Wall-mounted emptying station capable of accommodating a vacuum cleaner, and cleaning system comprising such a wall-mounted emptying station

Abstract

The wall-mounted emptying station (3) comprises a main housing (24) configured to be fixed to a wall; a connection interface (27) fixed to the main housing (24) and configured to support and hold in position a complementary connection interface belonging to the vacuum cleaner (2) when the vacuum cleaner (2) is accommodated by the wall-mounted emptying station (3); and a collection device (33) housed in the main housing (24) and configured to collect waste, coming from a waste collection container (12) belonging to the vacuum cleaner (2), when the vacuum cleaner (2) is accommodated by the wall-mounted emptying station (3). Figure 6

Description

Title of the invention: Wall-mounted emptying station capable of accommodating a vacuum cleaner, and cleaning system comprising such a wall-mounted emptying station 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, and a front emptying hatch pivotally mounted on the waste collection container about a pivot 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, • 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 dump station configured to accommodate the vacuum cleaner, the dump station including: • a base configured to rest on the ground, • a drainage receptacle delimiting a receiving housing configured to house at least part of the waste collection container, and • a collection device configured to collect waste contained in the waste collection container.

[0005] In order to ensure optimum stability of the emptying station, in particular when the vacuum cleaner is received by the emptying station, the emptying station is generally provided with a base or a support foot of large dimensions, which gives the emptying station a significant footprint.

[0006] Furthermore, in order to be able to store the vacuum cleaner in a substantially vertical storage position, including when the vacuum cleaner is provided with a suction tube and a suction head, also called a nozzle, the emptying station must necessarily have a relatively significant height, which significantly increases the mass and manufacturing costs 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 drain base which is of simple, economical and ergonomic structure.

[0009] To this end, the present invention relates to a wall-mounted emptying station configured to accommodate a vacuum cleaner, the wall-mounted emptying station comprising:

[0010] - a main housing configured to be fixed to a wall,

[0011] - a connection interface attached to the main housing and configured to support and hold in position an additional connection interface belonging to the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is received by the wall-mounted emptying station, and

[0012] - a collection device housed in the main housing and configured to collect waste, from a waste collection container belonging to the vacuum cleaner, when the vacuum cleaner is received by the wall-mounted emptying station.

[0013] Such a configuration of the main housing, and in particular the fact that it is configured to be fixed to a wall, makes it possible to significantly reduce the dimensions, and in particular the height, of the wall-mounted emptying station according to the invention, and therefore its manufacturing costs and its mass.

[0014] Furthermore, the floor space requirement of the wall-mounted emptying station according to the present invention is zero, due to the fact that its main housing is intended to be fixed to a wall.

[0015] The wall-mounted dump station may further have one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main housing and the connection interface are configured to position and support the vacuum cleaner in a storage position, and for example in a vertical storage position.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connection interface comprises a receiving location in which the complementary connection interface provided on the vacuum cleaner is intended to be removably mounted.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connection interface comprises two lateral guide slides configured to extend on either side of the complementary connection interface and to guide the complementary connection interface in translation during insertion or removal of the connection interface. additional connection in or out of the receiving location.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connection interface comprises a passage opening fluidly connected to the collection device, the passage opening being configured to be located opposite a drain opening provided on the vacuum cleaner when the complementary connection interface is received in the reception location.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving location is open upwards.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving location is configured such that the complementary connection interface is capable of being inserted into the receiving location according to an insertion movement which is directed from top to bottom, i.e. downwards. Such a configuration of the wall-mounted emptying station ensures easy and ergonomic reception of the vacuum cleaner in the wall-mounted emptying station.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connection interface is fixed to a side face of the main housing of the wall-mounted emptying station. These arrangements make it possible to significantly reduce the floor space requirement of a cleaning system equipped with the wall-mounted emptying station according to the present invention.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the invention, the connection interface, provided on the wall-mounted emptying station, is a receiving receptacle intended to house at least in part the waste collection container of a vacuum cleaner, the complementary connection interface being formed by said waste collection container, and for example by a front part of said waste collection container.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main housing comprises at least one fixing hole configured to be passed through by a fixing screw, so as to fix the main housing to the wall.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one fixing hole opens into a rear face of the main housing.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wall-mounted emptying station comprises a suction device configured to suck up waste, coming from the waste collection container belonging to the vacuum cleaner, and to convey said sucked up waste into the collection device.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main housing comprises a housing body delimiting a receiving compartment provided with an insertion opening through which the collection device is capable of being inserted into the receiving compartment, and a closing hood movable between a closing position in which the closing hood closes the insertion opening and an opening position in which the closing hood releases the insertion opening. advantageously, the closing hood is mounted movably, and for example is pivotally mounted, on a front face of the housing body.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction device is configured to generate a vacuum upstream of the drain hatch, and for example at the passage opening, and the drain hatch is configured to be automatically moved into the release configuration when the vacuum, generated by the suction device, is greater than a predetermined value.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wall-mounted emptying station is configured to recharge a rechargeable battery of the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is received by the wall-mounted emptying station.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the collection device comprises a dust bag.

[0031] The present invention further relates to a cleaning system comprising a wall-mounted emptying station according to the invention and a vacuum cleaner configured to be received by the wall-mounted emptying station, the vacuum cleaner comprising a complementary connection interface configured to cooperate with the connection interface belonging to the wall-mounted emptying station when the vacuum cleaner is received by the wall-mounted emptying station.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises:

[0033] - a main body comprising a suction tip,

[0034] - a gripping handle mechanically connected to the main body,

[0035] - a waste separation and collection device fluidly connected to the nozzle suction, the waste separation and collection device comprising a waste collection container having a central longitudinal axis and provided with a drain opening, and a drain hatch mounted on the waste collection container and configured to occupy a sealing configuration in which the drain hatch seals the drain opening and a releasing configuration in which the drain hatch releases the drain opening, and

[0036] - 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.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the complementary connection interface is configured to be inserted into and removed from the receiving location in a direction of movement which is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the direction of movement is substantially vertical when the emptying station rests on a horizontal surface.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drain opening opens into the additional connection interface.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the emptying hatch is configured to protrude through the passage opening when the vacuum cleaner is received by the emptying station and the emptying hatch occupies the release configuration.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drain opening is located on a peripheral wall of the waste collection container, and the drain hatch is mounted on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the complementary connection interface is fixed to a peripheral wall of the waste collection container.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the emptying hatch is movably mounted on the waste collection container between the closure configuration and the release configuration.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the emptying hatch is slidably mounted on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container in a sliding direction.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sliding direction is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0046] 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.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the emptying hatch is pivotally mounted on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container around a pivot axis.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis of the emptying hatch extends transversely to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0049] 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 closure configuration.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drain hatch is elastically deformable between the closure configuration and the release configuration.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device comprises a locking member, such as a locking finger, which is mounted on the waste collection container and which is movable between a locking position in which the locking member is capable of locking the emptying hatch in the closed configuration and an unlocking position in which the locking member is capable of locking the emptying hatch in the closed configuration. which the locking member is capable of releasing the drain hatch and allowing it to pivot towards the release configuration.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wall-mounted emptying station comprises a stop member, such as a stop finger, configured to cooperate with the locking member and to move the locking member into the unlocked position when the vacuum cleaner is received in the wall-mounted emptying station, and more particularly when inserting the complementary connection interface into the receiving location.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stop member and the second connection interface are made in a single piece. Advantageously, the stop member projects upwards from an upper edge of the second connection interface.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member is slidably mounted on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container in a direction of movement which is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device comprises a return member configured to return the locking member to the locking position.

[0056] 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.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device is of the cyclonic type.

[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 examples, several embodiments of this cleaning system.

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

[0062] [Fig.2] is a front view of the cleaning system of [Fig.l];

[0063] [Fig.3] is a side view of the cleaning system of [Fig.l];

[0064] [Fig.4] is a side perspective view of a vacuum cleaner belonging to the system of cleaning of the [Fig.l];

[0065] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of a wall-mounted dump station belonging to the cleaning system of [Fig.l];

[0066] [Fig.6] is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the cleaning system of the [Fig.l];

[0067] [Fig.7] is a partial perspective view of a cleaning system according to a second embodiment of the invention, showing the vacuum cleaner being placed in the wall-mounted emptying station;

[0068] [Fig.8] is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the cleaning system of the [Fig.7], showing the vacuum being installed in the wall-mounted emptying station;

[0069] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of the dumping station belonging to the system of cleaning of [Fig.7];

[0070] [Fig. 10] is a partial side view of the cleaning system of [Fig.7], showing the vacuum cleaner housed in the dump 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 wall-mounted emptying 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 (see [Fig.6]) 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 mounted on a peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12 and configured to occupy a closing configuration (see [Fig. 4]) 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 configuration (see [Fig. 6]) in which the drain hatch 16 releases the drain opening 17.

[0084] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, the emptying hatch 16 is diametrically opposite the suction nozzle 5 with respect to the central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12, and is pivotally mounted on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12 about a pivot axis C and between the closing configuration and the release configuration. Advantageously, the pivot axis C of the emptying hatch 16 extends transversely to the central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12, and is substantially diametrically opposite the suction nozzle 5 with respect to the central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12.

[0085] The waste separation and collection device 11 further comprises a member biasing spring 18, such as a compression spring or a leaf spring, configured to bias the drain hatch 16 toward the closing configuration.

[0086] As shown in [Fig.6], the vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a suction motor 19 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 19 more particularly comprises a fan and an electric motor configured to drive the fan in rotation.

[0087] 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 A of the gripping handle 6.

[0088] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, the central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12 is parallel to a motor axis of the suction motor 19, 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, 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 23 which extends substantially parallel to the gripping handle 6 and between the battery housing and the main body 4.

[0091] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the wall-mounted emptying 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.

[0092] The wall-mounted emptying station 3 comprises in particular a main housing 24 which is configured to be fixed to a wall. The main housing 24 comprises more particularly a housing body 25 provided with several fixing holes 26 configured to be traversed respectively by fixing screws, so as to fix the housing body 25 to the wall. Advantageously, each fixing hole 26 opens into a rear face of the housing body 25.

[0093] The wall-mounted emptying station 3 also comprises a connection interface 27 fixed to the main housing 24 and configured to support and hold in position a additional connection interface 28 belonging to the vacuum cleaner 2 when the vacuum cleaner 2 is received by the wall-mounted emptying station 3.

[0094] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, the connection interface 27 is fixed to a side face of the housing body 25, the complementary connection interface 28 is fixed to the peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12 and is in the form of a connection plate, and the emptying opening 17 opens into the complementary connection interface 28. Thus, according to the embodiment shown in the figures, the waste collection container 12 is intended to be located entirely outside the connection interface 27, and therefore to be exposed, when the vacuum cleaner 2 is received by the wall-mounted emptying station 3.

[0095] Advantageously, the connection interface 27 comprises a receiving location 29 in which the complementary connection interface 28 is intended to be removably mounted, and a passage opening 31 configured to be located opposite the emptying opening 17 when the complementary connection interface 28 is received in the receiving location 29. As shown in [Fig. 6], the emptying hatch 16 may for example be configured to protrude through the passage opening 31 when the vacuum cleaner 2 is received by the wall-mounted emptying station 3 and the emptying hatch 16 occupies the release configuration.

[0096] Advantageously, the receiving location 29 is open upwards, and the complementary connection interface 28 is configured to be inserted into and removed from the receiving location 29 in a direction of movement DI which is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12. The cleaning system 1 is more particularly configured such that under conditions of use (i.e. when the wall-mounted emptying station 3 is fixed to a wall) the direction of movement DI is substantially vertical. Thus, the complementary connection interface 28 is in particular capable of being inserted into the receiving location 29 in an insertion movement which is directed from top to bottom, i.e. downwards.

[0097] As shown in [Fig. 5], the connection interface 27 comprises two lateral guide slides 32 configured to extend on either side of the complementary connection interface 28 and to guide the complementary connection interface 28 in translation during insertion or removal of the complementary connection interface 28 into or out of the receiving location 29. The lateral guide slides 32 are more particularly arranged on either side of the passage opening 31.

[0098] The wall-mounted emptying station 3 also comprises a collection device 33 housed in the main housing 24 and fluidically connected to the passage opening 31 provided on the connection interface 27. The collection device 33 is configured to collect waste, coming from the waste collection container 12, when the vacuum cleaner 2 is received by the wall-mounted emptying station 3.

[0099] According to one embodiment of the invention, the collection device 33 comprises a dust bag removably arranged in a receiving compartment 34 delimited by the housing body 25, and the main housing 24 comprises a closing hood 35 movable between a closing position in which the closing hood 35 closes an insertion opening with which the receiving compartment 34 is provided and an opening position in which the closing hood 35 releases the insertion opening. Advantageously, the closing hood 35 is movably mounted, and for example is pivotally mounted, on a front face of the housing body 25.

[0100] The wall-mounted emptying station 3 further comprises a suction device 36 configured to suck up waste from the waste collection container 12 and to convey the sucked-up waste into the collection device 33. The suction device 36 comprises, for example, a motor-fan arranged in the base body 25.

[0101] Advantageously, the suction device 36 is configured to generate a vacuum at the passage opening 31, and the drain hatch 16 is configured to be automatically moved into the release configuration when the vacuum, generated by the suction device 36, is greater than a predetermined value.

[0102] An operation for emptying the waste collection container 12 is described below.

[0103] When a user wishes to empty the contents of the waste collection container 12, he inserts the complementary connection interface 28 into the receiving location 29 provided on the connection interface 27 in the direction of movement DI which is substantially vertical.

[0104] Advantageously, the wall-mounted emptying station 3 may be provided with a detection device configured to detect the presence of the complementary connection interface 28 in the receiving location 29, and with an electronic control unit configured to control the operation of the wall-mounted emptying station 3, and in particular to control the activation of the suction device 36 when the detection device has detected the presence of the complementary connection interface 28 in the receiving location 29.

[0105] Thus, when the complementary connection interface 28 is received in the receiving location 29, the suction device 36 is automatically activated, which causes an automatic movement, by depression, of the emptying hatch 16 into the release configuration and a suction of the waste contained in the waste collection container 12 and a conveyance of the sucked waste to the collection device 33 where it is collected.

[0106] When the waste suction cycle is finished (the wall-mounted emptying station 3 may for example be provided with a user interface capable of warning the user that this suction cycle is finished), the suction device 36 is deactivated, which causes the emptying hatch 16 to pivot towards the closing configuration under the effect of the return force exerted by the stressing member 18.

[0107] 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.

[0108] Advantageously, the wall-mounted emptying station 3 can furthermore be configured to recharge the rechargeable battery 21 of the vacuum cleaner 2 when the latter is received by the wall-mounted emptying station 3, and more particularly when the complementary connection interface 28 is received in the receiving location 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 wall-mounted emptying station 3.

[0109] For this purpose, the vacuum cleaner 2 may for example comprise a first electrical connector provided with a pair of first electrical contacts located on the complementary connection interface 28 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 wall-mounted emptying station 3 may for example comprise a second electrical connector provided with a pair of second electrical contacts located in the receiving location 29 and configured to electrically cooperate with the first electrical contacts provided on the vacuum cleaner 2 when the complementary connection interface 28 is received in the receiving location 29.

[0110] The wall-mounted emptying 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 wall-mounted emptying station 3, and for example the second electrical connector.

[0111] Figures 7 to 10 represent a cleaning system 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the waste separation and collection device 11 comprises:

[0112] - a locking member 37, such as a locking finger, which mounted on the waste collection container 12 and which is movable between a locking position in which the locking member 37 is capable of locking the emptying hatch 16 in the closing configuration and an unlocking position in which the locking member 37 is capable of releasing the drain hatch 16 and allowing it to pivot towards the release configuration, and

[0113] - a return member 38 (see [Fig. 10]), such as a return spring, configured to return the locking member 37 to the locking position.

[0114] Advantageously, the locking member 37 is slidably mounted on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12 in a direction of movement which is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12.

[0115] According to the second embodiment of the invention, the wall-mounted emptying station 3 further comprises a stop member 39, such as a stop finger, configured to cooperate with the locking member 37 and to move the locking member 37 into the unlocking position when the vacuum cleaner 2 is received in the wall-mounted emptying station 3. The locking member 37 is more particularly configured to come into abutment against the stop member 39 and to be moved, against the restoring force exerted by the restoring member 38, into the unlocking position when the complementary connection interface 28 is inserted into the receiving location 29.

[0116] Thus, the cleaning system 1 is configured such that, when the complementary connection interface 28 is received in the receiving location 29, the locking member 37 is automatically moved into the unlocking position.

[0117] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 7 to 10, the stop member 39 and the connection interface 27 are made in a single piece. Advantageously, the stop member 39 projects upwards from an upper edge of the connection interface 27.

[0118] According to another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the emptying hatch 16 could be slidably mounted on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12 in a sliding direction and between the closure configuration and the release configuration.

[0119] According to such an embodiment of the invention, the waste collection container 12 could comprise two guide slides 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 being configured to guide the emptying hatch 16 in sliding in the sliding direction.

[0120] According to such an embodiment of the invention, the emptying hatch 16 is advantageously provided with an actuating element configured to cooperate with a stop element provided on the wall-mounted emptying station 3, so as to move the emptying hatch 16 into the release configuration upon insertion of the additional connection interface 28 in the receiving location 29.

[0121] According to another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the drain hatch 16 could be elastically deformable between the closure configuration and the release configuration.

[0122] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the connection interface 27, provided on the wall-mounted emptying station 3, could be a receiving receptacle, for example open upwards, intended to house at least in part the waste collection container 12 of the vacuum cleaner 2, the complementary connection interface 28 being formed by the waste collection container 12, and for example by a front part of the waste collection container 12.

[0123] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated which have been given only as examples. 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. Wall-mounted emptying station (3) configured to accommodate a vacuum cleaner (2), the wall-mounted emptying station (3) comprising: - a main housing (24) configured to be fixed to a wall, - a connection interface (27) fixed to the main housing (24) and configured to support and hold in position a complementary connection interface (28) belonging to the vacuum cleaner (2) when the vacuum cleaner (2) is accommodated by the wall-mounted emptying station (3), and - a collection device (33) housed in the main housing (24) and configured to collect waste, coming from a waste collection container (12) belonging to the vacuum cleaner (2), when the vacuum cleaner (2) is accommodated by the wall-mounted emptying station (3).

2. Wall-mounted emptying station (3) according to claim 1, in which the connection interface (27) comprises a receiving location (29) in which the complementary connection interface (28) provided on the vacuum cleaner (2) is intended to be removably mounted.

3. Wall-mounted emptying station (3) according to claim 2, wherein the connection interface (27) comprises a passage opening (31) fluidly connected to the collection device (33), the passage opening (31) being configured to be located opposite a drainage opening provided on the vacuum cleaner (2) when the complementary connection interface (28) is received in the reception location (29).

4. Wall-mounted emptying station (3) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the receiving location (29) is open upwards.

5. Wall-mounted emptying station (3) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the receiving location (29) is configured such that the complementary connection interface (28) is capable of being inserted into the receiving location (29) according to an insertion movement which is directed from top to bottom.

6. A wall-mounted emptying station (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the connection interface (27) is attached to a side face of the main housing (24) of the wall-mounted emptying station (3).

7. A wall-mounted waste disposal station (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the main housing (24) comprises at least one fixing hole configured to be passed through by a fixing screw, so as to fix the main housing (24) to the wall.

8. Wall-mounted emptying station (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which comprises a suction device (36) configured to suck up waste, coming from the waste collection container (12) belonging to the vacuum cleaner (2), and to convey said sucked up waste into the collection device (33).

9. A wall-mounted emptying station (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the wall-mounted emptying station (3) is configured to recharge a rechargeable battery (21) of the vacuum cleaner (2) when the vacuum cleaner (2) is received by the wall-mounted emptying station (3).

10. Cleaning system (1) comprising a wall-mounted emptying station (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and a vacuum cleaner (2) configured to be received by the wall-mounted emptying station (3), the vacuum cleaner (2) comprising a complementary connection interface (28) configured to cooperate with the connection interface (27) belonging to the wall-mounted emptying station (3) when the vacuum cleaner (2) is received by the wall-mounted emptying station (3).

11. Cleaning system (1) according to claim 10, wherein the vacuum cleaner (2) comprises: - 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) having a central longitudinal axis (B) and provided with a drain opening (17), and a drain hatch (16) mounted on the waste collection container (12) and configured to occupy a closing configuration in which the drain hatch (16) closes the drain opening (17) and a release configuration in which the drain hatch (16) releases the drain opening (17),and - a suction motor (19) housed in the main body (4) and configured to generate an air flow through the suction nozzle (5) and the waste separation and collection device (11).,

12. A cleaning system (1) according to claim 11, wherein the drain opening (17) is located on a peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12), and the drain hatch (16) is mounted on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12).

13. A cleaning system (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the drain hatch (16) is movably mounted on the waste collection container (12) between the sealing configuration and the releasing configuration.

14. A cleaning system (1) according to claim 13, wherein the drain hatch (16) is slidably mounted on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12) in a sliding direction.

15. Cleaning system (1) according to claim 13, wherein the drain hatch (16) is pivotally mounted on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12) about a pivot axis (C).

16. A cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the waste separation and collection device (11) comprises a biasing member (18) configured to bias the drain hatch (16) towards the closure configuration.

17. Cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the waste separation and collection device (11) comprises a locking member (37) which is mounted on the waste collection container (12) and which is movable between a locking position in which the locking member (37) is able to lock the emptying hatch (16) in the closing configuration and an unlocking position in which the locking member (37) is able to release the emptying hatch (16) and allow it to pivot towards the release configuration.

18. A cleaning system (1) according to claim 17, wherein the wall-mounted emptying station (3) comprises a stop member (39) configured to cooperate with the locking member (37) and to move the locking member (37) into the unlocked position when the vacuum cleaner (2) is received in the wall-mounted emptying station.

19. PI- Cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 18, wherein the vacuum cleaner (2) is a stick vacuum cleaner.

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