Portable vacuum cleaner equipped with removable waste collection container

Abstract

A portable vacuum cleaner (2) is provided with: a main body (3); a waste separation and collection device (7) comprising a waste collection container (8); and a securing device (13) configured to removably and reversibly secure the waste collection container (8) to the main body (3). The fixing device (13) comprises a retaining lug (21) arranged on the waste collection container (8), the retaining lug comprising a retaining portion (23) extending transversely to a middle longitudinal plane (P) of the portable vacuum cleaner (2), and a retaining groove (22) arranged on the main body (3), the retaining groove being configured to receive the retaining portion (22), and the retaining lug (21) comprising a retaining portion (23) extending transversely to the middle longitudinal plane (P) of the portable vacuum cleaner (2). The holding portion (23) is provided with an upward opening and includes a first insertion portion (25) and a second holding portion (26) including a stop wall (27) configured to cover the holding portion (23) from above.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaners, which allow the suction of dust and waste present on a surface to be cleaned, such as ceramic tiles, parquet flooring, laminated materials, carpets, or mats. Background Technology

[0002] Portable vacuum cleaners in a known manner specifically include a body equipped with an air intake duct, a grip handle mechanically connected to the body, a waste separation and collection device mounted on the body, and a suction motor housed within the body, the suction motor being configured to generate airflow through the air intake duct and the waste separation and collection device.

[0003] To allow for the emptying and cleaning of the waste separation and collection device, the waste separation and collection device typically includes a waste collection container that is detachably mounted on the body, and the portable vacuum cleaner includes a fixing device configured to reversibly secure and lock the waste collection container to the body.

[0004] Such fixing devices may include, for example: - A fixing hook is provided on the upper front part of the main body. - A fixed compartment, located at the lower front of the waste collection container, and capable of cooperating with a fixing hook mounted on the main body, and - A locking mechanism, including a locking member, such as a locking finger, disposed on the upper rear part of the main body, and a locking element, such as a locking compartment, disposed on the upper rear part of the waste collection container and capable of cooperating with the locking member.

[0005] This configuration of the fixed device requires the following steps to be performed when installing the waste collection container on the main body: - Tilt the waste collection container forward and downward. - Insert the fixing hooks set on the main body into the fixing compartments set on the waste collection container, and - Pivot the rear of the waste collection container toward the main body until the locking member on the main body cooperates with the locking element on the waste collection container.

[0006] While such a series of steps ensures optimal compression of the seals located on the body and capable of cooperating with the air inlet located on the waste collection container (which improves the reliability of the seals), this series of steps may be difficult for some users.

[0007] In addition, document WO2024 / 003563 discloses a portable vacuum cleaner having a fixing device that allows a waste collection container to be detachably fixed by sliding in a retaining groove. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention aims to overcome this drawback completely or partially.

[0009] The technical problem upon which this invention is based is to provide a portable vacuum cleaner that is simple in structure and reliable, while allowing easy assembly / disassembly of the waste collection container belonging to the portable vacuum cleaner.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention relates to a portable vacuum cleaner, comprising: - Including the main body of the intake pipe, - A grip handle mechanically attached to the main body. - A waste separation and collection device, comprising a waste collection container having an air inlet configured to be fluidly connected to an air inlet pipe, the waste collection container having a central longitudinal axis and being detachably mounted on a body. - A fixing device configured to detachably and reversibly secure the waste collection container to the body and hold the waste collection container in the use position, and - A suction motor housed within the main body, the suction motor being configured to generate airflow through the air intake duct and the waste separation and collection device. The fixing device includes: - At least one retaining lug is provided on the waste collection container, the retaining lug including a retaining portion extending transversely to and, for example substantially perpendicularly to, the central longitudinal plane of the portable vacuum cleaner, and - At least one retaining groove disposed on the body and configured to receive a retaining portion of the at least one retaining lug when the waste collection container is mounted on the body, the at least one retaining groove extending substantially parallel to the median longitudinal plane of the portable vacuum cleaner and including a first insertion portion opening upward to allow the retaining portion to be inserted into the first insertion portion in an insertion direction including at least one vertical component, and a second retaining portion including a stop wall configured to cover the retaining portion of the at least one retaining lug from above when the waste collection container is mounted on the body to prevent the retaining portion from retracting from the second retaining portion in an upwardly oriented (e.g., vertically upward) retraction movement.

[0011] This configuration of the fixing device, especially the configuration of at least one retaining groove, ensures that the waste collection container can be easily installed on the body with only one hand, because the user only needs to insert the retaining part into the first insertion part, then slide the retaining part into the retaining groove and slide it toward the second retaining part until the waste collection container reaches the use position, in which the stop wall covers the retaining part and prevents the waste collection container from being disassembled in a timely manner.

[0012] Therefore, compared with portable vacuum cleaners of the prior art, the portable vacuum cleaner according to the present invention has improved ergonomics.

[0013] Portable vacuum cleaners may also have one or more of the following features, either individually or in combination.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one retaining lug is fixed relative to the waste collection container.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one retaining lug is integral with the waste collection container. In other words, the waste collection container and at least one retaining lug are made as a single piece. This configuration of the fixing device improves the reliability of the portable vacuum cleaner according to the invention and allows for a reduction in the latter's manufacturing cost.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second retaining portion is configured to guide the retaining portion to translate relative to the body during the stage of final installation of the waste collection container onto the body, and thus during the initial disassembly stage of the waste collection container. This configuration of the fixing device further facilitates the assembly and disassembly operations of the waste collection container.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one retaining lug is provided on the lower part of the waste collection container, and at least one retaining groove is provided on the upper part of the body. This configuration of the fixing device further facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the waste collection container.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first insertion portion has a depth that gradually increases, for example, in the direction of the second retaining portion and, for example, in the direction of the suction motor. This configuration of the first insertion portion ensures that the retaining portion easily engages in the second retaining portion, particularly below the stop wall, thereby further facilitating the operation of mounting the waste collection container onto the body.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the depth of the first insertion portion gradually increases, for example, towards the second retaining portion. This configuration of the first insertion portion further facilitates the operation of mounting the waste collection container onto the body.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bottom wall of the first insertion portion includes a guide ramp that slopes backward and downward.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the invention, the bottom wall of the first insertion portion and the bottom wall of the second retaining portion are substantially coplanar.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first insertion portion includes at least one side guide wall configured to cooperate with at least one retaining lug to guide at least one retaining lug into the first insertion portion.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one side guide wall is inclined such that the width of the first insertion portion narrows toward the bottom of at least one retaining groove.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first insertion portion includes two side guide walls facing each other, the side guide walls being configured to cooperate with at least one retaining lug to guide at least one retaining lug into the first insertion portion. Advantageously, at least one of the two side guide walls is inclined such that the width of the first insertion portion narrows toward the bottom of at least one retaining groove.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one retaining slot has a closed front end. In other words, at least one retaining slot is completely closed forward. This configuration of the at least one retaining slot allows for limiting the risk of untimely disassembly of the waste collection container during cleaning operations.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one retaining slot has an open front end. This configuration of at least one retaining slot allows the waste collection container to be mounted on the body substantially in a translational motion.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one retaining lug includes a connecting portion that mechanically connects the retaining portion to the waste collection container.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one retaining lug has a generally L-shaped cross-section.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining portion has a length measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container, which is greater than the length of the second retaining portion.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the length of the first insertion portion is greater than the length of the second holding portion.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing device is configured such that the disassembly of the waste collection container includes a first disassembly phase during which the retaining portion moves forward and translates within a second retaining portion along a translational direction substantially parallel to the intermediate longitudinal plane of the portable vacuum cleaner until the retaining portion is longitudinally offset relative to the stop wall (and thus no longer covered by the stop wall), and a second disassembly phase during which the retaining portion moves relative to the body in a lifting motion including at least one vertical component in order to pull the retaining portion out of the first insertion portion.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing device includes two retaining lugs disposed on the waste collection container, each retaining lug including a retaining portion extending transversely to the intermediate longitudinal plane of the portable vacuum cleaner, and two retaining slots disposed on the body, each retaining slot being configured to receive the retaining portion of the corresponding retaining lug when the waste collection container is mounted on the body.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the body includes a support region, formed, for example, by a generally flat support surface located between two retaining grooves, and a waste collection container is provided with a support portion, for example, located between two retaining lugs, configured to be supported by the support region when the waste collection container is mounted on the body. Advantageously, the support region is arranged above the air intake duct.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two retaining slots are laterally offset relative to each other.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, two retaining grooves extend on either side of the central longitudinal plane of the portable vacuum cleaner. This configuration of the fixing device helps to improve the stability of the waste collection container when it occupies its use position, while allowing for further improvement in the ergonomics of the waste separation and collection device.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, two retaining lugs are respectively arranged on both sides of the central longitudinal plane of the waste collection container, and are symmetrical, for example, with respect to the central longitudinal plane of the waste collection container.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two retaining parts are opposite to each other and extend outward toward the portable vacuum cleaner. This configuration of the fixing device ensures that the waste collection container is stably held on the body.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, two retaining grooves extend on opposite sides of the intake duct. In other words, the intake duct extends at least partially between the two retaining grooves.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, each retaining groove includes an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall, the outer sidewalls converging towards each other in the direction of the suction motor. This configuration of the retaining grooves ensures optimal guidance of at least one retaining part within at least one retaining groove, thereby further facilitating the installation of the waste collection container onto the body.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the portable vacuum cleaner includes a seal fixed to the body, the seal being configured to cooperate in a sealing manner with an air inlet provided on the waste collection container when the waste collection container is mounted on the body.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the seal is configured to push at least one retaining portion of a retaining lug against a stop wall.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing device includes a locking mechanism configured to reversibly lock the waste collection container onto the body, and thus lock the waste collection container in the use position. The locking mechanism is specifically configured to prevent the retaining portion from translating toward the first insertion portion when the waste collection container is in the use position.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism includes a locking member, such as a locking finger, disposed on a waste collection container or a body, and a locking element, such as a locking hole, disposed on the body or waste collection container and configured to cooperate with the locking member. The locking member is movable between a locked position and a released position, in which the locking member is capable of cooperating with the locking element to lock the waste collection container onto the body, and in the released position, the locking member is capable of releasing the locking element to allow the waste collection container to be disassembled relative to the body.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member is movable relative to the waste collection container in a direction of movement that extends substantially laterally (e.g. substantially radially) relative to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the locking position corresponds to the unfolded position of the locking member, and the releasing position corresponds to the pushed-in position of the locking member.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, a locking element is disposed on the upper part of the main body.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism includes a reset member configured to return the locking member to the locked position.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste collection container is generally cylindrical or truncated conical.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction motor is arranged downstream of the waste separation and collection device.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the waste collection container is mounted on the main body, the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container is substantially located in the middle longitudinal plane of the portable vacuum cleaner.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air inlet provided on the waste collection container extends along an extension plane that is inclined relative to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container. Advantageously, the extension plane is inclined rearward and upward.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the portable vacuum cleaner includes an air filter, such as a pleated filter, positioned upstream of the suction motor and directly accessible to the user when the waste collection container is removed. This air filter is detachable relative to the main body. This positioning of the air filter is particularly possible due to the specific construction of the fixing device according to the invention, which does not require any pivoting movement at the end of the operation of mounting the waste collection container to the main body. In fact, such a final pivoting movement could compromise the integrity of the air filter.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first insertion portion and the second retaining portion are longitudinally offset relative to each other. Advantageously, the second retaining portion extends within an extension of the first insertion portion.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stop wall extends toward the bottom wall of the second retaining portion. Attached Figure Description

[0055] The present invention will be clearly understood by means of the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate various embodiments of the portable vacuum cleaner by way of non-limiting examples.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a top perspective view of a portable vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of a portable vacuum cleaner.

[0058] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A truncated partial 3D view of a portable vacuum cleaner.

[0059] Figure 4 It belongs to Figure 1 A perspective view from below of the waste separation and collection device of a portable vacuum cleaner.

[0060] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A partial 3D view of a portable vacuum cleaner.

[0061] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A truncated partial 3D view of a portable vacuum cleaner.

[0062] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of a portable vacuum cleaner.

[0063] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A truncated partial 3D view of a portable vacuum cleaner.

[0064] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A partial longitudinal sectional view of a portable vacuum cleaner.

[0065] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 A truncated 3D view of a portable vacuum cleaner, showing the waste separation and collection device during the installation process.

[0066] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 A truncated partial perspective view of a portable vacuum cleaner, showing the waste separation and collection device in its installed state.

[0067] Figure 12 This is a partial perspective top view of a portable vacuum cleaner according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A truncated partial 3D view of a portable vacuum cleaner, showing the waste separation and collection device during the installation process.

[0069] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 A truncated partial perspective view of a portable vacuum cleaner, showing the waste separation and collection device in its installed state. Detailed Implementation

[0070] In this article, the terms “front,” “back,” “lower,” “upper,” “top,” “bottom,” “above,” and “vertical” are defined in relation to the use of a vacuum cleaner in which the user holds the portable vacuum cleaner by gripping the handle and keeping it substantially horizontal, with the connecting end opposite the user.

[0071] In this article, the term "transparent to light radiation" refers to something that is transparent or translucent.

[0072] Unless otherwise specified, the term “substantially” in this document means “precisely or within 10% or 10° of the exact amount”.

[0073] Figures 1 to 11 A portable vacuum cleaner 2 is shown, which includes a main body 3 and a connecting end piece 5. The main body includes an air intake duct 4 through which outside air can be drawn into the portable vacuum cleaner 2. The connecting end piece is fluidly connected to the air intake duct 4, and various vacuum cleaner accessories can be connected to the connecting end piece.

[0074] The portable vacuum cleaner 2 also includes a grip handle 6 mechanically connected to the body 3 and allowing the user to grip the portable vacuum cleaner 2. Advantageously, the grip handle 6 is located in the rear of the portable vacuum cleaner 2. The grip handle 6 can be integrally manufactured with the body 3 or attached to the body 3.

[0075] The portable vacuum cleaner 2 also includes a waste separation and collection device 7 that is detachably mounted on the main body 3 and fluidly connected to the air intake duct 4.

[0076] The waste separation and collection device 7 is advantageously cyclone type, and specifically includes a waste collection container 8 and a tubular separation member 9 housed in the waste collection container 8 and defining the cyclone separation chamber with the waste collection container.

[0077] The waste collection container 8 more specifically includes an air inlet 11 (see Figure 4 The air inlet 11 is configured to be fluidly connected to the air inlet duct 4 when the waste collection container 8 is mounted on the body 3. The air inlet 11 may extend, for example, along an extension plane inclined relative to the central longitudinal axis A of the waste collection container 8, and may be inclined, for example, backward and upward.

[0078] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the waste collection container 8 is generally cylindrical or truncated conical, and when the waste collection container 8 is mounted on the main body 3, the central longitudinal axis A of the waste collection container 8 is substantially located in the middle longitudinal plane P of the portable vacuum cleaner 2.

[0079] like Figure 5 As shown, the portable vacuum cleaner 2 advantageously includes a seal 12 that is annular and fixed to the body 3 so as to extend around the air outlet of the air intake duct 4. The seal 12 is more specifically configured to cooperate in a sealing manner with the air intake opening 11 provided on the waste collection container 8 when the waste collection container 8 is mounted on the body 3.

[0080] The waste separation and collection device 7 also includes a fixing device 13, which is configured to detachably and reversibly secure the waste collection container 8 to the main body 3 and hold the waste collection container 8 in the use position. This fixing device 13 is described in more detail below.

[0081] like Figure 2As shown, the portable vacuum cleaner 2 also includes a suction motor 16 housed in the main body 3. The suction motor 16 is configured to generate airflow through the air intake duct 4 and the waste separation and collection device 7. More specifically, the suction motor 16 includes a fan and an electric motor configured to drive the fan to rotate.

[0082] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown more specifically, the portable vacuum cleaner 2 also includes an air filter 30, such as a pleated filter, which is removable relative to the body 3 and arranged upstream of the suction motor 16. Advantageously, the air filter 30 is directly accessible to the user when the waste collection container 8 is removed. This arrangement of the air filter 30 ensures that the user cleans the air filter 30 more regularly, as the user can easily check the condition of the air filter 30 each time the waste collection container 8 is removed.

[0083] like Figure 2 As shown, the portable vacuum cleaner 2 also includes a rechargeable battery 17 configured to power the portable vacuum cleaner 2, particularly the suction motor 16. The rechargeable battery 17, also referred to as a battery pack, comprises multiple battery cells. The rechargeable battery 17 is advantageously housed in a battery housing 18, which is connected to the grip handle 6, and more specifically to the lower part of the grip handle 6. The battery housing 18 may, for example, be detachably attached to the grip handle 6.

[0084] The portable vacuum cleaner 2 also includes a user interface 19 and an electronic control unit 20, the user interface being configured to allow a user to select at least one operating parameter of the vacuum cleaner 2, and the electronic control unit, such as a microprocessor or microcontroller, being configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner 2.

[0085] like Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown more specifically, the fixing device 13 includes two retaining lugs 21 disposed on the waste collection container 8 and two retaining slots 22 disposed on the body 3, each retaining slot being configured to at least partially receive a corresponding retaining lug 21 when the waste collection container 8 is mounted on the body 3. Advantageously, the two retaining lugs 21 are disposed on the lower part of the waste collection container 8, and the two retaining slots 22 are disposed on the upper part of the body 3.

[0086] like Figure 4 As shown more specifically, each retaining lug 21 is fixed relative to the waste collection container 8. Advantageously, each retaining lug 21 is integral with the waste collection container 8. In other words, the waste collection container 8 and the retaining lug 21 are made as a single piece.

[0087] According to a first embodiment of the invention, two retaining lugs 21 are respectively disposed on both sides of the central longitudinal plane of the waste collection container 8, and are symmetrical, for example, with respect to the central longitudinal plane of the waste collection container 8.

[0088] like Figure 7 As shown, each retaining lug 21 has a generally L-shaped cross-section and more specifically includes a retaining portion 23 that extends transversely to the central longitudinal plane P of the portable vacuum cleaner 2 and, for example, substantially perpendicular to said central longitudinal plane P. A connecting portion 24 mechanically connects the respective retaining portion 23 to the peripheral wall of the waste collection container 8. Advantageously, the two retaining portions 23 are opposite each other and extend outwards toward the portable vacuum cleaner 2.

[0089] According to a first embodiment of the invention, two retaining grooves 22 extend on either side of the central longitudinal plane P of the portable vacuum cleaner 2, and extend substantially parallel to said central longitudinal plane. Advantageously, the two retaining grooves 22 extend on either side of the air intake duct 4. In other words, the air intake duct 4 extends at least partially between the two retaining grooves 22.

[0090] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, each retaining groove 22 includes a bottom, an inner sidewall 22.1, and an outer sidewall 22.2, which face each other and are arranged on both sides of the respective bottom. According to a first embodiment of the invention, each retaining groove 22 has a closed front end. In other words, each retaining groove 22 is completely closed forward.

[0091] Each retaining slot 22 more specifically includes an upwardly opening first insertion portion 25 and a second retaining portion 26 longitudinally offset relative to the corresponding first insertion portion 25 (and extending, for example, in an extension of the corresponding first insertion portion 25), the second retaining portion including a generally flat stop wall 27 extending toward the bottom wall of the second retaining portion 26.

[0092] Each first insertion portion 25 is more specifically configured to allow a corresponding retaining portion 23 to be inserted into the first insertion portion 25 along an insertion direction including at least one vertical component, for example, along a vertical insertion direction, and the stop wall 27 of each second insertion portion 25 is more specifically configured to cover the corresponding retaining portion 23 from above when the waste collection container 8 is in the use position, to prevent the retaining portion 23 from retracting from the corresponding second retaining portion 26 in a vertically upward retraction movement. Advantageously, the seal 12 is configured to push the retaining portion 23 of each retaining lug 21 against the corresponding stop wall 27.

[0093] Each retaining portion 23 may, for example, have a length measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis A of the waste collection container 8, which is greater than the length of the corresponding second retaining portion 26, and each first inserting portion 25 may, for example, have a length greater than the length of the corresponding second retaining portion 26.

[0094] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the bottom wall of the first insertion portion 25 and the bottom wall of the second retaining portion 26 of the same retaining groove 22 are substantially coplanar and extend substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the intake pipe 4.

[0095] According to a first embodiment of the invention, each first insertion portion 25 includes two side guide walls 25.1 (each partially forming a corresponding inner side wall 22.1 and outer side wall 22.2), which face each other and are configured to cooperate with a corresponding retaining lug 21 to guide the retaining lug 21 into the first insertion portion 25. Advantageously, at least one of the two side guide walls 25.1 of each first insertion portion 25 is inclined such that the width of each first insertion portion 25 narrows toward the bottom of the corresponding retaining groove 22. This configuration of each first insertion portion 25 ensures that each retaining lug 21 is easily inserted into the corresponding retaining groove 22.

[0096] More specifically, the aforementioned fixing device 13 is configured such that the disassembly of the waste collection container 8 includes a first disassembly phase during which each retaining part 23 moves forward (opposite to the suction motor 16) along a translational direction substantially parallel to the intermediate longitudinal plane P of the portable vacuum cleaner 2 and translates within the corresponding second retaining part 26 until the retaining part 23 is longitudinally offset relative to the corresponding stop wall 27 (and is therefore no longer covered by the stop wall 27), and a second disassembly phase during which each retaining part 23 moves relative to the body 3 in a lifting motion, including at least one vertical component (and for example, in a vertical lifting motion) to pull the retaining part 23 out of the corresponding first insertion part 25.

[0097] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the body 3 includes a support region 28, which is formed, for example, by a generally flat support surface located between two retaining grooves 22 and arranged above the air intake duct 4, and the waste collection container 8 is provided with a support portion 29, which is located, for example, between two retaining lugs 21, configured to abut against the support region 28 when the waste collection container 8 is mounted on the body 3. The presence of the support region 28 and the support portion 29 provides great stability to the waste collection container 8 when it is in use.

[0098] Advantageously, the fixing device 13 also includes a locking mechanism 31 configured to reversibly lock the waste collection container 8 onto the body 3 when the waste collection container 8 is in the use position, thus preventing, in particular, each retaining part 23 from translating toward the corresponding first insertion part 25 when the waste collection container 8 is in the use position.

[0099] The locking mechanism 31 may include, for example, a locking member 32 and a locking element 33. The locking member is provided with a locking finger and is mounted on the waste collection container 8. The locking element is, for example, a locking hole, provided on the body 3 and, for example, on the upper rear part of the body 3, and configured to cooperate with the locking member 32.

[0100] More specifically, the locking member 32 is movable between a locked position and a released position. In the locked position, the locking member 32 can cooperate with the locking element 33 to lock the waste collection container 8 onto the body 3. In the released position, the locking member 32 can release the locking element 33 to allow the waste collection container 8 to be disassembled relative to the body 3. Advantageously, the locking mechanism 31 may also include a reset member 34 configured to return the locking member 32 to the locked position.

[0101] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the locking member 32, more specifically the locking tip, includes a chamfer configured to cooperate with the body 3 during the final assembly stage of the waste collection container 8 to push the locking member 32 into the unlocked position. This configuration of the locking mechanism 31 allows the user to install the waste collection container 8 onto the body 3 without requiring the locking member 32 to be pre-moved to the unlocked position, which further facilitates the installation of the waste collection receiver 8 onto the body 2.

[0102] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the locking member 32 is movable relative to the waste collection container along a direction of movement that extends laterally (e.g., substantially radially) relative to the central longitudinal axis A of the waste collection container, and the locking position corresponds to the unfolded position of the locking member 32, and the releasing position corresponds to the pushed-in position of the locking member 32.

[0103] Figures 12 to 14 A portable vacuum cleaner 2 according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown, which differs from the first embodiment primarily in that each first insertion portion 25 has a depth that gradually increases in the direction of the corresponding second retaining portion 26, for example, up to the second retaining portion 26. For this purpose, the bottom wall of each first insertion portion 25 may include, for example, rearward and downward sloping guide ramps. This configuration of each first insertion portion 25 ensures that the retaining portion 23 easily engages in the corresponding second retaining portion 26, particularly below the corresponding stop wall 27.

[0104] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the outer walls 22.2 of the two retaining grooves 22 converge toward each other in the direction of the suction motor 16, i.e., toward the rear of the portable vacuum cleaner 2. This configuration of the retaining grooves 22 ensures optimal guidance of the two retaining parts 23 within the retaining grooves 22, thereby further facilitating the mounting of the waste collection container 8 onto the body 3.

[0105] According to a second embodiment of the invention, each retaining slot 22 has an open front end. In other words, each retaining slot 22 opens forward. This configuration of the retaining slots 22 allows the waste collection container 8 to be mounted on the body 3 substantially in a translational motion toward the rear of the portable vacuum cleaner 2.

[0106] Of course, the present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which are given by way of example only. Modifications are still possible without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, particularly from the perspective of the composition of various elements or by substitution with technical equivalents.

Claims

1. A portable vacuum cleaner (2), comprising: - Main body (3), the main body includes an air intake pipe (4). - A grip handle (6) mechanically connected to the body (3). - A waste separation and collection device (7) comprising a waste collection container (8) having an air inlet (11) configured to be fluidly connected to an air inlet pipe (4), the waste collection container (8) having a central longitudinal axis (A) and being detachably mounted on the body (3). - A fixing device (13) configured to detachably and reversibly fix the waste collection container (8) to the body (3) and hold the waste collection container (8) in the use position, and - A suction motor (16) housed in the main body (3), the suction motor (16) being configured to generate an airflow through the air intake duct (4) and the waste separation and collection device (7). The fixing device (13) is characterized in that it comprises: - At least one retaining lug (21), which is disposed on the waste collection container (8) and includes a retaining portion (23) extending transversely to the intermediate longitudinal plane (P) of the portable vacuum cleaner (2), and - At least one retaining groove (22) is disposed on the body (3) and configured to receive the retaining portion (23) of the at least one retaining lug (21) when the waste collection container (8) is mounted on the body. The at least one retaining groove (22) extends substantially parallel to the intermediate longitudinal plane (P) of the portable vacuum cleaner (2) and includes a first insertion portion (25) and a second retaining portion (26). The first insertion portion opens upward to allow the retaining portion (23) to be inserted into the first insertion portion (25) along an insertion direction including at least one vertical component. The second retaining portion (26) includes a stop wall (27) configured to cover the retaining portion (23) of the at least one retaining lug (21) from above when the waste collection container (8) is mounted on the body (3) to prevent the retaining portion (23) from retracting from the second retaining portion (26) in an upwardly oriented retraction movement.

2. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one retaining lug (21) is fixed relative to the waste collection container (8).

3. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The at least one retaining lug (21) is disposed on the lower part of the waste collection container (8), and the at least one retaining groove (22) is disposed on the upper part of the body (3).

4. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first insertion portion (25) has a depth that increases in the direction toward the second retaining portion (26).

5. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first insertion portion (25) includes at least one side guide wall (25.1) configured to cooperate with the at least one retaining lug (21) to guide the at least one retaining lug into the first insertion portion (25).

6. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 5, wherein, The at least one side guide wall (25.1) is inclined such that the width of the first insertion portion (25) narrows toward the bottom of the at least one retaining groove (22).

7. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The at least one retaining groove (22) has a closed front end.

8. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The fixing device (13) is configured such that the disassembly of the waste collection container (8) includes a first disassembly phase and a second disassembly phase. During the first disassembly phase, the retaining part (23) moves forward and translates within the second retaining part (26) in a translational direction substantially parallel to the intermediate longitudinal plane (P) of the portable vacuum cleaner (2) until the retaining part (23) is longitudinally offset relative to the stop wall (27). During the second disassembly phase, the retaining part (23) moves relative to the body (3) in a lifting motion including at least one vertical component in order to pull the retaining part (23) out of the first insertion part (25).

9. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The fixing device (13) includes two retaining lugs (21) disposed on the waste collection container (8), each retaining lug including a retaining portion (23) extending transversely to the central longitudinal plane (P) of the portable vacuum cleaner, and two retaining slots (22) disposed on the body (3), each retaining slot being configured to receive the retaining portion (23) of the corresponding retaining lug (21) when the waste collection container (8) is mounted on the body (3).

10. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 9, wherein, The two retaining grooves (22) extend on both sides of the central longitudinal plane (P) of the portable vacuum cleaner (2).

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