Vacuum cleaner comprising a sliding drain hatch, and cleaning system comprising such a vacuum cleaner

Abstract

The vacuum cleaner comprises a waste collection container (12), a drain hatch (16) configured to close a drain opening (17) of the waste collection container (12), the drain opening (17) being located on a peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12), and the drain hatch (16) being slidably mounted on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12) in a sliding direction which is substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis (B) of the waste collection container (12). Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Vacuum cleaner comprising a sliding emptying hatch, and cleaning system comprising such a vacuum cleaner Technical field

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

[0002] A cleaning system comprises in a known manner:

[0003] - a vacuum cleaner comprising: • a main body comprising a suction nozzle arranged in a front part of the main body, • a gripping handle mechanically connected to the main body, • a waste separation and collection device fluidly connected to the suction nozzle, the waste separation and collection device comprising a waste collection container provided with a front emptying opening, a front emptying hatch pivotally mounted on the waste collection container about a pivot axis and between a closed position in which the front emptying hatch closes the front emptying opening and a release position in which the front emptying hatch releases the front emptying opening, a biasing member configured to bias the front emptying hatch towards the release position,and a locking member which is mounted on the waste collection container opposite the pivot axis of the front emptying hatch relative to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container and which is movable between a locking position in which the locking member is able to lock the front emptying hatch in the closed position and an unlocking position in which the locking member is able to release the front emptying hatch and allow it to pivot towards the release position, , • a suction motor housed in the main body, the suction motor being configured to generate an air flow through the suction nozzle and the waste separation and collection device,

[0004] - a docking station configured to accommodate the vacuum cleaner, the docking station including: • a drain receptacle delimiting a reception housing configured for house at least part of the waste collection container, • an actuating member configured to cooperate with the locking member mounted on the waste collection container and to move the locking member into the unlocking position when the waste collection container is inserted into the receiving housing, and • a collection device configured to collect waste contained in the waste collection container.

[0005] Such a configuration of the actuating member and the locking member ensures automatic pivoting of the front emptying hatch into the release position when the waste collection container is inserted into the receiving housing, which avoids any risk of soiling the user and his environment during a step of emptying the waste collection container into the docking station.

[0006] However, such a configuration of the docking station requires providing a drain receptacle having a relatively large height in order to ensure pivoting of the front drain hatch into the release position when the waste collection container is received in the receiving housing, which has the consequence of significantly increasing the height requirement of the cleaning system when the vacuum cleaner is in the storage position on the docking station and of oversizing the suction device equipping the docking station to ensure appropriate suction of the waste coming from the waste collection container. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0008] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in providing a vacuum cleaner which is of simple, reliable and ergonomic structure, while limiting the risks of soiling a user or his environment during a phase of emptying a waste collection container belonging to the vacuum cleaner.

[0009] To this end, the present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising:

[0010] - a main body comprising a suction tip, for example arranged in a front part of the main body,

[0011] - a gripping handle mechanically connected to the main body,

[0012] - a waste separation and collection device fluidly connected to the nozzle suction, the waste separation and collection device comprising a waste collection container provided with a drain opening, and a drain hatch movably mounted on the waste collection container between a closed position in which the drain hatch closes the drain opening and a released position in which the drain hatch releases the drain opening, And

[0013] - a suction motor housed in the main body and configured to generate a air flow through the suction nozzle and the waste separation and collection device,

[0014] the drain opening is located on a peripheral wall of the waste collection container, and the drain hatch is slidably mounted on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container in a sliding direction which is substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0015] Such a configuration of the drain opening and the drain hatch makes it possible to significantly reduce the height of a drain receptacle belonging to a docking station capable of receiving the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention, which gives increased ergonomics and aesthetics to a cleaning system comprising the vacuum cleaner according to the invention and such a docking station and which makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of such a cleaning system.

[0016] Furthermore, the fact that the sliding direction of the emptying hatch is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container makes it possible, by equipping the docking station with a suitable stop member, to reliably and automatically move the emptying hatch into the release position when inserting the waste collection container into a receiving housing belonging to the docking station.

[0017] The vacuum cleaner may further have one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste collection container comprises two guide slides provided on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container and located on either side of the emptying opening, the two guide slides being configured to guide the emptying hatch in sliding in the sliding direction.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drain hatch comprises two lateral guide parts configured to cooperate with the two guide slides.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two guide slides are configured to cooperate with the drain hatch such that, during a movement of the drain hatch from the closed position to the released position, the drain hatch is moved relative to the drain opening according to an opening stroke comprising a first portion of the opening stroke during which the drain hatch is moved according to a movement of movement having at least one component extending parallel to a central axis of the drain opening, so as to move the drain hatch away from the opening of drain, and a second opening stroke part during which the drain hatch is slidably moved in the sliding direction and away from the drain opening. Such a configuration of the guide rails limits friction between the drain hatch and the peripheral edge of the drain opening when the drain hatch moves between the closed position and the release position.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drain opening comprises a peripheral edge which extends in an extension plane which is inclined relative to a central axis of the drain opening by a first angle of inclination, and the drain hatch comprises a closing surface which is configured to be oriented towards and to cooperate with the drain opening when the drain hatch is in the closing position and which is inclined relative to the central axis of the drain opening by a second angle of inclination, the second angle of inclination being substantially identical to the first angle of inclination. Such a configuration of the drain hatch and the drain opening limits friction between the drain hatch and the peripheral edge of the drain opening during movements of the drain hatch between the closing position and the release position.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device comprises a biasing member configured to bias the drain hatch towards the closed position.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the emptying hatch is substantially diametrically opposite the suction nozzle relative to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device is of the cyclonic type.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises a rechargeable battery configured to electrically power the vacuum cleaner.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rechargeable battery is housed in a battery case connected, and for example fixed, to the gripping handle, and more particularly to a lower part of the gripping handle.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction motor has a motor axis, and the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container is substantially parallel to the motor axis of the suction motor, and is for example substantially coincident with the motor axis.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping handle is elongated and has a median longitudinal axis which is inclined relative to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping handle is arranged in a rear part of the vacuum cleaner.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction motor is located at the rear of the median longitudinal axis of the grip handle.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner is a stick vacuum cleaner.

[0032] According to another embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner is a portable vacuum cleaner, also called a hand-held vacuum cleaner.

[0033] The present invention further relates to a cleaning system comprising a vacuum cleaner according to the invention, and a docking station configured to accommodate the vacuum cleaner.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station comprises a base body configured to rest on the ground.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station comprises a stop member and the vacuum cleaner comprises an actuating member, such as an actuating finger, integral in movement with the emptying hatch, the actuating member being configured to come into abutment against the stop member and to move the emptying hatch into the release position when the vacuum cleaner is received in the docking station.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating member is provided on an external face of the drain hatch.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating member extends substantially radially relative to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating member and the drain hatch are made in a single piece.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station comprises a drain receptacle delimiting a receiving housing configured to house at least in part the waste collection container.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste collection container is configured to be inserted into and removed from the receiving housing in a direction of movement which is substantially parallel to the sliding direction.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste collection container is configured to be inserted into and removed from the receiving housing from above the docking station.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the direction of movement is substantially vertical when the docking station rests on a horizontal surface.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stop member is located in the receiving housing, and is for example fixed to an internal peripheral surface of the receiving housing.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stop member is located at a distance from a bottom wall of the receiving housing.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the emptying receptacle comprises an upper peripheral edge delimiting an upper insertion opening through which the waste collection container is able to be inserted into the receiving housing, the upper insertion opening being configured to be oriented upwards when the docking station rests on a horizontal surface.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving housing comprises a central longitudinal axis which is configured to extend substantially vertically when the docking station rests on a horizontal surface.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station comprises:

[0048] - a collection device fluidly connected to the drain receptacle and configured to collect waste from the waste collection container when the waste collection container is received in the receiving accommodation, and

[0049] - a suction device configured to suck waste from the container waste collection, and to convey said vacuumed waste into the collection device.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the collection device comprises a dust bag.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station comprises a connecting device configured to fluidly connect the emptying opening of the waste collection container to the collection device when the waste collection container is arranged in the receiving housing.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting device comprises a fluidic tip configured to protrude into the receiving housing through a passage opening provided on a peripheral wall of the drain receptacle, the fluidic tip being movable between a passive position in which the fluidic tip protrudes into the receiving housing by a first distance and is unable to be fluidly connected to the drain opening and an active position in which the fluidic tip protrudes into the receiving housing by a second distance, which is greater than the first distance, and is able to be fluidly connected to the drain opening.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station comprises a movement mechanism configured to move the fluidic tip from the passive position to the active position upon insertion of the waste collection container into the receiving housing and after movement of the emptying hatch into the release position.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the movement mechanism is configured to be actuated by the waste collection container upon insertion of the waste collection container into the receiving housing.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connection device comprises a suction duct configured to be fluidically connected to the collection device and a flexible duct fluidically connecting the suction duct to the fluidic tip.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluidic nozzle is located downstream of the stop member relative to a direction of insertion of the waste collection container into the receiving housing.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluidic nozzle is arranged below the stop member.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the displacement mechanism comprises an actuating arm pivotally mounted about an arm pivot axis extending transversely to a central longitudinal axis of the receiving housing and between a first arm position and a second arm position, the actuating arm being configured to cooperate with the waste collection container and to be moved by the waste collection container into the second arm position upon insertion of the waste collection container into the receiving housing and being configured to be moved into the first arm position upon removal of the waste collection container from the receiving housing,the movement mechanism being configured such that a movement of the actuating arm from the first arm position to the second arm position causes a movement of the fluid tip from the passive position to the active position, and vice versa.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating arm comprises a first end portion configured to project from the bottom wall of the receiving housing and capable of being actuated by the waste collection container when the waste collection container is inserted into the receiving housing, and a second end portion fixed to the fluidic nozzle.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating arm is configured to be pivoted in a first pivoting direction when inserting the waste collection container into the receiving housing, and to be pivoted in a second pivoting direction when removing the waste collection container from the receiving housing.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the displacement mechanism comprises a return element, such as a return spring, configured to return the actuating arm to the first arm position.

[0062] According to another embodiment of the invention, the flexible conduit is configured to move the fluidic tip into the passive position, and thus the actuating arm into the first arm position, upon removal of the waste collection container from the receiving housing.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station is configured to recharge a rechargeable battery of the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is docked by the docking station. Brief description of the figures

[0064] In any case, the invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows with reference to the appended schematic drawings representing, by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of this cleaning system.

[0065] [Fig-1] is a schematic side view of a cleaning system according to the invention, showing respectively a vacuum cleaner of said cleaning system housed in a docking station of said cleaning system and the vacuum cleaner being placed in the docking station;

[0066] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a waste collection container belonging to the vacuum cleaner of [Fig.l], showing a drain hatch in a closed position;

[0067] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the waste collection container of [Fig.2], showing the drain hatch in a release position;

[0068] [Fig.4] is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the collection container of waste of [Fig.2], showing respectively the drain hatch in the closed position and in the released position;

[0069] [Fig.5] is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the cleaning system of the [Fig.l], showing the waste collection container of [Fig.2] being inserted into a receiving housing of the docking station;

[0070] [Fig.6] is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the cleaning system of the [Fig.l], showing the waste collection container of [Fig.2] accommodated in the receiving housing of the docking station. Detailed description

[0071] In this document, the terms "front", "rear", "frontal", "upper", "lower", "top", "above" and "below" are defined in relation to a use of the vacuum cleaner during which the user holds the vacuum cleaner by the grip handle and keeps it substantially horizontally, and the suction nozzle provided on the main body is located opposite the user with the central axis of the suction nozzle in a horizontal position.

[0072] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term “substantially” means, in this document, “exactly or to within 10% or 10°”.

[0073] Figures 1 to 6 represent a cleaning system 1 comprising a vacuum cleaner 2, and more particularly a stick vacuum cleaner, and a docking station 3 configured to accommodate the vacuum cleaner 2.

[0074] The vacuum cleaner 2 more particularly comprises a main body 4 provided with a suction nozzle 5 arranged in a front part of the main body 4, a gripping handle 6 mechanically connected to the main body 4 and allowing the vacuum cleaner 2 to be gripped by a user, and a suction head 7 fluidly connected to the suction nozzle 5 and intended to rest on the floor.

[0075] In a known manner, the suction head 7 comprises a sole provided with a lower face configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned and with a suction mouth opening into the lower face of the sole and through which outside air can be sucked in by the vacuum cleaner 2. The suction head 7 can be directly attached to the suction nozzle 5 or be attached to the latter by means of a suction accessory 8, such as a suction tube.

[0076] Advantageously, the gripping handle 6 has a median longitudinal axis A and extends from a rear end of the main body 4. The gripping handle 6 can be manufactured in a single piece with the main body 4 or can be attached to it.

[0077] The vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a waste separation and collection device 11 which is mounted, for example removably, on the main body 4 and which is fluidically connected to the suction nozzle 5.

[0078] Advantageously, the waste separation and collection device 11 is of the cyclonic type. For this purpose, the waste separation and collection device 11 more particularly comprises:

[0079] - a waste collection container 12 comprising a peripheral wall of shape globally tubular,

[0080] - a tubular separation member (not shown in the figures), such as a grid tubular, which is arranged in the waste collection container 12 coaxially with a central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12, and

[0081] - a cyclonic 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 member.

[0082] The waste collection container 12 further comprises an air intake opening (not shown in the figures) which is fluidically connected to the suction nozzle 5 and which opens into the cyclonic separation chamber.

[0083] The waste separation and collection device 11 also comprises a drain hatch 16 slidably mounted on a peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12 in a sliding direction D1, which is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12, and between a closed position (see [Fig.2]) in which the drain hatch 16 closes a drain opening 17 located on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12 and a release position (see [Fig.3]) in which the drain hatch 16 releases the drain opening 17.

[0084] The emptying hatch 16 may for example be substantially diametrically opposite the suction nozzle 5 relative to the central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12, or may also be located on a lateral side (relative to a median longitudinal plane of the waste collection container 12) of the waste collection container 12.

[0085] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the waste collection container 12 comprises two guide slides 18 provided on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12 and located on either side of the emptying opening 17. The two guide slides 18 are configured to guide the emptying hatch 16 in sliding direction DI. Advantageously, the emptying hatch 16 comprises two lateral guide portions configured to cooperate with the two guide slides 18.

[0086] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the guide slides 18 are configured to slidably guide the drain hatch 16 along a rectilinear movement path.

[0087] However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention shown in [Fig. 4], the two guide slides 18 could be configured to cooperate with the drain hatch 16 in such a way that, during a movement of the drain hatch 16 from the closed position to the release position, the drain hatch 16 is moved relative to the drain opening 17 according to an opening stroke comprising a first portion of the opening stroke during which the drain hatch 16 is moved according to a displacement movement having at least one component extending parallel to a central axis of the drain opening 17, so as to move the drain hatch 16 away from the drain opening 17, and a second portion of the opening stroke during which the drain hatch 16 is moved in sliding direction DI and away from the drain opening 17.

[0088] For this purpose, each guide slide 18 could for example comprise at least one guide slot in which is received at least one lateral lug provided on the emptying hatch 16, each guide slot comprising a first slot portion which extends towards the rear of the waste collection container 12 away from the emptying opening 17 and a second slot portion which is rectilinear and parallel to the sliding direction DI.

[0089] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the drain hatch 16 could comprise a generally flat closure portion extending substantially parallel to the sliding direction D1.

[0090] However, according to an alternative embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, the drain opening 17 could comprise a peripheral edge which extends in an extension plane which is inclined relative to a central axis of the drain opening 17 by a first angle of inclination, and the drain hatch 16 could comprise a closing surface which is configured to be oriented towards and to cooperate with the drain opening 17 when the drain hatch 16 is in the closing position and which is inclined relative to the central axis of the drain opening 17 by a second angle of inclination, the second angle of inclination being substantially identical to the first angle of inclination.Such a configuration of the drain hatch 16 and the drain opening 17 limits the friction between the drain hatch 16 and the peripheral edge of the drain opening 17 during movements of the drain hatch 16 between the closed position and the released position, while using guide slides 18 of relatively simple configuration.

[0091] The waste separation and collection device 11 further comprises a biasing member 19, such as a compression spring, configured to bias the drain hatch 16 towards the closed position.

[0092] As shown in [Fig.l], the vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a suction motor 20 which is housed in the main body 4. The suction motor 19 is configured to generate an air flow through the suction head 7, the suction nozzle 5, and the waste separation and collection device 11. The suction motor 20 more particularly comprises a fan and an electric motor configured to drive the fan in rotation.

[0093] Advantageously, the gripping handle 6 is arranged in a rear part of the vacuum cleaner 2, and the suction motor 20 is located at the rear of the median longitudinal axis A of the gripping handle 6.

[0094] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12 is parallel to a motor axis of the suction motor 20, and may for example be substantially coincident with the motor axis, and the median longitudinal axis A of the gripping handle 6 is inclined relative to the motor axis.

[0095] The vacuum cleaner 2 also comprises an actuating member 21, such as an actuating finger or an actuating hook, which is integral in movement with the emptying hatch 16 and which is configured to extend substantially radially relative to the central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12. The operation of the actuating member 21 is described in more detail below.

[0096] Advantageously, the actuating member 21 and the drain hatch 16 are made in a single piece, and the actuating member 21 is provided on an external face of the drain hatch 16.

[0097] The vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a rechargeable battery 22 configured to electrically power the vacuum cleaner 2, and in particular the suction motor 20. The rechargeable battery 22, also called a battery pack, comprises several battery cells.

[0098] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the gripping handle 6 is arranged between the rechargeable battery 22 and the main body 4. The rechargeable battery 22 is advantageously housed in a battery housing connected to the gripping handle 6, and more particularly to a lower part of the gripping handle 6. Advantageously, the vacuum cleaner 2 comprises an upright 23 which extends substantially parallel to the gripping handle 6 and between the battery housing and the main body 4.

[0099] As shown in [Fig.l], the docking station 3 is configured to support and position the vacuum cleaner 2 in a storage position in which the vacuum cleaner 2 extends substantially vertically.

[0100] The docking station 3 comprises in particular a base 24 comprising a base body 25 configured to rest on the ground, and an emptying receptacle 26 delimiting a receiving housing 27 configured to house at least in part 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 is more particularly suitable for being emptied into the emptying receptacle 26.

[0101] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the emptying receptacle 26 comprises an upper peripheral edge delimiting an upper insertion opening 28 through which the waste collection container 12 is able to be inserted into the receiving housing 27.

[0102] Advantageously, the receiving housing 27 has a central longitudinal axis that is configured to extend substantially vertically when the docking station 3 rests on a horizontal surface, and the upper insertion opening 28 is configured to be oriented upwards when the docking station 3 rests on a horizontal surface. Thus, the waste collection container 12 is configured to be inserted into and removed from the receiving housing 27 from above the docking station 3, and in a direction of movement D2 that is substantially vertical when the docking station 3 rests on a horizontal surface. Advantageously, the direction of movement D2 is substantially parallel to the sliding direction DI.

[0103] The docking station 3 also comprises a collection device 31 connected finitely- specifically to the emptying receptacle 26 and configured to collect waste, coming from the waste collection container 12, when the waste collection container 12 is received in the receiving housing 27. According to one embodiment of the invention, the collection device 31 comprises a dust bag removably arranged in a receiving compartment delimited by the base body 25.

[0104] The docking station 3 further comprises a suction device 32 configured to suck up waste from the waste collection container 12 and to convey the sucked up waste into the collection device 31. The suction device 32 comprises, for example, a motor-driven fan arranged in the base body 25.

[0105] The docking station 3 further comprises a stop member 33, such as a stop finger or stop hook, located in the receiving housing 27 and for example fixed to an internal peripheral surface of the receiving housing 27. Advantageously, the stop member 33 is located at a distance from a bottom wall of the receiving housing 27.

[0106] The stop member 33 is configured to cooperate with the actuating member 21 provided on the vacuum cleaner 2 when the waste collection container 12 is inserted into the receiving housing 27. The actuating member 21 is more particularly configured to come into abutment against the stop member 33 and to move the emptying hatch 16 into the release position when the waste collection container 12 is inserted into the receiving housing 27.

[0107] Thus, the cleaning system 1 is configured such that, when the waste collection container 12 is inserted into the receiving housing 27, the emptying hatch 16 is automatically moved into the release position via the cooperation between the stop member 33 and the actuating member 21.

[0108] The cleaning system 1 could for example comprise a sealing device, such as a seal fixed to the emptying receptacle 26, configured to be interposed between the waste collection container 12 and the emptying receptacle 26 and to seal an upper part of the receiving housing 27 when the waste collection container 12 is received in the emptying receptacle 26. The presence of such a sealing device would make it possible to ensure suction of the waste contained in the waste collection container by generating a vacuum in the receiving housing 27 via the suction device 32.

[0109] In the absence of such a sealing device, the docking station 3 may be provided, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, with a connecting device 34 configured to fluidly connect the emptying opening 17 of the waste collection container 12 to the collection device 31 when the waste collection container 12 is arranged in the receiving housing 27.

[0110] The connecting device 34 more particularly comprises a suction duct 35 configured to be fluidically connected to the collection device 31, a fluidic tip 36 configured to protrude into the receiving housing 27 through a passage opening provided on a peripheral wall of the emptying receptacle 26, and a flexible conduit 37 fluidically connecting the suction conduit 35 to the fluidic tip 36. Advantageously, the fluidic tip 36 is arranged below the stop member 33, and is therefore located downstream of the stop member 33 relative to a direction of insertion of the waste collection container 12 into the receiving housing 27.

[0111] The fluidic tip 36 is movable between a passive position (see [Fig. 5]) in which the fluidic tip 36 projects into the receiving housing 27 by a first distance and is unable to be fluidly connected to the drain opening 17, and an active position (see [Fig. 6]) in which the fluidic tip 36 projects into the receiving housing 27 by a second distance, which is greater than the first distance, and is able to be fluidly connected to the drain opening 17.

[0112] The docking station 3 further comprises a movement mechanism 38 configured to move the fluidic nozzle 36 from the passive position to the active position upon insertion of the waste collection container 12 into the receiving housing 27, but more particularly after the emptying hatch 16 has been moved into the release position. The movement mechanism 38 is configured to be actuated by the waste collection container 12, and for example by a front end face of the waste collection container 12, upon insertion of the waste collection container 12 into the receiving housing 27.

[0113] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the displacement mechanism 38 includes an actuating arm 39 pivotally mounted about an arm pivot axis, extending transversely to the central longitudinal axis of the receiving housing 27, and between a first arm position and a second arm position. The actuating arm 39 is configured to be pivoted in a first pivoting direction and toward the second arm position upon insertion of the waste collection container 12 into the receiving housing 27, and to be pivoted in a second pivoting direction and toward the first arm position upon removal of the waste collection container 12 from the receiving housing 27.

[0114] The actuating arm 39 is more particularly configured to cooperate with the waste collection container 12 and to be moved by the waste collection container 12 into the second arm position upon insertion of the waste collection container 12 into the receiving housing 27, and is configured to be moved into the first arm position upon removal of the waste collection container 12 from the receiving housing 27.

[0115] The displacement mechanism 38 is configured such that a displacement of the actuating arm 39 from the first arm position to the second arm position causes the fluid tip 36 to move from the passive position to the active position, and vice versa. For this purpose, the actuating arm 39 comprises a first end portion 39.1 configured to project from the bottom wall of the receiving housing 27 and adapted to be actuated by the waste collection container 12 upon insertion of the waste collection container 12 into the receiving housing 27, and a second end portion 39.2 fixed to the fluid tip.

[0116] The flexible conduit 37, due to its elasticity, may for example be configured to move the fluidic tip 36 into the passive position, and therefore move the actuating arm 39 into the first arm position, when removing the waste collection container 12 from the receiving housing 27. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the movement mechanism 38 could comprise a return element, such as a return spring, configured to return the actuating arm 39 into the first arm position.

[0117] An emptying operation of the waste collection container 12 is described below.

[0118] When a user wishes to empty the contents of the waste collection container 12, he inserts a front portion of the latter into the receiving housing 27 via the upper insertion opening 28 and moves the main body 4 in a direction of movement which is substantially vertical. During a first part of such a movement, the actuating member 21 abuts against the stop member 33 and then moves the emptying hatch 16 into the release position against the restoring force exerted by the biasing member 19. During a second part of such a movement, the front end face of the waste collection container 12 cooperates with the first end portion 39.1 of the actuating arm 39, which causes the fluidic nozzle 36 to move into the active position.

[0119] Advantageously, the docking station 3 may be provided with a detection device 41 configured to detect the presence of the waste collection container 12 in the receiving housing 27, and with an electronic control unit 42 configured to control the operation of the docking station 3, and in particular to control the activation of the suction device 32 when the detection device has detected the presence of the waste collection container 12 in the receiving housing 27.

[0120] Thus, when the waste collection container 12 is housed in the receiving housing 27, the suction device 32 is automatically activated, which causes suction of the waste contained in the waste collection container 12 and conveyance of the sucked waste to the collection device 31 where it is collected.

[0121] When the waste suction cycle is finished (the docking station 3 can for example be provided with a user interface capable of warning the user that this cycle suction is finished), the user removes the waste collection container 12 from the receiving housing 27, which causes disengagement of the actuating member 21 and the stop member 33 and therefore automatic sliding of the emptying hatch 16 into the closed position.

[0122] Thus, the cleaning system 1 according to the present invention ensures automatic and easy emptying of the waste collection container 12 without manipulation of the emptying hatch 16 by the user and without risk of soiling the user and his environment.

[0123] Advantageously, the docking station 3 can further be configured to recharge the rechargeable battery 22 of the vacuum cleaner 2 when the latter is received by the docking station 3, and more particularly when the waste collection container 12 is received in the receiving housing 27. Such a configuration of the cleaning system 1 according to the present invention makes it possible to empty the waste collection container 12 and to recharge the rechargeable battery 22 when the vacuum cleaner 2 is received in the docking station 3.

[0124] For this purpose, the vacuum cleaner 2 may for example comprise a first electrical connector provided with a pair of first electrical contacts located in a front part of the main body 4 of the vacuum cleaner 2 and connected, for example by electrical connection wires extending through the main body 4 and the gripping handle 6, to the rechargeable battery 22, and the docking station 3 may for example comprise a second electrical connector provided with a pair of second electrical contacts located in the receiving housing 27 and configured to electrically cooperate with the first electrical contacts provided on the vacuum cleaner 2 when the waste collection container 12 is housed in the receiving housing 27.

[0125] The docking station 3 further comprises a power supply unit, also called a mains adapter, configured to be electrically connected to an electrical power outlet, such as a mains socket and in particular a wall socket, and to electrically power the docking station 3, and for example the second electrical connector.

[0126] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated which has been given only as an example. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Vacuum cleaner (2) comprising: - a main body (4) comprising a suction nozzle (5), - a gripping handle (6) mechanically connected to the main body (4), - a waste separation and collection device (11) fluidly connected to the suction nozzle (5), the waste separation and collection device (11) comprising a waste collection container (12) provided with a drain opening (17), and a drain hatch (16) movably mounted on the waste collection container (12) between a closed position in which the drain hatch (16) closes the drain opening (17) and a release position in which the drain hatch (16) releases the drain opening (17), and - a suction motor (20) housed in the main body (4) and configured to generate an air flow through the suction nozzle (5) and the separation device and waste collection (11),characterized in that the drain opening (17) is located on a peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12), and in that the drain hatch (16) is slidably mounted on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12) in a sliding direction (Dl) which is substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis (B) of the waste collection container (12).,

2. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 1, wherein the waste collection container (12) comprises two guide rails (18) provided on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12) and located on either side of the emptying opening (17), the two guide rails (18) being configured to slideably guide the emptying hatch (16) in the sliding direction (D1).

3. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the waste separation and collection device (11) comprises a biasing member (19) configured to bias the emptying hatch (16) towards the closed position.

4. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the emptying hatch (16) is substantially diametrically opposite the suction nozzle (5) relative to the central longitudinal axis (B) of the waste collection container (12).

5. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which vacuum cleaner (2) is a stick vacuum cleaner.

6. A cleaning system (1) comprising a vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and a docking station (3) configured to accommodate the vacuum cleaner (2).

7. Cleaning system (1) according to claim 6, wherein the docking station (3) comprises a stop member (33) and the vacuum cleaner (2) comprises an actuating member (21) integral in movement with the emptying hatch (16), the actuating member (21) being configured to come into abutment against the stop member (33) and to move the emptying hatch (16) into the release position when the vacuum cleaner (2) is received in the docking station (3).

8. Cleaning system (1) according to claim 7, wherein the actuating member (21) and the drain hatch (16) are made in one piece.

9. Cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the docking station (3) comprises a drain receptacle (26) delimiting a receiving housing (27) configured to at least partially house the waste collection container (12).

10. Cleaning system (1) according to claims 7 and 9, wherein the stop member (33) is located in the receiving housing (27).

11. A cleaning system (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the waste collection container (12) is configured to be inserted into and removed from the receiving housing (27) in a direction of movement (D2) which is substantially parallel to the sliding direction (D1).

12. A cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the emptying receptacle (26) comprises an upper peripheral edge defining an upper insertion opening (28) through which the waste collection container (12) is adapted to be inserted into the receiving housing (27), the upper insertion opening (28) being configured to face upwards when the docking station (3) rests on a horizontal surface.

13. Cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the docking station (3) comprises: - a collection device (31) fluidly connected to the emptying receptacle (26) and configured to collect waste, coming from the waste collection container (12), when the waste collection container (12) is received in the receiving housing (27), and - a suction device (32) configured to suck up waste, coming from the waste collection container (12), and to convey said sucked up waste into the collection device (31).

14. A cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 13, wherein the docking station (3) is configured to recharge a rechargeable battery of the vacuum cleaner (2) when the vacuum cleaner (2) is docked by the docking station (3).

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