Method for cleaning an air filtration device of a vacuum cleaner

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for cleaning an air filtration device (15) of a vacuum cleaner, comprising providing a cleaning kit including a cleaning container (27) configured to receive the air filtration device (15) and a hand tool (26) configured to allow a user to grasp the air filtration device (15); removing the air filtration device (15) from a receiving chamber belonging to the vacuum cleaner using the hand tool (26); positioning the air filtration device (15) in the cleaning container (27) using the hand tool (26); and dusting the air filtration device (15), the dusting step comprising pressing the air filtration device (15) inside the cleaning container (27) using the hand tool (26). Figure 20

Description

Title of the invention: Method for cleaning an air filtration device of a vacuum cleaner. 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 suction performance, and therefore the cleaning performance, of the vacuum cleaner.

[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 method for cleaning an air filtration device of a vacuum cleaner ensuring easy, thorough and hygienic cleaning of the air filtration device.

[0008] To this end, the present invention relates to a method for cleaning an air filtration device of a vacuum cleaner, the method comprising the following steps:

[0009] - supply of a cleaning kit including a configured cleaning container to receive the air filtration device and a manual tool configured to allow a user to grasp the air filtration device,

[0010] - removal of the air filtration device from a receiving chamber belonging to the vacuum cleaner using the manual tool,

[0011] - positioning of the air filtration device in the cleaning container at with the help of the hand tool, and

[0012] - dust removal from the air filtration device, the dust removal step comprising pressing the air filtration device inside the cleaning container using the hand tool.

[0013] Thus, the method according to the present invention makes it possible to extract the air filtration device from the vacuum cleaner and to dust it inside the cleaning container, and therefore to carry out easy 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.

[0014] In addition, such hygienic dust removal of the air filtration device within the cleaning container encourages a user to carry out more regular dust removal of the air filtration device, which gives increased performance and reliability to the vacuum cleaner equipped with such an air filtration device.

[0015] The method according to the present invention may further have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressing of the air filtration device, carried out during the dust removal step, induces axial torsion and compression of the air filtration device inside the cleaning container. These arrangements ensure better cleaning of the air filtration device.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the process includes, after the dust removal step, rinsing the air filtration device.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rinsing step of the air filtration device is carried out in the cleaning container and includes introducing water into the cleaning container. These arrangements ensure even greater cleaning of the air filtration device without the user having to wet their hands.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the process includes wringing out the air filtration device. These provisions make it possible to significantly reduce the drying time, and therefore the downtime, of the air filtration device.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wringing step of the air filtration device is carried out in the cleaning container and includes pressing the air filtration device inside the cleaning container using the hand tool.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pressing of the air filtration device, carried out during the wringing step, induces torsion and axial compression of the air filtration device inside the cleaning container

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the process includes drying the air filtration device.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drying step consists of fluidly connecting the air filtration device to a ventilation source. These arrangements further reduce the downtime of the air filtration device.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ventilation source is heated.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drying step comprises a mechanical connection of the air filtration device to the ventilation source via a connection adapter.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ventilation source is a vacuum cleaner.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drying step includes attaching the cleaning container to the vacuum cleaner, such that the air filtration device is fluidly connected to an air outlet of a suction unit belonging to the vacuum cleaner.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ventilation source is a hair dryer.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method includes repositioning the air filtration device in the receiving chamber using the hand tool.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning container comprises a receiving housing equipped with a top opening, and a closing lid configured to occupy an open position in which the filtration device air is suitable for being inserted into the receiving box, and a closing position in which the closing cover closes the upper opening and in which the receiving box and the closing cover delimit a cleaning chamber in which the air filtration device is suitable for being received and cleaned.

[0031] 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, and wherein the step of pressing the air filtration device using the hand tool includes an axial movement of the hand tool in the longitudinal guide passage and towards a bottom of the receiving housing, so as to press the air filtration device inside the cleaning chamber and towards the bottom of the receiving housing.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the step of introducing water into the cleaning container consists of introducing the water into the cleaning container via the longitudinal guide passage.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving unit has at least one drainage opening provided in a lower part of the receiving unit, for example on the bottom of the receiving unit. These arrangements prevent the accumulation of waste within the cleaning chamber, and thus ensure even more thorough cleaning of the air filtration device.

[0034] 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.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the process includes, prior to the removal step, dismantling a waste separation and collection device belonging to the vacuum cleaner, the waste separation and collection device delimiting the receiving chamber suitable for receiving the air filtration device.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method includes, prior to the removal step, a connection of a first connection device provided on the air filtration device with a second connection device provided on the hand tool.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first connection device and the second connection device form a bayonet connection system.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the distal end portion of the main body is equipped with the second connection device.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the positioning step includes moving the closing cover into the open position, positioning the air filtration device in the receiving housing and moving the closing cover into the closed position.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises, after the positioning step and before the dusting step, an arrangement of the cleaning container above a collection receptacle, such as a bin, so that the collection receptacle can collect, during the dusting step, waste falling by gravity from the cleaning container.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the positioning step includes immobilizing a lower part of the air filtration device in rotation relative to the receiving housing.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air filtration device comprises a filter configured to filter an airflow generated by a vacuum cleaner. Advantageously, the filter has an overall tubular shape and a central longitudinal axis. The filter may, for example, have an overall frustoconical or cylindrical shape.

[0043] 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.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air filtration device includes a support piece configured to support the filter.

[0045] 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 suitable for insertion.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support piece is fixed to the first end portion of the filter.

[0047] 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.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner is a portable vacuum cleaner.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises a housing main part comprising an air intake duct; a gripping handle connected mechanically to the main casing; a waste separation and collection device; and a suction unit housed in the main casing, the suction unit being configured to generate an airflow through the air intake duct and the waste separation and collection device.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction unit comprises a fan and an electric motor configured to drive the fan in rotation.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air filtration device is configured to be located upstream or downstream of the suction unit.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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

[0054] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the attached schematic drawings.

[0055] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.

[0056] [Fig.2] is a longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum cleaner of [Fig. 1].

[0057] [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.

[0058] [Fig.4] is a perspective view from below of the cleaning kit of [Fig.3].

[0059] [Fig. 5] is a partial perspective view of the hand tool and a device air filtration belonging to the vacuum cleaner of [Fig.1].

[0060] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of the hand tool connected to the air filtration device.

[0061] [Fig.7] is a partial perspective view of a portion of the distal end of the tool manual.

[0062] [Fig.8] is a partial side view of the distal end portion of the hand tool.

[0063] [Fig.9] is a bottom view of the hand tool.

[0064] [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.

[0065] [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 mounting portion belonging to the air filtration device.

[0066] [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.

[0067] [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.

[0068] [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.

[0069] [Fig. 15] is a perspective view of the air filtration device inserted in the receiving housing.

[0070] [Fig. 16] is a longitudinal sectional view of the air filtration device inserted into the receiving housing and connected to the hand tool.

[0071] [Fig. 17] is a longitudinal sectional view of the air filtration device disposed in the cleaning container.

[0072] [Fig. 18] is a top perspective view of a closing lid belonging to the cleaning container.

[0073] [Fig. 19] is a perspective view from below the closing cover.

[0074] [Fig.20] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the air filtration device arranged in the cleaning container and connected to the hand tool.

[0075] [Fig.21] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the air filtration device arranged in the cleaning container and compressed by the hand tool.

[0076] [Fig.22] is a longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum cleaner of [Fig.1] to which the cleaning container is connected.

[0077] [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.

[0078] [Fig.24] is a longitudinal sectional view of the cleaning kit of [Fig.23], showing the closing hatches in the release position.

[0079] [Fig.25] is a longitudinal sectional view of a cleaning kit according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0080] [Fig.26] is a diagram representing the steps of a process for cleaning an air filtration device with the cleaning kit of [Fig.3]. Detailed description

[0081] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term "substantially" means, in this document, "exactly or to within 10% or to within 10°".

[0082] 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 connecting nozzle 5 fluidly connected to the air intake duct 4 and to which various vacuum cleaner accessories can be connected.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] The waste separation and collection device 7 is advantageously of the cyclonic type, and includes in particular a waste collection container 8, and a tubular separation element 9 housed in the waste collection container 8 and delimiting with the latter a cyclonic separation chamber.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] As shown in [Fig. 2], the vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises 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 grip handle 6.

[0089] 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 mounted removably 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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 the filter 17 from an external peripheral surface of the filter 17 to an internal peripheral surface of the filter 17.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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 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 angularly offset from 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).

[0099] Figures 3 to 9 show 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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, comprises 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 connection member 31.

[0105] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each attachment element 32 is advantageously formed at least in part by a attachment notch comprising:

[0106] - 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

[0107] - 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.

[0108] The first connecting device 23 and the second connecting device 29 as described above thus form a bayonet connection system.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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):

[0112] - 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,

[0113] - 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

[0114] - 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.

[0115] The manual tool 26 thus allows a user to remove the air filtration device 15 from the receiving chamber 16, and therefore from the separation device and waste collection 7, without the user having to handle the air filtration device 15 directly with their hands, thus avoiding any risk of contamination or soiling of the user's hands during such a removal operation.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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 element 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] The longitudinal guide passage 45 is more particularly configured to open into the cleaning chamber 42 and to be located at least partially opposite, and for example to extend substantially coaxially to, the mounting portion 19 provided on the support piece 18, when the air filtration device 15 is disposed of 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 substantially corresponding to the external diameter of the main body 28.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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 rotate the main body 28 relative to the cleaning container 27 and around the longitudinal axis B of the main body 28 when the body main 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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 movement to the support piece 18 when the air filtration device 15 is disposed in the cleaning chamber 42, the first connecting device 23 is connected to the second connecting device 29, and the hand tool 26 is moved axially towards the bottom 35 of the receiving housing 34. Such a configuration of the cleaning kit results in axial twisting and compression of the filter 17, which makes it possible to effectively remove dust and clean the filter 17 within the cleaning chamber 42.

[0129] 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.

[0130] Such a cleaning process includes (see [Fig. 26]) in particular:

[0131] - an SI supply step consisting of supplying the cleaning kit including the cleaning container 27 and hand tool 26,

[0132] - a removal step S2 consisting of removing the air filtration device 15 out of the receiving chamber 16 belonging to the vacuum cleaner 2 using the hand tool 26,

[0133] - a positioning step S3 consisting of positioning the filtration device of air 15 in the cleaning container 27 using the hand tool 26, and

[0134] - a dust removal step S4 comprising pressing the filtration device air 15 inside the cleaning container 27 and using the hand tool 26, so as to dust the air filtration device 15.

[0135] Advantageously, the cleaning process comprises, prior to the removal step S2, the following steps:

[0136] - dismantling of the waste separation and collection device 7 belonging to vacuum cleaner 2,

[0137] - 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, and

[0138] - displacement of the air filtration device 15 into the second angular position using hand tool 26.

[0139] The removal step S2 may for example consist of moving the hand tool 26 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.

[0140] Advantageously, the positioning step S3 comprises the following steps:

[0141] - moving the closing cover 41 into the open position,

[0142] - 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,

[0143] - removal of the hand tool 26 from the longitudinal guide passage 45 delimited by the tubular guide section 44, and

[0144] - movement of the closing cover 41 into the closed position.

[0145] Advantageously, the cleaning process comprises, after the positioning step S3 and before the dust removal step S4, the following steps:

[0146] - 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

[0147] - arrangement of the receiving unit 34 above a collection receptacle, such than a garbage can.

[0148] The dust removal step S4 may, for example, consist of moving the hand tool 26 towards the bottom 35 of the receiving housing 34, so as to cause axial twisting and compression of the filter 17 inside the cleaning chamber 42. The cleaning process may, for example, include a step consisting of repeating the dust removal step S4 several times.

[0149] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning process comprises the following steps carried out after the dust removal step S4:

[0150] - removal of the manual tool 26 from the longitudinal guide passage 45,

[0151] - 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),

[0152] - 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,

[0153] - 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,

[0154] - possible repetition of the spin-drying step several times,

[0155] - drying of filter 17, and

[0156] - repositioning of the air filtration device 15 in the receiving chamber 16 using hand tool 26.

[0157] 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.

[0158] It should be noted that the specific configuration of the gripping part 33 makes it easy to carry out the dusting 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.

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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 a rear part of the main housing 3), and drying the filter 17 using the airflow generated by the suction unit 12.

[0161] To this end, as shown in particular in Figures 18 and 22, the cleaning kit further comprises a fastening device configured to reversibly attach 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 method shown in the figures, the The fastening device includes a pair of fastening tabs 48 which are provided on the closing cover 41 and which are able to cooperate with two fastening housings (not visible in the figures) provided on the main housing 3. Advantageously, each fastening tab 48 extends substantially parallel to a central axis of the longitudinal guide passage 45, and is elastically deformable between a fastening position and a release position.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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 needing to make available to the user a second air filtration device 15).

[0164] 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.

[0165] According to such an embodiment of the invention, the rinsing step comprises the following steps:

[0166] - displacement of at least one closing hatch 51 into the position of obturator,

[0167] - introduction of a predetermined quantity of water into the cleaning container 27 via the longitudinal guide passage 45,

[0168] - 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

[0169] - 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.

[0170] 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.

[0171] 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.

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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 construction of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for cleaning an air filtration device (15) of a vacuum cleaner (2), the method comprising the following steps: - providing a cleaning kit including a cleaning container (27) configured to receive the air filtration device (15) and a hand tool (26) configured to allow a user to grasp the air filtration device (15), - removing the air filtration device (15) from a receiving chamber (16) belonging to the vacuum cleaner (2) using the hand tool (26), - positioning the air filtration device (15) in the cleaning container (27) using the hand tool (26), and - dusting the air filtration device (15), the dusting step comprising pressing the air filtration device (15) inside the cleaning container (27) using the hand tool (26).

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the pressing of the air filtration device (15), carried out during the dust removal step, induces a torsion and axial compression of the air filtration device (15) inside the cleaning container (27).

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein it comprises, after the dust removal step, rinsing the air filtration device (15).

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the step of rinsing the air filtration device (15) is carried out in the cleaning container (27) and includes the introduction of water into the cleaning container (27).

5. Method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein it comprises a wringing of the air filtration device (15).

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the wringing step of the air filtration device (15) is carried out in the cleaning container (27) and includes pressing the air filtration device (15) inside the cleaning container (27) and using the hand tool (26).

7. A method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein it comprises drying the air filtration device (15).

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the drying step consists of fluidly connecting the air filtration device (15) to a ventilation source.

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein the ventilation source is a vacuum cleaner (2).

10. A method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the drying step includes attaching the cleaning container (27) to the vacuum cleaner (2), such that the air filtration device (15) is fluidly connected to an air outlet (49) of a suction unit (12) belonging to the vacuum cleaner (2).

11. Method according to claim 8, wherein the ventilation source is a hair dryer.

12. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which includes repositioning the air filtration device (15) in the receiving chamber (16) using the hand tool (26).

13. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the cleaning container (27) comprises a receiving housing (34) equipped with a top opening (38), and a closing cover (41) configured to occupy an open position in which the air filtration device (15) is suitable for being inserted into the receiving housing (34), and a closed position in which the closing cover (41) closes the top opening (38) and in which the receiving housing (34) and the closing cover (41) delimit a cleaning chamber (42) in which the air filtration device (15) is suitable for being received and cleaned.

14. A method according to claim 13, 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 receiving housing (34) and the closing cover (41) is in the closed position, and wherein the step of pressing the air filtration device (15) using the hand tool (26) comprises an axial movement of the hand tool (26) in the longitudinal guide passage and towards a bottom (35) of the receiving housing (34), so as to press the air filtration device (15) to inside the cleaning chamber (42) and towards the bottom (35) of the receiving box (34).

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the receiving housing (34) has at least one discharge port (39) provided in a lower part of the receiving housing (34).

16. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the positioning step includes a rotational immobilization of a lower part of the air filtration device (15) relative to the receiving housing (34).

17. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, which includes, prior to the removal step, a connection of a first connection device (23) provided on the air filtration device (15) with a second connection device (29) provided on the hand tool (26).

18. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein it comprises, prior to the removal step, dismantling a waste separation and collection device (7) belonging to the vacuum cleaner (2), the waste separation and collection device (7) delimiting the receiving chamber (16) suitable for receiving the air filtration device (15).

19. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, which comprises, after the positioning step and before the dusting step, an arrangement of the cleaning container (27) above a collection receptacle, such that the collection receptacle can collect, during the dusting step, waste falling by gravity from the cleaning container (27).