U.S. patent application number 16/149207 was filed with the patent office on 2020-04-02 for lint cleaning assembly for a dryer appliance.
The applicant listed for this patent is Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc. Invention is credited to Wayne E. Lawson, Alexander B. Leibman, Michael Glenn Mattingly, Manidhar VVS Yandamuri.
Application Number | 20200102692 16/149207 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69778937 |
Filed Date | 2020-04-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200102692 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Leibman; Alexander B. ; et
al. |
April 2, 2020 |
LINT CLEANING ASSEMBLY FOR A DRYER APPLIANCE
Abstract
A lint cleaning assembly for a dryer appliance includes a vacuum
aperture defined in a cabinet of the dryer appliance to allow a
robotic vacuum cleaner to drive into the cabinet. A lint filter
collects lint within a trap duct during operation and a lint
collection duct extends from the trap duct to a vacuum docking
station. The vacuum docking station is positioned within the
cabinet for docking the robotic vacuum cleaner, fluidly coupling
the robotic vacuum cleaner to the lint collection duct for lint
removal, and/or charging the batteries of the robotic vacuum
cleaner.
Inventors: |
Leibman; Alexander B.;
(Prospect, KY) ; Yandamuri; Manidhar VVS;
(Hyderabad, IN) ; Mattingly; Michael Glenn;
(Louisville, KY) ; Lawson; Wayne E.; (La Grange,
KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc |
Wilmington |
DE |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
69778937 |
Appl. No.: |
16/149207 |
Filed: |
October 2, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 7/009 20130101;
G05D 2201/0215 20130101; G05D 1/0225 20130101; D06F 58/20 20130101;
D06F 39/12 20130101; D06F 58/22 20130101; A47L 2201/022
20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 58/22 20060101
D06F058/22; G05D 1/02 20060101 G05D001/02; A47L 7/00 20060101
A47L007/00 |
Claims
1. A dryer appliance defining a vertical, a lateral, and a
transverse direction, the dryer appliance comprising: a cabinet
defining a vacuum aperture configured for receiving a robotic
vacuum cleaner; a drum rotatably mounted within the cabinet, the
drum defining a chamber for receipt of clothes for drying; an air
handler for urging a flow of air through the chamber; a trap duct
in fluid communication with the chamber and comprising a lint
filter for filtering lint from the flow of air exiting the chamber;
a vacuum docking station positioned within the cabinet for
receiving the robotic vacuum cleaner; and a lint collection duct
providing fluid communication between the trap duct and the vacuum
docking station to permit the robotic vacuum cleaner to remove lint
from the lint filter.
2. The dryer appliance of claim 1, wherein the vacuum docking
station comprises: a power supply for charging the robotic vacuum
cleaner.
3. The dryer appliance of claim 2, wherein the power supply charges
a battery of the robotic vacuum cleaner by inductive charging.
4. The dryer appliance of claim 1, wherein the vacuum docking
station comprises: an inclined ramp at least partially defining a
suction plenum below the inclined ramp, wherein the lint collection
duct is fluidly coupled to the suction plenum.
5. The dryer appliance of claim 4, wherein the inclined ramp
defines a suction aperture fluidly coupling a suction port of the
robotic vacuum cleaner to the suction plenum.
6. The dryer appliance of claim 5, further comprising: a resilient
gasket surrounding the suction aperture to provide a substantially
airtight seal with the suction port of the robotic vacuum cleaner
when the robotic vacuum cleaner is docked on the inclined ramp.
7. The dryer appliance of claim 1, further comprising: a vacuum
door pivotally mounted to the cabinet over the vacuum aperture.
8. The dryer appliance of claim 1, further comprising: an electric
motor for moving the vacuum door between an open position and a
closed position.
9. The dryer appliance of claim 1, wherein the vacuum aperture is
positioned at a front and a bottom of the cabinet.
10. The dryer appliance of claim 1, wherein the trap duct is
positioned under the vacuum docking station of the robotic vacuum
cleaner.
11. A lint cleaning assembly for a dryer appliance, the dryer
appliance comprising a cabinet defining a vacuum aperture for
receiving a robotic vacuum cleaner and a drum defining a chamber
for receiving clothes for drying, the lint cleaning assembly
comprising: a trap duct in fluid communication with the chamber and
comprising a lint filter for filtering lint from a flow of air
exiting the chamber; a vacuum docking station positioned within the
cabinet for receiving the robotic vacuum cleaner; and a lint
collection duct providing fluid communication between the trap duct
and the vacuum docking station to permit the robotic vacuum cleaner
to remove lint from the lint filter.
12. The lint cleaning assembly of claim 11, wherein the vacuum
docking station comprises: a power supply for charging the robotic
vacuum cleaner.
13. The lint cleaning assembly of claim 12, wherein the power
supply charges a battery of the robotic vacuum cleaner by inductive
charging.
14. The lint cleaning assembly of claim 11, wherein the vacuum
docking station comprises: an inclined ramp at least partially
defining a suction plenum below the inclined ramp, wherein the lint
collection duct is fluidly coupled to the suction plenum.
15. The lint cleaning assembly of claim 14, wherein the inclined
ramp defines a suction aperture fluidly coupling a suction port of
the robotic vacuum cleaner to the suction plenum.
16. The lint cleaning assembly of claim 15, further comprising: a
resilient gasket surrounding the suction aperture to provide a
substantially airtight seal with the suction port of the robotic
vacuum cleaner when the robotic vacuum cleaner is docked on the
inclined ramp.
17. The lint cleaning assembly of claim 11, further comprising: a
vacuum door pivotally mounted to the cabinet over the vacuum
aperture.
18. The lint cleaning assembly of claim 17, further comprising: an
electric motor for moving the vacuum door between an open position
and a closed position.
19. The lint cleaning assembly of claim 11, wherein the vacuum
aperture is positioned at a front and a bottom of the cabinet.
20. The lint cleaning assembly of claim 11, wherein the trap duct
is positioned under the vacuum docking station of the robotic
vacuum cleaner.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to dryer
appliances, and more particularly to systems and methods for
removing lint from a lint filter of a dryer appliance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Dryer appliances generally include a cabinet with a drum
rotatably mounted therein. During operation, a motor rotates the
drum, e.g., to tumble articles located within a chamber defined by
the drum. Dryer appliances also generally include a heater assembly
that passes heated air through the chamber in order to dry
moisture-laden articles positioned therein. Typically, an air
handler or blower is used to urge the flow of heated air from
chamber, through a trap duct, and to the exhaust duct where it is
exhausted from the dryer appliance. Dryer appliances may further
include filter systems for removing foreign materials, such as
lint, from passing into the exhaust conduit.
[0003] Notably, failure to frequently remove lint that collects in
the lint filter may result in impaired dryer performance and may
present a fire hazard due to the potential for combustion. Thus, a
user of a conventional dryer appliance must typically remove the
lint filter prior to each use and manually clear the collected lint
from the filter. However, users commonly forget to remove lint
prior to each use or otherwise find the process tedious. Certain
conventional dryer appliances have systems for automatically
removing lint from lint filters, but such system are frequently
complex, costly, and largely ineffective at removing lint from the
filter.
[0004] Accordingly, a dryer appliance and associated methods of
operation that facilitate improved lint removal would be desirable.
More specifically, a dryer appliance that can receive a lint
cleaning vacuum to periodically and automatically clean lint from
the lint filter would be particularly beneficial.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in
part in the following description, or may be obvious from the
description, or may be learned through practice of the
invention.
[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a dryer appliance
defining a vertical, a lateral, and a transverse direction is
provided. The dryer appliance includes a cabinet defining a vacuum
aperture configured for receiving a robotic vacuum cleaner. A drum
is rotatably mounted within the cabinet, the drum defining a
chamber for receipt of clothes for drying. An air handler is
provided for urging a flow of air through the chamber and a trap
duct is in fluid communication with the chamber and includes a lint
filter for filtering lint from the flow of air exiting the chamber.
A vacuum docking station is positioned within the cabinet for
receiving the robotic vacuum cleaner and a lint collection duct
provides fluid communication between the trap duct and the vacuum
docking station to permit the robotic vacuum cleaner to remove lint
from the lint filter.
[0007] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a lint cleaning
assembly for a dryer appliance is provided. The dryer appliance
includes a cabinet defining a vacuum aperture for receiving a
robotic vacuum cleaner and a drum defining a chamber for receiving
clothes for drying. The lint cleaning assembly includes a trap duct
in fluid communication with the chamber and including a lint filter
for filtering lint from a flow of air exiting the chamber. A vacuum
docking station is positioned within the cabinet for receiving the
robotic vacuum cleaner and a lint collection duct provides fluid
communication between the trap duct and the vacuum docking station
to permit the robotic vacuum cleaner to remove lint from the lint
filter.
[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description and appended claims. The accompanying
drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill
in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes
reference to the appended figures.
[0010] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a dryer appliance
according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary dryer
appliance of FIG. 1 with portions of a cabinet of the exemplary
dryer appliance removed to reveal certain components of the
exemplary dryer appliance.
[0012] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary dryer
appliance of FIG. 1, with a portion of the cabinet illustrated in
phantom to show a lint cleaning assembly according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0013] FIG. 4 provides a close-up perspective view of the exemplary
lint cleaning assembly of FIG. 3.
[0014] FIG. 5 provides a rear perspective view of the exemplary
lint cleaning assembly of FIG. 3.
[0015] FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of a door positioned on
the cabinet of the exemplary dryer appliance of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a vacuum docking station for use with the
exemplary lint cleaning assembly of FIG. 3 according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0017] Repeat use of reference characters in the present
specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or
analogous features or elements of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the
drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the
invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations can be made in the present invention without departing
from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features
illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with
another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is
intended that the present invention covers such modifications and
variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and
their equivalents.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a dryer appliance 10 according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. FIG. 2 provides
another perspective view of dryer appliance 10 with a portion of a
housing or cabinet 12 of dryer appliance 10 removed in order to
show certain components of dryer appliance 10. While described in
the context of a specific embodiment of a dryer appliance, using
the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that dryer
appliance 10 is provided by way of example only. Other dryer
appliances having different appearances and different features may
also be utilized with the present subject matter as well.
[0020] Dryer appliance 10 defines a vertical direction V, a lateral
direction L, and a transverse direction T. The vertical direction
V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually
perpendicular and form an orthogonal direction system. Cabinet 12
includes a front panel 14, a rear panel 16, a pair of side panels
18 and 20 spaced apart from each other by front and rear panels 14
and 16, a bottom panel 22, and a top cover 24. Within cabinet 12 is
a container or drum 26 which defines a chamber 28 for receipt of
articles, e.g., clothing, linen, etc., for drying. Drum 26 extends
between a front portion and a back portion, e.g., along the
transverse direction T. In example embodiments, drum 26 is
rotatable, e.g., about an axis that is parallel to the transverse
direction T, within cabinet 12. A door 30 is rotatably mounted to
cabinet 12 for providing selective access to drum 26.
[0021] An air handler 32, such as a blower or fan, may be provided
to motivate an airflow (not shown) through an entrance air passage
34 and an air exhaust passage 36. Specifically, air handler 32 may
include a motor 38 which may be in mechanical communication with a
blower fan 40, such that motor 38 rotates blower fan 40. Air
handler 32 is configured for drawing air through chamber 28 of drum
26, e.g., in order to dry articles located therein, as discussed in
greater detail below. In alternative example embodiments, dryer
appliance 10 may include an additional motor (not shown) for
rotating fan 40 of air handler 32 independently of drum 26.
[0022] Drum 26 may be configured to receive heated air that has
been heated by a heating assembly 50, e.g., in order to dry damp
articles disposed within chamber 28 of drum 26. Heating assembly 50
includes a heater 52 that is in thermal communication with chamber
28. For instance, heater 52 may include one or more electrical
resistance heating elements or gas burners, for heating air being
flowed to chamber 28. As discussed above, during operation of dryer
appliance 10, motor 38 rotates fan 40 of air handler 32 such that
air handler 32 draws air through chamber 28 of drum 26. In
particular, ambient air enters air entrance passage 36 defined by
heating assembly 50 via an entrance 54 due to air handler 32 urging
such ambient air into entrance 54. Such ambient air is heated
within heating assembly 50 and exits heating assembly 50 as heated
air. Air handler 32 draws such heated air through an air entrance
passage 34, including an inlet duct 56, to drum 26. The heated air
enters drum 26 through an outlet 58 of duct 56 positioned at a rear
wall of drum 26.
[0023] Within chamber 28, the heated air can remove moisture, e.g.,
from damp articles disposed within chamber 28. This internal air
flows in turn from chamber 28 through an outlet assembly positioned
within cabinet 12. The outlet assembly generally defines an air
exhaust passage 36 and includes a trap duct 60, air handler 32, and
an exhaust conduit 62. Exhaust conduit 62 is in fluid communication
with trap duct 60 via air handler 32. More specifically, exhaust
conduit 62 extends between an exhaust inlet 64 and an exhaust
outlet 66. According to the illustrated embodiment, exhaust inlet
64 is positioned downstream of and fluidly coupled to air handler
32, and exhaust outlet 66 is defined in rear panel 16 of cabinet
12. During a drying cycle, internal air flows from chamber 28
through trap duct 60 to air handler 32, e.g., as an outlet flow
portion of airflow. As shown, air further flows through air handler
32 and to exhaust conduit 62.
[0024] The internal air is exhausted from dryer appliance 10 via
exhaust conduit 62. In some embodiments, an external duct (not
shown) is provided in fluid communication with exhaust conduit 62.
For instance, the external duct may be attached (e.g., directly or
indirectly attached) to cabinet 12 at rear panel 16. Any suitable
connector (e.g., collar, clamp, etc.) may join the external duct to
exhaust conduit 62. In residential environments, the external duct
may be in fluid communication with an outdoor environment (e.g.,
outside of a home or building in which dryer appliance 10 is
installed). During a drying cycle, internal air may thus flow from
exhaust conduit 62 and through the external duct before being
exhausted to the outdoor environment.
[0025] In exemplary embodiments, trap duct 60 may include a filter
portion 68 which includes a screen lint filter 70 (FIG. 5) or other
suitable device for removing lint and other particulates as
internal air is drawn out of chamber 28. The internal air is drawn
through filter portion 68 by air handler 32 before being passed
through exhaust conduit 62. After the clothing articles have been
dried (or a drying cycle is otherwise completed), the clothing
articles are removed from drum 26, e.g., by accessing chamber 28 by
opening door 30. The lint filter 70 may further be removable such
that a user may collect and dispose of collected lint between
drying cycles.
[0026] In some embodiments, dryer appliance 10 also includes one or
more sensors that may be used to facilitate improved operation of
dryer appliance 10, such as described below. For example, dryer
appliance 10 may include one or more temperature sensors 72 which
are generally operable to measure internal temperatures in dryer
appliance 10 and/or one or more airflow sensors (not shown) which
are generally operable to detect the velocity of air (e.g., as an
air flow rate in meters per second, or as a volumetric velocity in
cubic meters per second) as it flows through the appliance 10. In
some embodiments, an appliance controller (e.g., controller 84
described below) is configured to vary operation of heating
assembly 50 based on one or more temperatures detected by the
temperature sensors 72 or air flow measurements from the airflow
sensors.
[0027] Referring still to FIG. 2, dryer appliance 10 includes a
humidity sensor 74 which is generally configured for measuring a
chamber humidity. Humidity sensor 74 may be positioned at any
suitable location within dryer appliance 10. As described herein,
"humidity sensor" may refer to any suitable type of humidity
sensor, such as capacitive digital sensors, resistive sensors, and
thermal conductivity humidity sensors. In addition, humidity sensor
74 may be mounted at any suitable location and in any suitable
manner for obtaining a desired humidity measurement, either
directly or indirectly. Although exemplary positioning of certain
sensors is described below, it should be appreciated that dryer
appliance 10 may include any other suitable number, type, and
position of temperature and/or humidity sensors according to
alternative embodiments.
[0028] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, dryer appliance 10 is
further equipped with a controller 80 for regulating operation of
dryer appliance 10. Controller 80 may include one or more memory
devices and one or more microprocessors, such as general or special
purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming
instructions or micro-control code associated with an appliance
operating cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such
as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one
embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored
in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the
processor or may be included onboard within the processor.
Alternatively, controller 80 may be constructed without using a
microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or
digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators,
comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform
control functionality instead of relying upon software.
[0029] Typically, dryer appliance 10 includes a cabinet backsplash
82 with a user panel/controls 84 mounted thereon. A user may
manipulate user interface 84 to select various operational
features/modes and monitor progress of dryer appliance 10. In one
embodiment, user interface 84 may represent a general purpose I/O
("GPIO") device or functional block. In one embodiment, user
interface 84 may include input components, such as one or more of a
variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input
devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. User
interface 84 may include a display component 86, such as a digital
or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback
to a user. Display 86 may be in communication with controller 80,
and may display information in response to signals from controller
80.
[0030] Controller 80 may be positioned in a variety of locations
throughout dryer appliance 10. In the illustrated embodiment,
controller 80 may be located within cabinet backsplash 82. In such
an embodiment, input/output ("I/O") signals may be routed between
the control system and various operational components of dryer
appliance 10 along wiring harnesses that may be routed throughout
dryer appliance 10. For example, user interface 84 and display 86
may be in communication with the controller 80 via one or more
signal lines or shared communication busses.
[0031] Referring now generally to FIGS. 3 through 7, a lint
cleaning assembly 100 that may be used with dryer appliance 10 will
be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter. In general, lint cleaning assembly 100 is
configured for use with a robotic vacuum cleaner 102 to facilitate
the automatic and periodic cleaning of a lint filter, such as lint
filter 70. In general, robotic vacuum cleaner 102 may be any
automated vacuum cleaner and/or mop device, such as Haier robotic
vacuum cleaner, and iRobot Roomba, etc.
[0032] As understood by one skilled in the art, robotic vacuum
cleaners typically clean floors of a residence by periodically
leaving a charging dock and traveling throughout the residence
while vacuuming up dirt and debris. Such vacuum cleaners typically
utilize a variety of control algorithms, position and object
detection sensors, and guidance systems to cover the desired area,
while avoiding obstacles, and returning to a docking station for
discharging collected dirt and/or charging internal batteries.
Aspects of the present subject matter use a robotic vacuum cleaner
to improve appliance performance by removing collected lint or
dirt, while optionally providing a charging feature or serving as a
docking station for the robotic vacuum cleaner.
[0033] Specifically, lint cleaning assembly 100 may include a
vacuum aperture 110 that is defined in cabinet 12 of dryer
appliance 10. In general, vacuum aperture 110 is configured for
receiving robotic vacuum cleaner 102. Thus, according to the
illustrated embodiment, vacuum aperture 110 is positioned at front
14 and bottom 22 of cabinet 12. In this manner, robotic vacuum
cleaner 102 may drive directly into cabinet 12 through vacuum
aperture 110 without requiring an external ramp or other receiving
surface.
[0034] As best shown in FIG. 6, lint cleaning assembly 100 may
include a vacuum door 112 that is pivotally mounted to cabinet 12
over vacuum aperture 110. In this regard, vacuum door 112 is
configured for swinging between an open position (e.g., as shown in
FIG. 6) and a closed position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1) to permit
robotic vacuum cleaner 102 to enter and exit cabinet 12 while
maintaining a substantially enclosed cabinet 12. According to the
illustrated embodiment, dryer appliance 10 may further include an
electric motor 114 that is operably coupled to vacuum door 112 to
move vacuum door 112 between the open position in the closed
position.
[0035] As used herein, "motor" may refer to any suitable drive
motor and/or transmission assembly for moving vacuum door 112. For
example, motor 114 may be a brushless DC electric motor, a stepper
motor, or any other suitable type or configuration of motor.
Alternatively, for example, motor 114 may be an AC motor, an
induction motor, a permanent magnet synchronous motor, or any other
suitable type of AC motor. In addition, motor 114 may include any
suitable transmission assemblies, clutch mechanisms, or other
components. Motor 114 and robotic vacuum cleaner 102 may be in
operative communication with controller 80 such that controller 80
may be configured to open vacuum door 112 when robotic vacuum
cleaner 102 approaches cabinet 12.
[0036] Lint cleaning assembly 100 further includes a vacuum docking
station 120 that is positioned within cabinet 12 for receiving
robotic vacuum cleaner 102. In addition, a lint collection duct 122
may provide fluid communication between trap duct 60 of dryer
appliance 10 and vacuum docking station 120 to permit robotic
vacuum cleaner 102 to remove lint from lint filter 70.
Specifically, vacuum docking station 120 may include an inclined
ramp 124 that at least partially defines a suction plenum 126 that
is positioned below inclined ramp 124. In such an embodiment, lint
collection duct 122 extends from trap duct 60 to suction plenum
126.
[0037] Notably, vacuum docking station 120 may be positioned just
inside cabinet 12 adjacent vacuum aperture 110 such that a smooth
transition between an exterior floor (not shown) and inclined ramp
124 may be achieved. In addition, inclined ramp 124 may define an
inclination angle 130 relative to a bottom wall 132 of vacuum
docking station 120 to define suction plenum 126 therebetween which
is suitable for passing collected lint into robotic vacuum cleaner
102. For example, inclination angle 130 may be less than
approximately 30 degrees, less than 15 degrees, or approximately 10
degrees. According to one exemplary embodiment, bottom wall 132 of
suction plenum 126 is defined by bottom panel 22 of dryer appliance
10.
[0038] As best shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7, vacuum docking station
120 is generally configured for providing fluid communication
between lint collection duct 122 (and suction plenum 126) and
robotic vacuum cleaner 102 when robotic vacuum cleaner 102 is
docked on inclined ramp 124. In this regard, inclined ramp 124 may
define a suction aperture 134 that fluidly couples suction plenum
126 to robotic vacuum cleaner 102. Specifically, robotic vacuum
cleaner 102 may define a suction port 136 (e.g., as shown in FIGS.
4 and 5) for vacuuming dirt, debris, and collected lint into an
internal collection bin (not shown). In this manner, suction
generated by robotic vacuum cleaner 102 may draw all collected lint
off of lint filter 70, down through lint collection duct 122,
through suction plenum 126, through suction aperture 134, and into
robotic vacuum cleaner 102 via suction port 136.
[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 7, according to an exemplary
embodiment, inclined ramp 124 may further include a resilient
gasket 140 that surrounds suction aperture 134 to provide a
substantially airtight seal with suction port 136 of robotic vacuum
cleaner 102 when the robotic vacuum cleaner 102 is docked on
inclined ramp 124. For example, resilient gasket 140 may be a
rubber O-ring or other flexible member that surrounds suction port
136 and contacts robotic vacuum cleaner 102 when docked. It should
be appreciated that as used herein, terms of approximation, such as
"approximately," "substantially," or "about," refer to being within
a ten percent margin of error.
[0040] Referring now specifically to FIG. 5, lint collection duct
122 will be described in more detail according to an exemplary
embodiment. As illustrated, lint collection duct 122 is a small
pipe that extends from suction plenum 126 up to trap duct 60.
Specifically, lint collection duct 122 opens into trap duct 60
upstream of lint filter 70 and at a bottom of trap duct 60.
However, it should be appreciated that lint collection duct 122
could alternatively be a wide duct that wraps around a backside of
vacuum docking station 120 or has any other size or configuration
suitable for providing fluid communication between trap duct 60 and
suction plenum 126.
[0041] In addition, lint cleaning assembly 100 is illustrated
herein as being configured for use with a dryer appliance 10 having
a conventional lint filter configuration (e.g., with lint filter 70
being positioned just downstream of chamber 28). However, according
to alternative embodiments, trap duct 60 or another exhaust conduit
could extend from chamber 28 all the way down to suction plenum 126
before being coupled to exhaust conduit 62. In such an embodiment,
lint filter 70 could be positioned directly in suction plenum 126.
Thus, when robotic vacuum cleaner 102 docks on vacuum docking
station 120, suction port 136 of robotic vacuum cleaner 102 may be
positioned directly over lint filter 70 for efficient evacuation of
collected lint. Other lint filter configurations are possible and
within the scope of the present subject matter.
[0042] As best shown in FIGS. 3 through 5, lint cleaning assembly
100, or more specifically vacuum docking station 120, may further
include a power supply 150 for charging robotic vacuum cleaner 102.
In this manner, when robotic vacuum cleaner 102 returns to dryer
appliance 10, e.g., to remove collected lint, it may simultaneously
charge internal batteries 152 of robotic vacuum cleaner 102. Power
supply 150 may be operably coupled with internal batteries 152 in
any suitable manner. For example according to one embodiment,
electrical contacts (not shown) on power supply 150 may engage
robotic vacuum cleaner 102 when docked on inclined ramp 124.
[0043] According to an alternative embodiment, power supply 150 may
charge internal batteries 152 of robotic vacuum cleaner 102 by
inductive charging. Specifically, "inductive charging" refers to
charging facilitated by the transfer of energy through
electromagnetic induction. In this regard, and inductive coil (not
shown) within power supply 150 transfers energy to internal
batteries 152 using an electromagnetic field.
[0044] Lint cleaning assembly 100 is described below according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. However, it
should be appreciated that the exemplary functions and
configurations of lint cleaning assembly 100 provided herein are
used only as examples to facilitate description of aspects of the
present subject matter. System configurations may vary, other
robotic vacuum cleaners may be used to clean portions of other
appliances, other system configurations may be implemented, etc.
These variations, modifications, and other applications are
contemplated as within the scope of the present subject matter.
[0045] For example, although lint cleaning assembly 100 is
described herein is working with robotic vacuum cleaner 102 to
clean lint from a lint filter of a dryer appliance, it should be
appreciated that aspects of the present subject matter may be used
to clean lint or other debris from other locations within any
suitable appliance. In this regard, for example, a refrigerator
appliance may be configured for using a lint cleaning assembly
similar to lint cleaning assembly 100 to remove dust, dirt, and
debris from the evaporator coils. Alternatively, robotic vacuum
cleaner 102 could include a mop system that includes a mop
reservoir. In such an embodiment, the robotic vacuum cleaner 102
could dock in a dishwasher appliance, which could both evacuate
soiled wash water and replenish the mop reservoir with fresh
mopping fluid.
[0046] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they include structural elements that do not
differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal languages of the claims.
* * * * *