Vacuum cleaner and vacuum cleaner system

Abstract

The disclosure concerns a vacuum cleaner (6) and a vacuum cleaner system. The vacuum cleaner comprises a separation unit (12) arranged at a handle portion (10) and a rigid conduit (14) extending between a floor nozzle (8) and the handle portion (10). The vacuum cleaner (6) comprises a flow directing valve (16) being arranged in the rigid conduit (14), the flow directing valve (16) having: - a first position in which the valve (16) forms a through flow passage enabling a first flow path (17) to extend via the rigid conduit (14), between the floor nozzle (8) and the separation unit (12), and - a second position in which the valve (16) forms at least part of an outlet passage enabling a second flow path (19) to extend via at least part of the rigid conduit (14), between the separation unit (12) and a zone outside the rigid conduit (14).

Description

[0001] Vacuum Cleaner and Vacuum Cleaner System

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner and to a vacuum cleaner system comprising a docking station and a vacuum cleaner.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] A vacuum cleaner of the so-called stick type comprises a floor nozzle arranged to be moved over a floor surface, a handle portion to be grasped by a user of the vacuum cleaner, and an elongated portion connecting the handle portion to the floor nozzle such that the user can use the vacuum cleaner for vacuum cleaning a floor surface in a standing up position. In one kind of stick type vacuum cleaner, a motor-fan unit and a separation unit for dust and debris are arranged in, or at the handle portion.

[0006] It has been proposed to dock a vacuum cleaner to a station, which is configured to empty the separation unit of the vacuum cleaner.

[0007] Vacuum cleaners and cleaning / docking / suction stations of this kind are disclosed e.g. in WO 2024 / 175209, WO 2023 / 158856, and DE 102023120161 A1.

[0008] WO 2024 / 175209 discloses a vacuum cleaner system, comprising a vacuum cleaner, having a primary motor-fan assembly configured to create an airflow during use, that leads dustladen air in a first direction through a dust chamber collecting the dust, and a cleaning station, configured to empty the dust chamber of the vacuum cleaner into a container. The vacuum cleaner comprises an auxiliary motor-fan combination configured to create an airflow through the dust chamber in a second, reversed direction and trough the cleaning station, such that dust is moved from the dust chamber to the cleaning station.

[0009] WO 2023 / 158856 discloses a docking station configured to releasably couple a vacuum cleaner and a dock. The docking station is used to empty debris from the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the dock. A fluid flow path extends through a receiving portion of the dock, an airflow source of the dock, a dock debris collector, and a dock air outlet. The dock and a separator of the vacuum cleaner are coupled having the separator in fluid communication with a dock air outlet and a debris outlet of the separator in fluid communication with the dock debris collector such that the airflow generated by theairflow source of the dock travels through the debris outlet of the separator along the fluid flow path into the dock debris collector.

[0010] The cleaning / docking stations disclosed in WO 2024 / 175209 and WO 2023 / 158856 extend along a substantial length of the respective vacuum cleaners, lending the cleaning / docking stations a substantial height.

[0011] DE 102023120161 A1 discloses a set comprising a vacuum cleaner and a suction station. The set enables a coupling of the vacuum cleaner to the suction station for emptying a dirt collection container of the vacuum cleaner. An air guiding element of the vacuum cleaner has a second opening cross-section which can be closed by means of a second closing element. The second closing element can be transferred between an open position and a closed position. The second closing element is in the open position in the coupled state of the vacuum cleaner to the suction station and in the closed position in the uncoupled state of the vacuum cleaner. The suction station comprises a coupling element for transferring the second closing element of the vacuum cleaner from the closed position to the open position.

[0012] In the only disclosed embodiment of DE102023120161 A1, the suction station has a base region and an adjoining second region. A dirt collection container of the suction station is arranged in the second region. This dirt collection container is arranged in fluid communication via a suction air duct with the coupling element. The coupling element is designed in the form of an air channel which projects beyond a support surface for a floor nozzle of the vacuum cleaner, the support surface being arranged in the base region. The base region is specifically designed to support the floor nozzle in a manner ensuring that the floor nozzle cannot move. In a coupled state, the floor nozzle is placed on the base region. The coupling element is inserted into the second opening cross-section from below the floor nozzle.

[0013] Accordingly, the suction air duct leading from the coupling element and the floor nozzle to the dirt collection container in the adjacent second region of the suction station has a substantial length. Not only must the suction air duct lead from the base region to the adjacent second region, but also from a level below the floor nozzle to a level at an upper portion of the dirt collection container for it to be able to receive dust and debris from the vacuum cleaner.

[0014] SUMMARY

[0015] It would be advantageous to enable use of a compact docking station for emptying a vacuum cleaner. In particular, it would be desirable to provide a vacuum cleaner enabling a lowpressure drop in use of a compact docking station. To better address one or more of these concerns, one or more of a vacuum cleaner and a vacuum cleaner system having the features defined in one or more of the independent claims is provided.

[0016] According to an aspect there is provided a vacuum cleaner comprising a floor nozzle, a handle portion, a motor -fan unit for producing an airflow through the vacuum cleaner arranged at the handle portion, a separation unit for separating dust and debris from the airflow arranged at the handle portion, and a rigid conduit extending between the floor nozzle and the handle portion. The vacuum cleaner further comprises a flow directing valve being arranged in the rigid conduit, the flow directing valve having:

[0017] - a first position in which the flow directing valve forms a through flow passage enabling a first flow path to extend via the rigid conduit, between the floor nozzle and the separation unit, and

[0018] - a second position in which the flow directing valve forms at least part of an outlet passage enabling a second flow path to extend via at least part of the rigid conduit, between the separation unit and a zone outside the rigid conduit.

[0019] Since the vacuum cleaner comprises the flow directing valve arranged in the rigid conduit, since the flow directing valve has the first position enabling the first flow path to extend via the rigid conduit, between the floor nozzle and the separation unit, and since the flow directing valve has the second position in which the flow directing valve forms at least part of an outlet passage enabling the second flow path to extend via at least part of the rigid conduit, between the separation unit and the zone outside the rigid conduit - the rigid conduit is configured both for transporting dust and debris from the floor nozzle to the separation unit as well as from the separation unit to the zone outside the rigid conduit.

[0020] Moreover, since the flow directing valve is arranged in the rigid conduit, the zone outside the rigid conduit is provided at a level of the rigid conduit, i.e. below the handle portion when the vacuum cleaner is positioned in an upright position. Accordingly, a docking station configured for receiving dust and debris from the vacuum cleaner when the latter is being emptied, need only reach up to the rigid conduit. Specifically, to a level approximate to that of the outlet passage and the zone outside the rigid conduit. Thus, the vacuum cleaner is configured for use with a compact docking station.

[0021] Furthermore, since the flow directing valve is arranged in the rigid conduit, the zone outside the rigid conduit is provided above the floor nozzle, when the vacuum cleaner is positioned in an upright position. Accordingly, the vacuum cleaner is devised for an immediate and shorttransfer path from the rigid conduit to a container for dust and debris of the docking station, such as to an upper portion of the container. Thus, the vacuum cleaner is devised for the docking station to operate with a very low pressure drop in the transfer of dust and debris from the vacuum cleaner to the docking station.

[0022] According to a further aspect there is provided a vacuum cleaner system comprising a docking station and a vacuum cleaner according to any one of aspects and / or examples discussed herein. The docking station comprises a container for dust and debris and a docking station motor-fan unit arranged for drawing an airflow through an inlet portion of the container and through at least a further portion of the container. The vacuum cleaner is connectable to the docking station for the zone outside the rigid conduit to be arranged in the docking station such that the outlet passage, formed by at least part of the flow directing valve in its second position, is arranged in fluid communication with the inlet portion of the container for dust and debris.

[0023] Since the vacuum cleaner system comprises the vacuum cleaner according to any one of aspects and / or examples discussed herein and since the vacuum cleaner is connectable to the docking station for the zone outside the rigid conduit to be arranged in the docking station such that the outlet passage, formed by at least part of the flow directing valve in its second position, is arranged in fluid communication with the inlet portion of the container for dust and debris - the vacuum cleaner system is configured for the docking station to be of a compact kind. That is, the docking station need only reach to a level approximate that of the said outlet passage of the vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, an immediate and short transfer path from the rigid conduit to the container for dust and debris is provided, ensuring a low pressure drop in the transfer of dust and debris from the vacuum cleaner to the docking station.

[0024] Accordingly, the docking station will take up less space than a docking station, which is directly connectable to an outlet of the separation unit of a stick type vacuum cleaner, such as in the systems disclosed in WO 2024 / 175209 and WO 2023 / 158856. This is convenient for installation of the vacuum cleaner system in a domestic environment. An advantage is that the centre of gravity of the docking station is lower than in a docking station, which is directly connectable to an outlet of the separation unit of a stick type vacuum cleaner, which in turn renders the present vacuum cleaner system more stable. Moreover, the centre of gravity of the present docking station can be provided lower than in the docking station disclosed in DE 102023120161 A1 due to the latter requiring vertical height for the air duct underneath the floor nozzle of the vacuum cleaner.Also, less material is required when producing the present docking station in comparison with a docking station, which is directly connectable to an outlet of the separation unit of a stick type vacuum cleaner, and accordingly, production costs are reduced.

[0025] The inventors have realised that the flow directing valve arranged in the rigid conduit extending between the floor nozzle and the handle portion enables this double use of the rigid conduit. The valve provides switching between connecting the floor nozzle with the separation unit and connecting the separation unit with the zone outside the conduit, wherein the docking station is configured such that it is arranged at this zone outside the conduit. Or as put above, for the zone outside the conduit to be arranged in the docking station such that the outlet passage formed by at least part of the flow directing valve is arranged in fluid communication with the inlet portion of the container for dust and debris of the docking station.

[0026] A discharge outlet of the outlet passage may be arranged in the inlet portion of the container for dust and debris of the docking station. Thus, no additional conduits are required between the rigid conduit and the container for dust and debris of the docking station.

[0027] The vacuum cleaner is configured for a user to grasp a handle at the handle portion and move the floor nozzle over a floor surface to be cleaned, during vacuum cleaning. The vacuum cleaner is a stick type vacuum cleaner with its handle portion, floor nozzle, and a rigid portion extending between the floor nozzle and the handle portion. The rigid portion comprises the rigid conduit.

[0028] An advantage of the stick type vacuum cleaner is that it is compact and thus, easily stowed. Such as standing in an upright position docked in the compact docking station of the vacuum cleaner system.

[0029] During vacuum cleaning, herein also referred to as a vacuum cleaning operation, the separation unit is utilised for separating dust and debris from a dust and debris containing airflow. For instance, the separation unit may comprise a cyclone separator or other kind of separation unit that collects the separated dust and debris in a chamber of the separation unit. The chamber in turn, can be emptied of dust and debris. Such emptying may be done manually by removing at least part of the separation unit from the handle portion.

[0030] However, in the present vacuum cleaner, the separation unit is alternatively, or additionally, able to be emptied when docking the vacuum cleaner to the docking station of the vacuumcleaner system, without removing the separation unit from the vacuum cleaner. Such a vacuum cleaner emptying operation may be performed automatically when the vacuum cleaner is connected or docked to the docking station or upon being initiated by a user.

[0031] The motor-fan unit of the vacuum cleaner is arranged to produce the airflow through the vacuum cleaner during vacuum cleaning, from the floor nozzle to an air outlet of the vacuum cleaner, via the separation unit. The air outlet may be formed by an air passage in the handle portion. When the separation unit of the vacuum cleaner is to be emptied into the container for dust and debris of the docking station, the docking station motor-fan unit is arranged to produce a reverse airflow at least from the separation unit to the container for dust and debris, via a portion of the rigid conduit. The reverse airflow may enter via the air passage in the handle portion and / or via a separate air inlet arranged in fluid communication with the separation unit. Such a separate air inlet may be formed by a further air passage in the handle portion.

[0032] The vacuum cleaner may comprise a rechargeable battery pack, which provides electric energy for driving the motor-fan unit. The rechargeable battery may be recharged when the vacuum cleaner is docked in the docking station. For instance, the docking station may comprise a battery charger. An electric circuit between the battery charger and the rechargeable battery pack may be established when the vacuum cleaner is docked in the docking station, e.g. via electric conductors extending along the rigid conduit to / from the battery pack.

[0033] The rigid conduit may form part of a main rigid portion extending between the floor nozzle and the handle portion. As such, the rigid conduit may enable the user of the vacuum cleaner to direct the floor nozzle along the floor surface to be cleaned by handling the handle portion of the vacuum cleaner. The handling may include motions such as pushing, pulling, leaning, and / or twisting the handle portion, and performing various combinations of such motions.

[0034] The rigid conduit forms a fluid connection between the floor nozzle and the separation unit, when the flow directing valve is in its first position. The rigid conduit forms a fluid connection between the separation unit and the outlet passage, when the flow directing valve is in its second position.

[0035] The rigid conduit may comprise one or more parts. Such parts may be one or more of a conduit portion in the handle portion, a tube, a member comprising the flow directing valve, aconduit portion of the floor nozzle. Different parts of the rigid conduit may be separable from each other, and arranged to be reassembled, by a user of the vacuum cleaner.

[0036] The flow directing valve may be any suitable valve that enables alternating between establishing a flow path between the floor nozzle and the separation unit and between the separation unit and an outside of the rigid conduit, such as the zone outside the rigid conduit.

[0037] A discharge outlet of the outlet passage formed at least in part by the flow directing valve in its second position may be directed having a horizontal component when the vacuum cleaner is in an upright position. Thus, an airflow leaving the outlet passage and entering the zone outside the rigid conduit has a horizontal directional component. As such the discharge outlet of the outlet passage may contribute to directing an airflow into the container for dust and debris of the docking station, such as into the inlet portion of the container for dust and debris. Accordingly, any additional conduits between the rigid conduit and the container for dust and debris may not be required.

[0038] For instance, the flow directing valve may be a three-way valve. The flow directing valve may comprise a displaceable valve member, such as a valve body, for establishing the first and second flow paths. For instance, the valve member may be pivotable or rotatable or otherwise displaceable.

[0039] The zone outside the rigid conduit is an area or zone outside the vacuum cleaner, at which area or zone the outlet passage of the vacuum cleaner ends, when the flow directing valve is in its second position.

[0040] Put differently, a discharge outlet of the outlet passage leads the zone outside the rigid conduit. The discharge outlet is arranged in fluid communication with the zone outside the rigid conduit.

[0041] When docked in the docking station, herein alternatively referred to as connected to the docking station, the vacuum cleaner is positioned in relation to the docking station such that the zone outside the rigid conduit is arranged in or at the inlet portion of the container for dust and debris of the docking station.

[0042] For instance, a discharge outlet of the outlet passage formed at least in part by the flow directing valve in its second position may be positioned in the inlet portion of the container for dust and debris when the vacuum cleaner is docked to the docking station. Thus, noadditional conduits between the rigid conduit and the container for dust and debris are required.

[0043] The docking station is configured to be positioned on a floor surface. As such it may have a bottom portion that is arranged to face the floor surface.

[0044] When the vacuum cleaner is docked to the docking station, the vacuum cleaner may be positioned substantially upright, i.e. with its floor nozzle positioned towards the floor and the handle portion arranged higher than the floor nozzle.

[0045] When the vacuum cleaner is docked to the docking station, the floor nozzle may be positioned on the floor or close to the floor, such as a few centimetres above the floor.

[0046] For instance, one or more of the rigid conduit, the floor nozzle, and / or the flow directing valve may be supported by the docking station when the vacuum cleaner is docked to the docking station.

[0047] According to some examples, in the second position of the flow directing valve, an outlet member connected to the flow directing valve and / or to the rigid conduit, or the flow directing valve, may form a discharge outlet of the outlet passage. The discharge outlet may be arranged in fluid communication with the zone outside the rigid conduit. In this manner, an end portion of the second flow path may be arranged in fluid communication with the zone outside the rigid conduit for dust and debris to be discharged from the vacuum cleaner to the zone outside the rigid conduit during a vacuum cleaner emptying operation.

[0048] Accordingly, when the vacuum cleaner is docked to the docking station, the discharge opening of the outlet passage and accordingly, the zone outside the rigid conduit, may be positioned in the inlet portion of the container for dust and debris of the docking station.

[0049] According to some examples, the rigid conduit may be configured to have an extension including a vertical component in a use position of the vacuum cleaner. In this manner, the rigid conduit may extend between the floor nozzle and the handle portion with a user of the vacuum cleaner standing upright.

[0050] According to this definition, the rigid conduit excludes purely horizontally extending portions of the first fluid path, such as portions of the first fluid path in, or at, the floor nozzle.According to some examples, the flow directing valve may be arranged to block the first flow path when in its second position. In this manner, the flow directing valve may not only enable the second flow path to extend via at least part of the rigid conduit, between the separation unit and the zone outside the rigid conduit, but may also interrupt the first flow path preventing dust and debris from the separation unit to reach the floor nozzle.

[0051] According to some examples, the flow directing valve may be arranged in the rigid conduit, closer to the floor nozzle than to the separation unit. In this manner, the outlet passage formed at least in part by the flow directing valve may be arranged closer to the floor nozzle than to the separation unit, and accordingly, the zone outside the rigid conduit, where the second flow path ends, may be arranged at a distance from the separation unit. Thus positioned, the flow directing valve enables the docking of the vacuum cleaner in an upright position to a compact docking station. Moreover, the zone outside the rigid conduit may be arranged at a distance from the floor nozzle.

[0052] More specifically, in this manner, a discharge outlet of the outlet passage may be arranged closer to the floor nozzle than to the separation unit and at a distance from the floor nozzle. Thus, the vacuum cleaner may be devised for docking to the herein discussed docking station with the discharge opening arranged in the inlet portion of the container for dust and debris of the docking station.

[0053] According to some examples, the flow directing valve may be arranged at a distance from the floor nozzle within a range of 0.2 - 0.7 m. In this manner, the zone outside the rigid conduit, where the second flow path ends, may be arranged at a distance from the floor nozzle and proximate to a container for dust and debris of a docking station. Thus, low pressure drop transfer of dust and debris from the vacuum cleaner to the container for dust and debris may be enabled.

[0054] More specifically, in this manner, a discharge outlet of the outlet passage may be arranged at a distance from the floor nozzle within a range of 0.2 - 0.7 m. Thus, the vacuum cleaner may be devised for docking to the herein discussed docking station with the discharge opening arranged in the inlet portion of the container for dust and debris of the docking station.

[0055] According to some examples, an air passage of the vacuum cleaner may be arranged in fluid communication with an inside of the separation unit. During a vacuum cleaning operation, the motor-fan unit may be arranged to draw an airflow through the floor nozzle, along the first flow path, through the separation unit, and out of the air passage. During a vacuum cleaneremptying operation, the second flow path may include the air passage, and / or a further air passage arranged in fluid communication with the inside of the separation unit, and an inside of the separation unit. In this manner, the vacuum cleaner may be configured for the airflow produced by the motor-fan unit during vacuum cleaning to leave the vacuum cleaner.

[0056] Moreover, an airflow in the opposite direction during the vacuum cleaner emptying operation, may thus, enter the vacuum cleaner.

[0057] Accordingly, during a vacuum cleaner emptying operation, along the second flow path, an airflow may be drawn through the same air passage as air leaves the vacuum cleaner during the vacuum cleaning operation. Alternatively, or additionally, along the second flow path an airflow may be drawn through a different air passage, the further air passage, than the air passage utilised during the vacuum cleaning operation.

[0058] According to some examples, the flow directing valve may be biased to towards its first position. In this manner, it may be ensured that during a vacuum cleaning operation, the first flow path, leading from the floor nozzle, remains uninterrupted. Also, in this manner, it may be ensured that when the vacuum cleaner is removed from the docking station, the second flow path is closed and the first flow path, leading from the floor nozzle, is reestablished.

[0059] According to some examples, the flow directing valve may be switchable from its first position to its second position when the vacuum cleaner is connected to the docking station. In this manner, it may be ensured that the second flow path is established for the separation unit to be emptied into the container for dust and debris of the docking station during a vacuum cleaner emptying operation of the vacuum cleaner.

[0060] According to some examples, the vacuum cleaner may be configured to be supported in an upright position at the rigid conduit, such as at the flow directing valve. In this manner, the vacuum cleaner may be supported, e.g. when connected to the docking station, in a stable manner.

[0061] In comparison with supporting the vacuum cleaner only at its floor nozzle, such support is provided closer to a centre of gravity of the vacuum cleaner and accordingly, a more stable support of the vacuum cleaner, e.g. when connected to the docking station, may be provided.

[0062] According to some examples, the inlet portion of the container of the docking station may be arranged at an upper portion of the docking station with the docking station standing in a use position. In this manner, the docking station may be devised as compact as possible, sincethe vacuum cleaner accordingly, will be connected with its zone outside the rigid conduit at the inlet portion of the container for dust and debris of the docking station.

[0063] According to some examples, the docking station is configured to stand on a surface, such as a floor surface. In this manner, the compact docking station may be easily placed in a domestic environment.

[0064] Further features of, and advantages with, the invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description.

[0065] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] Various aspects and / or examples of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the examples discussed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0067] Fig. 1 illustrates a vacuum cleaner system according to an example,

[0068] Figs. 2a and 2b schematically illustrate an example of a vacuum cleaner,

[0069] Figs. 3a - 3d illustrate sections through two different examples of flow directing valves, and Figs. 4a - 4d illustrate selected parts of the herein discussed vacuum cleaner system.

[0070] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] Aspects and / or examples of the invention will now be described more fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and / or clarity.

[0072] Fig. 1 illustrates a vacuum cleaner system 2 according to an example.

[0073] The vacuum cleaner system 2 comprises a docking station 4 according to any one of aspects and / or examples discussed herein. The vacuum cleaner system 2 further comprises a vacuum cleaner 6 according to any one of aspects and / or examples discussed herein. The vacuum cleaner 6 is of the stick type.

[0074] The vacuum cleaner 6 is configured for being docked to the docking station 4. When docked to the docking station 4, the vacuum cleaner 6 can be emptied of dust and debris collected therein. Further functionality may be provided when the vacuum cleaner 6 is docked to the docking station 4, such as charging a rechargeable battery of the vacuum cleaner 6.The vacuum cleaner 6 comprises a floor nozzle 8, a handle portion 10, a separation unit 12 for separating dust and debris arranged at the handle portion 10, and a rigid conduit 14 extending between the floor nozzle 8 and the handle portion 10.

[0075] In a known manner, the floor nozzle 8 and / or an end portion of the rigid conduit 14 at the floor nozzle 8 may be provided with a hinge enabling pivoting of the rigid conduit 14 in relation to the floor nozzle 8 about at least one axis. Thus, a user of the vacuum cleaner 6 may steer the floor nozzle 8 along a floor surface to be cleaned during a vacuum cleaning operation.

[0076] During a vacuum cleaning operation, the floor nozzle 8 is moved along a floor surface with the vacuum cleaner 6 generally positioned such that the handle portion 10 is at a level higher than the floor nozzle 8. Thus, in use, the vacuum cleaner 6 is in an upright position.

[0077] The vacuum cleaner 6 further comprises a flow directing valve 16 arranged in the rigid conduit 14. The flow directing valve 16 is switchable between two positions such that either a fluid connection is provided between the floor nozzle 8 and the handle portion 10 or a fluid connection is provided between the handle portion 10 and the docking station 4. The flow directing valve at 16 is discussed in more detail below.

[0078] When the vacuum cleaner 6 is docked, or connected, to the docking station 4, the vacuum cleaner 6 is positioned substantially upright, i.e. with the floor nozzle 8 positioned on the floor, or towards the floor, and the handle portion 10 arranged above the floor nozzle 8. The handle portion 10 may be arranged vertically above the floor nozzle 8 or at a level above the floor nozzle 8 with the rigid conduit 14 arranged at an acute angle to a horizontal floor surface. Accordingly, also when docked, the vacuum cleaner 6 is in an upright position.

[0079] The vacuum cleaner 6 is configured to be supported in the upright position at the rigid conduit 14, such as at the flow directing valve 16.

[0080] Accordingly, in the vacuum cleaner system 2, with the docking station 4 standing in a use position, the docking station 4 supports the vacuum cleaner 6 at the rigid conduit 14 in an upright position when the vacuum cleaner 6 is connected to the docking station 4.

[0081] When the vacuum cleaner 6 is docked to the docking station 4, dust and debris can be transferred from the separation unit 12 via the rigid conduit 14 and the flow directing valve 16 into a container for dust and debris within the docking station 4. Such transfer of dust anddebris may be initiated automatically when a user connects the vacuum cleaner 6 to the docking station 4. Alternatively, or additionally, the transfer of dust and debris may be initiated manually by a user of the vacuum cleaner system 2, for instance via a user interface of the vacuum cleaner 6 and / or of the docking station 4.

[0082] In preparation for a vacuum cleaning operation, a user or the vacuum cleaner 6 removes the vacuum cleaner 6 from the docking station 4 e.g., by grasping a handle 18 of the handle portion 10 of the vacuum cleaner 6. The user starts a motor-fan unit of the vacuum cleaner 6 and performs the vacuum cleaning operation by moving the floor nozzle 8 along e.g. a floor surface to be cleaned. During the vacuum cleaning operation, the user holds the vacuum cleaner 6 by the handle 18 and may optionally also grasp the rigid conduit 14 to control movement of the vacuum cleaner 6 and its floor nozzle 8.

[0083] Figs. 2a and 2b schematically illustrate an example of a vacuum cleaner 6. In Figs. 2a and 2b, only a portion of a handle portion 10 is shown. A section of the portion of the handle portion 10 is shown to illustrate first and second flow paths through the vacuum cleaner 6.

[0084] The vacuum cleaner 6 is a vacuum cleaner of a vacuum cleaner system 2 as discussed above with reference to Fig. 1. Accordingly, in the following reference is also made to the discussion of Fig. 1.

[0085] Again, the vacuum cleaner 6 comprises a floor nozzle 8, a handle portion 10, a separation unit 12, a rigid conduit 14 extending between the floor nozzle 8 and the handle portion 10, and a flow directing valve 16 arranged in the rigid conduit 14.

[0086] The rigid conduit 14 may be comprised in a rigid portion of the vacuum cleaner 6, which rigid portion extends between the floor nozzle 8 and the handle portion 10.

[0087] According to some examples, the rigid conduit 14 may have a length L such that an upright standing user is able to move the floor nozzle 8 along a floor surface, such as the rigid conduit 14 having a length L within a range of 0.6 - 1.2 metres. In this manner, the vacuum cleaner 6 may be suitably sized for being operated by a user during vacuum cleaning operations.

[0088] The length L of the rigid conduit 14 extends between the floor nozzle 8 and the handle portion 10. The flow directing valve 16 being arranged in the rigid conduit 14 entails that theflow directing valve 16 is arranged along the length L of the rigid conduit 14, between the floor nozzle 8 and the handle portion 10.

[0089] The flow directing valve 16 is arranged in the rigid conduit 14, closer to the floor nozzle 8 than to the separation unit 12. Thus, the flow directing valve 16 enables the docking of the vacuum cleaner 6 to a compact docking station 4 with low pressure drop transfer of dust and debris from the vacuum cleaner 6 to the docking station 4.

[0090] For instance, the flow directing valve 16 may be arranged at a distance D from the floor nozzle 8, the distance D being within a range of 0.2 - 0.7 m.

[0091] The rigid conduit 14 is configured to have an extension E including a vertical component V in a use position of the vacuum cleaner 6, i.e. with a user of the vacuum cleaner 6 standing in an upright position grasping the handle portion and the floor nozzle 8 positioned on a floor surface to be cleaned.

[0092] Shown in Fig. 2a, the extension E has only a vertical component V. However, in the use position of the vacuum cleaner 6, the extension E may also have a horizontal component.

[0093] The vacuum cleaner 6 comprises a motor-fan unit 20 for producing an airflow through the vacuum cleaner 6 during vacuum cleaning operations. The motor-fan unit 20 may be of any kind suitable for producing an airflow through the vacuum cleaner 6. The motor-fan unit 20 is arranged at the handle portion 10. The separation unit 12 is for separating dust and debris from the airflow during vacuum cleaning operations. The separation unit 12 is arranged at the handle portion 10.

[0094] The motor-fan unit 20 is arranged in fluid communication with the separation unit 20, for the motor-fan unit 20 to draw the airflow through the separation unit 12 during vacuum cleaning operations.

[0095] In the example of Figs. 1 - 2a, the separation unit 12 comprises a cyclone separator for separating dust and debris from a dust and debris containing airflow. Alternatively, or additionally, the separation unit 12 may comprise other suitable separation devices, e.g. including a filter member, for separating dust and debris from the airflow. However, the separation unit 12 should be of a kind, which enables the dust and debris to be removed from the separation unit 12 in an emptying operation into a docking station, such as discussed below.Cyclone separators are known. Briefly, the cyclone separator comprises a cylindrical and / or frustoconical chamber. An air inlet of the cyclone separator is arranged to produce a substantially tangentially directed airflow into the chamber. An air outlet from the chamber is arranged centrally on a centre axis of the chamber. Due to the tangentially directed air inlet, the airflow entering the chamber creates a vortex. Dust and debris contained in the airflow is thus, propelled outwardly towards an inner circumferential wall of the chamber. Air relieved of dust and debris flows out of the chamber through the centrally arranged air outlet. The separated dust and debris remain in the chamber or are transferred to a receptacle, depending on the design of the relevant cyclone separator.

[0096] As already mentioned above, the separation unit 12 is emptied when connected to the docking station 4.

[0097] The flow directing valve 16 arranged in the rigid conduit 14 plays a key role in the present vacuum cleaner 6 and the present vacuum cleaner 6 being able to be docked in a compact docking station 4.

[0098] The flow directing valve 16 is a three-way valve and has a first position indicated in Fig. 2a and a second position indicated in Fig. 2b.

[0099] In its first position, the flow directing valve 16 forms a through flow passage enabling a first flow path 17 to extend via the rigid conduit 14, between the floor nozzle 8 and the separation unit 12. In Fig. 2a an airflow along the first flow path 17 is indicated with arrows.

[0100] In its second position, the flow directing valve 16 forms at least part of an outlet passage enabling a second flow path 19 to extend via at least part of the rigid conduit 14, between the separation unit 12 and a zone 22 outside the rigid conduit 14. In Fig. 2b an airflow along the second flow path 19 is indicated with arrows.

[0101] Both the first and second flow paths 17, 19 extend along at least a portion of the rigid conduit 14 between the flow directing valve 16 and the separation unit 12. Along this portion of the rigid conduit 14, the airflow along the first flow path 17 is directed in an opposite direction to the airflow along the second flow path 19. Between the floor nozzle 8 and the flow directing valve 16 only the first flow path 17 extends along the rigid conduit 14.

[0102] That is, in its first position, the flow directing valve 16 is positioned for performing a vacuum cleaning operation with the vacuum cleaner 6. Thus, when the motor-fan unit 20 draws anairflow through the vacuum cleaner 6, the motor-fan unit 20 draws the airflow in through the floor nozzle 8 and via the rigid conduit 14 and the separation unit 12 out through an air passage 24 fluidly connected to the motor-fan unit 20.

[0103] In its second position, the flow directing valve 16 is positioned for performing an emptying operation. During the emptying operation, the vacuum cleaner is docked to the docking station 4 with the zone 22 outside the rigid conduit 14 arranged within the docking station 4. A motor-fan unit of the docking station 4, see below with reference to Fig. 4a, draws an airflow through the separation unit 12 via at least part of the rigid conduit 14 and through the flow directing valve 16 to the zone 22 outside the rigid conduit 14 into the docking station 4. The vacuum cleaner 6 being devised, for the zone 22 outside the rigid conduit 14 to be arranged within the docking station 4 enables provision of only a low pressure drop in the transfer of dust and debris from the vacuum cleaner 6 to the docking station 4 during the emptying operation.

[0104] Put differently, the flow directing valve 16 enables the rigid conduit 14 to transport dust and debris with the airflow from the floor nozzle 8 to the separation unit 12 when in its first position. Moreover, the flow directing valve 16 enables the rigid conduit 14 to transport dust and debris with the airflow from the separation unit 12 to the zone 22 outside the rigid conduit 14 and with a low pressure drop into the docking station 4.

[0105] Since the flow directing valve 16 is arrange in the rigid conduit 14 with the zone 22 outside the rigid conduit 14 being provided at a level of the rigid conduit 14, the docking station 4 can be of a compact kind for the vacuum cleaner 6 to be emptied into the docking station 4. The term compact, in this context, relates to the docking station 4 not requiring reaching the handle portion 10 of the vacuum cleaner 6. For instance, standing on a floor surface, the docking station 4 need only have a height reaching from the floor to the zone 22 outside the rigid conduit 14, for the zone 22 to be positioned in or at the docking station 4.

[0106] As discussed above, the flow directing valve 16 may be arranged in the rigid conduit 14, closer to the floor nozzle 8 than to the separation unit 12. Thus, the zone 22 outside the rigid conduit 14, where the second flow path 19 ends, is arranged at a vertical distance below the separation unit 12 when the vacuum cleaner 6 is connected to the docking station 4. Thus arranged, the flow directing valve 16 enables the use of a compact docking station 4 in the vacuum cleaner system 2. Moreover, the zone 22 outside the rigid conduit 14, where the second flow path 19 ends, is arranged at a vertical distance above the floor nozzle 8 able to be positioned in, or at, an upper portion of the docking station 4.According to some examples, such as in the illustrated example, the first flow path 17 may include a separation unit inlet passage 26 extending between the rigid conduit 14 and the separation unit 12. In this manner, during use of the vacuum cleaner 6, the airflow from the floor nozzle 8 may enter the separation unit 12 via the separation unit inlet passage 26, for dust and debris to be separated from the airflow.

[0107] Via the separation unit inlet passage 26, dust and debris pass into the separation unit 12 during a vacuum cleaning operation.

[0108] According to some examples, such as in the illustrated example, a one-way valve 28 may be arranged in the separation unit inlet passage 26. In this manner, it may be ensured that the airflow from the floor nozzle 8 may enter the separation unit 12 and that an airflow along the second flow path 19 is prevented from exiting the separation unit 12 via the separation unit inlet passage 26.

[0109] Accordingly, the one-way valve 28 in the separation unit inlet passage 26 is arranged to permit an airflow from the rigid conduit 14 into the separation unit 12 and to block an airflow from the separation unit 12 into the rigid conduit 14.

[0110] According to some examples, such as in the illustrated example, the second flow path 19 may include a separation unit outlet passage 30 extending between the separation unit 12 and the rigid conduit 14. In this manner, during a vacuum cleaner emptying operation, the airflow from the separation unit 12 may exit the separation unit 12 via the separation unit outlet passage 30, for the separated dust and debris in the separation unit 12 to be transported out of the separation unit 12 and out of the vacuum cleaner 6.

[0111] Via the separation unit outlet passage 30, dust and debris leave the separation unit 12 during a vacuum cleaner emptying operation.

[0112] According to some examples, such as in the illustrated example, a one-way valve 32 may be arranged in the separation unit outlet passage 30. In this manner, it may be ensured that the airflow exiting the separation unit 12 is directed along the second flow path 19 and that the airflow along the first flow path 17 is prevented from entering the separation unit 12 via the separation unit outlet passage 30.Accordingly, the one-way valve 32 in the separation unit outlet passage 30 is arranged to permit an airflow from the separation unit 12 into the rigid conduit 14 and to block an airflow from the rigid conduit 14 into the separation unit 12.

[0113] As an alternative to the separate separation unit inlet and outlet passages 26, 30, there may be provided one passage extending between the rigid conduit 14 and the separation unit 12, this one passage acting both as inlet and outlet passage, depending on in which direction an airflow passes through the separation unit 12. Via such one passage extending between the rigid conduit 14 and the separation unit 12, dust and debris passes into the separation unit 12 during a vacuum cleaning operation and leaves the separation unit 12 during an emptying operation.

[0114] For instance, this dual functionality of the one passage may be enabled by an air passage 24 for the airflow relieved of dust and debris leading out of the separation unit 12 during the vacuum cleaning operation and selected positioning of a further air passage 34, 34’ for ambient air to enter the separation unit 12 during the emptying operation. See also below.

[0115] The airflow along the first flow path 17, i.e. during a vacuum cleaning operation, leaves the vacuum cleaner 6 once relieved of dust and debris in the separation unit 12. Thus, an air passage 24 of the vacuum cleaner 6 is arranged in fluid communication with an inside 33 of the separation unit 12. During the vacuum cleaning operation, the motor-fan unit 20 is arranged to draw an airflow through the floor nozzle 8, along the first flow path 17, through the separation unit 12, and out of the air passage 24.

[0116] The airflow along the second flow path 19, i.e. during a vacuum cleaner emptying operation, enters the separation unit 12 from an ambient environment of the vacuum cleaner 6. Thus, during the vacuum cleaner emptying operation, the second flow path 19 includes the air passage 24 and / or a further air passage 34, 34’ and further includes the inside 33 of the separation unit 12. If present, the further air passage 34, 34’ is arranged in fluid communication with the inside 33 of the separation unit 12.

[0117] The further air passage 34, 34’ may be positioned to achieve a certain direction of the airflow inside the separation unit 12, as indicated in Fig. 2b by the broken line box symbol. For instance, as discussed above, to enable emptying the separation unit 12 via the same passage as the dust and debris laden airflow enters the separation unit 12 during the vacuum cleaning operation.During the vacuum cleaning operation, the motor-fan unit 20 produces the airflow along the first flow path 17 through the vacuum cleaner 6. During the vacuum cleaner emptying operation, a docking station motor-fan unit produces the airflow along the second flow path 19. In addition to the docking station motor-fan unit, the airflow along the second flow path 19 may be supported by the motor-fan unit 20 of the vacuum cleaner 6, rotating in an opposite direction to that during vacuum cleaning operation.

[0118] Figs. 3a - 3d illustrate sections through two different examples of flow directing valves 16 for the vacuum cleaner 6 discussed herein, e.g. with reference to Figs. 1 - 2b and 4a -4d. In the following, reference is also made to the discussions of Figs. 1 - 2b and 4a - 4d.

[0119] Thus, in the vacuum cleaner 6, the flow directing valve 16 is arranged in the rigid conduit 14 of the vacuum cleaner 6 for establishing the first and second flow paths 17, 19 as discussed above, e.g. with reference to Figs. 2a and 2b.

[0120] In Figs. 3a and 3b one example of the flow directing valve 16 is shown and in Figs. 3c and 3d a further example of the flow directing valve 16 is shown. Unless specifically referred to one or the other example, the discussion below relates to both examples of flow directing valves 16.

[0121] The flow directing valve 16 has a first position in which the flow directing valve 16 forms a through flow passage 36 enabling the first flow path 17 to extend via the rigid conduit 14, between the floor nozzle 8 and the separation unit 12. In Figs. 3a and 3c a portion of the first flow path 17 is indicated with arrows.

[0122] The flow directing valve 16 has a second position in which the flow directing valve 16 forms at least part of an outlet passage 38 enabling the second flow path 19 to extend via at least part of the rigid conduit 14, between the separation unit 12 and a zone 22 outside the rigid conduit 14. In Figs. 3b and 3d a portion of the second flow path 19 is indicated with arrows.

[0123] As can be seen in Figs. 3a - 3d, same portions of the flow directing valve 16 may form at least part of the through flow passage 36 as well as of the outlet passage 38. Whether either the through flow passage 36 or the outlet passage 38 is formed depends on if the flow directing valve 16 is in its first or second position.

[0124] According to some examples, such as in the illustrated example, in the second position of the flow directing valve 16, an outlet member 40 connected to the flow directing valve 16 and / orto the rigid conduit 14, or the flow directing valve 16, may form a discharge outlet 42 of the outlet passage 38. The discharge outlet 42 is arranged in fluid communication with the zone 22 outside the rigid conduit 14. In this manner, an end portion of the second flow path 19 may be arranged in fluid communication, via the discharge outlet 42, with the zone 22 outside the rigid conduit 14 for dust and debris to be discharged to the zone 22 from the vacuum cleaner 6 during a vacuum cleaner emptying operation.

[0125] More specifically, in the exemplified flow directing valve 16 of Figs. 3a and 3b, an example of the flow directing valve 16 forming the discharge outlet 42 of the outlet passage 38 is shown in Fig. 3b. In the exemplified flow directing valve 16 of Figs. 3c and 3d, an outlet member 40 connected to the flow directing valve 16 and / or to the rigid conduit 14 forming the discharge outlet 42 of the outlet passage 38 is shown in Fig. 3d.

[0126] The flow directing valve 16 is arranged to block the first flow path 17 when the flow directing valve 16 is in its second position. As can be seen in Figs. 3b and 3d, e.g. a valve body 44 of the flow directing valve 16 is position such that the first flow path 17 is blocked.

[0127] Simultaneously, the valve body 44 is positioned such that the second flow path 19 is established.

[0128] In the exemplified flow directing valve 16 of Figs. 3a and 3b, a valve body 44 comprises a tube portion, which is pivotable about a pivot axis 46 at an upper end of the valve 16, with the vacuum cleaner 6 in an upright position. When the valve body 44 is pivoted about the pivot axis 46, the valve 16 is switched between its first and second positions.

[0129] In the exemplified flow directing valve 16 of Figs. 3c and 3d, the valve body 44 is rotatable approximately 90 degrees about a rotational axis 48. The rotational axis 48 may extend substantially perpendicularly to the rigid conduit 14. When the valve body 44 is rotated back and forth 90 degrees about the rotational axis 48, the valve 16 is switched between its first and second positions.

[0130] The flow directing valve 16 may be switchable from its first position to its second position when the vacuum cleaner 6 is connected to the docking station 4. For instance, the valve body 44 may comprise a protruding member, such as a following member, configured to engage with the docking station 4, see also below with reference to Figs. 4a - 4d. Upon the protruding member engaging with the docking station 4, relative movement between the vacuum cleaner 6 and the docking station 4 may cause the valve body 44 to pivot and / or rotate from the first position of the valve 16 to its second position.The flow directing valve 16 may return to its first position when the vacuum cleaner 6 is removed from the docking station 4. For instance, the flow directing valve 16 may be biased towards its first position. Mentioned as examples of biased flow directing valves 16, the valve body 44 of the valve 16 may be biased by a resilient member 49, which pivots or rotates the valve body 44 about the pivot or rotational axis 46, 48 towards the first position. For instance, the schematically indicated resilient member 49 may comprise a torsion spring.

[0131] Figs. 4a - 4d illustrate selected parts of the herein discussed vacuum cleaner system 2. Accordingly, in the following reference is also made to Figs. 1 - 3d.

[0132] Fig. 4a shows a section through the docking station 4 and part of the vacuum cleaner 6. Fig.

[0133] 4b shows a perspective view of an example of the docking station 4. Figs. 4c and 4d show an example of the flow directing valve 16 of the vacuum cleaner 6 in its respective first and second positions.

[0134] As discussed above, the vacuum cleaner system 2 comprises the docking station 4 and the vacuum cleaner 6.

[0135] The docking station 4 comprises a container 50 for dust and debris and a docking station motor-fan unit 52. The docking station motor-fan unit 52 is arranged for drawing an airflow through an inlet portion 54 of the container 52 and through at least a further portion 56 of the container 52. Thus, the docking station motor-fan unit 52 is arranged for drawing the airflow through the docking station 4, such as from the inlet portion 54 of the container 50 to an air outlet 58 of the docking station 4.

[0136] In the container 50 for dust and debris of the docking station 4, a replaceable filter bag (not shown) may be arranged for dust and debris from the vacuum cleaner 6 to be collected therein. Alternatively, e.g. a cyclone separator may be arranged in the container 50.

[0137] The vacuum cleaner 6 is connectable to the docking station 4 for the zone 22 outside the rigid conduit 14 to be arranged in the docking station 4. Thus, when connected to the docking station 4, i.e. docked to the docking station 4, the outlet passage 38, formed by at least part of the flow directing valve 16 in its second position, see Figs. 3b and 3d, is arranged in fluid communication with the inlet portion 54 of the container 50 for dust and debris. Thus, positioned, a vacuum cleaner emptying operation of the vacuum cleaner 6, via the discharge outlet 42, can be performed by the docking station 4.The vacuum cleaner 6 comprises the flow directing valve 16 forming at least part of the outlet passage 38 enabling the second flow path 19 to extend via the discharge outlet 42 to the zone 22 outside the rigid conduit 14. The inlet portion 54 of the container 50 for dust and debris in the docking station 4 is positioned to receive the discharge outlet 42 and the zone 22 outside the rigid conduit 14. Thus, since the flow directing valve 16 is arranged in the rigid conduit 14, the docking station 4 may be of a compact kind.

[0138] As discussed above, for instance, the flow directing valve 16 may be arranged in the rigid conduit 14, closer to the floor nozzle 8 than to the separation unit 12. Thus positioned in the vacuum cleaner 6, the valve 16 enables a vacuum cleaner system 2 including a compact docking station 4. Also, thus positioned, a direct fluid communication between the outlet passage 38 and its discharge outlet 42 with the inlet portion 54 of the container 50 for dust and debris of the docking station 4 is enabled. Accordingly, no or minimal pressure drop is associated with the transfer of an airflow including dust and debris from second flow path 19 into the container 50 for dust and debris.

[0139] When the docking station 4 is standing on a floor surface 53, the inlet portion 54 of the container 50 for dust and debris of the docking station 4 is at a height H above the floor surface 53, which height H corresponds to the height H of the zone 22 outside the rigid conduit 14 above the floor surface 53, when the vacuum cleaner 6 is docked to the docking station 4.

[0140] The heigh H may correspond to the above discussed distance D at which the flow directing valve 16 is arranged from the floor nozzle 8. Accordingly, the height H may be within a range of 0.2 - 0.7 m, with a thickness / height of the floor nozzle 8 added, i.e. for instance the height H may be within a range of 0.25 - 0.8 m.

[0141] According to some examples, such as in the illustrated example, the flow directing valve 16 may comprise a following member 60 protruding from the flow directing valve 16. The docking station 4 may comprise a track forming member 62. The following member 60 is arranged to follow a track 64 of the track forming member 62 when the vacuum cleaner 6 is connected to the docking station 4 for the flow directing valve 16 to switch from its first position to its second position. In this manner, an automatic switch of the flow directing valve 16 from its first position to its second position may be enabled.

[0142] In Figs. 4b - 4d, one example of the following member 60, the track forming member 62, and the track 64 of the track forming member 62 are shown. In this example the trackfollowing member 60 has an elongated shape extending perpendicularly to the rotational axis 48 of a valve body 44 of the flow directing valve 16, see also Figs. 3c and 3d. In Fig. 4c, the valve 16 is in its first position and the elongated following member 60 extends transversely to the rigid conduit 14. The track 64 has a wide upper entrance in which the following member 60 is received when the vacuum cleaner 6 is connected to the docking station 4. The track 64 funnels from its wide upper portion to a narrower lower portion. Accordingly, as the vacuum cleaner 6 is connected to the docking station 4 and lowered along the track 64, the following member 60 is rotated about the rotational axis 48 by following along the track 64 to its narrow lower portion. Once fully lowered along the track 64, the elongated following member 60 extends along the rigid conduit 14 and the valve body 44 has rotated 90 degrees for the flow directing valve 16 to be in its second position, as shown in Fig. 4d. As discussed above, in the second position, the flow directing valve 16 forms at least part of an outlet passage 38. The outlet passage 38 leads to a discharge outlet 42 and the zone 22 outside the rigid conduit 14.

[0143] The inlet portion 54 of the container 50 for dust and debris of the docking station 4 is arranged at an upper portion of the docking station 4 with the docking station 4 standing in a use position. Accordingly, since the docking station 4 need not extend to any substantial extend above the inlet portion 54, the docking station 4 may be devised in a compact manner. The container 50 needs to have an upper delimitation, such as one or more wall elements. Higher than one of such one or more wall elements, the docking station 4 need not extend.

[0144] Moreover, since the inlet portion 54 is arranged at an upper portion of the docking station 4, it is conveniently positioned to receive the discharge outlet 42 of the second flow path 19 of the vacuum cleaner 6 and the zone 22 outside the rigid conduit 14. Accordingly, when the vacuum cleaner 6 is connected to the docking station 6, no or minimal pressure drop is associated with the transfer of an airflow including dust and debris from second flow path 19 into the container 50 for dust and debris.

[0145] The use position of the docking station 4 is shown in Figs. 1, 4a, and 4b. That is the docking station 4 is positioned such that the vacuum cleaner 6 can be docked to, and undocked from, the docking station 4.

[0146] According to some examples, such as in the illustrated example, wherein the vacuum cleaner system 2 with the docking station 4 standing in the use position, the docking station 4 supports the vacuum cleaner 6 at the rigid conduit in an upright position when the vacuumcleaner 6 is connected to the docking station 4. In this manner, a user of the vacuum cleaner 6 and the vacuum cleaner system 2 may easily grasp the vacuum cleaner 6 form the docking station 4 and similarly easily reposition the vacuum cleaner 6 in the docking station 4.

[0147] One or more of the rigid conduit 14, the floor nozzle 8, and / or the flow directing valve 16 may be supported by the docking station 4 when the vacuum cleaner 6 is connected to the docking station 4. For instance, the rigid conduit 14 and / or the flow directing valve 16 may be supported at the track forming member 62 of the docking station 4.

[0148] According to some examples, the docking station 4 may be configured to stand on a surface, such as a floor surface. Thus, the compact docking station 4 may be easily placed in a domestic environment.

[0149] For instance, the docking station 4 may comprise a bottom plate 66 extending beyond a footprint of the container 50 for dust and debris, such as shown in Fig. 4a. According to one alternative, the docking station 4 may have a cylindrical shape, including its lowermost portion, such as a bottom plate, as shown in Fig. 4b.

[0150] The motor-fan unit 52 of the docking station 4 may be arranged below the container 50 for dust and debris. Thus, a low centre of gravity of the docking station 4 may be promoted for the docking station 4 and the vacuum cleaner system 2 for them to be securely positioned in a stable manner.

[0151] The vacuum cleaner 6 may comprise a rechargeable battery pack (not shown), which provides electric energy for driving the motor-fan unit of the vacuum cleaner 6. The rechargeable battery may be charged when the vacuum cleaner 6 is docked in the docking station 4. For instance, the docking station 4 may comprise an electric mains powered battery charger.

[0152] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "including" when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0153] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0154] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0155] It is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various examples and that the invention is defined only by the appended claims. A person skilled in the art will realize that the examples may be modified, and that different features of the examples may be combined to create examples other than those described herein, without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

26CLAIMS1. A vacuum cleaner (6) comprising a floor nozzle (8), a handle portion (10), a motor-fan unit (20) for producing an airflow through the vacuum cleaner (6) arranged at the handle portion (10), a separation unit (12) for separating dust and debris from the airflow arranged at the handle portion (10), and a rigid conduit (14) extending between the floor nozzle (8) and the handle portion (10), whereinthe vacuum cleaner (6) further comprises a flow directing valve (16) being arranged in the rigid conduit (14), the flow directing valve (16) having:- a first position in which the flow directing valve (16) forms a through flow passage (36) enabling a first flow path (17) to extend via the rigid conduit (14), between the floor nozzle (8) and the separation unit (12), and- a second position in which the flow directing valve (16) forms at least part of an outlet passage (38) enabling a second flow path (19) to extend via at least part of the rigid conduit (14), between the separation unit (12) and a zone (22) outside the rigid conduit (14).

2. The vacuum cleaner (6) according to claim 1, wherein in the second position of the flow directing valve (16), an outlet member (40) connected to the flow directing valve (16) and / or to the rigid conduit (14), or the flow directing valve (16), forms a discharge outlet (42) of the outlet passage (38), the discharge outlet (42) being arranged in fluid communication with the zone (22) outside the rigid conduit (14).

3. The vacuum cleaner (6) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rigid conduit (14) is configured to have an extension (E) including a vertical component (V) in a use position of the vacuum cleaner (6).

4. The vacuum cleaner (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow directing valve (16) is arranged to block the first flow path (17) when in its second position.

5. The vacuum cleaner (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow directing valve (16) is arranged closer to the floor nozzle (8) than to the separation unit (12).

6. The vacuum cleaner (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow directing valve (16) is arranged at a distance (D) from the floor nozzle (8), the distance (D) being within a range of 0.2 - 0.7 m.

7. The vacuum cleaner (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rigid conduit (14) has a length (L) such that an upright standing user is able to move the floornozzle (8) along a floor surface, such as the rigid conduit (14) having a length (L) within a range of 0.6 - 1.2 metres.

8. The vacuum cleaner (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an air passage (24) of the vacuum cleaner (6) is arranged in fluid communication with an inside (33) of the separation unit (12), whereinduring a vacuum cleaning operation, the motor-fan unit (20) is arranged to draw an airflow through the floor nozzle (8), along the first flow path (17), through the separation unit (12), and out of the air passage (24), and whereinduring a vacuum cleaner emptying operation, the second flow path (19) includes the air passage (24), and / or a further air passage (34, 34’) arranged in fluid communication with the inside (33) of the separation unit (12), and the inside (33) of the separation unit (12).

9. The vacuum cleaner (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow directing valve (16) is biased to towards its first position.

10. The vacuum cleaner (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first flow path (17) includes a separation unit inlet passage (26) extending between the rigid conduit (14) and the separation unit (12).

11. The vacuum cleaner (6) according to claim 10, wherein a one-way valve (16) is arranged in the separation unit inlet passage (26).

12. The vacuum cleaner (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second flow path (19) includes a separation unit outlet passage (30) extending between the separation unit (12) and the rigid conduit (14).

13. The vacuum cleaner (6) according to claim 12, wherein a one-way valve (16) is arranged in the separation unit outlet passage (30).

14. The vacuum cleaner (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, being configured to be supported in an upright position at the rigid conduit (14), such as at the flow directing valve (16).

15. A vacuum cleaner system (2) comprising a docking station (4) and a vacuum cleaner (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, whereinthe docking station (4) comprises a container (50) for dust and debris and a docking station motor-fan unit (52) arranged for drawing an airflow through an inlet portion (54) of the container (50) and through at least a further portion (56) of the container (50), and whereinthe vacuum cleaner (6) is connectable to the docking station (4) for the zone (22) outside the rigid conduit (14) to be arranged in the docking station (4) such that the outlet passage (38), formed by at least part of the flow directing valve (16) in its second position, is arranged in fluid communication with the inlet portion (54) of the container (50) for dust and debris.

16. The vacuum cleaner system (2) according to claim 15, wherein the flow directing valve (16) is switchable from its first position to its second position when the vacuum cleaner (6) is connected to the docking station (4).

17. The vacuum cleaner system (2) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the flow directing valve (16) comprises a following member (60) protruding from the flow directing valve (16), whereinthe docking station (4) comprises a track forming member (62), and wherein the following member (60) is arranged to follow a track (64) of the track forming member (62) when the vacuum cleaner (6) is connected to the docking station (4) for the flow directing valve (16) to switch from its first position to its second position.

18. The vacuum cleaner system (2) according to any one of claims 15 - 17, wherein the inlet portion (54) of the container (50) for dust and debris of the docking station (4) is arranged at an upper portion of the docking station (4) with the docking station (4) standing in a use position.

19. The vacuum cleaner system (2) according to any one of claims 15 - 18, wherein, with the docking station (4) standing in a use position, the docking station (4) supports the vacuum cleaner (6) at the rigid conduit (14) in an upright position when the vacuum cleaner (6) is connected to the docking station (4).

20. The vacuum cleaner system (2) according to any one of claims 15 - 19, wherein the docking station (4) is configured to stand on a surface, such as a floor surface (53).

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