Cleaning system comprising a vacuum cleaner and a docking station capable of collecting waste from the vacuum cleaner

Abstract

The cleaning system comprises a vacuum cleaner (2) comprising a waste collection container (12); a docking station comprising a drain receptacle (25) configured to house the waste collection container (12) and comprising first and second half-shells (27, 28) mounted movably relative to each other between an open position and a closed position. The docking station comprises a first sealing device (34) attached to the first half-shell (27) and a second sealing device (35) attached to the second half-shell (28), the first and second sealing devices (34, 35) being configured to cooperate in a sealing manner with the waste collection container (12) when the first and second half-shells (27, 28) occupy the closed position. Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Cleaning system comprising a vacuum cleaner and a docking station capable of collecting waste from the 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 tip, • 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 central longitudinal axis and a front emptying opening, and a front emptying hatch pivotally mounted on the waste collection container about a pivoting axis and between a closing 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, and • a suction motor housed in the main body, the suction motor being configured to generate an airflow through the suction nozzle and the waste separation and collection device, and

[0004] - a docking station configured to accommodate the vacuum cleaner, the docking station including: • a drainage receptacle delimiting a receiving housing configured to house at least part of the waste collection container and into which the waste contained in the waste collection container can be emptied, • a collection device fluidly connected to the waste receptacle and configured to collect waste, from the waste collection container, when the waste collection container is received in the receiving housing, and • a suction device configured to generate a vacuum in the receiving housing and to convey waste, coming from the container of waste collection, in the collection device.

[0005] In order to prevent the penetration of an air flow, coming from outside the docking station, into the emptying container during an emptying operation, and therefore to ensure effective suction of the waste towards the collection device of the docking station, it could be envisaged to equip the docking station with a sealing device configured to be interposed between the waste collection container and the emptying receptacle.

[0006] However, the presence of such a sealing device would be likely to generate friction when inserting the waste collection container into the emptying receptacle, and therefore make said insertion less easy. In addition, repeated friction between such a sealing device and the waste collection container would be likely to harm the integrity of the sealing device and therefore harm the effectiveness of the docking station. 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 cleaning system which is of simple, reliable and ergonomic structure, while ensuring efficient transfer of the waste contained in a vacuum cleaner of said cleaning system to a docking station of said cleaning system when the vacuum cleaner is received in the docking station.

[0009] To this end, the present invention relates to a cleaning system comprising:

[0010] - a vacuum cleaner comprising: • a main body comprising a suction tip, • a gripping handle mechanically connected to the main body, and • a waste separation and collection device fluidically connected to the suction nozzle, the waste separation and collection device comprising a waste collection container provided with a central longitudinal axis and a drain opening, and a drain member configured to occupy a closing configuration in which the drain member closes the drain opening and a release configuration in which the drain member releases the drain opening, and

[0011] - a docking station configured to accommodate the vacuum cleaner, the docking station comprising a drain receptacle configured to at least partially accommodate the waste collection container when the vacuum cleaner is docked by the docking station.

[0012] The drain receptacle comprises a first half-shell and a second half-shell mounted to move relative to each other between an open position in in which the first and second half-shells are disjointed and the waste collection container is capable of being inserted into the emptying receptacle and a closed position in which the first and second half-shells are joined and closed on each other so as to form a receiving housing having a central longitudinal axis and configured to at least partially house the waste collection container, and the docking station comprises a first sealing device fixed to the first half-shell and a second sealing device fixed to the second half-shell, the first and second sealing devices being configured to cooperate in a sealed manner with the waste collection container, and for example to come to bear, that is to say exert a bearing force, against the waste collection container, when the first and second half-shells occupy the closed position.

[0013] Such a configuration of the emptying receptacle, and in particular the fact that it comprises first and second half-shells movable between an open position and a closed position, makes it possible, on the one hand, when inserting the waste collection container into the emptying receptacle, to considerably limit the risks of friction between the waste collection container and the first and second half-shells which are then in the open position, and on the other hand, when the waste collection container is housed in the receiving housing, to ensure optimal cooperation between the waste collection container and the first and second sealing devices (because the first and second half-shells are then in the closed position).

[0014] Thus, the specific configuration of the cleaning system according to the present invention ensures easy insertion of the waste collection container into the emptying receptacle, and provides increased reliability and efficiency to the cleaning system according to the present invention.

[0015] The cleaning system may further have one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second half-shells are configured to be joined along a joining plane which is substantially vertical when the docking station rests on a horizontal surface and the first and second half-shells occupy the closed position.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second half-shells comprises two longitudinal edges, the longitudinal edges of the first and second half-shells being joined two by two when the first and second half-shells occupy the closed position.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the emptying receptacle has a generally tubular shape when the first and second half-shells occupy the closed position.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the emptying receptacle has a cross-section which is substantially circular when the first and second half-shells occupy the closed position.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second half-shells has a substantially semi-cylindrical shape.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the emptying receptacle comprises an upper insertion opening through which the waste collection container is adapted to be inserted into the emptying receptacle, the upper insertion opening being configured to face upwards when the docking station rests on a horizontal surface.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste collection container is configured to be inserted into and removed from the emptying receptacle from above the docking station, and for example in a direction of movement which is substantially vertical when the docking station is resting on a horizontal surface.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal axis of the receiving housing is configured to extend substantially vertically when the docking station rests on a horizontal surface.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first sealing device is configured to extend at least partly around a portion of the periphery of a peripheral wall of the waste collection container when the waste collection container is received in the receiving housing, and the second sealing device is configured to extend at least partly around a portion of the periphery of the peripheral wall of the waste collection container when the waste collection container is received in the receiving housing.Such a configuration of the first and second sealing devices makes it possible to position at least a portion of the first and second sealing devices at a distance from the front face of the waste collection container, and therefore to be able to use, for example, a large front emptying hatch, which ensures optimal and rapid emptying of the waste collection container during an emptying operation thereof.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first half-shell comprises a first notch opening into an upper edge and into a longitudinal edge of the first half-shell, and the second half-shell comprises a second notch opening into an upper edge and into a longitudinal edge of the second half-shell, the first notch and the second notch being configured to define a main notch when the first half-shell and the second half-shell occupy the closed position, the main notch being configured to partially house the waste collection container when the waste collection container is received in the receiving housing. The presence of such a main notch makes it possible to arrange the waste collection container as close as possible to the main body of the vacuum cleaner (the presence of a space between the waste collection container and the main body of the vacuum cleaner, for receiving the upper peripheral edge of the emptying receptacle, is not in particular required). Thus, such a configuration of the emptying receptacle makes it possible to make the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention more compact.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first sealing device extends partly along a portion of the contour of the first notch, and the second sealing device extends partly along a portion of the contour of the second notch.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first sealing device and the second sealing device are distinct from one another.

[0028] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first sealing device and the second sealing device are formed by the same seal.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the portion of the first sealing device configured to extend around a portion of the periphery of the peripheral wall of the waste collection container has a generally arcuate shape, and the portion of the second sealing device configured to extend around a portion of the periphery of the peripheral wall of the waste collection container has a generally arcuate shape.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second half-shells has a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axes of the first and second half-shells being inclined relative to each other and diverging upwards when the docking station rests on a horizontal surface and the first and second half-shells occupy the open position.

[0031] According to another embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second half-shells has a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axes of the first and second half-shells being substantially parallel and being spaced apart from each other when the first and second half-shells occupy the open position.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first half-shell and the second half-shell are articulated relative to each other along an articulation axis which extends substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the receiving housing.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the articulation axis extends close to and along two adjacent longitudinal edges belonging respectively to the first half-shell and to the second half-shell.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first half-shell is mounted articulated around a first articulation axis and the second half-shell is mounted articulated around a second articulation axis which is substantially parallel to the first articulation axis, the first and second articulation axes being configured to extend substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the receiving housing and on either side of a median longitudinal plane of the receiving housing.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two longitudinal edges of the first half-shell and the two longitudinal edges of the second half-shell are configured to diverge upwards when the first and second half-shells occupy the open position.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station comprises a movement mechanism disposed at least partly in the emptying receptacle and configured to be actuated by the waste collection container and to automatically move the first and second half-shells from the open position to the closed position upon insertion of the waste collection container into the emptying receptacle.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the movement mechanism comprises:

[0038] - at least one actuating member mounted movably in the drain receptacle between a rest position and an actuated position and configured to be moved by the waste collection container from the rest position to the actuated position upon insertion of the waste collection container into the emptying receptacle, and

[0039] - a motion transformation mechanism configured to transform a movement of the at least one actuating member from the rest position to the actuating position in a movement of the first and second half-shells from the open position to the closed position.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating member is pivotally mounted relative to a fixed part of the emptying receptacle around a pivot axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiving housing.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating member is circular and extends substantially coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the receiving housing.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis of the actuating member extends substantially diametrically relative to the actuating member.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the movement transformation mechanism comprises:

[0044] - a first drive part fixed to the first half-shell, and for example to an internal face of the first half-shell, and provided with a first guide path, for example formed by an oblong hole, a guide slot or even a guide groove extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the receiving housing,

[0045] - a second drive part fixed to the second half-shell, and by example to an internal face of the second half-shell, and provided with a second guide path, for example formed by an oblong hole, a guide slot or even a guide groove extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the receiving housing, and

[0046] - first and second actuating fingers which are integral in movement of the actuating member and which are respectively housed in the first and second guide paths.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the movement mechanism comprises a return member configured to return the at least one actuating member to the rest position, or to return the first and second half-shells to the open position.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the emptying member is pivotally mounted on the waste collection container around a pivot axis and between the closure configuration and the release configuration.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis of the emptying member extends transversely to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis of the emptying member is substantially diametrically opposite the suction nozzle relative to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container. In other words, the pivot axis of the emptying member is located in an upper part of the waste collection container.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the emptying opening is located at a front end of the waste collection container, and therefore forms a front emptying opening.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the draining member is a front draining hatch.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises 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.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station comprises a collection device fluidically connected to the emptying receptacle and configured to collect waste, from the waste collection container, when the waste collection container is received in the receiving accommodation.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the collection device comprises a dust bag.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station comprises a suction device configured to generate a vacuum in the receiving housing and to convey waste, coming from the waste collection container, into the collection device.

[0057] 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.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner is a stick vacuum cleaner.

[0059] According to another embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner is a portable vacuum cleaner, also called a hand-held vacuum cleaner. Brief description of the figures

[0060] 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.

[0061] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a cleaning system according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0062] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner belonging to the system of cleaning of the [Fig.l];

[0063] [Fig.3] is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a docking station ap belonging to the cleaning system of [Fig.l];

[0064] [Fig.4] is a partial perspective view from above of the vacuum cleaner of [Fig.2] in being inserted into a drain receptacle belonging to the docking station of [Fig.3];

[0065] [Fig.5] is a perspective view from above of the drain receptacle of [Fig.4], showing first and second half-shells of the drain container in an open position;

[0066] [Fig.6] is a top view of the drain receptacle of [Fig.4], showing the first and second half-shells in an open position;

[0067] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of the drain receptacle of [Fig.4], showing the first and second half-shells in a closed position;

[0068] [Fig.8] is a top view of the drain receptacle of [Fig.4], showing the first and second half-shells in the closed position;

[0069] [Fig.9] is a rear view of the drain receptacle of [Fig.4], showing the first and second half-shells in the open position;

[0070] [Fig. 10] is a partial perspective view from above of a cleaning system according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0071] [Fig. 11] is a partial perspective view of a vacuum cleaner of the cleaning system of [Fig. 10] being inserted into a drain receptacle belonging to a docking station of said cleaning system;

[0072] [Fig. 12] is a partial perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of [Fig. 11] inserted into the drain receptacle of [Fig. 11], showing first and second half-shells of said drain receptacle in a closed position;

[0073] [Fig. 13] is a top view of the drain receptacle of [Fig.4], showing the first and second half-shells in an open position. Detailed description

[0074] 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.

[0075] In this document, the term "peripheral wall" of the waste collection container means the wall of the waste collection container which extends around the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0076] In this document, the term "median longitudinal plane" means a vertical plane which is parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container and which divides the main body into two substantially equal parts, left and right.

[0077] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term “substantially” means, in this document, “exactly or to within 10% or 10°”.

[0078] Figures 1 to 9 represent a cleaning system 1, according to a first embodiment of the invention, comprising a vacuum cleaner 2, and more particularly a stick vacuum cleaner, and a docking station 3 configured to accommodate the vacuum cleaner 2.

[0079] 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 (not shown in the figures) fluidically connected to the suction nozzle 5 and intended to rest on the floor.

[0080] In a known manner, the suction head comprises a sole provided with a lower face configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned and a suction mouth opening into the lower face of the sole and through which air exterior can be sucked up by the vacuum cleaner 2. The suction head can be directly attached to the suction nozzle 5 or be attached to the latter by means of a suction accessory (not shown in the figures), such as a suction tube.

[0081] Advantageously, the gripping handle 6 has a median longitudinal axis 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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:

[0084] - a waste collection container 12 comprising a peripheral wall of shape globally tubular,

[0085] - 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

[0086] - 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.

[0087] The waste collection container 12 further comprises an air intake opening which is fluidically connected to the suction nozzle 5 and which opens into the cyclone separation chamber.

[0088] The waste separation and collection device 11 also comprises a draining member 16, such as a front drain hatch, configured to occupy a closing configuration (see [Fig. 2]) in which the draining member 16 closes a drain opening 17 provided on the waste collection container 12, such as a front drain opening provided at a front end of the waste collection container 12, and a releasing configuration (see [Fig. 3]) in which the draining member 16 releases the drain opening 17.

[0089] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the emptying member 16 is pivotally mounted on the waste collection container 12, and more particularly on an upper part of the waste collection container 12, around a pivot axis C and between the closure configuration and the release configuration.

[0090] The pivot axis C of the emptying member 16 extends transversely to the central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12, and is located near a front end of the waste collection container 12. Advantageously, the pivot axis C is substantially diametrically opposite the suction nozzle 5 relative to the central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12.

[0091] The waste separation and collection device 11 further comprises a biasing member 18 (see [Fig.2]), such as a biasing spring and in particular a leaf spring or a torsion spring, configured to bias the emptying member 16 towards the closing configuration.

[0092] As shown in [Fig.2], the vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a suction motor 19 which has a motor shaft and which is housed in the main body 4. The suction motor 19 is configured to generate an air flow through the suction head, the suction nozzle 5 and the waste separation and collection device 11. The suction motor 19 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 19 is located at the rear of the median longitudinal axis of the gripping handle 6.

[0094] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12 is parallel to the motor axis of the suction motor 19, and may for example be substantially coincident with the motor axis, and the median longitudinal axis of the gripping handle 6 is inclined relative to the motor axis.

[0095] The vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a rechargeable battery 21 configured to electrically power the vacuum cleaner 2, and in particular the suction motor 19. The rechargeable battery 21, also called a battery pack, comprises several battery cells.

[0096] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the gripping handle 6 is arranged between the rechargeable battery 21 and the main body 4. The rechargeable battery 21 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 22 which extends substantially parallel to the gripping handle 6 and between the battery housing and the main body 4.

[0097] 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.

[0098] As shown in [Fig.l], the docking station 3 comprises in particular a base 23 comprising a base body 24 configured to rest on the ground, and a drain receptacle 25 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 are more particularly suitable for being emptied into the emptying receptacle 25.

[0099] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the emptying receptacle 25 comprises an upper insertion opening 26 through which the waste collection container 12 is adapted to be inserted into the emptying receptacle 25. Advantageously, the upper insertion opening 26 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 emptying receptacle 25 from above the docking station 3, and in a direction of movement which is substantially vertical when the docking station 3 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0100] As shown in [Fig. 4] to 6, the emptying receptacle 25 comprises a first half-shell 27 and a second half-shell 28 mounted to move relative to each other between an open position (see FIGS. 4 to 6) in which the first and second half-shells 28 are disjointed and the waste collection container 12 is capable of being inserted into the emptying receptacle 25, and a closed position (see FIGS. 1, 7 and 8) in which the first and second half-shells 28 are joined and closed on each other so as to form a receiving housing 29 which is open upwards, which has a central longitudinal axis and which is configured to at least partially house the waste collection container 12.

[0101] Advantageously, the longitudinal axis of the receiving housing 29 is configured to extend substantially vertically when the docking station 3 rests on a horizontal surface, and the emptying receptacle 25 has a generally tubular shape, with a circular cross-section, when the first and second half-shells 27, 28 occupy the closed position.

[0102] The first and second half-shells 27, 28 are more particularly configured to be joined along a joining plane which is substantially vertical when the docking station 3 rests on a horizontal surface and the first and second half-shells 27, 28 occupy the closed position.

[0103] As shown in [Fig.5], each of the first and second half-shells 27, 28 has a longitudinal axis and has a substantially semi-cylindrical shape. Advantageously, the longitudinal edges of the first and second half-shells 27, 28 are joined two by two when the first and second half-shells 27, 28 occupy the closed position.

[0104] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the first half-shell 27 and the second half-shell 28 are articulated relative to each other along an articulation axis D (see [Fig.6]) which extends substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the receiving housing 29. Advantageously, the axis of articulation D extends near and along two adjacent longitudinal edges belonging respectively to the first half-shell 27 and to the second half-shell 28.

[0105] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the longitudinal axes of the first and second half-shells 27, 28 are parallel and are spaced from each other when the first and second half-shells 27, 28 occupy the open position, and are substantially coincident when the first and second half-shells 27, 28 occupy the closed position.

[0106] As shown in particular in [Fig. 5], the first half-shell 27 comprises a first notch 31 opening into an upper edge and into a longitudinal edge of the first half-shell 27, and the second half-shell 28 comprises a second notch 32 opening into an upper edge and into a longitudinal edge of the second half-shell 28. The first notch 31 and the second notch 32 are configured to define a main notch 33, formed on a peripheral wall of the emptying receptacle 25, when the first half-shell 27 and the second half-shell 28 occupy the closed position. The main notch 33 is more particularly configured to partially house the waste collection container 12 when the waste collection container 12 is received in the receiving housing 29.

[0107] The docking station 3 further comprises a first sealing device 34 fixed to the first half-shell 27 and a second sealing device 35 fixed to the second half-shell 28, the first and second sealing devices 34, 35 being configured to cooperate in a sealed manner with the waste collection container 12 when the waste collection container 12 is received in the emptying receptacle 25 and the first and second half-shells 27, 28 occupy the closed position. The first and second sealing devices 34, 35 are more particularly configured to extend partly between the peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12 and an internal peripheral surface of the emptying receptacle 25.

[0108] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the first sealing device 34 is configured to extend partly around a portion of the periphery of a peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12 when the waste collection container 12 is received in the receiving housing 29, and extends partly along a portion of the contour of the first notch 31. Similarly, the second sealing device 35 is configured to extend partly around a portion of the periphery of the peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12 when the waste collection container 12 is received in the receiving housing 29, and extends partly along a portion of the contour of the second notch 32.

[0109] As shown in particular in [Fig.5], the portion of the first sealing device 34, which extends partly along a portion of the contour of the first notch 31, extends more particularly along a lateral edge of the first notch 31 and along the lower edge of the first notch 31. Similarly, the portion of the second sealing device 35, which extends partly along a portion of the contour of the second notch 32, extends more particularly along a lateral edge of the second notch 32 and along the lower edge of the second notch 32.

[0110] Advantageously, the portion 34.1 of the first sealing device 34, which is configured to extend around a portion of the periphery of the peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12, has a generally arcuate shape, and the portion 35.1 of the second sealing device 35, which is configured to extend around a portion of the periphery of the peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12, also has a generally arcuate shape.

[0111] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the first sealing device 34 and the second sealing device 35 are formed by the same seal.

[0112] The docking station 3 also comprises a movement mechanism 36 disposed at least partly in the emptying receptacle 25 and configured to be actuated by the waste collection container 12 and to automatically move the first and second half-shells 27, 28 from the open position to the closed position upon insertion of the waste collection container 12 into the emptying receptacle 25.

[0113] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the displacement mechanism 36 comprises:

[0114] - an actuating member 37 mounted movably in the drain receptacle 25 between a rest position and an actuated position and configured to be moved by the waste collection container 12 from the rest position to the actuated position upon insertion of the waste collection container 12 into the emptying receptacle 25, and

[0115] - a motion transformation mechanism 38 configured to transform a movement of the actuating member 37 from the rest position to the actuating position in a movement of the first and second half-shells 27, 28 from the open position to the closed position.

[0116] As shown in [Fig. 5], the actuating member 37 is circular and extends substantially coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the receiving housing 29. The actuating member 37 is more particularly pivotally mounted relative to a fixed part of the emptying receptacle 25 around a pivot axis E extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiving housing 29. Advantageously, the pivot axis E of the actuating member 37 extends diametrically relative to the actuating member 37, and is configured to extend substantially horizontally. horizontally when the docking station 3 is resting on a horizontal surface.

[0117] As shown in [Fig.4], when the actuating member 37 occupies the rest position, the portion of the actuating member 37 which is located opposite the articulation axis D is raised relative to the portion of the actuating member 37 which is located on the side of the articulation axis D, and when the actuating member 37 occupies the actuating position, the actuating member 37 extends substantially horizontally.

[0118] According to an embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, the movement transformation mechanism 38 comprises:

[0119] - a first drive part 39 fixed to the first half-shell 27, and by example to an internal face of the first half-shell 27, and provided with a first guide path 41, for example formed by an oblong hole, a guide slot or even a guide groove extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the receiving housing 29,

[0120] - a second drive part 42 fixed to the second half-shell 28, and by example to an internal face of the second half-shell 28, and provided with a second guide path 43, for example formed by an oblong hole, a guide slot or even a guide groove extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the receiving housing 29, and

[0121] - first and second actuating fingers 44, 45 which are integral in movement of the actuating member 37 and which are respectively housed in the first and second guide paths 41, 43.

[0122] The first and second actuating fingers 44, 45 are more particularly configured to slide in the guide paths 41, 43 when the actuating member 37 is moved between the rest position and the actuating position.

[0123] The displacement mechanism 36 also comprises a return member (not shown in the figures) configured to return the actuating member 37 to the rest position, or to return the first and second half-shells 27, 28 to the open position.

[0124] The docking station 3 also comprises a collection device 46 fluidly connected to the emptying receptacle 25, for example via a connecting tube, and configured to collect waste, coming from the waste collection container 12, when the waste collection container 12 is received in the receiving housing 29. According to one embodiment of the invention, the collection device 46 comprises a dust bag removably arranged in a receiving compartment delimited by the base body 24.

[0125] The docking station 3 further comprises a suction device 47 configured to generate a vacuum in the receiving housing 29, and more particularly to to suck up waste from the waste collection container 12 and to convey the sucked up waste into the collection device 46. The suction device 47 comprises, for example, a motor-fan arranged in the base body 24.

[0126] An operation of emptying the waste collection container 12 is described below.

[0127] When a user wishes to empty the contents of the waste collection container 12, he inserts a front portion of the latter into the emptying receptacle 25 via the upper insertion opening 26 and moves the main body 4 in a direction of movement which is substantially vertical. During such a movement, the waste collection container 12 moves the actuating member 37 from the rest position to the actuating position, which causes the first and second actuating fingers 44, 45 to slide respectively in first and second guide paths 41, 43 and therefore the first and second half-shells 27, 28 to pivot from the open position to the closed position. Such a pivoting of the first and second half-shells 27, 28 then ensures a sealed cooperation between the first and second sealing devices 34, 35 and the waste collection container 12.

[0128] Advantageously, the docking station 3 may be provided with a detection device configured to detect the presence of the waste collection container 12 in the receiving housing 29 (and in particular the fact that the first and second half-shells 27, 28 occupy the closed position), and with an electronic control unit configured to control the operation of the docking station 3, and in particular to control the activation of the suction device 47 when the detection device has detected the presence of the waste collection container 12 in the receiving housing 29.

[0129] Thus, when the waste collection container 12 is housed in the receiving housing 29, the suction device 47 is automatically activated, which generates a vacuum in the receiving housing 29, an automatic movement of the emptying member 16 into the release configuration, a suction of the waste contained in the waste collection container 12 and a conveyance of the sucked waste to the collection device 46 where it is collected. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the cleaning system 1 could be configured to automatically move the emptying member 16 into the release configuration when the waste collection container 12 is inserted into the emptying receptacle 25.

[0130] 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 member 16 by the user and without risk of soiling the user and his environment.

[0131] When the user removes the waste collection container from the receptacle of drain 25, the first and second half-shells 27, 28 and the actuating member 37 are automatically returned respectively to the open position and to the rest position due to the return force exerted by the return member on the first and second half-shells 27, 28 or on the actuating member 37.

[0132] Advantageously, the docking station 3 is further configured to recharge the rechargeable battery 21 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 29. 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 21 when the vacuum cleaner 2 is received in the docking station 3.

[0133] 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 21, and the docking station 3 may for example comprise a second electrical connector provided with a pair of second electrical contacts located in the emptying receptacle 25 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 29.

[0134] 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.

[0135] Figures 10 to 13 represent a cleaning system 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the first half-shell 27 is mounted articulated around a first articulation axis F and the second half-shell 28 is mounted articulated around a second articulation axis G which is parallel to the first articulation axis F, the first and second articulation axes F, G being configured to extend substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the receiving housing 29 and being located on either side of a median longitudinal plane of the receiving housing 29.

[0136] Due to such a configuration of the first and second half-shells 27, 28, the longitudinal axes of the first and second half-shells 27, 28 are inclined relative to each other and diverge upwards when the docking station 3 rests on a horizontal surface and the first and second half-shells 27, 28 occupy the open position. In other words, the two longitudinal edges of the first half-shell 27 and the two longitudinal edges of the second half-shell 28 are configured to diverge upwards when the first and second half-shells 27, 28 occupy the open position.

[0137] According to the second embodiment of the invention, the movement mechanism 36 comprises:

[0138] - a first drive part 48 which is integral in movement with the first half-shell 27 and which is located opposite the first half-shell 27 with respect to the first pivot axis F, and a second drive part 49 which is integral in movement with the second half-shell 28 and which is located opposite the second half-shell 28 with respect to the second pivot axis G, and

[0139] - a first actuating member 51 and a second actuating member 52 which extend partly into the drain receptacle 25 and which project outside the drain receptacle 25 via first and second passage openings provided on a fixed part of the drain repeatable, the first and second actuating members 51, 52 being configured to cooperate respectively with the first and second drive parts 48, 49 and being mounted movably between a rest configuration in which the first and second half-shells 27, 28 occupy the open position and an actuating configuration in which the first and second half-shells 27, 28 occupy the closed position.

[0140] The first and second actuating members 51, 52 are more particularly configured to be moved by the waste collection container 12 from the rest configuration to the actuating configuration when the waste collection container 12 is inserted into the emptying receptacle 25, and to move the first and second half-shells 27, 28 from the open position to the closed position when the first and second actuating members 51, 52 are moved from the rest configuration to the actuating configuration (for example by exerting thrust forces respectively against the first and second drive parts 48, 49).

[0141] According to such an embodiment of the invention, the first and second drive parts 48, 49 thus form a motion transformation mechanism equivalent to the motion transformation mechanism 38 according to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0142] It should be noted that, according to the second embodiment of the invention, the first sealing device 34 and the second sealing device 35 are distinct from each other.

[0143] 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. Cleaning system (1) comprising: - a vacuum cleaner (2) comprising: • a main body (4) comprising a suction tip (5), • a gripping handle (6) mechanically connected to the main body (4), and • 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 central longitudinal axis and a drain opening (17), and a drain member (16) configured to occupy a closing configuration in which the drain member (16) closes the drain opening (17) and a release configuration in which the drain member (16) releases the drain opening (17), and - a docking station (3) configured to accommodate the vacuum cleaner (2), the docking station (3) comprising a drain receptacle (25) configured to at least partially accommodate the waste collection container (12) when the vacuum cleaner (2) is accommodated by the docking station (3), characterized in that the emptying receptacle (25) comprises a first half-shell (27) and a second half-shell (28) mounted to move relative to each other between an open position in which the first and second half-shells (28) are disjointed and the waste collection container (12) is capable of being inserted into the emptying receptacle (25) and a closed position in which the first and second half-shells (28) are joined and closed on each other so as to form a receiving housing (29) having a central longitudinal axis and configured to at least partially house the waste collection container (12), and in that the docking station (3) comprises a first sealing device (34) fixed to the first half-shell (27) and a second sealing device (35) fixed to the second half-shell (28), the first and second sealing devices (34, 35) being configured to cooperate in a watertight manner with the waste collection container (12) when the first and second half-shells (27, 28) occupy the closed position.

2. Cleaning system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the emptying receptacle (25) has a generally tubular shape when the first and second half-shells (27, 28) occupy the closed position.

3. A cleaning system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the emptying receptacle (25) has an upper insertion opening (26) through which the waste collection container (12) is adapted to be inserted into the emptying receptacle (25), the upper insertion opening (26) being configured to face upwards when the docking station (3) rests on a horizontal surface.

4. A cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first sealing device (34) is configured to extend at least partially around a portion of the periphery of a peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12) when the waste collection container (12) is received in the receiving housing (29), and the second sealing device (35) is configured to extend at least partially around a portion of the periphery of the peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12) when the waste collection container (12) is received in the receiving housing (29).

5. A cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first half-shell (27) comprises a first notch (31) opening into an upper edge and into a longitudinal edge of the first half-shell (27), and the second half-shell (28) comprises a second notch (32) opening into an upper edge and into a longitudinal edge of the second half-shell (28), the first notch (31) and the second notch (32) being configured to define a main notch (33) when the first half-shell (27) and the second half-shell (28) occupy the closed position, the main notch (33) being configured to partially house the waste collection container (12) when the waste collection container (12) is received in the receiving housing (29).

6. A cleaning system (1) according to claim 5, wherein the first sealing device (34) extends partly along a portion of the contour of the first notch (31), and the second sealing device (35) extends partly along a portion of the outline of the second notch (32).

7. A cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the first and second half-shells (27, 28) has a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axes of the first and second half-shells (27, 28) being inclined relative to each other and diverging upwards when the docking station (3) rests on a horizontal surface and the first and second half-shells (27, 28) occupy the open position.

8. A cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the first and second half-shells (27, 28) has a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axes of the first and second half-shells (27, 28) being substantially parallel and being spaced apart from each other when the first and second half-shells (27, 28) occupy the open position.

9. Cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first half-shell (27) and the second half-shell (28) are hinged relative to each other along a hinge axis (D) which extends substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the receiving housing (29).

10. A cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first half-shell (27) is mounted articulated about a first articulation axis and the second half-shell (28) is mounted articulated about a second articulation axis which is substantially parallel to the first articulation axis, the first and second articulation axes being configured to extend substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the receiving housing (29) and on either side of a median longitudinal plane of the receiving housing (29).

11. A cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the docking station (3) comprises a moving mechanism (36) disposed at least partly in the emptying receptacle (25) and configured to be actuated by the waste collection container (12) and to automatically move the first and second half-shells (27, 28) from the open position to the closed position upon insertion of the waste collection container (12) into the emptying receptacle (25).

12. A cleaning system (1) according to claim 11, wherein the moving mechanism (36) comprises: - at least one actuating member (37) movably mounted in the emptying receptacle (25) between a rest position and an actuating position and configured to be moved by the waste collection container (12) from the rest position to the actuating position upon insertion of the waste collection container (12) into the emptying receptacle (25), and - a movement transformation mechanism (38) configured to transform a movement of the at least one actuating member (37) from the rest position to the actuating position into a movement of the first and second half-shells (27, 28) from the open position to the closed position.

13. Cleaning system (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the displacement mechanism (36) comprises a return member configured to return the at least one actuating member (37) to the rest position.

14. A cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the docking station (3) comprises a collection device (46) fluidly connected to the emptying receptacle (25) and configured to collect waste, from the waste collection container (12), when the waste collection container (12) is received in the receiving housing (29).

15. Cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the waste separation and collection device (11) is of the cyclonic type.

16. A cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the docking station (3) is configured to recharge a rechargeable battery (21) of the vacuum cleaner (2) when the vacuum cleaner (2) is docked by the docking station (3).

17. A cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the vacuum cleaner (2) is a stick vacuum cleaner.

Images