Vacuum cleaner accessory for connecting a vacuum cleaner's air filtration device to a ventilation source

Abstract

The vacuum cleaner accessory (27) comprises a mounting portion (48) configured to be reversibly attached to a ventilation source, and a support portion (39) configured to support an air filtration device (15) belonging to a vacuum cleaner (2). The vacuum cleaner accessory (27) is configured such that, when the mounting portion (48) is attached to the ventilation source and the air filtration device (15) is supported by the support portion (39), an airflow generated by a motor-fan (12.1) belonging to the ventilation source and flowing from an air outlet (50) of the motor-fan (12.1) is guided by the vacuum cleaner accessory (27) to an air filter (17) of the air filtration device (15) and is able to flow through the air filter (17). Figure 22

Description

Title of the invention: Vacuum cleaner accessory for connecting a vacuum cleaner air filtration device to a ventilation source. 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 rinse the air filtration device with water, and then, if necessary after drying, reposition the air filtration device in the waste separation and collection device.

[0005] When the air filtration device cleaning operation includes a rinsing step, the vacuum cleaner's downtime (to ensure complete drying of the air filtration device) is relatively long.

[0006] However, such immobilization of the vacuum cleaner is likely to discourage some users, which may lead to irregular cleaning, or even a lack of cleaning, of the air filtration device, and therefore impair the suction performance and reliability of the vacuum cleaner. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of this drawback.

[0008] The technical problem underlying the invention consists of providing a vacuum cleaner accessory allowing easy and quick cleaning of an air filtration device equipping a vacuum cleaner.

[0009] To this end, the present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner accessory for connecting an air filtration device of a vacuum cleaner to a ventilation source comprising a motor-fan capable of generating an airflow (and for example a hot airflow), the vacuum cleaner accessory comprising:

[0010] - a fastening part configured to be reversibly fixed to the source ventilation, and

[0011] - a support portion configured to support the air filtration device,

[0012] the vacuum cleaner accessory being configured such that, when the fixing part is fixed to the ventilation source and the air filtration device is supported by the support part, the airflow, generated by the motor-fan and flowing from an air outlet of the motor-fan, is able to flow through an air filter of the air filtration device.

[0013] Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner accessory according to the present invention allows a user to mechanically and fluidly connect an air filtration device of a vacuum cleaner, after dusting and rinsing said air filtration device, to a ventilation source, such as a vacuum cleaner or a hairdryer, for example, and to dry the air filter using the airflow generated by the motor-fan belonging to the ventilation source. Thus, the vacuum cleaner accessory according to the present invention allows for rapid drying (for example, in a few minutes) of the air filter, which enables a user to quickly reuse the vacuum cleaner without necessarily needing to provide the user with a second air filtration device.

[0014] The vacuum cleaner accessory according to the present invention therefore makes it possible to carry out a thorough and rapid cleaning of the air filtration device of a vacuum cleaner, and thus to encourage a user to carry out more regular cleaning of the air filtration device.

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

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner accessory is configured such that, when the fixing part is fixed to the ventilation source and the air filtration device is supported by the support part, the air filtration device (and for example an air outlet opening provided on the air filtration device) is located at least partly opposite an air outlet of the ventilation source.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum accessory is configured such that, when the fixing part is fixed to the ventilation source and the air filtration device is supported by the support part, the airflow, generated by the motor-fan and flowing from an air outlet of the motor-fan, is guided by the vacuum accessory towards the air filter of the air filtration device and is able to flow through the air filter.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air filter has a generally tubular shape and a central longitudinal axis. The air filter may, for example, have a generally frustoconical or cylindrical shape.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner accessory is configured such that, when the fixing part is fixed to the ventilation source and the air filtration device is supported by the support part, the airflow generated by the motor-fan flows through the air filter from an internal peripheral surface of the air filter to an external peripheral surface of the air filter.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing part and the support part extend substantially coaxially.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner accessory includes a guide part configured to be fluidly connected to the air outlet of the motor-fan and to guide the airflow from the air outlet of the motor-fan towards the air filter, when the fixing part is fixed to the ventilation source and the air filtration device is supported by the support part.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support part and the guiding part extend substantially coaxially.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support part, the fixing part and the guiding part extend substantially coaxially.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide part delimits a longitudinal guide passage configured to be located at least partly opposite, and for example to extend substantially coaxially to, an air outlet opening (opening through which an airflow, filtered by the air filter under normal operating conditions, is able to flow out of the air filtration device) provided on the air filtration device when the air filtration device is supported by the support part.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner accessory is configured such that, when the fixing part is fixed to the ventilation source, the airflow generated by the motor-fan is able to flow into the longitudinal guide passage and then through the air filter.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guiding part is tubular.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guiding part is shaped generally cylindrical, and for example of a generally cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide part forms a cooling nozzle configured to cool the airflow flowing into the guide part.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooling nozzle is a divergent-convergent nozzle.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooling nozzle extends in line with the fixing part.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooling nozzle has a length greater than 10 cm. Advantageously, the cooling nozzle has a length greater than the length of the air filter of the air filtration device.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner accessory is configured such that, when the mounting part is attached to the ventilation source and the air filtration device is supported by the mounting part, a central axis of the vacuum cleaner accessory extends substantially coaxially with a motor axis of the fan motor. This positioning of the vacuum cleaner accessory, when attached to the vacuum cleaner, ensures optimal and rapid drying of the air filtration device supported by the mounting part.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ventilation source is a vacuum cleaner.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening part is configured to be fixed to a main housing of the vacuum cleaner.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner accessory is configured to be located at the rear of the motor-fan when the fixing part is attached to the main housing.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the mounting part is configured to be attached to a rear portion of the main housing of the vacuum cleaner. Such a configuration of the mounting part 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.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening part is configured to be fixed to the main housing of the vacuum cleaner in place of a removable cover which is removably fixed to the main housing of the vacuum cleaner, and for example to a rear part of the main housing.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner accessory is configured such that, when the mounting portion is attached to the main housing of the vacuum cleaner, the mounting portion extends at least partially opposite an external wall of the vacuum cleaner which is provided with air exhaust vents and is configured to guide the airflow exiting the vacuum cleaner via the air exhaust vents towards the air filter. Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner accessory simplifies the operation of mounting the vacuum cleaner accessory onto the main housing, since it is then not necessary to first remove a detachable cover to attach the vacuum cleaner accessory to the main housing.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening part comprises at least one fastening tab 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.

[0040] According to the 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 vacuum cleaner accessory to 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 vacuum cleaner accessory from the main housing.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one fixing lug extends substantially parallel to the central axis of the vacuum cleaner accessory.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening part comprises several fastening tabs distributed around the central axis of the vacuum cleaner accessory. Such a configuration of the fastening part ensures that the vacuum cleaner accessory is firmly held on the vacuum cleaner during a drying operation of the air filtration device.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ventilation source is a hair dryer.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing part is tubular and is configured to cooperate by fitting with an air outlet of a hair dryer and for example with an air outlet nozzle of a hair dryer.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening part is internally delimited by an internal peripheral surface having an overall frustoconical shape which diverges towards a free end of the fastening part.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air filtration device includes an annular sealing gasket configured to cooperate in a hermetic manner with the vacuum accessory when the air filtration device is supported by the support part.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner accessory comprises a cooperating wall that is generally tubular in shape and configured to cooperate hermetically with the annular sealing gasket when the air filtration device is supported by the support portion. The cooperating wall may, for example, be provided on the support portion or on the guide portion.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner accessory is a single piece and forms a connection adapter.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support portion includes a fastening device configured to reversibly attach the air filtration device to the support portion. The fastening device may, for example, be a screw fastening device, a bayonet fastening device, or a push-fit fastening device.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner accessory is generally tubular.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner accessory comprises a cleaning container including a receiving housing equipped with a top opening, and a closing cover configured to occupy an open position in which the air filtration device is suitable for being inserted into the receiving housing, and a closed position in which the closing cover closes the top opening and in which the receiving housing and the closing cover delimit a cleaning chamber in which the air filtration device is suitable for being received and cleaned, the receiving housing forming the support part and the fixing part being provided on the closing cover and being configured to fix, reversibly, the cleaning container to the ventilation source.

[0052] Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner accessory 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.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the closing cover includes the guide part.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal guide passage is configured to open into the cleaning chamber.

[0055] 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 airflow has passed through the air filter, and also prevents the accumulation of debris within the cleaning chamber during an air filter cleaning operation within the cleaning chamber, thus ensuring even greater cleaning of the air filtration device.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner accessory is configured such that, when the fixing part is fixed to the ventilation source, the airflow generated by the motor-fan is able to be evacuated out of the cleaning container, after passing through the air filter, via at least one evacuation orifice.

[0057] 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.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the ventilation source is equipped with a heating element, such as an electric heating resistance, configured to heat the airflow generated by the motor-fan.

[0059] The present invention further relates to a cleaning kit comprising a vacuum cleaner accessory according to the present invention and a hand tool configured to be moved in the receiving housing, and for example to be moved axially in the longitudinal guide passage, and to cooperate with the air filtration device, so as to allow a user to deform the air filtration device inside the cleaning chamber by means of the hand tool.

[0060] 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.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hand tool is configured to allow the user to grasp the air filtration device.

[0062] The present invention also relates to a cleaning system comprising a vacuum cleaner accessory according to the present invention and a vacuum cleaner comprising an air filtration device, provided with an air filter and arranged in a removable manner in a receiving chamber belonging to the vacuum cleaner, and a motor-fan capable of generating an airflow through the air filter when the air filtration device is disposed in the receiving chamber.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning system is configured such that, when the fixing part is fixed to the ventilation source and the air filtration device is supported by the support part, a central axis of the air filtration device extends substantially coaxially with a motor axis of the fan motor.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner is a portable vacuum cleaner.

[0065] 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 comprising a motor-fan configured to generate an airflow through the air intake duct, the waste separation and collection device and the air filtration device.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, the tubular separation element delimits the receiving chamber in which the air filtration device is removably mounted.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air filtration device includes a support piece configured to support the air filter.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support piece includes an air outlet opening through which an airflow, filtered by the air filter, is able to flow out of the air filtration device.

[0071] 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 air outlet opening provided on the support piece when the air filtration device is supported by the support part.

[0072] The present invention further relates to a method for cleaning an air filtration device of a vacuum cleaner, the method comprising the following steps:

[0073] - removal of the air filtration device from a receiving chamber belonging to the vacuum cleaner,

[0074] - dust removal from the air filtration device,

[0075] - rinsing of the air filtration device,

[0076] - wringing of the air filtration device, and

[0077] - drying of the air filtration device, the drying step consisting of connecting fluidically and mechanically the air filtration device to a ventilation source via the vacuum cleaner accessory according to the invention, and to dry the air filtration device using an airflow generated by a motor-fan belonging to the ventilation source. Brief description of the figures

[0078] 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 examples, several embodiments of a cleaning system according to the present invention.

[0079] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.

[0080] [Fig.2] is a longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum cleaner of [Fig. 1].

[0081] [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.

[0082] [Fig.4] is a perspective view from below of the cleaning kit of [Fig.3].

[0083] [Fig. 5] is a partial perspective view of the hand tool and a device air filtration belonging to the vacuum cleaner of [Fig.1].

[0084] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of the hand tool connected to the air filtration device.

[0085] [Fig.7] is a partial perspective view of a portion of the distal end of the hand tool.

[0086] [Fig.8] is a partial side view of the distal end portion of the hand tool.

[0087] [Fig.9] is a bottom view of the hand tool.

[0088] [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.

[0089] [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.

[0090] [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.

[0091] [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.

[0092] [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.

[0093] [Fig. 15] is a perspective view of the air filtration device inserted in the receiving housing.

[0094] [Fig. 16] is a longitudinal sectional view of the air filtration device inserted into the receiving housing and connected to the hand tool.

[0095] [Fig. 17] is a longitudinal sectional view of the air filtration device disposed in the cleaning container.

[0096] [Fig. 18] is a top perspective view of a closing lid belonging to the cleaning container.

[0097] [Fig. 19] is a perspective view from below the closing cover.

[0098] [Fig.20] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the air filtration device arranged in the cleaning container and connected to the hand tool.

[0099] [Fig.21] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the air filtration device arranged in the cleaning container and compressed by the hand tool.

[0100] [Fig.22] is a longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum cleaner of [Fig.1] to which the cleaning container is connected.

[0101] [Fig.23] is a longitudinal 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 second embodiment of the invention.

[0102] [Fig.24] is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner in [Fig.23].

[0103] [Fig.25] is a longitudinal sectional view of a vacuum cleaner accessory according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0104] [Fig.26] is a longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum cleaner accessory of [Fig.25] connected to a hair dryer. Detailed description

[0105] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term "substantially" means, in this document, "exactly or to within 10% or to within 10°".

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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 comprises a motor-fan 12.1 configured to generate an airflow through the air intake duct 4 and the waste separation and collection device 7. The motor-fan 12.1 more particularly comprises a fan and an electric motor coupled to the fan and configured to drive the fan in rotation.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] The air filtration device 15 more particularly comprises (see [Fig.5]) an air filter 17 configured to filter the airflow generated by the suction unit 12. Advantageously, the air filter 17 has a generally tubular shape and has a central longitudinal axis A. The air filter 17 can, for example, be formed by a pleated filter medium.

[0115] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the air 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 air filter 17 from an external peripheral surface of the air filter 17 to an internal peripheral surface of the air filter 17.

[0116] The air filtration device 15 further comprises a support piece 18 configured to support the air 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 air 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 air filter 17.

[0117] The air filtration device 15 also includes a sealing member 21 fixed to the second end portion 17.2 of the air filter 17 and configured to seal the second end portion 17.2 of the air filter 17.

[0118] The air filtration device 15 further includes an air outlet opening 22 through which an airflow, filtered by the air filter 17, is able to flow out of the air filtration device 15. Advantageously, the air outlet opening 22 is provided on the support piece 18, and is more particularly delimited by the mounting portion 19.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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 air filter 17 when the air filtration device 15 is housed in the receiving chamber 16 and occupies a working position.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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).

[0123] Figures 3 to 9 represent a cleaning kit according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0124] Such a cleaning kit includes a hand tool 26 which is configured to allow a user to grasp the air filtration device 15, and a vacuum cleaner accessory 27 configured to connect the air filtration device 15 to a ventilation source, and more particularly to the vacuum cleaner 2, for the purpose of drying it after a rinsing operation of the air filtration device 15.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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 air filter 17 and the longitudinal axis B of the main body 28 extend substantially coaxially.

[0129] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first connection device 23, provided on the air filtration device 15, comprises a connection member 30, 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 air filter 17, and the second connection device 29, provided on the hand tool 26, comprises two hooking elements 31 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 30.

[0130] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each attachment element 31 is advantageously formed at least in part by a attachment notch comprising:

[0131] - an insertion portion 31.1 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 31.1 being configured to permit insertion of the connecting member 30 into the respective latching notch, and

[0132] - a retaining portion 31.2 which has an opening leading into the respective insertion portion 31.1 and which extends in the continuation of the respective insertion portion 31.1 and substantially transversely, and for example substantially circumferentially, with respect to the longitudinal axis B of the main body 28, said retention portion 31.2 being configured to retain the connecting member 30 in the respective latching notch when the air filtration device 15 is withdrawn from the receiving chamber 16.

[0133] The first connecting device 23 and the second connecting device 29 as described above thus form a bayonet connection system.

[0134] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each latching notch has a general T-shape, and therefore further comprises an additional retaining portion 31.3 which has an opening leading into the portion the respective insertion portion 31.1 and which extends in line with the respective insertion portion 31.1 and opposite the respective retention portion 31.2. Thus, the retention portion 31.2 and the additional retention portion 31.3 belonging to the same latching notch extend on either side of the respective insertion portion 31.1.

[0135] Each additional retaining portion 31.3 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 30 in the respective hooking notch when the air filtration device 15 is inserted into the receiving chamber 16.

[0136] 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):

[0137] - 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 30 into each insertion portion 31.1 and movement of the connecting member 30 to a bottom wall of each insertion portion 31.1,

[0138] - 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 30 within each of the retention portions 31.2 until it comes to rest against a bottom wall of each of the retention portions 31.2 and, subsequently, a movement of the air filtration device 15 from the first angular position to the second angular position, and

[0139] - 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] As shown in Figures 3 and 16, the hand tool 26 also includes a gripping portion 32 fixed to the proximal end portion 28.2 of the body The gripping part 32 is mounted to rotate 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 32 is described in more detail below. Advantageously, the gripping part 32 has a generally cylindrical shape and an external diameter greater than the external diameter of the main body 28 of the hand tool 26.

[0142] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner accessory 27 includes a cleaning container 33 in which the air filtration device 15 is suitable for being received for cleaning.

[0143] As shown in particular in Figures 14 and 16, the cleaning container 33 comprises a receiving housing 34 having a base 35 and a peripheral wall 36 having an upper peripheral edge 37 defining an upper opening 38 through which the air filtration device 15 is suitable for being inserted into the receiving housing 34. The receiving housing 34 is more particularly configured to support the air filtration device 15 when the latter is housed in the receiving housing 34, and thus forms a support part 39 suitable for supporting the air filtration device 15.

[0144] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the receiving housing 34 includes a plurality of drainage ports 40 provided in a lower part of the receiving housing 34, and for example on the bottom 35.

[0145] The cleaning container 33 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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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 part 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] As shown in figures 18 to 20, the closing cover 41 includes a guide part 44 which is tubular and which delimits a longitudinal guide passage 45 in which the hand tool 26, and more particularly the main body 28, is able to slide. According to the first embodiment of the invention, the guide part 44 is generally cylindrical in shape with a circular cross-section.

[0150] 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.

[0151] As shown in [Fig.20], the cleaning container 33 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.

[0152] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the main body 28 of the hand tool 26 is configured to slide helically in the guide passage longitudinal 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 33 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.

[0153] 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 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.

[0154] 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 33 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.

[0155] 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 air filter 17, which makes it possible to effectively remove dust and clean the air filter 17 within the cleaning chamber 42.

[0156] As shown in particular in Figures 18 and 22, the vacuum accessory 27 further includes a fixing part 48 configured to fix, in a reversible manner, the cleaning container 33 to the vacuum 2, and more particularly to a rear part of the main housing 3 of the vacuum 2 so that the vacuum accessory 27 is located at the rear of the suction unit 12.

[0157] The fixing part 48 can for example be configured to fix the cleaning container 33 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.

[0158] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the fastening part 48 comprises several fastening tabs 48.1 which are provided on the closing cover 41, which are distributed around the central axis of the closing cover 41 and are suitable for cooperating with two fastening elements 49, such as fastening ribs or fastening housings, provided on the main housing 3.

[0159] Advantageously, each fixing lug 48.1 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 33 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 33 from the main housing 3.

[0160] As shown in [Fig.22], the vacuum accessory 27 is configured such that, when the cleaning container 33 is attached to the main housing 3 of the vacuum 2 by means of the attachment part 48 and the air filtration device 15 is supported by the receiving housing 34, a central axis of the air filtration device 15 extends substantially coaxially with a motor axis of the suction unit 12.

[0161] The vacuum cleaner accessory 27 is more particularly configured such that, when the cleaning container 33 is attached to the main housing 3 of the vacuum cleaner 2 via the attachment part 48 and the air filtration device 15 is supported by the receiving housing 34, the guide part 44 is fluidly connected to an air outlet 50 of the suction unit 12 and the airflow, generated by the suction unit 12 (and more particularly expelled by the fan) and flowing from the air outlet 50, is guided by the guide part 44 towards the air filter 17 and is able to flow successively in the longitudinal guide passage 45, through the air filter 17 from an internal peripheral surface of the air filter 17 to an external peripheral surface of the air filter 17, into the cleaning chamber 42 and finally through the exhaust ports 40 where the airflow is exhausted out of the cleaning container 33.

[0162] Such a configuration of the cleaning kit according to the present invention ensures rapid drying (for example in a few minutes) of the air filter 17, which allows a user to quickly reuse the vacuum cleaner 2 without necessarily needing to provide the user with a second air filtration device 15.

[0163] As shown in [Fig. 14], the air filtration device 15 includes an annular sealing gasket 51 configured to cooperate hermetically with a cooperation wall 52, which is generally tubular in shape and is provided on the vacuum accessory 27, when the air filtration device 15 is supported by the receiving unit. According to the first embodiment of the invention, the cooperation wall 52 is provided on the guiding part 44.

[0164] 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.

[0165] Such a cleaning process comprises the following steps:

[0166] - removal of the air filtration device 15 from the receiving chamber 16 belonging to vacuum cleaner 2,

[0167] - dust removal from the air filtration device 15,

[0168] - rinsing of the air filtration device 15,

[0169] - wringing of the air filtration device 15, and

[0170] - drying of the air filtration device 15, the drying step consisting of fixing the cleaning container 33 to the vacuum cleaner 2 via the attachment part 48 and to dry the air filter 17 using the airflow generated by the suction unit 12, and

[0171] - repositioning of the air filtration device 15 in the receiving chamber 16, for example using the hand tool 26.

[0172] Advantageously, the withdrawal step comprises the following steps:

[0173] - dismantling of the waste separation and collection device 7 belonging to vacuum cleaner 2,

[0174] - 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,

[0175] - displacement of the air filtration device 15 into the second angular position using hand tool 26, and

[0176] - removal of the air filtration device 15 from the receiving chamber 16 using of the manual tool 26.

[0177] Advantageously, the dust removal step comprises the following steps:

[0178] - moving the closing cover 41 into the open position,

[0179] - 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,

[0180] - movement of the closing cover 41 into the closed position,

[0181] - insertion of the main body 28 of the hand tool 26 into the guide passage longitudinal 45 delimited by the guiding part 44, such that the connecting member 30 is received in each of the latching notches,

[0182] - arrangement of the receiving unit 34 above a collection receptacle, such than a trash can,

[0183] - move the hand tool 26 axially towards the bottom 35 of the housing reception 34, so as to cause axial torsion and compression of the air filter 17 inside the cleaning chamber 42,

[0184] - possible repetition of the aforementioned displacement step several times, and

[0185] - removal of the manual tool 26 from the longitudinal guide passage 45.

[0186] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rinsing step consists of introducing water into the cleaning container 33 via the longitudinal guide passage 45 (the rinsing step can, for example, be carried out after positioning the cleaning container 33 over a sink or washbasin).

[0187] Advantageously, the spin-drying step comprises the following steps:

[0188] - insertion of the main body 28 of the hand tool 26 into the guide passage longitudinal 45 delimited by the guiding part 44, such that the connecting member 30 is received in each of the latching notches,

[0189] - move the hand tool 26 axially towards the bottom 35 of the housing reception 34, so as to cause axial torsion and compression of the air filter 17 inside the cleaning chamber 42, and

[0190] - possible repetition of the aforementioned displacement step several times.

[0191] Advantageously, at the end of each dusting and wringing step, the air 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 axial movement step of the hand tool 26 towards the bottom 35 of the receiving box 34.

[0192] It should be noted that the specific configuration of the gripping part 32 makes it easy to carry out the step of dusting the air filter 17. Indeed, a user can firmly grasp the gripping part 32 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 32.

[0193] Figures 23 and 24 depict a cleaning kit according to a second embodiment which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the vacuum cleaner accessory 27 is configured such that, when the cleaning container 33 is attached to the main housing 3 of the vacuum cleaner 2 by means of the fastening part 48, the closing cover 41 (and more particularly the fastening part 48) extends at least partially opposite an external wall 55 of the vacuum cleaner 2 which is provided with air exhaust vents 56 and is configured to guide the airflow exiting the vacuum cleaner 2 via the vents towards the air filter 17. air exhaust ports 56, and in that the fastening elements 49 provided on the main casing 3 are formed by two fastening ribs provided on an external surface of the main casing 3.

[0194] Figures 25 and 26 represent a cleaning kit according to a third embodiment which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the vacuum accessory 27 is a single piece and forms a connection adapter configured to connect the air filtration device 15 to a hair dryer 57. Advantageously, the vacuum accessory 27 is generally tubular, and comprises a support part 39, a fixing part 48 and a guide part 44 which extend substantially coaxially.

[0195] According to the fifth embodiment of the invention, the fastening part 48 is tubular and is configured to cooperate by fitting with an air outlet of the hair dryer 57 and for example with an air outlet nozzle 58 of the hair dryer 57. Advantageously, the fastening part 48 is internally delimited by an internal peripheral surface having a generally frustoconical shape which diverges towards a free end of the fastening part 48.

[0196] According to the fifth embodiment of the invention, the guide portion 44 extends in line with the fixing portion 48, and forms a cooling nozzle configured to cool the airflow flowing in the guide portion 44. Advantageously, the cooling nozzle is a divergent-convergent nozzle.

[0197] As shown in [Fig.25], the cooling nozzle has a length greater than the length of the air filter 17. The cooling nozzle may, for example, have a length greater than 10 cm.

[0198] According to the fifth embodiment of the invention, the support part 39 has a general disc shape, and includes the cooperation wall 52 and also a fastening device (not visible in the figures) configured to reversibly fix the air filtration device 15 (and more particularly the support piece 18) to the support part 39. The fastening device can, for example, be a screw fastening device or a bayonet fastening device.

[0199] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum accessory 27 is more particularly configured such that, when the fixing part 48 is fixed to the hair dryer 57 and the air filtration device 15 is supported by the support part 39, the air outlet opening 22 provided on the air filtration device 15 is located opposite the air outlet of the hair dryer 57.

[0200] 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.

[0201] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening part 48 (which is configured to reversibly fix the cleaning container 33 to the vacuum cleaner 2) could include a screw fastening device or a bayonet fastening device.

[0202] 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 vacuum cleaner accessory (27) for connecting an air filtration device (15) of a vacuum cleaner (2) to a ventilation source comprising a motor-fan (12.1) capable of generating an airflow, the vacuum cleaner accessory (27) comprising: - a mounting portion (48) configured to be reversibly attached to the ventilation source, and - a support portion (39) configured to support the air filtration device (15), the vacuum cleaner accessory (27) being configured such that, when the mounting portion (48) is attached to the ventilation source and the air filtration device (15) is supported by the support portion (39), the airflow, generated by the motor-fan (12.1) and flowing from an air outlet (50) of the motor-fan (12.1), is capable of flowing through a filter to air (17) of the air filtration device (15).

2. Vacuum cleaner accessory (27) according to claim 1, which includes a guide portion (44) configured to be fluidly connected to the air outlet (50) of the motor-fan (12.1) and to guide towards the air filter (17) the airflow flowing from the air outlet (50) of the motor-fan (12.1), when the fixing portion (48) is fixed to the ventilation source and the air filtration device (15) is supported by the support portion (39).

3. Vacuum cleaner accessory (27) according to claim 2, wherein the support part (39) and the guide part (44) extend substantially coaxially.

4. Vacuum cleaner accessory (27) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the guide portion (44) delimits a longitudinal guide passage (45) configured to be located at least partly opposite an air outlet opening (22) provided on the air filtration device (15) when the air filtration device (15) is supported by the support portion (39).

5. Vacuum cleaner accessory (27) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the guide portion (44) forms a cooling nozzle configured to cool the airflow flowing into the guide portion (44).

6. Vacuum cleaner accessory (27) according to claim 5, wherein the cooling nozzle is a divergent-convergent nozzle.

7. Vacuum cleaner accessory (27) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which is configured such that, when the fixing part (48) is fixed to the ventilation source and the air filtration device (15) is supported by the support part (39), a central axis of the vacuum cleaner accessory (27) extends substantially coaxially with a motor axis of the fan motor (12.1).

8. Vacuum cleaner accessory (27) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the ventilation source is a vacuum cleaner (2).

9. Vacuum cleaner accessory (27) according to claim 8, wherein the attachment part (48) is configured to be attached to a main housing (3) of the vacuum cleaner (2).

10. Vacuum cleaner accessory (27) according to claim 9, wherein the attachment part (48) is configured to be attached to a rear part of the main housing (3) of the vacuum cleaner (2).

11. Vacuum cleaner accessory (27) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the attachment part (48) is configured to be attached to the main housing (3) of the vacuum cleaner (2) in place of a removable cover which is removably attached to the main housing (3) of the vacuum cleaner (2).

12. Vacuum cleaner accessory (27) according to claim 9 or 10, which is configured such that, when the attachment part (48) is attached to the main housing (3) of the vacuum cleaner (2), the attachment part (48) extends at least partially opposite an external wall of the vacuum cleaner (2) which is provided with air exhaust ports (56) and is configured to guide the airflow from the vacuum cleaner (2) via the air exhaust ports (56) towards the air filter (17).

13. Vacuum cleaner accessory (27) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the fastening part (48) comprises at least one fastening tab (48.1) capable of cooperating with at least one fastening member (49) provided on the main housing (3) of the vacuum cleaner (2).

14. Vacuum cleaner accessory (27) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the ventilation source is a hair dryer (57).

15. Vacuum cleaner accessory (27) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which is one piece and forms a connection adapter.

16. Vacuum cleaner accessory (27) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which includes a cleaning container (33) comprising 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, the receiving housing (34) forming the support part (39) and the fixing part (48) being provided on the closing cover (41) and being configured to fix, reversibly, the cleaning container (33) to the ventilation source.

17. Cleaning kit comprising a vacuum cleaner accessory (27) according to claim 16, and a hand tool (26) configured to be moved in the receiving housing (34) and to cooperate with the air filtration device (15) so as to enable a user to deform the air filtration device (15) inside the cleaning chamber (42) by means of the hand tool (26).

18. Cleaning system comprising a vacuum cleaner accessory (27) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, and a vacuum cleaner (2) comprising an air filtration device (15), provided with an air filter (17) and removably disposed in a receiving chamber (16) belonging to the vacuum cleaner (2), and a motor-fan (12.1) capable of generating an airflow through the air filter (17) when the air filtration device (15) is disposed in the receiving chamber (16).

19. A method for cleaning an air filtration device (15) of a vacuum cleaner (2), the method comprising the following steps: - removal of the air filtration device (15) from a receiving chamber (16) belonging to the vacuum cleaner (2), - dust removal from the air filtration device (15), - rinsing of the air filtration device (15), - wringing of the air filtration device (15), and - drying of the air filtration device (15), the drying step consisting of connecting the air filtration device (15) fluidly and mechanically to a ventilation source via the vacuum accessory (27) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, and drying the air filtration device (15) using an airflow generated by a motor-fan (12.1) belonging to the ventilation source.

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