BACKGROUND
The present disclosure relates to vacuum cleaner docking stations.
SUMMARY
In one embodiment a vacuum cleaner docking station includes a separator and a dock. The separator is operable to separate debris from a suction airflow when connected to a vacuum cleaner, the separator including a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet, and a separator debris collector having a debris outlet. The separator is removably coupled to the dock, the dock further including a receiving portion in fluid communication with the separator debris collector when the separator is coupled to the dock, a dock air outlet, and an airflow source operable to generate an airflow along a fluid flow path that extends from the debris outlet of the separator to the dock air outlet, the airflow source having an inlet connected to the receiving portion. The dock further includes a dock debris collector downstream of the airflow source. The fluid flow path extends through the receiving portion, the airflow source, the dock debris collector, and the dock air outlet. The dock and the separator are coupled having the separator in fluid communication with the dock air outlet and the debris outlet of the separator in fluid communication with the dock debris collector such that the airflow generated by the airflow source of the dock travels through the debris outlet of the separator along the fluid flow path into the dock debris collector.
Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner docking station according to one embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an alternative perspective view of the vacuum cleaner docking station of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner docking station of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 3A.
FIG. 3C is perspective view of a separator removed from the vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment.
FIG. 3D is a cross sectional view of the separator of FIG. 3C.
FIG. 4 is a wiring diagram of the vacuum cleaner docking station of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner docking station according to another embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner docking station according to another embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a dock of a vacuum cleaner docking station according to another embodiment with a vacuum cleaner separator removed.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner docking station of FIG. 7 with the vacuum cleaner separator attached to the dock.
FIG. 9 illustrates a vacuum cleaner docking station according to another embodiment.
FIG. 10 illustrates a vacuum cleaner docking station according to another embodiment.
Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 illustrates a vacuum cleaner docking station 10. The docking station 10 is configured to releasably couple a vacuum cleaner 14 and a dock 12. As will be discussed in more detail below, the docking station 10 is used to empty debris from the vacuum cleaner 14 when the vacuum cleaner 14 is coupled to the dock 12 as shown in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner docking station 10 is configured to receive a debris separator removed from the vacuum cleaner 14, as discussed with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. Also, the dock 12 is utilized to charge batteries used with the vacuum cleaner 14. The dock 12 includes a dock debris collector 53 and an airflow source 18 (FIG. 3A). The airflow source 18 generates an airflow to draw or suck the debris from the vacuum cleaner 14 and the debris travels through a portion of the airflow source 18 and the debris is blown into the dock debris collector 53 by the airflow source 18.
Referring to FIGS. 3A to 3D, the illustrated vacuum cleaner 14 includes a separator 20 and a body 21 (details of the separator shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D are omitted from FIGS. 3A and 3B for clarity). In one embodiment, the separator 20 is removably coupled to the body 21 and in other embodiments, the separator 20 is fixed to the body 21. The separator 20 is operable to separate debris from a suction airflow when the separator 20 is connected to the body 21. The illustrated separator 20 includes a dirty air inlet 22, a clean air outlet 24, and a separator debris collector 26 that includes a debris outlet 28. The illustrated separator 20 include a door 30 that moves between opened and closed positions to open and close the debris outlet 28 (open positions shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B). In one embodiment, the door 30 automatically moves to the open position when the separator 20 is coupled to the dock 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the separator 20 is a cyclonic separator.
The illustrated vacuum cleaner 14 includes a suction inlet 32. The suction inlet 32 is in fluid communication with the dirty air inlet 22 of the separator 20 when the separator 20 is attached to the body 21. The illustrated cleaner 14 further includes a base 34, and a wand 36 removably connected to the suction inlet 32 fluidly coupling the suction inlet 32 and the base 34. The base 34 includes a base suction inlet 35 in fluid communication with the wand 36. The wand 36 is pivotally coupled to the base 34 and the wand 36 extends from the base 34 to the body 21 to fluidly couple the base suction inlet 35 to the separator 20 through the base 34 and the suction inlet 32. The base 34 is moveable over a surface 76 (e.g., hard floor surface, carpeting, etc.) to be cleaned when the vacuum cleaner 14 is not coupled to the dock 12.
The body 21 includes a handle 38 that is gripped by a user to move the base 34 along the surface to be cleaned. Also, the handle 38 is used to position the suction inlet 32 to draw debris into the separator 20 when the base 34 is not used for vacuuming. The handle 38 can also be gripped and used by the user to attach and detach the vacuum cleaner 14 to the dock 12. The body further includes a suction unit 40. The suction unit 40 includes a motor and an impeller.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3A, the dock 12 includes a housing 42. The housing 42 includes an upper portion 44 and a lower portion 46 opposite the upper portion 44. The lower portion 46 supports the dock 12 on the surface 76 (FIG. 3A). The housing 42 further includes a receiving portion 48 that is adjacent the upper portion 44. The receiving portion 48 includes an inlet aperture 50 disposed in the upper portion 44 of the housing 42. The inlet aperture 50 is upwardly facing, in a direction away from the surface 76, and the inlet aperture 50 receives the vacuum cleaner separator 20 by movement of the separator 20 in the downward direction or in a direction from the upper portion 44 toward the lower portion 46 of the housing 42. The vacuum cleaner separator 20 is removably coupled to the receiving portion 48 by inserting the debris outlet 28 of the separator into the inlet aperture 50. A seal 29 may be located between the outer wall of the separator 20 and the inlet aperture 50 to inhibit fluid communication through any space between the separator 20 and the inlet aperture 50 around the outer perimeter of the separator 20.
Referring to FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B, the dock 12 further includes the airflow source 18, a fluid flow path 52, a dock debris collector 53, and a dock air outlet 54. The fluid flow path 52 extends from the receiving portion 48 to the dock air outlet 54. The flow path 52 includes a first passageway 56 and a second passageway 58. The first passageway 56 is located between the receiving portion 48 and the airflow source 18. The second passageway 58, downstream of the first passageway 56, is located between the airflow source 18 and the dock debris collector 53 forming a dock debris collector inlet 55. The airflow source 18 is operable to generate an airflow along the fluid flow path 52. The airflow source 18 includes an inlet 60, an outlet 61, a motor 62, and an impeller 64. The inlet 60 is connected directly to the first passageway 56 and is in fluid communication with the receiving portion 48. The outlet 61 is connected directly to the second passageway 58 and is in fluid communication with the inlet 60. The fluid flow path 52 passes through the inlet 60 and the outlet 61 and the impeller 64 is in the fluid flow path 52. In one embodiment, the dock 12 includes a pressure sensor 15. The pressure sensor 15 is mounted in operative communication with the fluid flow path 52. The pressure sensor 15 monitors a pressure within the fluid flow path 52. The dock 12 (via a dock controller discussed further below) may disable operation of the airflow source 18 when a fault is detected, and an indication may be provided to the user via audio, vibratory, and/or visual feedback. The indication may be provided via a feedback mechanism (e.g., a display, an array of LEDs, an audio speaker, an actuator, or the like) of the vacuum cleaner 14 and/or the docking station 10.
The dock air outlet 54 (FIG. 3A) is provided through an exterior surface of the dock housing 42. The dock air outlet 54 may utilize a vent, a grill, a grate, louvers, a screen, a mesh fabric, an air permeable fabric, and combinations thereof to form the dock air outlet 54 in the wall of the dock housing 42.
The dock debris collector 53 is downstream of the airflow source 18 in the fluid flow path 52 and upstream of the dock air outlet 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the debris collector 53 includes a filter bag 66. The filter bag 66 includes a fabric filter media 68, which is air permeable, forming all or a portion of the filter bag 66, and a bag collar 70 connected to the filter media 68 configured to connect the bag 66 to the housing 42. Debris is retained in the bag 66 while clean air passes through the filter media 68. The bag collar 70 includes a filter bag inlet 72 that forms the dock debris collector inlet 55 and the inlet to the filter bag 66. The bag collar 70 is configured to connect the filter bag 66 to the second passageway 58 and to position the filter bag inlet 72 for fluid communication with the second passage 58. A bracket, not shown, is disposed on the dock 12 configured to retain the bag collar 70 and releasably connect the filter bag inlet 72 and the second passage 58 when the filter bag 66 is installed. The filter bag 66 is replaced by the user when the filter bag 66 is full of debris. A new filter bag 66 is installed. The dock 12 can include an interior compartment for storing spare filter bags 66 or other items. A panel or door 81 (FIG. 1) is disposed on the dock housing 42 positioned to provide access to the filter bag 66 and the interior compartment when the door 81 is opened or removed.
In another embodiment, the dock debris collector 53 includes walls that are not air permeable (e.g., hard plastic). For example, the dock debris collector 53 may include a cyclonic separator. In such an embodiment, the walls of the dock debris collector 53 may form exterior surfaces of the dock 12. Also in such an embodiment, the dock air outlet 54 may be located in the wall of the dock debris collector 53.
In operation, the user attaches or docks the vacuum cleaner 14 to the dock 12 as shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, this automatically opens the door 30 of the separator debris collector 26. The airflow source 18 is activated, which generates an airflow along the fluid flow path 52 forming a suction airflow in the vacuum cleaner separator 20 drawing debris in the separator 20 into the receiving portion 48. The debris moves with the airflow along the fluid flow path 52 from the receiving portion 48 and through the airflow source 18. Debris travels through the inlet 60 and the outlet 61 of the airflow source 18 before entering the dock debris collector 53 through the debris collector inlet 55. Debris is retained in the collector 53 and relatively clean air is exhausted from the dock 12 through the dock air outlet 54.
Referring to FIG. 3A, in the illustrated embodiment, the dock 12 is used with a stick vac style vacuum cleaner 14. As such, the distance 74 between the surface 76 and the inlet aperture 50 of the receiving portion 48 is greater than the distance 78 between the surface 76 and an upper portion 80 of the dock debris collector 53. The distance 74 is greater than the distance 77 between the inlet aperture 50 and the handle 38 when the vacuum cleaner 14 is docked. The distance 74 is also greater than the distance 82 between the surface 76 and the inlet 60 to the airflow source 18. As will be discussed below, the dock 12 can be configured for use with other types of vacuum cleaners, including upright vacuum cleaners, canister vacuum cleaners, and autonomous vacuum cleaners.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, vacuum cleaner accessory tools 84 can be attached to the dock 12. The accessory tools 84 may include brush tools, crevice tools, floor tools, and the like. The accessory tools 84 are removably coupled to the dock 12 for storage when not in use with the vacuum cleaner 14.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the dock 12 further includes a power supply 86 and a dock controller 88 that receives power from the power supply 86. The dock controller 88 controls and operates the airflow source 18 and battery charging features of the dock 12. In one embodiment, the dock controller 88 operates the airflow source 18 to generate the airflow along the fluid flow path according to a predetermined empty cycle. For example, the predetermined empty cycle operates the airflow source 18 for a period of time (e.g., 15 seconds. 20 seconds, 30 seconds, or more). Also, the dock controller 88 can control the power supplied to the airflow source 18 to increase and decrease the airflow rate generated by the airflow source 18 according to the empty cycle. In one embodiment, the power supplied to the airflow source 18 increases or decreases in response to pressure in the system. For example, the controller 88 may increase airflow in response to a signal from the pressure sensor 15 indicating a clog or blockage in the system, or in response to the amount of current flowing through the airflow source 18. In one embodiment, the power supplied to the airflow source 18 increases and decreases in a cyclical manner creating a pulsating airflow to dislodge material from the vacuum cleaner separator debris collector 26. In one embodiment, the dock 12 includes a sensor 111, discussed further below, to determine whether the vacuum cleaner is connected to the dock. In this embodiment, the controller 88 monitors the sensor 111 and starts the cleaning cycle automatically after the separator 20 is connected to the receiving portion 48. The sensor 111 may be implemented in some embodiments as a proximity sensor, a Hall-effect sensor, a reed switch, an electrical contact, or any such suitable sensor for presence detection and/or electrical connection. In one embodiment, the dock 12 includes a user interface 90 (e.g., push button, touch screen, etc.) and the predetermined empty cycle is initiated after receiving a signal from the user interface, which results from the user interacting with the user interface to begin the cycle.
With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, the dock 12 further includes a first charging port 92, a second charging port 94, and the dock controller 88 further include a battery charging circuit 96. The first charging port 92 receives a spare battery 98 separated from a vacuum cleaner. The dock 12 and the battery charging circuit 96 charge the spare battery 98. The second charging port 94 charges a battery 100 that is attached to the vacuum cleaner 14 connected to the dock 12.
The illustrated first charging port 92 includes four connectors or terminals: a first connector 102, a second connector 104, a third connector 106, and a fourth connector 108 that each mate with corresponding terminals or connectors on the spare battery 98 (the battery 100 also includes these same four connectors). The first and third connectors 102, 106 are communication terminals that send and receive information between the dock controller 88 and the spare battery 98. For example, the dock controller 88 may receive a signal from the battery 98 and determine a charging voltage and the charging circuit 96 charges the battery at the desired charging voltage. The second connector 104 provides a charging voltage to the spare battery 98 and the fourth connector 108 is a ground connection. In some embodiments, the dock controller 88 reduces or stops power to the battery charging circuit 96 when the dock airflow source 18 is operating to generate an airflow along the fluid flow path 52, configured such that the power provided by the power supply 86 is below a predetermined power level.
In the illustrated embodiment, the dock 12 includes one port 92 for charging one spare battery 98. In other embodiments, the dock 12 may include two, three, four or more charging ports for charging additional spare batteries. In one embodiment, the dock 12 may be configured to charge batteries on the vacuum cleaner and spare batteries having different charging voltages. For example, the charging voltage of the first battery is less than thirty (30) volts (e.g., 12 volts, 18 volts, or 24 volts) and the charging voltage of the second battery is greater than thirty (30) volts (e.g. 40 volts or 80 volts) and the dock controller 88 receives signals from the batteries, via the first and third communication connectors 102, 106, 121, 123 and determines the charging voltage and charges the batteries at the different charging voltages.
With continued reference to FIG. 4, the vacuum cleaner 14 includes a vacuum electrical contact 110. The vacuum electrical contact 110 can be located at any suitable location on the vacuum cleaner 14 (e.g., on the separator 20 or the body 21). The second charging port 94 includes a dock electrical contact 112. The dock contact 112 electrically connects to the vacuum contact 110 when vacuum cleaner 14 is connected to the dock 12 and is operable to transfer electricity between the vacuum cleaner 14 and the dock 12. The dock controller 88 operates the airflow source 18 based on the vacuum contact 110 and the dock contact 112 being electrically connected and communicating.
The vacuum contact 110 includes six connectors or terminals: a first connector 114, a second connector 116, a third connector 118, a fourth connector 120, a fifth connector 122, and a six connector 124. The dock contact 112 also includes six connectors or terminals: a first connector 115, a second connector 117, a third connector 119, a fourth connector 121, a fifth connector 123, and a six connector 125. When the vacuum cleaner connects to the dock 12, the first connector 114 of the vacuum contact 110 mates with the first connector 115 of the dock contact 112 and the controller 88 is configured to detect whether or not the vacuum battery 100 is electrically connected to the vacuum cleaner 14 through the first connectors 114, 115. The second connector 116 of the vacuum contact 110 mates with the second connector 117 of the dock contact 112 to provide a charging voltage to the battery 100 to charge the battery 100 that is attached to the vacuum cleaner 14. If the connectors 114, 115 indicate that the battery 100 is not connected to the vacuum cleaner 14, the dock controller 88 does not provide the charging voltage through connectors 116, 117. The third connector 118 of the vacuum contact 110 mates with the third connector 119 of the dock contact 112 to provide a ground. The fourth connector 120 and the fifth connector 122 of the vacuum contact 110 mate with the fourth connector 121 and the fifth connector 123 of the dock contact 112, respectively, to provide communication between the dock controller 88, the battery 100, and a controller 126 of the vacuum cleaner 14. Such information may include battery charging information, including battery charge voltage information.
The sixth connector 124 of the vacuum contact 110 mates with the sixth connector 125 of the dock contact 112 when the vacuum cleaner connects to the dock 12. The controller 88 uses the sixth connectors, 124, 125 as the sensor 111 to determine whether the vacuum cleaner is docked. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor 111 signals the controller 88 that the vacuum is docked by the controller 88 sensing a change in voltage when the vacuum sixth connector 124 connects to the dock sixth connector 125. In one embodiment, the vacuum sixth connector 124 and the dock sixth connector 125 may be configured to provide communication between the dock controller 88 and the controller 126 of the vacuum cleaner 14. For example, the dock controller 88 may determine the vacuum is docked by receiving a signal from the controller 126 of the vacuum cleaner.
The dock controller 88 determines whether the vacuum cleaner 14 is attached to the dock 12 for emptying the separator debris collector 26. If the vacuum cleaner 14 is attached, the dock controller 88 operates the airflow source 18 based on a signal received by the dock controller 88 related to the presence of the vacuum cleaner 14 in the docked position. In other embodiments, the vacuum contact 110 and the dock contact 112 may not include the sixth connectors 124, 125. In such embodiments, the communication connectors 120, 121, 122, 123 may provide communication directly from the vacuum cleaner controller 126 to the dock controller 88 to determine whether or not the vacuum cleaner 14 is docked on the dock 12 for emptying. In other embodiments, that do not include the sixth connectors 124, 125, the dock controller 88 can be programmed to determine whether or not the vacuum cleaner 14 is docked using connectors 114, 115, 118, 119.
The illustrated dock 12 further includes the charging port 92 for a spare battery 98 and the charging port 94 for the battery 100 that is attached to the vacuum cleaner 14. In some embodiments, the controller 88 charges one of the batteries 98 or 100 before the other. For example, the dock controller 88 can prioritize and first charge the battery 100 that is attached to the vacuum cleaner 14 before charging the spare battery 98. As discussed above, the dock controller 88 determines whether the vacuum cleaner 14 is attached to the dock 12 and if so, the dock controller 88 further determines if the battery 100 is attached to the vacuum cleaner 14. If the vacuum cleaner 14 is docked and the battery 100 is attached to the vacuum cleaner 14, the controller 88 reduces or stops power to charging port 92 charging any spare batteries 98 attached to the charging port 92 and powers the charging port 94 to charge the battery 100 in the vacuum cleaner. In other embodiments, the controller 88 can charge the batteries 98 and 100 according to another predetermined sequence. For example, the controller 88 may first charge the battery 100 to a minimum percentage (e.g., 50 percent charge) and then charge the spare battery 98 to a minimum percentage (e.g., 50 percent charge) and then charge the battery 100 to a full or 100 percent charge and afterward charging the spare battery 98 to full or 100 percent change. In other embodiments, both batteries 98, 100 may be charged at the same time and the controller 88 can adjust the charge rate of one or both batteries 98, 100 as desired.
With continued reference to FIG. 4, the dock 12 includes the power supply 86 to provide power to the charging ports 92, 94, the dock controller 88, and the airflow source 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the power supply 86 (which may also be referred to as an adapter) is a mains power supply providing alternating current from an outlet. In one embodiment, either or both of the batteries 98, 100 can function as a second or back up power supply. In such an embodiment, the airflow source 18 operates using the first power supply 86 when the first power supply 86 is available and energized. The airflow source 18 uses the second power supply (i.e., battery 98 or 100) when the power supply 86 is not available or energized. In such embodiments, the airflow source 18 operates on AC voltage and the second power supply includes a DC to AC inverter 127. In other embodiments, the airflow source 18 operates on DC voltage and the power supply 86 includes an AC to DC inverter 129.
Also, the spare battery 98 can be used to charge the vacuum battery 100 when the power supply 86 is not energized. When the power supply 86 is not available, the dock controller 88 monitors the voltage of the vacuum battery 100 and charges the vacuum battery 100 using the spare battery 98 when the voltage of the vacuum battery 100 drops below a threshold voltage. The dock controller 88 continues to monitor the voltage in the spare battery 98 and disables charging the vacuum battery 100 when the vacuum battery 100 is fully charged or when the voltage of the spare battery 98 drops below a threshold voltage. In these embodiments, the second power supply is not utilized for operating the airflow source 18 or charging the vacuum battery 100 when the first power supply 86 is available
Referring to FIG. 2, the dock 12 includes a universal serial bus (USB) port 128 configured to provide power to an auxiliary device (e.g., phone, tablet, speaker, etc.). The USB port 128 can also provide communication between the auxiliary device and the dock controller 88 to control and monitor operation of the docking station 10. In some embodiments, the USB port 128 may be a USB-A or USB-C port.
FIG. 5 illustrates a vacuum cleaner docking station 210 according to another embodiment. The vacuum cleaner docking station 210 of FIG. 5 include features similar to the vacuum cleaner docking station 10 described above with regard to FIGS. 1-4 and only some differences will be discussed. In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner docking station 210 may include some or all of the features of the docking station 10 described above. The vacuum cleaner docking station 210 includes a door 281 that provide access to an internal compartment 214. Accessory tools 284 are located and stored in the compartment 214. The door 281 is positioned to provide access to the filter bag 66 when the door 281 is open.
FIG. 6 illustrates a vacuum cleaner docking station 310 according to another embodiment. The vacuum cleaner docking station 310 of FIG. 6 includes features similar to the vacuum cleaner docking station 10 described above with regard to FIGS. 1-14 and only some differences will to be discussed. In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner docking station 310 may include some or all of the features of the docking station 10 described above.
Referring to FIG. 6, the dock 312 includes a sensor 311 that determines that the vacuum 314 is connected to the dock 312. The sensor 311 may be in the form of a sensor or a mechanical switch or electrical contact(s). Additionally or alternatively, the dock 312 may further include a pressure sensor 315. The pressure sensor 315 may be mounted to be in operative communication with the fluid flow path 52 described above with regard to FIGS. 1-4. The pressure sensor 315 monitors a pressure within the fluid flow path 52.
The dock 312 further includes a dock controller 388 (similar to the controller 88 described above) operable to electrically communicate with the dock sensors 311, 315 and the airflow source 318. When the vacuum 314 is connected to the dock 312, the dock controller 388 determines from sensor 311 that the vacuum is connected and the dock controller 388 operates the airflow source 318 to empty the debris collector 326 of the vacuum 314. In one embodiment, the duration of airflow source 318 operation may be determined by the type or model of vacuum attached to the dock 312. When the vacuum 314 is connected to the dock 314, the vacuum 314 sends a signal to the dock controller 388, the signal indicative of the type of vacuum 314 or another characteristic. The controller 388 receives the signal indicative of the characteristic. And, based on the signal indicative of the characteristic of the vacuum 314, the controller 388 operates the airflow source 318 for a predetermined period of time. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 388 may operate the airflow source 318, for example, for a period of 5 or 10 or 15 or 30 seconds or another desired duration. Alternatively, the controller 388 may control the power supplied to the airflow source 318 to increase or decrease the power, e.g. based on the selected cleaning cycle, or in response to pressure in the system. Alternatively or additionally, the controller 388 may operate the airflow source 318 such that power is received in a pulse-like fashion that increases and decreases for a period of time.
The dock controller 388 monitors a signal from the pressure sensor 315 indicative of the pressure within the fluid flow path (e.g., flow path 52 described above) and determines if the pressure within the flow path is outside of a predetermined range. Variations in the pressure are indicative of the operation of the docking station 310, and pressures outside of a predetermined range may indicate a fault, for example, if the dust bin door 330 is closed, if the dock debris collector is clogged, or if airflow is otherwise blocked. In one embodiment, the dock controller 388 operates the airflow source 318 to empty the debris collector 326 for a duration that is a function of the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 315. The dock controller 388 may disable operation of the airflow source 318 when the fault is detected, and an indication may be provided to the user via audio, vibratory, and/or visual feedback. The indication may be provided via a feedback mechanism (e.g., a display, an array of LEDs, an audio speaker, an actuator, or the like) of the vacuum cleaner and/or the docking station 310.
The dock controller 388 may also monitor for signals from the sensor 311 indicative of when the connection between the vacuum 314 and the dock 312 is made. The sensor 311, the pressure sensor 315, and the vacuum controller, are configured to send a signal indicative of a characteristic to the dock controller 388. The dock controller 388 operates the airflow source 318 in accordance with the signal.
With continued reference to FIG. 6, the vacuum 314 may include an identifier 390 unique to a characteristic of the vacuum 314. In the illustrated embodiment, the characteristic of the vacuum 314 is an identifier specific to the type or model of the vacuum 314. The identifier 390 may be, for example, and without limitation, a physical identifier such as a bar code or geometric shape. The identifier 390 may be positioned on an exterior portion of the vacuum 314 so to be readily accessible by either a user or the dock 312. In some embodiments, the identifier 390 may be a software identifier stored in nonvolatile memory of or connected to the dock controller 388. The dock controller 388 operates the airflow source 318 based on the type or model of the vacuum 314.
FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrates a vacuum cleaner docking station 410 according to another embodiment. The vacuum cleaner docking station 410 of FIGS. 7 and 8 include features similar to the vacuum cleaner docking station 10 described above with regard to FIGS. 1-4 and only some differences will be discussed. In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner docking station 410 may include some or all of the features of the docking station 10 described above. The vacuum cleaner docking station 410 include a dock 412 that is configured to receive the debris separator 420 of the vacuum cleaner without the body (e.g., body 21 of the vacuum cleaner 14 described above). That is, the separator 420 is removed from the body, including the suction source, of the vacuum and only the separator 420 is docked or attached onto the dock 412.
FIG. 9 illustrates a vacuum cleaner docking station 510 according to another embodiment. The vacuum cleaner docking station 510 of FIG. 9 include features similar to the vacuum cleaner docking station 10 described above with regard to FIGS. 1-4 and only some differences will be discussed. In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner docking station 510 may include some or all of the features of the docking station 10 described above. As illustrated, the docking station 510 includes the dock 512 that does not extend all the way to the surface 76. Alternatively stated, the dock 512 is not supported on or does not set on the surface 76, for example, is mounted to a wall. Alternatively, the dock 512 is attached to a pedestal or base (not shown) supported by the surface 76. The dock 512 may include an interior compartment 545 for storing empty filter bags 66.
FIG. 10 illustrates a vacuum cleaner docking station 610 according to another embodiment. The vacuum cleaner docking station 610 of FIG. 10 include features similar to the vacuum cleaner docking station 10 described above with regard to FIGS. 1-4 an only some differences will be discussed. In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner docking station 610 may include some or all of the features of the docking station 10 described above. The vacuum cleaner docking station 610 includes a vacuum cleaner 614 that is an upright style vacuum cleaner and the dock 612 is configured for use with the upright style vacuum cleaner 614. The vacuum cleaner 614 includes the separator 620 attached to an upright portion 636 for pivotal movement with the upright portion 636 relative to the base 634. In this embodiment, the distance 674 between the surface 76 and the inlet aperture 650 is less than the distance 677 between the inlet aperture 50 and the handle 638 when the vacuum cleaner 614 is docked.
Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.
Patent Application
20250151966
