Cleaning device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a cleaning device, comprising a vacuum cleaner comprising a main body having a dust cup configured to collect dirt particles, the dust cup being disposed at a lower portion of the main body along an extending axis thereof and comprising an opening at a bottom end opposite to a suction inlet portion; the dust cup being configured to release the collected dirt particles through the opening; wherein the dust cup further comprises a movable wall slidably mounted to a bottom wall of the dust cup by a slide rail, the movable wall being configured to slide along the slide rail between a closed position to seal the opening to retain the dirt particles within the dust cup and an open position to expose the opening to discharge the dirt particles from the dust cup, an extending direction of the slide rail being transverse to the bottom wall of the dust cup.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a cleaning device. Background Technology

[0002] Stick vacuum cleaners are common cleaning tools that use an internal power source to generate suction to remove dirt, grime, and other particulate matter, typically from surfaces such as floors, carpets, or furniture. These devices usually come with a container to collect the dirt and particles introduced by suction during vacuuming. This container needs to be emptied periodically to maintain the device's cleaning efficiency. After a cleaning task is completed, disposing of the collection container is an essential part of subsequent maintenance. Utility Model Content

[0003] This disclosure relates to a cleaning device, and more particularly to a cleaning system including a vacuum cleaner. The cleaning device includes a vacuum cleaner having a body with a dust cup for collecting dirt particles. The dust cup is positioned at the lower part of the body along its extending axis and has an opening at its bottom end opposite to the suction inlet portion to release the collected dirt particles. A key feature of this disclosure is that the dust cup includes a movable wall slidably mounted to a bottom wall via a slide rail, the movable wall being configured to slide along the slide rail between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the movable wall seals the dust cup opening, retaining dirt particles within the dust cup; in the open position, the movable wall exposes the opening, allowing dirt particles to be discharged through the opening.

[0004] In some embodiments, slide rails are positioned on opposite sides of the dust cup bottom wall opening and form a first angle relative to the bottom wall, which is substantially equal to the angle between the bottom wall and the dust cup's central axis. The movable wall maintains this first angle during sliding, ensuring a sealed engagement with the opening in the closed position and full exposure of the opening in the open position. In the closed position, the movable wall forms part of the outer surface of the bottom wall or end wall, maintaining the dust cup's seal; in the open position, the movable wall is away from the end wall to expose the opening and facilitate particle discharge. The dust cup may further include a snap-fit ​​mechanism for securing the movable wall to a first end position of the slide rail in the closed position and releasing it upon application of an external force to slide to a second end position.

[0005] This disclosure also provides a cleaning device in which a slide rail guides a movable wall to slide along a predetermined path to achieve complete exposure of the opening. Additionally, the device may include a base station configured to support a vacuum cleaner in an upright, emptying position, the base station having a particle collection space. When the movable wall slides to the open position, the dust cup opening communicates with the particle collection space, allowing the discharge of dirty particles. A cyclone separator may be provided within the dust cup to guide dirty particles to a collection section near the end wall, which is sealed by the movable wall in the closed position and released in the open position.

[0006] This disclosure provides an improved cleaning device through a sliding opening mechanism, which simplifies the release process of dirt particles in the dust cup while ensuring a tight seal to prevent particle leakage, thereby improving ease of operation and cleaning efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary examples of this disclosure and, together with its description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. These drawings are included to provide a further understanding of this disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of a cleaning apparatus according to an example of this disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a stick vacuum cleaner being docked to a docking station according to an example of this disclosure, wherein the dust cup of the stick vacuum cleaner begins to contact the docking surface.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a stick vacuum cleaner connected to a docking station according to an example of this disclosure, wherein the dust cup of the stick vacuum cleaner changes the angle of the docking surface.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a stick vacuum cleaner connected to a docking station according to an example of this disclosure, wherein the stick vacuum cleaner is docked to an upright emptying state.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a dust cup state according to an example of this disclosure, wherein the dust cup opening is open.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a dust cup state according to an example of this disclosure, wherein the dust cup opening is closed.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a side sectional view of a dust cup in a state according to an example of this disclosure, wherein the dust cup opening is closed.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a side sectional view of the dust cup in a state according to an example of this disclosure, wherein the dust cup opening is open. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The present disclosure will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. It should be understood that the specific examples described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0017] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the examples and features in this disclosure can be combined with each other. The technical solutions of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples.

[0018] Unless otherwise stated, the exemplary examples / exemplaries shown are to be understood as providing exemplary features of various details that provide some ways in which the technical concepts of this disclosure can be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the features of the various examples / exemplaries may be additionally combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged without departing from the technical concepts of this disclosure.

[0019] This disclosure relates to the field of cleaning devices, particularly cleaning devices that utilize vacuum technology to remove dirt from various surfaces. Vacuum cleaners, including stick vacuum cleaners, are widely used devices that use a motor to generate suction to remove dirt such as dust, grime, and other particulate matter from surfaces such as floors, carpets, and furniture. These devices typically include a dust collection mechanism, such as a dust cup, to retain the collected dirt and require periodic emptying to maintain operational efficiency. Stick vacuum cleaners are characterized by their lightweight and portable design, typically consisting of a main body connected to a cleaning head via a slim suction tube, allowing users to efficiently clean multiple areas. Combining such vacuum cleaners with docking stations or docking stations has become common practice for ease of storage and maintenance.

[0020] Traditional stick vacuum cleaner cleaning devices face several technical challenges when docking with a docking station for emptying. A significant issue is that users need to manually disassemble or adjust components, such as removing or shortening the thin suction tube or detaching the cleaning head, to align the vacuum cleaner with the docking station's waste collection mechanism. This disassembly process is often necessary due to a height mismatch between the vacuum cleaner's dust cup and the docking station, increasing the complexity of the docking operation. Furthermore, traditional docking methods typically require users to lift the vacuum cleaner vertically and place it on the docking station, a process that demands physical strength and precise alignment, increasing the risk of misalignment or equipment damage due to improper operation. These steps introduce operational complexity and inconvenience, especially for users with limited physical strength or those seeking an easier cleaning experience. Addressing these inefficiencies has become a technical requirement: developing a cleaning device and method that simplifies the docking and waste emptying process without requiring component disassembly or excessive user intervention.

[0021] This disclosure presents a cleaning device and its related operating method, aiming to overcome the aforementioned challenges and improve user experience by achieving seamless docking and waste removal between a stick vacuum cleaner and a docking station. The cleaning device includes a stick vacuum cleaner with a main body connected to a cleaning head via a slender suction tube, and a docking station that can be mounted on the ground, configured to support the stick vacuum cleaner in an upright, empty position. The docking station has a particle collection space and an interface configured to slide into the dust cup of the main body during docking, allowing dirt particles from the dust cup to be discharged into the particle collection space of the docking station when the stick vacuum cleaner is in the upright, empty position. A key feature of this solution is that the slender suction tube remains connected to the cleaning head and the main body throughout the docking process, and its length remains constant. This operating method involves placing the stick vacuum cleaner in an upright, empty position, and then sliding the dust cup into the docking station interface. The docking is performed using the cleaning head as a pivot point and the long, thin suction tube as its radius, eliminating the need to disassemble or adjust the length of the suction tube. This method eliminates the need to vertically lift and lower the vacuum cleaner to the docking station, instead employing a simple pushing motion, thus simplifying the docking process and improving operational efficiency.

[0022] The cleaning device and operating method disclosed herein offer several technical advantages, enhancing user convenience and operational performance. By maintaining the connection and length of the slender suction tube during docking, this disclosure eliminates the need for users to disassemble or adjust components, such as removing the suction tube or cleaning head, a requirement common in conventional systems. This preservation of structural integrity reduces the time and effort required for emptying debris, making the process easier for all users, including those with limited physical strength. The sliding fit between the dust cup and the docking station interface, combined with a docking mechanism based on the cleaning head's pivoting, ensures a smooth and intuitive transition to the upright, emptying position, reducing the risk of misalignment or equipment damage common in traditional lifting methods. Furthermore, the simplified docking process, replacing vertical lifting with a direct pushing motion, improves operational efficiency, reduces physical strain, and provides a more ergonomic user experience. During docking, the continuous connection between the main body, suction tube, and cleaning head keeps the vacuum cleaner ready for subsequent use, avoiding the need for reassembly and thus optimizing the overall cleaning process. These advantages collectively contribute to a more practical and user-friendly cleaning solution, effectively addressing the inefficiencies of existing technology systems.

[0023] Other aspects of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of the disclosure. An embodiment of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] The embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Modifications may be made in various ways to replace the embodiments and drawings herein at the time of filing this application.

[0025] Furthermore, the same reference numerals or markings shown in the accompanying drawings indicate elements or components that perform essentially the same function.

[0026] Similarly, the terminology used herein is for describing embodiments and is not intended to limit and / or constrain this disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “an,” “a,” and “the” also include the plural forms. In this document, terms such as “comprising,” “having,” etc., are used to specify the presence of a feature, quantity, step, operation, element, component, or combination thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, operations, components, or combinations thereof.

[0027] It is understood that although this document may use terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., to describe various elements, these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and a second element may be referred to as a first element. The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related items or any one of multiple related items.

[0028] In the following detailed description, terms such as "front side", "rear side", "left side", and "right side" may be defined by the accompanying drawings, but the shape and position of the parts are not limited by these terms.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the cleaning device 100 may include a cleaner 110 and a docking station 120. This cleaning device 100 aims to provide users with an efficient and convenient cleaning solution. By combining the cleaner 110 with the docking station 120, it not only achieves cleaning of the indoor environment but also optimizes the maintenance and user experience of the cleaner 110 through the auxiliary functions of the docking station 120. The cleaner 110, as the executing component of the cleaning device 100, is responsible for sucking up and collecting dust, dirt, and other foreign objects from the surface to be cleaned. The docking station 120, as its supporting facility, is used to store the cleaner 110, charge it, and automatically process the dirt particles in the dust cup, thereby reducing the user's operational burden and improving overall cleaning efficiency.

[0030] Specifically, the cleaner 110 may include a cleaner body 111, a slender suction tube 112 detachably connected to the cleaner body 111, a cleaning head 113 detachably connected to the slender suction tube 112, and a dust cup 114 connected to the cleaner body 111. In this embodiment, the cleaner 110 is a stick vacuum cleaner, designed to be lightweight and flexible, suitable for use in various scenarios such as homes and offices. The slender suction tube 112 extends the cleaning range; the cleaning head 113 can be selectively configured as a floor brush or a bed brush according to cleaning needs, to adapt to the cleaning requirements of different surfaces (such as floors, carpets, and mattresses). The cleaner body 111 may include a suction motor (not shown), which generates the suction force required to suck up foreign objects from the surface to be cleaned. The suction motor is the core power source of the cleaner 110, and its performance directly affects the vacuuming effect. It typically uses a high-efficiency brushless motor, characterized by low noise, high suction power, and long lifespan. The cleaner body 111 may include a handle 115 for the user to grip and operate the cleaner 110. The user can hold the handle 115 and move the cleaner 110 in a back-and-forth direction. The handle 115 is ergonomically designed, typically using a non-slip material and a streamlined shape to ensure a comfortable operating experience even during prolonged use. The cleaner body 111 may include a suction nozzle 116 for guiding foreign objects into the dust cup 114 by connecting the dust cup 114 to the elongated suction tube 112 and the cleaning head 113. As a key component of the airflow channel, the suction nozzle 116 has an optimized internal structure to ensure that foreign objects can enter the dust cup 114 smoothly and efficiently, avoiding blockage or suction loss.

[0031] The nozzle 116 can be connected to the aforementioned elongated suction tube 112, while simultaneously guiding foreign objects to the dust cup 114 as described above. This connection is achieved through a detachable design, allowing users to choose whether to use the elongated suction tube 112 based on their actual cleaning needs. For example, when cleaning higher areas (such as the top of curtains or the ceiling), the elongated suction tube 112 extends the working range of the cleaner 110, while when cleaning confined spaces (such as sofa crevices), the nozzle 116 can be directly connected to the cleaning head 113, increasing operational flexibility. Furthermore, the nozzle 116 can be configured to connect directly to the cleaning head 113 instead of the elongated suction tube 112, or it can be connected to other components, such as an auxiliary suction unit. This versatility in connection allows the cleaner 110 to be compatible with various cleaning attachments, such as crevice tools, soft brushes, or mite-removal tools, thereby expanding its functionality and meeting users' cleaning needs in different scenarios. The elongated suction tube 112 can be extended to have an extension axis extending in one direction. This extension axis is generally aligned with the overall longitudinal direction of the cleaner 110. Therefore, users can increase cleaning convenience by connecting various components to the nozzle 116 depending on the cleaning situation. For example, when cleaning large floor areas, users can choose a combination of a longer, thin suction tube 112 and a wide-mouth floor brush, while when cleaning furniture surfaces, they can switch to a shorter tube and a soft-bristled brush to improve cleaning efficiency and precision. The dust cup 114 can be configured in a cylindrical shape, having an extension axis extending in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the extension axis of the thin suction tube 112 extends. This design ensures that the airflow path of the dust cup 114 is consistent with that of the thin suction tube 112, reducing airflow resistance and improving suction efficiency. Specifically, the thin suction tube 112 can be connected to the nozzle 116 such that the extension axis of the thin suction tube 112 faces a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the extension axis of the dust cup 114 extends. This parallel axial relationship helps optimize airflow from the cleaning head 113 to the dust cup 114, avoiding suction loss or debris buildup due to angular deviations. The handle 115 can be positioned on the side of the dust cup 114 opposite to the side where the elongated suction tube 112 is located. This layout makes the cleaner 110 more balanced, allowing the user to easily control the direction and intensity of the cleaner 110 via the handle 115, while also facilitating observation of the dust collection status in the dust cup 114. To further enhance the user experience, control buttons can be integrated into the handle 115 for adjusting suction power or switching the power on / off, making operation more intuitive.

[0032] The dust cup 114 can be positioned upstream of the suction motor (not shown) in the airflow to filter out dust or dirt from the air introduced through the cleaning head 113 and collect the filtered dust or dirt. As a dirt particle collection component of the cleaner 110, the dust cup 114 performs the filtering and storage functions during the vacuuming process. Its position upstream of the suction motor effectively protects the motor from dust and extends the service life of the device. The dust cup 114 is typically equipped with a multi-layer filtration system, including a primary filter and a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which can capture various types of dirt, from tiny particles to larger foreign objects, ensuring the cleanliness of the exhaust air. The primary filter is usually a metal or plastic mesh structure used to intercept larger particles, such as hair or debris; while the HEPA filter uses high-density fiber material to capture fine particles with a diameter of less than 0.3 micrometers, suitable for environments with high air quality requirements. The dust cup 114 can be integrally formed with the cleaner body 111. When the cleaner body 111 and the dust cup 114 are integrally formed, the cleaner body 111 and the dust cup 114 can provide a structure in which the dust cup 114 does not arbitrarily separate from the cleaner body 111 during use. This integrated design enhances the structural stability of the device, reduces the risk of loosening or leakage between components, simplifies the assembly process, and reduces production costs. The integrated dust cup 114 can be seamlessly connected to the cleaner body 111 through injection molding, ensuring airtightness and durability. However, this disclosure is not limited to this; the dust cup 114 can be configured to be detachable from the cleaner body 111. The detachable dust cup 114 provides greater convenience to the user. When the dust cup 114 is full, the user can easily remove it, empty the internal dirt, and reinstall it without complicated operations on the entire cleaner 110. The detachable design is typically achieved through a snap-on or magnetic mechanism. A release button can be provided on the bottom or side of the dust cup 114, which the user can press to unlock it. After removing the dust cup 114, it can be directly rinsed with water.

[0033] The dust cup 114 may include a cylindrical profile extending in the direction of the extending axis, configured to align with the axial direction of the elongated intake pipe 112. Centrifugal separation technology utilizes high-speed rotating airflow to separate dust and air. Dust is deposited near the dust cup wall due to centrifugal force, while clean air is discharged through the central channel. This method eliminates the need for filter bags, reducing maintenance costs. The airflow velocity inside the dust cup 114 can reach 20-30 meters per second, and the centrifugal effect is enhanced by the curvature of the cylindrical wall and airflow guiding structures (such as spiral baffles). The dust cup 114 may include a multi-stage cyclone separator to collect foreign matter through centrifugal rotation separation. The multi-stage cyclone separator typically includes a single large-diameter cyclone separator and multiple small-diameter secondary cyclones; the former separates larger particles, while the latter capture fine dust, further improving separation efficiency and air purification effect. The diameter of the primary cyclone separator can be 50-80 mm, while the diameter of the secondary cyclone separator is between 10-20 mm. There are usually 4-8 of them, arranged in a circular array. When they work together, the separation efficiency can reach more than 95%.

[0034] In some examples of this disclosure, docking station 120 includes a body housing 121, which may be configured to have a long axis extending in one direction. The long axis of the body housing 121 may preferably be configured to extend in a vertical direction. Therefore, docking station 120 may be provided in a generally vertically extending box shape. The body housing 121 is made of a robust and durable material (such as high-strength engineering plastics or metal alloys) and is designed as a vertical column or cube, saving space and facilitating docking with cleaner 110. Its height can be between 50-100 cm, and its width and depth within the range of 20-40 cm, ensuring a balance between stability and portability. Docking station 120 may include a charging unit (not shown), to which the handle 115 of cleaner 110 is docked to power cleaner 110. The charging unit is typically located on the upper part of body housing 121 and is equipped with charging contacts or a wireless charging module, precisely aligned with the battery interface of cleaner 110 to ensure efficient and stable charging. The charging contacts can be gold-plated or nickel-plated to improve conductivity and corrosion resistance; the wireless charging module can be based on electromagnetic induction, supporting the Qi standard and providing 5-15 watts of charging power. The battery of the cleaner 110 can be configured to be removable from the cleaner body 111. Therefore, the cleaner 110 can be configured to connect to one or more replaceable batteries. The removable battery design allows users to quickly replace the spare battery when the power is depleted, extending the continuous use time of the cleaner 110, while facilitating individual charging or replacement of the batteries. The battery capacity is typically between 2000-3000 mAh, supporting 20-60 minutes of runtime, depending on the suction mode. The battery can be arranged to be exposed externally as in the embodiments of this disclosure, but it can also be arranged inside the cleaner body 111 of the cleaner 110 and not exposed externally. In exposed designs, the battery is typically secured to the surface of the cleaner body 111 via clips or magnets for easy removal; in built-in designs, the battery is concealed within the cleaner body 111 and accessed through a dedicated battery compartment, improving aesthetics. In this case, the charging unit can be configured such that at least one portion of the cleaner body 111 containing the battery rests on the charging unit for charging. The charging unit may be equipped with guide grooves or positioning protrusions to ensure precise alignment of the battery portion with the charging contacts when the cleaner 110 is docked, preventing poor contact or charging interruption. The charging process can be indicated by LED indicators, such as green for fully charged and red for charging, providing intuitive feedback.

[0035] like Figures 2 to 4As shown, the cleaner body 111 of the cleaner 110 can approach the docking station 120 in a generally horizontal direction to be docked onto the docking station 120. This horizontal direction extends approximately perpendicular to the vertical direction of the docking station 120, unlike traditional vertical drop docking designs, and aims to optimize the user experience. This is to prevent the user from lifting the cleaner 110 and then dropping it vertically onto the docking station 120 while simultaneously docking the dust cup 114 of the cleaner 110 onto the docking station 120. Traditional docking stations typically require the user to lift the entire cleaner to a certain height and then align it with the docking position before lowering it. This process not only increases physical exertion but can also lead to docking failure or damage from falling equipment due to improper operation. As described above, traditional docking stations are designed so that the user needs to lift the cleaner upwards when docking it.

[0036] The docking station 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is further implemented such that when the cleaner 110 is docked onto the docking station 120, no additional vertical upward force is required, thereby increasing user convenience. By pushing laterally, the user only needs to bring the cleaner 110 horizontally towards the docking station 120 to complete the docking, reducing operational complexity and improving user-friendliness. The docking station 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented such that when the cleaner 110 is docked, it directly and conveniently docks with the dust cup 114, allowing the dirt particles collected in the dust cup 114 to be automatically removed. This automatic discharge function is achieved through the suction device 122 inside the docking station 120, eliminating the need for the user to manually empty the dust cup 114, significantly reducing post-cleaning maintenance workload.

[0037] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the docking station 120 is configured to automatically discharge dirt particles collected in the dust cup 114 while charging the battery of the cleaner 110 when it is docked to the docking station 120. However, as described below, the docking station 120 can be configured to selectively charge only the cleaner 110 when it is docked to the docking station 120, or to charge the cleaner 110 while discharging dirt particles from the dust cup 114, depending on a user's selection. This selectivity is achieved through controller settings, allowing the user to select the desired mode via a button, touchscreen, or remote control. For example, when the battery is fully charged but the dust cup 114 is full, the user can select a discharge-only mode; when the battery is low and the dust cup 114 needs to be emptied, a mode in which charging and emptying occur simultaneously can be selected.

[0038] The docking station 120 may include a suction device 122 to expel dirt particles collected in the dust cup 114. The suction device 122 typically includes a separate suction motor and fan assembly, mounted inside the main housing 121, to extract dust and dirt from the dust cup 114. The suction motor may be a DC brushless motor with a power range of 50-100 watts and an airflow of 20-30 liters per second, sufficient to handle common household dust, hair, and fine debris. The docking station 120 may include a controller (not shown) for user input of signals to drive the suction device 122. The controller can receive user input or sensor signals to coordinate the operation of the charging unit and the suction device 122. When the cleaner 110 is docked to the docking station 120, the user can input signals to the controller (not shown) to control the docking station 120 to expel foreign matter collected in the dust cup 114 while charging the cleaner 110's battery. For example, a user can trigger the suction device 122 to operate by pressing the "empty" button on the docking station 120 or by sending a command via a mobile application associated with the cleaner 110. The application can support Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, providing remote control and status monitoring functions. However, this disclosure is not limited to this, and the controller (not shown) of the docking station 120 can be configured to drive the suction device 122 when it receives a detection value from a sensor used to detect the docking of the cleaner 110, such that the suction device 122 is automatically activated in response to the cleaner 110 being docked, even without a signal input by the user. This automation design is achieved by incorporating a contact sensor or infrared sensor in the docking section 140. When the cleaner 110 enters the docking position, the sensor detects its presence and sends a signal to the controller, automatically activating the suction device 122, eliminating the need for manual operation by the user.

[0039] like Figure 1 and 2As shown, the docking station 120 may include a docking portion 140, which is configured to smoothly connect the dust cup 114 to the docking station 120, forming a physical interface between the cleaner 110 and the docking station 120. The docking portion 140 may be arranged in the upper part of the main body housing 121. The docking portion 140 may be arranged below the charging portion in the extending direction of the main body housing 121. Preferably, the charging portion may be arranged on the upper end of the main body housing 121 in the extending direction of the main body housing 121, and the docking portion 140 may be arranged below the charging portion. This vertical arrangement makes full use of the vertical space of the main body housing 121, so that when the cleaner 110 docks, the battery portion is close to the charging portion and the dust cup 114 is close to the docking portion 140, ensuring that the charging and sewage discharge functions operate efficiently at the same time. Therefore, the cleaner 110 can be connected to the docking station 120, such that the side of the cleaner 110 with the battery is positioned on the upper side in the vertical direction, and the side of the cleaner 110 with the elongated suction tube 112 is positioned on the lower side in the vertical direction. This arrangement allows the cleaner 110 to stand upright on the docking station 120, with the elongated suction tube 112 and the cleaning head 113 hanging naturally, resulting in a stable center of gravity and facilitating storage and operation, thus achieving an upright and empty state. The suction device 122 can be arranged inside the main body housing 121. Specifically, the suction device 122 can be arranged in the lower part of the main body housing 121 in the extending direction of the main body housing 121. This position design facilitates the connection of the suction device 122 with the docking part 140 through the suction flow path, while maintaining the overall balance of the docking station 120. The docking station 120 may include a dirt particle collection part 123 for collecting foreign objects discharged from the dust cup 114. The dirt particle collection section 123 can be arranged inside the main body housing 121, usually located upstream of the suction device 122, to ensure that dirt particles can be directly deposited in the dirt particle collection section 123 after being sucked in by the suction device 122, without entering the suction motor, thus protecting its safe operation.

[0040] The docking station 120 may include a suction flow path that connects the docking section 140 and the dirt particle collection section 123 to each other and allows foreign matter discharged from the dust cup 114 to be sucked through the docking section 140 to the dirt particle collection section 123. The suction flow path is typically constructed of durable tubing or hose with a smooth interior to reduce airflow resistance, and its path design extends downwards from the docking section 140 to the dirt particle collection section 123 to ensure smooth transport of dirt particles. The suction flow path may be configured to extend in the extension direction of the body housing 121 to connect the docking section 140 and the dirt particle collection section 123 to each other.

[0041] In some examples of this disclosure, such as Figure 1-4As shown, the docking portion 140 may include a docking surface 141, which is in fluid communication with the suction flow path, and the dust cup 114 is located on the docking surface 141 and can interact with it. The docking surface 141 is the main area of ​​contact between the dust cup 114 and the docking station 120, and its surface may be made of a wear-resistant, non-slip material (such as a polyurethane coating) to ensure the stability of the dust cup 114 during docking. The docking portion 140 may include a docking opening 142, which is configured to communicate with the opening 200 of the dust cup 114 when the dust cup 114 is docked from outside the docking station 120 onto the docking station 120. The opening 200 of the dust cup 114 (see...) Figure 6 The dust cup 114 can be aligned with the mating opening 142 via the mating surface 141. The opening edge of the mating opening 142 can be fitted with a sealing gasket to ensure airtightness and prevent dirt leakage. The sealing gasket can be made of silicone with a thickness between 2-5 mm, providing good elasticity and durability.

[0042] The docking opening 142 can open in a direction extending substantially along the longitudinal axis of the body housing 121. As described above, the docking station 120 is configured as a box shape extending in the upper direction. Therefore, the docking opening 142 can be configured to open upwards in the vertical direction of the docking station 120. This upward design facilitates natural alignment of the dust cup 114 during docking, while utilizing gravity to assist the downward discharge of dirt particles. The diameter of the docking opening 142 can be between 50 and 80 mm, matching the dust cup opening 200 to ensure smooth discharge. The docking opening 142 can be configured to communicate with the docking surface 141 and with the suction flow path.

[0043] In some examples, the mating surface 141 can be configured as a plate shape, such as... Figure 1 As shown, in the non-docked state, the plane containing the plate-like shape extends along a first direction A. The first direction A substantially intersects but is not perpendicular to the vertical extension direction of the long axis of the body shell 121. For example... Figure 4As shown, in the docking state, the plane containing the plate-like shape extends along the second direction B. The second direction B is substantially perpendicular to and intersects the vertical extension direction of the long axis of the main body housing 121. That is, in the non-docked state, the docking surface 141 is configured to be inclined relative to the vertical extension direction of the long axis of the main body housing 121, and in the docked state, it is configured to be substantially perpendicular to the vertical extension direction of the long axis of the main body housing 121. Understandably, the docking surface 141 is pivotally positioned at the docking portion 140 relative to the docking opening 142. This pivoting design is achieved through an elastic return structure (such as a torsion spring or leaf spring), maintaining an inclination in the non-docked state to facilitate guiding the cleaner 110 into the docking position; during docking, the thrust of the dust cup 114 pivots it to a horizontal position, ensuring a tight fit with the dust cup opening 200. The spring constant of the torsion spring can be between 0.5 and 1.5 Newtons / mm to ensure a balance between the return force and the user's thrust.

[0044] The mating surface 141 is provided on the side where the mating opening 142 is arranged and where the cleaner 110 is mated. The mating surface 141 can be provided to form a surface of the body housing 121. The mating surface 141 can be configured in a plate-like shape. Although not shown, the mating surface 141 can be configured in various shapes and as a flat or curved surface. For example, its surface can be designed as an arcuate structure with guide grooves to further improve the alignment accuracy of the dust cup 114. The width of the guide groove can be between 5-10 mm and the depth is 2-3 mm, ensuring the guiding effect without affecting the structural strength. The mating surface 141 can extend in a planar shape with a long axis extending in one direction. As described above, since the body housing 121 is configured as a box shape extending in the vertical direction (i.e., the vertical side direction), the long axis of the mating surface 141 can extend in a direction inclined to the vertical direction. In one example, the mating opening 142 and the charging part can also be formed on the mating surface 141. This design integrates charging and sewage discharge functions on the same plane, simplifying the structure of the docking station 120 and reducing the number of components. However, this disclosure is not limited to this; the charging unit can be arranged above the docking surface 141, specifically, above the docking surface 141 in the extending direction of the docking surface 141. This separate design avoids interference between the charging unit and the sewage discharge path, improves safety, and facilitates maintenance and cleaning.

[0045] When a user intends to empty the dust cup 114 of the cleaner 110, the height difference between the docking station 120 and the distance from the cleaning head to the dust cup 114 usually requires removing the slender suction tube 112 and / or the cleaning head before docking. This is typically used for slender suction tubes 112 or cleaning heads that are difficult to separate and can be connected to the nozzle 116, thus reducing the usability of the docking station 120. In traditional designs, the height of the docking station can be 80-120 cm, while the distance from the cleaning head 113 to the dust cup 114 (including the length of the slender suction tube 112) can be 60-100 cm. Users need to adjust the height of the cleaner 110 or disassemble parts to match the docking position, a cumbersome and unintuitive process. To overcome this limitation, the cleaning device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be configured to allow the stick vacuum cleaner 10 to be directly pushed onto the docking station 120 after the cleaning cycle is completed, and with the elongated suction tube 112 or the cleaning head 113 connected to the nozzle 116 of the cleaner 110, the dirt particles collected in the dust cup 114 can be automatically discharged into the docking station 120.

[0046] like Figures 2-4As shown, the cleaner 110 can be directly pushed onto the docking station 120 by external force in the direction facing the docking surface 141 of the docking station 120, instead of being first lifted and then lowered onto the docking station 120 in the vertical direction. Ultimately, the cleaner 110 can be positioned to be docked onto the docking station 120 in a vertical extension direction approximately perpendicular to the long axis of the main body housing 121, forming an upright, empty state. During the connection to the docking station, as the docking surface 141 pivots from the position of the first direction A to the position of the second direction B under the contact of the dust cup 114 of the cleaner 110, the dust cup 114 of the cleaner 110 can slide in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the docking surface 141. That is, the dust cup 114 gradually slides substantially along a direction parallel to the surface of the docking surface 141 until the docking surface 141 is substantially pressed by the dust cup 114 to the position of the second direction B, at which point the cleaner 110 can be considered to be docked onto the docking station 120. This sliding process is aided by a sliding element on the docking surface 141. This element can be made of a low-friction material (such as a PTFE coating) or a roller structure, reducing thrust requirements and improving docking smoothness. The coefficient of friction of the sliding element can be between 0.1 and 0.3, ensuring low resistance during the sliding process. In other words, during docking, the docking surface 141 gradually changes from being inclined relative to the vertical direction (i.e., the extension direction of the long axis of the main body housing 121) to being substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction. In the substantially perpendicular vertical state, the cleaner 110 can be positioned to be docked to the docking station 120 in a first direction A, approximately perpendicular to the vertical direction, and is in an upright and emptied state. In the upright state, the overall center of gravity of the cleaner 110 is located above the docking station 120, maintaining stability, and the slender suction tube 112 does not need to be shortened or disassembled.

[0047] In one example, when the dust cup 114 is docked to the docking station 120 and is in an upright and emptied state, the vertical direction and the extension axis of the dust cup 114 are arranged in a direction that is substantially parallel to each other. That is, the extension axis of the dust cup 114 can be docked to the docking opening 142 of the docking station 120 in a direction perpendicular to the plane in which the docking surface 141 is located. Therefore, when the cleaner 110 is docked to the docking station 120, the extension axis of the elongated suction tube 112 of the cleaner 110 can be arranged in a direction corresponding to (substantially parallel to) the vertical direction. This is because the extension axis of the elongated suction tube 112 and the extension axis of the dust cup 114 are arranged parallel to each other. When the dust cup 114 is docked in a direction corresponding to the direction of the long axis of the docking station 120, the elongated suction tube 112 of the cleaner 110 can be arranged in a direction corresponding to the vertical direction, so that the elongated suction tube 112 can be docked to the docking station 120 without user separation or shortening operations. This design avoids the inconvenience of manipulating the slender suction tube 112 before docking due to height differences in traditional docking stations, maintaining the integrity of the cleaner 110 while simplifying the docking process. In other words, the cleaning device 100 can be configured such that when the cleaner 110 is docked to the docking station 120, the slender suction tube 112 of the cleaner 110 is used as the radius, and the cleaning head near the bottom of the base station is used as the pivot point. Along a roughly arc-shaped direction, the dust cup is "swung" onto the docking surface 141 with the cleaning head 113 as the pivot point and the slender suction tube 112 as the radius, in a specific arc. This saves the steps of disassembling or shortening the slender suction tube 112. This "swinging" docking method is achieved through the support of the cleaning head 113 and the action of the slender suction tube 112. The user only needs to gently push the cleaner 110 to complete the docking, making the operation intuitive and effortless. When the dust cup 114 contacts the mating surface 141, if the external force applied to the dust cup 114 is greater than the restoring force of the mating surface 141, the dust cup 114 pushes the mating surface 141 from the tilted state described above to the horizontal state, and finally fluidly connects the dust cup 114 with the mating opening 142. The restoring force can be adjusted by the preload of the torsion spring, ranging from 5 to 10 Newtons, to ensure smoothness during mating and stability during non-matting.

[0048] In the examples of this disclosure, such as Figures 5 to 8As shown, the dust cup 114 may include a dust cup opening 200, which is arranged on the side opposite to the portion connected to the nozzle 116 in the extending direction of the extending axis, and is configured to open and close the inner cavity of the dust cup 114. This opening design facilitates the user's emptying of the dust cup 114, while selectively separating it from the airflow path to avoid interfering with the vacuuming function during operation. When a large amount of foreign matter is collected in the dust cup 114, the user can open the dust cup opening 200 to discharge the foreign matter collected in the dust cup 114 through the dust cup opening 200. The opening and closing of the dust cup opening 200 is typically achieved by a mechanical button or sliding mechanism, ensuring simple operation and reliable sealing.

[0049] Specifically, the dust cup opening 200 can be configured to open and close part of the dust cup 114. The dust cup opening 200 is formed at one end of the dust cup 114 and is configured to open in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extending axis, or in other words, the dust cup opening 200 can open in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extending axis of the elongated suction pipe 112. This perpendicular opening direction allows dirt particles to fall naturally under gravity when the dust cup 114 is discharged at the docking station 120, further improving discharge efficiency. The area of ​​the dust cup opening 200 typically occupies 50%-80% of the bottom of the dust cup 114, ensuring smooth discharge while avoiding excessive size that could reduce structural strength.

[0050] The dust cup 114 can be configured to house a cyclone separator, including a primary cyclone separator and multiple secondary cyclone separators positioned downstream of the primary cyclone separator. The dust cup 114 can be configured to collect foreign matter into a dust collection section located below the cyclone separator. This dust collection section, with a volume of 0.3-0.8 liters, is located at the bottom of the dust cup 114 and ensures that dirt particles are deposited there through the combined effects of gravity and centrifugal force. When the dust cup opening 200 is open, the lower side of the cyclone separator can be configured to open outwards. Therefore, when the dust cup opening 200 at one end of the dust cup 114 is open, the dirt particles collected in the dust cup 114 can be easily discharged outside the dust cup 114. The size and shape of the dust cup opening 200 match the capacity of the dust collection section to ensure no residue during the discharge process; its opening area can be 50-100 square centimeters, sufficient for rapid emptying.

[0051] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the end wall 300 of the dust cup 114 and the portion of the cylindrical outer wall 400 adjacent to the end wall 300 define a dust collection section, which is in the form of a dirt collection box, in which dirt separated from the air intake by a cyclone separator is collected. A movable wall 310 is provided on the end wall 300. The movable wall 310 is connected to the end wall 300 by a slide rail 320 and is held in the closed position by an operable latch (not shown). The slide rail 320 is arranged on both sides of the dust cup 114, where the dust cup opening 200 is formed. The surface of the slide rail 320 may be coated with a lubricating coating, with a coefficient of friction of less than 0.2, further improving the smoothness of translation. The slide rail 320 is typically made of metal or high-strength plastic, with a smooth surface to ensure smooth translation of the movable wall 310, and its length may be 80-120 mm, consistent with the width of the dust cup opening 200. The end wall 300 can move from a closed position (where dirt is held in the dust collection section) to an open position (where dirt can be removed from the dust collection section) by releasing the latch and sliding the movable wall 310 away from the end of the cylindrical outer wall 400. In some examples, such as Figure 7 As shown in Figure 8, the slide rail 320 forms a first angle with respect to the end wall 300, which is approximately the same as the angle between the end wall 300 and the central axis of the dust cup 114. To ensure that the dust cup opening 200 can be opened and closed in the sliding direction of the movable wall 310, the movable wall 310 maintains the first angle with the slide rail 320 during sliding. This ensures that the movable wall 310 can close and seal the dust cup opening 200 at the first end position of the slide rail 320, where the movable wall 310 forms an outer surface portion of the end wall 300. This design ensures that the dust cup 114 remains sealed in the non-aperture state, preventing dirt leakage. At the second end position of the slide rail 320, the opening can be opened and moved relatively away from the dust cup opening 200. In particular, when the cleaner 110 is docked to the docking station 120, the dust cup opening 200 is opened on the docking part 140, so that the dirt particles collected in the dust cup 114 can be discharged inside the docking station 120 without spreading to the outside of the docking station 120.

[0052] A suction flow path can be connected from the docking portion 140 to the dirt particle collection portion 123. The suction flow path transmits the airflow generated by the suction device 122 to the dust cup 114. That is, the suction airflow generated by the suction device 122 passes through the dirt particle collection portion 123, then along the suction flow path and the placement area to reach the dust cup 114, and the suction airflow causes dirt particles in the dust cup 114 to be discharged from the dust cup 114 to the placement area along the airflow, and then collected in the dirt particle collection portion 123 via the suction flow path. The inner diameter and length of the suction flow path are optimized to ensure no significant attenuation of suction transmission; its inner diameter can be 20-30 mm, and its length is between 30-50 cm. In one example, the dirt particle collection portion 123 may include a dust bag (not shown), which is arranged in the internal space of the dirt particle collection portion 123 and collects foreign objects introduced through the suction flow path. Dust collection bags are typically made of non-woven fabric or composite fiber materials, offering high breathability and toughness. They can hold large amounts of dust without breaking, with a capacity of 1-2 liters, suitable for repeated cleaning. The dust collection bag is formed of a material that blocks foreign objects while allowing air to pass through, enabling the collection of dirt particles introduced into the dirt particle collection section 123 from the dust cup 114. Through multi-stage separation by a primary cyclone separator and a secondary cyclone separator, the dust cup 114 efficiently collects both larger and smaller dirt particles in the dust collection section. Under the suction action of the docking station 120, the dirt particles are automatically discharged through the opening of the dust cup opening 200. The dust collection bag can be directly connected to the suction flow path and can be detached from the dirt particle collection section 123. The disassembly design allows for easy removal of the dust bag via snaps or zippers. Users simply need to open the cover of the dirt particle collection section 123 to remove the dust bag, empty it, and reinstall it – a simple operation. The suction device 122 may include a suction fan and a suction device housing, the housing forming an internal space in which the suction fan is arranged. The suction airflow generated by the suction fan can move from the internal space of the suction device housing, through the dirt particle collection section 123 and the suction flow path, to be ultimately supplied to the dust cup 114. Air and foreign matter within the dust cup 114 can be discharged to the outside along the suction flow path through the dust cup opening 200 of the dust cup 114.

[0053] The dust cup opening 200 can be opened or closed by the movable wall 310. In some examples, the cleaner 110 is provided with an actuable structure (not shown) that engages with the drive structure of the docking station to facilitate switching the movable wall 310 between a closed and open position. In one example, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the docking station may include a drive member 321, which is fixedly connected to the docking station such that when an external force is applied toward the docking station, the movable wall 310 switches between a closed dust cup opening 200 and an open dust cup opening 200 state. The drive member 321 may be fixed at a specific position on the docking portion 140, and the contact surface with the movable wall 310 is designed as a slope or protrusion to ensure smooth driving during pushing. The movable wall 310 can open and close the dust cup opening 200 while translating along the slide rail 320.

[0054] The following will describe in detail the technical features in which the cleaner 110 is docked onto the docking station 120 to discharge dirt particles collected in the dust cup 114. As described above, the dust cup 114 can be docked onto the docking station 120 such that its extension axis is arranged in the vertical direction (i.e., the direction of gravity). When the extension axis of the dust cup 114 is arranged in the direction corresponding to the direction of gravity, the dust cup opening 200 is arranged to open downwards, and the dust cup opening 200 is located at the lower end of the dust cup 114. This downward-opening design makes full use of gravity, allowing dirt particles to fall naturally into the dirt particle collection section 123 during discharge, reducing the burden on the suction device 122. During the process of the user pressing the dust cup 114 onto the docking surface 141, the drive member 321 is abutted by the drive member 321 on the docking station. As the pushing action proceeds, the sliding amplitude of the dust cup 114 body relative to the docking surface 141 is less than the sliding amplitude of the driving member 321 relative to the docking surface 141. Therefore, during this pushing process, the movable wall 310 can be moved faster by the resistance while the dust cup 114 slides, and moves along the slide rail 320 in a direction parallel to the end wall surface, thereby opening the dust cup opening 200. This means that the fixed position of the driving member 321 and the sliding movement of the dust cup 114 form a relative displacement, triggering the opening of the movable wall 310, ensuring that docking and sewage discharge are completed simultaneously. The required pushing force can be between 5-15 Newtons, which can be easily achieved by the weight of the cleaner 110 itself and a gentle push from the user.

[0055] In some examples, with Figure 1-4For example, the docking station 120 includes a supporting base 126. When the cleaner 110 is in the upright, empty position, the cleaning head 113 supports a portion of the cleaner 110's own weight on the supporting base 126, thus ensuring the system stability of the entire cleaning equipment. The supporting base 126 can be made of high-strength materials, such as reinforced plastic or aluminum alloy, with an anti-slip texture to ensure the cleaning head 113 is securely placed. Its area can be 300-500 square centimeters, providing sufficient support range. In other words, the cleaner 110's own weight is supported simultaneously by the docking station 120 and the cleaning head 113, improving stability.

[0056] In some examples, the cleaning head 113 includes a roller brush. When the cleaner 110 is in the upright, empty position, the roller brush is suspended relative to the supporting base 126 to prevent deformation of the brush bristles due to pressure during prolonged periods in the upright, empty position. The roller brush typically consists of bristles of moderate softness and is used to sweep away dust from the floor. Its suspended design is achieved through a height difference or groove in the supporting base 126, preventing deformation or decreased cleaning performance due to prolonged pressure on the bristles. In one example, the supporting base 126 includes a suspended portion. When the cleaner 110 is in the upright, empty position, the roller brush is located in this suspended portion, and the outer edge of the brush bristles does not interfere with other components, thus ensuring that the bristles do not deform due to gravity. This suspended portion can be achieved through a hollow design in the supporting base 126, ensuring no contact points below the roller brush. The hollow area can be 50-100 square centimeters. In another example, the support base 126 includes a roller brush groove. When the cleaner 110 is set in the upright, empty position, the roller brush portion is located in the roller brush groove, and the outer edge of the roller brush bristles does not abut against the bottom surface of the roller brush groove, ensuring that the bristles are not deformed due to gravity pressure.

[0057] The cleaning head 113 includes rollers. When the cleaner 110 is in the upright, empty position, at least the rollers are positioned to contact the supporting base 126 and at least partially support a portion of the cleaner 110's weight. In other words, when the cleaner 110 is in the upright, empty position, at least the rollers bear a portion of the cleaner 110's weight. In some examples, in addition to the rollers, the rigid parts of the bottom surface of the cleaning head 113, other than the roller brush, also bear a portion of the cleaner 110's weight. The rollers are typically made of wear-resistant rubber or plastic, with a diameter of 20-40 mm, and there are two of them, distributed at the bottom of the cleaning head 113, providing stable support points. That is, when the cleaner 110 is in the upright, empty position, the roller brush portion does not bear the weight of the cleaner 110; instead, the other rigid parts of the cleaning head 113 bear it. This design protects the roller brush and, through the combined action of the rollers and the rigid parts, ensures the stability of the cleaner 110 on the docking station 120. The rigid part can be the plastic base plate of the cleaning head 113, with a thickness between 5-10 mm, which has sufficient load-bearing capacity.

[0058] In some examples, the support base 126 includes a positioning portion 125, where the rollers of the cleaner 110 are positioned when in the upright, empty position. Specifically, when the user pushes the cleaner 110 toward the docking station 120, the cleaning head 113 is first pushed onto the positioning portion 125 of the support base 126. At this point, the positioning portion 125 restricts further movement of the cleaning head 113, and at least a portion of the cleaning head 113 is restricted, for example, the rollers of the cleaning head 113 are prevented from moving forward. The positioning portion 125 can be designed as a groove or protrusion to match the shape of the rollers, and its depth can be 5-10 mm to ensure precise positioning of the rollers. The user, using the cleaning head 113 as a pivot point and the slender suction tube 112 as a radius, pushes the main body 11 of the cleaner 110 towards the docking station 120 in an arc trajectory. When the dust cup 114 contacts the docking surface 141, at least a portion of the dust cup 114 contacts and slides relative to the docking surface 141, causing the docking surface 141 to gradually change from an open structure to a closed structure. This arc trajectory is naturally formed by the length of the slender suction tube 112 and the support point of the cleaning head 113; the user only needs to push gently to complete the docking.

[0059] The above description of the examples in this disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to its precise form. Those skilled in the art will understand that many modifications and variations are possible based on the above disclosure.

[0060] Certain portions of this description use notation to represent algorithms and information operations to illustrate examples of this disclosure. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are commonly used by those skilled in the art of data processing to effectively communicate the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. While these operations are described functionally, computationally, or logically, they are understood to be implemented through computer programs or equivalent circuits, microcode, or similar programs. Furthermore, it is sometimes convenient to arrange these operations as modules without loss of generality. The operations and their associated modules may be embodied in software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof.

[0061] Any step, operation, or process described in this disclosure may be performed or implemented by one or more hardware or software modules, alone or in combination with other devices. In one example, the software module is implemented by a computer program product including a computer-readable medium containing computer program code executable by a computer processor to perform any or all of the described steps, operations, or processes.

[0062] Embodiments of this disclosure may also relate to means for performing the operations described herein. Such means may be specifically constructed for the desired purpose, and / or it may comprise a general-purpose computing device selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. This computer program may be stored in a non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable storage medium, or any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions, which may be connected to a computer system bus. Furthermore, any computing system mentioned in the specification may include a single processor or may employ a multi-processor architecture to enhance computing power.

[0063] Embodiments of this disclosure may also relate to products generated by the computational processes described herein. Such products may include information generated by the computational processes, wherein the information is stored on a non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable storage medium, and may include any example of the computer program products or other combinations of data described herein.

[0064] Finally, the language used in this specification has been chosen primarily for readability and instructional purposes and may not have been chosen to define or limit the subject matter of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited to this detailed description, but rather to any claims made on this basis. Thus, the illustrative disclosure of this specification is intended to illustrate, and not limit, the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A cleaning device, comprising a vacuum cleaner, characterized in that: The vacuum cleaner includes a body with a dust cup configured to collect dirt particles, the dust cup being disposed at the lower part of the body along its extending axis and including an opening at the bottom end opposite to the suction inlet portion; The dust cup is configured to release the collected dirt particles through the opening; The dust cup also includes a movable wall that is slidably mounted to the bottom wall of the dust cup via a slide rail. The movable wall is configured to slide along the slide rail between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the opening is sealed to retain dirt particles inside the dust cup, and in the open position, the opening is exposed to discharge dirt particles from the dust cup. The extension direction of the slide rail intersects the bottom wall of the dust cup.

2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slide rails are located on two opposite sides of the opening on the bottom wall of the dust cup, and form a first angle with respect to the bottom wall. This first angle is approximately equal to the angle between the bottom wall and the central axis of the dust cup.

3. The cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The movable wall is configured to maintain the first angle relative to the slide rail during sliding to ensure a sealed engagement with the opening when in a closed position at a first end position of the slide rail, and to expose the opening when in an open position at a second end position of the slide rail.

4. The cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the closed position, the movable wall forms an integral outer surface portion of the bottom wall, maintaining the dust cup's seal to prevent the leakage of dirty particles.

5. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the open position, the movable wall is away from the end wall of the dust cup to expose the opening and allow dirt particles to be discharged through the opening.

6. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the closed position, the movable wall forms part of the outer surface of the dust cup end wall, and together with the end wall, seals the opening.

7. The cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The dust cup also includes a snap-fit ​​mechanism configured to releasably secure the movable wall to a first end position of the slide rail in the closed position, wherein the snap-fit ​​mechanism is released when an external force is applied, allowing the movable wall to slide to a second end position to expose the opening.

8. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slide rail is configured to guide the movable wall to slide along a predetermined path to fully expose the opening when in the open position.

9. The cleaning device according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a base station, which includes a particle collection space, wherein the movable wall is away from the end wall when in the open position, so that the opening communicates with the particle collection space to discharge dirty particles.

10. The cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The dust cup includes a cyclone separator configured to guide dirt particles to a dirt collection section near the end wall, wherein, in the closed position, the movable wall, as part of the outer surface of the end wall, seals the opening to retain dirt particles.

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