Docking station and vacuum cleaner system

Abstract

A docking station configured to dock with at least a dirt bin of a vacuum cleaner to receive dirt from the dirt bin. The docking station comprises a valve assembly to control an airflow into and out of the docking station. The valve assembly comprises a filter and is configured to operate in at least a first configuration to permit the airflow to flow into the docking station without traversing the filter and a second configuration to permit the airflow to flow out of the docking station whilst traversing the filter. Further aspects relate to a vacuum cleaner system comprising the docking station and a vacuum cleaner.

Description

[0001] 1 P004915-W001

[0002] DOCKING STATION AND 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 docking stations for vacuum cleaners to improve their effectiveness and / or cleanliness.

[0005] SUMMARY

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided a docking station configured to dock with at least a dirt bin of a vacuum cleaner to receive dirt from the dirt bin, the docking station comprising a valve assembly to control an airflow into and out of the docking station, wherein the valve assembly comprises a filter and is configured to operate in at least: a first configuration to permit the airflow to flow into the docking station without traversing the filter; and a second configuration to permit the airflow to flow out of the docking station whilst traversing the filter.

[0007] The filter can filter the airflow flowing out of the docking station. This can limit the amount of fine dust escaping from the docking station and dirtying an exterior of the docking station and / or a surrounding environment.

[0008] Dirt received from the dirt bin may be retained within the docking station. If the airflow subsequently flows out of the docking station with the dirt bin docked with the docking station, the filter can reduce re-entrainment of dirt from the docking station back into the dirt bin. The dirt bin can therefore be emptied more effectively than if dirt ejected from the dirt bin and received within the docking station then flows back into the dirt bin before the dirt bin is undocked from the docking station.

[0009] The airflow flowing into the docking station with the valve assembly in the first configuration does not traverse the filter and may therefore flow more efficiently and smoothly into the docking station. This may improve the effectiveness of the airflow at dislodging dirt from the dirt bin and ejecting the dislodged dirt into the dirt bin. 2 P004915-W001

[0010] It is to be appreciated that the valve assembly or a portion thereof may be located within, partly within or external to a chamber of the docking station for receiving the dirt from the dirt bin. For example, the filter may be arranged at least partly within the chamber or the valve assembly may protrude from the chamber and support the filter outside the chamber.

[0011] The valve assembly may comprise a valve, and, with the valve assembly in the second configuration, the filter may be configured to filter the airflow before the airflow traverses the valve to flow out of the docking station, in use. Filtering the airflow before the airflow interacts with the valve can reduce the amount of debris incident on the valve. Obstruction of the valve by dust may be reduced, which can improve the performance and in some cases the lifetime of the valve.

[0012] The docking station may be configured to operate in a dirt bin emptying mode in which the dirt is ejected into the docking station. With the docking station configured in the dirt bin emptying mode, the valve assembly may be in the first configuration. The valve assembly can therefore be configured to allow air (and dust) to flow into the docking station during emptying of the dirt bin.

[0013] The docking station may be configured to operate in an evacuation mode in which a partial vacuum is generated within the docking station. With the docking station configured in the evacuation mode, the valve assembly may be in the second configuration. The valve assembly can therefore filter the airflow exiting the docking station during generation of the partial vacuum, so as to reduce dust flowing back from the docking station into the dirt bin and thereby reducing the effectiveness of a previous dirt bin emptying process. For example, the docking station may be configured to repeatedly switch between operating in the evacuation mode and the dirt bin emptying mode either directly (without another mode between the evacuation mode and the dirt bin emptying mode and between the dirt bin emptying mode and the evacuation mode) and / or indirectly (with at least one other mode between the evacuation mode and the dirt bin emptying mode and / or between the dirt bin emptying mode and the evacuation mode). 3 P004915-W001

[0014] The docking station may comprise a dirt inlet for receiving the dirt from the dirt bin and the valve assembly may be a cylindrical valve assembly having a first end and second end opposite to the first end, the second end facing the dirt inlet. With the cylindrical valve assembly in the second configuration, the airflow may be permitted to flow from an exterior of the cylindrical valve assembly to an interior of the cylindrical valve assembly, then from the interior of the cylindrical valve assembly out of the second end of the cylindrical valve assembly and out of the docking station via the dirt inlet. A cylindrical valve assembly for example provides a suitable arrangement for straightforwardly providing the first and second configurations, to allow the airflow to flow into the docking station without traversing the filter and to allow the airflow to flow out of the docking station whilst traversing the filter.

[0015] The filter may be a cylindrical filter. A cylindrical filter may provide a relatively large surface area for filtration of the airflow. Moreover, a cylindrical filter may be able to filter the airflow omnidirectionally so as to provide improved filtering of dust from the airflow irrespective of the lateral direction in which the airflow is incident on the cylindrical filter.

[0016] The cylindrical valve assembly may comprise: a first valve configurable to permit the airflow to flow into the docking station; and a second valve configurable to permit the airflow to flow out of the docking station. The first and second valves may provide for flexibility in configuring the cylindrical valve assembly to operate in the first and second configurations.

[0017] The first valve may be disposed at the first end of the cylindrical valve assembly. Positioning of the first valve at the first end of the cylindrical valve assembly may facilitate improved ejection of the dirt from the dirt bin. For example, with the first end of the cylindrical valve assembly disposed closer to a base of the docking station than the second end, gravity may assist the dirt in moving from the dirt bin down through the cylindrical valve assembly and through the first valve (in an open configuration) and into the docking station. Furthermore, with the first valve at the first end of the 4 P004915-W001 cylindrical valve assembly, the first valve may interfere to a lesser extent with operation of the second valve, which may simplify independent operation of the first and second valves. The first valve at the first end of the cylinder may also be more compact than other valve arrangements.

[0018] The second valve may be disposed circumferentially about the cylindrical valve assembly. Disposing the second valve circumferentially may allow the shape and directionality of the airflow exiting the docking station to be controlled in a straightforward manner. For example, an appropriately configured second valve can be used to generate a swirling flow of air within the interior of the cylindrical valve assembly, as discussed further below.

[0019] The second valve may be disposed between the filter and the interior of the cylindrical valve assembly. The filter may thus filter the airflow exiting the docking station prior to the airflow traversing the second valve, so as to limit the incidence of dust on the second valve. This can allow the second valve to operate more effectively, and may increase the operational lifetime of the second valve.

[0020] With the cylindrical valve assembly in the second configuration, the second valve may be configured to cause the airflow flowing therethrough to swirl around the interior of the cylindrical valve assembly thereby configuring the first valve in a closed configuration to inhibit air from flowing into the docking station. A swirling airflow is for example an airflow that spirals or otherwise circulates in a rotational manner around the circumference of the interior of the cylindrical valve assembly. The swirling flow of air within the interior of the cylindrical valve assembly may create a lower pressure region centrally within the interior. The lower pressure central region may generate a pressure force to maintain the first valve in the closed configuration to reduce dust reentrainment back from the docking station into the dirt bin (or, more generally, to limit the amount of dust escaping from the docking station).

[0021] At least one of the first valve or the second valve may be a pressure-operated one-way valve. A one-way valve typically allows a fluid (such as air, which may include dirt, 5 P004915-W001 dust or other debris) to flow in a single direction, without allowing the fluid to flow in another, e.g. opposite, direction. The use of a one-way valve can help create particular flow paths to direct the airflow through the valve assembly in an appropriate direction to increase the amount of dust retained in the docking station. A pressure-operated oneway valve may be controlled straightforwardly, e.g. using the airflows flowing therethrough. This may avoid the need to have more complex control apparatus or systems that may otherwise be used.

[0022] In examples, the valve assembly comprises: a first valve within which the filter is mounted; and a second valve pivotally connected to the first valve. The filter may therefore be considered to be an in-valve filter, which may be more compact than other filter arrangements. Pivotal connection of the second valve to the first valve can also increase the compactness of the valve assembly compared with having a second valve that is spatially separate or otherwise uncoupled from or unconnected to the first valve.

[0023] The second valve may be pivotable between: a closed configuration in which the filter is covered by the second valve; and an open configuration in which the filter is uncovered by the second valve. The second valve therefore provides flexibility in functionality as the second valve can either be disposed in the closed configuration in which the filter is covered by the second valve (e.g. to avoid filtering an airflow) or in the open configuration, to uncover the filter (e.g. so that the filter is exposed, and able to filter an airflow incident on the filter).

[0024] With the valve assembly in the first configuration, the first valve may be in an open configuration and the second valve may be in the closed configuration, and, with the valve assembly in the second configuration, the first valve may be in a closed configuration and the second valve may be in the open configuration. The first and second valves may therefore be configurable to straightforwardly switch between providing the first and second configurations.

[0025] With the valve assembly in the second configuration, the airflow may be permitted to flow into the docking station via the filter, in use, and the docking station may be 6 P004915-W001 configured to operate in a filter-cleaning mode in which the valve assembly is in the second configuration. This can allow a direction in which air traverses the filter, with the valve assembly in the second configuration, to be varied. For example, the airflow can flow through the filter in a first direction (out of the docking station), e.g. with the docking station configured in a mode other than the filter-cleaning mode (such as the evacuation mode discussed above, to allow a partial vacuum to be generated within the docking station). The airflow can also flow through the filter in a second direction opposite to the first direction (into the docking station) in the filter-cleaning mode. The airflow flowing into the docking station in the second direction passes through the filter and can thus dislodge dirt or dust trapped on an underside of the filter (e.g. a side of the filter facing the docking station). This can remove blockages in the filter without having to manually remove and clean the filter, which can improve the performance of the filter.

[0026] The docking station may comprise a valve opening mechanism configured to pivot the second valve from the closed configuration to the open configuration. The valve opening mechanism may provide further control over the configuration of the second valve. For example, an airflow into the docking station may open the first valve but cause the second valve to close. Upon then closing the first valve, the second valve may remain closed. However, the valve opening mechanism may then be used to open the second valve, for example to allow the airflow to flow into the docking station via the filter, with the valve assembly in the second configuration, in the filter-cleaning mode.

[0027] The valve opening mechanism may comprise a push rod. A push rod may provide a simple mechanism for opening the second valve, which is easy to manufacture and control. The push rod may also inhibit opening of the first valve, for example by the airflow into the docking station in the filter-cleaning mode. This can maintain the filter in a suitable location in a path of the airflow during the filter-cleaning mode to effectively clean the filter, for example if the filter is mounted within the first valve. 7 P004915-W001

[0028] At least one of the first valve and the second valve may be pressure operable. As explained above, using pressure to operate a valve for example allows the valve to be controlled in a straightforward manner.

[0029] According to a second aspect, there is provided a vacuum cleaner system comprising the docking station of any examples of the first aspect and a vacuum cleaner.

[0030] The vacuum cleaner system may comprise: a suction generator configured to generate a partial vacuum in the docking station; and a further valve assembly operable to admit a pulse of air into the dirt bin, after generation of the partial vacuum in the docking station and with the dirt bin docked with the docking station, to eject the dirt from the dirt bin into the docking station. This arrangement for example causes a high-speed airflow through the dirt bin and into the docking station, which is effective at ejecting the dirt from the dirt bin and into the docking station.

[0031] The pulse of air may be configured to flow into the docking station with the valve assembly in the first configuration, without traversing the filter. The pulse of air may thus bypass the filter upon entering the docking station to enable the dirt to enter the docking station more easily.

[0032] The suction generator may be configured to suck air out of the docking station with the valve assembly in the second configuration, whilst traversing the filter, to generate the partial vacuum in the docking station. Dirt, e.g. fine dust, may therefore be filtered from the air sucked out of the docking station by the filter, so as to retain dirt more effectively within the docking station.

[0033] With the docking station configured in the filter-cleaning mode, the valve assembly in the second configuration and the dirt bin docked with the docking station, and after generation of a further partial vacuum in the docking station using the suction generator, the further valve assembly may be operable to admit a further pulse of air into the dirt bin to eject dirt from the filter into the docking station. The further pulse of air can provide a high-speed airflow through the filter to efficiently dislodge dirt trapped on 8 P004915-W001 the opposite side of the filter to the further valve assembly (e.g. the side of the filter facing the docking station).

[0034] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure l is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner of a vacuum cleaner system;

[0036] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 1 docked with a docking station;

[0037] Figure 3 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of part of a vacuum cleaner system during generation of a partial vacuum within a dirt receptacle of a docking station according to an example;

[0038] Figure 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the part of the vacuum cleaner system of Figure 3 during generation of a dirt bin emptying pulse of air to eject dirt from a dirt bin of a vacuum cleaner of the vacuum cleaner system into the dirt receptacle;

[0039] Figure 5 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the part of the vacuum cleaner system of Figure 3 during generation of a separation system cleaning pulse of air to eject dirt from a separation system of the vacuum cleaner into the dirt receptacle;

[0040] Figure 6 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of part of a vacuum cleaner system according to a further example;

[0041] Figure 7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a valve assembly of a docking station of the vacuum cleaner system of Figure 6;

[0042] Figure 8 is a schematic view of the valve assembly of Figure 7 along the line A- A’ in Figure 7;

[0043] Figure 9 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a valve assembly according to a further example, with the valve assembly in a first configuration;

[0044] Figure 10 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the valve assembly of Figure 9 in a second configuration; and

[0045] Figure 11 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the valve assembly of Figure 9 in a second configuration, with an airflow flowing in an opposite direction to that illustrated in Figure 10. 9 P004915-W001

[0046] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] Figure 2 shows the vacuum cleaner 10 of Figure 1 docked with a docking station 4000 with the cleanerhead 3000 attached. 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 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.

[0050] 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 10 P004915-W001 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.

[0051] The first and second sides 4004, 4006 are generally flat and parallel to each other. In plane view, the first and second sides 4004, 4006 are generally circular. The docking station 4000 is shaped 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.

[0052] The vacuum cleaner 10 may be 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, to aid in supporting the main unit 12 in the substantially upright position.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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 11 P004915-W001 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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. 12 P004915-W001

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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 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).

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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 13 P004915-W001 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.

[0062] The dirt bin 5104 comprises a dirt outlet 5118 configured to mate with a dirt inlet 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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, 14 P004915-W001 smaller than the first diameter. The first and second portions 5120, 5122 are aligned at a side 5124 of the separation system 5100 (the left side in the orientation shown in Figure 3) to form a smooth surface of the separation system 5100 along the side 5124. An opposite side of the separation system 5100 to the side 5124 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.

[0066] 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 second filter 5300 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 5300 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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 15 P004915-W001 side of the separation system 5100 to the side 5124 comprising the protrusion 5128 defines the second portion 5132 of the dirt bin 5104.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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 dirt inlet 6012 of the docking station 6000. 16 P004915-W001

[0073] 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.

[0074] The part 5003 of the vacuum cleaner system shown in Figure 3 includes a dirt bin valve 5136 and a separation system valve 5140. The dirt bin valve 5136 and the separation system valve 5140 are referred to collectively as a further valve assembly herein.

[0075] 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 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] In Figure 3, the dirt bin valve 5136 and the separation system valve 5140 are in the closed configuration. It is to be appreciated that various different valves may be used as the dirt bin valve 5136 and the separation system valve 5140, 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 and the separation system valve 5140, or the dirt bin valve 5136 and the separation system valve 5140 may each be of the same type as each other but disposed in a different respective location within the vacuum cleaner system. In Figure 3, the dirt bin valve 5136 and the separation system valve 5140 are each pivotable about a hinge to move between the 17 P004915-W001 closed and open configurations. The dirt bin valve 5136 and the separation system valve 5140 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.

[0078] Various mechanisms are suitable for actuating the dirt bin valve 5136 and the separation system valve 5140. For example, the dirt bin valve 5136 and / or the separation system valve 5140 may be actuated manually, e.g. by a user manually opening and / or closing a particular valve or particular valves. The dirt bin valve 5136 and / or the separation system valve 5140 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. In Figure 3, the vacuum cleaner system includes a sensor (not shown), such as a proximity sensor, to generate sensor data indicative of whether the dirt bin 5104 is docked with the docking station 6000. Different valves of vacuum cleaner system, such as the dirt bin valve 5136 and the separation system valve 5140, may be controlled using different mechanisms.

[0079] In this example, the valves of the main unit 5012 (which in this case are the dirt bin valve 5136 and the separation system valve 5140) are controlled by a valve controller, which sends appropriate control signals to a respective servo-actuator (not shown in Figure 3) coupled to the dirt bin valve 5136 and the separation system valve 5140 to pivot a respective valve between the closed and open configurations, based on a mode selected by the user via the user interface assembly and the sensor data.

[0080] Figure 3 shows the part 5003 of the vacuum cleaner system configured in an evacuation mode in which a partial vacuum is generated within the docking station 6000 (in this case, within the dirt receptacle 6014). The partial vacuum is generated by an airflow generated by the suction generator of the vacuum cleaner, which draws air from the 18 P004915-W001 docking station 6000 through the dirt inlet 6012 and into the dirt bin 5104 through the dirt outlet 5118, to evacuate air from the docking station 6000. The air is drawn through the separation system 5100 and towards the suction generator of the vacuum cleaner before exiting the vacuum cleaner via airflow outlets of the suction generator.

[0081] 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.

[0082] Once a sufficient negative pressure level has been generated within the dirt receptacle 6014, the vacuum cleaner system is changed to a dirt bin emptying mode and / or a separation system cleaning mode, in which the dirt bin 5104 remains docked with the docking station 6000. Arrows 6096 indicate an airflow in the evacuation, dirt bin emptying and separation system cleaning modes of Figures 3 to 5.

[0083] Figure 4 illustrates the dirt bin emptying mode. In the dirt bin emptying mode, the dirt bin valve 5136 is in the open configuration 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 docking station 6000. The suction generator of the vacuum cleaner remains in an on state in the dirt bin emptying mode. In other examples, though, the suction generator may be in an 19 P004915-W001 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.

[0084] 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 4), 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 dirt receptacle 6014. The partial vacuum causes ambient air to be drawn forcefully through the open dirt bin valve 5136, causing a highspeed pulse of air (referred to herein as the dirt bin emptying pulse of air) to flow from the dirt bin 5104 to the dirt receptacle 6014 to dislodge dirt from interior walls of the bin body 5108 and components within the dirt bin 5104 such as the first filter 5200. This allows dirt to be emptied in a hygienic and effective manner from the dirt bin 5104.

[0085] 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 dirt receptacle 6014. 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 dirt receptacle 6014 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. 20 P004915-W001

[0086] Figure 4 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).

[0087] 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.

[0088] After generating a partial vacuum in the dirt receptacle 6014 in the evacuation mode, the vacuum cleaner system may be switched to the separation system cleaning mode shown in Figure 5 instead of the dirt bin emptying mode of Figure 4. 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 dirt receptacle 6014 so as to clean the separation system 5100.

[0089] In the separation system cleaning mode, the separation system valve 5140 is in the open configuration and the dirt bin valve 5136 is in the closed configuration. Due to the partial vacuum within the dirt receptacle 6014, the separation 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 21 P004915-W001

[0090] 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 portion 5122 of the bin body 508, and convey the ejected dirt through the dirt bin 5104 and into the dirt receptacle 6014 of the docking station 6000, via the dirt inlet 6012 of the docking station 6000.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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 22 P004915-W001 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).

[0093] The suction generator is on in the separation system cleaning mode but in other examples may instead be off in the separation system cleaning mode. Although the suction generator would generally cause air to flow out of the docking station 6000 in the absence of a partial vacuum in the docking station 6000, the partial vacuum in the docking station 6000 creates a significantly higher flow rate of air towards the docking station 6000 than that which would be generated by the suction generator, so as to cause the separation system cleaning pulse of air to flow into the docking station 6000.

[0094] Figure 6 shows schematically a part 7003 of a vacuum cleaner system that is the same as the part 5003 of the vacuum cleaner system of Figure 3 except that a docking station 8000 of Figure 6 comprises a valve assembly 8050 to control an airflow into and out of the docking station 8000. Features of Figure 6 that are the same as corresponding features of Figure 3 are labelled with the same reference numerals incremented by 2000; corresponding descriptions are to be taken to apply. An arrow 8096 indicates the direction in which air flows through the part 7003 of the vacuum cleaner system of Figure 6.

[0095] The valve assembly 8050 comprises a cylindrical filter 8052, a dust valve 8054 and two return flow valves 8056, 8058, and is shown in isolation in Figures 7 and 8. The valve assembly 8050 is operable in a first configuration to permit an airflow to flow into the docking station 8000 without traversing the cylindrical filter 8052 and a second configuration to permit the airflow to flow out of the docking station 8000 whilst traversing the cylindrical filter 8052. The first configuration is illustrated in Figure 6 and the second configuration is illustrated in Figures 7 and 8.

[0096] The valve assembly 8050 is disposed within the body 8002 of the docking station 8000 to control airflow to and from the docking station 8000 via the dirt inlet 8012 of the docking station 8000. The valve assembly 8050 is a cylindrical valve assembly 23 P004915-W001 extending downwardly into the docking station 8000 in the orientation of Figure 6 in a direction substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the main unit 7012 of the vacuum cleaner (which is the same as the central longitudinal axis of the main unit 12 of the vacuum cleaner 10 of Figure 1), with the main unit 7012 docked with the docking station 8000.

[0097] The valve assembly 8050 has a first end 8060 and a second end 8062 opposite to the first end 8060 and an interior 8064, which is a hollow region within the valve assembly 8050. The first end 8060 is distal from the dirt outlet 8012 and the second end 8062 is proximal to the dirt outlet 8012, so that the second end 8062 faces the dirt outlet 8012 and is therefore closer to the dirt outlet 8012 than the first end 8060.

[0098] The dust valve 8054 is arranged at the first end 8060 of the valve assembly 8050 and is pivotable between a closed configuration, in which air is inhibited from passing through the dust valve 8054, and an open configuration, in which air is permitted to pass through the dust valve 8054. The dust valve 8054 is a one-way valve, which allows the air to flow therethrough in a single direction, into the docking station 8000, when the dust valve 8054 is in the open configuration. The dust valve 8054 is pressure-operated, and may be referred to as a first valve.

[0099] In the evacuation mode (described above with reference to Figure 3), the airflow generated by the suction generator to evacuate air from the docking station 8000 causes the dust valve 8054 to pivot to, and remain in, the closed configuration so as to inhibit air flowing into the docking station 8000 through the dust valve 8054. The closed configuration of the dust valve 8054 is shown in Figure 7.

[0100] In the dirt bin emptying mode, in which a dirt bin emptying pulse of air is generated, the dirt bin emptying pulse of air flows at high speed from the dirt bin 7104 through the dirt outlet 7118, into the dirt inlet 8012, into the interior 8064 of the valve assembly 8050 and towards the dust valve 8054. The high speed dirt bin emptying pulse of air applies pressure to a surface of the dust valve 8054 within the interior 8064 of the valve assembly 8050, facing the first end 8062, causing the dust valve 8054 to pivot to the 24 P004915-W001 open configuration to permit the dirt bin emptying pulse of air to flow into the dirt receptacle 8014 of the docking station 8000. Figure 6 shows the part 7003 of the vacuum cleaner system in the dirt bin emptying mode, with the dirt bin valve 7136 in the open configuration, the separation system valve 7140 in the closed configuration, and the dust valve 8054 in the open configuration.

[0101] In the separation system cleaning mode (described above with reference to Figure 5, which shows the separation system cleaning mode in the absence of the valve assembly 8050), the separation system cleaning pulse of air causes the dust valve 8054 to pivot to the open configuration in the same way as in the dirt bin emptying mode.

[0102] The return flow valves 8056, 8058 (which each may be referred to as a respective second valve) are one-way return flow valves which are disposed circumferentially about opposite sides of the interior 8064 of the valve assembly 8050. The return flow valves 8056, 8058 are each moveable to an open configuration in response to the application of a force to a first side 8066, 8068 of the return flow valves 8056 facing away from the interior 8064 of the valve assembly 8050, when the force is in a direction towards the interior 8064 of the valve assembly 8050. The first sides 8066, 8068 are surrounded by, and face, the cylindrical filter 8052 such that the first sides 8066, 8068 are closer to the cylindrical filter 8052 than second sides 8070, 8072 of the return flow valves 8056, 8058, opposite to the first sides 8066, 8068. In this case, the return flow valves 8056, 8058 are pressure-operated so that a force due to a higher pressure at an exterior of the valve assembly 8050 (within the body 8002 of the docking station 8000) than within the interior 8064 causes the return flow valves 8056, 8058 to move to the open configurations. In contrast, the application of a force to the second sides 8070, 8072 of the return flow valves 8056, 8058 in a direction towards an exterior of the valve assembly configures each of the return flow valves 8056, 8058 in a closed configuration. This means that the return flow valves 8056, 8058 will be in the closed configuration when the pressure at the exterior of the valve assembly 8050 is lower than the pressure within the interior 8064 of the valve assembly 8050. The return flow valves 8056, 8058 are closed in Figure 6 and open in Figures 7 and 8. 25 P004915-W001

[0103] The return flow valves 8056, 8058 are supported within the valve assembly 8050 by a cylindrical mount 8074, which surrounds the interior 8064 of the valve assembly 8050. The mount 8074 comprises two apertures 8076, 8078, which are each arranged to be covered by a respective one of the return flow valves 8056, 8058 in the closed configuration to inhibit air entering or exiting the interior 8064 of the valve assembly 8050. With the return flow valves 8056, 8058 in the open configuration, air is permitted to flow out of the docking station 8000 via the apertures 8076, 8078, such as into the dirt bin 7104 of the vacuum cleaner with the vacuum cleaner docked with the docking station 8000 during the evacuation mode.

[0104] The apertures 8076 are angled non-perpendicularly with respect to a radius of the cylindrical valve assembly 8050. Hence, rather than the apertures 8076 being aligned with a radial axis of the valve assembly 8050, the apertures 8076 are instead angled with respect to a radial axis so that air entering the valve assembly 8050 travels along, for example generally parallel to, an interior wall of the interior 8064, along an interior surface of the cylindrical mount 8074, rather than radially, towards a central longitudinal axis of the valve assembly 8050.

[0105] The return flow valves 8056, 8058 are disposed within the interior 8064 of the valve assembly 8050 and pivot further into the interior 8064 to move to the open configuration. The apertures 8076, 8078 are overlapped by the return flow valves 8056, 8058 such that radial axes of the valve assembly 8050 passing through the apertures 8076, 8078 also pass through the return flow valves 8056, 8058 respectively, with the return flow valves 8056, 8058 in open and closed configurations. Figure 8 illustrates a radial axis 8090 of the valve assembly 8050 passing through a central longitudinal axis in a plane parallel to the line A- A’ of Figure 7. The radial axis 8090 of Figure 8 passes through the return flow valve 8056 and the aperture 8076, with the return flow valve 8056 in the open configuration. However, in the open configuration, the return flow valves 8056, 8058 nevertheless provide an opening from the apertures 8076, 8078 into the interior 8064 of the valve assembly, extending partway around the interior wall of the interior 8064, to allow air to flow from the exterior to the interior 8064. 26 P004915-W001

[0106] Due to the apertures 8076, 8078 being overlapped by the return flow valves 8056, 8058 in the open configuration, air passing through the apertures 8076, 8078 is incident on the first sides 8066, 8068 of the return flow valves 8056, 8058 in the open configuration, which causes the air to be directed to flow circumferentially about the interior 8064 of the valve assembly 8050 rather than along a radial axis of the valve assembly 8050. The shape of the apertures 8076, 8078 further aids in obtaining circumferential flow of the air entering the interior 8064 of the valve assembly 8050. In this way, the air can be caused to swirl around the interior 8064 of the valve assembly 8050, which can assist in creating a lower pressure in the interior 8064 of the valve assembly 8050, to cause the dust valve 8054 to pivot to, or remain in, the closed configuration.

[0107] The cylindrical filter 8052 is disposed outwardly of the return flow valves 8056, 8058 and the cylindrical mount 8074. The return flow valves 8056, 8058 are therefore located between the cylindrical filter 8052 and the interior 8064 of the valve assembly 8050. The cylindrical filter 8052 is arranged to filter dirt from air incident on a side 8080 of the cylindrical filter 8052 opposite to a side of the cylindrical filter 8052 facing the return flow valves 8056, 8058.

[0108] In Figure 6, the return flow valves 8056, 8058 are each in the closed configuration so as to inhibit a flow of air within the docking station 8000 that has traversed the cylindrical filter 8052 and is incident on the return flow valves 8056, 8058 from flowing into the interior 8064 of the valve assembly 8050 and out of the docking station 8000. However, in Figures 7 and 8, the return flow valves 8056, 8058 are each in the open configuration so as to permit an airflow within the docking station 8000 that has traversed the cylindrical filter 8052 and is incident on the return flow valves 8056, 8058 to flow into the interior 8064 of the valve assembly 8050. The airflow having traversed the cylindrical filter 8052 and having entered the interior 8064 of the valve assembly 8050 by the apertures 8076, 8078 uncovered by the return flow valves 8056, 8058 in the open configuration flows through the interior 8064 of the valve assembly 8050, with a swirling motion, out of the second end 8062 of the valve assembly 8050 and out of the docking station 8000 via the dirt inlet 8012. With the dirt bin 7104 docked with the docking station 8000, the airflow exiting the valve assembly 8050 enters the dirt outlet 27 P004915-W001

[0109] 7118 of the dirt bin 7104 and flows into the dirt bin 7104, from where it may flow towards the suction generator and out of the vacuum cleaner via airflow outlets of the suction generator. Hence, in the open configuration, the airflow is filtered by the cylindrical filter 8052 before the airflow traverses the return flow valves 8056, 8058.

[0110] It can therefore be seen that, with the valve assembly 8050 in the first configuration of Figure 6, the dust valve 8054 is in the open configuration and the return flow valves 8056, 8058 are in the closed configurations. The valve assembly 8050 is configured in the first configuration during the dirt bin emptying mode and the separation system cleaning mode. With the valve assembly 8050 in the second configuration of Figures 7 and 8, the dust valve 8054 is in the closed configuration and the return flow valves 8056, 8058 are in the open configurations. The valve assembly 8050 is configured in the second configuration during the evacuation mode.

[0111] Figures 9 to 11 show a valve assembly 9050 that may be used instead of the valve assembly 8050 in the part 7003 of the vacuum cleaner system shown in Figure 6. Features of Figures 9 to 11 that are similar to corresponding features of Figure 6 are labelled with the same reference numeral incremented by 1000; corresponding descriptions are to be taken to apply.

[0112] The valve assembly 9050 of Figures 9 to 11 has a cylindrical body comprising a cylindrical side wall 9082 and a base 9084, which is disposed at a first end 9060 of the valve assembly 9050 opposite to a second end 9062 of the valve assembly 9050 which is configured to be arranged at the dirt inlet 6012 of the docking station 6000. The base 9084 is pivotable relative to the side wall 9082 of the valve assembly 9050 so as to pivot the base 9084 between an open configuration (shown in Figure 9) and a closed configuration (shown in Figures 10 and 11). The valve assembly 9050 is configured to protrude within the body 8002 of the docking station 8000, internally to the docking station 8000, in a similar manner to the valve assembly 8050 of Figure 6.

[0113] The base 9084 comprises an opening, and a filter 9052 of the valve assembly 8050 is disposed within the opening, so that the base 9084 forms a frame to support the filter 28 P004915-W001

[0114] 9052, with the opening of the base 9084 filled by the filter 9052. The filter 9052 may therefore be considered to be an in-valve filter in that the filter 9052 is disposed within a pivotable component (the base 9084) that may itself be considered to be a valve.

[0115] A valve 9086 is mounted on the base 9084. The valve 9086 is pivotable between an open configuration (shown in Figures 10 and 11) in which the filter 9052 is uncovered by the valve 9086, and a closed configuration (shown in Figure 9) in which the filter 9052 is covered by the valve 9085. The base 9084 may be considered to be a first valve and the valve 9086, which is pivotally connected to the base 9084, may be considered to be a second valve. The base 9084, the filter 9052 and the valve 9086 are each generally flat components that may be configured to lie in parallel planes to each other (when the base 9084 and the valve 9086 are in the closed configurations).

[0116] The base 9084 and the valve 9086 are pressure-operated and can therefore be switched between the open and closed configurations by a pressure differential between a pressure within an interior 9064 of the valve assembly 9050 and an external environment. However, the valve assembly 9050 also comprises a push rod 9088 which is useable to pivot the valve 9086 from the closed configuration to the open configuration, although other mechanical means may be used to alter a configuration of the valve 9086 and / or the base 9084 in other examples.

[0117] Figure 9 shows the valve assembly 9050 in a first configuration to permit airflow to flow into the docking station without traversing the filter 9052. The first configuration may be used in the dirt bin emptying mode and / or the separation system cleaning modes of Figures 4 and 5. In the first configuration, the base 9084 is in the open configuration, and the valve 9086 is in the closed configuration.

[0118] Figure 10 shows the valve assembly 9050 in a second configuration to permit airflow to flow out of the docking station whilst traversing the filter 9052. The second configuration may be used in the evacuation mode of Figure 3. In the second configuration, the base 9084 is in the open configuration, and the valve 9086 is in the closed configuration. 29 P004915-W001

[0119] In this example, the valve assembly 9050 is configured in the second configuration both to permit airflow to flow out of the docking station whilst traversing the filter 9052 and to permit airflow to flow into the docking station via the filter 9052. The second configuration can thus be used for either purpose, with airflow either flowing out of the docking station (Figure 10) or into the docking station (Figure 11), where arrows 9096 indicate the direction of the airflow in Figures 9 to 11.

[0120] Figure 11 shows a filter cleaning mode of the docking station, in which the valve assembly 9050 is in the second configuration. In this configuration, the airflow flows into the body 8002 of the docking station 8000 via the filter 9052 but in the opposite direction into which the airflow flows through the filter 9052 in the evacuation mode of Figure 10. The opposite direction of flow of air through the filter 9052 can aid in dislodging dirt trapped in the filter 9052, so as to clean the filter 9052. To generate the airflow in the filter cleaning mode, the further valve assembly (formed of the dirt bin valve 5136 and the separation system valve 5140) may be configured in the configurations for the dirt bin cleaning mode or the separation system cleaning mode of Figures 4 and 5 so as to generate a dirt bin emptying or separation system cleaning pulse of air that flows into the interior 9064 of the valve assembly 9050 and through the filter 9052 with the valve assembly 9050 in the second configuration. The controller used to control the configurations of the further valve assembly may configure the further valve assembly appropriately based on a user selecting a filter cleaning mode and / or a user may manually configure the further valve assembly in an appropriate configuration for the filter cleaning mode.

[0121] A plurality of pulses of air may be conveyed through the filter 9052, with the valve assembly 9050 in the second configuration, in order to clean the filter 9052 more thoroughly. In order to generate a plurality of pulses of air through the filter 9052, a process of configuring the further valve assembly in the configuration for the evacuation mode and subsequently in the configuration for the dirt bin emptying mode or the separation system cleaning mode (which in this context may be considered to be a filter cleaning mode) is performed a plurality of times. For example, the vacuum 30 P004915-W001 cleaner system may be repeatedly switched between the evacuation and filter cleaning modes (although in some cases at least one mode may be used between the evacuation and filter cleaning modes and / or vice versa).

[0122] In the example of Figures 9 to 11, if the base 9084 is closed after the open configuration of Figure 9, the valve 9086 remains in the closed configuration. However, the valve 9086 can then be opened by the push rod 9088, to obtain the open configuration of the valve 9086 shown in Figure 11.

[0123] In the open configuration of the valve 9086 shown in Figure 11, the push rod 9088 inhibits opening of the base 9084, which may be considered to be a first valve. In this example, the push rod 9088 prevents rotation of the base 9084, so that the base 9084 remains closed. This causes sufficient airflow to flow through the filter 9052 in the filter cleaning mode to adequately clean the filter 9052.

[0124] In examples above, the further valve assembly comprises a plurality of valves. However, it is to be appreciated that the functionality of the dirt bin valve and the separation system valve may be combined in a combined valve arrangement.

[0125] In examples above, the separation system cleaning pulse of air passes through the entire separation system in the separation system cleaning mode. In other examples, the separation system cleaning pulse of air may pass through part of the separation system in the separation system cleaning mode and / or a further separation system cleaning pulse of air may pass through part of the separation system in a further separation system cleaning mode. In such cases, the separation system dirt from the separation system may nevertheless be considered to be ejected into the dirt receptacle. For example, the separation system valve or a further separation system valve in addition to the separation system valve may be arranged to permit air to enter the separation system between a first separator and a second separator of the separation system (such as the first filter 5200 and the second filter 5300 described above), when configured in an open configuration, and to inhibit air from entering the separation system between the first and second separator when configured in a closed configuration. For example, 31 P004915-W001 the separation system valve 5140 described above with particular reference to Figure 5 may instead be arranged to cover and uncover an opening in the step 5126 portion of the bin body 5108 so as to selectively permit air to enter the separation system 5100 between the first filter 5200 and the second filter 5300, or the vacuum cleaner system may comprise a further separation system valve arranged to cover and uncover an opening in the step 5126 portion of the bin body 5108, in addition to the separation system valve 5140 of Figure 5, to selectively permit air to enter the separation system 5100 between the first filter 5200 and the second filter 5300. In examples with both a separation system valve and a further separation system valve, both of these valves may be opened at the same time to enhance cleaning of the separation system.

Claims

32 P004915-W001CLAIMS1. A docking station configured to dock with at least a dirt bin of a vacuum cleaner to receive dirt from the dirt bin, the docking station comprising a valve assembly to control an airflow into and out of the docking station, wherein the valve assembly comprises a filter and is configured to operate in at least: a first configuration to permit the airflow to flow into the docking station without traversing the filter; and a second configuration to permit the airflow to flow out of the docking station whilst traversing the filter.

2. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the valve assembly comprises a valve, and, with the valve assembly in the second configuration, the filter is configured to filter the airflow before the airflow traverses the valve to flow out of the docking station, in use.

3. The docking station of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the docking station is configured to operate in a dirt bin emptying mode in which the dirt is ejected into the docking station, and, with the docking station configured in the dirt bin emptying mode, the valve assembly is in the first configuration.

4. The docking station of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the docking station is configured to operate in an evacuation mode in which a partial vacuum is generated within the docking station, and, with the docking station configured in the evacuation mode, the valve assembly is in the second configuration.

5. The docking station of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the docking station comprises a dirt inlet for receiving the dirt from the dirt bin, the valve assembly is a cylindrical valve assembly having a first end and second end opposite to the first end, the second end facing the dirt inlet, and, with the cylindrical valve assembly in the second configuration, the airflow is permitted to flow from an exterior of the cylindrical valve assembly to an interior of the cylindrical valve assembly, then from the interior33 P004915-W001 of the cylindrical valve assembly out of the second end of the cylindrical valve assembly and out of the docking station via the dirt inlet.

6. The docking station of claim 5, wherein the filter is a cylindrical filter.

7. The docking station of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the cylindrical valve assembly comprises: a first valve configurable to permit the airflow to flow into the docking station; and a second valve configurable to permit the airflow to flow out of the docking station.

8. The docking station of claim 7, wherein the first valve is disposed at the first end of the cylindrical valve assembly.

9. The docking station of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the second valve is disposed circumferentially about the cylindrical valve assembly.

10. The docking station of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the second valve is disposed between the filter and the interior of the cylindrical valve assembly.

11. The docking station of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, with the cylindrical valve assembly in the second configuration, the second valve is configured to cause the airflow flowing therethrough to swirl around the interior of the cylindrical valve assembly thereby configuring the first valve in a closed configuration to inhibit air from flowing into the docking station.

12. The docking station of any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein at least one of the first valve or the second valve is a pressure-operated one-way valve.

13. The docking station of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the valve assembly comprises:34 P004915-W001 a first valve within which the filter is mounted; and a second valve pivotally connected to the first valve.

14. The docking station of claim 13, wherein the second valve is pivotable between: a closed configuration in which the filter is covered by the second valve; and an open configuration in which the filter is uncovered by the second valve.

15. The docking station of claim 14, wherein, with the valve assembly in the first configuration, the first valve is in an open configuration and the second valve is in the closed configuration, and, with the valve assembly in the second configuration, the first valve is in a closed configuration and the second valve is in the open configuration.

16. The docking station of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein, with the valve assembly in the second configuration, the airflow is permitted to flow into the docking station via the filter, in use, and the docking station is configured to operate in a filtercleaning mode in which the valve assembly is in the second configuration.

17. The docking station of any one of claims 14 to 16, comprising a push rod configured to pivot the second valve from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

18. The docking station of any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein at least one of the first valve and the second valve is pressure operable.

19. A vacuum cleaner system comprising the docking station of any one of claims 1 to 18 and a vacuum cleaner.

20. The vacuum cleaner system of claim 19, wherein the vacuum cleaner system comprises: a suction generator configured to generate a partial vacuum in the docking station; and35 P004915-W001 a further valve assembly operable to admit a pulse of air into the dirt bin, after generation of the partial vacuum in the docking station and with the dirt bin docked with the docking station, to eject the dirt from the dirt bin into the docking station.

21. The vacuum cleaner system of claim 20, wherein the vacuum cleaner system is configured to direct the pulse of air into the docking station via the valve assembly in the first configuration.

22. The vacuum cleaner system of claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the suction generator is configured to suck air out of the docking station via the valve assembly in the second configuration to generate the partial vacuum in the docking station.

23. The vacuum cleaner system of any one of claims 20 to 22, when dependent upon claim 16, wherein, with the docking station configured in the filter-cleaning mode, the valve assembly in the second configuration and the dirt bin docked with the docking station, and after generation of a further partial vacuum in the docking station using the suction generator, the further valve assembly is operable to admit a further pulse of air into the dirt bin to eject dirt from the filter into the docking station.

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