Vacuum cleaner system

Abstract

A vacuum cleaner system comprising a vacuum cleaner (10) having a dirt bin (5104, 7104, 9104), a docking station (4000, 6000, 8000, 10000) configured to dock with the dirt bin (5104, 7104, 9104), a suction generator (1000) and a valve assembly. With the vacuum cleaner system configured in an evacuation mode, the valve assembly is configured to permit an airflow generated by the suction generator (1000) to flow from the dirt bin (5104, 7104, 9104) into a first opening of the docking station and from the docking station out of a second opening of the docking station to generate a partial vacuum in the docking station. With the vacuum cleaner system configured in the dirt bin emptying mode, the valve assembly is configured to permit a dirt bin emptying pulse of air to be admitted into the dirt bin (5104, 7104, 9104) and to flow from the dirt bin into the first opening of the docking station to eject the dirt from the dirt bin into the docking station.

Description

[0001] 1 P004913-W001

[0002] VACUUM CLEANER SYSTEM

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] It is known to eject dirt from a dirt bin of a vacuum cleaner into a docking station, which can be more hygienic and lower maintenance for a user than manual emptying of the dirt bin into a household bin. It is desirable to improve vacuum cleaner systems to improve their effectiveness and / or cleanliness.

[0005] SUMMARY

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided a vacuum cleaner system comprising: a vacuum cleaner having a dirt bin; a docking station configured to dock with the dirt bin; a suction generator; and a valve assembly, wherein, with the dirt bin docked with the docking station, the vacuum cleaner system is operable in: an evacuation mode in which an airflow is generated by the suction generator to generate a partial vacuum in the docking station; and, subsequently, a dirt bin emptying mode, in which dirt is ejected from the dirt bin into the docking station, wherein: with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the evacuation mode, the valve assembly is configured to permit the airflow generated by the suction generator to flow from the dirt bin into a first opening of the docking station and from the docking station out of a second opening of the docking station to generate the partial vacuum in the docking station; and with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the dirt bin emptying mode, the valve assembly is configured to permit a dirt bin emptying pulse of air to be admitted into the dirt bin and to flow from the dirt bin into the first opening of the docking station to eject the dirt from the dirt bin into the docking station.

[0007] The valve assembly is configured to permit the airflow to flow into the docking station via the first opening in both the evacuation mode and the dirt bin emptying mode. The airflow flowing in the same direction through the first opening in both evacuation and dirt bin emptying modes can reduce re-entrainment of dirt from the docking station back into the dirt bin compared to an arrangement in which an airflow flows through an opening of a docking station in opposite directions in evacuation and dirt bin emptying modes. The dirt bin can therefore be emptied more effectively than if dirt 2 P004913-W001 ejected from the dirt bin and received within the docking station during a dirt bin emptying mode then flows back into the dirt bin during a subsequent evacuation mode. For example, this may reduce the re-entrainment of fine dust back into the dirt bin. This can reduce the time taken to empty the dirt bin, for example by reducing the amount of time in which the vacuum cleaner system is operated in the dirt bin emptying mode.

[0008] With the vacuum cleaner system configured in at least one of the evacuation mode or the dirt bin emptying mode, the valve assembly may be configured to inhibit air removed from the docking station via the second opening from entering the dirt bin. In the evacuation mode, the air may be removed from the docking station by the suction generator. In the dirt bin emptying mode, the air may be removed from the docking station by the entry of the dirt bin emptying pulse into the docking station and / or by the suction generator. The air removed from the docking station may include air received in the docking station from the dirt bin. The valve assembly may thus inhibit air that has previously entered the docking station from the dirt bin from re-entering the dirt bin. Inhibiting air from entering or re-entering the dirt bin in this manner can, in turn, inhibit fine dirt present in the air from entering the dirt bin. This can improve the effectiveness with which dirt is removed from the dirt bin.

[0009] The valve assembly may comprise a dirt bin valve and an air inhibition valve. With the vacuum cleaner system configured in the dirt bin emptying mode, the dirt bin valve may be configured to permit the dirt bin emptying pulse of air to be admitted into the dirt bin. With the vacuum cleaner system configured in at least one of the evacuation mode or the dirt bin emptying mode, the air inhibition valve may be configured to inhibit the air removed from the docking station from entering the dirt bin. Use of a dirt bin valve and an air inhibition valve to control airflow into the dirt bin can allow the airflow within the dirt bin to be controlled in a straightforward and / or flexible manner. For example, the dirt bin valve and the air inhibition valve need not be in the same configuration as each other. The dirt bin valve may, for example, be in an open configuration to permit the admission of the dirt bin emptying pulse into the dirt bin whilst the air inhibition valve remains in the closed configuration to inhibit the air removed from the docking station from entering the dirt bin. The air inhibition valve 3 P004913-W001 may remain in the closed configuration in both the evacuation and dirt bin emptying modes so as to inhibit air removed from the docking station from entering the dirt bin during both evacuation of the docking station and emptying of the dirt bin into the docking station.

[0010] The vacuum cleaner may comprise a separation system and, with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the evacuation mode, the valve assembly may be configured to cause air removed from the docking station to bypass the separation system while flowing towards the suction generator. The dirt within the air removed from the docking station thus also bypasses the separation system. This can help maintain the cleanliness of the separation system, improving the effectiveness of the separation system in separating dirt from air during use of the vacuum cleaner.

[0011] The vacuum cleaner system may be operable in a separation system cleaning mode subsequent to the evacuation mode, in which separation system dirt is ejected from the separation system into the docking station, and in which the valve assembly is configured to permit a separation system cleaning pulse of air to be admitted into the vacuum cleaner to eject the separation system dirt from the separation system into the docking station. In this way, the separation system can be cleaned by the separation system cleaning pulse of air, which may be more hygienic and / or less cumbersome than a manual cleaning process.

[0012] The valve assembly may comprise a separation system valve. With the vacuum cleaner system configured in the separation system cleaning mode, the separation system valve may be configured to permit the separation system cleaning pulse of air to be admitted into the vacuum cleaner to eject the dirt from the separation system into the docking station. The provision of a separation system valve may provide flexibility for cleaning of the separation system, e.g. by allowing the separation system cleaning pulse of air to be admitted independently of the admission of air into other portions of the vacuum cleaner system. 4 P004913-W001

[0013] The separation system may comprise a non-cyclonic separation system. A non-cyclonic separation system may provide effective separation of dirt from air, while having a relatively simple structure that may be readily manufactured.

[0014] The separation system may comprise a first separator and a second separator, and the vacuum cleaner system may be operable in a further separation system cleaning mode subsequent to the evacuation mode, in which the valve assembly is configured to permit a further separation system cleaning pulse of air to enter the separation system between the first separator and the second separator, to eject further separation system dirt from the separation system into the docking station. This may provide further flexibility in cleaning the separation system in a hygienic and straightforward manner.

[0015] The valve assembly may comprise a further separation system valve, and wherein, with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the further separation system cleaning mode, the further separation system valve may be configured to permit the further separation system cleaning pulse of air to enter the separation system between the first separator and the second separator, to eject the further separation system dirt from the separation system into the docking station. The provision of a further separation system valve may provide flexibility for cleaning of the separation system by allowing the further separation system cleaning pulse of air to be admitted independently of the admission of air into other portions of the vacuum cleaner system.

[0016] The vacuum cleaner may comprise the suction generator. The suction generator of the vacuum cleaner, which may be used to suck air through the vacuum cleaner, in use, may thus also be used in emptying the dirt bin of the vacuum cleaner into the dock. This may reduce the overall energy usage for emptying of the dirt bin.

[0017] The vacuum cleaner may comprise an air inlet disposed closer to the suction generator than the dirt bin, and the air inlet may be configured to receive air removed from the docking station. The air removed from the docking station may thus be transferred back into the vacuum cleaner from where it may be straightforwardly discharged and / or 5 P004913-W001 passed over a motor of a suction generator of the vacuum cleaner to aid cooling of the motor.

[0018] The docking station may comprise a duct connecting the second opening of the docking station to the air inlet of the vacuum cleaner, the duct configured to receive the air removed from the docking station. This may simplify the structure of the docking station compared to other arrangements in which the air is discharged directly to an external environment from the docking station.

[0019] The vacuum cleaner system may comprise a filter arranged in the duct for filtering the air removed from the docking station. This may reduce re-entry of dust from the air removed from the docking station into the vacuum cleaner, via the duct. Cleanliness of an interior of the vacuum cleaner may thus be improved. The filter arranged in the duct may be considered to be part of the docking station. However, in other cases, the vacuum cleaner system may comprise a filter (and / or a further filter) arranged in the vacuum cleaner to filter dust in air that has been removed from the docking station and has re-entered the vacuum cleaner, for example via the air inlet discussed above. Disposing such a filter within the docking station may be lower in complexity than within the vacuum cleaner. However, disposing such a filter within the vacuum cleaner may provide greater protection for internal components of the vacuum cleaner such as components of the suction generator.

[0020] The vacuum cleaner system may be operable in a filter cleaning mode subsequent to the evacuation mode, in which filter dirt is ejected from the filter into a dirt receptacle of the docking station, and in which the valve assembly is configured to permit a filter cleaning pulse of air to be admitted into the duct and to flow through the filter towards the second opening of the docking station to eject the filter dirt from the filter into the dirt receptacle. In this way, the filter can be cleaned by the filter cleaning pulse of air, which may be more hygienic and / or less cumbersome than a manual cleaning process.

[0021] The valve assembly may comprise a filter valve operable to permit the filter cleaning pulse of air to be admitted into the duct and to flow through the filter towards the second 6 P004913-W001 opening of the docking station, with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the filter cleaning mode. The provision of a filter valve may provide further flexibility for cleaning of the filter, e.g. by allowing the filter cleaning pulse of air to be admitted independently of the admission of air into other portions of the vacuum cleaner system.

[0022] The vacuum cleaner system may comprise a valve controller configured to control a configuration of the valve assembly at least partly in dependence on a mode of the vacuum cleaner system. The valve assembly can thus be controlled by the controller, e.g. without involving manual interaction between a user and the valve assembly, which may be less messy, more straightforward or more convenient.

[0023] The valve controller may be configured to repeatedly switch the configuration of the valve assembly from: an evacuation configuration to permit the airflow generated by the suction generator to flow from the dirt bin into the first opening of the docking station and from the docking station out of the second opening of the docking station, with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the evacuation mode; to: a dirt bin emptying configuration to permit the dirt bin emptying pulse of air to be admitted into the dirt bin and to flow from the dirt bin into the first opening of the docking station, with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the bin emptying mode. The valve controller may thus configure the valve assembly in the evacuation configuration and then the dirt bin emptying configuration a plurality of times. The valve controller may configure the valve assembly in at least one further configuration between a dirt bin emptying configuration and a subsequent evacuation configuration or the valve assembly may be switched directly between the evacuation and dirt bin emptying configurations without an intervening configuration for at least some of the time. Repeated switching of the configuration of the valve assembly in this way may cause repeated dirt bin emptying pulses to flow through the dirt bin which, in turn, may improve the effectiveness with which the dirt bin is emptied.

[0024] The valve controller may be configured to repeatedly switch the configuration of the valve assembly from: the or an evacuation configuration to permit the airflow generated by the suction generator to flow from the dirt bin into the first opening of the 7 P004913-W001 docking station and from the docking station out of the second opening of the docking station, with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the evacuation mode; to: a separation system cleaning configuration to permit the separation system cleaning pulse of air to be admitted into the vacuum cleaner, with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the separation system cleaning mode. The valve controller may thus configure the valve assembly in the evacuation configuration and then the separation system cleaning configuration a plurality of times. The valve controller may configure the valve assembly in at least one further configuration between a separation system cleaning configuration and a subsequent evacuation configuration or the valve assembly may be switched directly between the evacuation and separation system cleaning configurations without an intervening configuration for at least some of the time. Repeated switching of the configuration of the valve assembly in this way may cause repeated separation system cleaning pulses to be generated, which may improve the effectiveness with which the separation system is cleaned.

[0025] The valve controller may be configured to repeatedly switch the configuration of the valve assembly from: the or an evacuation configuration to permit the airflow generated by the suction generator to flow from the dirt bin into the first opening of the docking station and from the docking station out of the second opening of the docking station, with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the evacuation mode; to: a further separation system cleaning configuration to permit the further separation system cleaning pulse of air to be admitted into the vacuum cleaner, with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the further separation system cleaning mode. The valve controller may thus configure the valve assembly in the evacuation configuration and then the further separation system cleaning configuration a plurality of times. The valve controller may configure the valve assembly in at least one further configuration between a further separation system cleaning configuration and a subsequent evacuation configuration or the valve assembly may be switched directly between the evacuation and further separation system cleaning configurations without an intervening configuration for at least some of the time. Repeated switching of the configuration of the valve assembly in this way may cause repeated further separation 8 P004913-W001 system cleaning pulses to be generated, which may improve the effectiveness with which the separation system is cleaned.

[0026] The valve controller may be configured to repeatedly switch the configuration of the valve assembly from: the or an evacuation configuration to permit the airflow generated by the suction generator to flow from the dirt bin into the first opening of the docking station and from the docking station out of the second opening of the docking station, with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the evacuation mode; to: a filter cleaning configuration to permit the filter cleaning pulse of air to be admitted into the duct and to flow through the filter towards the second opening of the docking station, with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the filter cleaning mode. The valve controller may thus configure the valve assembly in the evacuation configuration and then the filter cleaning configuration a plurality of times. The valve controller may configure the valve assembly in at least one further configuration between a filter cleaning configuration and a subsequent evacuation configuration or the valve assembly may be switched directly between the evacuation and filter cleaning configurations without an intervening configuration for at least some of the time. Repeated switching of the configuration of the valve assembly in this way may cause repeated filter cleaning pulses to be generated, which may improve the effectiveness with which the filter is cleaned.

[0027] It is to be appreciated that the valve controller may control the valve assembly to be switched from the evacuation configuration, to the dirt bin emptying configuration, to the evacuation configuration, and then to one of the separation system cleaning configuration and the filter cleaning configuration. Subsequently, the same sequence of configurations may be repeated. Alternatively, the valve assembly may subsequently be switched to the evacuation configuration then to the other of the separation system cleaning configuration and the filter cleaning configuration. This alternative sequence of configurations may then be repeated. In general, the valve controller may control the valve assembly to be repeatedly switched between the evacuation configuration and one of the dirt bin emptying configuration, the separation system cleaning configuration and the filter cleaning configuration (where the one of the dirt bin emptying configuration, 9 P004913-W001 the separation system cleaning configuration and the filter cleaning configuration may vary over time).

[0028] According to a second aspect, there is provided a vacuum cleaner system comprising: a vacuum cleaner having a dirt bin and a separation system; a docking station configured to dock with the dirt bin; a suction generator; and a valve assembly, wherein, with the dirt bin docked with the docking station, the vacuum cleaner system is operable in an evacuation mode in which an airflow is generated by the suction generator to generate a partial vacuum in the docking station, wherein, in the evacuation mode, the valve assembly is configured to cause air removed from the docking station to bypass the separation system while flowing towards the suction generator. This can help maintain the cleanliness of the separation system, by reducing ingress of dirt in the air removed from the docking station into the separation system, improving the effectiveness of the separation system in separating dirt from air during use of the vacuum cleaner.

[0029] The vacuum cleaner system may be operable in a separation system cleaning mode subsequent to the evacuation mode, in which separation system dirt is ejected from the separation system into the docking station, and in which the valve assembly is configured to permit a separation system cleaning pulse of air to be admitted into the vacuum cleaner to eject the separation system dirt from the separation system into the docking station. The separation system can be cleaned in this manner by the separation system cleaning pulse of air, which may be more hygienic and / or less cumbersome than a manual cleaning process.

[0030] According to a third aspect, there is provided a vacuum cleaner system comprising: a vacuum cleaner having a dirt bin and an air inlet; a docking station configured to dock with the dirt bin, the docking station comprising a first opening, a second opening, a duct connecting the second opening of the docking station to the air inlet of the vacuum cleaner and a filter arranged in the duct; a suction generator; and a valve assembly, wherein, with the dirt bin docked with the docking station, the vacuum cleaner system is operable in: an evacuation mode in which an airflow is generated by the suction 10 P004913-W001 generator to generate a partial vacuum in the docking station; and, subsequently, a filter cleaning mode, in which filter dirt is ejected from the filter into a dirt receptacle of the docking station, wherein: with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the evacuation mode, the valve assembly is configured to permit the airflow generated by the suction generator to flow from the dirt bin into the first opening of the docking station, from the docking station out of the second opening of the docking station to generate the partial vacuum in the docking station, and from the second opening of the docking station into the duct and through the filter in the duct, and from the duct into the vacuum cleaner via the air inlet; and with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the filter cleaning mode, the valve assembly is configured to permit a filter cleaning pulse of air to be admitted into the duct and to flow through the filter towards the second opening of the docking station to eject the filter dirt from the filter into the dirt receptacle. In this way, the filter can be cleaned by the filter cleaning pulse of air, which may be more hygienic and / or less cumbersome than a manual cleaning process.

[0031] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure l is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner of a vacuum cleaner system;

[0033] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner similar to the vacuum cleaner of Figure 1 docked with a docking station;

[0034] Figure 3 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of part of a vacuum cleaner system;

[0035] Figure 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the part of the vacuum cleaner system of Figure 3 in an evacuation mode;

[0036] Figure 5 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the part of the vacuum cleaner system of Figure 3 in a dirt bin emptying mode;

[0037] Figure 6 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the part of the vacuum cleaner system of Figure 3 in a separation system cleaning mode;

[0038] Figure 7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the part of the vacuum cleaner system of Figure 3 in a filter cleaning mode;

[0039] Figure 8 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of part of a vacuum cleaner system according to a further example;

[0040] Figure 9 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the part of the vacuum cleaner system of Figure 8 in an evacuation mode; 11 P004913-W001

[0041] Figure 10 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the part of the vacuum cleaner system of Figure 8 in a dirt bin emptying mode;

[0042] Figure 11 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the part of the vacuum cleaner system of Figure 8 in a separation system cleaning mode; and

[0043] Figure 12 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of part of a vacuum cleaner system according to a yet further example in a further separation system cleaning mode.

[0044] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] A vacuum cleaner 10 is shown in Figure 1. The vacuum cleaner 10 comprises a main unit 12, and a cleanerhead 3000. The vacuum cleaner 10 is a cord-free vacuum cleaner, with the user able and intended to support the main unit 12 in their hand in use, and is battery-powered.

[0046] The cleanerhead 3000 comprises an elongate neck portion 3002 having a distal end 3006 and a proximal end 3008 opposite to the distal end 3006. A floor tool 3004 of the cleanerhead 3000 is attached to the distal end 3006 of the neck portion 3002, which is further from the vacuum cleaner 10 than the proximal end 3008, with the cleanerhead 3000 attached to the vacuum cleaner 10. The cleanerhead 3000 is detachable from the vacuum cleaner 10, which allows the cleanerhead 3000 to be replaced by a different cleanerhead for a different cleaning task. For example, the cleanerhead 3000 may be replaced by a different type of cleanerhead such as nozzle, for example in the form of a crevice tool.

[0047] Figure 2 shows a vacuum cleaner similar to the vacuum cleaner 10 of Figure 1 docked with a docking station 4000 with the cleanerhead 3000 attached. The same reference numerals are used for corresponding features in Figures 1 and 2, as the vacuum cleaner 10 is the same in these figures except for the length of the neck portion 3002, which is shorter in Figure 2. In other examples, the cleanerhead 3000 is removed to allow the main unit 12 of the vacuum cleaner 10 to be docked with a docking station 4000. It is to be appreciated that the vacuum cleaner 10 or a portion thereof may be considered to be docked with the docking station 4000 where at least a or the portion of the vacuum cleaner 10 is docked with the docking station 4000, either directly (without another 12 P004913-W001 component therebetween) or indirectly (with another component therebetween that nevertheless allows fluid communication between at least a or the portion of the vacuum cleaner 10 and the docking station 4000). Thus, the vacuum cleaner 10 is considered to be docked with the docking station 4000 when the main unit 12 is docked with the docking station 4000. A combination of the vacuum cleaner 10 and the docking station 4000 may be considered to be a vacuum cleaner system.

[0048] The docking station 4000 comprises a body 4002 having a first side 4004 configured to be placed on a surface to support the docking station 4000. The first side 4004 may include a non-slip surface to inhibit sliding of the docking station 4000 relative to the surface. The body 4002 of the docking station 4002 has a second side 4006 opposite to the first side 4004 and a side wall 4008 connecting the first side 4004 to the second side 4006. The body 4002 defines a dirt receptacle for receiving dirt from the main unit 12. A variety of different shapes are suitable for the docking station. In Figure 2, the side walls 4008 are perpendicular to the first and second sides 4004, 4006.

[0049] The first and second sides 4004, 4006 are generally flat and parallel to each other. In plan view, the first and second sides 4004, 4006 are four-sided. Three of the four sides are straight, with a curved corner disposed between each of the sides. The fourth side is a curved side connecting two opposing straight sides. The shape of the first side 4004 enables the docking station 4000 to be disposed in a stable freestanding position on the surface. The cleanerhead 3000 of the vacuum cleaner 10 is positioned upon the second side 4006 of the docking station 4000 to dock the vacuum cleaner 10 with the docking station 4000. The shape of the second side 4006 allows the vacuum cleaner 10 to be stably disposed on the second side 4006.

[0050] The vacuum cleaner 10 is supported on the docking station 4000 by a retention structure 4011 extending upwardly from the second side 4006 to contact a side of the vacuum cleaner 10. The retention structure 4011 comprises a duct 4010 allowing fluid communication between the docking station 4000 and the vacuum cleaner 10. The retention structure 4011 maintains the vacuum cleaner 10 in a substantially upright position relative to the surface upon which the docking station 4000 is disposed (which 13 P004913-W001 in Figure 2 is a horizontal surface). The duct 4010 is a formed of a hollow tube to allow air to flow therethrough. The retention structure 4011 is formed of a suitable rigid material to support the weight of the vacuum cleaner 10 when docked with the docking station 4000. The duct 4010 is also formed of a rigid material. In other examples, a duct otherwise the same as the duct 4010 of Figure 2 may instead be a flexible tube. Although not visible in Figure 2, it is to be appreciated that the duct 4010 comprises a filter valve (discussed further below with reference to Figure 7) to facilitate cleaning of a filter (not shown) within the duct 4010.

[0051] The main unit 12 is elongate and has a generally cylindrical form. A user can grasp an outer surface of the main unit 12 to hold the vacuum cleaner 10, in use. The main unit 12 therefore forms a handle for the user. The main unit 12 has a first end 14 and a second end 16 opposite to the first end 14. In use, the first end 14 of the main unit 12 is connected to the proximal end 3008 of the neck portion 3002 of the cleanerhead 3000. A diameter of the neck portion 3002 is approximately the same as a diameter of the main unit 12 such that the neck portion 3002 and the main unit 12 are located at different respective positions along the same central longitudinal axis, which defines a central longitudinal axis 18 of the main unit 12. The neck portion 3002 and the main unit 12 each have a substantially constant diameter along the central longitudinal axis.

[0052] The main unit 12 comprises a separation system 100, a suction generator 1000, and a battery assembly 2000, which are each disposed at different respective positions along the central longitudinal axis 18. The suction generator 1000 is between the battery assembly 2000 and the separation system 100 along the central longitudinal axis 18. The separation system 100 comprises the first end 14 of the main unit 12, and the battery assembly 2000 comprises the second end 16 of the main unit 12.

[0053] The battery assembly 2000 is arranged to support battery cells to provide power to electrical components of the vacuum cleaner 10, including the suction generator 1000. The battery cells may be cylindrical lithium ion battery cells. Each battery cell may be rechargeable so that a combination of the battery cells can function as a rechargeable battery. 14 P004913-W001

[0054] The suction generator 1000 comprises an impeller and a motor configured to drive the impeller so as to draw air into the vacuum cleaner 10 via the cleanerhead 3000, in use, thereby sucking dirty air into the vacuum cleaner 10, as the skilled person will appreciate. The airflow generated by the suction generator 1000 passes from the cleanerhead 3000 to the separation system 100, in which dirt is at least partly separated from the airflow, in use, as discussed further below. An example of a separation system is discussed further below with reference to Figure 3.

[0055] The suction generator 1000 includes a user interface assembly 1024 via which the user can operate the suction generator 1000. The user interface assembly 1024 comprises an LCD (liquid crystal display) screen 1100, a power button 1108 and a mode button 1110. The power button 1108 can be actuated by the user to turn the suction generator 1000 on and off. The mode button 1110 can be used by the user to alter the mode in which the vacuum cleaner 10 is operating. For example, the vacuum cleaner 10 can be configured in different modes depending on the nature of the surface to be cleaned. The suction power generated by the suction generator 1000 may be different in different modes. The LCD screen 1100 displays various information about the vacuum cleaner 10, in use, such as battery indicator for the battery assembly 2000, indicating the state of charge of the battery assembly 2000, the mode selected by the user, and so forth.

[0056] The user interface assembly 1024 is electrically connected to a valve controller 1126 for controlling a configuration of at least part of a valve assembly of the vacuum cleaner system based on a mode of the vacuum cleaner 10 or the vacuum cleaner system selected by the user using the user interface 1024. The valve controller 1126 can be used to adjust the configuration of the valve assembly to correspond to a configuration for a particular mode, for example by controlling operation of at least one servo-actuator coupled to the valve assembly or at least one valve thereof e.g. to move the at least one valve from a closed configuration to an open configuration or vice versa.

[0057] During cleaning of a surface using the vacuum cleaner 10, airflow generated by the suction generator 1000 enters the floor tool 3004 of the cleanerhead 3000 via an airflow 15 P004913-W001 inlet of the floor tool 3004 (not shown) along with entrained dirt such as dust or other debris. Airflow flows from the cleanerhead 300 into the first end 14 of the main unit 12, into the dirt bin of the separation system 100. The separation system 100 separates dirt from airflow. Airflow exits the separation system 100 and enters the suction generator 1000. Airflow passes through an impeller of the suction generator 1000 (not shown) in a bulk direction substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 18 of the main unit 12. Airflow flows over various control circuitry for controlling the suction generator 1000 and exits the vacuum cleaner 10 via airflow outlets of the suction generator 1000 (not shown).

[0058] Figure 3 shows part 5003 of a vacuum cleaner system, in which a dirt bin 5104 of a separation system 5100 of a main unit 5012 of the vacuum cleaner is docked with a docking station 6000. In this example, a cleanerhead similar to the cleanerhead 3000 of Figures 1 and 2 has been detached from the main unit 5012 of the vacuum cleaner prior to docking of the main unit 5012 with the docking station 6000. The vacuum cleaner comprising the main unit 5012 and the docking station 6000 are similar to the vacuum cleaner 10 and the docking station 4000 of Figures 1 and 2; corresponding descriptions are to be taken to apply.

[0059] The bin body 5108 is elongate and hollow, with an internal volume defining the dirt bin 5104. A body 6002 of the docking station 6000 defines a dirt receptacle 6014 for receiving dirt from the dirt bin 5104. The body 6002 has a first side 6004, arranged to be placed on a surface to support the docking station 6000, a second side 6006 opposite to the first side 6004 and side walls 6008 connecting the first and second sides 6004, 6006.

[0060] The dirt bin 5104 comprises a dirt outlet 5118 configured to mate with a first opening 6012 of the docking station 6000. The dirt outlet 5118 and the dirt inlet 6012 may be configured in various ways provided that they together allow the dirt bin 5104 to communicate with the dirt receptacle 6014 of the docking station 6000. 16 P004913-W001

[0061] The separation system comprises a first filter 5200 and a second filter 5300. The first filter 5200 comprises a mesh (not shown) configured to filter coarse debris from airflow in use, and hence may also be referred to as a coarse filter. In view of the nature of the first filter 5200, the separation system 5100 may be considered a non-cy clonic separation system. The first filter 5200 has a generally U-shaped cross-sectional shape when viewed in a plane orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the first filter 5200. The curvature of the first filter 5200 is such that free ends of the U-shaped cross-sectional shape face away from one another, and hence the first filter 5200 has a relatively shallow curvature. The first filter 5200 also comprises a filter medium (not shown). The mesh overlies the filter medium. The first filter 5200 is disposed longitudinally within the bin body 5108 and extends substantially perpendicularly away from the second side 6006 of the body 6002 of the docking station 6000, when the dirt bin 5104 is docked with the docking station 6000.

[0062] The first filter 5200 overlies the second filter 5300. The second filter 5300 is elongate in form and comprises an auxiliary mesh (not shown). The auxiliary mesh acts to filter fine debris from airflow in use, and hence may also be referred to as a fine filter.

[0063] The separation system 5100 has a stepped cylindrical shape, with a first portion 5120 comprising the dirt outlet 5118 having a cross-section with a first diameter, and a second portion 5122 coupled to the first portion 5120 at an opposite end of the first portion 5120 to the dirt outlet 5118 having a cross-section with a second diameter, smaller than the first diameter. The first and second portions 5120, 5122 are aligned at a side 5124 of the separation system 5100 facing a duct 6010 of the docking station 6000 to form a smooth surface of the separation system 5100 facing the duct 6010. Opposite to the side facing the duct 6010, the separation system 5100 includes a step 5126 where the first portion 5120 meets the second portion 5122 due to the decrease in diameter of the separation system 5100 from the first diameter to the second diameter.

[0064] The first filter 5200 extends from an end of the bin body 5108 comprising the dirt outlet 5118 to the step 5126, substantially perpendicularly to the second side 6006 of the docking station 6000, with the dirt bin 5104 docked with the docking station 6000. The 17 P004913-W001 second filter 300 extends from a protrusion 5128, which protrudes internally within the separation system 5100 from the side 5124 of the separation system 5100 at a distance from the dirt outlet 5118. The second filter 300 extends within the first portion 5120 of the separation system 5100 to the step 5126, substantially perpendicularly to the second side 6006, with the dirt bin 5104 docked with the docking station 6000.

[0065] In the cross-sectional view of Figure 3, the first filter 5200 and the second filter 5300 are illustrated as parallel to each other. However, it is to be appreciated that the first filter 5200 is convexly curved relative to the second filter 5300, with a central portion of the first filter 5200 closer to the second filter 5300 than free ends of the first filter 5200 along the first filter 5200 in a direction perpendicular to the second surface 6006.

[0066] The dirt bin 5104 is divided into a first portion 5130 and a second portion 5132 by the first filter 5200. The first portion 5130 is formed of a first region between the second filter 5300 and the first filter 5200 from a first plane orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the separation system 5100 (parallel to the second surface 6006, with the dirt bin 5104 docked with the docking station 6000) and comprising the step 5126, to a second plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and comprising the protrusion 5128; and a second region between the side 5124 of the separation system 5100 and the first filter 5200, from the second plane to a third plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and comprising the dirt outlet 5118. A region between the first filter 5200 and the opposite side of the separation system 5100 to the side 5124 comprising the protrusion 5128 defines the second portion 5132 of the dirt bin 5104.

[0067] Airflow flowing through the dirt bin 5104, during use of the vacuum cleaner to clean a surface, flows over the primary mesh of the first filter 5200 in a bulk direction generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the main unit 5012 (which is the same as the central longitudinal axis 18 of Figure 1). As the airflow flows over the primary mesh, the airflow passes through through-holes of the primary mesh, with the primary mesh acting to filter out relatively large debris from the airflow. 18 P004913-W001

[0068] Airflow that has passed through the primary mesh then flows over and through the filter medium in a direction substantially orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis 18 of the main unit 12. The filter medium acts to filter debris from the airflow, with such debris being relatively fine in comparison to the debris filtered out by the primary mesh. Filtered debris accumulates on the filter medium, and airflow passes from the filter medium toward the auxiliary mesh of the second filter 5300.

[0069] Airflow flows through the auxiliary mesh of the second filter 5300 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis of the main unit 5012. The auxiliary mesh acts to filter debris from the airflow, with such debris being relatively fine in comparison to the debris filtered out by the filter medium. Filtered debris accumulates on the auxiliary mesh, and airflow flows out of the separation system 5100.

[0070] During use of the vacuum cleaner to clean a surface, coarse dirt filtered from air by the first filter 5200 remains in the second portion 5132 of the dirt bin 5104 until the dirt bin 5104 is emptied. Fine dirt filtered from air passing through the first filter 5200 is filtered from the air by the second filter 5300, during cleaning of the surface, and remains in the first portion 5130 of the dirt bin 5104 until the dirt bin 5104 is emptied. Dirt from the first and second portions 5130, 5132 of the dirt bin 5104 can be ejected through the dirt outlet 5118 of the dirt bin 5104 and into the first opening 6012 of the docking station 6000.

[0071] It is to be appreciated that a dirt bin in any of the examples herein may be taken to be any portion of the vacuum cleaner within which dirt that has been separated from an airflow collects. For example, the dirt bin may form part of or be included within the separation system, such as part of a primary or secondary separator of a separation system.

[0072] The docking station 6000 also includes a second opening 6018 via which air can be removed from the docking station 6000. The first and second openings 6016, 6018 are generally circular in shape, although first and / or second openings of other shapes are possible in other examples. 19 P004913-W001

[0073] The second opening 6018 is connected to an air inlet 5134 of the vacuum cleaner by a duct 6010, which is the same as the duct 4010 of Figure 2. The duct 6010 is arranged to receive the air removed from the docking station 6000 (which may be referred to herein as removed air) and to convey the removed air back into the main unit 5012, via the air inlet 5134.

[0074] The air inlet 5134 is disposed closer to a suction generator of the vacuum cleaner than the dirt bin 5104. In this case, the suction generator is disposed at an opposite end of the vacuum cleaner to the separation system 5100, as shown in Figure 1. A distance between the air inlet 5134 and the suction generator is therefore less than a distance between the dirt bin 5104 and the suction generator in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the main unit 5012 of the vacuum cleaner.

[0075] A filter 6020 is arranged in the duct 6010 to filter the air removed from the docking station 6000, in use. The filter 6020 may be any suitable filter for filtering dirt, e.g. in the form of dust or other debris, from air, such as a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. The filter 6020 is located adjacent to the second opening 6018 within the duct 6010 so as to cover the second opening 6018. In other examples, though, a filter otherwise the same as the filter 6020 of Figure 3 may be disposed in a different position within the duct 6010 and / or the duct 6010 may include at least one filter in addition to the filter 6020 of Figure 3, such as a coarse mesh and / or a HEPA filter.

[0076] The part 5003 of the vacuum cleaner system shown in Figure 3 includes a valve assembly, which in this example comprises a dirt bin valve 5136, an air inhibition valve 5138, a separation system valve 5140 and a filter valve 6022. The valve assembly can be configured to aid in cleaning various different components of the vacuum cleaner system, as discussed further below with reference to Figures 4 to 7.

[0077] The dirt bin valve 5136 is disposed at an opposite end of the dirt bin 5104 to the dirt outlet 5118, and is disposed to cover an opening in the bin body 5108. The opening of the bin body 5108 provides an aperture into the second portion 5132 of the dirt bin 20 P004913-W001

[0078] 5104. The dirt bin valve 5136 can be configured in a closed configuration to inhibit air from entering the dirt bin 5104 and in an open configuration to allow air to enter the second portion 5132 of the dirt bin 5104.

[0079] The air inhibition valve 5138 is disposed to cover the air inlet 5134 of the vacuum cleaner, which is above the dirt separation system 5100 in the orientation of Figure 3. The air inhibition valve 5138 can be configured in a closed configuration in which air is inhibited from passing from the duct 6010 into the main unit 5012 of the vacuum cleaner. The air inhibition valve 5138 can also be configured in an open configuration in which air is permitted to flow from the duct 6010 into the main unit 5012 of the vacuum cleaner, whilst bypassing the separation system 5100.

[0080] The separation system valve 5140 is disposed in the second portion 5122 of the separation system 5100, remote from the dirt outlet 5118. The separation system valve 5140 can be configured in a closed configuration in which air is inhibited from entering the separation system 5100 and in an open configuration in which air is permitted to flow into the separation system 5100.

[0081] The filter valve 6022 is disposed in an opposite end of the duct 6010 to the end of the duct 6010 coupled to the second opening 6018 of the docking station 6000. In Figure 3, the filter valve 6022 is arranged in an elongate portion 6024 of the duct 6010 which extends parallel to a longitudinal extent of the main unit 5012. The filter valve 6022 is configurable in a closed configuration in which air is inhibited from entering the duct 6010 and in an open configuration in which air is allowed to flow into the duct 6010.

[0082] In Figure 3, the dirt bin valve 5136, the air inhibition valve 5138, the separation system valve 5140 and the filter valve 6022 are each in the closed configuration. It is to be appreciated that various different valves may be used as the dirt bin valve 5136, the air inhibition valve 5138, the separation system valve 5140 and the filter valve 6022, provided that a given valve is configurable in at least the closed and open configurations described. At least one different type of valve may be used for the dirt bin valve 5136, the air inhibition valve 5138, the separation system valve 5140 and the filter valve 6022, 21 P004913-W001 or the dirt bin valve 5136, the air inhibition valve 5138, the separation system valve 5140 and the filter valve 6022 may each be of the same type but disposed in a different respective location within the vacuum cleaner system. In Figure 3, the dirt bin valve 5136, the air inhibition valve 5138, the separation system valve 5140 and the filter valve 6022 are each pivotable about a hinge to move between the closed and open configurations. The dirt bin valve 5136, the air inhibition valve 5138, the separation system valve 5140 and the filter valve 6022 are each biased to remain in the closed configuration shown in Figure 3, for example by a suitably configured biasing spring (not shown). In other examples, though, this need not be the case.

[0083] Various mechanisms are suitable for actuating the valve assembly. For example, the valve assembly may be actuated manually, e.g. by a user manually opening and / or closing particular valve(s) of the valve assembly. The valve assembly may instead be actuated mechanically or electronically. For example, a pneumatic device that is pressure-controlled may be operable to generate sufficient force to change a configuration of a valve from closed to open and vice versa. An electronic controller may include a servo-actuator to close or open a valve, for example in response to an input from a user (e.g. via the user interface assembly 1024 shown in Figure 1 or a button push) and / or in response to sensor data obtained by a sensor of the vacuum cleaner system. Different valves of a multi-valve valve assembly may be controlled using different mechanisms.

[0084] In this example, the valves of the main unit 5012 are controlled by a valve controller such as the valve controller 1126 of Figure 1, which sends appropriate control signals to a respective servo-actuator (not shown in Figure 3) coupled to each of the valves of the main unit 5012 to pivot a respective valve between the closed and open configurations, based on the mode selected by the user via the user interface assembly. In other examples, though, a valve controller for controlling the valves of the main unit 5012 may be comprised by the docking station 6000. The filter valve 6022 is comprised by the docking station 6000 and in this case is controlled manually, via a button on the duct 6010 (not shown in Figure 3) that a user can actuate to switch the filter valve 6022 between the closed and open configurations. However, in other examples, a filter valve 22 P004913-W001 otherwise the same as the filter valve 6022 of Figure 3 may alternatively or additionally be controlled by the valve controller, via a suitable electronic connection between the valve controller and the filter valve 6022, or by a further valve controller comprised by the docking station 6000.

[0085] With the dirt bin 5104 docked with the docking station 6000, the vacuum cleaner system of Figure 3 is operable in various different modes in order to clean different components of the vacuum cleaner system. The vacuum cleaner system may be operated in a plurality of different modes at the same time, to clean a plurality of different components at the same time as each other, or the vacuum cleaner system may be operated in a single mode at a time, to clean a single component. Figure 4 shows the part 5003 of the vacuum cleaner system of Figure 3 configured in an evacuation mode in which an airflow is generated by a suction generator of the vacuum cleaner (which is the same as the suction generator 1000 of Figure 1) to generate a partial vacuum in the docking station 6000.

[0086] In the evacuation mode, the dirt bin valve 5136, the separation system valve 5140 and the filter valve 5140 are each in the closed configuration, and the air inhibition valve 5138 is in the open configuration. The configuration of the valve assembly in the evacuation mode may be referred to as an evacuation configuration. In this mode, the suction generator is operated to generate an airflow, indicated by arrows 6096 in Figure 4. This configuration of the valve assembly permits the airflow generated by the suction generator to flow from the dirt bin 5104 into the first opening 6012 of the docking station 6000 and from the docking station 6000 out of the second opening 6018 of the docking station 6000 and into the duct 6010. Air within the separation system 5100 prior to the evacuation mode is therefore sucked into the first opening 6012 of the docking station 6000 upon initiation of the evacuation mode. During the evacuation mode, air within the docking station 6000 is sucked out of the second opening 6018 and into the duct 6010 so as to at least partly evacuate air from the docking station 6000. The air removed from the docking station 6000 and received within the duct 6010 continues to flow through the duct 6010 and back into the main unit 5012 of the vacuum cleaner, via the air inlet 5134, which is uncovered by the air inhibition valve 5138. The 23 P004913-W001 air flowing through the air inlet 5134 flows through the vacuum cleaner towards the suction generator before exiting the vacuum cleaner via airflow outlets of the suction generator.

[0087] The air inhibition valve 5138 provides a physical barrier to the separation system 5100 in the open configuration of Figure 4, so as to inhibit entry of the air removed from the docking station 6000 from re-entering the separation system 5100. In this way, the air inhibition valve 5138 inhibits the removed air from re-entering the dirt bin 5104 of the separation system 5100, so as to inhibit re-entry of dirt in the air into dirt bin 5104.

[0088] In this way, air can be evacuated from the docking station 6000 during the evacuation mode so as to generate the partial vacuum within the docking station 6000. The partial vacuum for example corresponds to a pressure lower than typical atmospheric pressure. A greater partial vacuum may improve the performance of bin emptying or filter cleaning. However, the performance of bin emptying and filter cleaning at a set vacuum level may be reduced if the dock volume is not large enough or if the size and / or shape of at least one of the valves is inappropriate. The level of vacuum created is dependent on the type and power of the suction generator. For example, this could be achieved with the suction generator pumping at an appropriate rate to reduce the ambient pressure within the docking station 6000 from approximately lOOkPa to approximately 75kPa, although it is to be appreciated that the rate at which the air is evacuated from the docking station 6000 may decrease over time. In general, a pressure drop of between 10 and 30kPa, such as a pressure drop between 23 and 28kPa, has been found to be effective at cleaning component(s) of the vacuum cleaner system. Whilst these values of pressure drop are considered to provide good results, it is possible for good functionality still to be achieved with a somewhat lower pressure drop.

[0089] Once a sufficient negative pressure level has been generated within the docking station 6000, the vacuum cleaner system is changed to a dirt bin emptying mode, a separation system cleaning mode and / or a filter cleaning mode. Figure 5 illustrates the dirt bin emptying mode. 24 P004913-W001

[0090] In the dirt bin emptying mode, the valve assembly is configured to permit a dirt bin emptying pulse of air to be admitted into the dirt bin 5104 and to flow from the dirt bin 5104 into the first opening 6012. The suction generator remains in an on state in the dirt bin emptying mode. In other examples, though, the suction generator may be in an off state in the dirt bin emptying mode, in which an airflow is not being generated by the suction generator. The suction generator may be turned off by the user selecting to cease operation of the suction generator and / or by the user selecting to operate the vacuum cleaner system in the dirt bin emptying mode in examples in which the suction generator is configured to be off in the dirt bin emptying mode, for example via the user interface assembly.

[0091] The dirt bin valve 5136 and the air inhibition valve 5138 are in the open configurations and the separation system valve 5140 and the filter valve 6022 are in the closed configurations in the dirt bin emptying mode. The configuration of the valve assembly in the dirt bin emptying mode may be referred to as a dirt bin emptying configuration. With the dirt bin valve 5136 in the open configuration, the dirt bin emptying pulse of air enters an upper region of the second portion 5132 of the dirt bin 5104 (in the orientation of Figure 5), due to the partial vacuum within the docking station 6000. The dirt bin emptying pulse of air flows rapidly downwards through the dirt bin 5104 to eject dirt from the dirt bin 5104 into the docking station 6000 via the first opening 6012. The partial vacuum causes ambient air to be drawn forcefully through the open dirt bin valve 5136, causing a high-speed pulse of air (referred to herein as the dirt bin emptying pulse of air) to flow from the dirt bin 5104 to the docking station 6000 to dislodge dirt from interior walls of the bin body 5108 and components within the dirt bin 5104 such as the first filter 5200 and a side of the second filter 5300 within the bin body 5108. This allows dirt to be emptied in a hygienic and effective manner from the dirt bin 5104.

[0092] A bulk air flow direction through the dirt bin 5104 is the same in both the evacuation mode and the dirt bin emptying mode, from the dirt bin 5104 towards the first opening 6012 of the docking station 6000. The air inhibition valve 5138 is also in the open configuration in both the evacuation mode and the dirt bin emptying mode so as to inhibit air removed from the docking station 6000 from entering the dirt bin 5104. In 25 P004913-W001 the dirt bin emptying mode, the suction generator is generating an airflow so the dirt bin emptying pulse of air drawn through the dirt bin 5104 and into the docking station 6000 is then drawn into the duct 6010 by the airflow generated by the suction generator. Such air is considered to be removed from the docking station 6000 in the sense that the air has exited from the docking station 6000. To the extent that air from the docking station 6000 enters the duct 6010 during the dirt bin emptying mode, the open air inhibition valve can inhibit such air from flowing into the separation system 5100 and into the dirt bin 5104.

[0093] An area of the opening uncovered by the dirt bin valve 5136 in the open configuration is configured to achieve a high speed flow of air into the dirt bin 5104 after generating the partial vacuum within the docking station 6000. An appropriate area to be uncovered by the dirt bin valve 5136 for a given vacuum cleaner system may be within plus or minus 50% of a minimum cross-sectional area in a flow path from the dirt bin valve 5136 to the docking station 6000. Due to the large difference in pressure between the dirt bin 5104 and the docking station 6000 and the appropriately sized opening uncovered by the dirt bin valve 5136 during the dirt bin emptying mode, the dirt bin emptying pulse of air has a very high flow rate for a short period of time. The pressure within the docking station 6000 determines the peak velocity of an airflow into the docking station 6000 (such as the dirt bin emptying pulse of air). A peak flow rate of the airflow into the docking station can thus be calculated as the peak velocity of the airflow multiplied by a minimum cross-sectional area of a flow path from the dirt bin valve 5136 to the docking station 6000.

[0094] Figure 5 illustrates a single dirt bin emptying pulse of air, which is obtained by firstly configuring the vacuum cleaner system in the evacuation mode and subsequently configuring the vacuum cleaner system in the dirt bin emptying mode. However, this process may be performed more than once in order to enhance emptying of the dirt bin 5104. For example, the vacuum cleaner system may be repeatedly switched between the evacuation and dirt bin emptying modes (although in some cases at least one mode may be used between the evacuation and dirt bin emptying modes and / or vice versa). 26 P004913-W001

[0095] With the suction generator in the on state during the bin emptying mode, air may flow through the vacuum cleaner system at a relatively constant rate equivalent to the rate at which air flows through the vacuum cleaner when in use to clean a surface in between the dirt bin emptying pulses. The dirt bin emptying pulses may thus periodically amplify the rate at which the air flows through the vacuum cleaner system to boost removal of dirt from the dirt bin 5104.

[0096] The suction generator generating an airflow during the dirt bin emptying mode typically increases the flow of air from the docking station 6000 towards the suction generator, via the duct 6010 and the air inlet 5134. The open configuration of the air inhibition valve 5138 in these cases inhibits the air removed from the docking station 6000 and flowing through the duct 6010 and into the main unit 5012 via the air inlet 5134 from re-entering the separation system 5100, to reduce the re-entry of dirt within the air into the dirt bin 5104 during emptying of the dirt bin 5104.

[0097] After generating a partial vacuum in the docking station 6000 in the evacuation mode, the vacuum cleaner system may be switched to the separation system cleaning mode shown in Figure 6 instead of the dirt bin emptying mode of Figure 5. In the separation system cleaning mode, dirt (which may be referred to as separation system dirt) is ejected from the separation system 5100 into the docking station 6000 so as to clean the separation system 5100.

[0098] In the separation system cleaning mode, the dirt bin valve 5136 and the filter valve 6022 are each in the closed configuration, and the separation system valve 5140 and the air inhibition valve 5138 are each in the open configuration. The configuration of the valve assembly in the separation system mode may be referred to as a separation system cleaning configuration.

[0099] In the separation system cleaning mode, the valve assembly in the separation system cleaning configuration permits a separation system cleaning pulse of air to be admitted into the vacuum cleaner to eject dirt from the separation system 5100 into the docking station 6000. Due to the partial vacuum within the docking station 6000, the separation 27 P004913-W001 system cleaning pulse of air enters an opening in the second portion 5122 of the separation system 5100 which is uncovered by the separation system valve 5140 in the open configuration. The opening in the second portion 5122 of the separation system 5100 is located in a side wall of the second portion 5122 at a position between the suction generator and the second filter 5300 longitudinally along the main unit 5012. The separation system cleaning pulse of air flows down through the main unit 5012 towards the dirt outlet 5118 and passes through the second filter 5300 and the first filter 5200 within the separation system 5100 in an opposite direction to that in which air flows through the second filter 5300 and the first filter 5200 during cleaning of a surface by the vacuum cleaner, with the vacuum cleaner undocked from the docking station 6000. The separation system cleaning pulse of air flowing in the opposite direction through the separation system 5100 (comprising the second filter 5300 and the first filter 5200) during the separation system cleaning mode dislodges dirt trapped in the separation system 5100, thereby cleaning the separation system 5100. For example, the separation system cleaning pulse of air may eject dirt trapped on a side of the second filter 5300 and / or a side of the first filter 5200 downstream of the opening in the second portion 5122 of the separation system 5100, and convey the ejected dirt through the dirt bin 5104 and into the dirt receptacle 6014 of the docking station 6000, via the first opening 6012 of the docking station 6000.

[0100] The separation system cleaning pulse of air generated during the separation system cleaning mode is similar to or the same as that generated during the dirt bin emptying mode except that it enters the vacuum cleaner system via a different opening. The separation system cleaning pulse of air of the separation system cleaning mode is therefore a high-speed pulse of air with a relatively short duration, that is effective at ejecting dirt from the separation system 5100 so the separation system 5100 can be cleaned in-situ, for example without having to remove the separation system 5100 from the vacuum cleaner or without having to remove various components of the vacuum cleaner to access the separation system 5100 for cleaning. In some cases, though, the separation system 5100 may also be removed or accessed through the vacuum cleaner for additional cleaning to that provided by the separation system cleaning pulse of air. 28 P004913-W001

[0101] As explained with reference to the bin emptying mode, a plurality of separation system cleaning pulses of air may be conveyed through the separation system 5100 in order to clean the separation system 5100 more thoroughly. In order to generate a plurality of separation system cleaning pulses of air through the separation system 5100, a process of configuring the vacuum cleaner system in the evacuation mode and, subsequently, the separation system cleaning mode is performed a plurality of times. For example, the vacuum cleaner system may be repeatedly switched between the evacuation and separation system cleaning modes (although in some cases at least one mode may be used between the evacuation and separation system cleaning modes and / or vice versa).

[0102] It is envisaged that the suction generator is generating an airflow during both the evacuation mode and the separation system cleaning mode. The suction generator generating an airflow during the separation system cleaning mode typically increases the flow of air from the docking station 6000 towards the suction generator, via the duct 6010 and the air inlet 5134. The open configuration of the air inhibition valve 5138 inhibits air removed from the docking station 6000 and flowing through the duct 6010 and into the main unit 5012 via the air inlet 5134 from re-entering the separation system 5100, to reduce the re-entry of dirt within the air into the dirt bin 5104 during cleaning of the separation system 5100. However, it has been found that acceptable cleaning of the separation system may nevertheless be achieved with the suction generator not generating the airflow in the separation system cleaning mode.

[0103] After generating the partial vacuum in the docking station 6000 in the evacuation mode, the vacuum cleaner system may be switched to the filter cleaning mode shown in Figure 7 instead of the separation system cleaning mode of Figure 6 or the dirt bin emptying mode of Figure 5. In the filter cleaning mode, dirt (which may be referred to as filter dirt) is ejected from the filter 6020 disposed in the duct 6010 into the dirt receptacle 6014 of the docking station 6000 so as to clean the filter 6020.

[0104] In the filter cleaning mode, the dirt bin valve 5136 and the separation system valve 5140 are each in the closed configuration, and the filter valve 6022 and the air inhibition valve 5138 are each in the open configuration. The configuration of the valve assembly 29 P004913-W001 in the filter cleaning mode may be referred to as a filter cleaning configuration. In this example, the suction generator is in an off state, in which an airflow is not being generated by the suction generator, in the filter cleaning mode. However, it has been found that the filter may still be cleaned effectively if the suction generator is on during the filter cleaning mode, as the airflow caused by the partial vacuum within the docking station 6000 may have a significantly higher flow rate than the airflow towards the suction generator so as to create the filter cleaning pulse of air towards the docking station 6000.

[0105] In the filter cleaning mode, the valve assembly in the filter cleaning configuration permits a filter cleaning pulse of air to be admitted into the vacuum cleaner to eject dirt from the filter 6020 into the dirt receptacle 6014 of the docking station 6000. Due to the partial vacuum within the docking station 6000, the filter cleaning pulse of air enters an opening in the elongate portion 6024 of the duct 6010 which is uncovered by the filter valve 6022 in the open configuration. The opening in the elongate portion 6024 is located such that the filter 6020 is positioned between the opening in the elongate portion 6024 and the dirt receptacle 6024. The filter cleaning pulse of air thus enters the duct 6010 via the opening in the elongate portion, flows down through the duct 6010 towards the second opening 6018 of the docking station 6000 and passes through the filter 6020 within the duct 6010 in an opposite direction to that in which air flows through the filter 6020 during evacuation of air from the docking station 6000. The filter cleaning pulse of air flowing in the opposite direction through the filter 6020 during the filter cleaning mode dislodges dirt trapped on a side of the filter 6020 facing the docking station 6000 and transports the dislodged dirt into the dirt receptacle 6014 of the docking station 6000, thereby cleaning the filter 6020.

[0106] The filter cleaning pulse of air generated during the filter cleaning is similar to or the same as that generated during the dirt bin emptying mode except that it enters the vacuum cleaner system via a different opening. An appropriate area of the opening uncovered by the filter valve 6022 may be within plus or minus 50% of a minimum cross-sectional area in a flow path from the filter valve 6022 to the docking station 6000. The filter cleaning pulse of air of the filter cleaning mode is therefore a high- 30 P004913-W001 speed pulse of air, for example with a speed of between around 100 to 250 metres per second, with a relatively short duration, that is effective at ejecting dirt from the filter 6020 so the filter 6020 can be cleaned in-situ, for example without having to remove the filter 6020 from the docking station 6000 or without having to remove various components of the docking station 6000 to access the filter 6020 for cleaning. In some cases, though, the filter 6020 may also be removed or otherwise accessed for additional cleaning to that provided by the filter cleaning pulse of air.

[0107] As explained with reference to the bin emptying mode, a plurality of filter cleaning pulses of air may be conveyed through the filter 6020 in order to clean the filter 6020 more thoroughly. In order to generate a plurality of filter cleaning pulses of air through the filter 6020, a process of configuring the vacuum cleaner system in the evacuation mode and, subsequently, the filter cleaning mode is performed a plurality of times. For example, the vacuum cleaner system may be repeatedly switched between the evacuation and filter cleaning modes by maintaining the suction generator in the on state and repeatedly closing the filter valve 6022 (to obtain the evacuation mode) and then opening the filter valve 6022 (to obtain the filter cleaning mode), with the filter valve 6022 closed for a sufficient length of time in the evacuation mode to obtain an appropriate partial vacuum within the docking station 6000 to adequately clean the filter in the subsequent filter cleaning mode. In some cases, though, at least one other mode may be used between the evacuation and filter cleaning modes and / or vice versa).

[0108] Figure 8 shows part 7003 of a vacuum cleaner system, with a separation system 7100 of a main unit 7012 of a vacuum cleaner docked with a docking station 8000. The vacuum cleaner system of Figure 8 is the same as the vacuum cleaner system of Figure 3, except that the separation system 7100 of Figure 8 differs from the separation system 5100 of Figure 3, the duct 8010 of Figure 8 lacks the filter 6020 of Figure 3, and the valve assembly of Figure 8 lacks the filter valve 6022 of Figure 3. Features of Figure 8 that are similar to corresponding features of Figure 3 are labelled with the same reference numeral but incremented by 2000; corresponding descriptions are to be taken to apply. 31 P004913-W001

[0109] The main unit 7012 includes a suction generator 7142, which is the same as the suction generator 1000 described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, a primary separation chamber 7144 and a secondary separation chamber 7146. The secondary separation chamber 7146 is disposed between the primary separation chamber 7144 and the suction generator 7142 along a longitudinal axis of the main unit 7012, with the suction generator 7142, the primary separation chamber 7144 and the secondary separation chamber 7146 being arranged coaxially but at different respective positions along the longitudinal axis. A diameter of the main unit 7012 remains constant longitudinally along the main unit 7012 in this example, but need not in other examples.

[0110] The primary and secondary separation chambers 7144, 7146 together form a separation system 7100 of the main unit 7012, for separating dirt from an airflow through the separation system 7100, during use of the vacuum cleaner for cleaning a surface. The primary and secondary separation chambers 7144, 7146 are each cyclonic separation chambers, to perform cyclonic separation of dirt from air, which the skilled person will be familiar with.

[0111] In use to clean a surface, the main unit 7012 is connected to a cleanerhead such as the cleanerhead 3000 of Figure 1. Airflow generated by the suction generator 7142 is drawn into the cleanerhead of the vacuum cleaner, through the cleanerhead and into the primary separation chamber 7144 to separate coarse dirt from air. The air is then drawn into the secondary separation chamber 7146 to separate fine dirt from the air. The air then flows out of the separation system 7100, towards the suction generator 7142, and out of the vacuum cleaner.

[0112] The primary separation chamber 7144 defines a dirt bin 7104 for storing the coarse dirt separated from the air. The dirt bin 7104 comprises a dirt outlet 7118 configured to dock with a first opening 8012 of the docking station 8000.

[0113] The docking station 8000 comprises a body 8002 having a first surface 8004, a second surface 8006 and side walls 8008 connecting the first and second surfaces 8004, 8006. An interior of the body 8002 forms a dirt receptacle 8014. The docking station 8000 32 P004913-W001 also has a second opening 8018 via which air can be removed from the docking station 8000. The second opening 8018 is connected to an air inlet 7134 of the main unit 7012 by a duct 8010 of the docking station 8000.

[0114] The vacuum cleaner system of Figure 8 comprises a valve assembly comprising a dirt bin valve 7136, a separation system valve 7140 and an air inhibition valve 7134. The valve assembly can be configured in various different configurations to clean different components of the vacuum cleaner system, as will now be described with reference to Figures 9 to 11, in which arrows 8096 indicate a direction of airflow.

[0115] Figure 9 shows the part 7003 of the vacuum cleaner system of Figure 8 configured in an evacuation mode in which an airflow is generated by the suction generator 7142 to generate a partial vacuum in the docking station 8000. In the evacuation mode, with the valve assembly in the evacuation configuration, the dirt bin valve 7136 and the separation system valve 7140 are in the closed configuration, and the air inhibition valve 7138 is in the open configuration. The evacuation configuration permits the airflow generated by the suction generator 7142 to flow from the dirt bin 7104 into the first opening 8012 of the docking station 8000, from the second opening 8018 of the docking station 8000 into the duct 8010 and from the duct 8010 into the main unit 7012 via the air inlet 7134. The air inhibition valve 7138 inhibits the air evacuated from the docking station 8000 from re-entering the separation system 7100 (via the secondary separation chamber 7146) so that the air removed from the docking station 8000 flows back towards the suction generator 7142 whilst bypassing the separation system 7100.

[0116] Figure 10 shows the part 7003 of the vacuum cleaner system of Figure 8 configured in a dirt bin emptying mode, once a sufficient partial vacuum has been generated in the docking station 8000 by the evacuation mode. In the dirt bin emptying mode, with the valve assembly in the dirt bin emptying configuration, the separation system valve 7140 is in the closed configuration, and the air inhibition valve 7138 and the dirt bin valve 7136 are in the open configuration. In this example, the suction generator 7142 is on during the dirt bin emptying mode, but in other cases the suction generator 7142 may be off during the dirt bin emptying mode. Due to the partial vacuum in the docking 33 P004913-W001 station 8000 and the dirt bin emptying configuration of the valve assembly, a dirt bin emptying pulse of air flows into the dirt bin 7104 and into the first opening 8012 of the docking station 8000 to eject dirt from the dirt bin 7104 into the docking station 8000. Air is drawn from the docking station 8000, via the second opening 8018, and into the duct 8010 by the suction generator 7134. The air within the duct 8010 flows towards and into the main unit 7012 via the air inlet 7134 and is inhibited from entering the separation system 7100 by the air inhibition valve 7138 in the open configuration.

[0117] Figure 11 shows the part 7003 of the vacuum cleaner system of Figure 8 configured in a separation system cleaning mode, once a sufficient partial vacuum has been generated in the docking station 8000 by the evacuation mode. In the separation system cleaning mode, with the valve assembly in the separation system cleaning configuration, the dirt bin valve 7136 is in the closed configuration, and the air inhibition valve 7138 and the separation system valve 7140 are in the open configuration. In this example, the suction generator 7142 is on during the separation system cleaning mode, but in other cases the suction generator 7142 may be off during the separation system cleaning mode. Due to the partial vacuum in the docking station 8000 and the separation system cleaning configuration of the valve assembly, a separation system cleaning pulse of air flows into the secondary separation chamber 7146 in an opposite direction to that in which air flows into the secondary separation chamber 7146 during use of the vacuum cleaner to clean a surface. In the separation system cleaning mode, the separation system cleaning pulse of air causes separation system dirt, for example in the form of fine dust that has been collected within the secondary separation chamber 7146 over time, to be ejected from the secondary separation chamber 7146 and into the dirt bin 7104 of the primary separation chamber 7144 so as to clean the secondary separation chamber 7146. The separation system cleaning pulse of air may also aid in dislodging dirt trapped at an end of the primary separation chamber 7144 coupled to the secondary separation chamber 7146. The separation system cleaning pulse of air thus cleans the separation system 7100. The ejected dirt is conveyed from the dirt bin 7104 and into the docking station 8000 by the separation system cleaning pulse of air. Air is drawn from the docking station 8000, via the second opening 8018, and into the duct 8010 by the suction generator 7134. The air within the duct 8010 flows towards and into the 34 P004913-W001 main unit 7012 via the air inlet 7134 and is inhibited from entering the separation system 7100 by the air inhibition valve 7138 in the open configuration.

[0118] Figure 12 shows a further example of a part 9003 of a vacuum cleaner system. The part 9003 of the vacuum cleaner system of Figure 12 is the same as the part 5003 shown in Figure 3, except that the main unit 9012 also includes a further separation system valve 9198, and the vacuum cleaner system is configured in a further separation system cleaning mode in Figure 12. Features of Figure 12 that are similar to corresponding features of Figure 3 are labelled with the same reference numeral but incremented by 4000; corresponding descriptions are to be taken to apply.

[0119] The further separation system valve 9198 is disposed to cover and uncover an opening in the step 9126 portion of the bin body 9108 so as to permit air to enter the separation system 9100 between the first filter 9200 and the second filter 9300 (which may be considered to be a first and second separator, respectively), when the opening is uncovered. The dirt bin valve 9136, the separation system valve 9140, the further separation system valve 9198 and the filter valve 10022 are in the closed configuration during the evacuation mode (which is otherwise the same as that described with reference to Figure 4), so that operation of a suction generator of the vacuum cleaner causes a partial vacuum to be generated within the docking station 10000.

[0120] The part 9003 of the vacuum cleaner is configured in the further separation system cleaning mode of Figure 12 once a sufficient partial vacuum has been generated in the docking station 10000 by the evacuation mode. In the further separation system cleaning mode, with the valve assembly in the further separation system cleaning configuration, the dirt bin valve 9136 and the separation system valve 9140 are in the closed configuration, and the further separation system valve 9198 and the air inhibition valve 9138 are in the open configuration. In this example, the suction generator is on during the further separation system cleaning mode, but in other cases the suction generator may be off during the further separation system cleaning mode. Due to the partial vacuum in the docking station 10000 and the further separation system cleaning configuration of the valve assembly, a further separation system cleaning pulse of air 35 P004913-W001

[0121] (indicated by an arrow 10099) flows into the separation system 9100 between the first and second filters 9200, 9300 and flows through the first filter 9200 towards the docking station 10000 in an opposite direction to that in which air flows through the first filter 9200 during use of the vacuum cleaner to clean a surface. In the further separation system cleaning mode, the further separation system cleaning pulse of air causes further separation system dirt, for example in the form of fine dust that has collected on a side of the first filter 9200 facing into the dirt bin 9104, to be ejected from the first filter 9200 so as to clean the first filter 9200. The ejected dirt is conveyed from the dirt bin 9104 and into the docking station 10000 by the further separation system cleaning pulse of air. Air is drawn from the docking station 10000, via the second opening 10018, and into the duct 10010 by the suction generator. The air within the duct 10010 flows towards and into the main unit 9012 via the air inlet 9134 and is inhibited from entering the separation system 9100 by the air inhibition valve 9138 in the open configuration.

[0122] A plurality of further separation system cleaning pulses of air may be generated by repeatedly configuring the vacuum cleaner system in the evacuation mode and, subsequently, the further separation system cleaning mode (although in some cases at least one mode may be used between the evacuation and further separation system cleaning modes and / or vice versa). In this example, the suction generator remains on in the evacuation and further separation system cleaning modes but in other examples, the suction generator may be switched off during at least one instance of the further separation system cleaning mode.

[0123] In examples above, the valve assembly comprises a plurality of valves. However, it is to be appreciated that the functionality of at least one of the plurality of valves may be combined in a combined valve arrangement. For example, the valve assembly may include a combined valve arrangement configured to perform the function of the dirt bin valve 5136, the air inhibition valve 5138 and the separation system valve 5140.

[0124] The valve assembly may include the air inhibition valve 5138 and at least one of the bin emptying valve 5136, the separation system valve 5140 and the filter valve 6022. For example, the valve assembly may be formed of the air inhibition valve 5138 and 36 P004913-W001 the bin emptying valve 5136 and the separation system valve 5140 and the filter valve 6022 may be omitted. In such an example, cleaning of the separation system and the filter may be performed differently than via the separation system and filter cleaning modes. In these examples, the air inhibition valve 5138 and the at least one of the bin emptying valve 5136, the separation system valve 5140 and the filter valve 6022 may be separate valves or may be provided as, or include, a combined valve arrangement comprising at least two of the valves.

[0125] The filter 6020 of Figures 3 to 7 is disposed within the duct 6010. However, in other examples, a filter otherwise the same as the filter 6020 of Figures 3 to 7 may be disposed within a different portion of the docking station 6000, such as at the second opening 6018 or within the dirt receptacle 6014 and covering the second opening 6018.

[0126] In Figures 8 to 11, the duct 8010 is illustrated as not including a filter. However, in other examples, a filter such as the filter 6020 of Figures 3 to 7 may be disposed within the duct 6010 and / or within the docking station 6000 in a vacuum cleaner system otherwise similar to or the same as that of Figures 8 to 11 to filter air removed from the dirt receptacle 8014 of the docking station 800.

[0127] In Figures 3 to 7, the dirt bin valve 5136, the separation system valve 5140 and the filter valve 6022 are closed during the evacuation mode, in Figures 8 to 11, the bin emptying valve 7136 and the separation system valve 7140 are closed during the evacuation mode, and in Figure 12, the dirt bin valve 9136, the separation system valve 9140, the further separation system valve 9198 and the filter valve 10022 are closed during the evacuation mode. However, in examples, at least one of these valves may be open during the evacuation mode. Similarly, at least one of the valves that is closed during the dirt bin emptying mode, separation system cleaning mode and / or filter cleaning mode of examples may be open during at least one of these modes. This may reduce the peak velocity of a pulse of air generated during cleaning of the dirt bin, separation system and / or filter. However, the generated pulse of air may nevertheless have a sufficiently high velocity to perform adequate cleaning of a given component of the vacuum cleaner system.

Claims

37 P004913-W001CLAIMS1. A vacuum cleaner system comprising: a vacuum cleaner having a dirt bin; a docking station configured to dock with the dirt bin; a suction generator; and a valve assembly, wherein, with the dirt bin docked with the docking station, the vacuum cleaner system is operable in: an evacuation mode in which an airflow is generated by the suction generator to generate a partial vacuum in the docking station; and, subsequently, a dirt bin emptying mode, in which dirt is ejected from the dirt bin into the docking station, wherein: with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the evacuation mode, the valve assembly is configured to permit the airflow generated by the suction generator to flow from the dirt bin into a first opening of the docking station and from the docking station out of a second opening of the docking station to generate the partial vacuum in the docking station; and with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the dirt bin emptying mode, the valve assembly is configured to permit a dirt bin emptying pulse of air to be admitted into the dirt bin and to flow from the dirt bin into the first opening of the docking station to eject the dirt from the dirt bin into the docking station.

2. The vacuum cleaner system of claim 1, wherein, with the vacuum cleaner system configured in at least one of the evacuation mode or the dirt bin emptying mode, the valve assembly is configured to inhibit air removed from the docking station via the second opening from entering the dirt bin.

3. The vacuum cleaner system of claim 2, wherein the valve assembly comprises a dirt bin valve and an air inhibition valve, and wherein:38 P004913-W001 with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the dirt bin emptying mode, the dirt bin valve is configured to permit the dirt bin emptying pulse of air to be admitted into the dirt bin; and with the vacuum cleaner system configured in at least one of the evacuation mode or the dirt bin emptying mode, the air inhibition valve is configured to inhibit the air removed from the docking station from entering the dirt bin.

4. The vacuum cleaner system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a separation system and, with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the evacuation mode, the valve assembly is configured to cause air removed from the docking station to bypass the separation system while flowing towards the suction generator.

5. The vacuum cleaner system of claim 4, wherein the vacuum cleaner system is operable in a separation system cleaning mode subsequent to the evacuation mode, in which separation system dirt is ejected from the separation system into the docking station, and in which the valve assembly is configured to permit a separation system cleaning pulse of air to be admitted into the vacuum cleaner to eject the separation system dirt from the separation system into the docking station.

6. The vacuum cleaner system of claim 5, wherein the valve assembly comprises a separation system valve, and wherein, with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the separation system cleaning mode, the separation system valve is configured to permit the separation system cleaning pulse of air to be admitted into the vacuum cleaner to eject the dirt from the separation system into the docking station.

7. The vacuum cleaner system of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the separation system comprises a non-cyclonic separation system.

8. The vacuum cleaner system of any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the separation system comprises a first separator and a second separator, and the vacuum cleaner system is operable in a further separation system cleaning mode subsequent to the39 P004913-W001 evacuation mode, in which the valve assembly is configured to permit a further separation system cleaning pulse of air to enter the separation system between the first separator and the second separator, to eject further separation system dirt from the separation system into the docking station.

9. The vacuum cleaner system of claim 8, wherein the valve assembly comprises a further separation system valve, and wherein, with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the further separation system cleaning mode, the further separation system valve configured to permit the further separation system cleaning pulse of air to enter the separation system between the first separator and the second separator, to eject the further separation system dirt from the separation system into the docking station.

10. The vacuum cleaner system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises the suction generator.

11. The vacuum cleaner system of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises an air inlet disposed closer to the suction generator than the dirt bin, the air inlet configured to receive air removed from the docking station.

12. The vacuum cleaner system of claim 11, wherein the docking station comprises a duct connecting the second opening of the docking station to the air inlet of the vacuum cleaner, the duct configured to receive the air removed from the docking station.

13. The vacuum cleaner system of claim 12, comprising a filter arranged in the duct for filtering the air removed from the docking station.

14. The vacuum cleaner system of claim 13, wherein the vacuum cleaner system is operable in a filter cleaning mode subsequent to the evacuation mode, in which filter dirt is ejected from the filter into a dirt receptacle of the docking station, and in which the valve assembly is configured to permit a filter cleaning pulse of air to be admitted40 P004913-W001 into the duct and to flow through the filter towards the second opening of the docking station to eject the filter dirt from the filter into the dirt receptacle.

15. The vacuum cleaner system of claim 14, wherein the valve assembly comprises a filter valve operable to permit the filter cleaning pulse of air to be admitted into the duct and to flow through the filter towards the second opening of the docking station, with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the filter cleaning mode.

16. The vacuum cleaner system of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the vacuum cleaner system comprises a valve controller configured to control a configuration of the valve assembly at least partly in dependence on a mode of the vacuum cleaner system.

17. The vacuum cleaner system of claim 16, wherein the valve controller is configured to repeatedly switch the configuration of the valve assembly from: an evacuation configuration to permit the airflow generated by the suction generator to flow from the dirt bin into the first opening of the docking station and from the docking station out of the second opening of the docking station, with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the evacuation mode; to: a dirt bin emptying configuration to permit the dirt bin emptying pulse of air to be admitted into the dirt bin and to flow from the dirt bin into the first opening of the docking station, with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the bin emptying mode.

18. The vacuum cleaner system of claim 16 or claim 17, when dependent on any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the valve controller is configured to repeatedly switch the configuration of the valve assembly from: the or an evacuation configuration to permit the airflow generated by the suction generator to flow from the dirt bin into the first opening of the docking station and from the docking station out of the second opening of the docking station, with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the evacuation mode; to:41 P004913-W001 a separation system cleaning configuration to permit the separation system cleaning pulse of air to be admitted into the vacuum cleaner, with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the separation system cleaning mode.

19. The vacuum cleaner system of any one of claims 16 to 18, when dependent on claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the valve controller is configured to repeatedly switch the configuration of the valve assembly from: the or an evacuation configuration to permit the airflow generated by the suction generator to flow from the dirt bin into the first opening of the docking station and from the docking station out of the second opening of the docking station, with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the evacuation mode; to: a further separation system cleaning configuration to permit the further separation system cleaning pulse of air to be admitted into the vacuum cleaner, with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the further separation system cleaning mode.

20. The vacuum cleaner system of any one of claims 16 to 9, when dependent on claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the valve controller is configured to repeatedly switch the configuration of the valve assembly from: the or an evacuation configuration to permit the airflow generated by the suction generator to flow from the dirt bin into the first opening of the docking station and from the docking station out of the second opening of the docking station, with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the evacuation mode; to: a filter cleaning configuration to permit the filter cleaning pulse of air to be admitted into the duct and to flow through the filter towards the second opening of the docking station, with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the filter cleaning mode.

21. A vacuum cleaner system comprising: a vacuum cleaner having a dirt bin and a separation system; a docking station configured to dock with the dirt bin; a suction generator; and42 P004913-W001 a valve assembly, wherein, with the dirt bin docked with the docking station, the vacuum cleaner system is operable in an evacuation mode in which an airflow is generated by the suction generator to generate a partial vacuum in the docking station, wherein, in the evacuation mode, the valve assembly is configured to cause air removed from the docking station to bypass the separation system while flowing towards the suction generator.

22. The vacuum cleaner system of claim 21, wherein the vacuum cleaner system is operable in a separation system cleaning mode subsequent to the evacuation mode, in which separation system dirt is ejected from the separation system into the docking station, and in which the valve assembly is configured to permit a separation system cleaning pulse of air to be admitted into the vacuum cleaner to eject the separation system dirt from the separation system into the docking station.

23. A vacuum cleaner system comprising: a vacuum cleaner having a dirt bin and an air inlet; a docking station configured to dock with the dirt bin, the docking station comprising a first opening, a second opening, a duct connecting the second opening of the docking station to the air inlet of the vacuum cleaner and a filter arranged in the duct; a suction generator; and a valve assembly, wherein, with the dirt bin docked with the docking station, the vacuum cleaner system is operable in: an evacuation mode in which an airflow is generated by the suction generator to generate a partial vacuum in the docking station; and, subsequently, a filter cleaning mode, in which filter dirt is ejected from the filter into a dirt receptacle of the docking station, wherein: with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the evacuation mode, the valve assembly is configured to permit the airflow generated by the suction43 P004913-W001 generator to flow from the dirt bin into the first opening of the docking station, from the docking station out of the second opening of the docking station to generate the partial vacuum in the docking station, and from the second opening of the docking station into the duct and through the filter in the duct, and from the duct into the vacuum cleaner via the air inlet; and with the vacuum cleaner system configured in the filter cleaning mode, the valve assembly is configured to permit a filter cleaning pulse of air to be admitted into the duct and to flow through the filter towards the second opening of the docking station to ej ect the filter dirt from the filter into the dirt receptacle.

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