WO2024049900A1 - Vacuum cleaner and debris collector assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A vacuum cleaner (10) including a first inlet (30) adjacent a bottom side of the vacuum cleaner and a second inlet (32). An inlet attachment (36) is removably coupled to the second inlet (32). A valve (44) is adjacent the second inlet (32), the valve movable between an open position and a closed position. The valve (44) is in the open position when the inlet attachment (36) is coupled to the second inlet (32) to direct the airflow through the second inlet and through the inlet attachment such that the second inlet is utilized to draw debris into a debris collector (28). The valve (44) is in the closed position when the inlet attachment (36) is uncoupled from the second inlet (32) to inhibit airflow through the second inlet (32) and to direct the airflow through the first inlet (30) such that the first inlet is utilized to draw debris into to the debris collector (28).

Description

VACUUM CLEANER AND DEBRIS COLLECTOR ASSEMBLY

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/374,133, filed August 31, 2022, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates to vacuum cleaners and debris collectors.

SUMMARY

[0003] In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner including a housing including a bottom side configured to be placed on a surface, a debris collector within the housing, the debris collector configured to retain debris drawn from the surface. A first inlet is in fluid communication with the debris collector, the first inlet adjacent the bottom side of the housing and configured to draw debris from the surface. A second is inlet in fluid communication with the debris collector. A suction source is in fluid communication with the debris collector, the first inlet, and the second inlet, the suction source operable to generate an airflow through the first inlet and through the second inlet. An inlet attachment is removably coupled to the second inlet, the inlet attachment configured to direct the debris from the surface through the second inlet and toward the debris collector. A valve is adjacent the second inlet, the valve movable between an open position and a closed position. The valve is in the open position when the inlet attachment is coupled to the second inlet to direct the airflow through the second inlet and through the inlet attachment such that the second inlet is utilized to draw debris into the debris collector. The valve is in the closed position when the inlet attachment is uncoupled from the second inlet to inhibit airflow through the second inlet and to direct the airflow through the first inlet such that the first inlet is utilized to draw debris into to the debris collector.

[0004] In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a debris collector assembly including a housing including a bottom side configured to be placed on a surface, a first debris collector within the housing, the debris collector configured to retain debris drawn from the surface. An inlet is in fluid communication with the first debris collector, the inlet adjacent the bottom side of the housing configured to draw debris from the surface. A second debris collector is within the housing, the second debris collector in fluid communication with the first debris collector and the second debris collector configured to receive debris emptied from the first debris collector. A suction source is in fluid communication with the inlet, the first debris collector, and the second debris collector, the suction source operable to generate an airflow through the inlet, the first debris collector, and the second debris collector. A valve is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the valve directs the airflow generated by the suction source through the inlet and through the first debris collector to transport debris from the surface to the first debris collector. In the second position, the valve directs the airflow generated by the suction source through at least one wall of the second debris collector and the valve inhibits airflow through the inlet and the first debris collector.

[0005] In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a debris collector assembly including a housing including a bottom side configured to be placed on a surface and a first debris collector within the housing, the first debris collector configured to retain debris drawn from the surface. An inlet is in fluid communication with the first debris collector, the inlet adjacent the bottom side of the housing and configured to draw debris from the surface. A second debris collector is within the housing, the second debris collector in fluid communication with the first debris collector and the second debris collector configured to receive debris emptied from the first debris collector. A first suction source is in fluid communication with the inlet and the first debris collector, the first suction source operable to generate an airflow through the inlet. A second suction source is in fluid communication with the second debris collector, the second suction source operable to generate an airflow through the second debris collector to facilitate emptying the first debris collector into the second debris collector.

[0006] In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a debris collector assembly including a housing including a bottom side configured to be placed on a surface, a first debris collector within the housing, the first debris collector configured to retain debris drawn from the surface. An inlet is in fluid communication with the first debris collector, the inlet adjacent the bottom side of the housing and configured to draw debris from the surface. A suction source is in fluid communication with the inlet and the first debris collector, the suction source operable to generate an airflow through the inlet and through the first debris collector. A second debris collector is within the housing, the second debris collector configured to receive debris emptied from the first debris collector. A first door is movable from an open position to a closed position, in the open position, the first door permits access to the second debris collector from a location outside of the housing, in the closed position, the first door inhibits access to the second debris collector from the location outside of the housing. A second door is movable from an open position to a closed position, in the open position of the second door, the second door permits emptying of debris from the first debris collector into the second debris collector, in the closed position of the second door, the second door is configured to retain debris in the first debris collector.

[0007] In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a debris collector assembly including a vacuum cleaner including a vacuum cleaner housing including a bottom side configured to be placed on a surface, a vacuum cleaner debris collector within the vacuum cleaner housing, the vacuum cleaner debris collector configured to retain debris drawn from the surface, an inlet in fluid communication with the vacuum cleaner debris collector, the inlet adjacent the bottom side of the vacuum cleaner housing configured to draw debris from the surface, and a suction source in fluid communication with the vacuum cleaner debris collector and the inlet, the suction source operable to generate an airflow through the inlet and through the vacuum cleaner debris collector. The assembly further includes a debris collector assembly housing including a bottom side configured to be placed on the surface, the vacuum cleaner removably coupled to the debris collector assembly housing such that the inlet of the vacuum cleaner is adjacent the surface, an assembly debris collector within the debris collector assembly housing, the assembly debris collector configured to retain debris drawn from the surface through the inlet when the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the debris collector assembly housing, and a valve configured to direct the airflow generated by the suction source from the inlet to the assembly debris collector when the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the debris collector assembly housing such that debris is directed to the assembly debris collector. The valve is configured to direct the airflow generated by the suction source from the inlet to the vacuum cleaner debris collector when the vacuum cleaner is uncoupled from the debris collector assembly housing such that debris is directed to the vacuum cleaner debris collector. [0008] In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a debris collector assembly including a vacuum cleaner including a vacuum cleaner debris collector configured to retain debris drawn from a surface, an inlet, a suction source in fluid communication with the vacuum cleaner debris collector and the inlet, the suction source operable to generate an airflow through the inlet and through the vacuum cleaner debris collector, and a battery configured to provide power to the suction source. The debris collector assembly further includes a housing, the vacuum cleaner removably coupled to the housing such that the debris collector is configured to charge the battery when the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the housing. An assembly debris collector is within the housing, the assembly debris collector configured to receive debris emptied from the vacuum cleaner debris collector when the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the housing. A first door is movable from an open position to a closed position, in the open position, the first door permits access to the assembly debris collector from a location outside of the housing, in the closed position, the first door inhibits access to the assembly debris collector from the location outside of the housing.

[0009] Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Fig. l is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment.

[0011] Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of the vacuum cleaner of Fig. 1.

[0012] Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of the vacuum cleaner of Fig. 1.

[0013] Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of the vacuum cleaner of Fig. 1.

[0014] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a debris collector assembly according to another embodiment.

[0015] Fig. 6 is a schematic illustration of the debris collector assembly of Fig. 5.

[0016] Fig. 6A is a schematic illustration of a controller of the vacuum cleaner and the debris collector assemblies described herein. [0017] Fig. 7 is a schematic illustration of the debris collector assembly of Fig. 5 according to an alternative embodiment.

[0018] Fig. 8 is a schematic illustration of the debris collector assembly of Fig. 5 according to an alternative embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 9 is a detailed schematic illustration of a portion of the debris collector assembly of Fig. 8.

[0020] Fig. 10 is a schematic illustration of the debris collector assembly of Fig. 5 according to an alternative embodiment.

[0021] Fig. 11 is a schematic illustration of the debris collector assembly of Fig. 5 according to an alternative embodiment.

[0022] Fig. 12 is a schematic illustration of the debris collector assembly of Fig. 5 according to an alternative embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 13 is a schematic illustration of the debris collector assembly of Fig. 12.

[0024] Fig. 14 is a schematic illustration of a vacuum cleaner of the debris collector assembly of Fig. 12.

[0025] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a debris collector assembly according to another embodiment.

[0026] Before any embodiments are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure 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 disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a vacuum cleaner 10. The vacuum cleaner 10 includes a housing 12. The housing 12 includes a top side 14, a bottom side 16, a first side 18, and a second side 20. A handle 22 extends away from the top side 14, which allows a user to carry and move the vacuum cleaner 10 from a surface 24 upon which the bottom side 16 of the vacuum cleaner 10 is placed. A width 26 of the vacuum cleaner 10 is measured from the first side 18 to the second side 20 as shown in Fig. 2.

[0028] Referring to Figs. 1-3, the vacuum cleaner 10 further includes a debris collector 28 within the housing 12. The debris collector 28 receives and retains debris drawn from the surface 24. The debris collector 28 may include any suitable debris collector including, a cyclonic separator, a bag, a filter, a container, and the like, including combinations thereof.

[0029] The vacuum cleaner 10 further includes a first inlet 30, a second inlet 32, and a suction source 34 in fluid communication with the debris collector 28, the first inlet 30, and the second inlet 32. The suction source 34 includes a motor and a fan that are operable to generate a suction airflow through the first inlet 30 and the second inlet 32 to transport debris into the debris collector 28. The first inlet 30 is adjacent the bottom side 16 of the housing 12 and adjacent the surface 24 when the vacuum cleaner 10 is set on the surface 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the first inlet 30 is partially located in the bottom side 16 of the housing 12. The first inlet 30 extends along the housing 12 adjacent the bottom side 16 of the housing 12 in a direction from the first side 18 to the second side 20. In illustrated embodiment, the first inlet 30 extends across nearly the entire width 26 of the housing 12. In other embodiments, the first inlet 30 extends along at least 50 percent of the width 26 of the housing 12. The first inlet 30 is located such that debris can be drawn directly from the surface 24 and into the first inlet 30 by a suction airflow generated by the suction source 34 and transported to the debris collector 28. For example, a user may utilize a broom to sweep debris near the first inlet 30 and the vacuum cleaner 10 will draw the debris through the first inlet 30 and into the debris collector 28.

[0030] The second inlet 32 is in the first side 18 of the housing 12 and the second inlet 32 is also in fluid communication with the debris collector 28 and the suction source 34. The illustrated second inlet 32 is an aperture that extends through the first side 18 of the housing 12. The vacuum cleaner 10 further includes an inlet attachment 36. The inlet attachment 36 is removably coupled to the second inlet 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet attachment 36 is inserted into the second inlet 32 such that the inlet attachment 36 is received in the second inlet 32. Referring to Fig. 3, when the inlet attachment 36 is received in the second inlet 32, the inlet attachment 36 blocks a flow path 38 between the first inlet 30 and the suction source 34, which thereby inhibits suction airflow through the first inlet 30. Rather, the suction airflow is directed through the inlet attachment 36. Thus, the inlet attachment 36 can be used to draw debris from the surface 24 and direct the debris into the debris collector 28. Referring to Fig. 1, in the illustrated embodiment, the inlet attachment 36 includes a flexible hose 40. In other embodiments, the inlet attachment may include a rigid wand. An accessory tool 42 may be coupled to the inlet attachment 36. The accessory tool 42 may include, a crevice tool, a hand tool, a floor tool, a brush, etc.

[0031] Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the vacuum cleaner 10 includes a valve 44 adjacent the second inlet 32. The valve 44 is movable between an opening position (Fig. 3) and a closed position (Fig. 2). The valve 44 is in the open position when the inlet attachment 36 is coupled to the second inlet 32 to direct the airflow from the suction source 34 through the second inlet 32 and through the inlet attachment 36 such that the second inlet 32 is utilized to draw debris into the debris collector 28. When the valve 44 is in the open position, airflow from the first inlet 30 to the suction source 34 is inhibited. Therefore, there is generally no suction airflow through the first inlet 30. The valve 44 is in the closed position (Fig. 2) when the inlet attachment 36 is uncoupled from the second inlet 32 to inhibit airflow through the second inlet 32 and to direct the airflow through the first inlet 30 such that the first inlet 30 is utilized to draw debris into to the debris collector 28. In these embodiments, the valve may include a spring or other mechanism that assists in the valve remaining in the closed position when the inlet attachment is uncoupled from the second inlet. The applied force of coupling the inlet attachment to the second inlet overcomes the closure mechanism (e.g., spring force) to move the valve to the open position.

[0032] In operation, the user can use the vacuum cleaner 10 in a first mode to drawn debris directly from the surface 24 through the first inlet 30. For example, the user may set the vacuum cleaner 10 directly on the surface 24 and sweep debris toward the first inlet 30. As the debris approaches the first inlet 30, the suction airflow draws the debris through the first inlet 30 and into the debris collector 28. The user can also use the vacuum cleaner 20 in a second mode to use the inlet attachment 36 and/or the accessory tool 42. The inlet attachment 36 is inserted into the second inlet 32, which blocks airflow from the first inlet 30 as discussed above. Then, the user can utilize the inlet attachment and/or accessory tool 42 to draw debris from the surface 24 or from a different surface.

[0033] Referring to Fig. 4, in one embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 10 includes capacity sensors 46, 48 that are operable to sense an amount of debris in the debris collector 28. When the debris reaches a predetermined level, an indicator or user feedback interface (e.g., audio alert, display, LED, LED array) alerts the user that the debris collector 28 is full.

[0034] Figs. 5 and 6 illustrate a debris collector assembly 50 according to another embodiment. The debris collector assembly 50 includes a housing 52. The housing 52 includes a top side 54 and a bottom side 56 that is adjacent a surface 58 upon which the debris collector 50 is set or supported. A door or lid 60 is adjacent the top side 54. The debris collector 50 further includes a first debris collector 62 and a second debris collector 64. The first debris collector 62 separates debris from a suction airflow and retains the separated debris drawn from the surface 58. The second debris collector 64 is in fluid communication with the first debris collector 62 such that debris from the first debris collector 62 can be emptied into the second debris collector 64. The first debris collector 62 may include a cyclonic separator, over-the-wall separator, a container, a filter, a bag, and the like or combinations thereof. The illustrated second debris collector 64 includes a wall 66 and a bag 68. The bag 68 is removable and disposable in one embodiment. For example, the bag 68 can include a polyethylene garbage bag. The wall 66 include apertures 70. In some embodiments, the first debris collector 62 has a volume that is less than the second debris collector 64. Also, in one embodiment, the first debris collector 62 includes features that separate debris from the airflow while the second debris collector 64 does not include features to separate debris from the airflow.

[0035] The debris collector assembly 50 further includes an inlet 72 and a suction source 74. The suction source 74 includes a motor and a fan and the suction source 74 is operable to generate the suction airflow. The inlet 72 is in fluid communication with the first debris collector 62 and the suction source 74. The inlet 72 is adjacent the bottom side 54 of the housing 52 such that the inlet is adjacent the surface 58 and debris can be drawn through the inlet 72 directly from the surface 58 via the suction airflow generated by the suction source 74. The suction source 74 is also in fluid communication with the second debris collector 64 via the apertures 70 in the wall 66.

[0036] The debris collector assembly 50 further includes a valve 76. The valve 76 is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the valve 76 directs the airflow generated by the suction source 74 through the inlet 72 and through the first debris collector 62 to transport debris from the surface 58 to the first debris collector 62. Debris is retained in the first debris collector 62 while relatively clean air is directed toward the suction source 74 before being exhausted from the debris collector assembly 50. In the second position, the valve 76 directs the airflow generated by the suction source 74 through the second debris collector 64 and the valve 76 inhibits suction airflow through the inlet 72 and the first debris collector 62. The valve 76 directs the airflow generated by the suction source 74 through the apertures 70 in the wall 66 to draw the bag 68 toward the wall 66. Drawing the bag 68 toward the wall 66 opens the bag 68 to position the bag 68 so that the bag 68 can receive debris emptied from the first debris collector 62. In this and various other embodiment, control of the components in the debris collector assembly 50 may include a controller 77 (Fig. 6A) electrically connected to and configured to control the various electrical components to perform the functions of suction, airflow, and debris collection as described above and below.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the debris collector assembly 50 includes a pressure sensor 78, a proximity sensor 80, and a light 82. The pressure sensor 78 is operable to sense an air pressure in the second debris collector 64. The valve 76 is in the second position, where airflow generated by the suction source 74 is directed through the second debris collector 64, until the air pressure in the second debris collector 64 reaches a set point. After reaching the set point, the controller may receive a signal from the pressure sensor and cause the valve 76 to move to the first position where airflow generated by the suction source 74 is directed through the inlet 72 and through the first debris collector 62. The proximity sensor 80 is located on the outside of the housing 52 and detects an object outside of the debris collectors 62, 64. The proximity sensor 80 detects movement and/or the presence of a user near the debris collector assembly 50. When the proximity sensor 80 detects movement or the presence of a user, the proximity sensor 80 can send a signal to the controller, which thereby causes the debris collector assembly 50 to automatically open the door 60. Opening the door 60 allows the user to deposit debris into the second debris collector 64. Also, opening the door 60 allows the user to install a bag 68 or remove a bag 68 from the second debris collector 64. Also, when the proximity sensor 80 detects movement or the presence of a user, the proximity sensor 80 can signal the debris collector assembly 50 to turn on the light 82 to illuminate the area around the inlet 72. When the proximity sensor 80 no longer detects movement or the presence of a user, the door 60 may be closed and the light 82 turned off.

[0038] The illustrated debris collector assembly 50 includes a cleaning device 84. In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning device 84 is a broom. In other embodiments, the cleaning device 84 may include a wet mop, dry mop, microfiber pad, or other types of cleaning devices, including vacuum cleaners. In yet other embodiments, the debris collector assembly 50 may including multiple cleaning devices 84. The cleaning device 84 can be used to direct debris from the surface 58 to the inlet 72. In the illustrated embodiment, a sensor 86 detects removal of the cleaning device 84. When the cleaning device 84 is removed, the light 82 may illuminate an area adjacent the inlet 72 and/or the debris collector assembly 50 may active the suction source 74. The illumination may include a spotlight or a lighted path providing indication toward the inlet 72 such as a series of lights configured to illuminate in a pattern (e.g., flashing, gradual cycling of dimming/brightness, illuminating in series to indicate a direction, changing/cy cling colors).

[0039] The illustrated debris collector assembly 50 further includes a sensor 88 that detects when debris is adjacent the inlet 72. When debris is sensed adjacent the inlet 72, the suction source 74 may be activated to generate the suction airflow through the inlet 72 to draw the debris through the inlet 72 and to the first debris collector 62. Also, when debris is sensed adjacent the inlet 72 by the sensor 88, and before the suction source 74 is activated, the door 60 may be automatically closed. After debris is no longer detected by the sensor 88 for a period of time, the sensor 88 may signal the debris collector assembly 50 to automatically do the following: deactivate the suction source 74, turn off the light 82, and empty debris from the first debris collector 62 into the second debris collector 64.

[0040] Fig. 7 schematically illustrates an alternative construction of the debris collector assembly 50 of Fig. 5, an alternative to the construction schematically illustrated in Fig. 6. Like components in Fig. 7 from the embodiment described above regarding Fig. 6 have been given the same reference number and only differences between the embodiments of Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 will be discussed.

[0041] The embodiment of Fig. 7 omits the valve 76 of Fig. 6 described above. Rather, the embodiment of Fig. 7 includes a second suction source 90. The first suction source 74 is in fluid communication with the inlet 72 and the first debris collector 62. The first suction source 74 is operable to generate the suction airflow through the inlet 72. The second suction source 90 is in fluid communication with the second debris collector 64. The second suction source 90 is operable to generate an airflow through the second debris collector 64 to facilitate emptying the first debris collector 62 into the second debris collector 64. The second suction source 90 is operable to draw an airflow through the apertures 70 of the wall 66 to draw the removable bag 68 toward the wall 66. Accordingly, the embodiment Fig. 7 omits the valve 76 of Fig. 6 that directs suction airflow along different flow paths and instead the embodiment of Fig. 7 includes first and second suction sources 74, 90.

[0042] Figs. 8 and 9 schematically illustrate an alternative construction of the debris collector assembly 50 of Fig. 5, an alternative to the constructions schematically illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7. Like components in Figs. 8 and 9 from the embodiments described above regarding Figs. 6 and 7 have been given the same reference number and only differences between the embodiments will be discussed.

[0043] The embodiment of Figs. 8 and 9 omits the valve 76 of Fig. 6 described above and omits the second suction source 90 of Fig. 7. The debris collector assembly 50 of Fig. 8 includes the suction source 74 that is in fluid communication with the inlet 72 and the first debris collector 62. The suction source 74 is operable to generate an airflow through the inlet 72 and through the first debris collector 62. The debris collector assembly 50 of Fig. 8 further includes the second debris collector 64 within the housing 52 and a drive assembly 92. The drive assembly 92 is operable to automatically empty debris from the first debris collector 62 into the second debris collector 64.

[0044] The drive assembly 92 is operable to move the first door 60 between opened and closed positions. In the open position, the door 60 permits access to the second debris collector 64 from a location outside of the housing 52 so that the user can deposit debris, garbage, etc., into the second debris collector 64. In the closed position, the first door 60 inhibits access to the second debris collector 64 and the second debris collector 64 is closed. As discussed above, the proximity sensor 80 (Fig. 5) detects movement and/or the presence of a user near the debris collector assembly 50. When the proximity sensor 80 detects movement or the presence of a user, the proximity sensor 80 can signal the drive assembly 92 to automatically open the door 60.

[0045] The first debris collector 62 in the embodiment of Figs. 8 and 9 further includes a second door 94. The drive assembly 92 is also operable to move the second door 94 between opened and closed positions. In the open position, the second door 94 empties debris from the first debris collector 62 into the second debris collector 64. In one embodiment, the second door 94 is located above the second debris collector 64 so that gravity is used to move the debris from the first debris collector 62 into the second debris collector 64. In the closed position, the second door 94 retains debris in the first debris collector 62. Also, when the second door 94 is in the closed position, the second debris collector 64 is not in fluid communication with the suction source 74. Therefore, when the suction source 74 is used to draw debris into the first debris collector 62, a pressure in the second debris collector 64 is independent from the first debris collector 62. That is, the negative pressure created in the first debris collector 62 by the section source 74 is not created in the second debris collector 64. In one embodiment, the drive assembly 92 automatically moves the second door 94 to the closed position when the suction source 74 is operated and the drive assembly 94 automatically moves the second door 94 to the open position following operation of the suction source 74 to empty debris from the first debris collector 62 in the second debris collector 64.

[0046] Fig. 9 illustrates on possible construction of the drive assembly 92. The drive assembly 92 includes a motor 96, a clutch gear 98, and a planetary gear 100. The clutch gear 98 and the planetary gear 100 are connected to the motor 96 such that motor 96 is operable to move the first door or lid 60 between the open and closed positions and the motor 96 can also move the second door 94 between the opened and closed positions.

[0047] The drive assembly 92 discussed with regard to Figs. 8 and 9 can be incorporated into any of the embodiments of the debris collector assembly 50 described herein Likewise, any of the features of the debris collector assemblies 50 discussed with regard to any of the other embodiments, can be incorporated into the debris collector assembly 50 of Figs. 8 and 9.

[0048] Fig. 10 schematically illustrates an alternative construction of the debris collector assembly 50 of Fig. 5, an alternative to the construction schematically illustrated in Fig. 8. Like components in Figs. 8 and 10 have been given the same reference number and only differences between the embodiments will be discussed.

[0049] Fig. 10 illustrates the debris collector assembly 50 including the suction source 74 located upstream of the first debris collector 62. That is, debris travels to through the suction source 74 before being separated by and retained in the debris collector 62 (i.e., a dirty airflow system). The debris collector assembly 50 of Fig. 8 includes the suction source 74 downstream from the debris collector 62 such that debris is separated from the airflow before traveling through the suction source 74 (i.e., a clean airflow system).

[0050] Fig. 11 schematically illustrates an alternative construction of the debris collector assembly 50 of Fig. 5, an alternative to the construction schematically illustrated in Fig. 10. Like components in Figs. 10 and 11 have been given the same reference number and only differences between the embodiments will be discussed. The embodiment of Fig. 11 omits the drive assembly 92 and the door 94 for the debris collector 62. Rather, the first debris collector 62 includes an opening 102 that allows debris to automatically move or fall into the second debris collector 64.

[0051] Figs. 12-14 schematically illustrate an alternative construction of the debris collector assembly 50 of Fig. 5, an alternative to the constructions schematically illustrated in Figs. 6-11. Like components in Figs. 12-14 from Figs. 6-11 have been given the same reference number and only differences between the embodiments will be discussed. The debris collector assembly 50 of Figs. 12-14 includes a vacuum cleaner 10 that is removably coupled the housing 52. The vacuum cleaner 10 that forms a portion of the debris collector assembly 50 of Figs. 12-14 is similar to the vacuum cleaner 10 of Figs. 1-4 described above and like components have been given the same reference number and only differences between the vacuums 10 of Figs. 1-4 and Figs. 12-14 will be discussed. [0052] Referring to Fig. 12, the vacuum cleaner 10 is removably coupled to the housing 52 of the debris collector assembly 50. When the vacuum cleaner 10 is uncoupled or detached from the housing 52, the vacuum cleaner 10 can be used to pick up and retain debris as described above with regard to Figs. 1-4. When the vacuum cleaner 10 is coupled to or attached to the housing 52 of the debris collector assembly 50, the inlet 30 of the vacuum cleaner 10 is adjacent the surface 24 and the vacuum cleaner inlet 30 functions as the inlet 72 (Figs. 5-11) of the debris collector assembly 50. That is, the debris collector assembly 50 of Figs. 12-14 does not include a separate inlet 72, rather the assembly 50 utilizes the inlet 30 of the vacuum cleaner 10 when the vacuum cleaner 10 is attached to the assembly 50. Likewise, the debris collector assembly 50 does not include its own suction source 74 (Figs. 5-11) described above with regard to the other embodiments. Rather, the assembly 50 uses the suction source 34 of the vacuum cleaner 10 when the vacuum cleaner 10 is attached to the housing 52. The suction source 34 is utilized to draw debris through the inlet 30 and transport the debris into the first debris collector 62. The first debris collector 62 may be emptied into the second debris collector 64 as described above. Also, the contents of debris collector 28 may be emptied into first debris collector 62 when the vacuum cleaner 10 is coupled to the housing 52.

[0053] Referring to Fig. 13 and 14, the vacuum cleaner 10 includes a first valve 104 and a second valve 106. The first valve 104 is in the airflow path between the inlet 30 and the first debris collector 62, upstream of the first debris collector 62. The second valve 106 is in the airflow path between the suction source 34 and the first debris collector 62, downstream of the first debris collector 62. The valves 104, 106 are in an open position when the vacuum cleaner 10 is attached to the housing 52 and the valves 14, 106 are in a closed position when the vacuum cleaner 10 is uncoupled from the housing 52. In the open position, the first valve 104 directs the airflow generated by the suction source 34 from the inlet 30 to the assembly first debris collector 62 such that debris is directed to the assembly debris collector 62. In the open position, the second valve 106 directs the airflow generated by the suctions source 34 from the assembly first debris collector 62 to the suction source 34. In the closed position, the first valve 104 directs the airflow generated by the suction source 34 from the inlet 30 to the vacuum cleaner debris collector 28 when the vacuum cleaner 10 is uncoupled from the housing 52 such that debris is directed to the vacuum cleaner debris collector 28. In the closed position, the second valve 106 directs the airflow generated by the suction source 34 from the vacuum cleaner debris collector 28 to the suction source 34. Tn some embodiments, valve 104 may be a 3-way valve configured to direct the airflow based on movement of the valve 104 to a first position (the same as the open position of valve 104 described above), a second position (the same as the closed position of valve 104 described above), and a third position. In the third position, valve 104 is configured to direct the airflow from the debris collector 28 to the first debris collector 62, and valve 104 block the airflow path from inlet 30 to the debris collector 28. Also, when valve 104 is in third position, valve 106 is in the open position. In other embodiments, there may be an additional valve adjacent or on the same side as valve 104 that is configured to perform the function of the third position and/or an additional flow path(s) to direct the airflow in the manner described as related to the first, second, and third positions.

[0054] Fig. 15 illustrates an alternative construction of the debris collector assembly 50 of Fig. 5. The debris collector assembly 50 of Fig. 15 can include any of the features and configurations discussed in regard to Figs. 6-14. Like components in Fig. 15 from Figs. 6-14 have been given the same reference number and only differences between the embodiments will be discussed.

[0055] In the embodiment of Fig. 15, the cleaning device 84 includes a vacuum cleaner 108, particularly, a handheld or stick vac in the illustrated embodiment. The vacuum cleaner 108 includes a vacuum cleaner debris collector 110, an inlet 1 12, a suction source 114, and a battery 116. The debris collector 110 is configured to retain debris drawn from the surface 58. The debris collector 110 may including any suitable debris collector, including a cyclonic separator. The suction source 114 is powered by the battery 116. The suction source 114 is in fluid communication with the inlet 112 and the vacuum cleaner debris collector 110 is operable to generate a suction airflow through the inlet 112 and through the debris collector 110.

[0056] The vacuum cleaner 108 is removably coupled to the housing 52. When the vacuum cleaner 108 is coupled to the housing 52, the assembly 50 is operable to charge the battery 116. The debris collector assembly 50 includes electrical contacts 118 and the vacuum cleaner 108 includes electrical contacts 120. The electrical contacts 118 of the debris collector assembly 50 mate with or engage the electrical contacts 120 of the vacuum cleaner 108 when the vacuum cleaner 108 is coupled to the housing 52 to charge the battery 116 from a power supply of the debris collector assembly 50. The electrical contacts 1 18, 120 may also include communication contacts or terminals that provide communication between the debris collector assembly 50 and the vacuum cleaner 108. The communicated information may include the type or identity of the vacuum cleaner 108, the fdl level of the debris collector 110, and the charge level of the battery 116. Also, when the vacuum cleaner 108 is coupled to the housing 52, the assembly 50 is operable to automatically empty debris from the vacuum cleaner debris collector 110 into second debris collector 64 of the debris collector assembly 50.

[0057] The present disclosure describes several embodiments. It should be understood that features from one embodiment may be utilized and/or combined with features in any of the other embodiments even if not specifically discussed herein. Various features and advantages are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a housing including a bottom side configured to be placed on a surface; a debris collector within the housing, the debris collector configured to retain debris drawn from the surface; a first inlet in fluid communication with the debris collector, the first inlet adjacent the bottom side of the housing and configured to draw debris from the surface; a second inlet in fluid communication with the debris collector; a suction source in fluid communication with the debris collector, the first inlet, and the second inlet, the suction source operable to generate an airflow through the first inlet and through the second inlet; an inlet attachment removably coupled to the second inlet, the inlet attachment configured to direct the debris from the surface through the second inlet and toward the debris collector; and a valve adjacent the second inlet, the valve movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the valve is in the open position when the inlet attachment is coupled to the second inlet to direct the airflow through the second inlet and through the inlet attachment such that the second inlet is utilized to draw debris into the debris collector, and wherein the valve is in the closed position when the inlet attachment is uncoupled from the second inlet to inhibit airflow through the second inlet and to direct the airflow through the first inlet such that the first inlet is utilized to draw debris into to the debris collector.

2. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the inlet attachment is received in the second inlet to couple the inlet attachment to the second inlet.

3. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the valve is configured to block a flow path between the first inlet and the suction source when the inlet attachment is coupled to the second inlet and inhibit the airflow through the first inlet.

4. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the inlet attachment blocks a flow path between the first inlet and the suction source when the inlet attachment is coupled to the second inlet to inhibit airflow through the first inlet.

5. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing includes a first side and a second side and a width of the housing extends from the first side to the second side, and wherein the first inlet extends along the housing adjacent the bottom side of the housing in a direction of the width of the housing.

6. The vacuum cleaner of claim 5, wherein the first inlet extends along at least 50 percent of the width of the housing.

7. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first inlet is at least partially located in the bottom side of the housing.

8. The vacuum cleaner of claim 7, wherein the housing includes a top side opposite the bottom side, the vacuum cleaner further comprising a handle that extends above the top side of the housing.

9. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the valve is in the open position, airflow from the first inlet to the suction source is inhibited.

10. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing includes a first side and a second side and a width of the housing extends from the first side to the second side, wherein the housing includes a top side opposite the bottom side and the first and second sides extend from the bottom side to the top side, and wherein the second inlet is in the first side of the housing.

1 1. A debris collector assembly comprising: a housing including a bottom side configured to be placed on a surface; a first debris collector within the housing, the debris collector configured to retain debris drawn from the surface; an inlet in fluid communication with the first debris collector, the inlet adj cent the bottom side of the housing configured to draw debris from the surface; a second debris collector within the housing, the second debris collector in fluid communication with the first debris collector and the second debris collector configured to receive debris emptied from the first debris collector; a suction source in fluid communication with the inlet, the first debris collector, and the second debris collector, the suction source operable to generate an airflow through the inlet, the first debris collector, and the second debris collector; and a valve movable between a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the valve directs the airflow generated by the suction source through the inlet and through the first debris collector to transport debris from the surface to the first debris collector, and wherein, in the second position, the valve directs the airflow generated by the suction source through at least one wall of the second debris collector and the valve inhibits airflow through the inlet and the first debris collector.

12. The debris collector assembly of claim 11, wherein the second debris collector includes a removable bag, wherein in the second position, the valve directs the airflow generated by the suction source through apertures in the at least one wall to draw the removable bag toward the at least one wall and to generate an air pressure in the second debris collector.

13. The debris collector assembly according to either claims 11 or 12, further comprising a pressure sensor configured to sense an air pressure in the second debris collector, wherein the valve is configured to remain in the second position until the air pressure in the second debris collector reaches a set point, and wherein the valve is configured to move to the first position after the air pressure reaches the set point.

14. A debris collector assembly comprising: a housing including a bottom side configured to be placed on a surface; a first debris collector within the housing, the first debris collector configured to retain debris drawn from the surface; an inlet in fluid communication with the first debris collector, the inlet adj cent the bottom side of the housing and configured to draw debris from the surface; a second debris collector within the housing, the second debris collector in fluid communication with the first debris collector and the second debris collector configured to receive debris emptied from the first debris collector; a first suction source in fluid communication with the inlet and the first debris collector, the first suction source operable to generate an airflow through the inlet; and a second suction source in fluid communication with the second debris collector, the second suction source operable to generate an airflow through at least one wall of the second debris collector to facilitate emptying the first debris collector into the second debris collector.

15. The debris collector assembly of claim 14, wherein the second debris collector includes a removable bag, wherein the second suction source is operable to draw an airflow through apertures in the at least one wall to draw the removable bag toward the at least one wall and to generate an air pressure in the second debris collector.

16. The debris collector assembly according to either claims 14 or 15, further comprising a pressure sensor configured to sense an air pressure in the second debris collector, wherein the second suction source is configured to operate until the air pressure in the second debris collector reaches a set point.

17. A debris collector assembly comprising: a housing including a bottom side configured to be placed on a surface; a first debris collector within the housing, the first debris collector configured to retain debris drawn from the surface; an inlet in fluid communication with the first debris collector, the inlet adjacent the bottom side of the housing and configured to draw debris from the surface; a suction source in fluid communication with the inlet and the first debris collector, the suction source operable to generate an airflow through the inlet and through the first debris collector; a second debris collector within the housing, the second debris collector configured to receive debris emptied from the first debris collector; a first door movable from an open position to a closed position, in the open position, the first door permits access to the second debris collector from a location outside of the housing, in the closed position, the first door inhibits access to the second debris collector from the location outside of the housing; and a second door movable from an open position to a closed position, in the open position of the second door, the second door permits emptying of debris from the first debris collector into the second debris collector, in the closed position of the second door, the second door is configured to retain debris in the first debris collector.

18. The debris collector assembly of claim 17, further comprising a drive assembly including a motor, wherein the motor is configured to move the first door between the open position of the first door and the closed position of the first door, and wherein the motor is configured to move the second door between the open position of the second door and the closed position of the second door.

19. The debris collector assembly of claim 18, wherein the drive assembly further includes a clutch gear operably connected to the motor.

20. The debris collector according to either claims 18 or 19, wherein the drive assembly further includes a planetary gear operably connected to the motor.

21. The debris collector according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the housing includes a top side opposite the bottom side, wherein the first door is located on the top side of the housing.

22. The debris collector according to any one of claims 17 to 21 , wherein the second door is located above the second debris collector such that gravity is configured to move debris from the first debris collector into the second debris collector.

23. The debris collector assembly according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the second debris collector is not in fluid communication with the suction source.

24. The debris collector assembly according to any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the second door is configured to move from the closed position to the open position following operation of the suction source.

25. The debris collector assembly according to any one of claims 17 to 24, further comprising a sensor configured to determine the presence of an object, wherein the first door is moved to the open position when the sensor determines the presence of the object.

26. A debris collector assembly comprising; a vacuum cleaner including: a vacuum cleaner housing including a bottom side configured to be placed on a surface, a vacuum cleaner debris collector within the vacuum cleaner housing, the vacuum cleaner debris collector configured to retain debris drawn from the surface, an inlet in fluid communication with the vacuum cleaner debris collector, the inlet adjacent the bottom side of the vacuum cleaner housing configured to draw debris from the surface, and a suction source in fluid communication with the vacuum cleaner debris collector and the inlet, the suction source operable to generate an airflow through the inlet and through the vacuum cleaner debris collector; a debris collector assembly housing including a bottom side configured to be placed on the surface, the vacuum cleaner removably coupled to the debris collector assembly housing such that the inlet of the vacuum cleaner is adjacent the surface; an assembly debris collector within the debris collector assembly housing, the assembly debris collector configured to retain debris drawn from the surface through the inlet when the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the debris collector assembly housing; and a valve configured to direct the airflow generated by the suction source from the inlet to the assembly debris collector when the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the debris collector assembly housing such that debris is directed to the assembly debris collector, wherein the valve is configured to direct the airflow generated by the suction source from the inlet to the vacuum cleaner debris collector when the vacuum cleaner is uncoupled from the debris collector assembly housing such that debris is directed to the vacuum cleaner debris collector.

27. A debris collector assembly comprising: a vacuum cleaner including: a vacuum cleaner debris collector configured to retain debris drawn from a surface, an inlet, a suction source in fluid communication with the vacuum cleaner debris collector and the inlet, the suction source operable to generate an airflow through the inlet and through the vacuum cleaner debris collector, and a battery configured to provide power to the suction source; a housing, the vacuum cleaner removably coupled to the housing such that the debris collector assembly is configured to charge the battery when the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the housing; an assembly debris collector within the housing, the assembly debris collector configured to receive debris emptied from the vacuum cleaner debris collector when the vacuum cleaner is coupled to the housing; and a first door movable from an open position to a closed position, in the open position, the first door permits access to the assembly debris collector from a location outside of the housing, in the closed position, the first door inhibits access to the assembly debris collector from the location outside of the housing.