US20220287528A1 - Vacuum cleaner docking station - Google Patents
Vacuum cleaner docking station Download PDFInfo
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- US20220287528A1 US20220287528A1 US17/693,138 US202217693138A US2022287528A1 US 20220287528 A1 US20220287528 A1 US 20220287528A1 US 202217693138 A US202217693138 A US 202217693138A US 2022287528 A1 US2022287528 A1 US 2022287528A1
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- Prior art keywords
- vacuum cleaner
- dock
- separator
- airflow
- vacuum
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- 238000003032 molecular docking Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 111
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 55
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 36
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 claims description 31
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000036961 partial effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
- A47L9/14—Bags or the like; Rigid filtering receptacles; Attachment of, or closures for, bags or receptacles
- A47L9/149—Emptying means; Reusable bags
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
- A47L9/106—Dust removal
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
- A47L9/2868—Arrangements for power supply of vacuum cleaners or the accessories thereof
- A47L9/2873—Docking units or charging stations
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
- A47L9/2836—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means characterised by the parts which are controlled
- A47L9/2842—Suction motors or blowers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
- A47L9/2894—Details related to signal transmission in suction cleaners
Definitions
- the present invention relates to docking stations, and more particularly to docking stations for vacuum cleaners.
- Vacuum docking systems include docks that are typically used to store and charge floor cleaners.
- Hand vacuums are used either by themselves or with a connected wand and foot such that the hand vacuum functions as a stick vacuum.
- the hand vacuum may be removable from the wand, and thus the foot, to function as a hand vacuum separated from the wand and thus the foot.
- hand vacuums or vacuums other than hand vacuums may include dust cups that are removable from the rest of the vacuum, for example, for cleaning or emptying debris from the dust cup.
- a vacuum cleaner docking station includes a vacuum cleaner separator and a dock.
- the vacuum cleaner separator is operable to separate debris from a suction airflow.
- the vacuum cleaner separator includes a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet, and a debris collector having a debris outlet.
- the vacuum cleaner separator is removably coupled to the dock.
- the dock includes an airflow source operable to generate an airflow, an airflow outlet in fluid communication with the airflow source such that the airflow generated by the airflow source is discharged from the airflow source through the airflow outlet, and a dock debris collector.
- the vacuum cleaner separator is configured to be coupled to the dock with the vacuum cleaner separator in fluid communication with the airflow outlet of the dock and the debris outlet of the vacuum cleaner in fluid communication with the dock debris collector such that the airflow generated by the airflow source of the dock travels through the vacuum cleaner separator and through the debris outlet of the vacuum cleaner separator to blow debris out of the debris outlet and into the dock debris collector
- a vacuum cleaner docking station is operated by a user, the vacuum cleaner docking station includes a vacuum cleaner operable to separate debris from a suction airflow.
- the vacuum cleaner includes a first sidewall that faces in a direction away from the user and away from a floor in a normal in-use vacuuming position of the vacuum cleaner.
- a second sidewall faces in a direction toward the user and toward the floor in the normal in-use vacuuming position of the vacuum cleaner.
- the vacuum cleaner further includes a debris collector having a debris outlet.
- a dock is configured to receive and store the vacuum cleaner in a docked position, the dock including a dock debris collector, and in the docked position the dock is configured to selectively couple the dock debris collector and the debris collector of the vacuum cleaner such that the dock debris collector receives debris separated by the vacuum cleaner from the debris outlet of the debris collector of the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the dock.
- the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the dock by the user with the second sidewall facing in a direction toward the user and the first side wall faces in a direction away from the user.
- a vacuum cleaner docking station in another embodiment, includes a vacuum cleaner separator, the vacuum cleaner separator operable to separate debris from a suction airflow, the vacuum cleaner separator having a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall.
- the vacuum cleaner docking station further includes a dock, the vacuum cleaner separator removably coupled to the dock, the dock including, a first sidewall configured to face a reference plane, a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall and configured to face a user.
- the vacuum cleaner separator is advanced in an advancing direction extending away from the first sidewall of the vacuum cleaner separator.
- the vacuum cleaner separator is configured to be coupled to the dock with the vacuum cleaner separator in fluid communication with the dock and with the first sidewall of the vacuum cleaner adjacent the first sidewall of the dock and the second sidewall of the vacuum cleaner adjacent the second sidewall of the dock.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a docking station system having a vacuum assembly disposed from a dock in accordance with a first embodiment of the disclosure.
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the docking station system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a side view of the docking station system of FIG. 1 with the vacuum assembly connected to the dock.
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of an actuator of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 3 taken along section line 4 - 4 in FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the docking station system of FIG. 3 with the section taken through a separator of the vacuum cleaner.
- FIG. 6 is a front view of a docking station system in accordance with a second embodiment of the disclosure.
- FIG. 7 is a side view of the docking station system of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 8 is a partial cross section view of the docking station system of FIG. 7 with the section taken through a separator of the vacuum cleaner.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner for use in a docking station system in accordance with a third embodiment of the disclosure.
- FIG. 10 is a side view of the docking station system including the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the docking station system taken along section line 11 - 11 in FIG. 10 and showing a valve in a closed position.
- FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the docking station system taken along section line 11 - 11 in FIG. 10 and showing the valve in an aligned position.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a dock for use in a docking station system in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the disclosure.
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the docking station system including the dock of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 15 is a side view of the docking station system of FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a dock for use in a docking station system in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the disclosure.
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the docking station system including the dock of FIG. 16 with a lid of the dock in an open position.
- FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the docking station system including the dock of FIG. 16 with the lid of the dock in a closed position.
- FIG. 19 is partial cross sectional side view of the docking station system of FIG. 16 with the section taken through a separator of a dust bin.
- FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a first embodiment of a vacuum cleaner docking station 100 .
- the docking station 100 includes a dock 108 configured to receive a vacuum cleaner 104 and discharge dirt and debris contained inside the vacuum cleaner 104 into the dock 108 .
- the vacuum cleaner 104 is a hand vacuum 104 A.
- the hand vacuum 104 A may be replaced by a stick or other type of vacuum.
- the vacuum cleaner 104 may also be other types of vacuums 104 B, 104 C including a wand 112 and a foot 116 , or a vacuum cleaner separator 104 D, 104 E removed from a vacuum cleaner.
- the vacuum cleaner 104 defines a longitudinal axis LA extending therethrough.
- the vacuum cleaner 104 is operable to be connected with the dock 108 to be placed in fluid communication with the dock 108 .
- the dock 108 includes an airflow source 120 configured to impart fluid flow through both the dock 108 and the vacuum cleaner 104 , as will be discussed in detail with various embodiments.
- the airflow source 120 includes a blower such as a centrifugal fan, axial fan, or other fan arrangement.
- the vacuum 104 A includes a vacuum separator 132 having a dirty air inlet 124 ( FIG. 5 ) configured to receive dirty air.
- the vacuum separator 132 is configured to separate dirty air from debris during use of the vacuum cleaner.
- a debris outlet 128 is operable to be opened to remove debris from the vacuum separator 132 after use of the vacuum cleaner.
- the debris outlet 128 is fluidly connected to the dirty air inlet 124 .
- the vacuum separator 132 can be, for example and without limitation, a cyclonic separator or a filter.
- the vacuum separator 132 of the vacuum 104 A is a cyclonic separator with a shroud 133 .
- the vacuum 104 A further includes a body 106 housing a motor 136 and an impeller 140 connected to the motor 136 for rotation therewith.
- the impeller 140 generates an airflow in the vacuum 104 A when the motor 136 is rotated to draw air from the vacuum cleaner inlet 114 through the separator 132 coupled to the body to a vacuum exhaust port 220 .
- the motor 136 is powered by a battery 144 .
- the vacuum separator 132 further includes a clean air outlet 130 adjacent the impeller 140 .
- the dirty air inlet 124 functions as an inlet to receive dirty air and debris. Further, the separator dirty air inlet 124 passes the dirty air and debris from the vacuum cleaner inlet 114 to the separator 132 . The separator 132 separates the debris from the clean air. The debris is retained in the separator 132 and falls into a debris collector 148 . The clean air passes through the separator 132 through the shroud 133 and is exhausted from the vacuum 104 A through the clean air outlet 130 and ultimately the vacuum exhaust port 220 .
- the debris collector 148 includes a dust bin door 152 .
- the dust bin door 152 is pivotably connected to the debris collector 148 by a hinge 154 .
- An operator can open the dust bin door 152 by pivoting the dust bin door 152 relative to the debris collector 148 to empty collected debris within the debris collector 148 .
- the dust bin door 152 includes a latch 156 that connects the dust bin door 152 to the debris collector 148 to retain debris in the debris collector 148 ( FIG. 4 ) when a user is not emptying the debris collector 148 .
- the other embodiments of the docking station 100 and the vacuum cleaner 104 may include a dust bin door 152 similar to that described with respect to the first embodiment and the vacuum cleaner 104 A.
- the vacuum 104 A may include an identifier 160 unique to a characteristic of the vacuum 104 A.
- the characteristic of the vacuum 104 A is an identifier 160 specific to the type or model of the vacuum 104 A.
- the identifier 160 may be, for example, and without limitation, a physical identifier 160 such as a bar code or geometric shape, or a software identifier 160 such as a unique signal.
- the identifier 160 may be positioned on an exterior portion of the vacuum 104 A so to be readily accessible by either a user or the dock 108 .
- a vacuum contact 164 is provided on the vacuum 104 A.
- the vacuum contact 164 is configured to engage and electrically connect to another contact.
- the contact 164 is operable to transfer electricity to and from the vacuum 104 A.
- the electricity transferred through the vacuum contact 164 may be related to the identifier 160 , for powering the battery 144 , both, or another electrical function of the vacuum 104 A.
- the vacuum 104 A includes a controller 168 .
- the controller 168 is operable to send a signal identifier 160 through the vacuum contact 164 .
- the dock 108 includes a dock housing 172 that surrounds each of the components of the dock 108 .
- the dock 108 further includes the blower 120 and a blower duct 176 having an inlet 176 A in fluid communication with the blower 120 and an outlet 176 B.
- the outlet 176 B functions as an airflow outlet 176 B in fluid communication with the airflow source 120 such that the airflow generated by the airflow source 120 is discharged from the airflow source 120 through the airflow outlet 176 B.
- the dock 108 includes a return duct 180 .
- the return duct 180 is not in fluid communication with the blower duct 176 such that when the blower 120 is operated and the vacuum 104 is not connected to the dock, airflow from the blower 120 is exhausted by the outlet 176 B to the surroundings.
- the return duct 180 includes an inlet 180 A and an outlet 180 B ( FIG. 3 ).
- the dock 108 further includes an exhaust opening 184 in fluid communication with the return duct 180 .
- the exhaust opening 184 is located adjacent the outlet 180 B of the return duct 180 .
- the dock 108 includes a dock debris collector 188 located between the return duct 180 and the exhaust outlet 180 .
- the illustrated dock debris collector 188 is a filter bag, such as a vacuum cleaner filter bag, but may be, for example and without limitation, a cyclonic or non-cyclonic separator or a filter.
- the return duct 180 may include an actuator 192 that pivotably opens the dust bin door 152 upon connection of the vacuum 104 A to the dock 108 .
- the actuator 192 is in the form of a protrusion on the interior periphery of the return duct 180 adjacent the inlet 180 A of the return duct 180 .
- the actuator 192 rotates the latch 156 to an open position, and as illustrated in FIG.
- the dust bin door 152 freely pivots away from the debris collector 148 or is pushed open by the airflow from the blower 120 .
- Other such actuators 192 on the dock 108 or on the vacuum 104 A may otherwise open the dust bin door 152 upon connection of the vacuum 104 A to the dock 108 .
- the dock 108 activates an actuator disposed on the vacuum (not shown) that moves the latch 156 .
- the actuator is electrically or pneumatically activated with blower operation. With the dust bin door 152 open, the debris collector 148 of the vacuum 104 A opens into the return duct 180 .
- the dock 108 includes a seal 196 adjacent the inlet end 180 A of the return duct 180 .
- the seal 196 circumscribes the inlet end 180 A of the return duct 180 for engaging outer walls of the debris collector 148 . As such, the seal 196 directs air and debris into the dock debris collector 188 .
- the opening formed by the open dust bin door 152 forms the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum 104 A.
- the vacuum 104 A is configured to be connected to the dock 108 .
- the vacuum 104 A is translated into engagement with the dock 108 .
- the vacuum 104 A is aligned with and connects the vacuum cleaner inlet 114 with the blower duct outlet 176 B.
- the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum 104 A is aligned with and connects with the return duct inlet 180 A.
- the actuator 192 opens the dust bin door 152 .
- the seal 196 engages outer walls of the debris collector 148 .
- the vacuum cleaner separator 132 is configured to be coupled to the dock 108 with the vacuum cleaner separator 132 in fluid communication with the airflow outlet 176 B of the dock 108 and the debris outlet 128 of the separator 132 in fluid communication with the dock debris collector 188 such that the airflow generated by the airflow source 120 of the dock 108 travels through the vacuum cleaner separator 132 and through the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum cleaner separator 132 to blow debris out of the debris outlet 128 and into the dock debris collector 188 .
- the dock 108 may include a sensor 200 that determines that the vacuum 104 A is connected to the dock 108 .
- the sensor 200 may be in the form of a sensor or a mechanical switch. As will be described in detail below, the sensor 200 may be a user-activatable switch. Additionally or alternatively, the dock 108 may further include a pressure sensor 204 .
- the pressure sensor 204 is mounted to be in operative communication with the blower duct 176 .
- the pressure sensor 204 monitors a pressure within the blower duct 176 .
- the dock 108 may further include a dock controller 208 operable to electrically communicate with the dock sensors 200 , 204 and the blower 120 .
- the dock 108 may further comprise a dock contact 212 connected to the dock controller 208 operable to electrically communicate with the vacuum 104 A through the vacuum contact 164 when the dock 108 is connected to the vacuum 104 A.
- the dock contact 212 is operable to electrically communicate with the dock sensors 200 , 204 .
- the dock contact 212 is located adjacent the outlet end 176 B of the blower duct 176 . As such, the dock contact 212 is configured to operatively engage the vacuum contact 164 when the vacuum 104 A and the dock 108 are connected.
- the dock controller 208 determines from sensor 200 that the vacuum is connected and the dock controller 208 operates the blower 120 for a predetermined period of time to empty the debris collector 148 of the vacuum 104 A, for example, for a period of 5 or 10 or 15 or 30 seconds or another desired duration.
- the duration of blower operation may be determined by the type or model of vacuum attached to the dock 108 .
- the vacuum contact 164 and the dock contact 212 are mechanically and electrically connected and operable to transfer electricity between the vacuum 104 A and the dock 108 .
- the vacuum controller 168 sends a signal to the dock controller 208 through the dock contact 212 , the signal indicative of the type of vacuum 104 A or another characteristic.
- the controller 208 receives the signal indicative of the characteristic.
- the controller 208 operates the blower 120 for a predetermined period of time.
- the controller 208 may operate the blower 120 , for example, for a period of 5 or 10 or 15 or 30 seconds or another desired duration.
- the controller 208 may operate the blower 120 to operate in a pulse-like fashion by delivering airflow that increases and decreases for a period of time.
- the controller 208 may operate the blower 120 such that power sent to the motor is received in a pulse-like fashion that increases and decreases for a period of time.
- the senor is a user-activatable switch operable to turn the blower 120 on and off.
- the user-activatable switch activates the dock controller 208 to operate the blower 120 for a predetermined period after which the controller 208 turns off the blower.
- the dock controller 208 monitors a signal from the pressure sensor 204 indicative of the pressure within the blower duct 176 and determines if the pressure within the blower duct 176 is outside of a predetermined range. Variations in the pressure are indicative of the operation of the docking station 100 , and pressures outside of a predetermined range may indicate a fault, for example, if the dust bin door 152 is closed, if the dock debris collector 188 is clogged, or if airflow is otherwise blocked. In one embodiment, the dock controller 208 operates the blower 120 to empty the debris collector 148 for a duration that is a function of the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 204 .
- the dock controller 208 may also monitor for signals from the sensor 200 indicative of when the connection between the vacuum 104 A and the dock 108 is made.
- the sensor 200 , the pressure sensor 204 , and the vacuum controller 168 are configured to send a signal indicative of a characteristic to the dock controller 208 .
- the vacuum controller 168 controls the operation of the dock 108 .
- the vacuum controller 168 monitors for signals from the sensor 200 indicative of when the connection between the vacuum 104 A and the dock 108 is made and sends a signal to operate the blower 120 through the vacuum contact 164 to the dock contact 212 to the controller 208 .
- the vacuum controller 168 also monitors for a signal from the pressure sensor 204 indicative of the pressure within the blower duct 176 , and/or the dock controller 208 monitors the pressure sensor 204 and operatively signals to the vacuum controller 168 .
- the dock 108 is powered by a power source 216 .
- the power source 216 may be a battery or household AC power.
- the power source 216 may directly or indirectly power the blower 120 , the dock controller 208 and the sensors 200 , 204 .
- the connection between the vacuum contact 164 and the dock contact 212 may electrically transfer power from the power source 216 of the dock 108 to the battery 144 of the vacuum 104 A.
- a user may charge the vacuum battery 144 by connection of the vacuum 104 A to the dock 108 between the vacuum contact 164 and the dock contact 212 .
- the dock 108 is configured to receive additional batteries 144 or other accessories that are separate from the vacuum cleaner 104 B.
- the dock 108 is configured to charge the additional batteries 144 when the additional batteries 144 are connected to the dock 108 .
- the dock 108 thus functions as a charging and storage station when the additional batteries 144 or other accessories are connected.
- the dirty air inlet 124 is fluidly connected to the outlet 176 B of the blower duct 176 .
- the debris outlet 128 is fluidly connected to the return duct 180 . More specifically, the debris outlet 128 is fluidly connected to the inlet end 180 A of the return duct 180 .
- the flow of fluid from the blower 120 passes from the blower 120 into the blower duct 176 , from the blower duct 176 into the dirty air inlet 124 of the vacuum separator 132 , and through the vacuum separator 132 .
- fluid flow is passed through the debris outlet 128 and into the inlet 180 A of the return duct 180 .
- the fluid then passes through the dock debris collector 188 to the outlet 180 B of the return duct 180 and through the exhaust opening 184 to the surroundings.
- the vacuum separator 132 is a cyclonic separator, the airflow around the cyclonic separator 132 aids in wiping dust and debris from the shroud 133 of the vacuum separator 132 .
- the vacuum exhaust port 220 provides a flow path to exhaust air from the docking station 100 when the blower 120 is operated and the dock debris collector 188 is filled or clogged. Upon clogging of the dock debris collector 188 , increased pressure in the dock debris collector 188 causes at least a portion of the fluid entering through inlet 124 to flow through the shroud 133 and outlet 130 , and to be exhausted from the vacuum 104 A through the vacuum exhaust port 220 .
- FIGS. 6-8 illustrate a second embodiment of the docking station 100 in which the vacuum cleaner 104 is a vacuum 104 B including a wand 112 and a foot 116 having a suction inlet nozzle 118 ( FIG. 7 ), and airflow is passed through both the foot 116 and the wand 112 .
- the vacuum 104 B includes the vacuum separator 132 operable to separate debris from a suction airflow during use of the vacuum cleaner 104 B.
- the vacuum separator 132 includes a dirty air inlet 124 ( FIG.
- the docking station 100 in accordance with the second embodiment has a dock contact 212 which is located adjacent the foot 116 as opposed to the dock contact 212 of the first embodiment which is located adjacent the outlet end 176 B of the blower duct 176 .
- the vacuum cleaner 104 B includes the vacuum separator 132 having the dirty air inlet 124 and the debris outlet 128 as described above with reference to the vacuum cleaner 104 A and the first embodiment of the docking station 100 .
- the wand 112 has a first end 112 A connected to the dirty air inlet 124 of the vacuum separator 132 and an opposite second end 112 B.
- the foot 116 is connected to the second end 112 B of the wand 112 .
- the blower duct 176 is configured to deliver air to the vacuum cleaner 104 B through the suction inlet nozzle 118 of the foot 116 .
- the dirty air inlet 124 of the vacuum separator 132 is connected to the outlet 176 B of the blower duct 176 through the wand 112
- the debris outlet 128 is connected to the return duct 180 . More specifically, the debris outlet 128 is fluidly connected to the inlet end 180 A of the return duct 180 .
- fluid flow from the blower 120 passes debris from the debris collector 148 to the dock debris collector 188 and fluid passes through at least the exhaust opening 184 .
- the vacuum 104 B During normal operation of the vacuum 104 B, electric power is transmitted from the battery 144 to the motor 136 for rotating the impeller 140 and generating an airflow within the vacuum 104 B.
- the vacuum 104 B is not connected to the dock 108 .
- the suction inlet nozzle 118 ( FIG. 7 ) of the foot 116 functions as an inlet to receive dirty air and debris and is in fluid communication with the dirty air inlet 124 in the vacuum 124 B.
- the opening formed by the open dust bin door 152 forms the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum 104 B.
- the separator dirty air inlet 124 passes the dirty air and debris from the foot 116 and the wand 112 to the separator 132 .
- the separator 132 separates the debris from the clean air.
- the debris is retained in the separator 132 and falls into a debris collector 148 with the dust bin door 152 closed.
- the clean air passes through the separator 132 and through the shroud 133 and is exhausted from the vacuum assembly through the clean air outlet 130 and ultimately the vacuum exhaust port 220 .
- the wand 112 and thus the foot 116 can be removed from the vacuum cleaner inlet 114 of the vacuum 104 B to operate the vacuum 104 B as a hand vacuum, similar to the hand vacuum 104 A.
- the dock 108 includes a base 224 on which the foot is supported when the vacuum 104 B is connected to the dock 108 and the vacuum 104 B is fluidly connected to the dock 108 .
- the base 224 of the dock 108 includes a plenum 228 in fluid communication with the outlet 176 B of the blower duct and configured to be fluidly connected with the inlet nozzle 118 of the foot 116 such that when the blower 120 is operated, fluid flow from the blower 120 passes through, successively, the plenum 228 , the foot 116 , the wand 112 , the separator dirty air inlet 124 , the debris outlet 128 with the dust bin door 152 open, the return duct 180 , and the exhaust opening 184 .
- the base 224 includes a seal 230 ( FIG. 7 ) disposed to surround the inlet nozzle 118 when the foot 116 is seated on the base 224 . The seal 230 directs airflow from the plenum 228 into the inlet nozzle 118 when the vacuum 104 B is connected to the dock 108 .
- the vacuum 104 B is configured to be connected to the dock 108 .
- the vacuum 104 B engages the dock 108 with the foot 116 on the base 224 aligning the plenum 228 with the inlet nozzle 118 .
- the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum 104 B is aligned with and connects with the return duct inlet 180 A.
- the dust bin door 152 may be opened in a manner described with respect to the first embodiment.
- the seal 196 engages outer walls of the debris collector 148 .
- the vacuum cleaner separator 132 is configured to be coupled to the dock 108 with the vacuum cleaner separator 132 in fluid communication with the airflow outlet 176 B of the dock 108 and the debris outlet 128 of the separator 132 in fluid communication with the dock debris collector 188 such that the airflow generated by the airflow source 120 of the dock 108 travels through the vacuum cleaner separator 132 and through the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum cleaner separator 132 to blow debris out of the debris outlet 128 and into the dock debris collector 188 .
- the blower 120 may be controlled in a manner described with respect to the first embodiment.
- FIGS. 9-12 illustrate a third embodiment of the docking station 100 in which the vacuum cleaner 104 is a vacuum 104 C.
- the vacuum 104 C has many common elements as described with respect to the vacuum 104 B of the second embodiment described above and with reference to FIGS. 6-8 .
- the vacuum 104 C includes the foot 116 having the suction inlet nozzle 118 and a passageway 112 ′ between the suction inlet nozzle 118 and the separator 132 .
- the passageway 112 ′ of the third embodiment is similar to the wand 112 of the second embodiment.
- the passageway 112 ′ is interchangeably named a wand 112 ′.
- the passageway 112 ′ has a valve 236 connectable to the dock 108 .
- the passageway 112 ′ extends between the suction inlet nozzle 118 and the separator 132 .
- Many features of the second embodiment of the docking station 100 apply equally to the third embodiment of the docking station 100 .
- the third embodiment of the docking station 100 passes airflow into a valve 236 on the wand 112 ′.
- the valve 236 is disposed on the wand 112 ′.
- the valve 236 may be provided in another airpath as desired for other vacuum cleaners, such as a passageway between the foot and the separator on an upright vacuum or any other desired arrangement cooperative with the docking station.
- the wand 112 ′ of the vacuum cleaner 104 C includes an aperture 232 .
- the aperture 232 is located at an intermediate position between the first end 112 ′A and the second end 112 ′B of the wand 112 ′.
- the vacuum cleaner 104 C further includes a valve 236 .
- FIG. 11 illustrates the valve 236 in a closed position. The valve 236 in the closed position covers the aperture and airflow during operation of the vacuum 104 C passes from the foot 116 , through the wand 112 ′, and into the vacuum cleaner 104 C.
- valve 12 illustrates the valve 236 in an open position with the aperture 232 aligned with the blower duct outlet 176 B such that the blower duct 176 is in fluid communication with the aperture 232 , and thus, the wand 112 ′ at the intermediate position between the first end 112 ′A and the second end 112 ′B of the wand 112 ′.
- the valve 236 is movable between the open position ( FIG. 12 ) and the closed position ( FIG. 11 ).
- the valve includes a tab 240 positioned to engage a corresponding protrusion 244 on the dock housing 172 when the vacuum 104 C is docked on the dock 108 .
- the tab 240 engages the protrusion at a height corresponding to the valve 236 being in the open position when the vacuum 104 C and the wand 112 ′ are fully docked.
- continued movement of the vacuum 104 C and wand 112 ′ into the docked position causes the valve 236 to slide axially along the wand 112 ′ from the closed position ( FIG. 11 ) to the open position ( FIG.
- the valve 236 includes a valve aperture 246 configured to align with the aperture 232 of the wand 112 ′ in the open position ( FIG. 12 ). As such, when the valve 236 is moved to the open position ( FIG. 12 ), the blower outlet duct 176 B is placed in fluid communication with the aperture 232 . As such, in the third embodiment of the docking station 100 , fluid passes to the vacuum 104 C through only a portion of the wand 112 ′ between the aperture 232 and the second end 112 B.
- a seal 248 is provided on the dock 108 disposed at the end of the blower duct outlet 176 B.
- the seal 248 is configured to engage the valve 236 around the valve aperture 246 to direct airflow from the blower duct 176 into the valve aperture 246 and wand aperture 232 .
- the base 224 of this embodiment may include a blocking seal 254 disposed to engage the suction inlet nozzle 118 to inhibit airflow from exiting through the second wand end 112 ′B and through the nozzle 118 .
- the blocking seal 254 thereby directs airflow entering the wand aperture 232 to be directed to the first wand end 112 ′A and the separator dirty air inlet 124 .
- the base 224 is shaped to cover the suction inlet nozzle 118 .
- the valve 236 may include a spring 252 connected between the wand 112 ′ and the valve 236 urging the valve 236 toward the closed position ( FIG. 11 ).
- the spring 252 may be covered by a spring cover 250 to protect the spring 252 from the environment.
- FIGS. 13-15 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the docking station 100 in which a vacuum cleaner separator 104 D is removed from the vacuum cleaner 104 before engaging the dock 108 , and airflow from the dock 108 is passed to the dirty air inlet 124 ( FIG. 15 ) of the vacuum cleaner separator 132 to the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum cleaner separator 132 .
- the vacuum cleaner separator 104 D ( FIGS. 13-15 ) is configured for use in a vacuum cleaner (not shown), and is removable from the vacuum cleaner for emptying dirt and debris from the vacuum cleaner separator 104 D with the dock 108 .
- the vacuum cleaner separator 104 D When attached to the vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner separator 104 D functions to separate dirty air from debris during operation of the vacuum cleaner.
- the vacuum cleaner separator 104 D includes the vacuum cleaner separator 132 , and the vacuum cleaner separator 104 D is attachable to the dock 108 to fluidly connect the dirty air inlet 124 of the vacuum cleaner separator 104 D with the airflow outlet 176 B and the debris end 128 of the vacuum cleaner separator 132 with the dock debris collector 188 .
- the blower duct 176 is configured to deliver air to the vacuum cleaner separator 104 D through the dirty air inlet 124 .
- the vacuum cleaner separator 132 is in fluid communication with the dock 108 such that the dirty air inlet 124 is connected with the outlet 176 B of the blower duct 176 and the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum cleaner separator 132 is fluidly connected to the return duct 180 .
- the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum cleaner separator 132 is fluidly connected to the inlet end 180 A of the return duct 180 .
- the dirty air inlet 124 is an inlet configured to receive dirty air and debris
- the vacuum separator 132 is configured to separate debris from the clean air, where the debris is retained in the separator 132 and falls into a debris collector 148 with the dust bin door 152 closed.
- the clean air passes through the separator 132 and through the shroud 133 and is exhausted from the vacuum assembly through the clean air outlet 130 and ultimately through a vacuum exhaust port of the vacuum cleaner.
- the dirty air inlet 124 of the vacuum cleaner separator 104 D is directly fluidly connected to the outlet of the blower duct 176 B such that when the blower 120 is operated, fluid flow from the blower 120 passes through the dirty air inlet 124 of the vacuum cleaner separator 104 D towards the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum cleaner separator 104 D with the dust bin door 152 open through the vacuum separator 132 .
- the fourth embodiment of the docking station 100 includes a first seal 196 and a second seal 258 .
- the first seal 196 corresponds with the seal 196 of the first embodiment of the docking station 100 .
- the first seal 196 is adjacent the inlet end 180 A of the return duct 180 , and is configured to circumscribe the inlet end 180 A of the return duct 180 for engaging outer walls of the vacuum cleaner separator 104 D.
- the second seal 258 is provided on the blower duct outlet 176 B to engage the vacuum cleaner separator 104 D around the dirty air inlet 124 to direct air from the blower duct 176 into the dirty air inlet 124 .
- the dust bin door 152 may be opened by actuator 192 in a manner described with respect to the first embodiment.
- the seal 196 engages outer walls of the debris collector 148 and the second seal 258 engages around the dirty air inlet 124 such that the airflow generated by the airflow source 120 of the dock 108 travels through the vacuum cleaner separator 132 and through the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum cleaner separator 132 to blow debris out of the debris outlet 128 and into the dock debris collector 188 .
- the blower 120 may be controlled in a manner described with respect to the first embodiment.
- airflow generated by the blower 120 passes through, successively, the blower duct 176 , dirty air inlet 124 of the vacuum cleaner separator 132 , the vacuum separator 132 , the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum cleaner separator 132 , the return duct 180 , and the exhaust opening 184 .
- FIGS. 16-19 illustrate a fifth embodiment of the docking station 100 in which a vacuum cleaner separator 104 E is removed from the vacuum cleaner 104 before engaging the dock 108 , and airflow is passed from the blower duct 180 into the vacuum cleaner separator 132 through what is the clean air outlet 130 during normal operation of the vacuum cleaner separator 104 E.
- the dirty air inlet 124 that typically receives dirty air in normal operation of the vacuum cleaner separator 104 E is sealed from the surroundings.
- the vacuum cleaner separator 104 E includes a pre-motor filter 256 disposed within or adjacent the clean air outlet 130 of the vacuum cleaner separator 132 .
- the pre-motor filter 256 is configured to cleanse relatively clean environmental air of debris prior to contacting the impeller 140 of the vacuum cleaner (not shown).
- the pre-motor filter 256 has a dirty side (i.e., an upstream side) 256 B and an opposite downstream side 256 A. Debris collects at the dirty side 256 B when the vacuum cleaner operates as air travels through the pre-motor filter 256 to the downstream side of the filter before contacting the impeller 140 .
- the fifth embodiment of the docking station 100 relates to delivering air into the pre-motor filter 256 so that air enters the downstream side of the pre-motor filter 256 , pushing dust and debris from the pre-motor filter 256 , then into the separator 132 and ultimately into the dock debris collector 188 .
- the pre-motor filter 256 is disposed between the blower tube outlet 176 B of the docking station 100 and the vacuum separator 132 such that, when the vacuum cleaner separator 104 E is connected to the dock 108 and the blower 120 is operated, air enters the downstream side 256 A of the pre-motor filter 256 , pushing debris from the pre-motor filter 256 into the debris collector 148 and into the dock debris collector 188 .
- the dock 108 includes a manifold 260 in fluid communication with the blower duct outlet 176 B.
- the manifold 260 is formed within a lid 264 that is pivotably connected to the dock 108 .
- the lid 264 is pivotable between an open position ( FIGS. 16-17 ) in which the vacuum cleaner separator 104 E is connectable to the dock 108 , and a closed position ( FIG. 18 ) in which the manifold 260 fluidly connects the blower duct outlet 176 B with the clean air outlet 130 of the vacuum cleaner separator 104 E.
- the vacuum cleaner separator 104 E is removable from a vacuum cleaner.
- the separator dirty air inlet 124 is an inlet configured to pass dirty air and debris from the environment to the separator 132 .
- the separator 132 separates the debris from the clean air. The debris is retained in the separator 132 and falls into the debris collector 148 with the dust bin door closed.
- the clean air outlet 130 exhausts clean air from the separator 132 to a vacuum exhaust port of the vacuum cleaner, and ultimately to the surroundings.
- the pre-motor filter 256 is configured to separate debris from the air prior to ejection to the surroundings.
- the opening formed by the open dust bin door 152 (illustrated with regards to the first embodiment in FIG. 3 ) forms the dust bin debris outlet 128 configured to exhaust debris from the vacuum cleaner.
- the downstream side 256 A of the filter 256 and the clean air outlet 130 of the vacuum cleaner separator 104 E are fluidly connected to the outlet of the blower duct 176 B such that when the blower 120 is operated, fluid flow from the blower 120 passes through the pre-motor filter 256 of the vacuum cleaner separator 104 E towards the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum cleaner separator 104 E through the vacuum separator 132 .
- the fifth embodiment of the docking station 100 includes a first seal 196 , a second seal 266 , and a third seal 268 .
- the first seal 196 is adjacent the inlet end 180 A of the return duct 180 and is configured to circumscribe the inlet end 180 A of the return duct 180 for engaging outer walls of the vacuum cleaner separator 104 E.
- the second seal 266 is provided on the dock 108 to fluidly seal the dirty air inlet 124 from the surroundings (see FIG. 19 ) to inhibit airflow from exiting through the dirty air inlet 124 .
- the third seal 268 is provided on the lid 264 around the manifold 260 to fluidly connect blower duct outlet 176 B with the vacuum cleaner separator 104 E around perimeter of the clean air outlet 130 and/or the perimeter of the pre-motor filter 256 to direct air from the blower duct 176 into the downstream side of the pre-motor filter 256 A.
- the dust bin door 152 may be opened by actuator 192 in a manner described with respect to the first embodiment.
- the seal 196 engages outer walls of the debris collector 148 and the second seal 266 blocks the dirty air inlet 124 inhibiting airflow generated by the airflow source 120 of the dock 108 from passing out of the dirty air inlet 124 .
- the user closes the lid 264 to engage the third seal 268 around the clean air outlet 130 and/or the filter 256 connecting the blower exhaust duct 176 B to the vacuum cleaner separator 132 .
- airflow generated by the blower 120 passes through, successively, the blower duct 176 , the downstream side 256 A of the pre-motor filter 256 of the vacuum cleaner separator 132 , the vacuum separator 132 , the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum cleaner separator 132 , the return duct 180 , and the exhaust opening 184 .
- the blower 120 may be controlled in a manner described with respect to the first embodiment.
- Each of the embodiments of the docking station 100 include the dock 108 including the blower 120 which generates fluid flow which passes debris from the vacuum cleaner 104 to the dock debris collector 188 .
- various other elements of the first embodiment of the docking station 100 may be applied to the other embodiments of the docking station 100 .
- Other variations of the described and illustrated embodiments are possible.
- Each of the vacuum cleaners 104 is movable between an in-use position (e.g., FIG. 2 ) decoupled from the dock 108 and a docked position (e.g., FIG. 3 ) coupled to the dock 108 .
- a user grasping a handle 324 of the vacuum cleaner 104 e.g., the vacuum cleaner 104 A in FIGS. 2, 3 ) does not have to rotate the vacuum cleaner 104 about the longitudinal axis LA to couple the vacuum cleaner 104 to the dock 108 .
- the user is relieved from having to twist the handle 324 to couple or decouple the vacuum cleaner 104 to or from the dock 108 .
- Insertion and removal of the vacuum cleaner 104 to and from the dock 108 is simplified. Movement of the vacuum cleaner 104 to both insert and remove the vacuum cleaner 104 from the docket 108 are in directions similar to how the vacuum cleaner 104 is moved during normal operation. This configuration along with the vacuum contact 164 and the dock contact 212 can further simplify electrically coupling the vacuum cleaner 104 to the dock 108 .
- Each of the vacuum cleaner separators 132 , 104 D, 104 E each defines a plurality of surfaces.
- Each of the vacuum cleaner separators 132 , 104 D, 104 E defines a first sidewall 300 (i.e., a “surface”) configured to generally face a reference plane W when the vacuum 104 is moving in a forward direction.
- the reference plane W in the description and claims herein is defined to be a vertical plane of reference in front of a user as the user approaches the reference plane W along a direction perpendicular to the plane.
- the reference plane W may be, for example, a wall, an imaginary plane, or the like. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the reference plane W may extend transverse to the surface S.
- the reference plane W may be perpendicular to the surface S.
- the reference plane W may be behind the dock 108 as a frame of reference as a user approaches the dock 108 with a separator to connect to the dock.
- the dock 108 is configured to have a docking side, which is a side toward which a user is or may be positioned while coupling the vacuum 104 to the dock 108 .
- the docking side and as such the user, is positioned on the opposite side of the dock 108 from the reference plane W during docking.
- the first sidewall 300 of the vacuum 104 is a surface that faces the docking side and the reference plane W when in the docked position ( FIG. 3 ).
- the first sidewall 300 would also be oriented toward the reference plane W when the vacuum 104 is used during normal vacuuming operation as the user approaches the reference plane W.
- the first sidewall 300 also faces in a direction away from the user and generally away from the floor S in a normal in-use vacuuming position (not shown).
- the vacuum 104 connects to the dock 108 with the first sidewall 300 facing the docking side and facing the reference plane W. That is, the user simply sets the vacuum 104 onto to dock 108 in much the same way as the user moves the vacuum 104 during in-use normal vacuuming operation.
- Each of the vacuum cleaner separators 132 , 104 D, 104 E further defines a second sidewall 304 opposite the first sidewall 300 .
- the second sidewall 304 faces toward a user of the docking station 100 in the docked position ( FIG. 3 ) when the user is positioned on the docking side, or the opposite side of the dock 108 from the reference plane W.
- the second sidewall 304 also faces in a direction toward the user and generally toward the floor S in a normal in-use vacuuming position (not shown).
- Each of the vacuum cleaner separators 132 , 104 D, 104 E further defines a top end 308 and an opposite bottom end 312 supported on the dock 108 when the separator 132 , 104 D, 104 E is coupled to the docking station 100 .
- the separators 132 , 104 D, 104 E each further defines a first lateral sidewall 316 generally corresponding with a left side of the separator 132 , 104 D, 104 E and an opposite second lateral sidewall 320 generally corresponding with a right side of the separator 132 , 104 D, 104 E.
- the vacuum cleaners 104 A, 104 B each include the handle 324 .
- the handle 324 includes a first end 324 a and an opposite second end 324 b oriented for a user to grasp the handle 324 in a normal grasping position to maneuver the vacuum cleaner 104 A, 104 B during use.
- the normal grasping position in the description and claims herein is defined to be a user grasping the handle with the user's index finger IF closer to the first end 324 a of the handle 324 and the user's little (i.e., pinky) finger LF closer to the second end 324 b of the handle 324 .
- a user grasps the handle 324 of the vacuum cleaner 104 (e.g., the vacuum cleaner 104 A in FIGS.
- the handle 324 is located adjacent the top end 308 of the separator 132 .
- the battery 144 is located adjacent the handle 324 and the second sidewall 304 . Accordingly, when in both the normal in-use vacuuming position and the docked position ( FIG. 3 ), the battery 144 is positioned adjacent the user and between the user and the reference plane W. Other location of the handle 324 and the battery 144 are possible as desired for the application.
- the dock 108 also defines a plurality of surfaces.
- the dock 108 defines a first sidewall 400 configured to face the reference plane W.
- the dock further defines a second sidewall 404 opposite the first sidewall 400 .
- the second sidewall 404 is the docking side configured to face a user during docking.
- the dock 108 further defines a top end 408 and an opposite bottom end 412 supported on a surface S.
- the surface S is a floor or floor surface cleaned by the vacuum cleaner 104 .
- the dock 108 further defines a first lateral sidewall 416 generally corresponding with a left side of the dock 108 and an opposite second lateral sidewall 420 generally corresponding with a right side of the dock 108 .
- the separator 132 , 104 D, 104 E assembled as a vacuum cleaner is advanced at least partially in an advancing direction extending away, typically forwardly, from the first sidewall 300 thereof.
- the separator 132 , 104 D, 104 E as a vacuum cleaner is retreated at least partially in a retreating direction extending away, typically rearwardly, from the second sidewall 304 thereof.
- the user grasps the handle 324 to maneuver the vacuum 104 A, 104 B in the advancing and retreating directions across a surface to be cleaned, or to move the vacuum to desired locations.
- the separator 132 , 104 D, 104 E While the separator 132 , 104 D, 104 E is coupled to the dock 108 , the separator 132 , 104 D, 104 E approaches the dock 108 with a first sidewall 300 of the separator 132 , 104 D, 104 E facing the first sidewall 400 of the dock 108 .
- the bottom end 312 is coupled to the top end 408 of the dock 108 .
- the vacuum 104 A houses the separator 132 , and the vacuum 104 A is translated along arrow A 1 to couple the debris outlet 128 of the vacuum 104 A in fluid communication with the return duct inlet 180 A of the dock 108 .
- the fluid flow path from the blower 120 can pass through the separator 132 , 140 D, 104 E as described above.
- the direction of insertion along arrow A 1 extends along the longitudinal axis LA through the vacuum cleaner.
- FIG. 3 illustrates the position in which the vacuum 104 A is coupled to the dock 108 .
- the first sidewall 300 of the separator 132 is adjacent the first sidewall 400 of the dock 108 and the second sidewall 304 of the separator 132 is adjacent the second sidewall 404 of the dock 108 .
- the first sidewall 300 of the separator 132 (a component of the vacuum 104 A) faces the first sidewall 400 of the dock 108 .
- the second sidewall 304 of the separator 132 (a component of the vacuum 104 A) faces the second sidewall 404 of the dock 108 .
- the second sidewall 304 of the separator 132 is configured to face the user (e.g., where the user is positioned to the left of the dock 108 , the vacuum 104 A, and the separator 132 as viewed in FIG. 3 ) when the vacuum cleaner separator 132 is coupled to the dock 108 .
- the vacuum 104 A including the separator 132 was rotated about the arrow A 1 and longitudinal axis LA. Rather, the separator 132 is aligned with the dock 108 , and is translated along the arrow A 1 .
- a user can grasp the handle 324 during both regular operation of the vacuum 104 A, 104 B and during docking of the vacuum 104 A, 104 B onto the dock 108 .
- This eliminates the need for a user to twist the vacuum 104 A, 104 B, or the separator 104 D, 104 E prior to coupling the vacuum 104 A, 104 B, or the separator 104 D, 104 E to the dock 108 .
- the vacuum 104 A, 104 B is uncoupled from the dock, the vacuum is oriented with the first sidewall 300 facing away from the user as in the use orientation eliminating the need for a user to twist and re-orient the vacuum 104 A, 104 B prior to using the vacuum.
- Components of the vacuum 104 A face certain surfaces of the separator 132 .
- the battery 144 faces the second sidewall 304 . Accordingly, the battery 144 is spaced from the reference plane W and is readily accessible to a user when the vacuum 104 A is coupled to the dock.
- the battery 144 may face a user in both the in-use position ( FIG. 2 ) as well as the docked position ( FIG. 3 ). With this location of the battery 144 , the battery 144 may be selectively coupled to the vacuum 104 A by a user positioned adjacent the second sidewall 304 without requiring the user to reach over or around the vacuum 104 A. Accordingly, the battery 144 is more accessible to a user in the docked position ( FIG. 3 ) of the vacuum 104 A.
- the handle 324 of the vacuum 104 A extends in a direction between the first end of the separator 132 and the second end of the separator 132 .
- the handle 324 is angled and extends at least partially in a direction between the top end 308 and the bottom end 312 .
- the handle 324 permits a user to connect or disconnect the vacuum cleaner 104 A from the dock 108 by moving the vacuum cleaner 104 A along the axis A 1 .
- the handle permits the user to connect or disconnect the vacuum cleaner 104 A from the dock 108 with the first sidewall 300 facing away from the user as in the use orientation, without requiring rotation of the vacuum cleaner 104 A about the longitudinal axis LA or the arrow A 1 .
- Components of the dock 108 face certain surfaces of the dock 108 .
- the blower duct 176 , and the airflow outlet 176 B thereof are positioned adjacent the second sidewall 404 of the dock 108 .
- the exhaust opening 184 which is downstream of the dock debris collector 188 , is positioned adjacent the first sidewall 400 of the dock.
- the blower 120 is positioned adjacent both the first sidewall 400 and the bottom end 412 of the dock 108 .
- the battery 144 may be separable from the vacuum 104 B and coupled to the dock 108 adjacent both the second lateral sidewall 420 and the top end 408 of the dock 108 .
- Other positions of the airflow outlet 176 B, the exhaust opening 184 , the blower 120 , and the battery 144 are possible.
- the vacuum 104 B is supported upon the dock 108 with the foot 116 resting upon the base 224 .
- the base 224 is located adjacent the bottom end 412 of the dock 108 , and is supported upon the surface S.
- the wans 112 is adjacent the second sidewall 404 of the dock 108 .
- vacuums 104 A- 104 C and vacuum separators 104 D- 104 E have different locations of vacuum cleaner inlets 114 and separator inlets 124 .
- the separator inlet 124 is adjacent the second sidewall 304 of the separators 132 , 104 D.
- the airflow outlet 176 B and the separator inlet 124 are each adjacent the top end 308 of the separator 104 E.
- the suction inlet 114 may be positioned on the body 106 of the vacuums 104 A- 104 C.
- the vacuum cleaner separator 104 D- 104 E may include the suction inlet 114 . Positioning of the suction inlet 114 varies as desired for the application.
- vacuums 104 A- 104 C and vacuum separators 104 D, 104 E have different locations of debris outlets 128 .
- the debris outlets 128 are adjacent the first sidewall 300 of the separator 132 .
- the airflow outlet 176 B is positioned adjacent the second sidewall 404 of the dock 108 , and faces the top end 408 of the dock 108 .
- the debris outlets 128 are adjacent the second sidewall 304 of the separators 104 D, 104 E.
- the blower duct 176 is adjacent the first sidewall 400 of the dock 108 .
- the air outflow outlet 176 B is adjacent the first sidewall 400 of the dock 108 , and extends towards the second sidewall 404 of the dock 108 .
- the airflow outlet 176 B of the duct 176 is positioned adjacent the top end 408 of the dock 108 , and faces the bottom end 412 of the dock 108 .
- Other locations of the debris outlets 128 and blower duct 176 are possible.
- FIG. 15 illustrates the position in which the separator 132 is coupled to the dock 108 .
- the first sidewall 300 of the separator 132 is adjacent the first sidewall 400 of the dock 108 and the second sidewall 304 of the separator 132 is adjacent the second sidewall 404 of the dock 108 .
- the first sidewall 300 of the separator 132 faces the first sidewall 400 of the dock 108 .
- the second sidewall 304 of the separator 132 faces the second sidewall 404 of the dock 108 .
- the second sidewall 304 of the separator 132 is configured to face the user (e.g., where the user is positioned to the right of the dock 108 , the vacuum 104 A, and the separator 132 as viewed in FIG. 15 ) when the vacuum cleaner separator 132 is coupled to the dock 108 .
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/159,715, filed Mar. 11, 2021, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
- The present invention relates to docking stations, and more particularly to docking stations for vacuum cleaners.
- Vacuum docking systems include docks that are typically used to store and charge floor cleaners. Hand vacuums are used either by themselves or with a connected wand and foot such that the hand vacuum functions as a stick vacuum. The hand vacuum may be removable from the wand, and thus the foot, to function as a hand vacuum separated from the wand and thus the foot. Finally, hand vacuums or vacuums other than hand vacuums may include dust cups that are removable from the rest of the vacuum, for example, for cleaning or emptying debris from the dust cup.
- In one embodiment, a vacuum cleaner docking station includes a vacuum cleaner separator and a dock. The vacuum cleaner separator is operable to separate debris from a suction airflow. The vacuum cleaner separator includes a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet, and a debris collector having a debris outlet. The vacuum cleaner separator is removably coupled to the dock. The dock includes an airflow source operable to generate an airflow, an airflow outlet in fluid communication with the airflow source such that the airflow generated by the airflow source is discharged from the airflow source through the airflow outlet, and a dock debris collector. The vacuum cleaner separator is configured to be coupled to the dock with the vacuum cleaner separator in fluid communication with the airflow outlet of the dock and the debris outlet of the vacuum cleaner in fluid communication with the dock debris collector such that the airflow generated by the airflow source of the dock travels through the vacuum cleaner separator and through the debris outlet of the vacuum cleaner separator to blow debris out of the debris outlet and into the dock debris collector
- In another embodiment, a vacuum cleaner docking station is operated by a user, the vacuum cleaner docking station includes a vacuum cleaner operable to separate debris from a suction airflow. The vacuum cleaner includes a first sidewall that faces in a direction away from the user and away from a floor in a normal in-use vacuuming position of the vacuum cleaner. A second sidewall faces in a direction toward the user and toward the floor in the normal in-use vacuuming position of the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner further includes a debris collector having a debris outlet. A dock is configured to receive and store the vacuum cleaner in a docked position, the dock including a dock debris collector, and in the docked position the dock is configured to selectively couple the dock debris collector and the debris collector of the vacuum cleaner such that the dock debris collector receives debris separated by the vacuum cleaner from the debris outlet of the debris collector of the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the dock. The vacuum cleaner is coupled to the dock by the user with the second sidewall facing in a direction toward the user and the first side wall faces in a direction away from the user.
- In another embodiment a vacuum cleaner docking station includes a vacuum cleaner separator, the vacuum cleaner separator operable to separate debris from a suction airflow, the vacuum cleaner separator having a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall. The vacuum cleaner docking station further includes a dock, the vacuum cleaner separator removably coupled to the dock, the dock including, a first sidewall configured to face a reference plane, a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall and configured to face a user. In regular use of the vacuum cleaner separator, the vacuum cleaner separator is advanced in an advancing direction extending away from the first sidewall of the vacuum cleaner separator. The vacuum cleaner separator is configured to be coupled to the dock with the vacuum cleaner separator in fluid communication with the dock and with the first sidewall of the vacuum cleaner adjacent the first sidewall of the dock and the second sidewall of the vacuum cleaner adjacent the second sidewall of the dock.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a docking station system having a vacuum assembly disposed from a dock in accordance with a first embodiment of the disclosure. -
FIG. 2 is a side view of the docking station system ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a side view of the docking station system ofFIG. 1 with the vacuum assembly connected to the dock. -
FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of an actuator of the vacuum cleaner ofFIG. 3 taken along section line 4-4 inFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the docking station system ofFIG. 3 with the section taken through a separator of the vacuum cleaner. -
FIG. 6 is a front view of a docking station system in accordance with a second embodiment of the disclosure. -
FIG. 7 is a side view of the docking station system ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 8 is a partial cross section view of the docking station system ofFIG. 7 with the section taken through a separator of the vacuum cleaner. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner for use in a docking station system in accordance with a third embodiment of the disclosure. -
FIG. 10 is a side view of the docking station system including the vacuum cleaner ofFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the docking station system taken along section line 11-11 inFIG. 10 and showing a valve in a closed position. -
FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the docking station system taken along section line 11-11 inFIG. 10 and showing the valve in an aligned position. -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a dock for use in a docking station system in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the disclosure. -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the docking station system including the dock ofFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 15 is a side view of the docking station system ofFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a dock for use in a docking station system in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the disclosure. -
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the docking station system including the dock ofFIG. 16 with a lid of the dock in an open position. -
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the docking station system including the dock ofFIG. 16 with the lid of the dock in a closed position. -
FIG. 19 is partial cross sectional side view of the docking station system ofFIG. 16 with the section taken through a separator of a dust bin. - Before any embodiments of the present 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.
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FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a first embodiment of a vacuumcleaner docking station 100. Thedocking station 100 includes adock 108 configured to receive avacuum cleaner 104 and discharge dirt and debris contained inside thevacuum cleaner 104 into thedock 108. In the first embodiment, thevacuum cleaner 104 is ahand vacuum 104A. Thehand vacuum 104A may be replaced by a stick or other type of vacuum. Thevacuum cleaner 104 may also be other types ofvacuums wand 112 and afoot 116, or avacuum cleaner separator FIGS. 1 and 2 , thevacuum cleaner 104 defines a longitudinal axis LA extending therethrough. In each embodiment of thedocking station 100, thevacuum cleaner 104 is operable to be connected with thedock 108 to be placed in fluid communication with thedock 108. Thedock 108 includes anairflow source 120 configured to impart fluid flow through both thedock 108 and thevacuum cleaner 104, as will be discussed in detail with various embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, theairflow source 120 includes a blower such as a centrifugal fan, axial fan, or other fan arrangement. - As illustrated in
FIG. 3 , thevacuum 104A includes avacuum separator 132 having a dirty air inlet 124 (FIG. 5 ) configured to receive dirty air. Thevacuum separator 132 is configured to separate dirty air from debris during use of the vacuum cleaner. Adebris outlet 128 is operable to be opened to remove debris from thevacuum separator 132 after use of the vacuum cleaner. Thedebris outlet 128 is fluidly connected to thedirty air inlet 124. Thevacuum separator 132 can be, for example and without limitation, a cyclonic separator or a filter. As illustrated inFIG. 5 , thevacuum separator 132 of thevacuum 104A is a cyclonic separator with ashroud 133. With continued reference toFIG. 5 , thevacuum 104A further includes abody 106 housing amotor 136 and animpeller 140 connected to themotor 136 for rotation therewith. Theimpeller 140 generates an airflow in thevacuum 104A when themotor 136 is rotated to draw air from the vacuumcleaner inlet 114 through theseparator 132 coupled to the body to avacuum exhaust port 220. Themotor 136 is powered by abattery 144. Thevacuum separator 132 further includes aclean air outlet 130 adjacent theimpeller 140. - During normal operation of the
vacuum 104A, electric power is transmitted from thebattery 144 to themotor 136 for rotating theimpeller 140 and generating an airflow within thevacuum 104A. During normal operation of thevacuum 104A, thevacuum 104A is not connected to thedock 108. Thedirty air inlet 124 functions as an inlet to receive dirty air and debris. Further, the separatordirty air inlet 124 passes the dirty air and debris from the vacuumcleaner inlet 114 to theseparator 132. Theseparator 132 separates the debris from the clean air. The debris is retained in theseparator 132 and falls into adebris collector 148. The clean air passes through theseparator 132 through theshroud 133 and is exhausted from thevacuum 104A through theclean air outlet 130 and ultimately thevacuum exhaust port 220. - With reference to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , thedebris collector 148 includes adust bin door 152. Thedust bin door 152 is pivotably connected to thedebris collector 148 by ahinge 154. An operator can open thedust bin door 152 by pivoting thedust bin door 152 relative to thedebris collector 148 to empty collected debris within thedebris collector 148. Thedust bin door 152 includes alatch 156 that connects thedust bin door 152 to thedebris collector 148 to retain debris in the debris collector 148 (FIG. 4 ) when a user is not emptying thedebris collector 148. The other embodiments of thedocking station 100 and thevacuum cleaner 104 may include adust bin door 152 similar to that described with respect to the first embodiment and thevacuum cleaner 104A. - With continued reference to
FIG. 3 , thevacuum 104A may include anidentifier 160 unique to a characteristic of thevacuum 104A. In the illustrated embodiment, the characteristic of thevacuum 104A is anidentifier 160 specific to the type or model of thevacuum 104A. Theidentifier 160 may be, for example, and without limitation, aphysical identifier 160 such as a bar code or geometric shape, or asoftware identifier 160 such as a unique signal. Theidentifier 160 may be positioned on an exterior portion of thevacuum 104A so to be readily accessible by either a user or thedock 108. In the case of a software orsignal identifier 160, avacuum contact 164 is provided on thevacuum 104A. Thevacuum contact 164 is configured to engage and electrically connect to another contact. Thecontact 164 is operable to transfer electricity to and from thevacuum 104A. The electricity transferred through thevacuum contact 164 may be related to theidentifier 160, for powering thebattery 144, both, or another electrical function of thevacuum 104A. Optionally, thevacuum 104A includes acontroller 168. Among other functions, thecontroller 168 is operable to send asignal identifier 160 through thevacuum contact 164. - With reference to
FIG. 5 , thedock 108 includes adock housing 172 that surrounds each of the components of thedock 108. Thedock 108 further includes theblower 120 and ablower duct 176 having aninlet 176A in fluid communication with theblower 120 and anoutlet 176B. Theoutlet 176B functions as anairflow outlet 176B in fluid communication with theairflow source 120 such that the airflow generated by theairflow source 120 is discharged from theairflow source 120 through theairflow outlet 176B. Thedock 108 includes areturn duct 180. Considering thedock 108 by itself, in the illustrated embodiment, thereturn duct 180 is not in fluid communication with theblower duct 176 such that when theblower 120 is operated and thevacuum 104 is not connected to the dock, airflow from theblower 120 is exhausted by theoutlet 176B to the surroundings. Thereturn duct 180 includes aninlet 180A and anoutlet 180B (FIG. 3 ). Thedock 108 further includes anexhaust opening 184 in fluid communication with thereturn duct 180. Theexhaust opening 184 is located adjacent theoutlet 180B of thereturn duct 180. Thedock 108 includes adock debris collector 188 located between thereturn duct 180 and theexhaust outlet 180. The illustrateddock debris collector 188 is a filter bag, such as a vacuum cleaner filter bag, but may be, for example and without limitation, a cyclonic or non-cyclonic separator or a filter. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 2 andFIG. 4 , thereturn duct 180 may include anactuator 192 that pivotably opens thedust bin door 152 upon connection of thevacuum 104A to thedock 108. Thus, upon connection of thevacuum 104A to thedock 108, fluid may pass through thevacuum 104A from thedirty air inlet 124, through theseparator 132, and through thedebris outlet 128. In the illustrated embodiment, theactuator 192 is in the form of a protrusion on the interior periphery of thereturn duct 180 adjacent theinlet 180A of thereturn duct 180. In the illustrated embodiment, theactuator 192 rotates thelatch 156 to an open position, and as illustrated inFIG. 5 , thedust bin door 152 freely pivots away from thedebris collector 148 or is pushed open by the airflow from theblower 120. Othersuch actuators 192 on thedock 108 or on thevacuum 104A may otherwise open thedust bin door 152 upon connection of thevacuum 104A to thedock 108. In one embodiment, thedock 108 activates an actuator disposed on the vacuum (not shown) that moves thelatch 156. In one embodiment, the actuator is electrically or pneumatically activated with blower operation. With thedust bin door 152 open, thedebris collector 148 of thevacuum 104A opens into thereturn duct 180. - As illustrated in
FIG. 5 , thedock 108 includes aseal 196 adjacent theinlet end 180A of thereturn duct 180. Theseal 196 circumscribes theinlet end 180A of thereturn duct 180 for engaging outer walls of thedebris collector 148. As such, theseal 196 directs air and debris into thedock debris collector 188. In thevacuum 104A, the opening formed by the opendust bin door 152 forms thedebris outlet 128 of thevacuum 104A. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 2, 3, and 5 , thevacuum 104A is configured to be connected to thedock 108. In the illustrated embodiment, thevacuum 104A is translated into engagement with thedock 108. Thevacuum 104A is aligned with and connects the vacuumcleaner inlet 114 with theblower duct outlet 176B. Thedebris outlet 128 of thevacuum 104A is aligned with and connects with thereturn duct inlet 180A. Upon connection of thevacuum 104A to thedock 108, theactuator 192 opens thedust bin door 152. Theseal 196 engages outer walls of thedebris collector 148. As such, thevacuum cleaner separator 132 is configured to be coupled to thedock 108 with thevacuum cleaner separator 132 in fluid communication with theairflow outlet 176B of thedock 108 and thedebris outlet 128 of theseparator 132 in fluid communication with thedock debris collector 188 such that the airflow generated by theairflow source 120 of thedock 108 travels through thevacuum cleaner separator 132 and through thedebris outlet 128 of thevacuum cleaner separator 132 to blow debris out of thedebris outlet 128 and into thedock debris collector 188. - The
dock 108 may include asensor 200 that determines that thevacuum 104A is connected to thedock 108. Thesensor 200 may be in the form of a sensor or a mechanical switch. As will be described in detail below, thesensor 200 may be a user-activatable switch. Additionally or alternatively, thedock 108 may further include apressure sensor 204. Thepressure sensor 204 is mounted to be in operative communication with theblower duct 176. Thepressure sensor 204 monitors a pressure within theblower duct 176. - The
dock 108 may further include adock controller 208 operable to electrically communicate with thedock sensors blower 120. Thedock 108 may further comprise adock contact 212 connected to thedock controller 208 operable to electrically communicate with thevacuum 104A through thevacuum contact 164 when thedock 108 is connected to thevacuum 104A. In one embodiment, thedock contact 212 is operable to electrically communicate with thedock sensors docking station 100 as illustrated inFIG. 3 , thedock contact 212 is located adjacent theoutlet end 176B of theblower duct 176. As such, thedock contact 212 is configured to operatively engage thevacuum contact 164 when thevacuum 104A and thedock 108 are connected. - In one embodiment, when the
vacuum 104A is connected to thedock 108, thedock controller 208 determines fromsensor 200 that the vacuum is connected and thedock controller 208 operates theblower 120 for a predetermined period of time to empty thedebris collector 148 of thevacuum 104A, for example, for a period of 5 or 10 or 15 or 30 seconds or another desired duration. In one embodiment, the duration of blower operation may be determined by the type or model of vacuum attached to thedock 108. In one example, when thevacuum 104A is connected to thedock 108, thevacuum contact 164 and thedock contact 212 are mechanically and electrically connected and operable to transfer electricity between thevacuum 104A and thedock 108. When thevacuum 104A is connected to thedock 108, thevacuum controller 168 sends a signal to thedock controller 208 through thedock contact 212, the signal indicative of the type ofvacuum 104A or another characteristic. Thecontroller 208 receives the signal indicative of the characteristic. And, based on the signal indicative of the characteristic of thevacuum 104A, thecontroller 208 operates theblower 120 for a predetermined period of time. In the illustrated embodiment, thecontroller 208 may operate theblower 120, for example, for a period of 5 or 10 or 15 or 30 seconds or another desired duration. Alternatively, thecontroller 208 may operate theblower 120 to operate in a pulse-like fashion by delivering airflow that increases and decreases for a period of time. Alternatively, thecontroller 208 may operate theblower 120 such that power sent to the motor is received in a pulse-like fashion that increases and decreases for a period of time. - In one embodiment, the sensor is a user-activatable switch operable to turn the
blower 120 on and off. In another embodiment, the user-activatable switch activates thedock controller 208 to operate theblower 120 for a predetermined period after which thecontroller 208 turns off the blower. - The
dock controller 208 monitors a signal from thepressure sensor 204 indicative of the pressure within theblower duct 176 and determines if the pressure within theblower duct 176 is outside of a predetermined range. Variations in the pressure are indicative of the operation of thedocking station 100, and pressures outside of a predetermined range may indicate a fault, for example, if thedust bin door 152 is closed, if thedock debris collector 188 is clogged, or if airflow is otherwise blocked. In one embodiment, thedock controller 208 operates theblower 120 to empty thedebris collector 148 for a duration that is a function of the pressure measured by thepressure sensor 204. - The
dock controller 208 may also monitor for signals from thesensor 200 indicative of when the connection between thevacuum 104A and thedock 108 is made. Thesensor 200, thepressure sensor 204, and thevacuum controller 168, are configured to send a signal indicative of a characteristic to thedock controller 208. - In one embodiment, the
vacuum controller 168 controls the operation of thedock 108. In such an embodiment, thevacuum controller 168 monitors for signals from thesensor 200 indicative of when the connection between thevacuum 104A and thedock 108 is made and sends a signal to operate theblower 120 through thevacuum contact 164 to thedock contact 212 to thecontroller 208. Thevacuum controller 168 also monitors for a signal from thepressure sensor 204 indicative of the pressure within theblower duct 176, and/or thedock controller 208 monitors thepressure sensor 204 and operatively signals to thevacuum controller 168. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 2 and 3 , thedock 108 is powered by apower source 216. Thepower source 216 may be a battery or household AC power. Thepower source 216 may directly or indirectly power theblower 120, thedock controller 208 and thesensors vacuum 104A is connected to thedock 108, the connection between thevacuum contact 164 and thedock contact 212 may electrically transfer power from thepower source 216 of thedock 108 to thebattery 144 of thevacuum 104A. As such, a user may charge thevacuum battery 144 by connection of thevacuum 104A to thedock 108 between thevacuum contact 164 and thedock contact 212. In one embodiment, such as illustrated inFIG. 6 , thedock 108 is configured to receiveadditional batteries 144 or other accessories that are separate from thevacuum cleaner 104B. In this embodiment, thedock 108 is configured to charge theadditional batteries 144 when theadditional batteries 144 are connected to thedock 108. Thedock 108 thus functions as a charging and storage station when theadditional batteries 144 or other accessories are connected. - As illustrated in
FIG. 5 , when thevacuum 104A, and thus, thevacuum separator 132 is connected to thedock 108, thedirty air inlet 124 is fluidly connected to theoutlet 176B of theblower duct 176. Similarly, when thevacuum 104A is connected to thedock 108, thedebris outlet 128 is fluidly connected to thereturn duct 180. More specifically, thedebris outlet 128 is fluidly connected to theinlet end 180A of thereturn duct 180. When thevacuum 104A is fluidly connected to thedock 108 and theblower 120 is operated, fluid flow from theblower 120 passes debris from thevacuum separator 132 to thedock debris collector 188 and fluid passes through theexhaust opening 184. When theblower 120 is operated, fluid flow from theblower 120 passes debris from thevacuum separator 132 to thedock debris collector 188. - In the illustrated embodiment shown in
FIG. 5 of thedocking station 100 with thevacuum 104A, the flow of fluid from theblower 120 passes from theblower 120 into theblower duct 176, from theblower duct 176 into thedirty air inlet 124 of thevacuum separator 132, and through thevacuum separator 132. From thevacuum separator 132, fluid flow is passed through thedebris outlet 128 and into theinlet 180A of thereturn duct 180. The fluid then passes through thedock debris collector 188 to theoutlet 180B of thereturn duct 180 and through theexhaust opening 184 to the surroundings. If thevacuum separator 132 is a cyclonic separator, the airflow around thecyclonic separator 132 aids in wiping dust and debris from theshroud 133 of thevacuum separator 132. - Additionally or alternatively, as shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3 , thevacuum exhaust port 220 provides a flow path to exhaust air from thedocking station 100 when theblower 120 is operated and thedock debris collector 188 is filled or clogged. Upon clogging of thedock debris collector 188, increased pressure in thedock debris collector 188 causes at least a portion of the fluid entering throughinlet 124 to flow through theshroud 133 andoutlet 130, and to be exhausted from thevacuum 104A through thevacuum exhaust port 220. -
FIGS. 6-8 illustrate a second embodiment of thedocking station 100 in which thevacuum cleaner 104 is avacuum 104B including awand 112 and afoot 116 having a suction inlet nozzle 118 (FIG. 7 ), and airflow is passed through both thefoot 116 and thewand 112. Each of the second through fifth embodiments of thedocking station 100 may include any of the features of the first embodiment of thedocking station 100. In the second embodiment of thedocking station 100, thevacuum 104B includes thevacuum separator 132 operable to separate debris from a suction airflow during use of thevacuum cleaner 104B. Thevacuum separator 132 includes a dirty air inlet 124 (FIG. 8 ), aclean air outlet 130, and adebris collector 148 having adebris outlet 128. Some of the features of the first embodiment may be rearranged or modified for operation with the second embodiment and thevacuum 104B. For example, thedocking station 100 in accordance with the second embodiment has adock contact 212 which is located adjacent thefoot 116 as opposed to thedock contact 212 of the first embodiment which is located adjacent theoutlet end 176B of theblower duct 176. - The
vacuum cleaner 104B includes thevacuum separator 132 having thedirty air inlet 124 and thedebris outlet 128 as described above with reference to thevacuum cleaner 104A and the first embodiment of thedocking station 100. Thewand 112 has a first end 112A connected to thedirty air inlet 124 of thevacuum separator 132 and an opposite second end 112B. Thefoot 116 is connected to the second end 112B of thewand 112. - In the second embodiment of the
docking station 100, theblower duct 176 is configured to deliver air to thevacuum cleaner 104B through thesuction inlet nozzle 118 of thefoot 116. When thevacuum cleaner 104B is connected to thedock 108, thedirty air inlet 124 of thevacuum separator 132 is connected to theoutlet 176B of theblower duct 176 through thewand 112, and thedebris outlet 128 is connected to thereturn duct 180. More specifically, thedebris outlet 128 is fluidly connected to theinlet end 180A of thereturn duct 180. When thevacuum cleaner 104B is fluidly connected to thedock 108, fluid flow from theblower 120 passes debris from thedebris collector 148 to thedock debris collector 188 and fluid passes through at least theexhaust opening 184. - During normal operation of the
vacuum 104B, electric power is transmitted from thebattery 144 to themotor 136 for rotating theimpeller 140 and generating an airflow within thevacuum 104B. During normal operation of thevacuum 104B, thevacuum 104B is not connected to thedock 108. The suction inlet nozzle 118 (FIG. 7 ) of thefoot 116 functions as an inlet to receive dirty air and debris and is in fluid communication with thedirty air inlet 124 in the vacuum 124B. In thevacuum 104B, the opening formed by the opendust bin door 152 forms thedebris outlet 128 of thevacuum 104B. Further, the separatordirty air inlet 124 passes the dirty air and debris from thefoot 116 and thewand 112 to theseparator 132. Theseparator 132 separates the debris from the clean air. The debris is retained in theseparator 132 and falls into adebris collector 148 with thedust bin door 152 closed. The clean air passes through theseparator 132 and through theshroud 133 and is exhausted from the vacuum assembly through theclean air outlet 130 and ultimately thevacuum exhaust port 220. Alternatively, thewand 112 and thus thefoot 116 can be removed from the vacuumcleaner inlet 114 of thevacuum 104B to operate thevacuum 104B as a hand vacuum, similar to thehand vacuum 104A. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 6-7 , in thedocking station 100 in accordance with the second embodiment, thedock 108 includes a base 224 on which the foot is supported when thevacuum 104B is connected to thedock 108 and thevacuum 104B is fluidly connected to thedock 108. Thebase 224 of thedock 108 includes aplenum 228 in fluid communication with theoutlet 176B of the blower duct and configured to be fluidly connected with theinlet nozzle 118 of thefoot 116 such that when theblower 120 is operated, fluid flow from theblower 120 passes through, successively, theplenum 228, thefoot 116, thewand 112, the separatordirty air inlet 124, thedebris outlet 128 with thedust bin door 152 open, thereturn duct 180, and theexhaust opening 184. In one embodiment, thebase 224 includes a seal 230 (FIG. 7 ) disposed to surround theinlet nozzle 118 when thefoot 116 is seated on thebase 224. Theseal 230 directs airflow from theplenum 228 into theinlet nozzle 118 when thevacuum 104B is connected to thedock 108. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 , thevacuum 104B is configured to be connected to thedock 108. In the illustrated embodiment, thevacuum 104B engages thedock 108 with thefoot 116 on the base 224 aligning theplenum 228 with theinlet nozzle 118. Thedebris outlet 128 of thevacuum 104B is aligned with and connects with thereturn duct inlet 180A. Upon connection of thevacuum 104B to thedock 108, thedust bin door 152 may be opened in a manner described with respect to the first embodiment. Theseal 196 engages outer walls of thedebris collector 148. As such, thevacuum cleaner separator 132 is configured to be coupled to thedock 108 with thevacuum cleaner separator 132 in fluid communication with theairflow outlet 176B of thedock 108 and thedebris outlet 128 of theseparator 132 in fluid communication with thedock debris collector 188 such that the airflow generated by theairflow source 120 of thedock 108 travels through thevacuum cleaner separator 132 and through thedebris outlet 128 of thevacuum cleaner separator 132 to blow debris out of thedebris outlet 128 and into thedock debris collector 188. Theblower 120 may be controlled in a manner described with respect to the first embodiment. -
FIGS. 9-12 illustrate a third embodiment of thedocking station 100 in which thevacuum cleaner 104 is avacuum 104C. Thevacuum 104C has many common elements as described with respect to thevacuum 104B of the second embodiment described above and with reference toFIGS. 6-8 . Thevacuum 104C includes thefoot 116 having thesuction inlet nozzle 118 and apassageway 112′ between thesuction inlet nozzle 118 and theseparator 132. Thepassageway 112′ of the third embodiment is similar to thewand 112 of the second embodiment. Thepassageway 112′ is interchangeably named awand 112′. Thepassageway 112′ has avalve 236 connectable to thedock 108. In the third embodiment, thepassageway 112′ extends between thesuction inlet nozzle 118 and theseparator 132. Many features of the second embodiment of thedocking station 100 apply equally to the third embodiment of thedocking station 100. However, the third embodiment of thedocking station 100 passes airflow into avalve 236 on thewand 112′. In the illustrated embodiment, thevalve 236 is disposed on thewand 112′. In other embodiments, thevalve 236 may be provided in another airpath as desired for other vacuum cleaners, such as a passageway between the foot and the separator on an upright vacuum or any other desired arrangement cooperative with the docking station. - The
wand 112′ of thevacuum cleaner 104C includes anaperture 232. Theaperture 232 is located at an intermediate position between thefirst end 112′A and thesecond end 112′B of thewand 112′. Thevacuum cleaner 104C further includes avalve 236.FIG. 11 illustrates thevalve 236 in a closed position. Thevalve 236 in the closed position covers the aperture and airflow during operation of thevacuum 104C passes from thefoot 116, through thewand 112′, and into thevacuum cleaner 104C.FIG. 12 illustrates thevalve 236 in an open position with theaperture 232 aligned with theblower duct outlet 176B such that theblower duct 176 is in fluid communication with theaperture 232, and thus, thewand 112′ at the intermediate position between thefirst end 112′A and thesecond end 112′B of thewand 112′. - The
valve 236 is movable between the open position (FIG. 12 ) and the closed position (FIG. 11 ). The valve includes atab 240 positioned to engage acorresponding protrusion 244 on thedock housing 172 when thevacuum 104C is docked on thedock 108. Thetab 240 engages the protrusion at a height corresponding to thevalve 236 being in the open position when thevacuum 104C and thewand 112′ are fully docked. After thetab 240 engages theprotrusion 244, continued movement of thevacuum 104C andwand 112′ into the docked position causes thevalve 236 to slide axially along thewand 112′ from the closed position (FIG. 11 ) to the open position (FIG. 12 ). Thevalve 236 includes avalve aperture 246 configured to align with theaperture 232 of thewand 112′ in the open position (FIG. 12 ). As such, when thevalve 236 is moved to the open position (FIG. 12 ), theblower outlet duct 176B is placed in fluid communication with theaperture 232. As such, in the third embodiment of thedocking station 100, fluid passes to thevacuum 104C through only a portion of thewand 112′ between theaperture 232 and the second end 112B. - As illustrated in
FIG. 12 , aseal 248 is provided on thedock 108 disposed at the end of theblower duct outlet 176B. Theseal 248 is configured to engage thevalve 236 around thevalve aperture 246 to direct airflow from theblower duct 176 into thevalve aperture 246 andwand aperture 232. Referring toFIG. 10 , thebase 224 of this embodiment may include a blockingseal 254 disposed to engage thesuction inlet nozzle 118 to inhibit airflow from exiting through thesecond wand end 112′B and through thenozzle 118. The blockingseal 254 thereby directs airflow entering thewand aperture 232 to be directed to thefirst wand end 112′A and the separatordirty air inlet 124. In one embodiment, thebase 224 is shaped to cover thesuction inlet nozzle 118. - The
valve 236 may include aspring 252 connected between thewand 112′ and thevalve 236 urging thevalve 236 toward the closed position (FIG. 11 ). When thevacuum 104C andwand 112′ are undocked, the spring pulls thevalve 236 to the closed position (FIG. 11 ). As illustrated inFIG. 10 , thespring 252 may be covered by aspring cover 250 to protect thespring 252 from the environment. -
FIGS. 13-15 illustrate a fourth embodiment of thedocking station 100 in which avacuum cleaner separator 104D is removed from thevacuum cleaner 104 before engaging thedock 108, and airflow from thedock 108 is passed to the dirty air inlet 124 (FIG. 15 ) of thevacuum cleaner separator 132 to thedebris outlet 128 of thevacuum cleaner separator 132. - In the fourth embodiment, the
vacuum cleaner separator 104D (FIGS. 13-15 ) is configured for use in a vacuum cleaner (not shown), and is removable from the vacuum cleaner for emptying dirt and debris from thevacuum cleaner separator 104D with thedock 108. When attached to the vacuum cleaner, thevacuum cleaner separator 104D functions to separate dirty air from debris during operation of the vacuum cleaner. Thevacuum cleaner separator 104D includes thevacuum cleaner separator 132, and thevacuum cleaner separator 104D is attachable to thedock 108 to fluidly connect thedirty air inlet 124 of thevacuum cleaner separator 104D with theairflow outlet 176B and thedebris end 128 of thevacuum cleaner separator 132 with thedock debris collector 188. - As such, in the fourth embodiment, the
blower duct 176 is configured to deliver air to thevacuum cleaner separator 104D through thedirty air inlet 124. When thevacuum cleaner separator 104D is removed from the vacuum and connected to thedock 108, thevacuum cleaner separator 132 is in fluid communication with thedock 108 such that thedirty air inlet 124 is connected with theoutlet 176B of theblower duct 176 and thedebris outlet 128 of thevacuum cleaner separator 132 is fluidly connected to thereturn duct 180. More specifically, thedebris outlet 128 of thevacuum cleaner separator 132 is fluidly connected to theinlet end 180A of thereturn duct 180. When thevacuum cleaner separator 104D is fluidly connected to thedock 108 and theblower 120 is operated, fluid flow from theairflow source 120 passes debris from thedebris collector 148 to thedock debris collector 188 and fluid passes through theexhaust opening 184. - In normal operation of the
vacuum cleaner separator 104D when attached to a vacuum cleaner, thedirty air inlet 124 is an inlet configured to receive dirty air and debris, thevacuum separator 132 is configured to separate debris from the clean air, where the debris is retained in theseparator 132 and falls into adebris collector 148 with thedust bin door 152 closed. The clean air passes through theseparator 132 and through theshroud 133 and is exhausted from the vacuum assembly through theclean air outlet 130 and ultimately through a vacuum exhaust port of the vacuum cleaner. When thevacuum cleaner separator 104D separated from the vacuum cleaner and is attached to thedock 108, thedirty air inlet 124 of thevacuum cleaner separator 104D is directly fluidly connected to the outlet of theblower duct 176B such that when theblower 120 is operated, fluid flow from theblower 120 passes through thedirty air inlet 124 of thevacuum cleaner separator 104D towards thedebris outlet 128 of thevacuum cleaner separator 104D with thedust bin door 152 open through thevacuum separator 132. - As illustrated in
FIG. 13 , the fourth embodiment of thedocking station 100 includes afirst seal 196 and asecond seal 258. Thefirst seal 196 corresponds with theseal 196 of the first embodiment of thedocking station 100. In other words, thefirst seal 196 is adjacent theinlet end 180A of thereturn duct 180, and is configured to circumscribe theinlet end 180A of thereturn duct 180 for engaging outer walls of thevacuum cleaner separator 104D. Thesecond seal 258 is provided on theblower duct outlet 176B to engage thevacuum cleaner separator 104D around thedirty air inlet 124 to direct air from theblower duct 176 into thedirty air inlet 124. - Upon connection of the
vacuum 104D to thedock 108, thedust bin door 152 may be opened byactuator 192 in a manner described with respect to the first embodiment. Theseal 196 engages outer walls of thedebris collector 148 and thesecond seal 258 engages around thedirty air inlet 124 such that the airflow generated by theairflow source 120 of thedock 108 travels through thevacuum cleaner separator 132 and through thedebris outlet 128 of thevacuum cleaner separator 132 to blow debris out of thedebris outlet 128 and into thedock debris collector 188. Theblower 120 may be controlled in a manner described with respect to the first embodiment. - In operation of the fourth embodiment of the
docking station 100, airflow generated by theblower 120 passes through, successively, theblower duct 176,dirty air inlet 124 of thevacuum cleaner separator 132, thevacuum separator 132, thedebris outlet 128 of thevacuum cleaner separator 132, thereturn duct 180, and theexhaust opening 184. -
FIGS. 16-19 illustrate a fifth embodiment of thedocking station 100 in which avacuum cleaner separator 104E is removed from thevacuum cleaner 104 before engaging thedock 108, and airflow is passed from theblower duct 180 into thevacuum cleaner separator 132 through what is theclean air outlet 130 during normal operation of thevacuum cleaner separator 104E. In the fifth embodiment, thedirty air inlet 124 that typically receives dirty air in normal operation of thevacuum cleaner separator 104E is sealed from the surroundings. - The
vacuum cleaner separator 104E includes apre-motor filter 256 disposed within or adjacent theclean air outlet 130 of thevacuum cleaner separator 132. In use in the vacuum cleaner of the fifth embodiment, thepre-motor filter 256 is configured to cleanse relatively clean environmental air of debris prior to contacting theimpeller 140 of the vacuum cleaner (not shown). Thepre-motor filter 256 has a dirty side (i.e., an upstream side) 256B and an oppositedownstream side 256A. Debris collects at the dirty side 256B when the vacuum cleaner operates as air travels through thepre-motor filter 256 to the downstream side of the filter before contacting theimpeller 140. The fifth embodiment of thedocking station 100 relates to delivering air into thepre-motor filter 256 so that air enters the downstream side of thepre-motor filter 256, pushing dust and debris from thepre-motor filter 256, then into theseparator 132 and ultimately into thedock debris collector 188. In other words, when theseparator 132 is positioned in thedock 108, thepre-motor filter 256 is disposed between theblower tube outlet 176B of thedocking station 100 and thevacuum separator 132 such that, when thevacuum cleaner separator 104E is connected to thedock 108 and theblower 120 is operated, air enters thedownstream side 256A of thepre-motor filter 256, pushing debris from thepre-motor filter 256 into thedebris collector 148 and into thedock debris collector 188. - In the fifth embodiment of the docking station system, as illustrated in
FIGS. 16-18 , thedock 108 includes a manifold 260 in fluid communication with theblower duct outlet 176B. The manifold 260 is formed within alid 264 that is pivotably connected to thedock 108. Thelid 264 is pivotable between an open position (FIGS. 16-17 ) in which thevacuum cleaner separator 104E is connectable to thedock 108, and a closed position (FIG. 18 ) in which the manifold 260 fluidly connects theblower duct outlet 176B with theclean air outlet 130 of thevacuum cleaner separator 104E. - Similar to the
vacuum cleaner separator 104D fourth embodiment, thevacuum cleaner separator 104E is removable from a vacuum cleaner. During normal operation of thevacuum cleaner separator 104E when the separator is attached to thevacuum cleaner 104, the separatordirty air inlet 124 is an inlet configured to pass dirty air and debris from the environment to theseparator 132. Theseparator 132 separates the debris from the clean air. The debris is retained in theseparator 132 and falls into thedebris collector 148 with the dust bin door closed. During normal operation of thevacuum cleaner separator 104E, theclean air outlet 130 exhausts clean air from theseparator 132 to a vacuum exhaust port of the vacuum cleaner, and ultimately to the surroundings. Thepre-motor filter 256 is configured to separate debris from the air prior to ejection to the surroundings. The opening formed by the open dust bin door 152 (illustrated with regards to the first embodiment inFIG. 3 ) forms the dustbin debris outlet 128 configured to exhaust debris from the vacuum cleaner. When thevacuum cleaner separator 104E is removed from the vacuum cleaner and attached to the dock, thedownstream side 256A of thefilter 256 and theclean air outlet 130 of thevacuum cleaner separator 104E are fluidly connected to the outlet of theblower duct 176B such that when theblower 120 is operated, fluid flow from theblower 120 passes through thepre-motor filter 256 of thevacuum cleaner separator 104E towards thedebris outlet 128 of thevacuum cleaner separator 104E through thevacuum separator 132. - As illustrated in
FIG. 16 , the fifth embodiment of thedocking station 100 includes afirst seal 196, asecond seal 266, and athird seal 268. Thefirst seal 196 is adjacent theinlet end 180A of thereturn duct 180 and is configured to circumscribe theinlet end 180A of thereturn duct 180 for engaging outer walls of thevacuum cleaner separator 104E. Thesecond seal 266 is provided on thedock 108 to fluidly seal thedirty air inlet 124 from the surroundings (seeFIG. 19 ) to inhibit airflow from exiting through thedirty air inlet 124. Thethird seal 268 is provided on thelid 264 around the manifold 260 to fluidly connectblower duct outlet 176B with thevacuum cleaner separator 104E around perimeter of theclean air outlet 130 and/or the perimeter of thepre-motor filter 256 to direct air from theblower duct 176 into the downstream side of thepre-motor filter 256A. - Upon connection of the
vacuum 104E to thedock 108, thedust bin door 152 may be opened byactuator 192 in a manner described with respect to the first embodiment. Theseal 196 engages outer walls of thedebris collector 148 and thesecond seal 266 blocks thedirty air inlet 124 inhibiting airflow generated by theairflow source 120 of thedock 108 from passing out of thedirty air inlet 124. The user closes thelid 264 to engage thethird seal 268 around theclean air outlet 130 and/or thefilter 256 connecting theblower exhaust duct 176B to thevacuum cleaner separator 132. In operation of the fifth embodiment of the docking station system, airflow generated by theblower 120 passes through, successively, theblower duct 176, thedownstream side 256A of thepre-motor filter 256 of thevacuum cleaner separator 132, thevacuum separator 132, thedebris outlet 128 of thevacuum cleaner separator 132, thereturn duct 180, and theexhaust opening 184. Theblower 120 may be controlled in a manner described with respect to the first embodiment. - Each of the embodiments of the
docking station 100 include thedock 108 including theblower 120 which generates fluid flow which passes debris from thevacuum cleaner 104 to thedock debris collector 188. As previously mentioned, various other elements of the first embodiment of thedocking station 100 may be applied to the other embodiments of thedocking station 100. Other variations of the described and illustrated embodiments are possible. - Each of the
vacuum cleaners 104 is movable between an in-use position (e.g.,FIG. 2 ) decoupled from thedock 108 and a docked position (e.g.,FIG. 3 ) coupled to thedock 108. In transitioning between the in-use position (FIG. 2 ) and the docked position (FIG. 3 ), a user grasping ahandle 324 of the vacuum cleaner 104 (e.g., thevacuum cleaner 104A inFIGS. 2, 3 ) does not have to rotate thevacuum cleaner 104 about the longitudinal axis LA to couple thevacuum cleaner 104 to thedock 108. Accordingly, the user is relieved from having to twist thehandle 324 to couple or decouple thevacuum cleaner 104 to or from thedock 108. Insertion and removal of thevacuum cleaner 104 to and from thedock 108 is simplified. Movement of thevacuum cleaner 104 to both insert and remove thevacuum cleaner 104 from thedocket 108 are in directions similar to how thevacuum cleaner 104 is moved during normal operation. This configuration along with thevacuum contact 164 and thedock contact 212 can further simplify electrically coupling thevacuum cleaner 104 to thedock 108. - Each of the vacuum
cleaner separators cleaner separators vacuum 104 is moving in a forward direction. The reference plane W in the description and claims herein is defined to be a vertical plane of reference in front of a user as the user approaches the reference plane W along a direction perpendicular to the plane. The reference plane W may be, for example, a wall, an imaginary plane, or the like. As illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3 , the reference plane W may extend transverse to the surface S. More specifically, the reference plane W may be perpendicular to the surface S. As used here, the reference plane W may be behind thedock 108 as a frame of reference as a user approaches thedock 108 with a separator to connect to the dock. Thedock 108 is configured to have a docking side, which is a side toward which a user is or may be positioned while coupling thevacuum 104 to thedock 108. The docking side, and as such the user, is positioned on the opposite side of thedock 108 from the reference plane W during docking. Thefirst sidewall 300 of thevacuum 104 is a surface that faces the docking side and the reference plane W when in the docked position (FIG. 3 ). Thefirst sidewall 300 would also be oriented toward the reference plane W when thevacuum 104 is used during normal vacuuming operation as the user approaches the reference plane W. Thefirst sidewall 300 also faces in a direction away from the user and generally away from the floor S in a normal in-use vacuuming position (not shown). Thevacuum 104 connects to thedock 108 with thefirst sidewall 300 facing the docking side and facing the reference plane W. That is, the user simply sets thevacuum 104 onto to dock 108 in much the same way as the user moves thevacuum 104 during in-use normal vacuuming operation. - Each of the vacuum
cleaner separators second sidewall 304 opposite thefirst sidewall 300. Thesecond sidewall 304 faces toward a user of thedocking station 100 in the docked position (FIG. 3 ) when the user is positioned on the docking side, or the opposite side of thedock 108 from the reference plane W. Thesecond sidewall 304 also faces in a direction toward the user and generally toward the floor S in a normal in-use vacuuming position (not shown). - Each of the vacuum
cleaner separators top end 308 and an oppositebottom end 312 supported on thedock 108 when theseparator docking station 100. Theseparators lateral sidewall 316 generally corresponding with a left side of theseparator lateral sidewall 320 generally corresponding with a right side of theseparator - Finally, the
vacuum cleaners handle 324. Thehandle 324 includes afirst end 324 a and an oppositesecond end 324 b oriented for a user to grasp thehandle 324 in a normal grasping position to maneuver thevacuum cleaner first end 324 a of thehandle 324 and the user's little (i.e., pinky) finger LF closer to thesecond end 324 b of thehandle 324. A user grasps thehandle 324 of the vacuum cleaner 104 (e.g., thevacuum cleaner 104A inFIGS. 2, 3 ) in the normal grasping position to transition between the docked position (FIG. 3 and the in-use position (FIG. 2 ), and does not have to rotate thevacuum cleaner 104 about the longitudinal axis LA to couple thevacuum cleaner 104 to thedock 108. In the illustrated embodiments, thehandle 324 is located adjacent thetop end 308 of theseparator 132. In the illustrated embodiments, thebattery 144 is located adjacent thehandle 324 and thesecond sidewall 304. Accordingly, when in both the normal in-use vacuuming position and the docked position (FIG. 3 ), thebattery 144 is positioned adjacent the user and between the user and the reference plane W. Other location of thehandle 324 and thebattery 144 are possible as desired for the application. - The
dock 108 also defines a plurality of surfaces. Thedock 108 defines afirst sidewall 400 configured to face the reference plane W. The dock further defines asecond sidewall 404 opposite thefirst sidewall 400. Thesecond sidewall 404 is the docking side configured to face a user during docking. Thedock 108 further defines atop end 408 and an oppositebottom end 412 supported on a surface S. The surface S is a floor or floor surface cleaned by thevacuum cleaner 104. Thedock 108 further defines a firstlateral sidewall 416 generally corresponding with a left side of thedock 108 and an opposite secondlateral sidewall 420 generally corresponding with a right side of thedock 108. - In regular use of the
separators separator first sidewall 300 thereof. In regular use of theseparators separator second sidewall 304 thereof. In regular use of thevacuum handle 324 to maneuver thevacuum - While the
separator dock 108, theseparator dock 108 with afirst sidewall 300 of theseparator first sidewall 400 of thedock 108. In one embodiment, thebottom end 312 is coupled to thetop end 408 of thedock 108. As illustrated in the embodiment ofFIG. 2 , thevacuum 104A houses theseparator 132, and thevacuum 104A is translated along arrow A1 to couple thedebris outlet 128 of thevacuum 104A in fluid communication with thereturn duct inlet 180A of thedock 108. Accordingly, the fluid flow path from theblower 120 can pass through theseparator FIG. 2 , the direction of insertion along arrow A1 extends along the longitudinal axis LA through the vacuum cleaner. -
FIG. 3 illustrates the position in which thevacuum 104A is coupled to thedock 108. In this position, thefirst sidewall 300 of theseparator 132 is adjacent thefirst sidewall 400 of thedock 108 and thesecond sidewall 304 of theseparator 132 is adjacent thesecond sidewall 404 of thedock 108. As illustrated inFIG. 3 , thefirst sidewall 300 of the separator 132 (a component of thevacuum 104A) faces thefirst sidewall 400 of thedock 108. Thesecond sidewall 304 of the separator 132 (a component of thevacuum 104A) faces thesecond sidewall 404 of thedock 108. Accordingly, thesecond sidewall 304 of theseparator 132 is configured to face the user (e.g., where the user is positioned to the left of thedock 108, thevacuum 104A, and theseparator 132 as viewed inFIG. 3 ) when thevacuum cleaner separator 132 is coupled to thedock 108. In coupling thevacuum 104A including theseparator 132 to thedock 108, neither thevacuum 104A nor theseparator 132 was rotated about the arrow A1 and longitudinal axis LA. Rather, theseparator 132 is aligned with thedock 108, and is translated along the arrow A1. Accordingly, a user can grasp thehandle 324 during both regular operation of thevacuum vacuum dock 108. This eliminates the need for a user to twist thevacuum separator vacuum separator dock 108. Similarly, when thevacuum first sidewall 300 facing away from the user as in the use orientation eliminating the need for a user to twist and re-orient thevacuum - Components of the
vacuum 104A face certain surfaces of theseparator 132. For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 2, 3, and 5 , thebattery 144 faces thesecond sidewall 304. Accordingly, thebattery 144 is spaced from the reference plane W and is readily accessible to a user when thevacuum 104A is coupled to the dock. Thebattery 144 may face a user in both the in-use position (FIG. 2 ) as well as the docked position (FIG. 3 ). With this location of thebattery 144, thebattery 144 may be selectively coupled to thevacuum 104A by a user positioned adjacent thesecond sidewall 304 without requiring the user to reach over or around thevacuum 104A. Accordingly, thebattery 144 is more accessible to a user in the docked position (FIG. 3 ) of thevacuum 104A. - With continued reference to
FIG. 5 , thehandle 324 of thevacuum 104A extends in a direction between the first end of theseparator 132 and the second end of theseparator 132. In the illustrated embodiment, thehandle 324 is angled and extends at least partially in a direction between thetop end 308 and thebottom end 312. Thehandle 324 permits a user to connect or disconnect the vacuum cleaner 104A from thedock 108 by moving the vacuum cleaner 104A along the axis A1. The handle permits the user to connect or disconnect the vacuum cleaner 104A from thedock 108 with thefirst sidewall 300 facing away from the user as in the use orientation, without requiring rotation of thevacuum cleaner 104A about the longitudinal axis LA or the arrow A1. - Components of the
dock 108 face certain surfaces of thedock 108. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 3 , theblower duct 176, and theairflow outlet 176B thereof are positioned adjacent thesecond sidewall 404 of thedock 108. Theexhaust opening 184, which is downstream of thedock debris collector 188, is positioned adjacent thefirst sidewall 400 of the dock. Theblower 120 is positioned adjacent both thefirst sidewall 400 and thebottom end 412 of thedock 108. As illustrated inFIG. 6 , thebattery 144 may be separable from thevacuum 104B and coupled to thedock 108 adjacent both the secondlateral sidewall 420 and thetop end 408 of thedock 108. Other positions of theairflow outlet 176B, theexhaust opening 184, theblower 120, and thebattery 144 are possible. - With continued reference to
FIG. 6 , thevacuum 104B is supported upon thedock 108 with thefoot 116 resting upon thebase 224. Thebase 224 is located adjacent thebottom end 412 of thedock 108, and is supported upon the surface S. Turning toFIG. 7 , thewans 112 is adjacent thesecond sidewall 404 of thedock 108. - The various embodiments of
vacuums 104A-104C andvacuum separators 104D-104E have different locations of vacuumcleaner inlets 114 andseparator inlets 124. In thevacuums 104A-104C and thevacuum separator 104D, theseparator inlet 124 is adjacent thesecond sidewall 304 of theseparators FIG. 19 , when thevacuum separator 104E is coupled to thebase 108, theairflow outlet 176B and theseparator inlet 124 are each adjacent thetop end 308 of theseparator 104E. Thesuction inlet 114 may be positioned on thebody 106 of thevacuums 104A-104C. In other embodiments, thevacuum cleaner separator 104D-104E may include thesuction inlet 114. Positioning of thesuction inlet 114 varies as desired for the application. - The various embodiments of
vacuums 104A-104C andvacuum separators debris outlets 128. In thevacuums 104A-104C, thedebris outlets 128 are adjacent thefirst sidewall 300 of theseparator 132. As best illustrated inFIG. 5 , in these embodiments, theairflow outlet 176B is positioned adjacent thesecond sidewall 404 of thedock 108, and faces thetop end 408 of thedock 108. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 15 and 19 , in thevacuum separators debris outlets 128 are adjacent thesecond sidewall 304 of theseparators blower duct 176 is adjacent thefirst sidewall 400 of thedock 108. In the embodiment ofFIG. 15 , theair outflow outlet 176B is adjacent thefirst sidewall 400 of thedock 108, and extends towards thesecond sidewall 404 of thedock 108. In the embodiment ofFIG. 19 , theairflow outlet 176B of theduct 176 is positioned adjacent thetop end 408 of thedock 108, and faces thebottom end 412 of thedock 108. Other locations of thedebris outlets 128 andblower duct 176 are possible. -
FIG. 15 illustrates the position in which theseparator 132 is coupled to thedock 108. In this position, thefirst sidewall 300 of theseparator 132 is adjacent thefirst sidewall 400 of thedock 108 and thesecond sidewall 304 of theseparator 132 is adjacent thesecond sidewall 404 of thedock 108. As illustrated inFIG. 15 , thefirst sidewall 300 of theseparator 132 faces thefirst sidewall 400 of thedock 108. Thesecond sidewall 304 of theseparator 132 faces thesecond sidewall 404 of thedock 108. Accordingly, thesecond sidewall 304 of theseparator 132 is configured to face the user (e.g., where the user is positioned to the right of thedock 108, thevacuum 104A, and theseparator 132 as viewed inFIG. 15 ) when thevacuum cleaner separator 132 is coupled to thedock 108. - One or more independent features and/or advantages of the invention may be set forth in the following claims.
Claims (37)
Priority Applications (1)
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US17/693,138 US20220287528A1 (en) | 2021-03-11 | 2022-03-11 | Vacuum cleaner docking station |
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US202163159715P | 2021-03-11 | 2021-03-11 | |
US17/693,138 US20220287528A1 (en) | 2021-03-11 | 2022-03-11 | Vacuum cleaner docking station |
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US20220287528A1 true US20220287528A1 (en) | 2022-09-15 |
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ID=80999412
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US17/693,138 Pending US20220287528A1 (en) | 2021-03-11 | 2022-03-11 | Vacuum cleaner docking station |
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WO (1) | WO2022192742A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
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US20220322904A1 (en) * | 2021-04-07 | 2022-10-13 | Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. | Charging station for a surface cleaning apparatus |
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