Patent Description:
Autonomous surface treatment apparatuses are configured to traverse a surface (e.g., a floor) while removing debris from the surface with little to no human involvement. For example, a robotic vacuum may include a controller, a plurality of driven wheels, a suction motor, a brush roll, and a dust cup for storing debris. The controller causes the robotic vacuum cleaner to travel according to one or more patterns (e.g., a random bounce pattern, a spot pattern, a wall/obstacle following pattern, and/or the like). While traveling pursuant to one or more patterns, the robotic vacuum cleaner collects debris in the dust cup. As the dust cup gathers debris, the performance of the robotic vacuum cleaner may be degraded. As such, the dust cup may need to be emptied at regular intervals to maintain consistent cleaning performance. <CIT> concerns a suction nozzle of an electric vacuum cleaner including an electric blower. <CIT> concerns a dust collection device.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a debris fin for a robotic cleaner dust cup according to independent claim <NUM>. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a dust cup for a robotic cleaner according to independent claim <NUM>.

These and other features and advantages will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings, wherein:.

The present disclosure is generally directed to a dust cup for a robotic cleaner. The robotic cleaner dust cup includes a robotic cleaner dust cup inlet and a robotic cleaner dust cup outlet. A debris fin extends between a top surface and a bottom surface of the robotic cleaner dust cup in a direction transverse to a horizontal plane of the robotic cleaner dust cup. The debris fin is configured to engage debris suctioned into the robotic cleaner dust cup inlet during a cleaning operation. Engagement of the debris fin with fibrous debris (e.g., hair or string) may encourage a straightening and/or discourage an entangling of the fibrous debris entering the robotic cleaner dust cup. As a result, when the robotic cleaner dust cup is evacuated (e.g., using a docking station), debris may be more easily suctioned from the robotic cleaner dust cup outlet. Additionally, or alternatively, the debris fin may prevent at least a portion of the fibrous debris deposited within the robotic cleaner dust cup from exiting the robotic cleaner dust cup through the robotic cleaner dust cup inlet (e.g., by physically obscuring at least a portion of the robotic cleaner dust cup inlet and/or by increasing a flow velocity of air passing through the robotic cleaner dust cup inlet). Such a configuration may, for example, reduce a quantity of fibrous debris that becomes entangled on an agitator of the robotic cleaner. Accordingly, in some instances, the debris fin can generally be described as encouraging fibrous debris to migrate in a single direction within the robotic cleaner dust cup (e.g., from the robotic cleaner dust cup inlet towards the robotic cleaner dust cup outlet).

In some instances, the robotic cleaner dust cup may, for example, include a debriding rib configured to engage a portion of an agitator of the robotic cleaner. The engagement being configured such that at least a portion of fibrous debris entangled on the agitator can be removed therefrom. The debriding rib can be coupled to or integrally formed from one of a main body of the robotic cleaner dust cup (e.g., a base, top, or sidewall of the robotic cleaner dust cup) or the debris fin. When coupled to or integrally formed from the debris fin sound generated as a result of engagement between the agitator and the debriding rib may be reduced relative to when the debriding rib is coupled to or integrally formed from the main body of the robotic cleaner dust cup.

<FIG> shows a schematic view of a docking station <NUM>. The docking station <NUM> includes a base <NUM> and a docking station dust cup <NUM>. The base <NUM> includes a dock suction motor <NUM> (shown in hidden lines) fluidly coupled to a docking station inlet <NUM> and the docking station dust cup <NUM>. When the dock suction motor <NUM> is activated, fluid is caused to flow into the docking station inlet <NUM>, through the docking station dust cup <NUM>, and exit the base <NUM> after passing through the dock suction motor <NUM>.

The docking station inlet <NUM> is configured to fluidly couple to a robotic cleaner <NUM> (e.g., a robotic vacuum cleaner, a robotic mop, and/or any other robotic cleaner). The robotic cleaner <NUM> may include a robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM> (shown in hidden lines) having an outlet port <NUM> (shown in hidden lines), a robotic cleaner suction motor <NUM> (shown in hidden lines) fluidly coupled to the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM>, and one or more driven wheels <NUM> configured to urge the robotic cleaner <NUM> over a surface. For example, the docking station inlet <NUM> can be configured to fluidly couple to an outlet port <NUM> (shown in hidden lines) provided in a robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM> (shown in hidden lines) such that debris stored in the dust cup of the robotic cleaner <NUM> can be transferred into the docking station dust cup <NUM>. When the dock suction motor <NUM> is activated, the dock suction motor <NUM> causes debris stored in the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM> to be urged into the docking station dust cup <NUM>. The debris may then collect in the docking station dust cup <NUM> for later disposal. The docking station dust cup <NUM> may be configured such that the docking station dust cup <NUM> can receive debris from the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM> multiple times (e.g., at least two times) before the docking station dust cup <NUM> becomes full (e.g., the performance of the docking station <NUM> is substantially degraded). In other words, the docking station dust cup <NUM> may be configured such that the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM> can be emptied several times before the docking station dust cup <NUM> becomes full.

In some instances, the robotic cleaner <NUM> can be configured to perform one or more wet cleaning operations (e.g., using a mop pad and/or a fluid dispensing pump). Additionally, or alternatively, the robotic cleaner <NUM> can be configured to perform one or more vacuum cleaning operations.

<FIG> shows a schematic example of a robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM>, which may be an example of the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM> of <FIG>. As shown, the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM> includes a dust cup base <NUM>, a dust cup top <NUM>, and one or more dust cup sidewalls <NUM> extending between the dust cup base <NUM> and the dust cup top <NUM>. A robotic cleaner dust cup inlet <NUM> and a robotic cleaner dust cup outlet <NUM> are defined in a corresponding one of the one or more dust cup sidewalls <NUM>. For example, and as shown, the robotic cleaner dust cup inlet <NUM> and the robotic cleaner dust cup outlet <NUM> may be defined in opposing sidewalls <NUM>.

As shown, at least a portion of a debris fin <NUM> extends within a dust cup cavity <NUM> between the dust cup top <NUM> and the dust cup base <NUM> in a direction toward the dust cup base <NUM> (e.g., a direction transverse to a central axis <NUM> of the robotic cleaner dust cup inlet <NUM>). In other words, the debris fin <NUM> extends in a direction transverse to a horizontal plane of the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM>. As such, air flowing through the robotic cleaner dust cup inlet <NUM> (e.g., during a cleaning operation) is incident on an airflow body <NUM> of the debris fin <NUM> causing the air incident thereon to be urged towards the dust cup base <NUM> and along an airflow surface <NUM> of the airflow body <NUM>. The airflow body <NUM> (e.g., airflow surface <NUM>) can be configured to cause fibrous debris (e.g., hair or string) entrained within air flowing over the airflow surface <NUM> to be straightened (e.g., detangled).

The debris fin <NUM> may include a fin mount <NUM>. The fin mount <NUM> is configured to couple the debris fin <NUM> to the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM>. For example, and as shown, the fin mount <NUM> can be configured to couple to the dust cup top <NUM>. The airflow body <NUM> extends from the fin mount <NUM> in a direction away from the dust cup top <NUM> and towards the dust cup base <NUM> according to a divergence angle Θ extending between the airflow body <NUM> and the dust cup top <NUM>. In other words, the divergence angle Θ extends between a plane (e.g., a horizontal plane) defined by a mounting surface <NUM> of the fin mount <NUM> and the airflow body <NUM>. The divergence angle Θ may be constant or non-constant along a length of the debris fin <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of a debris fin <NUM>, which may be an example of the debris fin <NUM>. <FIG> shows an end view of the debris fin <NUM>.

As shown, the debris fin <NUM> includes a fin mount <NUM> and an airflow body <NUM> extending from the fin mount <NUM> according to a divergence angle β. The fin mount <NUM> defines a mounting surface <NUM> configured to engage a robotic cleaner dust cup such that the fin mount <NUM> can be coupled to the robotic cleaner dust cup. The airflow body <NUM> defines an airflow surface <NUM> on which air entering a robotic cleaner dust cup is incident and a dust cup top facing surface <NUM> opposite the airflow surface <NUM>. The divergence angle β is measured between the dust cup top facing surface <NUM> and a plane (e.g., a horizontal plane) defined by the mounting surface <NUM> of the fin mount <NUM>. In some instances, for example, the divergence angle β may measure in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°.

The airflow body <NUM> defines a trailing edge <NUM> that is spaced apart from the fin mount <NUM> such that the trailing edge <NUM> is at the distal most portion of the airflow body <NUM>. The trailing edge <NUM> can define a wave shape such as, for example, a square wave shape, as shown. In other words, the airflow body <NUM> may include a plurality of teeth <NUM> spaced apart from each other by a plurality of cutouts <NUM> extending through the airflow body <NUM>. As such, the airflow body <NUM> may generally be described as defining a comb. Fibrous debris entrained within air flowing between the teeth <NUM> and through the cutouts <NUM> may be caused to be straightened (e.g., detangled) as a result of the engagement of the fibrous debris with the teeth <NUM>.

A cutout width <NUM> extending between two adjacent teeth <NUM> may measure, for example, in a range of <NUM> millimeters (mm) to <NUM>. By way of further example, the cutout width <NUM> may measure <NUM>. A tooth thickness <NUM> extending between opposing sides of a respective tooth <NUM> may measure, for example, in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>. By way of further example, the tooth thickness <NUM> may measure <NUM>. A tooth length <NUM> extending between a portion of the trailing edge <NUM> defined by a respective tooth <NUM> and a portion of the trailing edge <NUM> defined by a respective cutout <NUM> may measure, for example, in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>. By way of further example, the tooth length <NUM> may measure <NUM>. An airflow body length <NUM> extending between a distal most portion of the airflow body <NUM> (e.g., a portion of the trailing edge <NUM> defined by a respective tooth <NUM>) and the fin mount <NUM> may measure, for example, in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of a debris fin <NUM>, which may be an example of the debris fin <NUM>. <FIG> shows a perspective end view of the debris fin <NUM>.

As shown, the debris fin <NUM> includes a fin mount <NUM> and an airflow body <NUM> extending from the fin mount <NUM>. The fin mount <NUM> defines a mounting surface <NUM> configured to engage a robotic cleaner dust cup such that the fin mount <NUM> can be coupled to the robotic cleaner dust cup. The airflow body <NUM> defines an airflow surface <NUM> on which air entering a robotic cleaner dust cup is incident and a dust cup top facing surface <NUM> opposite the airflow surface <NUM>.

The airflow body <NUM> defines a trailing edge <NUM> that is spaced apart from the fin mount <NUM> such that the trailing edge <NUM> is the distal most portion of the airflow body <NUM>. The trailing edge <NUM> can define a wave shape such as, for example, a curved wave shape, as shown. In other words, the airflow body <NUM> can include one or more concave regions <NUM> and one or more convex regions <NUM>. As shown, the concave region <NUM> extends between a plurality of convex regions <NUM>. In some instances, and as shown, for example, in <FIG>, a convex region <NUM> may extend between two concave regions <NUM>, wherein the convex region <NUM> is centered along an airflow body <NUM>.

The airflow body <NUM> may be non-planar. For example, the airflow body <NUM> may define a wave shape such as, for example, a curved wave shape, as shown. In other words, the airflow body <NUM> may be corrugated such that the airflow surface <NUM> defines a wave shape. As such, the airflow body <NUM> may include two or more curved wave shapes, wherein a first curved wave shape extends in a first plane and a second curved wave shape extends in a second plane, the first plane extending transverse to (e.g., perpendicular to) the second plane. In these instances, the airflow body <NUM> can extend from the fin mount <NUM> according to a non-constant divergence angle α measured between the dust cup top facing surface <NUM> and a plane (e.g., a horizontal plane) defined by the mounting surface <NUM> of the fin mount <NUM>. For example, the divergence angle α corresponding to the one or more convex regions <NUM> may measure, for example, in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>° and a measure of the divergence angle α corresponding to the one or more concave regions <NUM> may measure, for example, in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°.

A measure of a maximum airflow body convex length <NUM> corresponding to the one or more convex regions <NUM> (as measured from a distal most portion of a respective convex region <NUM> to the fin mount <NUM>) may, for example, be in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> and a measure of a maximum airflow body concave length <NUM> corresponding to one or more of the concave regions <NUM> (as measured from a proximal most portion of a respective convex region <NUM> to the fin mount <NUM>) may, for example, be in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

As shown, the debris fin <NUM> includes a fin mount <NUM> and an airflow body <NUM> extending from the fin mount <NUM> according to a divergence angle µ. The fin mount <NUM> defines a mounting surface <NUM> configured to engage a robotic cleaner dust cup such that the fin mount <NUM> can be coupled to the robotic cleaner dust cup. The airflow body <NUM> defines an airflow surface <NUM> on which air entering a robotic cleaner dust cup is incident and a dust cup top facing surface <NUM> opposite the airflow surface <NUM>. The divergence angle µ is measured between the dust cup top facing surface <NUM> and a plane (e.g., a horizontal plane) defined by the mounting surface <NUM> of the fin mount <NUM>. In some instances, for example, the divergence angle µ may measure in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°.

The airflow body <NUM> can include one or more ribs <NUM> extending from the airflow surface <NUM>. For example, the airflow body <NUM> may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, and/or any other suitable number of ribs <NUM>. The one or more ribs <NUM> extend generally parallel to a flow direction of air along the airflow surface <NUM>. When there are two or more ribs <NUM>, the ribs <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other along the airflow surface <NUM> such that fibrous debris moving along the airflow surface <NUM> is straightened as a result of, for example, engagement with the ribs <NUM>. In some instances, and as shown, two or more ribs <NUM> may be spaced longitudinally along a body longitudinal axis <NUM> of the airflow body <NUM> such that a rib longitudinal axis <NUM> of the ribs <NUM> extends transverse to (e.g., perpendicular to) the body longitudinal axis <NUM>. In some instances, when there are a plurality of ribs <NUM>, at least two of the ribs <NUM> may extend parallel to each other.

The one or more ribs <NUM> may extend continuously from a trailing edge <NUM> of the airflow body <NUM> to the fin mount <NUM>. In some instances, one or more of the one or more ribs <NUM> may extend over at least a portion of the fin mount <NUM>. A rib length <NUM> extending from the trailing edge <NUM> to the fin mount <NUM> may measure, for example, in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>. A measure of a rib height <NUM> extending from the airflow surface <NUM> of the airflow body <NUM> may be in a range of, for example, <NUM> to <NUM>. An airflow body length <NUM> extending from a distal most portion of the airflow body <NUM> to the fin mount <NUM> may measure in a range of, for example, <NUM> to <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of a debris fin <NUM>, which may be an example of the debris fin <NUM>. As shown, the debris fin <NUM> includes a fin mount <NUM> and an airflow body <NUM> extending from the fin mount <NUM> according to a divergence angle γ. The fin mount <NUM> defines a mounting surface <NUM> configured to engage a robotic cleaner dust cup such that the fin mount <NUM> can be coupled to the robotic cleaner dust cup. The airflow body <NUM> defines an airflow surface <NUM> on which air entering a robotic cleaner dust cup is incident and a dust cup top facing surface <NUM> opposite the airflow surface <NUM>. The divergence angle γ is measured between the dust cup top facing surface <NUM> and a plane (e.g., a horizontal plane) defined by the mounting surface <NUM> of the fin mount <NUM>. In some instances, for example, the divergence angle γ may measure in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°.

As shown, the airflow body <NUM> may include one or more grooves <NUM> that are defined in the airflow surface <NUM>. The one or more grooves <NUM> extend along the airflow surface <NUM> in a direction transverse to (e.g., perpendicular to) a body longitudinal axis <NUM>. In other words, the one or more grooves <NUM> may extend generally parallel to an airflow direction along the airflow surface <NUM>.

A measure of a groove depth <NUM> may decrease with increasing distance from a trailing edge <NUM> of the airflow body <NUM>. For example, a measure of the groove depth <NUM> may decrease from <NUM> at a location proximate the trailing edge <NUM> to <NUM> at a location proximate the fin mount <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more grooves <NUM> may have a groove taper angle ϕ (as measured between a closed bottom surface and an opposing open end of a corresponding groove <NUM>) that measures, for example, in range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°. In some instances, the groove depth <NUM> may be substantially constant along a respective groove <NUM>. A groove width <NUM> extending between opposing sides of a corresponding groove <NUM> may measure, for example, in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>. A groove length <NUM> extending from the trailing edge <NUM> and in a direction along a corresponding groove <NUM> towards the fin mount <NUM> may measure in a range of, for example, <NUM> to <NUM>. When two or more grooves <NUM> are defined in the airflow surface <NUM>, a groove spacing <NUM> extending between adjacent grooves <NUM> may measure, for example, in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

As shown, the airflow body <NUM> may define a convex fillet <NUM> that extends along at least a portion of the trailing edge <NUM>. Such a configuration may result in a comb being defined along the trailing edge <NUM>. A tooth length corresponding to the teeth of the resulting comb may be based, at least in part, on the groove depth <NUM>.

As may be appreciated, the debris fin <NUM> of <FIG> may include combinations of one or more of the features described herein, for example, one or more of the features described in relation to <FIG>. For example, and as shown in <FIG>, a debris fin <NUM> (which may be an example of the debris fin <NUM>) may include the one or more grooves <NUM> and the one or more ribs <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of a robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM>, which may be an example of the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM> of <FIG>. As shown, the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM> includes a dust cup body <NUM> and an openable door <NUM> moveably coupled (e.g., pivotally coupled) to the dust cup body <NUM>, the openable door <NUM> defining a top of the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM>. The robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM> may include a debris fin such as the debris fin <NUM> of <FIG> extending within the dust cup body <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG> (which is a cross-sectional view of an example of the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM> taken along the line XIII-XIII of <FIG>), the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM> may include the debris fin <NUM> of <FIG> extending within a dust cup cavity <NUM> of the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM>. As shown, the airflow body <NUM> of the debris fin <NUM> extends transverse to a dust cup inlet central axis <NUM> of a robotic cleaner dust cup inlet <NUM>. As such, in some instances, the debris fin <NUM> may at least partially occlude a portion of the robotic cleaner dust cup inlet <NUM>. In these instances, a velocity of air flowing through the robotic cleaner dust cup inlet <NUM> may be increased.

The robotic cleaner dust cup inlet <NUM> can extend transverse to a dust cup horizontal axis <NUM> at a non-perpendicular angle. As such, the dust cup inlet central axis <NUM> extends transverse to the dust cup horizontal axis <NUM> at a non-perpendicular angle. Such a configuration may improve an ability of debris to be urged into the robotic cleaner dust cup inlet <NUM> by, for example, a rotating agitator such as a brush roll.

As shown, a debriding rib <NUM> extends along at least a portion of the robotic cleaner dust cup inlet <NUM> and is integrally formed from a portion of the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM> (e.g., a portion the dust cup body <NUM> or the openable door <NUM>). The debriding rib <NUM> includes one or more debriding teeth <NUM> configured to engage an agitator of a robotic cleaner. Engagement between the debriding rib <NUM> and the agitator can cause fibrous debris (e.g., hair or string) entangled about the agitator to be removed therefrom. Once removed from the agitator, the fibrous debris can pass through the robotic cleaner dust cup inlet <NUM>. At least a portion of the fibrous debris passing through the robotic cleaner dust cup inlet <NUM> may engage the debris fin <NUM>.

As also shown, the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM> may include a flow directer <NUM> proximate a robotic cleaner dust cup outlet <NUM>, wherein the robotic cleaner dust cup outlet <NUM> and the robotic cleaner dust cup inlet <NUM> are on opposing sides of the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM>. The flow directer <NUM> is configured to urge air incident thereon in a direction away from the openable door <NUM>. In other words, the flow directer <NUM> is configured to urge incident air in a direction of the robotic cleaner dust cup outlet <NUM>. For example, the flow directer <NUM> may include one or more curved and/or angled surfaces on which air is incident, wherein the one or more curved and/or angled surfaces urge incident air in a direction toward the robotic cleaner dust cup outlet <NUM>. As such, the flow directer <NUM> extends into the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM> in a direction away from the openable door <NUM>.

In some instances, the flow directer <NUM> may occlude at least a portion of the robotic cleaner dust cup outlet <NUM>. As such, the flow directer <NUM> may increase a velocity of air flowing through the robotic cleaner dust cup outlet <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a top view of the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM> having the openable door <NUM> removed therefrom. As shown, the debris fin <NUM> may have a shape that generally corresponds to an internal shape of the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM>. For example, and as shown, opposing longitudinal ends of the debris fin <NUM> may include curved regions <NUM> that correspond to a curvature of a corresponding internal surface <NUM> of the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM>.

<FIG> shows cross-sectional view another example of a robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM>, which may be an example of the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM> of <FIG>. As shown, the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM> can include a debris fin <NUM> (which may be an example of the debris fin <NUM> of <FIG>) extending from a top surface <NUM> of the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM> at a location between a robotic cleaner dust cup outlet <NUM> and a robotic cleaner dust cup inlet <NUM>. For example, the debris fin <NUM> may extend from a central region of the top surface <NUM> (e.g., a region corresponding to a middle <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, and/or <NUM>% of the surface area of the top surface <NUM>). A measure of an airflow body length <NUM> may be in a range of, for example, <NUM> to <NUM>.

<FIG> shows another cross-sectional view of the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM>. As shown, the debris fin <NUM> is coupled to the top surface <NUM> such that the debris fin <NUM> extends across a filter <NUM> that defines at least a portion of the top surface <NUM>. In some instances, the debris fin <NUM> may be coupled to and/or extend from the filter <NUM> (e.g., coupled to a frame holding the filter <NUM>).

As shown, the debris fin <NUM> may extend across an entire robotic cleaner dust cup cavity width <NUM> of the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM>. Alternatively, the debris fin <NUM> may extend across only a portion of the robotic cleaner dust cup cavity width <NUM> of the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of a robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM>, which may be an example of the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM> of <FIG>, having a debris fin <NUM>, which may be an example of the debris fin <NUM> of <FIG>. As shown, the debris fin <NUM> extends within a dust cup cavity <NUM> of the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM>. The debris fin <NUM> includes a fin mount <NUM> and an airflow body <NUM> extending from the fin mount <NUM>. The fin mount <NUM> is configured to couple the debris fin <NUM> to the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM> (e.g., to a top portion of the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM> such as an openable door <NUM>). The airflow body <NUM> defines at least a portion of an airflow surface <NUM> of the debris fin <NUM>. In some instances, the fin mount <NUM> may define at least portion of the airflow surface <NUM>. As such, in some instances, at least a portion of the fin mount <NUM> and the airflow body <NUM> may generally be described as defining the airflow surface <NUM> of the debris fin <NUM>. The airflow body <NUM> can be configured to extend from the fin mount <NUM> to encourage a smooth transition in air flowing along the airflow surface <NUM> when air transitions from the fin mount <NUM> to the airflow body <NUM>. For example, the fin mount <NUM> and the airflow body <NUM> may define at least one curved region along the airflow surface <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the debris fin <NUM>. As shown, the debris fin <NUM> includes a debriding rib <NUM> having one or more debriding teeth <NUM> extending therefrom. The debriding teeth <NUM> are configured to engage an agitator (e.g., a brush roll) of a robotic cleaner such that at least a portion of fibrous debris (e.g., hair or string) entangled about the agitator can be removed therefrom.

The debriding rib <NUM> can be directly coupled to or integrally formed from a portion of the debris fin <NUM>. As shown, the debriding rib <NUM> is integrally formed from the fin mount <NUM> such that the debriding teeth <NUM> are external to the dust cup cavity <NUM>. As such, when the agitator of the robotic cleaner is rotated, the debriding teeth <NUM> come into engagement with at least a portion of the agitator (e.g., bristles and/or flaps extending from a body of the agitator). When the debriding rib <NUM> is coupled to or integrally formed from the debris fin <NUM>, as opposed to being, for example, directly coupled to the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM> (e.g., to a dust cup body or openable door of the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM>), sound generated by operation of the robotic cleaner (e.g., sound generated as a result of the agitator contacting the debriding rib) may be reduced. Additionally, or alternatively, directly coupling the debriding rib <NUM> to or integrally forming the debriding rib <NUM> from a portion of the debris fin <NUM> may reduce the transmission of vibrations to the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM>.

In some instances, the debriding teeth <NUM> may have a plurality of tooth lengths <NUM>. For example, the tooth length <NUM> for debriding teeth <NUM> extending from a central portion <NUM> of the debriding rib <NUM> may measure greater than the tooth length <NUM> for debriding teeth <NUM> extending from lateral portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the debriding rib <NUM>.

A comb length <NUM> of the debriding rib <NUM> may measure less than a corresponding debris fin width <NUM>. The comb length <NUM> may generally be described as corresponding to a separation distance between the two distal most debriding teeth <NUM> of the debriding rib <NUM>.

In some instances, a seal <NUM> may extend along a portion of the fin mount <NUM>. The seal <NUM> can be positioned such that the seal <NUM> extends between the fin mount <NUM> and a portion of the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM> when the debris fin <NUM> is coupled to the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM>. The seal <NUM> may reduce sound generated as a result of vibrations in the debris fin <NUM> when compared to embodiments without the seal <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the debris fin <NUM> taken along the line XIX-XIX of <FIG>. The debris fin <NUM> includes an overlay <NUM> that extends along at least a portion. of the airflow body <NUM> (e.g., , at least a portion of the airflow body <NUM> only, or at least a portion of both the fin mount <NUM> and the airflow body <NUM>). The overlay <NUM> can be configured such that air flowing along the debris fin <NUM> extends along at least a portion of the overlay <NUM>. For example, debris entrained within air flowing along the debris fin <NUM> may be incident on a portion of the overlay <NUM>. As such, the overlay <NUM> can be configured to absorb at least a portion of the kinetic energy in debris incident thereon. This may reduce an intensity of sound generated by debris impacting the debris fin <NUM> (e.g., increasing a compliance of the overlay <NUM> may reduce sound generation). For example, the overlay <NUM> may be an elastic material such as a rubber, a silicone, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and/or any other elastic material. By way of further example, the overlay <NUM> may be a thermoplastic polyurethane having a Shore 40A hardness. A mass of the overlay <NUM> may also reduce an intensity of sound generated by debris impacting the debris fin <NUM> and/or by vibrations induced in the debris fin <NUM> by air flowing thereover. For example, as a mass of the overlay <NUM> is increased, an overall amount of sound generated by debris impacting the debris fin <NUM> and/or by vibrations induced in the debris fin <NUM> by air flowing thereover may be reduced. Accordingly, the overlay <NUM> may generally be described as being configured to provide acoustic and/or vibration dampening.

The overlay <NUM> may be coupled to the debris fin <NUM> using one or more of adhesives, mechanical couplings (e.g., screws, press-fits, snap-fits, and/or any other type of mechanical coupling), and/or any other form of coupling. For example, in some instances, the overlay <NUM> is overmolded over at least a portion of the debris fin <NUM>. In these instances, the debris fin <NUM> may include one or more openings (e.g., overlay passthroughs) <NUM> (see, also, <FIG>) through which a portion of the overlay <NUM> may extend. For example, and as shown, the overlay <NUM> may extend through at least one of the one or more openings <NUM> such that the overlay <NUM> defines at least a portion of the seal <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, at least one of the one or more openings <NUM> may be configured to couple the overlay <NUM> to the debris fin <NUM> (e.g., at the fin mount <NUM> and/or the airflow body <NUM>) by forming part of, for example, a mechanical interlock between the overlay <NUM> and the one or more openings <NUM>. In some instances, the overlay <NUM> may be disposed within an overlay receptacle <NUM> (see, also, <FIG>) defined within one or more of the fin mount <NUM> and/or the airflow body <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the debriding teeth <NUM> within the lateral portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be angled relative to the debriding teeth <NUM> within the central portion <NUM>. In some instances, the debriding teeth <NUM> in each of the lateral portions <NUM> and <NUM> may include a side angle ω and a twist angle ψ. The side angle ω may be measured between a planar side surface <NUM> of a respective debriding tooth <NUM> and a tooth root axis <NUM> that extends perpendicular to a surface <NUM> from which the respective debriding tooth <NUM> extends. The twist angle ψ may be measured between the planar side surface <NUM> of a respective debriding tooth <NUM> and a center tooth axis <NUM> that extends generally parallel to a corresponding planar side surface <NUM> of the center most debriding tooth <NUM> within the central portion <NUM>. For example, the side angle ω may be configured such that the debriding teeth <NUM> of the lateral portions <NUM> and <NUM> diverge from the central portion <NUM> with increasing distance from the surface <NUM> and the twist angle ψ may be configured such that the debriding teeth <NUM> of the lateral portions <NUM> and <NUM> converge towards the central portion <NUM> (e.g., in a direction of the agitator).

As shown, the debris fin <NUM> can include one or more ribs <NUM> extending thereon. The ribs <NUM> may extend from one or more of the fin mount <NUM> and/or the airflow body <NUM>. For example, the one or more ribs <NUM> may extend continuously from a trailing edge <NUM> of the airflow body <NUM> and along at least a portion of the fin mount <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the debris fin <NUM> taken along the line XXII-XXII of <FIG>. The debris fin <NUM> includes an overlay <NUM> that extends along at least a portion of the airflow body <NUM> (e.g., , at least a portion of the airflow body <NUM> only, or at least a portion of both the fin mount <NUM> and the airflow body <NUM>). The overlay <NUM> can be configured such that air flowing along the debris fin <NUM> extends along at least a portion of the overlay <NUM>. For example, debris entrained within air flowing along the debris fin <NUM> may be incident on a portion of the overlay <NUM>. As such, the overlay <NUM> can be configured to absorb at least a portion of the kinetic energy in debris incident thereon. This may reduce an intensity of sound generated by debris impacting the debris fin <NUM> (e.g., increasing a compliance of the overlay <NUM> may reduce sound generation). For example, the overlay <NUM> may be an elastic material such as a rubber, a silicone, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and/or any other elastic material. By way of further example, the overlay <NUM> may be a thermoplastic polyurethane having a Shore 40A hardness. A mass of the overlay <NUM> may also reduce an intensity of sound generated by debris impacting the debris fin <NUM> and/or by vibrations induced in the debris fin <NUM> by air flowing thereover. For example, as a mass of the overlay <NUM> is increased, an overall amount of sound generated by debris impacting the debris fin <NUM> and/or by vibrations induced in the debris fin <NUM> by air flowing thereover may be reduced. Accordingly, the overlay <NUM> may generally be described as being configured to provide acoustic and/or vibration dampening.

The overlay <NUM> may be coupled to the debris fin <NUM> using one or more of adhesives, mechanical couplings (e.g., screws, press-fits, snap-fits, and/or any other type of mechanical coupling), and/or any other form of coupling. For example, in some instances, the overlay <NUM> is overmolded over at least a portion of the debris fin <NUM>. In these instances, the debris fin <NUM> may include one or more openings <NUM> (see, also, <FIG>) through which a portion of the overlay <NUM> may extend. For example, and as shown, the overlay <NUM> may extend through at least one of the one or more openings (e.g., overlay passthroughs) <NUM> such that the overlay <NUM> defines at least a portion of the seal <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, at least one of the one or more openings <NUM> may be configured to couple the overlay <NUM> to the debris fin <NUM> (e.g., at the fin mount <NUM> and/or the airflow body <NUM>) by forming part of, for example, a mechanical interlock between the overlay <NUM> and the one or more openings <NUM>.

As also shown in <FIG>, the debriding teeth <NUM> within the lateral portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be angled relative to the debriding teeth <NUM> within the central portion <NUM>. In some instances, the debriding teeth <NUM> in each of the lateral portions <NUM> and <NUM> may include a side angle ξ and a twist angle ε. The side angle ξ may be measured between a planar side surface <NUM> of a respective debriding tooth <NUM> and a tooth root axis <NUM> that extends perpendicular to a surface <NUM> from which the respective debriding tooth <NUM> extends. The twist angle ε may be measured between the planar side surface <NUM> of a respective debriding tooth <NUM> and a center tooth axis <NUM> that extends generally parallel to a corresponding planar side surface <NUM> of the center most debriding tooth <NUM> within the central portion <NUM>. For example, the side angle ξ may be configured such that the debriding teeth <NUM> of the lateral portions <NUM> and <NUM> diverge from the central portion <NUM> with increasing distance from the surface <NUM> and the twist angle ε may be configured such that the debriding teeth <NUM> of the lateral portions <NUM> and <NUM> converge towards the central portion <NUM> in a direction of the agitator.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the debris fin <NUM>. As shown, the overlay <NUM> extends along at least a portion of the fin mount <NUM> and the airflow body <NUM>. The overlay <NUM> is configured to extend at least partially around the ribs <NUM>. In some instances, the overlay <NUM> may be disposed within an overlay receptacle <NUM> (see, also, <FIG>) defined within one or more of the fin mount <NUM> and/or the airflow body <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a top perspective view of a debris fin <NUM> and <FIG> shows a bottom perspective view of the debris fin <NUM>, wherein the debris fin <NUM> may be an example of the debris fin <NUM> of <FIG>. As shown, the debris fin <NUM> includes a fin mount <NUM> and an airflow body <NUM> extending from the fin mount <NUM>. The debris fin <NUM> defines an airflow surface <NUM> that extends along at least a portion of the airflow body <NUM> and/or the fin mount <NUM>. Air entering a dust cup within which the debris fin <NUM> extends is incident on and flows along the airflow surface <NUM>.

As shown, the debris fin <NUM> may further include a debriding rib <NUM>. The debriding rib <NUM> extends along at least a portion of the debris fin <NUM>. For example, the debriding rib <NUM> can extend along a leading edge <NUM> of the debris fin <NUM> such that an engagement region <NUM> of the debriding rib <NUM> engages (e.g., contacts) an agitator. The leading edge <NUM> is opposite a trailing edge <NUM> and is positioned closer to an inlet of a dust cup within which the debris fin <NUM> extends than the trailing edge <NUM>. The debriding rib <NUM> can further include a platform <NUM> that extends along the debriding rib <NUM> and that is spaced apart from the engagement region <NUM> of the debriding rib <NUM>. For example, the platform <NUM> may extend along at least a portion of a debriding rib top surface <NUM> of the debriding rib <NUM>, wherein the debriding rib top surface <NUM> faces a top of a dust cup within which the debris fin <NUM> extends. As shown, the platform <NUM> may be coupled to teeth <NUM> (or debriding teeth) of the debriding rib <NUM>. Such a configuration may mitigate vibrations induced in the teeth <NUM> and/or sound generated as a result of the engagement between the teeth <NUM> and the agitator. In other words, the platform <NUM> may generally be described as providing sound and/or vibration dampening. Additionally, or alternatively, the platform <NUM> may reduce a quantity of debris that becomes trapped between the teeth <NUM> of the debriding rib <NUM>.

An overlay <NUM> extends along at least a portion of the airflow surface <NUM>. The overlay <NUM> can be configured to provide sound and/or vibration dampening. In some instances, a portion of the overlay <NUM> may extend along the platform <NUM> of the debriding rib <NUM>. For example, the platform <NUM> may define a receptacle for receiving at least a portion of the overlay <NUM>. By way of further example, the overlay <NUM> may define the platform <NUM>. In this example, the overlay <NUM> may directly contact the teeth <NUM> of the debriding rib <NUM>. In some instances, the overlay <NUM> may be a single piece or a multiple piece structure. For example, the overlay <NUM> may be overmolded over at least a portion of the debris fin <NUM>.

As shown, the airflow body <NUM> includes a first planar region <NUM> and a second planar region <NUM>. The first planar region <NUM> extends toward the second planar region <NUM>, wherein the first and second planar regions <NUM> and <NUM> intersect at vertex <NUM>. The vertex <NUM> is vertically and horizontally spaced apart from respective distal ends <NUM> and <NUM> of the first and second planar regions <NUM> and <NUM>. As such, the first and second planar regions <NUM> and <NUM> define an intersection angle Γ. The intersection angle Γ may measure, for example, in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°. By way of further example, the intersection angle Γ may measure in a range of <NUM>° to <NUM>°. The vertex <NUM> may be centrally positioned along a longitudinal length <NUM> of the debris fin <NUM>.

The planar regions <NUM> and <NUM> may have a generally triangular shape, wherein an apex of each triangle is defined at the distal ends <NUM> and <NUM> and a base of the triangle is defined at the vertex <NUM>. However, the planar regions <NUM> and <NUM> may have any shape. For example, the planar regions <NUM> and <NUM> may have a rectangular shape, a trapezoidal shape, or any other shape.

<FIG> shows a side view of the debris fin <NUM>, wherein the trailing edge <NUM> is shown. As shown, the first and second planar regions <NUM> and <NUM> define a chevron shape (or a triangular wave shape) that extends along at least a portion of the trailing edge <NUM>. As also shown, a chevron depth <NUM> of the chevron shape decreases with increasing distance from the trailing edge <NUM>. As such, the chevron depth <NUM> measures greatest at the trailing edge <NUM>. A chevron shape may minimize the occlusion, by the debris fin <NUM>, of an inlet to a dust cup within which the debris fin <NUM> extends while still allowing the debris fin <NUM> to encourage a straightening of fibrous debris entrained within air incident thereon. Minimizing the occlusion of the inlet may encourage increased airflow into the dust cup and/or encourage easier movement of debris into the dust cup (e.g., reduce a risk of clogging the inlet of the dust cup). Such a configuration may further allow debris to accumulate on a dust cup top facing surface <NUM> of the debris fin <NUM>, which may improve a storage capacity of the dust cup. The dust cup top facing surface <NUM> is opposite the airflow surface <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a top view of the debris fin <NUM>. As shown, a separation distance <NUM> extending between the trailing edge <NUM> and the leading edge <NUM> increases as the trailing edge <NUM> approaches the vertex <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional perspective end view of the debris fin <NUM>. As shown, the platform <NUM> extends along the debriding rib <NUM>. The platform <NUM> is configured such that the overlay <NUM> can extend thereon. The overlay <NUM> may be configured to increase a mass of the platform <NUM>, providing sound and/or vibration dampening.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the debris fin <NUM>. As shown, the overlay <NUM> is a single piece structure wherein a first portion of the overlay <NUM> extends along the airflow surface <NUM> and a second portion of the overlay <NUM> extends along the platform <NUM>. As such, the debris fin <NUM> may include one or more overlay passthroughs <NUM> through which a portion of the overlay <NUM> extends.

As discussed herein, the debris fin <NUM> may include any combination of features discussed herein in relation to one or more of the examples of the debris fin <NUM>. For example, the debris fin <NUM> may include any combination of overlays, debriding ribs, airflow body or surface designs/features, and/or any other features discussed herein. Further, the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM> may include any combination of features discussed herein in relation to one or more of the examples of the robotic cleaner dust cup <NUM>.

An example of a debris fin for a robotic cleaner dust cup, consistent with the present invention, may include a fin mount and an airflow body extending from the fin mount according to a divergence angle, the airflow body defining an airflow surface, the airflow body being configured to straighten fibrous debris entrained within air that is incident thereon.

In some instances, the airflow body may include one or more ribs extending from the airflow surface. In some instances, the airflow body may include one or more grooves defined in the airflow surface. In some instances, a trailing edge of the airflow body may define a wave shape. In some instances, the wave shape may be a square wave. In some instances, the wave shape may be a curved wave. In some instances, the airflow body may be non-planar. The debris fin further includes an overlay, the overlay extending along at least a portion of the airflow body. In some instances, the debris fin may further include a debriding rib.

An example of a dust cup for a robotic cleaner, consistent with the present invention, may include a dust cup top, a dust cup base, one or more sidewalls extending between the dust cup top and the dust cup base, and a debris fin, at least a portion of the debris fin extending between the dust cup top and the dust cup base and in a direction of the dust cup base, the debris fin including an airflow body defining an airflow surface, the airflow body being configured to straighten fibrous debris entrained within air that is incident thereon.

In some instances, the dust cup may further include a robotic cleaner dust cup inlet defined in a corresponding one of the one or more sidewalls. In some instances, the airflow body may extend transverse to a central axis of the robotic cleaner dust cup inlet. In some instances, the dust cup may further include a robotic cleaner dust cup outlet defined in a corresponding one of the one or more sidewalls. In some instances, the dust cup may further include a flow directer proximate the robotic cleaner dust cup outlet, the flow directer being configured to urge air incident thereon in a direction away from the dust cup top. In some instances, the debris fin may include one or more ribs extending from the airflow surface. In some instances, the debris fin may include one or more grooves defined in the airflow surface. In some instances, a trailing edge of the debris fin may define a wave shape. In some instances, the wave shape may be a square wave. In some instances, the wave shape may be a curved wave. In some instances, the debris fin may be non-planar. The debris fin further includes an overlay, the overlay extending along at least a portion of the airflow body. In some instances, the debris fin may include a debriding rib.

An example of a cleaning system, consistent with the present invention, may include a docking station and a robotic cleaner configured to fluidly couple to the docking station. The robotic cleaner may include a robotic cleaner dust cup. The robotic cleaner dust cup may include a dust cup body, an openable door moveably coupled to the dust cup body, and a debris fin extending within the dust cup body, the debris fin including an airflow body defining an airflow surface, the airflow body being configured to straighten fibrous debris entrained within air that is incident thereon.

In some instances, the robotic cleaner dust cup may include a robotic cleaner dust cup inlet. In some instances, the airflow body may extend transverse to a central axis of the robotic cleaner dust cup inlet. In some instances, the robotic cleaner dust cup may include a robotic cleaner dust cup outlet. In some instances, the robotic cleaner dust cup may include a flow directer configured to urge air incident thereon in a direction away from the openable door. In some instances, the debris fin may include one or more ribs extending from the airflow surface. In some instances, the debris fin may include one or more grooves defined in the airflow surface. In some instances, a trailing edge of the debris fin may define a wave shape. In some instances, the wave shape may be a square wave. In some instances, the wave shape may be a curved wave. In some instances, the debris fin may be non-planar.

Another example of a dust cup for a robotic cleaner, consistent with the present invention, may include a dust cup top, a dust cup base, one or more sidewalls extending between the dust cup top and the dust cup base, and a flow directer being configured to urge air incident thereon in a direction away from the dust cup top.

Another example of a debris fin for a robotic cleaner dust cup, consistent with the present invention, may include a fin mount, an airflow body extending from the fin mount according to a divergence angle, the airflow body defining an airflow surface, the airflow body being configured to straighten fibrous debris entrained within air that is incident thereon, and an overlay extending along at least a portion of one or more of the fin mount and along at least a portion of the airflow body or along at least a portion of the airflow body only.

In some instances, the airflow body may include one or more ribs extending from the airflow surface. In some instances, the airflow body may include one or more grooves defined in the airflow surface. In some instances, a trailing edge of the airflow body may define a wave shape. In some instances, the wave shape may be a square wave. In some instances, the wave shape may be a curved wave. In some instances, the airflow body may be non-planar.

Claim 1:
A debris fin (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for a robotic cleaner dust cup (<NUM>) comprising:
a fin mount (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
an airflow body (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) extending from the fin mount (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) according to a divergence angle, the airflow body (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) defining an airflow surface (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the airflow body (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) being configured to straighten fibrous debris entrained within air that is incident thereon; characterized in that the debris fin further comprises
an overlay (<NUM>), the overlay (<NUM>) extending along at least a portion of the airflow body (<NUM>).