Air filtration device cleaning kit

Abstract

The cleaning kit includes a cleaning container (27) comprising a receiving housing (34) delimiting at least partially a cleaning chamber in which an air filtration device is suitable for being received and cleaned; and a hand tool (26) configured to be moved within the receiving housing (34) and to cooperate with the air filtration device so as to allow a user to deform the air filtration device inside the cleaning chamber by means of the hand tool (26). Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Cleaning kit for an air filtration device. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaners for vacuuming dust and waste present on a surface to be cleaned, which can for example be tile, parquet, laminate, carpet or rug. State of the art

[0002] A vacuum cleaner comprises, in a known manner, an air intake duct fluidly connected to a suction nozzle or a nozzle, a waste separation and collection device, and a suction unit configured to generate an airflow through the air intake duct and the waste separation and collection device. In order to allow effective filtration of the waste-laden airflow passing through the waste separation and collection device, the latter is generally equipped with an air filtration device.

[0003] This air filtration device is, however, susceptible to clogging, particularly after prolonged use of the vacuum cleaner or during a cleaning operation in which a significant quantity of fine particles has been vacuumed up. Such clogging is likely to impair the vacuum cleaner's suction performance, and therefore its cleaning performance.

[0004] In order to maintain the suction performance of a vacuum cleaner equipped with such an air filtration device, the air filtration device should therefore be regularly dusted and, if necessary, washed. To clean the air filtration device, a user should grasp the air filtration device with one hand so as to remove it from the waste separation and collection device, shake the air filtration device, for example, over a receptacle such as a bin, so that the dust and waste present on the air filtration device falls by gravity into the receptacle, optionally wash the air filtration device, and then, if necessary after drying, reposition the air filtration device in the waste separation and collection device.

[0005] Thus, during such a cleaning operation, the dust and debris present on the air filtration device are likely to soil and contaminate the user's hands. Furthermore, such a messy cleaning operation is likely to deter some users, which may lead to irregular cleaning, or even a Lack of cleaning of the air filtration system will therefore impair suction performance and the reliability of the vacuum cleaner. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of this drawback.

[0007] The technical problem underlying the invention consists of providing a cleaning kit allowing easy and hygienic cleaning of an air filtration device equipping a vacuum cleaner.

[0008] To this end, the present invention relates to a cleaning kit for an air filtration device of a vacuum cleaner, and in particular a cleaning kit for a vacuum cleaner air filter, comprising:

[0009] - a cleaning container comprising a receiving housing equipped with a upper opening through which an air filtration device, equipped with a filter configured to filter an airflow generated by a vacuum cleaner, is suitable for insertion into the receiving housing, the receiving housing delimiting at least partially a cleaning chamber in which the air filtration device is suitable for being received and cleaned, and

[0010] - a hand tool configured to be moved within the receiving unit and to cooperate with the air filtration device, so as to allow a user to deform the air filtration device inside the cleaning chamber via the hand tool.

[0011] Such a configuration of the cleaning kit according to the present invention makes it possible to dust and possibly wash the air filtration device inside the cleaning container, and thus to carry out cleaning of the air filtration device without having to handle it directly with one's hands, which avoids any risk of contamination or soiling of the user's hands.

[0012] The cleaning kit according to the present invention thus makes it possible on the one hand to carry out a thorough, hygienic and rapid cleaning of the air filtration device within the cleaning chamber, and on the other hand to encourage a user to carry out more regular cleaning of the air filtration device.

[0013] The cleaning kit may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving unit comprises at least one discharge port, and for example a plurality of discharge ports, provided in a lower part of the receiving unit. These arrangements prevent the accumulation of waste within the cleaning chamber, and thus ensure even greater cleaning of the air filtration device.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving box has a bottom located opposite the upper opening, the bottom of the receiving box including at least one drainage orifice.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning container includes a closing lid configured to occupy an open position in which the air filtration device is able to be inserted into the receiving housing, and a closed position in which the closing lid closes the upper opening and in which the receiving housing and the closing lid delimit the cleaning chamber.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the closing cover includes a tubular guide portion defining a longitudinal guide passage configured to open into the cleaning chamber and to be located at least partly opposite the air filtration device when the air filtration device is disposed in the receiving housing and the closing cover is in the closed position, the hand tool being configured to be moved axially in the longitudinal guide passage and to cooperate with the air filtration device, so as to allow a user to deform the air filtration device inside the cleaning chamber by means of the hand tool.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the closing cover is removable from the receiving case.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hand tool comprises a main body which is elongated and which has a longitudinal axis, the main body comprising a distal end portion configured to cooperate with the air filtration device and a proximal end portion located opposite the distal end portion.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal guide passage has an internal diameter corresponding substantially to the external diameter of the main body.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body is generally cylindrical in shape.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hand tool comprises a gripping part fixed to the proximal end portion of the main body, the gripping part having a maximum transverse dimension, and for example an external diameter, greater than the maximum transverse dimension, and for example the external diameter, of the main body of the hand tool.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping part is mounted to rotate movably relative to the main body of the hand tool around an axis of rotation substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the main body.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body of the hand tool is configured to slide helically in the longitudinal guide passage. Such a configuration of the cleaning container allows for even greater cleaning of the air filtration device within the cleaning chamber.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning kit includes a drive device configured to drive the main body of the hand tool in rotation relative to the cleaning container and around the longitudinal axis of the main body when the main body is moved axially in the longitudinal guide passage, and for example towards the bottom of the receiving box.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive device comprises at least one drive projection, such as a drive lug or a drive finger, provided on the main body or in the longitudinal guide passage, and at least one drive groove provided in the longitudinal guide passage or on the main body and adapted to receive and cooperate with the at least one drive projection, the at least one drive projection and the at least one drive groove being configured to drive a displacement of the main body of the hand tool relative to the cleaning container in a helical displacement movement around the longitudinal axis of the main body when the hand tool is moved axially in the longitudinal guide passage, and for example towards the bottom of the receiving housing.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive groove extends substantially in a helical fashion with respect to the longitudinal axis of the main body.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning kit includes a fastening device configured to reversibly fix the cleaning container to a vacuum cleaner, and for example to a rear part of the main housing of the vacuum cleaner, the cleaning kit being configured such that the cleaning chamber is fluidly connected to an air outlet of a suction unit belonging to the vacuum cleaner, for example via the longitudinal guide passage, when the cleaning container is fixed to the vacuum cleaner.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening device comprises at least one fastening tab provided on the closing cover and adapted to cooperate with a fastening recess provided on the main housing of the vacuum cleaner. Advantageously, the at least one fastening tab is elastically deformable between a fastening position and a release position.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one fixing lug extends substantially parallel to a central axis of the longitudinal guide passage.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filter has an overall tubular shape and a central longitudinal axis. The filter may, for example, have an overall frustoconical or cylindrical shape.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning kit is configured such that, when the cleaning container is attached to the vacuum cleaner, an airflow generated by the vacuum cleaner flows successively through the longitudinal guide passage, through the filter from an internal peripheral surface of the filter to an external peripheral surface of the filter and through at least one discharge orifice.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving housing includes an immobilizing device configured to immobilize in rotation a lower part of the air filtration device when the air filtration device is disposed in the receiving housing.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the immobilization device comprises a tubular immobilization part located in the receiving housing and extending from the bottom of the receiving housing, the tubular immobilization part being configured to house at least part of the lower part of the air filtration device.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the tubular immobilization part is provided with a friction surface suitable for cooperating with the lower part of the air filtration device.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning kit comprises a collection bowl configured to be removably attached to the receiving housing and to collect waste discharged through at least one discharge opening provided on the bottom of the receiving housing. Advantageously, the collection bowl is configured to be located under the bottom of the receiving housing.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hand tool is configured to allow the user to grasp the air filtration device.

[0038] The present invention further relates to an assembly comprising a cleaning kit according to the present invention, and an air filtration device configured to be received in a removable manner in a receiving chamber of a vacuum cleaner, the air filtration device comprising a filter configured to filter an airflow generated by the vacuum cleaner.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air filtration device comprises a first connection device, and the hand tool comprises a second connection device configured to cooperate mechanically with the first connection device, the first connection device and the second connection device being configured to transmit a displacement motion, and for example a helical displacement motion, to the air filtration device when the air filtration device is disposed in the cleaning chamber, the first connection device is connected to the second connection device and the hand tool is moved in the receiving box, for example is moved axially in the longitudinal guide passage.

[0040] Such a configuration of the cleaning kit and the air filtration device, when the lower part of the air filtration device is also immobilized against rotation by the immobilizing device, results in axial twisting and compression of the filter, which allows for effective dust removal and cleaning of the filter within the cleaning chamber.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first connection device and the second connection device form a bayonet connection system.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning kit is configured to allow a connection between the first connection device and the second connection device via the longitudinal guide passage, when the air filtration device is disposed in the receiving housing and the closing cover is in the closed position.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first connection device and the second connection device are configured to cooperate mechanically with each other so as to allow the air filtration device to be withdrawn from the receiving housing when the hand tool is moved in translation by the user and relative to the receiving housing in a translational movement oriented opposite to the receiving housing and in a translational direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the hand tool.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning kit is configured to allow a connection between the first connection device and the second connection device, via the longitudinal guide passage, when the air filtration device is disposed in the receiving housing and the closing cover is in the closed position.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the distal end portion of the main body is equipped with the second connection device.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air filtration device includes a support piece configured to support the filter, the support piece including the first connection device.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support piece includes a mounting portion into which the distal end portion of the main body is able to be inserted when the second connecting device is connected to the first connecting device.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air filtration device comprises an air outlet through which an airflow, filtered by the filter, is able to flow out of the air filtration device. Advantageously, the air outlet is provided on the support piece and may, for example, be delimited by the mounting portion.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the distal end portion of the main body has a shape that is overall complementary to that of the mounting portion.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal guide passage is configured to be located at least partly opposite, and for example to extend substantially coaxially to, the mounting portion provided on the support piece when the air filtration device is located in the receiving housing and the closing cover is in the closed position.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filter has an overall tubular shape and a central longitudinal axis. The filter may, for example, have an overall frustoconical or cylindrical shape.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filter comprises a first end portion having a first cross-section and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion and having a second cross-section which is smaller than the first cross-section.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support piece is fixed to the first end portion of the filter. Advantageously, the support piece has a general disc shape.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air filtration device includes a sealing element configured to seal the second end portion of the filter.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hand tool and the air filtration device are configured such that, when the first connecting device and the second connecting device are connected to each other, the central longitudinal axis of the filter is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the hand tool. This configuration of the subassembly greatly facilitates the removal of the air filtration device from the receiving housing.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first connection device, provided on the air filtration device, comprises a connecting member, such as a connecting lug or a connecting bar, which extends substantially radially with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the filter. The connecting member may, for example, be located in the mounting portion.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting member is located in the mounting portion.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second connection device, provided on the hand tool, comprises at least one attachment element, and for example at least one attachment finger or at least one attachment notch, configured to engage the connecting member. Such a configuration of the first and second connection devices ensures a reliable and secure connection between the hand tool and the air filtration device, and thus allows for safe handling of the air filtration device using the hand tool.

[0059] The present invention further relates to a cleaning system comprising a vacuum cleaner and an assembly according to the present invention, the air filtration device being removably disposed in a receiving chamber belonging to the vacuum cleaner.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner is a portable vacuum cleaner.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises a housing main comprising an air intake duct; a gripping handle mechanically connected to the main housing; a waste separation and collection device; and a suction unit housed in the main housing, the suction unit being configured to generate an airflow through the air intake duct and the waste separation and collection device.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction unit comprises a fan and an electric motor configured to drive the fan in rotation.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air filtration device is configured to be located upstream or downstream of the suction unit.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device delimits the receiving chamber in which the air filtration device is removably mounted.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device comprises a waste collection container provided with an air inlet opening fluidically connected to the air inlet duct, and a tubular separation element housed in the waste collection container.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the tubular separation member delimits the receiving chamber in which the air filtration device is removably mounted. Brief description of the figures

[0067] The invention will be well understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings representing, by way of non-limiting example, a vacuum cleaner and a cleaning kit according to the present invention.

[0068] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.

[0069] [Fig.2] is a longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum cleaner of [Fig. 1].

[0070] [Fig.3] is a top perspective view of a cleaning kit according to a first embodiment of the invention, including in particular a hand tool and a cleaning container.

[0071] [Fig.4] is a perspective view from below of the cleaning kit of [Fig.3].

[0072] [Fig. 5] is a partial perspective view of the hand tool and a device air filtration belonging to the vacuum cleaner of [Fig.1].

[0073] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of the hand tool connected to the air filtration device.

[0074] [Fig.7] is a partial perspective view of a portion of the distal end of the hand tool.

[0075] [Fig.8] is a partial side view of the distal end portion of the hand tool.

[0076] [Fig.9] is a bottom view of the hand tool.

[0077] [Fig. 10] is a longitudinal sectional view of a waste separation and collection device belonging to the vacuum cleaner, showing the hand tool connected to the air filtration device.

[0078] [Fig. 11] is a perspective view of the waste separation and collection device and the hand tool, showing a step of inserting the hand tool into a portion of the assembly belonging to the air filtration device.

[0079] [Fig. 12] is a perspective view showing a step of connecting the hand tool to the air filtration device which is located in the waste separation and collection device.

[0080] [Fig. 13] is a perspective view showing a step of removing the air filtration device from the waste separation and collection device, carried out using the hand tool.

[0081] [Fig. 14] is a perspective view showing a step of inserting the air filtration device into a receiving housing, belonging to the cleaning container, carried out using the hand tool.

[0082] [Fig. 15] is a perspective view of the air filtration device inserted in the receiving housing.

[0083] [Fig. 16] is a longitudinal sectional view of the air filtration device inserted into the receiving housing and connected to the hand tool.

[0084] [Fig. 17] is a longitudinal sectional view of the air filtration device disposed in the cleaning container.

[0085] [Fig. 18] is a top perspective view of a closing lid belonging to the cleaning container.

[0086] [Fig. 19] is a perspective view from below the closing cover.

[0087] [Fig.20] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the air filtration device arranged in the cleaning container and connected to the hand tool.

[0088] [Fig.21] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the air filtration device arranged in the cleaning container and compressed by the hand tool.

[0089] [Fig.22] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner of [Fig.1] to which is connected the cleaning container.

[0090] [Fig.23] is a longitudinal sectional view of a cleaning kit according to a second embodiment of the invention, showing closing hatches in the closed position.

[0091] [Fig.24] is a longitudinal sectional view of the cleaning kit of the [Fig.23], showing the closing hatches in the release position.

[0092] [Fig.25] is a longitudinal sectional view of a cleaning kit according to a third method of embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0093] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term "substantially" means, in this document, "exactly or to within 10% or to within 10°".

[0094] Figures 1 and 2 represent a vacuum cleaner 2, and more particularly a handheld vacuum cleaner, according to the present invention. The vacuum cleaner 2 comprises a main housing 3 having an air intake duct 4 through which outside air can be drawn into the vacuum cleaner 2, and a connection nozzle 5 fluidly connected to the air intake duct 4 and to which various vacuum cleaner accessories can be connected.

[0095] The vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a gripping handle 6 mechanically connected to the main housing 3 and enabling a user to grip the vacuum cleaner 2. Advantageously, the gripping handle 6 is located in a rear portion of the vacuum cleaner 2. The gripping handle 6 may be manufactured as a single unit with the main housing 3 or attached to it.

[0096] The vacuum cleaner 2 further includes a waste separation and collection device 7 mounted removably on the main housing 3 and fluidly connected to the air intake duct 4.

[0097] The waste separation and collection device 7 is advantageously of the cyclonic type, and includes in particular a waste collection container 8, and a component tubular separation 9 housed in the waste collection container 8 and delimiting with the latter a cyclonic separation chamber.

[0098] The waste collection container 8 more particularly includes an air inlet opening 11 (see [Fig.2]) which is configured to be fluidly connected to the air inlet duct 4 when the waste collection container 8 is mounted on the main housing 3. The waste collection container 8 is, for example, generally cylindrical or frustoconical in shape.

[0099] As shown in [Fig.2], the vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a suction unit 12 which is housed in the main casing 3 and which is arranged downstream of the waste separation and collection device 7. The suction unit 12 is configured to generate an airflow through the air intake duct 4 and the waste separation and collection device 7. The suction unit 12 more particularly comprises a fan and an electric motor configured to drive the fan in rotation.

[0100] As shown in [Fig. 2], the vacuum cleaner 2 further includes a rechargeable battery 13 configured to electrically power the vacuum cleaner 2, and in particular the suction unit 12. The rechargeable battery 13, also called the battery pack, comprises several battery cells. The rechargeable battery 13 is advantageously housed in a battery case 14 connected to the handle 6, and more particularly to a lower portion of the handle 6. The battery case 14 can, for example, be removably attached to the handle 6.

[0101] As shown more particularly in [Fig.2], the vacuum cleaner 2 is equipped with an air filtration device 15. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the air filtration device 15 is removably mounted in a receiving chamber 16 delimited by the tubular separating member 9, and is therefore configured to be positioned upstream of the suction unit 12.

[0102] The air filtration device 15 more particularly comprises (see [Fig.5]) a filter 17 configured to filter the airflow generated by the suction unit 12. Advantageously, the filter 17 has an overall tubular shape and has a central longitudinal axis A. The filter 17 can, for example, be formed by a pleated filter medium.

[0103] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the filter 17 has a generally frustoconical shape and comprises a first end portion 17.1 having a first cross-section, and a second end portion 17.2 opposite the first end portion 17.1 and having a second cross-section that is smaller than the first cross-section. Under operating conditions of the vacuum cleaner 2, the airflow generated by the suction unit 12 is configured to flow through filter 17 from an external peripheral surface of filter 17 to an internal peripheral surface of filter 17.

[0104] The air filtration device 15 further comprises a support piece 18 configured to support the filter 17. Advantageously, the support piece 18 has a generally disc-like shape and is attached to the first end portion 17.1 of the filter 17. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the support piece 18 comprises a mounting portion 19, which is internally delimited by an internal surface of generally cylindrical shape, the function of which will be described in more detail below. Advantageously, the mounting portion 19 is tubular and extends substantially coaxially with the filter 17.

[0105] The air filtration device 15 also includes a sealing member 21 fixed to the second end portion 17.2 of the filter 17 and configured to seal the second end portion 17.2 of the filter 17.

[0106] The air filtration device 15 further includes an air outlet 22 through which an airflow, filtered by the filter 17, is able to flow out of the air filtration device 15. Advantageously, the air outlet 22 is provided on the support piece 18, and is more particularly delimited by the mounting portion 19.

[0107] The air filtration device 15 also includes a first connection device 23 provided on the support piece 18 and whose function will be described in more detail below.

[0108] Advantageously, the vacuum cleaner 2 includes a locking device configured to reversibly lock the air filtration device 15 in the receiving chamber 16, and more particularly to reversibly lock the air filtration device 15 on the tubular separating member 9. Advantageously, the locking device is configured to prevent translation of the air filtration device 15 parallel to the central longitudinal axis A of the filter 17 when the air filtration device 15 is housed in the receiving chamber 16 and occupies a working position.

[0109] According to an embodiment shown in the figures, the air filtration device 15 is mounted movable relative to the tubular separating member 9 between a first angular position (see [Fig. 11]) in which the air filtration device 15 is locked in the receiving chamber 16 by the locking device, and a second angular position in which the air filtration device 15 is able to be removed from the receiving chamber 16.

[0110] The locking device may, for example, include at least one stop member 24, such as a stop finger, provided on the tubular separating member 9, and capable of cooperating with a peripheral edge of the support piece 18 when the device air filtration device 15 occupies the first angular position. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the air filtration device 15 advantageously comprises at least one passage notch 25 provided on the support piece 18 and configured to be located opposite the respective stop member 24 when the air filtration device 15 occupies the second angular position (so as to allow the air filtration device 15 to be withdrawn from the receiving chamber 16) and to be offset angularly with respect to the respective stop member 24 when the air filtration device 15 occupies the first angular position (so as to prevent the air filtration device 15 from being withdrawn from the receiving chamber 16).

[0111] Figures 3 to 9 represent a cleaning kit according to a first embodiment of the invention. The cleaning kit more particularly comprises a hand tool 26 which is configured to allow the user to grasp the air filtration device 15, and a cleaning container 27 in which the air filtration device 15 is suitable for being received for cleaning.

[0112] As shown in [Fig.3], the hand tool 26 comprises a main body 28 which is elongated and which has a longitudinal axis B. Advantageously, the main body 28 is of overall cylindrical shape.

[0113] The main body 28 more particularly includes a distal end portion 28.1 which is equipped with a second connection device 29 configured to cooperate mechanically with the first connection device 23 provided on the air filtration device 15, and a proximal end portion 28.2 located opposite the distal end portion 28.1.

[0114] The distal end portion 28.1 of the main body 28 is more particularly suitable for being inserted into the mounting portion 19 provided on the air filtration device 15 so as to allow a connection between the first connection device 23 and the second connection device 29. For this purpose, the distal end portion 28.1 advantageously has a shape that is overall complementary to that of the mounting portion 19.

[0115] As shown more particularly in Figures 10 and 16, the hand tool 26 and the air filtration device 15 are configured such that, when the first connecting device 23 and the second connecting device 29 are connected to each other, the central longitudinal axis A of the filter 17 and the longitudinal axis B of the main body 28 extend substantially coaxially.

[0116] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first connection device 23, provided on the air filtration device 15, comprises a connection member 31, such as a connecting bar, which is located in the mounting portion 19 and which extends substantially radially with respect to the central longitudinal axis A of the filter 17, and the second connection device 29, provided on the hand tool 26, has two hooking elements 32 which are diametrically opposed with respect to the longitudinal axis B of the main body 28 and which are configured to hook two respective portions of the connecting member 31.

[0117] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each attachment element 32 is advantageously formed at least in part by a attachment notch comprising:

[0118] - an insertion portion 32.1 which opens into the distal end of the body main 28 and extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis B of the main body 28, said insertion portion 32.1 being configured to permit insertion of the connecting member 31 into the respective latching notch, and

[0119] - a retaining portion 32.2 which has an opening leading into the respective insertion portion 32.1 and which extends in the continuation of the respective insertion portion 32.1 and substantially transversely, and for example substantially circumferentially, with respect to the longitudinal axis B of the main body 28, said retention portion 32.2 being configured to retain the connecting member 31 in the respective latching notch when the air filtration device 15 is withdrawn from the receiving chamber 16.

[0120] The first connecting device 23 and the second connecting device 29 as described above thus form a bayonet connection system.

[0121] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each latching notch has a general T-shape and therefore further comprises an additional retaining portion 32.3 which has an opening leading into the respective insertion portion 32.1 and extending in line with the respective insertion portion 32.1 and opposite the respective retaining portion 32.2. Thus, the retaining portion 32.2 and the additional retaining portion 32.3 belonging to the same latching notch extend on either side of the respective insertion portion 32.1.

[0122] Each additional retaining portion 32.3 extends substantially transversely, and for example substantially circumferentially, with respect to the longitudinal axis B of the main body 28, and is configured to retain the connecting member 31 in the respective hooking notch when the air filtration device 15 is inserted into the receiving chamber 16.

[0123] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first connection device 23 and the second connection device 29 are configured such that removing the air filtration device 15 from the receiving chamber 16 involves (see Figures 11 to 13):

[0124] - a first phase during which the hand tool 26 is moved in translation, relative to the air filtration device 15, in the direction of the receiving chamber 16 and along a translational direction which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis B of the main body 28 so as to allow insertion of the connecting member 31 into each insertion portion 32.1 and movement of the connecting member 31 to a bottom wall of each insertion portion 32.1,

[0125] - a second phase during which the hand tool 26 is moved in rotation around the longitudinal axis B of the main body 28 and in a first direction of rotation so as to allow, initially, a movement of the connecting member 31 within each of the retention portions 32.2 until it comes to rest against a bottom wall of each of the retention portions 32.2 and, subsequently, a movement of the air filtration device 15 from the first angular position to the second angular position, and

[0126] - a third phase during which the hand tool 26 is moved in translation opposite the receiving chamber 16 and in a direction of translation which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis B of the main body 28 until the air filtration device 15 is extracted out of the receiving chamber 16.

[0127] The hand tool 26 thus allows a user to remove the air filtration device 15 from the receiving chamber 16, and therefore from the waste separation and collection device 7, without having to handle the air filtration device 15 directly with his hands, which avoids any risk of contamination or soiling of the user's hands during such a removal operation.

[0128] As shown in Figures 3 and 16, the hand tool 26 also includes a gripping portion 33 fixed to the proximal end portion 28.2 of the main body 28. The gripping portion 33 is particularly mounted to rotate freely relative to the main body 28 of the hand tool 26 about an axis of rotation substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis B of the main body 28. The function of the gripping portion 33 is described in more detail below. Advantageously, the gripping portion 33 has a generally cylindrical shape and an external diameter greater than the external diameter of the main body 28 of the hand tool 26.

[0129] As shown in particular in figures 14 and 16, the cleaning container 27 comprises a receiving housing 34 having a base 35 and a peripheral wall 36 having an upper peripheral edge 37 delimiting a top opening 38. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the receiving housing 34 comprises a plurality of drainage ports 39 provided in a lower part of the receiving housing 34, and for example on the base 35.

[0130] The cleaning container 27 further includes a closing cover 41 configured to occupy an open position (see [Fig. 15]) in which the air filtration device 15 is suitable for insertion into the receiving housing 34, and a closed position (see Figures 3 and 17) in which the closing cover 41 closes the upper opening 38 and delimits, with the receiving housing 34, a cleaning chamber 42 in which the air filtration device 15 is suitable for cleaning. Advantageously, the closing cover 41 is removable relative to the receiving housing 34.

[0131] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the receiving housing 34 includes a locking device configured to lock in rotation a lower part of the air filtration device 15, and for example the sealing member 21 belonging to the air filtration device 15, when the air filtration device 15 is disposed in the receiving housing 34.

[0132] As shown in [Fig. 17], the immobilizing device more particularly comprises a tubular immobilizing portion 43 located in the receiving housing 34 and extending from the bottom 35 of the receiving housing 34. The tubular immobilizing portion 43 is configured to house at least part of the lower part of the air filtration device 15, and for example the sealing member 21. Advantageously, the tubular immobilizing portion 43 is provided with a friction surface suitable for cooperating with the lower part of the air filtration device 15, and for example with an external surface of the sealing member 21.

[0133] However, according to one embodiment of the invention, the tubular immobilizing part 43 could have a non-circular cross-section, and the lower part of the air filtration device 15, and for example the sealing member 21, could have a cross-section substantially complementary to that of the tubular immobilizing part 43. According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the immobilizing device could include an angular stop member provided on the receiving housing 34, and for example on the bottom 35 of the receiving housing 34, and an angular stop element provided on the air filtration device 15, and for example on the sealing member 21, and adapted to cooperate angularly with the angular stop member.

[0134] As shown in figures 18 to 20, the closing cover 41 includes a tubular guide part 44 defining a longitudinal guide passage 45 in which the hand tool 26, and more particularly the main body 28, is able to slide.

[0135] The longitudinal guide passage 45 is more particularly configured to open into the cleaning chamber 42 and to be located at least partly opposite, and for example to extend substantially coaxially to, the portion of Mounting 19 is provided on the support piece 18, when the air filtration device 15 is located in the receiving housing 34 and the closing cover 41 is in the closed position. Advantageously, the longitudinal guide passage 45 has an internal diameter that corresponds substantially to the external diameter of the main body 28.

[0136] As shown in [Fig.20], the cleaning container 27 is configured to permit a connection between the first connecting device 23 and the second connecting device 29, via the longitudinal guide passage 45, when the air filtration device 15 is disposed in the receiving housing 34 and the closing cover 41 is in the closed position, and to allow a user to press, and advantageously axially compress, the air filtration device 15 inside the cleaning chamber 42 by means of the hand tool 26.

[0137] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the main body 28 of the hand tool 26 is configured to slide helically in the longitudinal guide passage 45. For this purpose, the cleaning kit includes a drive device configured to drive the main body 28 in rotation relative to the cleaning container 27 and around the longitudinal axis B of the main body 28 when the main body 28 of the hand tool 26 is moved axially in the longitudinal guide passage 45 and towards the bottom 35 of the receiving housing 34.

[0138] The drive device more particularly comprises a pair of drive projections 46, such as drive lugs or drive fingers, provided in the longitudinal guide passage 45 and extending radially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tubular guide portion 44, and a pair of drive grooves 47 provided on an external surface of the main body 28, extending substantially helically with respect to the longitudinal axis B of the main body 28, and adapted to receive and cooperate respectively with the drive projections 46.

[0139] The drive projections 46 and the drive grooves 47 are thus configured to drive a displacement of the main body 28 of the hand tool 26 relative to the cleaning container 27 in a helical displacement movement around the longitudinal axis B of the main body 28 when the hand tool 26 is moved in the longitudinal guide passage 45 towards the bottom 35 of the receiving housing 34.

[0140] It should be noted that the first connecting device 23 and the second connecting device 29 are more specifically configured to transmit a helical displacement motion to the support piece 18 when the air filtration device 15 is disposed in the cleaning chamber 42, that the first connecting device 23 is connected to the second connecting device 29 and that the hand tool 26 is moved axially towards the bottom 35 of the receiving housing 34. Such a configuration of the cleaning kit causes axial twisting and compression of the filter 17, which allows the filter 17 to be effectively dusted and cleaned within the cleaning chamber 42.

[0141] A method for cleaning the air filtration device 15, belonging to the vacuum cleaner 2, with the cleaning kit according to the present invention is described below. Such a cleaning method comprises the following steps:

[0142] - dismantling of the waste separation and collection device 7 belonging to vacuum cleaner 2,

[0143] - connection of the second connection device 29, provided on the manual tool 26, with the first connection device 23 provided on the air filtration device 15,

[0144] - displacement of the air filtration device 15 into the second angular position using hand tool 26,

[0145] - removal of the air filtration device 15 from the receiving chamber 16 using of the manual tool 26,

[0146] - movement of the closing cover 41 into the open position,

[0147] - positioning of the air filtration device 15 in the receiving housing 34 to with the aid of the hand tool 26, such that the sealing member 21 cooperates with the tubular immobilizing part 43 in such a way as to cause the lower part of the air filtration device 15 to be rotationally immobilized relative to the receiving housing 34,

[0148] - movement of the closing cover 41 into the closed position,

[0149] - insertion of the main body 28 of the hand tool 26 into the guide passage longitudinal 45 delimited by the tubular guide portion 44, such that the connecting member 31 is received in each of the latching notches,

[0150] - arrangement of the receiving housing 34 above a collection receptacle, such than a trash can,

[0151] - dust removal from filter 17 by axially moving the hand tool 26 in the direction from the bottom 35 of the receiving housing 34, so as to cause axial torsion and compression of the filter 17 inside the cleaning chamber 42,

[0152] - possible repetition of the dust removal step several times,

[0153] - removal of the manual tool 26 from the longitudinal guide passage 45,

[0154] - rinsing the air filtration device 15 by introducing water into the container cleaning 27 via the longitudinal guide passage 45 (the rinsing step can for example be carried out after positioning the cleaning container 27 above a sink or washbasin),

[0155] - insertion of the main body 28 of the hand tool 26 into the guide passage longitudinal 45 delimited by the tubular guide part 44, such that the connecting member 31 is received in each of the hooking notches,

[0156] - wringing the filter 17 by axially moving the hand tool 26 towards the bottom 35 of the receiving housing 34, so as to cause axial torsion and compression of the filter 17 inside the cleaning chamber 42,

[0157] - possible repetition of the spin-drying step several times,

[0158] - drying of filter 17, and

[0159] - repositioning of the air filtration device 15 in the receiving chamber 16 using hand tool 26.

[0160] Advantageously, at the end of each dusting and wringing step, the filter 17, due to its elasticity, returns to its normal configuration (namely an uncompressed and untwisted configuration), which induces an automatic movement of the hand tool 26 away from the bottom 35 of the receiving box 34 when the user ceases to exert pressure on the hand tool 26 and thus allows the user to easily carry out a new dusting or wringing step.

[0161] It should be noted that the specific configuration of the gripping part 33 makes it easy to carry out the dust removal step of the filter 17. Indeed, a user can firmly grasp the gripping part 33 with one of his hands and exert pressure on it in order to move the main body 28 axially towards the bottom 35 of the receiving housing 34, while allowing a rotation of the main body 28 around the longitudinal axis B and relative to the gripping part 33.

[0162] Advantageously, the drying step can consist of fluidly connecting the air filtration device 15 to a ventilation source, such as a hair dryer or a vacuum cleaner.

[0163] The aforementioned drying step may, for example, consist of attaching the cleaning container 27 to the vacuum cleaner 2 (for example, after removing a removable cover attached in a removable manner to the main housing 3, and for example to the rear part of the main housing 3), and drying the filter 17 using the airflow generated by the suction unit 12.

[0164] To this end, as shown in particular in Figures 18 and 22, the cleaning kit further comprises a fastening device configured for reversibly attaching the cleaning container 27 to the vacuum cleaner 2, and for example to a rear portion of the main housing 3 of the vacuum cleaner 2. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the fastening device comprises a pair of fastening tabs 48 provided on the closing cover 41 and adapted to cooperate with two fastening recesses (not visible in the figures) provided on the main housing 3. Advantageously, each fastening tab 48 extends substantially parallel to an axis central of the longitudinal guide passage 45, and is elastically deformable between a fixed position and a release position.

[0165] The cleaning kit is more particularly configured such that, when the cleaning container 27 is attached to the main housing 3 of the vacuum cleaner 2 by means of the attachment device, the airflow, generated by the suction unit 12 and flowing from an air outlet 49 of the suction unit 12, is able to flow successively into the longitudinal guide passage 45, through the filter 17 from an internal peripheral surface of the filter 17 to an external peripheral surface of the filter 17, into the cleaning chamber 42 and finally through the discharge ports 39.

[0166] Such a configuration of the cleaning kit according to the present invention ensures rapid drying (for example in a few minutes) of the filter 17, which allows a user to be able to quickly reuse the vacuum cleaner 2 without necessarily having to make available to the user a second air filtration device 15.

[0167] Figures 23 and 24 represent a cleaning kit according to a second embodiment which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the cleaning container 27 has at least one closing flap 51 (and for example two closing flaps) mounted movable, and for example pivotally mounted, relative to the receiving housing 34 between a closing position in which at least one closing flap 51 hermetically seals the discharge ports 39 and a release position in which at least one closing flap 51 releases the discharge ports 39.

[0168] According to such an embodiment of the invention, the rinsing step comprises the following steps:

[0169] - displacement of at least one closing hatch 51 into the position of obturator,

[0170] - introduction of a predetermined quantity of water into the cleaning container 27 via the longitudinal guide passage 45,

[0171] - insertion of the main body 28 of the hand tool 26 into the guide passage longitudinal 45 delimited by the tubular guide part 44, such that the connecting member 31 is received in each of the hooking notches, and

[0172] - axial displacement of the hand tool 26 towards the bottom 35 of the housing reception 34, so as to cause axial torsion and compression of the filter 17 inside the cleaning chamber 42.

[0173] The cleaning kit according to a second embodiment thus allows for better rinsing of the air filtration device 15, since the latter is agitated and deformed, during its rinsing, in a volume of water contained in the cleaning chamber 42.

[0174] Figure 25 represents a cleaning kit according to a third embodiment which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the cleaning kit includes a collection bowl 52 configured to be removably attached to the receiving housing 34 and to be located under the bottom 35 of the receiving housing 34, such that the drainage holes 39 open into the internal volume of the collection bowl 52. Such a collection bowl 52 makes it possible to collect waste evacuated through the drainage holes 39 provided on the bottom 35 of the receiving housing 34, and thus to be able to carry out the steps of dusting, rinsing and wringing without having to position the cleaning container 27 above a collection receptacle.

[0175] According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, each hook notch could have a general L-shape, and therefore be devoid of an additional retaining portion.

[0176] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which have been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Cleaning kit for an air filtration device (15) of a vacuum cleaner (2), comprising: - a cleaning container (27) including a receiving housing (34) equipped with a top opening (38) through which an air filtration device (15), provided with a filter (17) configured to filter an airflow generated by a vacuum cleaner (2), is suitable for being inserted into the receiving housing (34), the receiving housing (34) delimiting at least in part a cleaning chamber (42) in which the air filtration device (15) is suitable for being received and cleaned, and - a hand tool (26) configured to be moved in the receiving housing (34) and to cooperate with the air filtration device (15), so as to enable a user to deform the air filtration device (15) inside the cleaning chamber (42) by means of the hand tool (26).

2. Cleaning kit according to claim 1, wherein the receiving housing (34) has at least one drainage port (39) provided in a lower part of the receiving housing (34).

3. Cleaning kit according to claim 2, wherein the receiving housing (34) has a bottom (35) located opposite the upper opening (38), the bottom (35) of the receiving housing (34) comprising at least one drainage orifice (39).

4. Cleaning kit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cleaning container (27) includes a closing lid (41) configured to occupy an open position in which the air filtration device (15) is fit to be inserted into the receiving housing (34), and a closed position in which the closing lid (41) closes the upper opening (38) and in which the receiving housing (34) and the closing lid (41) delimit the cleaning chamber (42).

5. A cleaning kit according to claim 4, wherein the closing cover (41) comprises a tubular guide portion (44) defining a longitudinal guide passage (45) configured to open into the cleaning chamber (42) and to be located at least partially opposite the air filtration device (15) when the air filtration device (15) is disposed in the housing receiving (34) and that the closing cover (41) occupies the closed position, the hand tool (26) being configured to be moved axially in the longitudinal guide passage (45) and to cooperate with the air filtration device (15), so as to allow a user to deform the air filtration device (15) inside the cleaning chamber (42) by means of the hand tool (26).

6. Cleaning kit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the hand tool (26) comprises a main body (28) which is elongated and which has a longitudinal axis (B), the main body (28) comprising a distal end portion (28.1) configured to cooperate with the air filtration device (15) and a proximal end portion (28.2) located opposite the distal end portion (28.1).

7. Cleaning kit according to claim 6, wherein the hand tool (26) includes a gripping part (33) fixed to the proximal end portion (28.2) of the main body (28), the gripping part (33) having a maximum transverse dimension greater than the maximum transverse dimension of the main body (28) of the hand tool (26).

8. Cleaning kit according to claim 7, wherein the gripping part (33) is mounted movable in rotation relative to the main body (28) of the hand tool (26) about an axis of rotation substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis (B) of the main body (28).

9. Cleaning kit according to any one of claims 6 to 8 in combination with claim 5, wherein the main body (28) of the hand tool (26) is configured to slide helically in the longitudinal guide passage (45).

10. Cleaning kit according to claim 9, which includes a drive device configured to drive the main body (28) of the hand tool (26) in rotation relative to the cleaning container (27) and around the longitudinal axis (B) of the main body (28) when the main body (28) is moved axially in the longitudinal guide passage (45).

11. Cleaning kit according to claim 10, wherein the drive device comprises at least one drive projection (46) provided on the main body (28) or in the longitudinal guide passage (45), and at least one drive groove (47) provided in the longitudinal guide passage (45) or on the main body (28) and suitable for receiving and cooperating with at least one drive projection (46), at least one drive projection (46) and at least one drive groove (47) being configured to cause a displacement of the main body (28) of the hand tool (26) relative to the cleaning container (27) in a helical displacement movement around the longitudinal axis (B) of the main body (28) when the hand tool (26) is moved axially in the longitudinal guide passage (45).

12. Cleaning kit according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which includes a fastening device configured to reversibly attach the cleaning container (27) to a vacuum cleaner (2), the cleaning kit being configured such that the cleaning chamber (42) is fluidly connected to an air outlet (49) of a suction unit (12) belonging to the vacuum cleaner (2), when the cleaning container (27) is attached to the vacuum cleaner (2).

13. Cleaning kit according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the receiving housing (34) includes an immobilizing device configured to immobilize in rotation a lower part of the air filtration device (15) when the air filtration device (15) is disposed in the receiving housing (34).

14. Cleaning kit according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the hand tool (26) is configured to allow the user to grasp the air filtration device (15).

15. Assembly comprising a cleaning kit according to any one of claims 1 to 14, and an air filtration device (15) configured to be received removably in a receiving chamber (16) of a vacuum cleaner (2), the air filtration device (15) comprising a filter (17) configured to filter an airflow generated by the vacuum cleaner (2).

16. An assembly according to claim 15, wherein the air filtration device (15) comprises a first connecting device (23), and the hand tool (26) comprises a second connecting device (29) configured to cooperate mechanically with the first connecting device (23), the first connecting device (23) and the second connecting device (29) being configured to transmit a displacement motion to the air filtration device (15) when the filtration device air (15) is disposed in the cleaning chamber (42), that the first connection device (23) is connected to the second connection device (29) and that the hand tool (26) is moved into the receiving box (34).

17. Assembly according to claim 16, wherein the first connecting device (23) and the second connecting device (29) are configured to cooperate mechanically with each other so as to permit the removal of the air filtration device (15) from the receiving housing (34) when the hand tool (26) is moved in translation by the user and relative to the receiving housing (34) in a translational movement oriented opposite to the receiving housing (34) and in a translational direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis (B) of the hand tool (26).

18. Assembly according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the filter (17) has an overall tubular shape and has a central longitudinal axis (A).

19. Cleaning system comprising a vacuum cleaner (2) and an assembly according to any one of claims 15 to 18, the air filtration device (15) being removably disposed in a receiving chamber (16) belonging to the vacuum cleaner (2).

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