TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure is generally related to surface treatment devices and more specifically to vacuum cleaners configured to interface with a docking station.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Surface treatment devices are configured to remove at least a portion of any debris that is deposited on a surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor). For example, the surface treatment apparatus may be a vacuum cleaner that includes a suction motor, a suction inlet, and a dust cup. The suction motor is configured to cause air to flow through the suction inlet and into the dust cup. As air is drawn into the suction inlet at least a portion of any debris on the surface to be cleaned may become entrained within the air. At least a portion of the entrained debris may be deposited within the dust cup for later disposal by a user of the vacuum cleaner. Frequency of disposal may be based, at least in part, on a volume of the dust cup. Increased dust cup volumes may result in increased overall weight and/or size of the vacuum cleaner. While smaller dust cup volumes may reduce a weight and/or size of the vacuum cleaner, it may result in more frequent disposal of debris, which may expose the user more frequently to the disposed debris.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features and advantages will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic example of a vacuum cleaner docked with a docking station, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a schematic example of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 having a dust cup in a manual emptying configuration, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 is a schematic example of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 having the dust cup in an automated emptying configuration, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner docked with a docking station, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 4 being undocked from the docking station of FIG. 4, while one or more accessories of the vacuum cleaner remain docked with the docking station, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the docking station of FIG. 4, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure
FIG. 6A is a magnified view of a portion of the docking station of FIG. 4 corresponding to region 6A of FIG. 6, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 7 is cross-sectional view of a receptacle of the docking station of FIG. 4 for receiving the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 4, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 4 having a dust cup outlet in a closed configuration, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8A is a magnified view of a portion of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 4 corresponding to region 8A of FIG. 8, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 4 having the dust cup outlet in an open configuration, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner and the docking station of FIG. 4 taken along the line X-X of FIG. 4, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another vacuum cleaner docked with a docking station, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner and the docking station of FIG. 11 taken along the line 12-12 of FIG. 11, with the cleaner dust cup retainer in the locked position, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 12A is a magnified view of respective portions of the vacuum cleaner and docking station of FIG. 12 corresponding to region 12A of FIG. 12, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cleaner dust cup and a cleaner dust cup door of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 11, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the cleaner dust cup and the cleaner dust cup door of FIG. 13 of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 11, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner and the docking station of FIG. 11 taken along the line 12-12 of FIG. 11, with the cleaner dust cup retainer in the unlocked position, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 16 is another perspective view of a cleaner dust cup and a cleaner dust cup door of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 11, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 17 is another perspective view of a cleaner dust cup and a cleaner dust cup door of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 11, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 18 is another perspective view of a cleaner dust cup and a cleaner dust cup door of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 11, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present disclosure is generally related to a vacuum cleaner and a docking station configured to interface with the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner suction motor, a cleaner suction inlet, and a cleaner dust cup. The cleaner suction motor is fluidly coupled to the cleaner suction inlet and the cleaner dust cup such that cleaner suction motor, when activated, draws air through cleaner suction inlet and into the cleaner dust cup. Air drawn through the cleaner suction inlet may have debris entrained therein. At least a portion of the entrained debris is deposited within the cleaner dust cup for later disposal. The cleaner dust cup can include a first emptying configuration and a second emptying configuration for removing debris from the cleaner dust cup. The first emptying configuration can correspond to a manual emptying configuration (e.g., for emptying the cleaner dust cup into a trash receptacle by a user) and the second emptying configuration can correspond to an automated emptying configuration (e.g., for emptying the cleaner dust cup using the docking station).
The docking station includes a station suction motor, a receptacle having a station suction inlet, and a station dust cup. The station suction motor is configured to cause air to flow into the station suction inlet and through the station dust cup. The receptacle is configured to interface with the vacuum cleaner such that vacuum cleaner removably couples to (docks with) the docking station. The cleaner dust cup can be transitioned to the automated emptying configuration when the vacuum cleaner is docked to the docking station and the station suction motor is activated. When in the automated emptying configuration, the cleaner dust cup and the station dust cup are fluidly coupled such that, when the station suction motor is activated, at least of portion of any debris stored within the cleaner dust cup is transferred into the station dust cup.
Use of the docking station to empty the cleaner dust cup may reduce a number times a user is exposed to debris collected by the vacuum cleaner (e.g., as a result of debris pluming during emptying). For example, the station dust cup may be configured to have a volume that is greater than the cleaner dust cup (e.g., a volume that is at least two times greater). As such, a user may dispose of collected debris less frequently, reducing exposure of the user to debris.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic example of a cleaning system 101 having a vacuum cleaner 100 removably coupled (docked) to a docking station 102. The vacuum cleaner 100 includes a handle 104, a cleaner suction motor 106, a cleaner dust cup 108, and a cleaner inlet 110. The cleaner suction motor 106 is fluidly coupled to the cleaner inlet 110 and the cleaner dust cup 108 such that, when the cleaner suction motor 106 is activated, air is caused to flow through the cleaner inlet 110 and into the cleaner dust cup 108. Air flowing through the cleaner inlet 110 may have debris entrained therein. At least a portion of the entrained debris may be deposited in the cleaner dust cup 108 for later disposal. The cleaner dust cup 108 can be configured to have a first emptying configuration and a second emptying configuration, wherein the cleaner dust cup 108 can be in the first emptying configuration when the vacuum cleaner 100 is undocked from the docking station 102 and can be in the second emptying configuration when the vacuum cleaner 100 is docked with the docking station 102. As such, the first emptying configuration may generally be referred to as a manual emptying configuration and the second emptying configuration may be generally referred to as an automated emptying configuration.
A user interface 112 can be disposed on and/or proximate to the handle 104 (e.g., within 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 35% or 50% of a maximum dimension of the handle 104). The user interface 112 may include one or more of a start toggle (e.g., for starting the suction motor 106), a cleaning behavior toggle (e.g., for increasing a suction power of the suction motor 106), a dust cup empty toggle (e.g., to transition the cleaner dust cup 108 to the manual emptying configuration), and/or any other toggle.
The docking station 102 includes a base 114, an up-duct 116 extending from the base 114, and receptacle 118 coupled to the up-duct 116. The receptacle 118 is configured to receive at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 100. The base 114 includes a station dust cup 120 and a station suction motor 122. In some instances, the base 114 may also include a post motor filter 115, wherein exhaust from the station suction motor 122 is configured to pass through the post motor filter 115. The post motor filter 115 may be a high efficiency particulate air (“HEPA”) filter (e.g., a pleated HEPA filter).
The up-duct 116 includes an air channel 124 that is fluidly coupled to the station dust cup 120 and the station suction motor 122 such that the station suction motor 122, when activated, causes air to be drawn through the air channel 124 and into the station dust cup 120. The receptacle 118 includes a station inlet 126 that is fluidly coupled to the air channel 124 such that, when activated, the station suction motor 122 causes air to be drawn through the station inlet 126 and into the air channel 124. In other words, the up-duct 116 fluidly couples the station inlet 126 to the station suction motor 122 and the station dust cup 120.
As shown, the cleaner dust cup 108 includes a dust cup outlet 128 configured to fluidly couple to the station inlet 126 when the vacuum cleaner 100 is docked with the docking station 102 (e.g., when at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 100 is received within the receptacle 118). When the station suction motor 122 activated air is caused to be drawn through the dust cup outlet 128 and into the station inlet 126. The dust cup outlet 128 may be configured to be selectively opened and closed when the vacuum cleaner 100 is docked to the docking station 102. When the dust cup outlet 128 is in the open configuration, the cleaner dust cup 108 is in the automated emptying configuration.
FIG. 2 shows a schematic example of the vacuum cleaner 100 having the cleaner dust cup 108 in the manual emptying configuration. As shown, the cleaner dust cup 108 is coupled (e.g., moveably coupled, removably coupled, and/or pivotally coupled) to a body 200 of the vacuum cleaner 100 such that the cleaner dust cup 108 is able to transition between a stowed configuration and the manual emptying configuration. For example, and as shown, the cleaner dust cup 108 can be pivotally coupled to the body 200 of the vacuum cleaner 100 at a pivot point 202 such that the cleaner dust cup 108 pivots from the stowed configuration to the manual emptying configuration. When in the manual emptying configuration, debris within the cleaner dust cup 108 may be emptied from a dust cup open end 204 of the cleaner dust cup 108. The dust cup open end 204 may be opposite the pivot point 202 of the cleaner dust cup 108. Such a configuration may encourage debris to be emptied from the dust cup open end 204 as a result of the pivotal movement of the cleaner dust cup 108.
FIG. 3 shows a schematic example of the vacuum cleaner 100 having the cleaner dust cup 108 in the stowed configuration and the dust cup outlet 128 in an open configuration. As shown, a dust cup door 300 may be configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet 128, selectively transitioning the dust cup outlet 128 between the open and closed configurations. The dust cup door 300 can be pivotally coupled to the cleaner dust cup 108 such that the dust cup door 300 pivots to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet 128. For example, when the vacuum cleaner 100 is docked with the docking station 102, airflow generated by the station suction motor 122 may cause the dust cup door 300 to pivot, opening the dust cup outlet 128 and allowing debris within the cleaner dust cup 108 to become entrained within the airflow. As such, the dust cup 108 may be generally described as being in an automated emptying configuration when the dust cup outlet 128 is in the open configuration.
FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner 400, which may be an example of the vacuum cleaner 100 of FIG. 1, and a docking station 402, which may be an example of the docking station 102 of FIG. 1.
The vacuum cleaner 400 includes a body 403, a handle 404, a cleaner user interface 406 proximate the handle 404, a cleaner suction motor 408, a cleaner dust cup 410 pivotally coupled to the body 403, and a cleaner inlet 412, the cleaner suction motor 408 being fluidly coupled to the cleaner dust cup 410 and the cleaner inlet 412. The cleaner inlet 412 may be configured to releasably couple to an accessory 1114 (e.g., a cleaning wand). The accessory 1114 may be configured to releasably couple to an additional accessory 416 (e.g., a floor nozzle).
The docking station 402 includes a base 418, a station dust cup 420 releasably coupled to the base 418, a station suction motor 422 disposed within the base 418, an up-duct 424 extending from the base 418, and a receptacle 426 coupled to the up-duct 424. The receptacle 426 is configured to receive at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 400 such that the vacuum cleaner 400 releasably couples (docks) with the docking station 402. The receptacle 426 may also be configured to receive at least a portion of the accessory 414 such that the accessory 414 releasably couples (docks) with the docking station 402.
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner 400 and the docking station 402, wherein the vacuum cleaner 400 is undocked from the docking station 402. As shown, the vacuum cleaner 400 may be used independent of the accessories 414 and 416 and the accessories 414 and 416 may remain docked with the docking station 402 separate from the vacuum cleaner 400. When the vacuum cleaner 400 is undocked separately from the accessories 414 and 416, the accessories 414 and 416 may be undocked from the docking station 402 independent of the vacuum cleaner 400. In some instances, when the accessories 414 and 416 are not docked with the docking station 402, the vacuum cleaner 400 may be docked with the docking station 402 separately from the accessories 414 and 416.
FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the docking station 402 and FIG. 6A shows a magnified view corresponding to region 6A in FIG. 6. As shown, the receptacle 426 includes charging contacts 600 configured to electrically couple to the vacuum cleaner 400 (e.g., for charging one or more batteries of the vacuum cleaner 400), one or more accessory aligners 602, one or more cleaner aligners 604, and one or more dust cup aligners 606. In some instances, the docking station 402 may be configured to detect that the vacuum cleaner 400 is docked thereto using the charging contacts 600. Additionally, or alternatively, the receptacle 426 may include one or more sensors 601 (e.g., a tactile switch, a hall-effect sensor, and/or any other type of sensor) to detect that the vacuum cleaner 400 is docked thereto. In response to detecting the vacuum cleaner 400 is docked with the docking station 402, the docking station 402 may be caused to carry out an evacuation behavior. In some instances, the docking station 402 may carry out the evacuation behavior in response to detecting that the vacuum cleaner 400 is docked with the docking station 402 and in response to receiving a user input.
As shown, the receptacle 426 is defined by one or more receptacle sidewalls 608 that are shaped to follow a corresponding contour of the vacuum cleaner 400 and/or accessory 414 such that the receptacle 426 may be generally described as including a cleaner region 610 and an accessory region 612. For example, the receptacle 426 may have a first width 614 and a second width 616, wherein the first width 614 is greater than the second width 616. The second width 616 may be closer to the base 418 of the docking station 402 than the first width 614. In some instances, the second width 616 may generally correspond to a width of the accessory 414 (FIG. 4) and the first width 614 may correspond to a width of the vacuum cleaner 400 (FIG. 4). As such, the receptacle 426 may be generally described as being configured to receive at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 400 and at least a portion of the accessory 414.
The one or more accessory aligners 602 are configured to engage (e.g., contact) the accessory 414 in order to align the accessory 414 relative to the receptacle 426. The one or more accessory aligners 602 may be grooves that are configured to receive a corresponding portion (e.g., an alignment protrusion) of the accessory 414. In some instances, at least a portion of the one or more accessory aligners 602 are configured to restrict movement of the of the accessory 414 to one or more predetermined axes when at least a portion of the accessory 414 is engaging the one or more accessory aligners 602. For example, at least a portion of the one or more accessory aligners 602 may be configured to restrict movement of the accessory 414 to an insertion/removal axis 618 of the receptacle 426 when at least a portion of the accessory 414 is engaging the one or more accessory aligners 602. The insertion/removal axis 618 may extend substantially (e.g., within 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, or 5° of) parallel to a longitudinal axis of the up-duct 424.
The one or more cleaner aligners 604 are configured to engage (e.g., contact) the body 403 (FIG. 4) of the vacuum cleaner 400 in order to align the vacuum cleaner 400 relative to the receptacle 426. The one or more cleaner aligners 604 may be protrusions that are configured to be received within a corresponding groove in the vacuum cleaner 400 (e.g., in the body 403). In some instances, at least a portion of the one or more cleaner aligners 604 are configured to restrict movement of the vacuum cleaner 400 to one or more axes when at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 400 engages the one or more cleaner aligners 604. For example, at least a portion of the one or more cleaner aligners 604 may be configured to restrict movement of the vacuum cleaner 400 to the insertion/removal axis 618 when at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 400 is engaging the one or more cleaner aligners 604.
The one or more dust cup aligners 606 are configured to engage the cleaner dust cup 410 (FIG. 4) in order to align a dust cup outlet with a station inlet 620 of the receptacle 426. As shown, there may be a plurality of dust cup aligners 606 disposed on opposing sides of the station inlet 620. The one or more dust cup aligners 606 may be grooves configured to receive at least a portion of the cleaner dust cup 410. In some instances, at least a portion of the one or more dust cup aligners 606 are configured to restrict movement of the vacuum cleaner 400 to one or more axes when at least a portion of the cleaner dust cup 410 engages the one or more dust cup aligners 606. For example, at least a portion of the one or more dust cup aligners 606 may be configured to restrict movement of the vacuum cleaner 400 to the insertion/removal axis 618 when at least a portion of the cleaner dust cup 410 is engaging the one or more dust cup aligners 606. The dust cup aligners 606 may be further configured to urge the cleaner dust cup 410 into engagement with a seal 624 extending around a perimeter of the station inlet 620. The seal 624 can be resiliently deformable such that, when the vacuum cleaner 400 is received within the receptacle 426, the seal 624 is at least partially compressed. For example, the seal 624 may include thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”).
With reference to FIG. 7, which shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the receptacle 426, the one or more dust cup aligners 606 may include a dust cup aligner groove 700 defined by a first groove sidewall 702 and a second groove sidewall 704. The first and second groove sidewalls 702 may be configured to encourage formation of a seal between the seal 624 (FIG. 6A) and the cleaner dust cup 410 and/or mitigate wear on the seal 624 resulting from repeated docking and undocking of the vacuum cleaner 400 with the docking station 402. The first groove sidewall 702 may include a first sidewall portion 706 and a second sidewall portion 708, the first sidewall portion 706 intersecting the second sidewall portion 708 to form a sidewall portion angle θ. The sidewall portion angle θ may be an obtuse angle that extends between surfaces of the first and second sidewall portions 706 and 708 that face the second groove sidewall 704. The second sidewall portion 708 may form a groove angle α with the second groove sidewall 704 such that a separation distance 709 extending between the second sidewall portion 708 and the second groove sidewall 704 decreases in a direction of the base 418 of the docking station 402. In other words, the dust cup aligner groove 700 may include a tapering region that tapers in a direction of the base 418.
The groove angle α extends from a surface of the second sidewall portion 708 that faces the second groove sidewall 704 to the second groove sidewall 704. The groove angle α may be, for example, in a range of 1° to 20°. By way of further example the groove angle α may be, for example, in a range of 5° to 15°. By way of still further example, the groove angle α may be, for example, about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4,% or 5% of) 10°.
The first and/or second groove sidewall 702 and/or 704 may include a chamfered region 710 and/or 712 configured to encourage insertion of at least a portion of the cleaner dust cup 410 (FIG. 4) into the dust cup aligner groove 700. The first groove sidewall 702 has a first sidewall height 714 and the second groove sidewall 704 has a second sidewall height 716. The first sidewall height 714 may be greater than the second sidewall height 716. As such, movement of the vacuum cleaner 400 along the insertion/removal axis 618 may be restrained for only a portion of the dust cup aligner groove 700 (e.g., the portion of the dust cup aligner groove 700 extending between the first and second groove sidewalls 702 and 704).
FIGS. 8 and 9 show perspective views of the vacuum cleaner 400. As shown, the body 403 of the vacuum cleaner 400 includes one or more cleaner alignment grooves 800 configured to cooperate with the docking station 402 (e.g., the one or more cleaner aligners 604 (FIG. 6A) of the receptacle 426) and the cleaner dust cup 410 includes a dust cup alignment protrusion 802 configured to cooperate with the docking station 402 (e.g., the dust cup aligners 606 (FIG. 6A)). The dust cup alignment protrusion 802 may include a dust cup outlet 804 that is configured to be selectively opened and closed by a dust cup door 806 such that debris within the cleaner dust cup 410 may selectively pass therethrough.
As shown, the dust cup door 806 is configured to transition between a closed position (FIG. 8) and an open position (FIG. 9). For example, the dust cup door 806 can be pivotally coupled to the cleaner dust cup 410 (e.g., the dust cup alignment protrusion 802) such that the dust cup door 806 pivots between the open and closed positions. The dust cup door 806 may be biased (e.g., using a spring such as a torsion spring) towards the closed position. When the dust cup door 806 is in the open position, the cleaner dust cup 410 may generally be described as being in an automated emptying configuration.
The vacuum cleaner 400 (e.g., the cleaner dust cup 410) may include a retainer 808. The retainer 808 may be moveably (e.g., slidably) coupled to the dust cup alignment protrusion 802, wherein the retainer 808 is configured to transition between a locked position (FIG. 8) and an unlocked position (FIG. 9). When the retainer 808 is in the locked position, the dust cup door 806 is prevented from moving from the closed position to the open position (e.g., pivotal movement of the dust cup door 806 may be substantially prevented). When the retainer 808 is in the unlocked position, the dust cup door 806 is capable of moving from the closed position to the open position. The retainer 808 may be biased (e.g., using a spring such as a compression spring) towards the locked position.
The retainer 808 may be transitioned from the locked position to the unlocked position when the vacuum cleaner 400 is being docked with the docking station 402. For example, the receptacle 426 may include an actuation protrusion 626 (FIG. 6A) that extends transverse to (e.g., perpendicular to) the insertion/removal axis 618. The actuation protrusion 626 is configured to engage (e.g., contact) the retainer 808 when the vacuum cleaner 400 is being received by the receptacle 426. Engagement of the actuation protrusion 626 with the retainer 808 causes the retainer to transition (e.g., slide) from the locked position to the unlocked position when the vacuum cleaner 400 is docked with the docking station 402.
The dust cup alignment protrusion 802 is configured to cooperate with the dust cup aligners 606. For example, the dust cup alignment protrusion 802 may have a shape (e.g., a wedged shape) that generally corresponds to the shape of the dust cup aligner groove 700 (FIG. 7). For example, the shape of the dust cup alignment protrusion 802 may be such that second groove sidewall 704 engages (e.g., contacts) the dust cup alignment protrusion 802, urging the dust cup alignment protrusion 802 into engagement (e.g., contact) with the seal 624 (FIG. 6A). Engagement between the seal 624 and the dust cup alignment protrusion 802 may at least partially compress the seal 624. For example, a seal engaging surface 810 of the dust cup alignment protrusion 802 may come into engagement with the seal 624 forming an at least partial seal. Formation of a partial seal may mitigate debris pluming when the cleaner dust cup 410 is being emptied.
In some instances, and with additional reference to FIG. 8A (which is magnified view generally corresponding to region 8A in FIG. 8), the dust cup alignment protrusion 802 may further include an alignment lip 803 that extends outwardly from a protrusion sidewall 805 of the dust cup alignment protrusion 802 by a first extension distance 807. The dust cup alignment protrusion 802 may include a plurality of alignment lips 803, wherein each alignment lip 803 extends along opposing longitudinal sides of the dust cup alignment protrusion 802. The alignment lip 803 may be configured to engage at least a portion of the dust cup aligners 606. In some instances, the alignment lip 803 may include at least a portion of the seal engaging surface 810 of the dust cup alignment protrusion 802. The dust cup alignment protrusion 802 may include (in addition to or in the alternative to the alignment lip 803) an alignment projection 809. The alignment projection 809 may extend from the protrusion sidewall 805 by a second extension distance 811, the second extension distance 811 being greater than the first extension distance 807. The alignment projection 809 may be configured to engage at least a portion of the dust cup aligners 606. In some instances, the alignment projection 809 may include at least a portion of the seal engaging surface 810 of the dust cup alignment protrusion 802.
As shown, the seal engaging surface 810 of the dust cup alignment protrusion 802 forms a protrusion angle R with a cleaner longitudinal axis 812. The protrusion angle R may generally correspond to the groove angle α (FIG. 7). The protrusion angle R may be, for example, in a range of 1° to 20°. By way of further example the protrusion angle 3 may be, for example, in a range of 5° to 15°. By way of still further example, the protrusion angle 3 may be, for example, about (e.g., within 1%, 2%, 3%, 4,% or 5% of) 10°.
The cleaner dust cup 410 is pivotally coupled to the body 403 of the vacuum cleaner 400 about a dust cup pivot axis 814. The cleaner dust cup 410 is configured to pivot about the dust cup pivot axis 814 from a stowed configuration to a manual emptying configuration. As shown, when in the stowed configuration, the cleaner dust cup 410 extends along the cleaner longitudinal axis 812 between an inlet end 816 of the body 403 and the handle 404. When the cleaner dust cup 410 pivots to the manual emptying position, an open end 818 of the cleaner dust cup 410 is exposed. As shown, the open end 818 is received within the body 403 when the cleaner dust cup 410 is in the stowed configuration. As such, the cleaner dust cup 410 may generally be described as being configured to pivot such that the open end 818 is selectively received within the body 403. The open end 818 and the dust cup outlet 804 can be on different sides of the cleaner dust cup 410.
FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner 400 docked with the docking station 402 of FIG. 4 taken along the line X-X of FIG. 4. As shown, the dust cup door 806 is in the open position. The dust cup door 806 can be transitioned from the closed position to the open position in response to the station suction motor 422 (FIG. 4) being activated. For example, the airflow generated by the station suction motor 422 may urge the dust cup door 806 towards the open position. When the station suction motor 422 is deactivated, the dust cup door 806 may transition to the closed position (e.g., as a result of gravity and/or a bias force). When the dust cup door 806 is in the open position, at least a portion of the dust cup door 806 passes through the station inlet 620 and is at least partially received within a receptacle cavity 1000 of the receptacle 426. In other words, when the dust cup outlet 804 is open, at least a portion of the dust cup door 806 is received within the receptacle cavity 1000.
The airflow generated by the station suction motor 422 may flow along an evacuation flow path 1002. As shown, the evacuation flow path 1002 extends from the cleaner dust cup 410 into the receptacle cavity 1000 through an air channel 1004 of the up-duct 424 and into the station dust cup 420.
FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of another vacuum cleaner 1100, according to the present disclosure, with FIGS. 12-19 showing additional views. The vacuum cleaner 1100 includes a cleaner body 1103, a cleaner handle 1104, a cleaner suction motor 1108, a cleaner dust cup 1109 coupled to the body 1103, and a cleaner inlet 1112, with the cleaner suction motor 1108 being fluidly coupled to the cleaner dust cup 1109 and the cleaner inlet 1112. The cleaner inlet 1112 may be configured to releasably couple to an accessory 1114 (e.g., a cleaning wand). The accessory 1114 may be configured to releasably couple to an additional accessory 1116 (e.g., a floor nozzle)
The docking station 1102 includes a station base 1118, a station dust cup 1120 releasably coupled to the base 1118, a station suction motor 1122 disposed within the base 1118, a station up-duct 1124 extending from the station base 1118, and a station receptacle 1126 coupled to the up-duct 1124. The receptacle 1126 is configured to receive at least a portion of the vacuum cleaner 1100, such that the vacuum cleaner 1100 releasably couples (docks) with the docking station 1102. The receptacle 1126 may also be configured to receive at least a portion of the accessory 1114 such that the accessory 1114 releasably couples (docks) with the docking station 1102.
Similar to vacuum cleaner 400, the vacuum cleaner 1100 may be used independent of the accessories 1114 and 1116 and the accessories 1114 and 1116 may remain docked with the docking station 1102 separate from the vacuum cleaner 1100. When the vacuum cleaner 1100 is undocked separately from the accessories 1114 and 1116, the accessories 1114 and 1116 may be undocked from the docking station 1102 independent of the vacuum cleaner 1100. In some instances, when the accessories 1114 and 1116 are not docked with the docking station 1102, the vacuum cleaner 1100 may be docked with the docking station 1102 separately from the accessories 1114 and 1116.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner 1100 and the docking station 1102 of FIG. 11 taken along the line 12-12 of FIG. 11. FIG. 12A is a magnified view of respective portions of the vacuum cleaner 1100 and docking station of FIG. 12 corresponding to region 12A of FIG. 12.
Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 4, dust cup outlet 1132, which is at least partially defined/formed by a semi-circular cleaner dust cup body 1110, is configured to be selectively opened and closed by dust cup door 1134 such that debris within the cleaner dust cup 1109 may selectively pass therethrough. Again similar to the embodiment of FIG. 4, the dust cup door 1134 is configured to transition between a closed position and an open position. For example, as better shown by FIG. 13, the dust cup door 1134 can be pivotally coupled to the cleaner dust cup 1109 such that the dust cup door 1134 pivots via a dust cup door hinge 1135 between the open and closed positions. The dust cup door 1134 may be biased (e.g., using a closing spring 1140 such as a torsion spring) towards the closed position. As shown by FIG. 13, as well as FIG. 14, the dust cup door 1134 includes a closed-loop perimeter gasket 1137 which forms a seal with the cleaner dust cup 1109 when the dust cup door 1134 is in the closed position. When the dust cup door 1134 is in the open position, the cleaner dust cup 1109 may generally be described as being in an automated emptying configuration. In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 4, when the vacuum cleaner 1100 is docked to the docking station 1102, dust cup door 1134 is arranged substantially horizontal (i.e. arranged as to be more horizontal than vertical when in the closed position). More particularly, in the closed position, the dust cup door 1134 may be arranged at an angle of 30 degrees or less of being horizontal (to the horizon).
As shown in FIGS. 12A and 13, the vacuum cleaner 1100 (e.g., the cleaner dust cup 1109) may include a dust cup door retainer 1142. The dust cup door retainer 1142 may be moveably (e.g., pivotably about pivot axis 1152) coupled to the cleaner dust cup body 1110 of the cleaner dust cup 1109, wherein the dust cup door retainer 1142 is configured to transition between a locked position, as shown in FIG. 12A, and an unlocked position, as shown in FIG. 15. When the dust cup door retainer 1142 is in the locked position, the dust cup door 1134 is prevented from moving (e.g. pivoting) from the closed position to the open position (e.g., pivotal movement of the dust cup door 806 may be substantially prevented). When the dust cup door retainer 1142 is in the unlocked position, the dust cup door 1134 is capable of moving from the closed position to the open position. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 15, the dust cup door retainer 1142 may be biased (e.g., using a locking spring 1144 such as a compression spring) towards the locked position.
The dust cup door retainer 1142 may be transitioned from the locked position to the unlocked position when the vacuum cleaner 1100 is being docked with the docking station 1102. For example, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 15, particularly FIG. 12A, the station receptacle 1126 may include a wedge shaped actuation protrusion 1146 that has a protrusion (wedge) incline surface 1148 that extends at an acute angle A1 (e.g. in a range of 15 to 30 degrees) to the insertion/removal axis 1150. The actuation protrusion 1146 is configured to engage (e.g., contact) the dust cup door retainer 1142 when the vacuum cleaner 1100 is being received by the station receptacle 1126. Engagement of the actuation protrusion 1146 with the dust cup door retainer 1142 causes the dust cup door retainer 1142 to transition (e.g., pivot about pivot axis 1152) from the locked position to the unlocked position when the vacuum cleaner 1100 is docked with the docking station 1102.
More particularly, as shown by FIGS. 12A and 16 (in FIG. 16, cleaner dust cup body 1110 is shown transparent and gasket 1137 removed for clarity), the cleaner dust cup door 1134 comprises a first releasable connector (of a first connector assembly/pair) in the form of a hook latch 1136, while the dust cup door retainer 1142 of the cleaner dust cup 1109 comprises a first releasable mating connector (of the first connector assembly/pair) in the form of a hook 1154. The hook 1154 engages with the hook latch 1148 when in the locked position and is disengaged from the hook latch 1148 in the unlocked position. As such, the first connector pair operates with positive mechanical engagement. A positive mechanical engagement connection may be understood herein as a connection formed between the components which does not rely solely on friction to inhibit separation of the components and which includes a mechanical interlock to inhibit separation of the components (e.g. overlapping surfaces).
As set forth above, when the vacuum cleaner 1100 is docked with the docking station 1102, and the dust cup door retainer 1142 is in the unlocked position, such that the dust cup door retainer hook 1154 and the cleaner dust cup door hook latch 1136 are disengaged, the cleaner dust cup door 1134 is biased towards the closed position using closing (torsion) spring 1140.
In order to better ensure that cleaner dust cup door 1134 is held closed when retainer 1142 is in the locked position, the vacuum cleaner 1100 further comprises a second (further) connector assembly/pair adjacent the first connector assembly/pair. More particularly, as shown in FIG. 17 (cleaner dust cup body 1110 is shown transparent and gasket 1137 removed for clarity), the cleaner dust cup door 1134 comprises a second releasable connector (of a second connector pair) in the form of a magnetic material 1138 (e.g. ferromagnetic metal, which may include iron, cobalt, steel and nickel and alloys thereof), while the cleaner dust cup body 1110 of the cleaner dust cup 1109 comprises a second releasable mating connector (of the second connector pair) in the form of a magnet 1158 (e.g. a permanent magnet). The magnet 1158 engages with the magnetic material 1138 when in the locked position and is disengaged from the magnetic material 1138 in the unlocked position. Alternatively, or in combination, the second releasable connector 1138 may be a permanent magnet, with an opposite magnetic pole facing the magnet of the second releasable mating connector 1158 (e.g. +/−) such that the magnetic forces of the magnets cooperate. As such, the second connector pair operates with magnetic (force) engagement as opposed to mechanical engagement.
Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 4, when the retainer 1142 is in the unlocked position, the dust cup door 1134 can be transitioned from the closed position to the open position in response to the station suction motor 1122 being activated. For example, the airflow generated by the station suction motor 1122 (negative pressure/vacuum) may urge the dust cup door 1134 towards the open position. When the station suction motor 1122 is deactivated, the dust cup door 1134 may transition to the closed position (e.g., as a result of the bias force of spring 1140 and the magnetic force of second connector pair 1138, 1158). When the dust cup door 1134 is in the open position, at least a portion of the dust cup door 1134 passes through the station inlet 1128 of the station receptacle 1126. In other words, when the dust cup outlet 1132 is open, at least a portion of the dust cup door 1134 is received within the air-channel 1125 of the station up-duct 1124.
Referring now to FIGS. 12A and 18, in order to better prevent debris which may be held or otherwise stored in the cleaner dust cup cavity 1111 (at least partially defined/formed by the cleaner dust cup body 1110 of the cleaner dust cup 1109) from getting lodged in the movable dust cup door retainer 1142, the movable dust cup door hinge 1135 or elsewhere which may adversely affect opening and/or closing operation of the cleaner dust cup door 1134, the cleaner dust cup cavity 1111 may include an elastically deformable debris obstructor 1170 upstream of the cleaner dust cup door 1134. Debris obstructor 1170 may be disposed in the cleaner dust cup cavity 1111 upstream of the cleaner dust cup outlet 1132 and the cleaner dust cup door 1134 spaced at a distance of 0.1 inch to 1.5 inches.
Debris obstructor 1170 comprises a debris obstructor mounting member 1172, which mounts to the cleaner dust cup body 1110, and a debris obstructor shield 1174, which extends across a cross-sectional area of the cleaner dust cup cavity 1111 transverse to a longitudinal axis 1113 of the cleaner dust cup cavity 1111 as to overlie the cleaner dust cup door 1134. The debris obstructor shield 1174 may particularly extend across at least 80% of the cross-sectional area of the cleaner dust cup cavity 1111, and more particularly extend across at least 90% of the cross-sectional area of the cleaner dust cup cavity 1111, and even more particularly extend across at least 95% of the cross-sectional area of the cleaner dust cup cavity 1111. Moreover, the debris obstructor shield 1174 may extends across at least 99% of the cross-sectional area of the cleaner dust cup cavity 1111.
The debris obstructor shield 1174 shields the cleaner dust cup door 1134 against being contacted by debris during operation of vacuum cleaner 1100 and prior to the debris being transferred to the station dust cup 1120. In the foregoing manner, the debris obstructor shield 1174 makes it more difficult for debris in the cleaner dust cup cavity 1111 from getting lodged in the movable dust cup door retainer 1142, the movable dust cup door hinge 1135 or elsewhere which may adversely affect opening and/or closing operation of the cleaner dust cup door 1134. As shown, the debris obstructor shield 1174 is sloped/angled downward (see FIG. 12A at angle A2 in a range of 10 to 35 degrees to the horizontal/horizon) towards the cleaner dust cup outlet 1132/door 1134 such that the debris obstructor shield 1174 is closer to the cleaner dust cup outlet 1132/door 1134 at its free/terminal end 1178 than its hinge region 1176. Stated another way, the debris obstructor shield 1174 gets closer to the cleaner dust cup outlet 1132/door 1134 as it extends away from the hinge region 1176. Moreover, both the debris obstructor shield 1174 and the cleaner dust cup door 1134 converge towards one another as they extend away from their respective hinges 1176 and 1135, respectively. In the foregoing manner, the dimension of the debris obstructor shield 1174 from its hinge region 1176 to its free/terminal end 1178 is longer than the cross-sectional dimension of the cleaner dust cup cavity 1111 taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 1113 of the cleaner dust cup cavity 1111. As such, the debris obstructor shield 1174 is inhibited from pivoting upwards about hinge region 1176 further into the cleaner dust cup cavity 1111 away from the cleaner dust cup outlet 1132/door 1134 due to interference contact with the cleaner dust cup body 1110.
The debris obstructor mounting member 1172 may be formed of a rigid plastic (e.g. polyacetal, polyamide, polypropylene) while the debris obstructor shield 1174 may be made of plastic elastomer, particularly a thermoplastic elastomer. As used herein, an elastomer an elastomer may be characterized as a material that has an elongation at 23° C. of at least 100%, and which, after being stretched to twice its original length and being held at such for one minute, may recover in a range of 50% to 100% within one minute after release from the stress. More particularly, the elastomer may recover in a range of 75% to 100% within one minute after release from the stress, and even more particularly recover in a range of 90% to 100% within one minute after release from the stress. The elastomer may be comprised of any polymer, including natural or synthetic polymers, and thermoplastic or thermoset polymers. Thus, the elastomer may be either a natural or synthetic elastomer. The elastomer may comprise, essentially consist of or consist of natural or synthetic rubber.
As shown in FIG. 12A, similar to the dust cup door 1134, the debris obstructor shield 1174 is configured to (pivotably) transition between a closed position and an open position. The debris obstructor shield 1174 can be transitioned from the closed position to the open position (shown in dashed lines) in response to the station suction motor 1122 being activated. For example, the airflow generated by the station suction motor 1122 (negative pressure/vacuum) may urge the debris obstructor shield 1174 in a direction towards the dust cup outlet 1132/door 1134 to the open position by elastically deforming the debris obstructor shield 1174 along an elastic hinge region 1176 thereof. When the station suction motor 1122 is deactivated, the debris obstructor shield 1174 may transition to the closed position, due to elastic recovery of the debris obstructor shield 1174 along the elastic hinge region 1176 thereof in a direction away from towards the dust cup outlet 1132/door 1134. It should be understood that when the vacuum cleaner 1100 is docked, the open position of the debris obstructor shield 1174 is associated with activation of the station suction motor 1122, and the closed position of the debris obstructor shield 1174 is associated with deactivation of the station suction motor 1122.
As shown in FIG. 12A, the airflow generated by the station suction motor 1122 may flow along an evacuation flow path 1190. The evacuation flow path 1190 extends from the air channel/cavity 1111 of the cleaner dust cup 1109 through an air channel 1125 of the up-duct 1124 and into the station dust cup 1120. As shown, during evacuation of the cleaner dust cup 1109, the debris obstructor shield 1174 shield the door cup hinge 1135 against being contacted by the debris.
In at least one instance, a vacuum cleaner is provided, comprising a cleaner body; a dust cup coupled to the cleaner body, the dust cup including a dust cup body which at least partially forms a dust cup outlet; the dust cup including a dust cup door configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet; and a releasably connectable connector assembly to hold the dust cup door in a closed position, the releasably connectable connector assembly comprising a first connector, the first connector comprising a first connector magnet.
In at least one instance, the first connector magnet comprises a permanent magnet.
In at least one instance, the releasably connectable connector assembly further comprises a second connector which connects with the first connector; wherein the second connector comprises a second connector ferromagnetic material; and wherein, when the dust cup door is in the closed position, the first connector and the second connector are arranged such that the second connector ferromagnetic material is held by a magnetic force of the first connector magnet.
In at least one instance, the releasably connectable connector assembly further comprises a second connector which connects with the first connector; wherein the second connector comprises a second connector magnet; and wherein, when the dust cup door is in the closed position, the first connector and the second connector are arranged such the second connector magnet and the first connector magnet are held to one another by a magnetic force of the first connector magnet and the second connector magnet, respectively.
In at least one instance, the first connector magnet is provided with the dust cup body.
In at least one instance, the releasably connectable connector assembly further comprises a second connector which connects with the first connector; wherein the second connector comprises a second connector ferromagnetic material; and wherein the second connector ferromagnetic material is provided with the dust cup door.
In at least one instance the dust cup door is biased towards the closed position by a spring.
In at least one instance, the vacuum cleaner further comprising a further releasably connectable connector assembly to hold the dust cup door in the closed position.
In at least one instance, the releasably connectable connector assembly is adjacent the further releasably connectable connector assembly.
In at least one instance, the further releasably connectable connector assembly comprises a further first connector and a further second connector; wherein the further first connector comprising a further first connector hook; and wherein the further second connector comprises a further second connector hook latch.
In at least one instance, the first connector hook is provided with a dust cup door retainer pivotably coupled to the dust cup body; and wherein the second connector hook latch is provided with the dust cup door.
In at least one instance, the dust cup door retainer is transitionable between a locked position and an unlocked position; and wherein, when the dust cup door is in the closed position, the dust cup retainer is in the locked position.
In at least one instance, the dust cup door retainer is biased towards the locked position by a spring.
In at least one instance, the dust cup body at least partially forms a dust cup cavity; and a deformable debris obstructor is located in the dust cup cavity upstream of the dust cup outlet and dust cup door, which extends transverse to a longitudinal axis of the dust cup cavity as to shield the dust cup door from debris in the dust cup cavity.
In at least one instance, a vacuum cleaner is provided, comprising a cleaner body; a dust cup coupled to the cleaner body, the dust cup including a dust cup body which at least partially forms a dust cup cavity and a dust cup outlet; the dust cup including a dust cup door configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet; and a deformable debris obstructor located in the dust cup cavity upstream of the dust cup outlet and dust cup door, which extends transverse to a longitudinal axis of the dust cup cavity as to shield the dust cup door from debris in the dust cup cavity.
In at least one instance, the deformable debris obstructor comprises a debris obstructor shield formed of a plastic elastomer.
In at least one instance, the debris obstructor shield is elastically deformable in a direction towards the dust cup door in response to negative pressure introduced into the dust cup cavity through the dust cup outlet, and elastically recoverable in a direction away from the dust cup door in response to the negative pressure being terminated.
In at least one instance, the debris obstructor shield includes a debris obstructor shield hinge region formed of the plastic elastomer.
In at least one instance, the debris obstructor shield is arranged at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the dust cup cavity such that the debris obstructor shield is closer to the dust cup door as the debris obstructor shield extends away from the debris obstructor shield hinge region.
In at least one instance, a cleaning system is provided, comprising a vacuum cleaner, comprising a cleaner body; a dust cup coupled to the cleaner body, the dust cup including a dust cup body which at least partially forms a dust cup cavity and a dust cup outlet; the dust cup including a dust cup door configured to selectively open and close the dust cup outlet; and at least one of a releasably connectable connector assembly to hold the dust cup door in a closed position, the releasably connectable connector assembly comprising a first connector, the first connector comprising a first connector magnet, and/or a deformable debris obstructor located in the dust cup cavity upstream of the dust cup outlet and dust cup door, which extends transverse to a longitudinal axis of the dust cup cavity as to shield the dust cup door from debris in the dust cup cavity; and a docking station, the vacuum cleaner configured to dock with the docking station.
While the principles of the invention have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the invention. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the following claims.
Patent Application
20240349965
