Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
DOCKING STATION FOR COUPLING AUTONOMOUS VACUUM TO
CENTRAL VACUUM
TECHNICAL FIELD
This document pertains generally, but not by way of limitation, to a system
for autonomously gathering debris in a space within an autonomous vacuum
system
and autonomously disposing of the gathered debris.
BACKGROUND
Autonomous or robotic vacuum cleaners commonly comprise a self-
propelled vacuum unit that autonomously travels through a space vacuuming
debris
from the floor onto an onboard storage space or bin. Typically, the robotic
vacuum
units are significantly smaller than conventional vacuum cleaners to permit
the
robotic units to more maneuver around and beneath obstacles and unobtrusively
parking when not in use. However, the comparatively smaller size of the
robotic
units that the internal components, such as the internal debris bin, be
correspondingly miniaturized. Also, robotic vacuum units also include
components
not ordinarily found in conventional vacuum cleaners, such as batteries or
movement systems, requiring further miniaturization of the other internal
components. As such, a common drawback of robotic vacuum units is that the
small
internal debris bin quickly fills and must frequently be emptied, typically by
hand.
Failing to properly or regularly emptying the internal debris bin reduces the
efficiency of the vacuum unit for gathering debris can be diminished, or the
vacuum
unit may cease to gather debris if the debris bin is full. As vacuum units are
typically programmed to clean at times when people are absent from the space
or
sleeping, the vacuum units can fill the debris bin before the intended
cleaning is
complete forcing a pause in cleaning until emptying of the debris bin. The
frequent
manual emptying of the debris bin can be inconvenient and can create unplanned
pauses in the cleaning process if the debris bin is insufficiently or
infrequently
emptied. Similarly, opening the debris bin to empty the bin often exposes the
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collected debris to the air allowing the dust and other debris to be released,
which
can reduce the overall air quality within the space.
OVERVIEW
The present inventors have recognized, among other things, that a problem
to be solved can include regularly and efficiently emptying debris from a
robotic
vacuum unit. In an example, the present subject matter can provide a solution
to this
problem, such as by providing an autonomous vacuum system that can move about
a space collecting debris and configured to couple to a central vacuum that
can draw
collected debris into a remote intake port to the central vacuum. The
autonomous
vacuum system can move about the space in a predetermined pattern or randomly
within a bounded area collecting debris from the floor of the space. After the
autonomous vacuum system has filled an internal collection bin or after a
predetermined time, the autonomous vacuum system can be maneuvered to couple
the autonomous vacuum system to the remote intake port of the central vacuum.
The
central vacuum can be operated to create a central airflow drawing debris
collected
within the internal collection bin to empty the collection bin.
In an example, an autonomous vacuum system for collecting debris in a
remote space can comprise a collection bin fluidly connected to a debris
intake. The
autonomous vacuum system can further include an onboard vacuum operable to
generate a suction airflow from the debris intake into the collection bin to
the
onboard vacuum to draw debris through the debris intake into the collection
bin.
The autonomous vacuum system can further comprise an output connector fluidly
connected to the collection bin. The output connector can be coupled to a
remote
intake port fluidly connected to a central vacuum operable to generate a
central
airflow to draw debris from the collection bin into the remote intake port
positioned
in the remote space.
The movement system can move the autonomous vacuum system between a
docked position in which the output connector is coupled to the remote intake
port
and an undocked position in which the output connector is decoupled to the
remote
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intake port. The onboard vacuum can generate the suction airflow to draw
debris
through the debris intake into the collection bin when the autonomous vacuum
system is in the undocked position. The onboard vacuum can generate the
suction
airflow and the central vacuum configured to generate the central airflow when
in
the docked position to agitate debris within the collection bin.
In an example, a central vacuum system for collecting debris within a remote
space can include an autonomous vacuum system and a central vacuum fluidly
connected to a remote intake port, the central vacuum being operable to
generate a
central airflow into the remote intake port. The autonomous vacuum system can
comprise a collection bin fluidly connected to a debris intake and further
include an
onboard vacuum operable to generate a suction airflow from the debris intake
into
the collection bin to the onboard vacuum to draw debris through the debris
intake
into the collection bin. The autonomous vacuum system can further comprise an
output connector fluidly connected to the collection bin. The output connector
can
be coupled to a remote intake port fluidly connected to a central vacuum
operable to
generate a central airflow to draw debris from the collection bin into the
remote
intake port positioned in the remote space.
The central vacuum system can include a dock for receiving the autonomous
vacuum system. The dock can comprise a docking port fluidly connected to the
remote intake port and at least one alignment feature. The at least one
alignment
feature can be configured to engage the autonomous vacuum system to align the
output connector with the docking port.
This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the
present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or
exhaustive
explanation of the present subject matter. The detailed description is
included to
provide further information about the present patent application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may
describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different
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letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The
drawings generally illustrate, by way of example, but not by way of
limitation,
various embodiments discussed in the present document.
Figure 1 depicts a schematic side view of an autonomous vacuum system
according to an example of the present invention.
Figure 2 depicts a schematic side view of a central vacuum system including
an autonomous vacuum system coupled to a central vacuum according to an
example of the present invention.
Figure 3 depicts a schematic side view of the central vacuum system
depicted in Figure 2 illustrating a reverse airflow through a filter of the
autonomous
vacuum system according to an example of the present invention.
Figure 4 depicts a schematic side view of a central vacuum system including
an autonomous vacuum system coupled to a central vacuum and having at least
one
jet opening into a collection bin of the autonomous vacuum system according to
an
example of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a collection bin
according to an example of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 is a top view of the collection bin depicted in Figure 7.
Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a collection bin
according to an example of the present disclosure.
Figure 8 is a top view of the collection bin depicted in Figure 7.
Figure 9 is a schematic side view of a central vacuum system having an
autonomous vacuum system mounted to a dock according to an example of the
present disclosure.
Figure 10 is a schematic side view of a central vacuum system received
within a garage according to an example of the present disclosure.
Figure 11 is a schematic side view of a central vacuum system configured to
deposit debris in a floor port according to an example of the present
disclosure.
Figure 12 is a schematic side view of an autonomous vacuum system having
an interchangeable module according to an example of the present disclosure.
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Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view of an autonomous vacuum system
having a first interchangeable module and a second interchangeable module
according to an example of the present disclosure.
Figure 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating movement an autonomous
vacuum system within a space according to an example of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As depicted in FIG. 1, an autonomous vacuum system 20, according to an
example of the present disclosure, can comprise a housing 22, an onboard
vacuum
24, and a collection bin 26. The onboard vacuum 24 can be operated to generate
a
suction airflow into a debris intake 28 defined by the housing 22, through the
collection bin 26, and out an exterior vent 30 defined by the housing 22.
Debris can
be entrained in the suction airflow proximate the debris intake 28 and
deposited in
the collection bin 26. In an example, the autonomous vacuum system 20 can
include
at least one intake roller 32 rotatable to agitate debris on the floor
proximate the
debris intake 28 to facilitate entrainment of the debris in the suction
airflow created
by the onboard vacuum 24. The rotation of the at least one intake roller 32
can also
draw debris into the debris intake 28 for entrainment of the debris in the
suction
airflow created by the onboard vacuum 24. In certain examples, the at least
one
intake roller 32 can include a cutting device, a mechanical comb or rake, or
combinations thereof for cutting or separating clumps of debris as debris is
drawn
into the debris intake 28.
As depicted in FIG. 1, in an example, the autonomous vacuum system 20
can include a filter 34 positioned between the collection bin 26 and the
onboard
vacuum 24. The filter 34 can permit the suction airflow to pass through the
filter 34
while capturing debris entrained the suction airflow and capturing the debris
in the
collection bin 26. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the onboard vacuum 24 can be
operated
to generate a reverse airflow into the exterior vent 30, across the filter 34,
and into
the collection bin 26. The reverse airflow can free debris captured in the
filter 34 to
push the debris into collection bin 26. In at least one example, the at least
one intake
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roller 32 can be rotated in a reversed direction to facilitate the generation
of the
reverse airflow. In certain examples, the onboard vacuum 24 and/or the at
least one
intake roller 32 can be operated to generate the reversed airflow for a
predetermined
time period, operated in a pulsed sequence, or cycled between the suction
airflow
and the reverse airflow to loosen debris captured in the filter.
In an example, the autonomous vacuum system 20 can include at least one
material collection sensor for monitoring the volume or amount of debris
collected
by the autonomous vacuum system 20. The autonomous vacuum system 20 can
include infrared, optical, laser or other sensors positioned proximate the
debris
intake 28 for monitoring debris entering through the debris intake 28. The
autonomous vacuum system 20 can have weight, pressure, or other sensors
connected to the collection bin 26 for monitoring debris captured within the
collection bin. The material collection sensor can monitor the debris
collected for a
variety of metrics including, but not limited to debris collected over certain
time
periods, operational cycles, and spaces to be cleaned.
In certain examples, the autonomous vacuum system 20 can communicate
with a central computer of a home automation system to provide analytics of
the
debris collected by the autonomous vacuum system. The home automation system
can signal the autonomous vacuum system 20 to alter the programming of the
autonomous vacuum system 20 to alter the spaces to be cleaned, the cleaning
path,
the order of the cleaning, the duration or frequency of the cleaning, and
other
operational parameters of the autonomous vacuum system 20. The altered
programming can cause the autonomous vacuum system 20 to focus the operation
of
the autonomous vacuum system in more critical areas improving battery life,
reduce
mechanical wear on the machine, reduce maintenance, and other advantages. The
home automation system can aggregate the collected information to direct the
user
to areas of the space that could require deeper cleaning with manual vacuum,
steam
cleaner, or carpet shampooer system. The home automation system can provide
other analytics including, but not limited to the percentage of debris picked
up by
the robotic vacuum vs. percentage picked up directly with the central vacuum.
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In an example, the autonomous vacuum system 20 can include an evaluation
sensor for determining the debris content. For example, the evaluation sensor
can
determine if the debris includes, for example, dust, dust mites, pollen,
allergens,
fecal material, and other materials. The autonomous vacuum system 20 can alter
the
cleaning pattern, frequency and other parameters according to the content of
the
debris. In certain examples, the autonomous vacuum system 20 can cease
cleaning if
dangerous or hazardous materials are detected in the debris to avoid
potentially
spreading the debris around during the cleaning process. The autonomous vacuum
system 20 can also signal the user or a home automation system if dangerous
materials are detected in the debris.
In an example, the autonomous vacuum system 20 can include at least one
environmental sensor for monitoring conditions within the space as the
autonomous
vacuum system 20 moves through the cleaning process. The environmental sensor
can gather the information about temperature, humidity, air quality, and other
environmental information. In this configuration, the autonomous vacuum system
operates as a remote environmental sensor for the home automation system. The
home automation system 20 can use the collected information to operate other
devices such as, but not limited to bathroom ventilation fans, kitchen range
hoods,
balancing ventilation fans or dampers, HVAC systems, or other systems to
improve
20 air quality, alter air temperature or other environmental factors.
In an example, the autonomous vacuum system 20 can include an air
purifying device operably coupled to the environmental sensors. The air
purifying
device can be operated to purify air proximate the autonomous vacuum system 20
upon detection of poor air quality or within a designated area to act as a
local air
purifier. The autonomous vacuum system 20 can be configured to use the air
purifier during normal cleaning or parked within a designated space to operate
as a
local air purifier.
As depicted in FIG. 2, a central vacuum system 50, according to an example
of the present disclosure, can include the autonomous vacuum system 20 and a
central vacuum 52 fluidly connected to at least one remote intake port 54. The
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central vacuum 52 can be fluidly connected to the at least one remote intake
port 54
with ducting. The central vacuum 52 can be operated to generate a central
airflow
entering through the remote intake port 54 and out an exterior vent 56. In
this
configuration, the autonomous vacuum system 20 can include an output connector
36 permitting access to the collection bin 26. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the
autonomous vacuum system 20 can be maneuvered to couple the output connector
36 to the remote intake port 54. The central vacuum 42 can be operated to
entrain
debris within the collection bin 26 within the central airflow and draw the
debris
into the remote intake port 54 to empty the collection bin 26. In an example,
central
vacuum tools and accessories can be coupled to the remote intake port 54 when
the
autonomous vacuum system 20 is undocked from the remote intake port 54 for
conventional operation of the central vacuum system 50.
In an example, the remote intake port 54 can include a contact sensor for
detecting connection of the autonomous vacuum system 20 to remote intake port
54.
The contact sensor can comprise an electrical connection, a proximity switch,
a
Hall-effect sensor, a mechanical sensor, or other conventional sensing means
for
detecting connection of the output connector 36 with the remote intake port
54.
Upon detection of the connection of the autonomous vacuum system 20, the
central
vacuum 52 is operated to create the central airflow. In this configuration,
the contact
sensor can also detect attachment of the central vacuum tools and accessories
to the
remote intake port 54 and signal the central vacuum 52 to create the central
airflow.
In certain examples, the contact sensor can determine if the autonomous vacuum
system 20 is coupled to the remote intake port 54 or other tools and
accessories are
coupled to the remote intake port 54.
In an example, the connection bin 26 can include a bin output valve 38 that
can selectively obstruct the output connector 36. The bin output valve 38 can
move
between a closed position preventing airflow through the output connector 36
and
an open position permitting airflow through the output connector 36. In
certain
examples, the bin output valve 38 can bias toward the closed position, wherein
coupling the remote intake port 54 to the output connector 36 moves the bin
output
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valve 38 into the open position permitting airflow through the remote intake
port 54
and output connector 36. The weight, velocity, or mechanical apparatus of the
autonomous vacuum system 20 can be used to move the bin output valve 38 to the
open position. In at least one example, the bin output valve 38 can include a
spring
loaded pivoting damper mounted on a pivoting hinge. The pivoting damper is
biased
toward a closed position by the spring to obstruct the output connector 36,
wherein
engagement of the output connector 36 to the remote intake port 36 pivots the
pivoting damper to an open position to permit airflow through the output
connector
36.
In an example, the bin output valve 38 can be motorized or otherwise
controlled to manually close the bin output valve 38 while the central vacuum
52 is
being operated to close off the collection bin 26 from the central airflow.
The bin
output valve 38 can be closed upon receiving a predetermined trigger signal.
The
trigger signal can be a time-based delay or a measurement of debris within a
collection bin 26. The debris measurement can be a pressure switch, an optical
sensor or other conventional system for determining the amount of debris
within the
collection bin 26 or if the collection bin 26 has been emptied. The central
vacuum
52 can be deactivated upon detection of the change in pressure from the
closing of
the bin output valve 38 and/or upon receiving a transmitted off signal from
the
remote intake valve 54. The transmitted off signal can be transmitted by hard
wiring, wireless signal, or other communication means or protocol.
As depicted in FIG. 4, in an example, the connection bin 26 can define a bin
intake 40 through which the suction air flow enters the collection bin 26 from
the
debris intake 28. In certain examples, the connection bin 26 can include a bin
intake
valve 42 that can selectively obstruct the bin intake 40. In this
configuration, the bin
intake valve 42 can close when the central vacuum 52 is drawing the central
airflow
through the remote intake port 54 to improving the vacuum within the
collection bin
26 and efficient emptying of the collection bin 26.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, in an example, the onboard vacuum 24 can be
operated to generate a reverse airflow into the exterior vent 30, across the
filter 34,
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and into the collection bin 26. The central vacuum 52 can be simultaneously
operated to generate a central airflow entering through the remote intake port
54 and
out an exterior vent 56. In this configuration, debris captured in the filter
34 can be
freed and drawn through the remote intake port 54 to empty the collection bin
26
and clear the filter 34. In certain examples, the onboard vacuum 24 and the
central
vacuum 52 can be simultaneously operated to create a reverse airflow. In this
configuration, the reverse airflow can clear debris from the debris intake 24,
the
collection bin 26, the filter 34, and other internal portions of the
autonomous
vacuum system 20.
As depicted in FIG. 4, in an example, the collection bin 26 includes at least
one jet opening 46 permitting one-way airflow into the collection bin 26
through the
underside of the collection bin 26. In this configuration, operating the
onboard
vacuum 24 to generate the suction airflow and/or the central vacuum 52 to draw
the
central airflow through the remote intake port 54 draws a jet airflow through
the jet
openings 46. The jet airflow can prevent settling debris or break up the
settled
debris within the collection bin 26 to facilitate entrainment of the debris
into the
central airflow. In certain examples, the bin intake valve 42 can be closed to
prevent
air from entering air through the bin intake 40 to facilitate the drawing of
the jet
airflow through the jet openings 46.
As depicted in FIGS. 5-8, in an example, the collection bin 26 can include at
least one internal wall 48 dividing the collection bin 26 into a plurality of
subsections. The internal walls 48 can divide debris entering the collection
bin 26
through the bin intake 40 among the subsections to prevent or limit clumping
of
debris within the collection bin 26. The internal walls 48 can be oriented
toward
output connector 36 such that debris within the collection bin 26 are funneled
toward the output connector 36 as the central airflow is drawn through the
remote
intake port 54. The internal walls 48 can be straight as illustrated in FIG. 6
or curved
as illustrated in FIG. 8. In an example, the collection bin 26 can be curved
or
otherwise shaped to minimize or eliminate acute angle corners, ribs,
protrusions, or
other structures that can collect or trap debris within the collection bin 26
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central airflow is drawn. In an example, the collection bin 26 can include a
shaker
element to agitate the collection bin 26 to loosen debris within the
collection bin 26.
As depicted in FIG. 9, in an example, the central vacuum system 50 can
include a dock 60 at the remote intake port 54. The dock 60 can include a
docking
port 62 fluidly connected to the remote intake port 54 and at least one
alignment
feature 64 for engaging the housing 22 of the autonomous vacuum system 20. The
at least one alignment feature 64 engages the housing 22 of the autonomous
vacuum
system 20 to align the output connector 36 with the docking port 62 as the
moving
autonomous vacuum system 20 into connection with the dock 60.
In an example, the dock 60 can be connected to an existing remote intake
port 54 to provide a docking port 62 compatible with the autonomous vacuum
system 20. In this configuration, the dock 60 can be plumbed in below or
adjacent to
an existing remote intake port 54. The dock 60 can be connected to the remote
intake port 54 by a flexible hose or other connector permitting providing the
dock
60 as an accessory of the central vacuum system 50.
As depicted in FIG. 12, in an example, the autonomous vacuum system 20
can further include an onboard power supply 59 for powering the internal
blower 24
and other internal systems of the autonomous vacuum system 20. The autonomous
vacuum system 20 can include at least one device contact for receiving an
electrical
current to charge the onboard power supply 59. In this configuration, the dock
60
can include at least one dock contact positioned to contact the device contact
when
docking the autonomous vacuum system 20 to the dock 60. The dock contact can
be
configured to provide the electrical current to the at least one device
contact for
charging the onboard power supply. In certain examples, the dock 60 can be
configured to provide electrical current to the onboard power supply 59 by
induction, contact connections, mechanical plug connections, or other
conventional
means of releasably coupling the onboard power supply 59 to the dock 60 to
provide
electrical current. In certain examples, the dock 60 can be wirelessly
connected or
physically connected to the autonomous vacuum system 20 when docked to provide
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software updates or otherwise alter the programming of the autonomous vacuum
system 20.
As depicted in FIG. 10, in an example, the dock 60 can be positioned in a
garage housing 64 defining an internal space. The garage housing 64 can have a
garage door 66 moveable between an open position permitting access to the
internal
space and a closed position obstructing access to the internal space. In an
example,
the garage door 66 is positioned to define a ramp for the autonomous vacuum
system 20 when rotating the garage door 66 into the open position. In certain
examples, the garage housing 64 can be mounted beneath a cabinet to conceal
the
garage housing 64 beneath the cabinet.
As depicted in FIG. 11, in an example, the collection bin 26 can include a
debris door 70 that can be opened to permit emptying debris from collection
bin 26.
The central vacuum system 50 can include a floor port 72 for receiving debris
emptied from the debris door 70. In this configuration, the autonomous vacuum
system 20 can be moved over the floor port 72 empty debris from the collection
bin
26 into the floor port 72. When the autonomous vacuum system 20 is not
positioned
over the floor port 72, debris can be manually swept into the floor port 72.
The
debris sensor can be configured to operate the central vacuum system 50 when
debris is manually swept into the floor port 72 such that the debris is
entrained in the
central airflow.
As depicted in FIG. 12, the autonomous vacuum system 20 can include an
interchangeable module 80 including the collection bin 26 and the onboard
power
supply 59. The interchangeable module 80 can be coupled to the autonomous
vacuum system 20 such that the interchangeable module 80 aligns the filter 34,
the
outtake connector 36, and the bin intake 40 to fluidly connect the collection
bin 26
within the interchangeable module 80 to the internal blower 24 and a connected
central vacuum 52. In this configuration, the collection system 20, the
housing 22 of
the autonomous vacuum system 20 can define a module slot 82 for receive the
interchangeable module 80. In certain examples, the interchangeable module 80
can
include a filter output 84, a secondary connector opening 86, and a secondary
bin
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intake 88 corresponding to the filter 34, the output connector 36, and the bin
intake
40. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the secondary connector opening 86 and the
secondary
bin intake 88 can include a corresponding valve for containing debris within
the
collection bin 26 when the interchangeable module 80 is removed from the
module
slot 82.
As illustrated in FIG. 13, in an example, the autonomous vacuum system 20
can include at least a first interchangeable module 80A receivable within a
first
module slot 82A and a second interchangeable module 80B receivable within a
second module 82B. One or both of the first and second interchangeable modules
80A, 80B can be coupled to the autonomous vacuum system 20. In this
configuration, the autonomous vacuum system 20 can be operated with only the
first
interchangeable module 80A or the second interchangeable module 80B coupled to
the autonomous vacuum system 20. This configuration permits the other of the
first
interchangeable module 80A or the second interchangeable module 80B to be
removed and emptied while the autonomous vacuum system 20 continues to
operate.
As illustrated in FIG. 14, in an example, the autonomous vacuum system 20
can decouple from the dock 60 and travel about a space along a predetermined
path
or randomly within the space. The autonomous vacuum system 20 can return to
the
dock 60 to empty the collection bin 26 upon expiration of a predetermined time
period corresponding to the filling of the collection bin 26. In certain
examples, the
autonomous vacuum system 20 can return to the dock 60 if the at least one
material
collection system determines that a sufficient volume or amount of debris
collected
by the autonomous vacuum system is sufficient to fill the collection bin 26.
The
autonomous vacuum system 20 can be programmed to immediately reverse upon
decoupling from the dock 60 to collect any debris that may have been freed
upon
decoupling of the autonomous vacuum system 20 from the dock 60.
Various Notes & Examples
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Example 1 is an autonomous vacuum system for collecting debris in a
remote space, comprising: a collection bin fluidly connected to a debris
intake; an
onboard vacuum operable to generate a suction airflow from the debris intake
into
the collection bin to the onboard vacuum, the suction airflow drawing debris
through the debris intake into the collection bin; and an output connector
fluidly
connected to the collection bin; wherein the output connector is configured to
be
coupled to a remote intake port fluidly connected to a central vacuum operable
to
generate a central airflow to draw debris from the collection bin into the
remote
intake port positioned in the remote space.
In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 optionally includes a
movement system including at least one of a wheel, tracker, roller, gear, or
combination thereof for moving the autonomous vacuum system.
In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 2 optionally includes wherein
the movement system is operable to move the autonomous vacuum system between
a docked position in which the output connector is coupled to the remote
intake port
and an undocked position in which the output connector is decoupled to the
remote
intake port.
In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 3 optionally includes wherein
the onboard vacuum is operable to generate the suction airflow to draw debris
through the debris intake into the collection bin when the autonomous vacuum
system is in the undocked position.
In Example 5, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 3-4
optionally include wherein the onboard vacuum is operable to generate the
suction
airflow while the central vacuum is operated to generate the central airflow
when in
the docked position to agitate debris within the collection bin.
In Example 6, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 2-5
optionally include wherein the mobile collection further comprises: a
controller for
operating the movement system to move the autonomous vacuum system within the
remote space according to a predetermined pattern; and a memory storage module
storing at least the predetermined pattern.
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In Example 7, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-6
optionally include at least one barrier sensor for determining the positioning
of the
autonomous vacuum system within the remote space.
In Example 8, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-7
optionally include at least one roller proximate the debris intake; wherein
the at least
one roller is rotatable to draw debris into the debris intake.
In Example 9, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-8
optionally include wherein the onboard vacuum is operable to generate the
suction
airflow in a pulsed sequence.
Example 10 is a central vacuum system for collecting debris within a remote
space, comprising: a central vacuum fluidly connected to a remote intake port,
the
central vacuum being operable to generate a central airflow into the remote
intake
port; and an autonomous vacuum system comprising: a collection bin fluidly
connected to a debris intake, an onboard vacuum operable to generate a suction
airflow from the debris intake into the collection bin to the onboard vacuum
to draw
debris through the debris intake into the collection bin, and an output
connector
fluidly connected to the collection bin; wherein the autonomous vacuum system
is
movable to couple the output connector to the remote intake port such that the
central airflow draws debris from the collection bin into the remote intake
port.
In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 10 optionally includes
wherein the autonomous vacuum system further comprises: a movement system
including at least one of a wheel, tracker, roller, gear, or combination
thereof for
moving the autonomous vacuum system.
In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 11 optionally includes
wherein the movement system is operable to move the autonomous vacuum system
between a docked position in which the output connector is coupled to the
remote
intake port and an undocked position in which the output connector is
decoupled to
the remote intake port.
In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 12 optionally includes
wherein the onboard vacuum is operable to generate the suction airflow to draw
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debris through the debris intake into the collection bin when the autonomous
vacuum system is in the undocked position.
In Example 14, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 12-13
optionally include wherein the onboard vacuum is operated to generate the
suction
airflow while the central vacuum is operated to generate the central airflow
when in
the docked position to agitate debris within the collection bin.
In Example 15, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 10-14
optionally include wherein the remote intake port is at a predetermined height
in a
wall defining the remote space.
In Example 16, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 10-15
optionally include wherein the onboard vacuum is operable to generate the
suction
airflow in a pulsed sequence.
In Example 17, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 10-16
optionally include a dock for receiving the autonomous vacuum system, the dock
comprising: a docking port fluidly connected to the remote intake port; and at
least
one alignment feature; wherein the at least one alignment feature is
configured to
engage the autonomous vacuum system to align the output connector with the
docking port.
Example 18 is a method for collecting debris in a remote space, comprising:
providing an autonomous vacuum system comprising a collection bin, a debris
intake, and an onboard vacuum; operating the onboard vacuum to generate a
suction
airflow from the debris intake into the collection bin to the onboard vacuum
to draw
debris through the debris intake into the collection bin; coupling an output
connector
to a remote intake port, wherein the output connector is fluidly connected to
the
collection bin; and operating a central vacuum fluidly connected to the remote
intake port to generate the central airflow drawing debris from the collection
bin
into the remote intake port.
In Example 19, the subject matter of Example 18 optionally includes moving
the autonomous vacuum system into a docked position in which the output
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connector is coupled to the remote intake port; and moving the undocked
position in
which the output connector is decoupled to the remote intake port.
In Example 20, the subject matter of Example 19 optionally includes
wherein the onboard vacuum is operated to generate the suction airflow to draw
debris through the debris intake into the collection bin when the autonomous
vacuum system is in the undocked position.
In Example 21, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 19-20
optionally include wherein the onboard vacuum is operated to generate the
suction
airflow and the central vacuum operated to generate the central airflow when
in the
docked position to agitate debris within the collection bin and facilitate
moving
debris into the remote intake port.
In Example 22, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 18-21
optionally include operating the onboard vacuum to pulse the suction airflow.
In Example 23, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 18-22
optionally include moving the autonomous vacuum system along a predetermined
path; wherein the autonomous vacuum system is positioned to coupled the output
connector to the remote intake port at one position on the predetermined path.
Example 24 is an autonomous vacuum system for collecting debris in a
remote space, comprising: a collection bin fluidly connected to a debris
intake; an
onboard vacuum operable to generate a suction airflow from the debris intake
into
the collection bin to the onboard vacuum, the suction airflow drawing debris
through the debris intake into the collection bin; and a filter positioned
between the
collection bin and the onboard vacuum source; wherein the filter captures
debris
entrained in the suction airflow to retain the debris in the collection bin.
In Example 25, the subject matter of Example 24 optionally includes
wherein the onboard vacuum is operable to generate a reverse airflow across
the
filter toward the collection bin to free debris trapped in the filter.
In Example 26, the subject matter of Example 25 optionally includes an
output connector fluidly connected to the collection bin; wherein the output
connector is configured to be coupled to a remote intake port fluidly
connected to a
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central vacuum operable to generate a central airflow to draw debris from the
collection bin into the remote intake port positioned in the remote space.
In Example 27, the subject matter of Example 26 optionally includes
wherein the central vacuum is operated to generate the central airflow to draw
debris from the collection bin into the remote intake port when the onboard
vacuum
is operated to generate the reverse airflow.
In Example 28, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 25-27
optionally include wherein the onboard vacuum is operable to generate the
reverse
airflow in a pulsed sequence.
Example 29 is a method for collecting debris in a remote space, comprising:
providing an autonomous vacuum system comprising a collection bin, a debris
intake, and an onboard vacuum; and operating the onboard vacuum to generate a
suction airflow from the debris intake into the collection bin to the onboard
vacuum
to draw debris through the debris intake into the collection bin; wherein a
filter is
positioned between the collection bin and the onboard vacuum source to capture
debris entrained in the suction airflow to retain the debris in the collection
bin.
In Example 30, the subject matter of Example 29 optionally includes
operating the onboard vacuum to generate a reverse airflow across the filter
toward
the collection bin to free debris trapped in the filter.
In Example 31, the subject matter of Example 30 optionally includes
coupling an output connector to a remote intake port, wherein the output
connector
is fluidly connected to the collection bin; and operating a central vacuum
fluidly
connected to the remote intake port to generate the central airflow drawing
debris
from the collection bin into the remote intake port.
In Example 32, the subject matter of Example 31 optionally includes
operating the central vacuum to generate the central airflow drawing debris
from the
collection bin into the remote intake port when the onboard vacuum is operated
to
generate the reverse airflow.
In Example 33, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 29-32
optionally include operating the onboard vacuum to pulse the reverse airflow.
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Example 34 is a central vacuum system for collecting debris within a remote
space, comprising: a central vacuum fluidly connected to a remote intake port,
the
central vacuum being operable to generate a central airflow into the remote
intake
port; and an autonomous vacuum system comprising: a collection bin fluidly
connected to a debris intake, an onboard vacuum operable to generate a suction
airflow from the debris intake into the collection bin to the onboard vacuum
to draw
debris through the debris intake into the collection bin, and an output
connector
fluidly connected to the collection bin; a dock including a docking port
fluidly
connected to the remote intake port; wherein the autonomous vacuum system is
movable to couple the output connector to the docking port such that the
central
airflow draws debris from the collection bin into the docking port and the
remote
intake port.
In Example 35, the subject matter of Example 34 optionally includes
wherein the dock further comprises: at least one alignment feature configured
to
engage the autonomous vacuum system to align the output connector with the
docking port.
In Example 36, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 34-35
optionally include that the docking port further comprises a gasket for
sealing
engagement of the output connector to the docking port.
In Example 37, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 34-36
optionally include wherein the dock further comprises: a garage housing
defining an
internal space for receiving the autonomous vacuum system; and a garage door
moveable between an open position permitting access to the internal space and
a
closed position obstructing access to the internal space.
In Example 38, the subject matter of Example 37 optionally includes
wherein the garage door is positioned to define a ramp for the autonomous
vacuum
system.
In Example 39, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 37-38
optionally include wherein the garage is mounted beneath a cabinet.
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In Example 40, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 34-39
optionally include wherein the autonomous vacuum system further comprises: an
onboard power supply for powering the autonomous vacuum system; and at least
one device contact for receiving an electrical current to charge the onboard
power
supply.
In Example 41, the subject matter of Example 40 optionally includes
wherein the dock further comprises: at least one dock contact corresponding to
the
at least one device contact; wherein the at least one dock contact is
positioned to
contact the at least one device contact to provide the electrical current to
the at least
one device contact to charge the onboard power supply.
In Example 42, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 34-41
optionally include wherein the remote intake port is at a predetermined height
in a
wall defining the remote space.
In Example 43, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 34-42
optionally include that the docking port further comprises: a selective valve
moveable between a closed position obstructing airflow through the remote
intake
port and an open position permitting airflow through the remote intake port;
wherein
the selective valve is biased to the closed position, wherein engagement of
the
output connector to the docking port moves the selective valve to the open
position.
Example 44 is an autonomous vacuum system for collecting debris in a
remote space, comprising: a collection bin fluidly connected to a debris
intake, the
collection bin further comprises a plurality of interior walls dividing the
collection
bin into a plurality of interior spaces; and an onboard vacuum operable to
generate a
suction airflow from the debris intake into the collection bin to the onboard
vacuum
to draw debris through the debris intake into the collection bin; wherein
debris
drawn into the collection bin is separated by the interior walls into one of
the
plurality of the interior spaces.
In Example 45, the subject matter of Example 44 optionally includes an
output connector fluidly connected to the collection bin; wherein the output
connector is configured to be coupled to a remote intake port fluidly
connected to a
CA 2979885 2017-09-22
central vacuum operable to generate a central airflow to draw debris from the
collection bin into the remote intake port positioned in the remote space.
In Example 46, the subject matter of Example 45 optionally includes
wherein the interior walls are oriented toward the output connector to funnel
debris
toward the output connector.
In Example 47, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 45-46
optionally include wherein the internal walls are curved toward the output
connector
to funnel debris toward the output connector.
In Example 48, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 44-47
optionally include wherein the collection bin defines at least one jet
opening;
wherein operating the onboard vacuum to generate the suction airflow creates a
jet
airflow into the collection bin to agitate debris collected within the
collection bin.
Example 49 is an autonomous vacuum system for collecting debris in a
remote space, comprising: at least one collection assembly including an
onboard
power supply and a collection bin; and an onboard vacuum operable to generate
a
suction airflow; wherein the at least one collection assembly is configured to
be
releasably coupled to the onboard vacuum such that the suction airflow is
drawn
from the debris intake into the collection bin to the onboard vacuum to draw
debris
through the debris intake into the collection bin.
In Example 50, the subject matter of Example 49 optionally includes a
collection slot for receiving the collection assembly and coupling the
collection
assembly to the onboard vacuum.
In Example 51, the subject matter of Example 50 optionally includes
wherein the collection slot is sized to receive at least a first collection
assembly and
a second collection assembly.
In Example 52, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 49-51
optionally include thatt the autonomous vacuum system further includes: a
first
collection slot for receiving a first collection assembly; and a second
collection slot
for receiving a second collection assembly; wherein the onboard vacuum is
operable
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to draw debris into at least one of the first collection assembly and the
second
collection assembly.
In Example 53, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 49-52
optionally include wherein the autonomous vacuum system defines a first
collection
slot for receiving a first interchangeable module and defines a second
collection slot
for receiving a second power-supply collection bin assembly.
Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own, or can be
combined in any permutation or combination with any one or more of the other
examples.
The above-detailed description includes references to the accompanying
drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by
way
of illustration, specific embodiments in which the present subject matter can
be
practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as "examples." Such
examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described.
However,
the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements
were
shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also
contemplate
examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or
described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a
particular
example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples
(or one
or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.
In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any
documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls.
In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as is common in patent
documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances
or
usages of "at least one" or "one or more." In this document, the term "or" is
used to
refer to a nonexclusive or, such that "A or B" includes "A but not B," "B but
not
A," and "A and B," unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms
"including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the
respective terms "comprising" and "wherein." Also, in the following claims,
the
terms "including" and "comprising" are open-ended, that is, a system, device,
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CA 2979885 2017-09-22
article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in
addition to
those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the
scope of
that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms "first," "second,"
and
"third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose
numerical
requirements on their objects.
Method examples described herein can be machine or computer-
implemented at least in part. Some examples can include a computer-readable
medium or machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable to
configure an electronic device to perform methods as described in the above
examples. An implementation of such methods can include code, such as
microcode, assembly language code, a higher-level language code, or the like.
Such
code can include computer readable instructions for performing various
methods.
The code may form portions of computer program products. Further, in an
example,
the code can be tangibly stored on one or more volatile, non-transitory, or
non-
volatile tangible computer-readable media, such as during execution or at
other
times. Examples of these tangible computer-readable media can include, but are
not
limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic disks, removable optical disks
(e.g.,
compact disks and digital video disks), magnetic cassettes, memory cards or
sticks,
random access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROMs), and the like.
The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For
example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be
used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by
one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The
Abstract is
provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly
ascertain
the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding
that it
will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
Also, in the
above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to
streamline
the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed
disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter
may lie
in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the
following
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claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or
embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and
it
is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in
various
combinations or permutations. The scope of the present subject matter should
be
determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of
equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
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