Docking station for surface cleaning device
The docking station enhances robotic vacuum cleaners by efficiently transferring debris from a smaller cleaner dust cup to a larger station dust cup, reducing user intervention through a duct design with a specific height ratio and sloped region, thereby extending the time between emptying and recharging.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing robotic vacuum cleaners require frequent user interaction for debris disposal and battery recharge, as their dust cups have limited capacity and need frequent emptying.
A docking station with a larger station dust cup and a debris transfer mechanism that includes an inlet duct with a specific height-to-cavity ratio and a sloped region, facilitating efficient debris transfer from the cleaner dust cup to the station dust cup, reducing the need for user intervention.
The solution allows for increased debris storage in the station dust cup, minimizing user interactions by extending the time between emptying and recharging cycles.
Smart Images
Figure CN2025075406_30072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
DOCKING STATION FOR SURFACE CLEANING DEVICETECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure is generally related to a docking station for use with a surface cleaning device and more specifically to a docking station for use with a robotic vacuum cleaner. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0002] Surface cleaning devices are configured traverse a surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor) while collecting at least a portion of any debris deposited on the surface to be cleaned. One example of a surface cleaning device is a robotic vacuum cleaner. A robotic vacuum cleaner is configured to autonomously traverse a floor while collecting debris within a cleaner dust cup of the robotic vacuum cleaner for later disposal.
[0003] The robotic vacuum cleaner can be configured to dock with a docking station. While at the docking station, a power source (e.g., one or more batteries) of the robotic vacuum cleaner may be replenished (e.g., recharged) . In some instances, the docking station may further be configured to transfer debris from the cleaner dust cup and into a station dust cup of the docking station, wherein a volume of the station dust cup is greater than a volume of the cleaner dust cup. Such a configuration may reduce a number of times a user interacts with the robotic vacuum cleaner for servicing.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] These and other features and advantages will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings, wherein:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic example of a cleaning system having a robotic cleaner and a docking station, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional example of a station dust cup of the docking station of FIG. 1, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a docking station, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a station dust cup of the docking station of FIG. 3, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the station dust cup of FIG. 4 taken along the line V-V, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the station dust cup of FIG. 4 taken along the line VI-VI, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] The present disclosure is generally related to a cleaning system. The cleaning system includes a cleaner having a cleaner dust cup and a docking station having a station dust cup. The docking station is configured to cooperate with the cleaner to transfer debris from the cleaner dust cup to the station dust cup. The station dust cup may include a cavity and an inlet duct extending within the cavity. The inlet duct has a duct height and the cavity has a cavity height. In some instances, a ratio of the duct height to the cavity height may be less than 0.5 and greater than 0.05. Additionally, or alternatively, in some instances, the inlet duct may include a sloped region at an outlet end.
[0012] Adjusting the duct height and / or inclusion of a sloped region may encourage more efficient debris transfer from the cleaner dust cup to the station dust cup. For example, adjusting the duct height and / or inclusion of a sloped region may discourage debris entering the dust cup from becoming trapped between the inlet duct and a surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the cavity. Such a configuration may allow more debris to pass into the cavity before emptying the station dust cup, which may reduce an overall number of user interactions with the docking station.
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a schematic example of a cleaning system 100. As shown, the cleaning system 100 includes a robotic cleaner 102 and a docking station 104. The robotic cleaner 102 may include one or more sensors 106, one or more drive wheels 108, a cleaner dust cup 110, a cleaner suction motor 112, and a cleaner debris inlet 114. The one or more sensors 106 are communicatively coupled to a controller 116 of the robotic cleaner 102. The controller 116 may be further communicatively coupled to the one or more drive wheels 108 and / or the suction motor 112. For example, the one or more sensors 106 may include a navigation sensor 106a and a debris sensor 106b. In this example, an output of the navigation sensor 106a may be used to control the one or more drive wheels 108 and an output of the debris sensor 106b may be used to control the suction motor 112.
[0014] The suction motor 112 is fluidly coupled to the cleaner debris inlet 114 via the cleaner dust cup 110 such that operation of the suction motor 112 causes air to flow along a cleaner flow path 118. The cleaner flow path 118 enters the debris inlet 114 and passes through the cleaner dust cup 110. Air flowing along the cleaner flow path 118 may have debris entrained therein, wherein at least a portion of the entrained debris is deposited in the cleaner dust cup 110. In some instances, the debris sensor 106b may be configured to detect debris entrained within the cleaner flow path 118 and adjust the suction motor 112 accordingly. In operation, the robotic cleaner 102 is navigated along a surface to be cleaned 120 (e.g., a floor) while the suction motor 112 is operated, wherein at least a portion of any debris on the surface to be cleaned 120 becomes entrained within air flowing along the cleaner flow path 118.
[0015] The docking station 104 is configured to cooperate with the robotic cleaner 102 to transfer debris from the cleaner dust cup 110 to the docking station 104. The docking station 104 may be further configured to replenish (e.g., recharge) a power supply 122 (e.g., one or more batteries) of the robotic cleaner 102.
[0016] As shown, the docking station 104 includes a station inlet 124, a station body 125, a station dust cup 126 coupled (e.g., removably coupled) to the station body 125, and a station suction motor 128. The station suction motor 128 is fluidly coupled to the station inlet 124 via the station dust cup 126 such that operation of the station suction motor 128 causes air to flow along a station flow path 130. That station flow path 130 extends from the station inlet 124 and through the station dust cup 126. Air flowing along the station flow path 130 may have debris entrained therein, wherein at least a portion of the entrained debris is deposited in the station dust cup 126.
[0017] The station inlet 124 is configured to fluidly couple with the cleaner dust cup 110 such that debris within the cleaner dust cup 110 can be transferred from the cleaner dust cup 110 to the station dust cup 126 in response to operation of the station suction motor 128. For example, and as shown, the cleaner dust cup 110 may include a debris outlet 132 configured to fluidly couple with the station inlet 124. A volume of the station dust cup 126 can be greater than a volume of the cleaner dust cup 110. As such, the cleaner dust cup 110 may be emptied multiple times before requiring a user to empty the station dust cup 126, reducing a number of user interactions with the cleaning system 100.
[0018] While the cleaning system 100 is described in the context of a docking station configured to cooperate with a robotic cleaner, other configurations are possible. For example, the docking station 104 may be configured to cooperate with an upright cleaner (e.g., a battery powered vacuum cleaner) .
[0019] FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the station dust cup 126. As shown, the station dust cup 126 includes a dust cup body 200 defining a debris cavity 202, an inlet duct 204 extending within the debris cavity 202, and a dust cup door 206 coupled (e.g., pivotally and / or removably) to the dust cup body 200. The debris cavity 202 includes an emptying opening 208 and the dust cup door 206 is configured to selectively open and close the emptying opening 208 (e.g., such that the station dust cup 126 may be emptied) .
[0020] The inlet duct 204 has an inlet end 210 and an outlet end 212. The inlet end 210 is configured to fluidly couple with the station inlet 124 (FIG. 1) and the outlet end 212 is configured to fluidly couple to the debris cavity 202. As such, the station flow path 130 passes through at least a portion of the inlet duct 204 after passing through the station inlet 124 and before entering the debris cavity 202.
[0021] The inlet duct 204 has a duct height 214 and a duct width 216. The duct height 214 extends from the inlet end 210 to the outlet end 212 and the duct width 216 extends transverse to (e.g., perpendicular or non-perpendicular to) the duct height 214. The duct height 214 may increase, decrease, or stay substantially (e.g., within 10%of, 5%of, 4%of, 3%of, 2%of, or 1%of) the same across at least a portion of the duct width 216. In other words, the outlet end 212 of the inlet duct 204 may be substantially flat or include a sloped region. For example, the duct height 214 may decrease (e.g., substantially linearly) within a region of the inlet duct 204 that extends for at least a portion of the duct width 216. In this example, the inlet duct 204 may generally be described as including a bevel (or chamfer) at the outlet end 212.
[0022] The debris cavity 202 has a cavity height 218. The cavity height 218 extends parallel to the duct height 214. The cavity height 218 is greater than the duct height 214 such that the outlet end 212 is spaced apart from a closed end 219 (e.g., a fixed closed end or a selectively closable closed end) of the debris cavity 202 by a duct separation distance 220. The duct separation distance 220 may increase, decrease, or stay substantially the same. For example, the duct separation distance 220 may increase within a region of the inlet duct 204 that extends for at least a portion of the duct width 216. In this example, the inlet duct 204 may generally be described as including a bevel (or chamfer) at the outlet end 212.
[0023] A ratio of the duct height 214 to the cavity height 218 (i.e., the duct height 214 divided by the cavity height 218) may be, for example, less than 0.5 but greater than 0.05. By way of further example a ratio of the duct height 214 to the cavity height 218 may be less than 0.4 but greater than 0.05. By way of still further example, a ratio of the duct height 214 to the cavity height 218 may be less than 0.35 but greater than 0.05. By way of still further example, a ratio of the duct height 214 to the cavity height 218 may be less than 0.3 but greater than 0.05. By way of still further example, a ratio of the duct height 214 to the cavity height 218 may be less than 0.25 but greater than 0.05. By way of still further example, a ratio of the duct height 214 to the cavity height 218 may be less than 0.20 but greater than 0.05. By way of still further example, a ratio of the duct height 214 to the cavity height 218 may be less than 0.15 but greater than 0.05. By way of still further example, a ratio of the duct height 214 to the cavity height 218 may be less than 0.10 but greater than 0.05. By way of still further example, a ratio of the duct height 214 to the cavity height 218 may be less than 0.35 but greater than 0.15.
[0024] As the ratio of the duct height 214 to the cavity height 218 exceeds 0.5, debris entering the debris cavity 202 may become trapped between the outlet end 212 and the closed end 219 of the debris cavity 202. When debris becomes trapped, additional debris may be prevented from entering the debris cavity 202, which may require a user to empty the station dust cup 126 prior to the station dust cup 126 being filled to capacity (e.g., a rated / expected capacity) .
[0025] As shown, air flowing along the station flow path 130 exits the inlet duct 204 along an exit axis 224. The exit axis 224 may intersect the closed end 219 of the debris cavity 202. For example, the exit axis 224 may intersect the closed end 219 at a substantially perpendicular angle. In some instances, the exit axis 224 may not intersect the closed end 219 at a substantially perpendicular angle or the exit axis 224 may not intersect closed end 219. In these instances, the inlet duct 204 may include an air flow guide at the outlet end 212 that is configured to redirect the station flow path 130. For example, the air flow guide may be configured such that the inlet duct 204 has a J-shape or an L-shape.
[0026] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a docking station 300, which is an example of the docking station 104 of FIG. 1. As shown, the docking station includes a station body 302 and a station dust cup 304 removably coupled to the station body 302. The station body 302 includes a base plate 306 and a station inlet 308. The base plate 306 includes an alignment feature 310 configured to cooperate with a robotic cleaner (e.g., the robotic cleaner 102 of FIG. 1) to align the robotic cleaner relative to the station inlet 308 such that the robotic cleaner fluidly couples with the station inlet 308. The base plate 306 may further include a plurality of charging contacts 312 configured to electrically couple with the robotic cleaner (e.g., for recharging a power supply of the robotic cleaner and / or for purposes of communication) .
[0027] The docking station 300 may further include a station suction motor 314 (shown schematically in hidden lines) disposed within the station body 302. The station suction motor 314 is configured to cause air to flow into the station inlet 308 and through the station dust cup 304 before being exhausted into a surrounding environment via an exhaust outlet 316. As air flows through the station dust cup 304, at least a portion of any debris entrained within the air is deposited in the station dust cup 304 for storage and later disposal.
[0028] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the station dust cup 304 separated from the station body 302. As shown, the station dust cup 304 includes a dust cup body 400, an air outlet 402, and a dust cup door 404. The dust cup body 400 includes an open end 406, a closed end 408 opposite the open end 406, and one or more body sidewalls 410 extending between the open end 406 and the closed end 408. The dust cup door 404 can be pivotally coupled to the dust cup body 400 such that the dust cup door 404 selectively opens and closes at least a portion of the open end 406. For example, a dust cup latch 412 may be configured to selectively retain the dust cup door 404 in a closed position. Actuation of the dust cup latch 412 may allow the dust cup door 404 to transition to an open position, allowing debris within the station dust cup 304 to be emptied therefrom.
[0029] The air outlet 402 is configured to fluidly couple to the station suction motor 314 (FIG. 3) such that air exits the station dust cup 304 via the air outlet 402. As shown, the air outlet 402 is positioned within at least one of the one or more body sidewalls 410 of the dust cup body 400. However, the air outlet 402 may be positioned at other locations.
[0030] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the station dust cup 304 taken along the line V-V of FIG. 4. As shown, the dust cup body 400 includes a debris cavity 500 extending from the open end 406 towards the closed end 408. The debris cavity 500 may include one or more filters 502 (e.g., mesh screens) extending therein to define an outlet region 504 and a collection region 506 within the debris cavity 500. The one or more filters 502 are configured to restrict passage of debris therethrough. At least a portion of any debris entrained within air passing through the one or more filters 502 may be removed from the air flow and deposited in the collection region 506. Air flowing within the outlet region 504 may contain relatively less entrained debris than air flowing through the collection region 506. Air flowing within the outlet region 504 is directed to the air outlet 402.
[0031] As shown, the one or more filters 502 may include a first filter 502a and a second filter 502b, wherein the first filter 502a extends transverse (e.g., at a perpendicular or non-perpendicular angle) to the second filter 502b. For example, and as shown, the first filter 502a may extend along at least a portion of at least one of the one or more body sidewalls 410 such that at least a portion of the outlet region 504 extends between the first filter 502a and the one or more body sidewalls 410. The second filter 502b may extend along at least a portion of the closed end 408 such that at least a portion of the outlet region 504 extends between the second filter 502b and the closed end 408.
[0032] As shown, the debris cavity 500 may further include a filter guide 508. The first and second filters 502a and 502b may extend from the filter guide 508. The filter guide 508 can be configured to be a substantially solid (e.g., non-porous to air) body that extends along a side of the first and second filters 502a and 502b. In some instances, the filters 502a and 502b may be coupled to the filter guide 508 such that the filters 502a and 502b are attached to the dust cup body 400 collectively. In other words, the filter guide 508, the first filter 502a, and the second filter 502b may generally be described as forming a filter assembly. For example, the first filter 502a may extend from a first filter guide portion 508a and the second filter may extend from a second filter guide portion 508b. The first filter guide portion 508a may extend along at least a portion of at least one of the one or more body sidewalls 410 such that at least a portion of the outlet region 504 extends between the first filter guide portion 508a and the one or more body sidewalls 410. The second filter guide portion 508b may extend along at least a portion of the closed end 408 such that at least a portion of the outlet region 504 extends between the second filter guide portion 508b and the closed end 408.
[0033] The station dust cup 304 further includes an inlet duct 510 extending within the debris cavity 500. As shown, the inlet duct 510 extends within the collection region 506 of the debris cavity 500. The inlet duct 510 includes an inlet end 512 and an outlet end 514. The inlet end 512 is configured to fluidly couple to the station inlet 308 (FIG. 3) and the outlet end 514 is configured to fluidly couple to the debris cavity 500. As such, air flowing through the inlet duct 510 along a station flow path 516 enters the inlet duct 510 at the inlet end 512 and exits the inlet duct 510 at the outlet end 514. The station flow path 516 exits the inlet duct 510 along an exit axis 518, the exit axis 518 passes through both the inlet and outlet ends 512 and 514.
[0034] The exit axis 518 extends towards and intersects the second filter guide portion 508b. Such a configuration may discourage air exiting the inlet duct 510 along the station flow path 516 from immediately passing through the first and second filters 502a and 502b, which may encourage debris to fall out of entrainment with air flowing along the station flow path 516.
[0035] As shown, the inlet duct 510 can be coupled with (e.g., formed from, adhered to, mechanically connected to, and / or the like) at least a portion of the filter guide 508. For example, at least two sides of the inlet duct 510 can be coupled to the filter guide 508. In this example, the filter guide 508 may further include a third filter guide portion 508c that extends transverse to (e.g., at a perpendicular or non-perpendicular angle) the first and second filter guide portions 508a and 508b, wherein the inlet duct 510 extends along at least a portion of (and is coupled to) the first and third filter guide portions 508a and 508c. As such, in some instances, the inlet duct 510 may generally be described as being part of a filter assembly that includes the filter guide 508, the first filter 502a, the second filter 502b, and the inlet duct 510.
[0036] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional side view of the station dust cup 304 taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. 4. As shown, the inlet duct 510 has a duct height 600 and a duct width 602. The duct height 600 extends from the inlet end 512 of the inlet duct 510 to the outlet end 514 of the inlet duct 510. The duct width 602 extends in a direction away from the first filter guide portion 508a and transverse to (e.g., perpendicular or non-perpendicular to) the duct height 600.
[0037] As shown, the inlet duct 510 includes a sloped region 604 at the outlet end 514, wherein the duct height 600 decreases within the sloped region 604. For example, the duct height 600 may decrease within the sloped region 604 with increasing distance from the first filter guide portion 508a. In this example, the sloped region 604 may extend across the entire duct width 602. In operation, the sloped region 604 may discourage debris from becoming trapped between the outlet end 514 and the closed end 408 of the debris cavity 500.
[0038] The sloped region 604 includes a sloped face 606 and a duct outlet 608 disposed within the sloped face 606. In other words, in some instances, the inlet duct 510 may generally be described as including a bevel (or chamfer) at the outlet end 514, wherein the bevel includes the duct outlet 608. The sloped face 606 forms a slope angle θ with upstanding walls 610 of the inlet duct 510, the upstanding walls 610 extending between the inlet and outlet ends 512 and 514. The slope angle θ may be, for example, in a range of 100° to 170°. By way of further example, the slope angle θ may be in a range of 110° to 150°. By way of still further example, the slope angle θ may be in a range of 120° to 145°. By way of still further example, the slope angle θmay be in a range of 125° to 140°. By way of still further example, the slope angle θ may be in a range of 110° to 130°. By way of still further example, the slope angle θ may be in a range of 115° to 135°.
[0039] The debris cavity 500 has a cavity height 612. The cavity height 612 extends parallel to the duct height 600. The cavity height 612 is greater than the duct height 600 such that the outlet end 514 is spaced apart from the closed end 408 of the debris cavity 500 by a duct separation distance 614. The duct separation distance 614 increases with increasing distance from the first filter guide portion 508a.
[0040] A ratio of the duct height 600 to the cavity height 612 (i.e., the duct height 600 divided by the cavity height 612) may be, for example, less than 0.5 but greater than 0.05. By way of further example a ratio of the duct height 600 to the cavity height 612 may be less than 0.4 but greater than 0.05. By way of still further example, a ratio of the duct height 600 to the cavity height 612 may be less than 0.35 but greater than 0.05. By way of still further example, a ratio of the duct height 600 to the cavity height 612 may be less than 0.3 but greater than 0.05. By way of still further example, a ratio of the duct height 600 to the cavity height 612 may be less than 0.25 but greater than 0.05. By way of still further example, a ratio of the duct height 600 to the cavity height 612 may be less than 0.20 but greater than 0.05. By way of still further example, a ratio of the duct height 600 to the cavity height 612 may be less than 0.15 but greater than 0.05. By way of still further example, a ratio of the duct height 600 to the cavity height 612 may be less than 0.10 but greater than 0.05. By way of still further example, a ratio of the duct height 600 to the cavity height 612 may be less than 0.35 but greater than 0.15.
[0041] As the ratio of the duct height 600 to the cavity height 612 exceeds 0.5, debris entering the debris cavity 500 may become trapped between the outlet end 514 and the closed end 408 of the debris cavity 500. When debris becomes trapped, additional debris may be prevented from entering the debris cavity 500, which may require a user to empty the station dust cup 304 prior to the station dust cup 304 being filled to capacity (e.g., a rated / expected capacity) . Having a ratio of the duct height 600 to the cavity height 612 that is less than 0.5 may allow debris that is at least partially covering the outlet end 514 to be disturbed (e.g., agitated out of the way) when new debris is introduced into the debris cavity 500 (e.g., as a result of a subsequent evacuation of a robotic cleaner) . Additionally, or alternatively, the sloped region 604 may discourage collection of debris on the sloped face 606, which discourages a trapping of debris between the outlet end 514 and the closed end 408.
[0042] The duct height 600 may, for example, be in a range of 10 millimeters (mm) to 100 mm. By way of further example, the duct height 600 may be in a range of 10 mm to 50 mm. By way of still further example, the duct height 600 may be in a range of 10 mm to 30 mm. By way of still further example, the duct height 600 may be in a range of 50 mm to 90 mm. By way of still further example, the duct height 600 may be in a range of 15 mm to 30 mm. By way of still further example, the duct height 600 may be in a range of 20 mm to 25 mm. By way of still further example, the duct height 600 may be 22 mm. By way of still further example, the duct height 600 may be 82 mm.
[0043] In one example, when the duct height 600 is reduced from 82 mm to 22 mm an amount of debris collected within the debris cavity 500 may increase by approximately (e.g., within 10%of, 5%of, 4%of, 3%of, 2%of, or 1%of) 18% (e.g., before an evacuation percentage a dust cup of a robotic cleaner drops below 20%) . By way of further example, when an inlet duct having a 22 mm duct height is compared to an inlet duct having a 112 mm duct height and a mesh that covers at least a portion of the outlet end, the amount of debris collected by the inlet duct having a 22 mm duct height may be approximately 24%greater. As such, decreasing the duct height 600 improves debris collection within the debris cavity 500.
[0044] An example of a cleaning system, consistent with the present disclosure, may include a robotic cleaner having a cleaner dust cup and a docking station having a station dust cup and being configured to cooperate with the robotic cleaner to transfer debris from the cleaner dust cup to the station dust cup. The station dust cup may include a dust cup body defining a debris cavity having a cavity height and an inlet duct extending within the debris cavity and having a duct height, a ratio of the duct height to the cavity height being less than 0.5 and greater than 0.05.
[0045] In some instances, the inlet duct may include a bevel at an outlet end of the inlet duct. In some instances, the duct height may be in a range of 10 millimeters (mm) to 100 mm. In some instances, the duct height may be in a range of 20 millimeters (mm) to 25 mm. In some instances, the debris cavity may include a first filter and a second filter extending transverse to the first filter. In some instances, the debris cavity may include a filter guide having a first filter guide portion and a second filter guide portion, the first filter extends from the first filter guide portion and the second filter extends from the second filter guide portion. In some instances, the inlet duct may be coupled to the filter guide. In some instances, an exit axis of the inlet duct may intersect the second filter guide portion.
[0046] An example of a station dust cup for a docking station, consistent with the present disclosure, may include a dust cup body defining a debris cavity and an inlet duct extending within the debris cavity. The inlet duct may include an inlet end, an outlet end, an upstanding wall extending between the inlet end and the outlet end, a sloped face, the sloped face forming a slope angle with the upstanding wall, and a duct outlet disposed within the sloped face.
[0047] In some instances, the slope angle may be in a range of 100° to 170°. In some instances, the debris cavity may have a cavity height, the inlet duct has a duct height, and a ratio of the duct height to the cavity height being less than 0.5 and greater than 0.05. In some instances, the duct height may be in a range of 10 millimeters (mm) to 100 mm. In some instances, the duct height may be in a range of 20 millimeters (mm) to 25 mm.
[0048] Another example of a station dust cup for a docking station, consistent with the present disclosure, may include a dust cup body defining a debris cavity having a cavity height and an inlet duct extending within the debris cavity and having a duct height, a ratio of the duct height to the cavity height being less than 0.5 and greater than 0.05.
[0049] In some instances, the inlet duct may include a bevel at an outlet end of the inlet duct. In some instances, the duct height may be in a range of 10 millimeters (mm) to 100 mm. In some instances, the duct height may be in a range of 20 millimeters (mm) to 25 mm. In some instances, the debris cavity may include a first filter and a second filter extending transverse to the first filter. In some instances, the debris cavity may include a filter guide having a first filter guide portion and a second filter guide portion, the first filter extends from the first filter guide portion and the second filter extends from the second filter guide portion. In some instances, the inlet duct may be coupled to the filter guide.
[0050] While the principles of the invention have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the invention. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the following claims.
Claims
1.A cleaning system comprising:a robotic cleaner having a cleaner dust cup; anda docking station having a station dust cup and being configured to cooperate with the robotic cleaner to transfer debris from the cleaner dust cup to the station dust cup, the station dust cup including:a dust cup body defining a debris cavity having a cavity height; andan inlet duct extending within the debris cavity and having a duct height, a ratio of the duct height to the cavity height being less than 0.5 and greater than 0.05.2.The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the inlet duct includes a bevel at an outlet end of the inlet duct.3.The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the duct height is in a range of 10 millimeters (mm) to 100 mm.4.The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the duct height is in a range of 20 millimeters (mm) to 25 mm.5.The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the debris cavity includes a first filter and a second filter extending transverse to the first filter.6.The cleaning system of claim 5, wherein the debris cavity includes a filter guide having a first filter guide portion and a second filter guide portion, the first filter extends from the first filter guide portion and the second filter extends from the second filter guide portion.7.The cleaning system of claim 6, wherein the inlet duct is coupled to the filter guide.8.The cleaning system of claim 7, wherein an exit axis of the inlet duct intersects the second filter guide portion.9.A station dust cup for a docking station comprising:a dust cup body defining a debris cavity; andan inlet duct extending within the debris cavity, the inlet duct including:an inlet end;an outlet end;an upstanding wall extending between the inlet end and the outlet end;a sloped face, the sloped face forming a slope angle with the upstanding wall; anda duct outlet disposed within the sloped face.10.The station dust cup of claim 9, wherein the slope angle is in a range of 100° to 170°.11.The station dust cup of claim 9, wherein the debris cavity has a cavity height, the inlet duct has a duct height, and a ratio of the duct height to the cavity height being less than 0.5 and greater than 0.05.12.The station dust cup of claim 11, wherein the duct height is in a range of 10 millimeters (mm) to 100 mm.13.The station dust cup of claim 11, wherein the duct height is in a range of 20 millimeters (mm) to 25 mm.14.A station dust cup for a docking station comprising:a dust cup body defining a debris cavity having a cavity height; andan inlet duct extending within the debris cavity and having a duct height, a ratio of the duct height to the cavity height being less than 0.5 and greater than 0.05.15.The station dust cup of claim 14, wherein the inlet duct includes a bevel at an outlet end of the inlet duct.16.The station dust cup of claim 14, wherein the duct height is in a range of 10 millimeters (mm) to 100 mm.17.The station dust cup of claim 14, wherein the duct height is in a range of 20 millimeters (mm) to 25 mm.18.The station dust cup of claim 14, wherein the debris cavity includes a first filter and a second filter extending transverse to the first filter.19.The station dust cup of claim 18, wherein the debris cavity includes a filter guide having a first filter guide portion and a second filter guide portion, the first filter extends from the first filter guide portion and the second filter extends from the second filter guide portion.20.The station dust cup of claim 19, wherein the inlet duct is coupled to the filter guide.