Air filtration device cleaning kit

Abstract

The cleaning kit includes a cleaning container (27) comprising a receiving housing (34) and a closing lid (41) configured to delimit, with the receiving housing (34), a cleaning chamber (42) in which an air filtration device (15) is suitable for receiving and cleaning; and a fastening device configured to reversibly attach the cleaning container (27) to a vacuum cleaner (2) such that an airflow generated by a suction unit (12) belonging to the vacuum cleaner (2) is suitable for flowing through a filter (17) of the air filtration device (15) received in the cleaning chamber (42). Figure 22

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, quick and hygienic cleaning of an air filtration device equipping a vacuum cleaner.

[0008] To this end, the present invention relates to a cleaning kit, and in particular a cleaning kit for a vacuum cleaner, comprising:

[0009] - a cleaning container comprising a receiving housing equipped with a upper opening, and a closing cover configured to occupy an open position in which an air filtration device, equipped with a filter configured to filter an airflow generated by a suction unit belonging to a vacuum cleaner and equipped with a fan and an electric motor coupled to the fan and configured to rotate the fan, is suitable for insertion into the receiving housing, and a closed position in which the closing cover closes the upper opening and in which the receiving housing and the closing cover delimit a cleaning chamber in which the air filtration device is suitable for receiving and cleaning, and

[0010] - a fastening device configured to reversibly fix the container of vacuuming,

[0011] the cleaning kit being configured such that, when the cleaning container is attached to the vacuum cleaner, the cleaning chamber is fluidly connected to an air outlet of the suction unit belonging to the vacuum cleaner and the airflow generated by the suction unit is able to flow through the filter of the air filtration device received in the cleaning chamber.

[0012] 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.

[0013] Furthermore, the configuration of the cleaning kit according to the present invention then allows the cleaning container to be attached to the vacuum cleaner and the filter to be dried using the airflow generated by the suction unit. Thus, the cleaning kit according to the present invention allows for rapid drying (for example, in a few minutes) of the filter, enabling a user to quickly reuse the vacuum cleaner without necessarily need to provide the user with a second air filtration device.

[0014] 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.

[0015] The cleaning kit may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning kit is configured such that, when the cleaning container is attached to the vacuum cleaner, the airflow generated by the suction unit flows through the filter from an internal peripheral surface of the filter to an external peripheral surface of the filter.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the closing cover is removable relative to the receiving housing. Such a configuration of the closing cover ensures easy positioning of the air filtration device in the receiving housing when the closing cover is in the open position.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening device is configured to fix the cleaning container to a main housing of the vacuum cleaner.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening device is configured to attach the cleaning container to a rear portion of the main housing of the vacuum cleaner. Such a configuration of the fastening device allows, when a user has a second air filtration device, for the vacuum cleaner to be used ergonomically during a drying operation of the first air filtration device.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning kit is configured such that, when the cleaning container is attached to the main housing of the vacuum cleaner, the central axis of the cleaning container extends substantially coaxially with a motor axis of the vacuum unit. This positioning of the cleaning container, when attached to the vacuum cleaner, ensures optimal and rapid drying of the air filtration device received in the cleaning container.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening device is configured to fix the cleaning container to the main housing of the vacuum cleaner in place of a removable cover that is removably attached to the main housing of the vacuum cleaner, and for example to a rear portion of the main housing. The removable cover may, for example, be provided with air exhaust vents.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning kit is configured such that, when the cleaning container is attached to the main housing of the vacuum cleaner, the closing cover extends at least partially opposite an external wall The vacuum cleaner is equipped with air exhaust vents and is configured to direct the airflow exiting the vacuum cleaner through these vents towards the filter. This configuration of the cleaning kit simplifies the mounting of the cleaning container onto the main housing, as it eliminates the need to first remove a cover to attach the cleaning container to the main housing.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening device is a screw fastening device or a bayonet fastening device.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening device comprises at least one fastening tab which is provided on the closing cover and which is capable of cooperating with at least one fastening element, such as a fastening housing or a fastening rib, provided on the main housing of the vacuum cleaner, and for example on an external surface of the main housing.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one fixing tab is elastically deformable between a fixing position in which at least one fixing tab is able to cooperate with at least one fixing member provided on the main housing of the vacuum cleaner so as to fix the cleaning container on the main housing and a release position in which at least one fixing tab is able to release at least one fixing member so as to allow removal of the cleaning container from the main housing.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one fixing tab extends substantially parallel to the central axis of the cleaning container.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening device comprises several fastening tabs distributed around the central axis of the cleaning container. This configuration of the fastening device ensures that the cleaning container is held firmly on the vacuum cleaner during a drying operation of the air filtration device.

[0028] 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.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning kit is configured such that, when the cleaning container is attached to the main housing of the vacuum cleaner, the airflow generated by the suction unit is able to flow into the longitudinal guide passage and then through the filter of the air filtration device received in the cleaning chamber.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning kit includes a hand tool 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 move, and advantageously deform, the air filtration device inside the cleaning chamber by means of the hand tool.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving box 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 box.

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

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving housing comprises at least one discharge port, and for example, a plurality of discharge ports. Such a configuration of the cleaning container ensures easy evacuation of the airflow from the cleaning container after said flow has passed through the filter, and also prevents an accumulation of waste within the cleaning chamber during a filter cleaning operation in the cleaning chamber, which ensures even greater cleaning of the air filtration device.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one drainage orifice is provided in a lower part of the receiving housing.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning kit is configured such that, when the cleaning container is attached to the main housing of the vacuum cleaner, the airflow generated by the suction unit is able to be evacuated out of the cleaning container, after passing through the filter, via at least one evacuation orifice.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving box has a bottom located opposite the upper opening, the bottom of the receiving box comprising at least one drainage orifice.

[0042] 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 port provided on the receiving housing. Advantageously, the collection bowl is configured to be located under the bottom of the receiving housing.

[0043] The present invention further relates to a cleaning system comprising a cleaning kit according to the present invention, and a vacuum cleaner comprising an air filtration device removably disposed in a receiving chamber belonging to the vacuum cleaner, the air filtration device comprising a filter configured to filter an airflow generated by a suction unit of the vacuum cleaner.

[0044] 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.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air filtration device includes a first connection device, and the hand tool includes 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 axially in the longitudinal guide passage.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first connection device and the second connection device form a bayonet connection system.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning kit is configured to allow a connection between the first connecting device and the second connecting device via the longitudinal guide passage, when the device Air filtration is located in the receiving housing and the closing cover is in the closed position.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the distal end portion of the main body is equipped with the second connection device.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner is a portable vacuum cleaner.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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

[0059] 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.

[0060] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.

[0061] [Fig.2] is a longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum cleaner of [Fig.1].

[0062] [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.

[0063] [Fig.4] is a perspective view from below of the cleaning kit of [Fig.3].

[0064] [Fig. 5] is a partial perspective view of the hand tool and a device air filtration belonging to the vacuum cleaner of [Fig.1].

[0065] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of the hand tool connected to the air filtration device.

[0066] [Fig.7] is a partial perspective view of a portion of the distal end of the tool manual.

[0067] [Fig.8] is a partial side view of the distal end portion of the hand tool.

[0068] [Fig.9] is a bottom view of the hand tool.

[0069] [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.

[0070] [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.

[0071] [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.

[0072] [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.

[0073] [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.

[0074] [Fig. 15] is a perspective view of the air filtration device inserted in the receiving housing.

[0075] [Fig. 16] is a longitudinal sectional view of the air filtration device inserted into the receiving housing and connected to the hand tool.

[0076] [Fig. 17] is a longitudinal sectional view of the air filtration device arranged in the cleaning container.

[0077] [Fig. 18] is a top perspective view of a closing lid belonging to the cleaning container.

[0078] [Fig. 19] is a perspective view from below the closing cover.

[0079] [Fig.20] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the air filtration device arranged in the cleaning container and connected to the hand tool.

[0080] [Fig.21] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the air filtration device arranged in the cleaning container and compressed by the hand tool.

[0081] [Fig.22] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner of [Fig.1] to which is connected the cleaning container.

[0082] [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.

[0083] [Fig.24] is a longitudinal sectional view of the cleaning kit of the [Fig.23], showing the closing hatches in the release position.

[0084] [Fig.25] is a longitudinal sectional view of a cleaning kit according to a third method of embodiment of the invention.

[0085] [Fig. 26] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention to which is connected the cleaning container belonging to a cleaning kit according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0086] [Fig.27] is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner in [Fig.26]. Detailed description

[0087] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term "substantially" means, in this document, "exactly or to within 10% or to within 10°".

[0088] 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 comprising 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.

[0089] The vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a gripping handle 6 mechanically connected to the main housing 3 and enabling the vacuum cleaner 2 to be gripped by a user. Advantageously, the gripping handle 6 is located in a rear portion of the vacuum cleaner 2. The gripping handle 6 can be manufactured as a single unit with the main housing 3 or attached to it.

[0090] The vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a waste separation and collection device 7 mounted removably on the main housing 3 and fluidly connected to the air intake duct 4.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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 handle 6.

[0095] 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 chamber reception 16 delimited by the tubular separation element 9, and is therefore configured to be arranged upstream of the suction unit 12.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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 separation 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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).

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] The distal end portion 28.1 of the main body 28 is particularly suitable for insertion into the mounting portion 19 provided on the filtration device air 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each attachment element 32 is advantageously formed at least in part by a attachment notch comprising:

[0112] - 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

[0113] - 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.

[0114] The first connecting device 23 and the second connecting device 29 as described above thus form a bayonet connection system.

[0115] 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 into the respective insertion portion 32.1 and which extends in line with the respective insertion portion 32.1 and opposite the respective retaining portion 32.2. Thus, the retention portion 32.2 and the additional retention portion 32.3 belonging to the same hook notch extend on either side of the respective insertion portion 32.1.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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):

[0118] - 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,

[0119] - 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

[0120] - 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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 more 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 part 33 is described in more detail below. Advantageously, the gripping part 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] However, according to one embodiment of the invention, the tubular immobilizing portion 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 portion 43. According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the immobilizing device could comprising 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 capable of cooperating angularly with the angular stop member.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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:

[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,

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

[0139] - removal of the air filtration device 15 from the receiving chamber 16 using of the manual tool 26,

[0140] - movement of the closing cover 41 into the open position,

[0141] - positioning of the air filtration device 15 in the receiving housing 34 to with the aid of the hand tool 26, in such a way that the sealing member 21 cooperates with the tubular immobilizing part 43 so as to cause the lower part of the air filtration device 15 to be rotationally immobilized relative to the receiving housing 34,

[0142] - movement of the closing cover 41 into the closed position,

[0143] - 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,

[0144] - arrangement of the receiving unit 34 above a collection receptacle, such than a trash can,

[0145] - 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,

[0146] - possible repetition of the dust removal step several times,

[0147] - removal of the manual tool 26 from the longitudinal guide passage 45,

[0148] - 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),

[0149] - 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,

[0150] - 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,

[0151] - possible repetition of the spin-drying step several times,

[0152] - drying of filter 17, and

[0153] - repositioning of the air filtration device 15 in the receiving chamber 16 using hand tool 26.

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] Advantageously, the drying step consists of attaching the cleaning container 27 to the vacuum cleaner 2, and drying the filter 17 using the airflow generated by the suction unit 12.

[0157] For this purpose, as shown in particular in figures 18 and 22, the cleaning kit further includes a fastening device configured to reversibly fix the cleaning container 27 to the vacuum cleaner 2, and for example to a rear part of the main housing 3 of the vacuum cleaner 2.

[0158] The fastening device can for example be configured to fix the cleaning container 27 to the main housing 3 of the vacuum cleaner 2 in place of a removable cover which is removably fixed to the main housing 3 of the vacuum cleaner 2, and more particularly to the rear part of the main housing 3.

[0159] According to the first mode shown in the figures, the fastening device includes several fastening tabs 48 which are provided on the closing cover 41, which are distributed around the central axis of the closing cover 41 and which are able to cooperate with two fastening members 49, such as fastening ribs or fastening housings, provided on the main housing 3.

[0160] Advantageously, each fixing lug 48 extends substantially parallel to a central axis of the closing cover 41, and is elastically deformable between a fixing position in which said fixing lug is able to cooperate with the respective fixing member 49 so as to fix the cleaning container 27 on the main housing 3 and a release position in which said fixing lug is able to release the respective fixing member 49 so as to allow dismantling of the cleaning container 27 from the main housing 3.

[0161] As shown in [Fig.22], the cleaning kit is configured so that, when the cleaning container 27 is attached to the main housing 3 of the vacuum cleaner 2 via the fastening device, the central axis of the cleaning container 27 extends substantially coaxially with a motor axis of the suction unit 12.

[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 50 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 where the airflow is discharged out of the cleaning container 27.

[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 hatch 51 (and for example two closing hatches) movablely mounted, and for example pivotally mounted, relative to the receiving housing 34 between a closed position in which the at least one closing hatch 51 seals the drainage ports 39 and a release position at least one closing hatch 51 releases the drainage 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] Figures 26 and 27 represent a cleaning kit according to a fourth embodiment which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the cleaning kit is configured such that, when the cleaning container 27 is attached to the main housing 3 of the vacuum cleaner 2, the closing cover 41 extends at least in part opposite an external wall 53 of the vacuum cleaner 2 which is provided with air exhaust ports 54 and is configured to guide, towards the filter 17, the airflow flowing out of the vacuum cleaner 2 via the air exhaust ports 54, and in that the fastening members 49 provided on the main housing 3 are formed by two fastening ribs provided on an external surface of the main housing 3.

[0173] 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.

[0174] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening device (configured to reversibly fix the cleaning container 27 to the vacuum cleaner 2) could be a screw fastening device or a bayonet fastening device.

[0175] 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. 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), and a closing cover (41) configured to occupy an open position in which an air filtration device (15), provided with a filter (17) configured to filter an airflow generated by a suction unit (12) belonging to a vacuum cleaner (2) and which is equipped with a fan and an electric motor coupled to the fan and configured to drive the fan in rotation, is suitable for insertion into the receiving housing (34),and a closed position in which the closing cover (41) closes the upper 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 receiving and cleaning, and - a fastening device configured to reversibly attach the cleaning container (27) to the vacuum cleaner (2), the cleaning kit being configured such that, when the cleaning container (27) is attached to the vacuum cleaner (2), the cleaning chamber (42) is fluidly connected to an air outlet (50) of the suction unit (12) belonging to the vacuum cleaner (2) and the airflow generated by the suction unit (12) is suitable for flowing through the filter (17) of the air filtration device (15) received in the cleaning chamber (42).

2. Cleaning kit according to claim 1, wherein the fastening device is configured to fix the cleaning container (27) to a main housing (3) of the vacuum cleaner (2).

3. Cleaning kit according to claim 2, wherein the fastening device is configured to fix the cleaning container (27) to a rear part of the main housing (3) of the vacuum cleaner (2).

4. Cleaning kit according to claim 2 or 3, which is configured such that, when the cleaning container (27) is attached to the main housing (3) of the vacuum cleaner (2), the central axis of the cleaning container (27) extends substantially coaxially with a motor axis of the vacuum unit (12).

5. Cleaning kit according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the fastening device is configured to fix the cleaning container (27) to the main housing (3) of the vacuum cleaner (2) in place of a removable cover which is removably fixed to the main housing (3) of the vacuum cleaner (2).

6. Cleaning kit according to any one of claims 2 to 4, which is configured such that, when the cleaning container (27) is attached to the main housing (3) of the vacuum cleaner (2), the closing cover (41) extends at least partially opposite an external wall of the vacuum cleaner (2) which is provided with air exhaust ports (54) and is configured to guide the airflow from the vacuum cleaner (2) via the air exhaust ports (54) towards the filter (17).

7. Cleaning kit according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the fastening device comprises at least one fastening tab (48) which is provided on the closing cover (41) and which is capable of cooperating with at least one fastening member (49) provided on the main housing (3) of the vacuum cleaner (2).

8. Cleaning kit according to claim 7, wherein at least one fixing tab (48) is elastically deformable between a fixing position in which at least one fixing tab (48) is able to cooperate with at least one fixing member (49) provided on the main housing (3) of the vacuum cleaner (2) so as to fix the cleaning container (27) on the main housing (3) and a release position in which at least one fixing tab (48) is able to release at least one fixing member (49) so as to allow removal of the cleaning container (27) from the main housing (3).

9. Cleaning kit according to claim 7 or 8, wherein at least one fixing tab (48) extends substantially parallel to the central axis of the cleaning container (27).

10. A cleaning kit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, 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 unit (34) and that the closing cover (41) is in the closed position.

11. Cleaning kit according to claim 10, which is configured such that, when the cleaning container (27) is attached to the main housing (3) of the vacuum cleaner (2), the airflow generated by the suction unit (12) is able to flow into the longitudinal guide passage (45) and then through the filter (17) of the air filtration device (15) received in the cleaning chamber (42).

12. Cleaning kit according to claim 10 or 11, wherein it includes a hand tool (26) 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 move the air filtration device (15) inside the cleaning chamber (42) by means of the hand tool (26).

13. Cleaning kit according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the receiving housing (34) has at least one drainage port (39).

14. Cleaning kit according to claim 13, which is configured such that, when the cleaning container (27) is attached to the main housing (3) of the vacuum cleaner (2), the airflow generated by the suction unit (12) is able to be evacuated out of the cleaning container (27), after passing through the filter (17), via at least one discharge port (39).

15. Cleaning kit according to claim 13 or 14, 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).

16. Cleaning system comprising a cleaning kit according to any one of claims 1 to 15, and a vacuum cleaner (2) comprising an air filtration device (15) removably disposed in a receiving chamber (16) belonging to the vacuum cleaner (2), the air filtration device (15) comprising a filter (17) configured to filter an airflow generated by a suction unit (12) of the vacuum cleaner (2).

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