Cleaning system comprising a vacuum cleaner with a side emptying flap

Abstract

Cleaning system (1), comprising: - a vacuum cleaner (2) with • a main body (4) having a suction nozzle (5), • a handle (6) which is mechanically connected to the main body (4), • a waste separation and collection device (11) which is fluidically connected to the suction nozzle (5), wherein the waste separation and collection device (11) comprises a waste collection container (12) which has a central longitudinal axis (B) and is provided with an emptying opening (17) which is located on a peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12), and an emptying flap (16) which is attached to the peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12) and is designed to assume a closing configuration in which the emptying flap (16) closes the emptying opening (17) and a releasing configuration in which the emptying flap (16) releases the emptying opening (17), and • a suction motor (22) housed in the main body (4) and designed to generate an air flow through the suction nozzle (5) and the debris separation and collection device (11), and - a docking station (3) for receiving the vacuum cleaner (2), characterized in that the waste collection container (12) has a first connection interface (21) formed by a connection plate which is fastened to the peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12) and into which the emptying opening (17) opens, and in that the docking station (3) has a second connection interface (25) which is designed to cooperate with the first connection interface (21) in order to support the vacuum cleaner (2) and hold it in position when the vacuum cleaner (2) is received by the docking station (3).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaners for vacuuming dust and debris located on a surface to be cleaned, which may be, for example, tiles, parquet, laminate, carpeting or a rug. State of the art

[0002] A cleaning system is known to include: - a vacuum cleaner with • a main body with a suction nozzle arranged in a front portion of the main body, • a handle that is mechanically connected to the main body, • a waste separation and collection device which is fluidically connected to the suction nozzle, wherein the waste separation and collection device comprises a waste collection container with a front emptying opening, a front emptying flap which is mounted on the waste collection container so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis between a closed position in which the front emptying flap closes the front emptying opening and a release position in which the front emptying flap releases the front emptying opening, an actuating element for actuating the front emptying flap into the release position, and a locking element which is attached to the waste collection container opposite the pivot axis of the front emptying flap with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container and which can be pivoted between a locking position in which the locking element can lock the front emptying flap in the closed position,and an unlocking position in which the locking element can release the front emptying flap and allow it to pivot into the release position, • a suction motor housed in the main body, the suction motor being designed to generate an air flow through the suction nozzle and the debris separation and collection device, - a docking station for holding the vacuum cleaner, the docking station comprising: • an emptying container defining a receiving space designed to at least partially accommodate the waste collection container, • an actuating element designed to cooperate with the locking element attached to the waste collection container and to move the locking element into the unlocking position when the waste collection container is inserted into the receiving space, and • a collection device designed to collect the waste contained in the waste collection container.

[0003] Such a configuration of the actuating element and the locking element ensures automatic pivoting of the front emptying flap into the release position when the waste collection container is inserted into the receiving space, thus avoiding the risk of contamination of the user and his surroundings during a step of emptying the waste collection container into the docking station.

[0004] However, such a configuration of the docking station requires the provision of an emptying container with a relatively high height in order to ensure that the front emptying flap can be pivoted into the release position when the waste collection container is accommodated in the receiving space, with the result that the height space requirement of the cleaning system increases significantly when the vacuum cleaner is in the storage position on the docking station and that the suction device with which the cleaning system is equipped is oversized to ensure adequate suction of waste from the waste collection container. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome some or all of these disadvantages.

[0006] The technical problem underlying the invention is, in particular, to provide a cleaning station with a vacuum cleaner which is of simple construction, reliable and ergonomic, while limiting the risk of soiling a user or his environment during a phase of emptying a waste collection container belonging to the vacuum cleaner.

[0007] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a cleaning station comprising: - a vacuum cleaner with • a main body with a suction nozzle, • a handle that is mechanically connected to the main body, • a waste separation and collection device fluidically connected to the suction nozzle, wherein the waste separation and collection device comprises a waste collection container having a central longitudinal axis and provided with a discharge opening located on a peripheral wall of the waste collection container, and a discharge flap attached to the peripheral wall of the waste collection container and configured to assume a closure configuration in which the discharge flap closes the discharge opening and a release configuration in which the discharge flap releases the discharge opening, and • a suction motor housed in the main body and designed to generate an air flow through the suction nozzle and the debris separation and collection device, and - a docking station for holding the vacuum cleaner, wherein the waste collection container has a first connection interface formed by a connecting plate which is attached to the peripheral wall of the waste collection container and into which the emptying opening opens, and wherein the docking station has a second connection interface configured to cooperate with the first connection interface to support and hold the vacuum cleaner in position when the vacuum cleaner is received by the docking station.

[0008] Such a configuration of the emptying opening and the emptying flap makes it possible to significantly reduce the space required and, in particular, the height required of a receiving area belonging to a docking station capable of receiving the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention, which confers increased ergonomics and aesthetics to a cleaning system comprising such a vacuum cleaner and such a docking station and makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of such a cleaning system.

[0009] Furthermore, such a configuration of the waste collection container and the docking station gives the cleaning system according to the invention better ergonomics.

[0010] The cleaning station may also have one or more of the following features, considered alone or in combination.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the emptying flap is movably mounted on the waste collection container between the closure configuration and the release configuration.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the emptying flap is mounted on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container so as to be displaceable in a displacement direction.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the displacement direction runs essentially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container. Because the displacement direction of the emptying flap runs essentially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container, it is possible, by equipping a docking station that can accommodate the vacuum cleaner according to the invention with a suitable stop element, to reliably and automatically move the emptying flap into the release configuration when inserting the waste collection container into the docking station.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste collection container has two guide rails which are provided on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container and are located on both sides of the emptying opening, wherein the two guide rails are designed to guide the emptying flap displaceably in the displacement direction.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the emptying flap is mounted on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device includes an actuating element for actuating the discharge flap into the closure configuration.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the discharge flap is elastically deformable between the closure configuration and the release configuration.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device comprises a locking element, such as a locking pin, which is attached to the waste collection container and is movable between a locking position in which the locking element can lock the discharge flap in the closed configuration and an unlocking position in which the locking element can release the discharge flap and allow it to pivot into the released configuration.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking element is mounted on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container so as to be displaceable in a direction of movement running substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device comprises a reset element for returning the locking element to the locking position.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the emptying flap is arranged substantially diametrically opposite the suction nozzle with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device is of the cyclone type.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction motor has a motor axis, wherein the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container runs substantially parallel to the motor axis of the suction motor and, for example, substantially coincides with the motor axis.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the handle is elongated and has a central longitudinal axis which is inclined with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the handle is arranged in a rear portion of the vacuum cleaner.

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

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner is a portable vacuum cleaner, which is also referred to as a handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station is designed to support and position the vacuum cleaner in a storage position in which the vacuum cleaner extends substantially vertically.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station comprises a base body for resting on the floor.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station comprises a stop element, such as a stop pin, which is designed to cooperate with the locking element and to displace the locking element into the unlocking position when the vacuum cleaner is received in the docking station.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station comprises an emptying container which delimits a receiving space which is designed to at least partially receive the waste collection container and, for example, a front section of the waste collection container.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stop element is located in the receiving space.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste collection container is designed to be inserted into and removed from the receiving space in a direction of movement that is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the emptying container has an upper peripheral edge which defines an upper insertion opening through which the waste collection container can be inserted into the receiving space, wherein the upper insertion opening is designed to face upwards when the docking station rests on a horizontal surface.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stop element and the second connection interface are formed as a single piece. Advantageously, the stop element protrudes upward from an upper edge of the second connection interface.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second connection interface has a receiving location in which the first connection interface is to be detachably mounted, and a through opening which is designed to face the discharge opening when the first connection interface is received in the receiving location.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the emptying flap is designed to protrude through the through-opening when the vacuum cleaner is picked up by the docking station and the emptying flap assumes the release configuration.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first connection interface is designed to be pulled out of the receiving location with an upward pulling movement. In other words, the receiving location is open at the top. Such a configuration of the docking station ensures that a user can easily insert the first connection interface into the receiving location.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first connection interface is designed to be inserted into and withdrawn from the receiving location in a direction of movement that is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the direction of movement is substantially vertical when the docking station rests on a horizontal surface.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second connection interface is attached to an outer surface, for example a side surface or a front surface, of a main housing of the docking station.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second connection interface comprises two lateral guide rails designed to extend on both sides of the first connection interface and to guide the first connection interface in a translational manner when the first connection interface is inserted into or withdrawn from the receiving location.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station comprises: - a collecting device which is fluidically connected, for example, to the through-opening provided at the second connection interface and is designed to collect debris from the debris collection container when the vacuum cleaner is picked up by the docking station, and - a suction device designed to suck waste from the waste collection container and to convey the sucked waste into the collection device.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the collecting device comprises a dust bag.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction device is designed to generate a negative pressure upstream of the discharge flap, for example in the region of the passage opening, and the discharge flap is designed to be automatically displaced into the release configuration when the negative pressure generated by the suction device exceeds a predetermined value.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station is designed to charge a rechargeable battery of the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is picked up by the docking station. Short description of the characters

[0047] The invention will be readily understood from the following description with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings which illustrate, by way of non-limiting example, several embodiments of this cleaning system. Fig. 1 is a side perspective view of a vacuum cleaner belonging to a cleaning system according to a first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a docking station belonging to the cleaning system according to the first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the cleaning system according to the first embodiment of the invention, which includes the vacuum cleaner of Fig. 1 shows the docking station Fig. 2 is included; Fig. 4 is a partial perspective view of a cleaning system according to a second embodiment of the invention, showing the vacuum cleaner inserted into the docking station; Fig. 5 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the cleaning system according to the second embodiment of the invention, showing the vacuum cleaner inserted into the docking station; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the docking station included in the cleaning system according to the second embodiment of the invention; Fig. 7 is a partial front view of the cleaning system according to the second embodiment of the invention, showing the vacuum cleaner received in the docking station; Fig. 8 is a partial perspective view of a debris collection container of a vacuum cleaner belonging to a cleaning system according to a third embodiment of the invention, showing the emptying flap in the closed configuration; Fig. 9 is a partial perspective view of the waste collection container of Fig. 8, showing the drain flap in the release configuration; Fig. Figure 10 is a partial longitudinal section view of the cleaning system according to the third embodiment of the invention, showing the waste collection container of Fig. 8 when inserted into a receiving space of a docking station. Detailed description

[0048] In this document, the terms "front", "rear", "frontal", "upper", "lower", "above", and "below" are defined with reference to use of the vacuum cleaner in which the user holds the vacuum cleaner by the handle and keeps it substantially horizontal, and the suction nozzle provided on the main body is facing away from the user with the central axis of the suction nozzle in a horizontal position.

[0049] Unless otherwise stated, the term “substantially” in this publication means “exactly or to within 10% or 10°”.

[0050] The Fig. 1 to 3 show a cleaning system 1 with a vacuum cleaner 2, in particular a stick vacuum cleaner, and a docking station 3 for receiving the vacuum cleaner 2.

[0051] The vacuum cleaner 2 comprises in particular a main body 4 provided with a suction nozzle 5 arranged in a front portion of the main body 4, a handle 6 mechanically connected to the main body 4 and allowing the vacuum cleaner 2 to be grasped by a user, and a suction head (not shown in the figures) fluidly connected to the suction nozzle 5 and intended to rest on the floor.

[0052] In a known manner, the suction head comprises a soleplate having a bottom surface designed to be directed toward a surface to be cleaned and having a suction opening opening into the bottom surface of the soleplate through which outside air can be sucked by the vacuum cleaner 2. The suction head may be attached directly to the suction nozzle 5 or may be attached to the suction nozzle 5 via a suction accessory (not shown in the figures), such as a suction tube.

[0053] Advantageously, the handle 6 has a central longitudinal axis A and extends from a rear end of the main body 4. The handle 6 can be made in one piece with the main body 4 or attached thereto.

[0054] The vacuum cleaner 2 also has a debris separation and collection device 11, which is, for example, removably attached to the main body 4 and is fluidly connected to the suction nozzle 5.

[0055] Advantageously, the waste separation and collection device 11 is of the cyclone type. For this purpose, the waste separation and collection device 11 comprises in particular: - a waste collection container 12 comprising a generally tubular peripheral wall, - a tubular separation element (not shown in the figures), such as a tubular grid, arranged in the waste collection container 12 coaxially to a central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12, and - a cyclone separation chamber (not shown in the figures) which is delimited externally by the peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12 and internally by the tubular separation element.

[0056] The waste collection container 12 also has an air inlet opening (not shown in the figures) which is fluidically connected to the suction nozzle 5 and opens into the cyclone separation chamber.

[0057] The waste separation and collection device 11 also comprises a discharge flap 16 which is attached to a peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12 and is designed to have a closure configuration (see Fig. 1), in which the discharge flap 16 closes a discharge opening 17 on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12, and a release configuration (see Fig. 3), in which the discharge flap 16 releases the discharge opening 17.

[0058] According to the Fig. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the emptying flap 16 is located diametrically opposite the suction nozzle 5 with respect to the central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12 and is mounted on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis C between the closure configuration and the release configuration. Advantageously, the pivot axis C of the emptying flap 16 extends transversely to the central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12 and is located substantially diametrically opposite the suction nozzle 5 with respect to the central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12.

[0059] The waste separation and collection device 11 also comprises a loading element 19, such as a compression spring or a leaf spring, to load the discharge flap 16 into the closed configuration.

[0060] The waste separation and collection device 11 also includes a first connection interface 21, such as a connecting plate, provided on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12 and into which the discharge opening 17 opens. The operation of the first connection interface 21 will be described in more detail below.

[0061] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a suction motor 22 housed in the main body 4. The suction motor 22 is designed to generate an air flow through the suction head, the suction nozzle 5, and the debris separation and collection device 11. In particular, the suction motor 22 comprises a fan and an electric motor for rotating the fan.

[0062] Advantageously, the handle 6 is arranged in a rear portion of the vacuum cleaner 2, and the suction motor 22 is located behind the central longitudinal axis A of the handle 6.

[0063] According to the Fig. 1 to 3, the central longitudinal axis B of the refuse collection container 12 runs parallel to a motor axis of the suction motor 22 and can, for example, substantially coincide with the motor axis, and the central longitudinal axis A of the handle 6 runs inclined with respect to the motor axis.

[0064] The vacuum cleaner 2 also includes a rechargeable battery 23 designed to power the vacuum cleaner 2 and, in particular, the suction motor 22. The rechargeable battery 23, also called a battery pack, includes several battery cells.

[0065] According to the Fig. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the handle 6 is arranged between the rechargeable battery 23 and the main body 4. The rechargeable battery 23 is advantageously housed in a battery housing connected to the handle 6, and in particular to a lower portion of the handle 6. Advantageously, the vacuum cleaner 2 comprises a support extending substantially parallel to the handle 6 between the battery housing and the main body 4.

[0066] As in Fig. 3, the docking station 3 is designed to support and position the vacuum cleaner 2 in a storage position in which the vacuum cleaner 2 extends substantially vertically.

[0067] The docking station 3 comprises in particular a main housing 24, which can be designed, for example, to rest on the floor or to be attached to a wall, and a second connection interface 25 which is attached to an outer side of the main housing 24 and, for example, to a side surface or a front surface of the main housing 24 and is designed to cooperate with the first connection interface 21 to support the vacuum cleaner 2 and hold it in position when the vacuum cleaner 2 is received by the docking station 3.

[0068] According to the Fig. 1 to 3, the second connection interface 25 has a receiving location 26 in which the first connection interface 21 is to be removably mounted, as well as a through-opening 27 which is designed to face the discharge opening 17 when the first connection interface 21 is received in the receiving location 26. As shown in Fig. 3, the emptying flap 16 can, for example, be designed such that it projects through the through opening 27 when the vacuum cleaner 2 is picked up by the receiving station 3 and the emptying flap 16 assumes the release configuration.

[0069] Advantageously, the receiving location 26 is open at the top, and the first connection interface 21 is designed to be inserted into and withdrawn from the receiving location 26 in a direction of movement D1 that is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12. The cleaning system 1 is in particular designed such that, under conditions of use (i.e., when the docking station 3 rests on a horizontal surface or is attached to a wall), the direction of movement D1 is substantially vertical.

[0070] As in Fig. 2, the second connection interface 25 comprises two lateral guide rails 28 designed to extend on both sides of the first connection interface 21 and to guide the first connection interface 21 translationally when the first connection interface 21 is inserted into or withdrawn from the receiving location 26. The lateral guide rails 28 are arranged, in particular, on both sides of the through-opening 27.

[0071] The docking station 3 also comprises a collecting device 29 which is fluidly connected to the through opening 27 provided at the second connection interface 25 and is designed to collect debris from the debris collection container 12 when the vacuum cleaner 2 is received by the docking station 3.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the invention, the collecting device 29 comprises a dust bag which is removably arranged in the main housing 24 of the docking station 3.

[0073] The docking station 3 also includes a suction device 32 designed to suck debris from the debris collection container 12 and transport the sucked debris into the collection device 29. The suction device 32 includes, for example, a motor fan arranged in the base body 25.

[0074] Advantageously, the suction device 32 is designed to generate a negative pressure in the region of the through-opening 27, and the discharge flap 16 is designed to be automatically moved into the release configuration when the negative pressure generated by the suction device 32 exceeds a predetermined value.

[0075] The following describes a procedure for emptying the waste collection container 12.

[0076] When a user wishes to empty the contents of the waste collection container 12, he inserts the first connection interface 21 into the receiving point 26 provided on the second connection interface 25 in the direction of movement D1, which is substantially vertical.

[0077] Advantageously, the receiving station 3 can be provided with a detection device designed to detect the presence of the first connection interface 21 in the receiving location 26, as well as with an electronic control unit designed to control the operation of the docking station 3 and in particular to control the switching on of the suction device 32 when the detection device has detected the presence of the first connection interface 21 in the receiving location 26.

[0078] Thus, when the first connection interface 21 is received in the receiving location 26, the suction device 32 is automatically switched on, which results in the emptying flap 16 being automatically displaced into the release configuration by negative pressure and the debris contained in the debris collection container 12 being sucked out and the sucked-out debris being conveyed to the collection device 29 where it is collected.

[0079] When the debris extraction cycle is completed (the docking station 3 may, for example, be equipped with a user interface that can inform the user that this extraction cycle has ended), the extraction device 32 is switched off, which causes the emptying flap 16 to pivot into the closed configuration under the action of the restoring force exerted by the loading element 19.

[0080] In this way, the cleaning system 1 according to the present invention ensures automatic and easy emptying of the waste collection container 12 without the user having to actuate the emptying flap 16 and without the risk of contamination of the user and his surroundings.

[0081] Advantageously, the docking station 3 can also be configured to charge the rechargeable battery 23 of the vacuum cleaner 2 when the latter is received in the docking station 3, and in particular when the first connection interface 21 is received in the receiving location 26. Such a configuration of the cleaning system 1 according to the present invention makes it possible to empty the debris collection container 12 and charge the rechargeable battery 23 when the vacuum cleaner 2 is received in the docking station 3.

[0082] For this purpose, the vacuum cleaner 2 can, for example, have a first electrical connector with a pair of first electrical contacts located at the first connection interface 21 and connected to the rechargeable battery 23, for example by electrical connecting wires extending through the main body 4 and the handle 6, and the docking station 3 can, for example, have a second electrical connector with a pair of second electrical contacts located in the receiving location 26 and designed to electrically interact with the first electrical contacts provided on the vacuum cleaner 2 when the first connection interface 21 is received in the receiving location 26.

[0083] The docking station 3 also comprises a power supply unit, also called a power adapter, which is designed to be electrically connected to a power supply socket, such as a mains socket and in particular a wall socket, and to supply power to the docking station 3 and, for example, the second electrical connector.

[0084] The Fig. 4 to 7 show a cleaning system 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention, which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the debris separation and collection device 11 comprises: - a locking element 33, such as a locking pin, which is attached to the waste collection container 12 and is movable between a locking position in which the locking element 33 can lock the discharge flap 16 in the closed configuration, and an unlocking position in which the locking element 33 can release the discharge flap 16 and allow it to pivot into the release configuration, and - a return element 34 (see Fig. 7), such as a return spring, for returning the locking element 33 to the locking position.

[0085] Advantageously, the locking element 33 is displaceably mounted on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12 in a direction of movement which runs substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12.

[0086] According to the second embodiment of the invention, the docking station 3 further comprises a stop element 35, such as a stop pin, which is designed to cooperate with the locking element 33 and to displace the locking element 33 into the unlocking position when the vacuum cleaner 2 is received in the docking station 3.

[0087] The locking element 33 is designed in particular to strike the stop element 35 and to be displaced into the unlocking position against the restoring force exerted by the restoring element 34 when the first connection interface 21 is inserted into the receiving point 26.

[0088] Thus, the cleaning system 1 is designed such that the locking element 33 is automatically moved into the unlocking position when the first connection interface 21 is received in the receiving location 26.

[0089] According to the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7, the stop element 35 and the second connection interface 25 are formed as a single piece. Advantageously, the stop element 35 protrudes upward from an upper edge of the second connection interface 25.

[0090] The Fig.8 to 10 show a cleaning system 1 according to a third embodiment of the invention, which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the emptying flap 16 is mounted on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12 so as to be displaceable in a displacement direction D2 that runs essentially parallel to the central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12, and in that the docking station 3 comprises an emptying container 36 that delimits a receiving space 37 that is designed to at least partially accommodate the waste collection container 12 and, for example, a front section of the waste collection container 12 when the vacuum cleaner 2 is received by the docking station 3. The waste contained in the waste collection container 12 can in particular be emptied into the emptying container 36.

[0091] According to this third embodiment of the invention, the refuse collection container 12 has two guide rails 37 provided on the peripheral wall of the refuse collection container 12 and located on both sides of the discharge opening 17. The two guide rails 37 are designed to guide the discharge flap 16 displaceably in the displacement direction D2.

[0092] According to this third embodiment of the invention, the emptying container 26 has an upper peripheral edge which defines an upper insertion opening 38 through which the waste collection container 12 can be inserted into the receiving space 37.

[0093] Advantageously, the receiving space 37 has a central longitudinal axis designed to extend substantially vertically when the docking station 3 rests on a horizontal surface, and the upper insertion opening 38 is designed to point upwards when the docking station 3 rests on a horizontal surface. Thus, the waste collection container 12 is designed to be inserted into and removed from the receiving space 37 from the top of the docking station 3 in a direction of movement D3 that runs substantially vertically when the docking station 3 rests on a horizontal surface. Advantageously, the direction of movement D3 runs substantially parallel to the displacement direction D2.

[0094] According to this third embodiment of the invention, the emptying flap 16 is advantageously provided with an actuating element 39 designed to cooperate with a stop element 41 provided in the emptying container 36 in order to displace the emptying flap 16 into the release configuration when the waste collection container 12 is inserted into the receiving space 37.

[0095] According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the discharge flap 16 could be elastically deformable between the closure configuration and the release configuration.

[0096] Naturally, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which are given only as examples. Modifications are still possible, particularly with regard to the structure of the various parts or the replacement by technical equivalents, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

[1] Cleaning system (1), comprising: - a vacuum cleaner (2) with • a main body (4) having a suction nozzle (5), • a handle (6) which is mechanically connected to the main body (4), • a waste separation and collection device (11) which is fluidically connected to the suction nozzle (5), wherein the waste separation and collection device (11) comprises a waste collection container (12) which has a central longitudinal axis (B) and is provided with an emptying opening (17) which is located on a peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12), and an emptying flap (16) which is attached to the peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12) and is designed to assume a closing configuration in which the emptying flap (16) closes the emptying opening (17) and a releasing configuration in which the emptying flap (16) releases the emptying opening (17), and • a suction motor (22) housed in the main body (4) and designed to generate an air flow through the suction nozzle (5) and the debris separation and collection device (11), and - a docking station (3) for holding the vacuum cleaner (2), characterized by in that the waste collection container (12) has a first connection interface (21) which is formed from a connection plate which is fastened to the peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12) and into which the emptying opening (17) opens, and in that the docking station (3) has a second connection interface (25) which is designed to cooperate with the first connection interface (21) in order to support the vacuum cleaner (2) and hold it in position when the vacuum cleaner (2) is received by the docking station (3). [2] Cleaning system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the emptying flap (16) is movably mounted on the waste collection container (12) between the closure configuration and the release configuration. [3] Cleaning system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the emptying flap (16) is mounted on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12) so as to be displaceable in a displacement direction (D2). [4] Cleaning system (1) according to claim 3, wherein the displacement direction (D2) runs substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis (B) of the waste collection container (12). [5] Cleaning system (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the refuse collection container (12) has two guide rails (37) which are provided on the peripheral wall of the refuse collection container (12) and are located on both sides of the emptying opening (17), wherein the two guide rails (37) are designed to guide the emptying flap (16) displaceably in the displacement direction (D2). [6] Cleaning system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the emptying flap (16) is mounted on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (C). [7] Cleaning system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the debris separation and collection device (11) includes an urging element (19) for urging the discharge flap (16) into the closure configuration. [8] Cleaning system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the discharge flap (16) is elastically deformable between the closure configuration and the release configuration. [9] Cleaning system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the waste separation and collection device (11) comprises a locking element (33) which is attached to the waste collection container (12) and is movable between a locking position in which the locking element (33) can lock the emptying flap (16) in the closed configuration and an unlocking position in which the locking element (33) can release the emptying flap (16) and allow it to pivot into the released configuration. [10] Cleaning system (1) according to claim 9, wherein the locking element (33) is mounted displaceably on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12) in a direction of movement extending substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis (B) of the waste collection container (12). [11] Cleaning system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the emptying flap (16) is arranged substantially diametrically opposite the suction nozzle (5) with respect to the central longitudinal axis (B) of the waste collection container (12). [12] Cleaning system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the vacuum cleaner (2) is a stick vacuum cleaner. [13] Cleaning system (1) according to claim 9, wherein the docking station (3) comprises a stop element (35) designed to cooperate with the locking element (33) and to displace the locking element (33) into the unlocking position when the vacuum cleaner (2) is received in the docking station (3). [14] Cleaning system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the second connection interface (25) has a receiving location (26) in which the first connection interface (21) is to be detachably mounted, and a through opening (27) which is designed to face the emptying opening (17) when the first connection interface (21) is received in the receiving location (26). [15] Cleaning system (1) according to claim 14, wherein the first connection interface (21) is designed to be pulled out of the receiving location (26) with an upward pulling movement. [16] Cleaning system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the second connection interface (25) is attached to an outer side of a main housing (24) of the docking station (3). [17] Cleaning system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the docking station (3) comprises: - a collecting device (29) designed to collect debris from the debris collection container (12) when the vacuum cleaner (2) is picked up by the docking station (3), and - a suction device (32) designed to suck waste out of the waste collection container (12) and to convey the sucked-out waste into the collection device (29). [18] Cleaning system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the docking station (3) is designed to charge a rechargeable battery (23) of the vacuum cleaner (2) when the vacuum cleaner (2) is received by the docking station (3).

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