more odor control assemblies 1300 that can be coupled to a robotic station dust cup 2010 that at least partially defines a debris chamber 2002. The docking station 2000 also includes a dirty air inlet 2003, one or more filters 2004, a station exhaust port 1734, and optionally a station suction motor 122. The dirty air inlet 2003 is configured to fluidly couple with the robotic vacuum cleaner 2001 in any manner known to those skilled in the art. The docking station 2000 and the robotic vacuum cleaner 2001 are configured to transfer debris stored within the robotic vacuum cleaner 2001 to the robotic station dust cup 2010 in the docking station 2000. The debris can be transferred using one or more of the station suction motor 122 and / or the cleaner suction motor 106.

[0130] The dirty air inlet 2003 may be fluidly coupled to the robot station dust cup 2010 (e.g., the debris chamber 2002). One or more filters 2004 may be configured to remove at least some of the debris in the dirty airflow from the robot vacuum cleaner 2001. The removed debris may be at least partially stored in the debris chamber 2002. The cleaned air may ultimately exit the robot docking station 2000 via one or more station exhaust ports 1734.

[0131] In one embodiment, operation of one or more odor control components 1300 in the robot docking station 2000 may include a bleed path (such as, but not limited to, a bleed hole and air path 1330) as generally described above with respect to the docking station 1200. For example, Figure 21 is along Figure 20 DD, showing the inlet air path 1330. As in the docking station 1200, air is drawn into the inlet port 1348 by the suction generated by the station suction motor 122, passes through the fragrance disc, and then exits the odor control assembly 1300 via the exit port 1350. The outlet air from the odor control assembly 1300 with fragrance particles is then output into the robotic station dust cup 2010. In one embodiment, air is drawn into the inlet port 1348 from the outside of the docking station through a bleed hole (not shown).

[0132] Alternatively, the drain path (e.g., drain hole and air path 1330) can be eliminated. For example, the odor control assembly 1300 (e.g., the disk cartridge 1308 and / or the fragrance disk 1306) can be at least partially exposed and / or disposed within the debris chamber 2002. Air can be drawn through the odor control assembly 1300 (e.g., the disk cartridge 1308 and / or the fragrance disk 1306) by suction from, for example, the station suction motor 122 and / or the cleaner suction motor 106. The odor control assembly 1300 can also dispense fragrance particles into the debris chamber 2002 without using suction from the station suction motor 122 and / or the cleaner suction motor 106. For example, the odor control assembly 1300 can diffuse fragrance particles into the debris chamber 2002 due to the odor control assembly 1300 being at least partially disposed within the debris chamber 2002.

[0133] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, therefore, there is provided a cleaning system comprising: a docking station including: a station suction inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to a vacuum cleaner; a station dust cup configured to be removably fluidly coupled to the docking station, the station dust cup including a debris chamber; an odor control assembly fluidly coupled to the station dust cup; and a station suction motor configured to draw air into the station suction inlet and through the station dust cup, wherein the station suction motor is configured to generate an air flow through the odor control assembly and into the debris chamber.

[0134] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, therefore, there is provided a cleaning system comprising: a vacuum cleaner; a docking station, the vacuum cleaner being configured to dock with the docking station, the docking station including: a station suction inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to the vacuum cleaner; a station dust cup configured to be removably fluidly coupled to the docking station, the station dust cup including a debris chamber; an odor control assembly fluidly coupled to the station dust cup; and a station suction motor configured to draw air into the station suction inlet and through the station dust cup, wherein the station suction motor is configured to generate an air flow through the odor control assembly and into the debris chamber.

[0135] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning system is provided, which includes: a vacuum cleaner; a first odor control component, the first odor control component being fluidly coupled to the vacuum cleaner; a docking station, the vacuum cleaner being configured to dock with the docking station, the docking station including: a station suction inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to the vacuum cleaner; a station dust collection cup configured to be removably fluidly coupled to the docking station, the station dust collection cup including a debris chamber; a second odor control component fluidly coupled to the station dust collection cup; and a station suction motor configured to cause air to flow into the station suction inlet and through the station dust collection cup, wherein the station suction motor is configured to generate an air flow through the second odor control component and into the debris chamber; and wherein the first odor control component and the second odor control component are interchangeable.

[0136] Although the principles of the present invention have been described herein, those skilled in the art should understand that this description is only an example and not a limitation on the scope of the present invention. Other embodiments are also covered within the scope of the present invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. 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, characterized in that: The cleaning system comprises: A docking station, the docking station comprising: a station suction inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to a vacuum cleaner; a station dust cup configured to be removably fluidly coupled to the docking station, the station dust cup including a debris chamber; an odor control assembly fluidly coupled to the station dust cup; and A station suction motor is configured to flow air into the station suction inlet and through the station dust cup, wherein the station suction motor is configured to generate an airflow through the odor control assembly and into the debris chamber.

2. The cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein: The docking station also includes a base configured to be removably secured to the station dust cup, the base including the station suction motor.

3. The cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein: The odor control component comprises: Scented discs; and A dial body is configured to be removably secured to the station dust cup and is configured to receive a scent disk, wherein the dial body at least partially defines a fragrance cavity configured to receive and enclose the fragrance disk.

4. The cleaning system according to claim 3, wherein: The odor control assembly also includes: One or more fragrance passages configured to allow air to flow through the fragrance disc to transfer fragrance particles into the air to form scented air.

5. The cleaning system according to claim 4, wherein: The docking station also includes: a bleed hole disposed in an outer surface of the docking station and configured to allow external air to be drawn into the docking station; and An inlet air path is provided to fluidly couple the bleed hole with the one or more fragrance passages.

6. The cleaning system according to claim 5, wherein: The inlet air path also includes a backflow preventer, wherein the backflow preventer is configured to seal the odor control assembly from the atmosphere to prevent air from escaping from the inlet air path.

7. The cleaning system according to claim 6, wherein: The backflow preventer includes a one-way valve.

8. The cleaning system according to claim 4, wherein: The dial body comprises: disk hat; and A disc cartridge is removably coupled to the disc cap to at least partially form the fragrance chamber and the one or more fragrance passages, the disc cap including an inlet and an exit to the one or more fragrance passages, wherein atmosphere flows through the inlet, across the fragrance disc and out of the exit.

9. The cleaning system according to claim 8, wherein: The disc cap also includes: a fixing ring fixed to the disc cap; and One or more rotatable sections that function as a handle to assist in inserting and removing the odor control assembly into the station dust cup.

10. The cleaning system according to claim 8, wherein: The disc cylinder also includes: a base; and One or more side walls extending upwardly from the base, wherein: the one or more side walls defining a disc chamber configured to receive the scent disc; The one or more side walls at least partially define an entry opening and an exit opening to the one or more fragrance passageways; The inlet and outlet openings to the one or more fragrance passages are aligned 180 degrees relative to each other; and The one or more side walls include one or more disc alignment features for aligning the one or more fragrance passages with the entry port and the exit port.

11. The cleaning system according to claim 10, wherein: The odor control assembly is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position within the station dust cup to adjust at least one of the cross-sectional sizes of an entry opening or an exit opening to the one or more fragrance passages to cover or expose the one or more fragrance passages, thereby regulating the amount of air drawn through the one or more fragrance discs.

12. The cleaning system according to claim 8, wherein: The station dust cup includes an outlet air path formed by an outlet chamber between an exit from the one or more fragrance passages and an inlet port of the station dust cup, wherein the outlet air path draws the fragrance air from the odor control assembly into the station dust cup.

13. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein: The cleaning system also includes an odor control cavity at least partially disposed in a top surface of the station dirt cup, the odor control cavity being configured to at least partially receive the odor control assembly.

14. A cleaning system, characterized in that: The cleaning system comprises: Vacuum cleaners; a docking station, the vacuum cleaner being configured to dock with the docking station, the docking station comprising: a station suction inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to the vacuum cleaner; a station dust cup configured to be removably fluidly coupled to the docking station, the station dust cup including a debris chamber; an odor control assembly fluidly coupled to the station dust cup; and A station suction motor is configured to flow air into the station suction inlet and through the station dust cup, wherein the station suction motor is configured to generate an airflow through the odor control assembly and into the debris chamber.

15. The cleaning system of claim 14, wherein: The docking station also includes a base configured to be removably secured to the station dust cup, the base including the station suction motor.

16. The cleaning system of claim 14, wherein: The odor control component comprises: Scented discs; and A dial body is configured to be removably secured to the station dust cup and is configured to receive a scent disk, wherein the dial body at least partially defines a fragrance cavity configured to receive and enclose the fragrance disk.

17. The cleaning system of claim 16, wherein: The odor control assembly also includes: One or more fragrance passages configured to allow air to flow through the scent disk to transfer fragrance particles into the air to form scented air that flows into the debris chamber.

18. The cleaning system of claim 14, wherein: The vacuum cleaner is a handheld vacuum cleaner.

19. The cleaning system of claim 14, wherein: The vacuum cleaner is a robotic vacuum cleaner.

20. A cleaning system, characterized in that: The cleaning system comprises: Vacuum cleaners; a first odor control assembly fluidly coupled to the vacuum cleaner; a docking station, the vacuum cleaner being configured to dock with the docking station, the docking station comprising: a station suction inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to the vacuum cleaner; a station dust cup configured to be removably fluidly coupled to the docking station, the station dust cup including a debris chamber; a second odor control assembly fluidly coupled to the station dust cup; and A station suction motor is configured to flow air from the vacuum cleaner into the station suction inlet and through the station dust cup, wherein the station suction motor is configured to generate an airflow through the second odor control assembly and into the debris chamber.

Images