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

Abstract

The cleaning system (1) comprises a vacuum cleaner comprising a waste collection container (12), and a front emptying member (16) configured to close a front emptying opening (17) of the waste collection container (12); a docking station (3) comprising a drain receptacle (26) delimiting a receiving housing (27) configured to house the waste collection container (12), and a suction device (33) configured to generate a vacuum in the receiving housing (27). The front emptying member (16) is configured to be automatically moved into a release configuration when the waste collection container (12) is arranged in the receiving housing (27) and a vacuum is generated by the suction device (33) in the receiving housing (27). 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 front emptying opening, a front emptying hatch pivotally mounted on the waste collection container about a pivot axis and between a closed position in which the front emptying hatch closes the front emptying opening and a release position in which the front emptying hatch releases the front emptying opening, a biasing member configured to bias the front emptying hatch towards the release position,and a locking member which is mounted on the waste collection container opposite the pivot axis of the front emptying hatch relative to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container and which is movable between a locking position in which the locking member is able to lock the front emptying hatch in the closed position and an unlocking position in which the locking member is able to release the front emptying hatch and allow it to pivot towards the release position, , • a suction motor housed in the main body, the suction motor being configured to generate an air flow through the suction nozzle and the waste separation and collection device,

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

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

[0006] However, such a configuration of the locking member increases the manufacturing costs of the waste collection container, and therefore of the vacuum cleaner. In addition, in the event of failure of the locking member, closing the front emptying hatch may prove impossible, which may then render the waste separation and collection device inoperative.

[0007] Furthermore, due to the presence of the biasing member, which is configured to elastically return the front drain hatch to the release position, it is necessary to equip the docking station with a closing member capable of moving the front drain hatch to the closed position against the return force exerted by the biasing member, which further has the consequence of increasing the manufacturing costs of the cleaning system. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0009] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in providing a cleaning system which is of simple, reliable and ergonomic structure, while limiting the risks of soiling a user or his environment during a phase of emptying a waste collection container belonging to the cleaning system.

[0010] To this end, the present invention relates to a cleaning system comprising:

[0011] - 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 fluidically connected to the suction nozzle, the waste separation and collection device comprising a waste collection container provided with a front drain opening, and a front drain member configured to occupy a closing configuration in which the front drain member closes the front drain opening and a release configuration in which the front drain member releases the front drain opening, and • 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,

[0012] - 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 • a suction device configured to generate a vacuum in the receiving housing,

[0013] the front emptying member is configured to be automatically moved into the release configuration when the waste collection container is disposed in the receiving housing and a vacuum is generated by the suction device in the receiving housing.

[0014] In other words, the front emptying member and the suction device are configured such that, when the waste collection container is arranged in the receiving housing and a vacuum is generated by the suction device in the receiving housing, the front emptying member is automatically moved into the release configuration.

[0015] Such a configuration of the cleaning system according to the present invention, and in particular of the front emptying member and the suction device, ensures reliable and automatic movement of the front emptying member into the release configuration when the waste collection container is inserted into the receiving housing and the suction device is activated, and this without requiring the presence of a specific actuating member capable of unlocking the front emptying member or capable of moving the front emptying member into the release configuration.

[0016] These provisions thus make it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the cleaning system according to the present invention, and also give it increased reliability.

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

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station comprises a base body configured to rest on the ground.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction device is housed in the base body.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front draining member is configured to be automatically moved into the release configuration when the vacuum, generated by the suction device in the receiving housing, is greater than a predetermined value.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front drain opening has a passage section which is smaller than the cross section of the waste collection container, and for example less than 80% of the cross section of the waste collection container.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the invention, the waste collection container has a front end face provided with a peripheral edge, the front emptying member having a peripheral edge located at a distance from the peripheral edge of said front end face.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the invention, the front emptying member is a front emptying hatch.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the invention, the front emptying member is mounted movably on the waste collection container between the closing configuration and the releasing configuration.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the invention, the front emptying member is mounted pivotably on the waste collection container about a pivot axis and between the closing configuration and the releasing configuration.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis of the front discharge member extends transversely to a central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis of the front discharge member is substantially diametrically opposed to the suction nozzle with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container. In other words, the pivot axis of the front discharge member is located in an upper part of the waste collection container.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device comprises a biasing member, such as a biasing spring or a leaf spring or a torsion spring, configured to bias the front discharge member towards the closing configuration. The presence of such a biasing member ensures an automatic displacement of the front discharge member as soon as the suction device is deactivated, which further reduces the manufacturing costs of the cleaning system according to the invention.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the invention, the front discharge member is elastically deformable between the closing configuration and the release configuration.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the invention, the front discharge member is a front discharge membrane.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front draining member is made of elastomer material.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front emptying member comprises a fixing portion fixed to the waste collection container, a closing portion configured to close the front emptying opening when the front emptying member occupies the closing configuration and to release the front emptying opening when the front emptying member occupies the release configuration, and a fold line connecting the closing portion to the fixing portion, the closing portion being configured to be moved between the closing configuration and the release configuration by folding along the fold line.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station comprises a collection device fluidly connected to the emptying receptacle and configured to collect waste, coming from the waste collection container, when the waste collection container is received in the receiving housing, the suction device being configured to convey waste, coming from the waste collection container, into the collection device.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the collection device is arranged in the base body.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the collection device comprises a dust bag.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the emptying receptacle comprises an upper peripheral edge delimiting an upper insertion opening through which the waste collection container is able to be inserted into the receiving housing, the upper insertion opening being configured to be oriented upwards when the docking station rests on a horizontal surface.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste collection container is configured to be inserted into and removed from the receiving housing from above the docking station, and for example in a direction of movement which is substantially vertical when the docking station is resting on a horizontal surface.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving housing comprises a central longitudinal axis which is configured to extend substantially vertically when the docking station rests on a horizontal surface.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning system comprises a sealing device configured to be interposed between the waste collection container and the emptying receptacle and to seal an upper portion of the receiving housing when the waste collection container is received in the emptying receptacle.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device is of the cyclonic type.

[0041] 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.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises a first electrical connector located in a front portion of the main body of the vacuum cleaner and electrically connected to the rechargeable battery, and the docking station comprises a second electrical connector located in the receiving housing and configured to electrically cooperate with the first electrical connector when the waste collection container is inserted into the receiving housing.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station comprises a detection device, such as an electrical switch, configured to detect the presence of the waste collection container in the receiving housing, and an electronic control unit configured to control an activation of the suction device only when the detection device has detected the presence of the waste collection container in the receiving housing. Such a configuration of the cleaning system ensures automatic emptying of the waste collection container, without requiring user action after insertion of the waste collection container into the receiving housing.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction motor has a motor axis, and the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container is substantially parallel to the motor axis of the suction motor, and is for example substantially coincident with the motor axis.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping handle is elongated and has a median longitudinal axis which is inclined relative to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the grip handle is arranged in a rear part of the vacuum cleaner.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction motor is located at the rear of the median longitudinal axis of the grip handle.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rechargeable battery is housed in a battery case connected, and for example fixed, to the grip handle, and more by particularly to a lower part of the grip handle.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner is a stick vacuum cleaner.

[0050] According to another embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner is a portable vacuum cleaner, also called a hand-held vacuum cleaner.

[0051] The present invention further relates to a method of controlling a cleaning system comprising:

[0052] - provision of a cleaning system according to the invention,

[0053] - reception of the waste collection container in the reception housing,

[0054] - automatic detection of the presence of the waste collection container in the reception accommodation, and

[0055] - automatic activation of the suction device when the presence of the container of waste collection in the receiving housing has been detected, so as to move the front emptying member into the release configuration and suck up the waste contained in the waste collection container. Brief description of the figures

[0056] 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.

[0057] [Fig-1] is a schematic side view of a cleaning system according to the invention, showing respectively a vacuum cleaner of said cleaning system housed in a docking station of said cleaning system and the vacuum cleaner being placed in the docking station;

[0058] [Fig.2] is a front perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of [Fig.l];

[0059] [Fig.3] is a partial and schematic view, in longitudinal section, of the system of cleaning [Fig.l], showing the vacuum cleaner being inserted into a receiving slot of the docking station.

[0060] [Fig.4] is a partial and schematic view, in longitudinal section, of the vacuum cleaner inserted into the docking station's receiving slot. Detailed description

[0061] 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.

[0062] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term “substantially” means, in this document, “exactly or to within 10% or 10°”.

[0063] Figures 1 to 4 represent a cleaning system 1 comprising a vacuum cleaner 2, and more particularly a stick vacuum cleaner, and a docking station 3 configured to accommodate the vacuum cleaner 2.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] Advantageously, the gripping handle 6 has a median longitudinal axis A and extends from a rear end of the main body 4. The gripping handle 6 can be manufactured in a single piece with the main body 4 or can be attached to it.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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:

[0069] - a waste collection container 12 comprising a peripheral wall of shape globally tubular,

[0070] - 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

[0071] - 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] The waste separation and collection device 11 also comprises a front emptying member 16, such as a front emptying hatch, configured to occupy a closing configuration (see [Fig.2]) in which the front emptying member front drain 16 closes a front drain opening 17 provided on a front end face 12.1 of the waste collection container 12 and a release configuration (see [Fig.4]) in which the front drain member 16 releases the front drain opening 17.

[0074] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the front emptying member 16 is pivotally mounted on the waste collection container 12 about a pivot axis C and between the closure configuration and the release configuration. The pivot axis C of the front emptying member 16 extends transversely to the central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12, and is located near or on the front end face 12.1 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.

[0075] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the front drain opening 17 has a passage section which is smaller than the cross section of the waste collection container 12, and for example less than 80% of the cross section of the waste collection container 12.

[0076] 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 torsion spring, or a leaf spring, configured to bias the front emptying member 16 towards the closure configuration.

[0077] As shown in [Fig.l], 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12 is parallel to a motor axis of the suction motor 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.

[0080] The vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a rechargeable battery 22 configured to electrically power the vacuum cleaner 2, and in particular the suction motor 19. The rechargeable battery 22, also called a battery pack, comprises several cells of battery.

[0081] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the gripping handle 6 is arranged between the rechargeable battery 22 and the main body 4. The rechargeable battery 22 is advantageously housed in a battery housing connected to the gripping handle 6, and more particularly to a lower part of the gripping handle 6. Advantageously, the vacuum cleaner 2 comprises an upright 23 which extends substantially parallel to the gripping handle 6 and between the battery housing and the main body 4.

[0082] 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.

[0083] The docking station 3 comprises in particular a base 24 comprising a base body 25 configured to rest on the ground, and an emptying receptacle 26 delimiting a receiving housing 27 configured to house at least in part the waste collection container 12 when the vacuum cleaner 2 is received by the docking station 3. The waste contained in the waste collection container 12 is more particularly suitable for being emptied into the emptying receptacle 26.

[0084] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the emptying receptacle 26 comprises an upper peripheral edge delimiting an upper insertion opening 28 through which the waste collection container 12 is able to be inserted into the receiving housing 27.

[0085] Advantageously, the receiving housing 27 has a central longitudinal axis that is configured to extend substantially vertically when the docking station 3 rests on a horizontal surface, and the upper insertion opening 28 is configured to be oriented upwards when the docking station 3 rests on a horizontal surface. Thus, the waste collection container 12 is configured to be inserted into and removed from the receiving housing 27 from above the docking station 3, and in a direction of movement that is substantially vertical when the docking station 3 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0086] The cleaning system 1 further comprises a sealing device 31, such as a seal attached to the drain receptacle 26, configured to be interposed between the waste collection container 12 and the drain receptacle 26 and to seal an upper portion of the receiving housing 27 when the waste collection container 12 is received in the drain receptacle 26. The sealing device 31 is more particularly configured to extend between the peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12 and an internal peripheral surface of the drain receptacle 26.

[0087] The docking station 3 also comprises a collection device 32 connected finitely- specifically to the emptying receptacle 26, 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 27. According to one embodiment of the invention, the collection device 32 comprises a dust bag removably arranged in a receiving compartment delimited by the base body 25.

[0088] The docking station 3 further comprises a suction device 33 configured to generate a vacuum in the receiving housing 27, and more particularly to suck up waste, coming from the waste collection container 12, and to convey the sucked up waste into the collection device 32. The suction device 33 comprises for example a motor-fan arranged in the base body 25.

[0089] The front draining member 16 is more particularly configured to be automatically moved into the release configuration when the depression, generated by the suction device 33 in the receiving housing 27, is greater than a predetermined value, and in particular when it is greater than the return force exerted by the biasing member 18 on the front draining member 16.

[0090] Advantageously, the docking station 3 is provided with a detection device 34, such as an electrical switch or a Hall effect sensor, configured to detect the presence of the waste collection container 12 in the receiving housing 27, and with an electronic control unit 35 configured to control the operation of the docking station 3, and in particular to control the activation of the suction device 33 when the detection device 34 has detected the presence of the waste collection container 12 in the receiving housing 27. The detection device 34 may for example be arranged in the receiving housing 27, and the electronic control unit 35 may for example be arranged in the base body 25.

[0091] Thus, when the waste collection container 12 is housed in the receiving housing 27, the suction device 33 is automatically activated, which generates a vacuum in the receiving housing 27, an automatic movement of the front 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 32 where it is collected.

[0092] An example of implementation of a method for controlling the cleaning system 1 is described below.

[0093] Such a control method comprises the following steps:

[0094] - providing a cleaning system 1 according to the invention,

[0095] - reception of the waste collection container 12 in the reception housing 27,

[0096] - automatic detection, by the detection device 34, of the presence of the container waste collection 12 in reception accommodation 27, and

[0097] - automatic activation, by the electronic control unit 35, of the device suction 33 when the presence of the waste collection container 12 in the receiving housing 27 has been detected, so as to move the front emptying member 16 into the release configuration and to suck up the waste contained in the waste collection container 12 and convey said waste to the collection device 32.

[0098] Advantageously, the receiving step consists of inserting a front part of the waste collection container 12 into the receiving housing 27 via the upper insertion opening 28 and in a direction of movement which is substantially vertical.

[0099] 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 front emptying member 16 by the user and without risk of soiling the user and his environment.

[0100] Advantageously, the docking station 3 can further be configured to recharge the rechargeable battery 22 of the vacuum cleaner 2 when the latter is received by the docking station 3, and more particularly when the waste collection container 12 is received in the receiving housing 27. Such a configuration of the cleaning system 1 according to the present invention makes it possible to empty the waste collection container 12 and to recharge the rechargeable battery 22 when the vacuum cleaner 2 is received in the docking station 3.

[0101] For this purpose, the vacuum cleaner 2 may for example comprise a first electrical connector provided with a pair of first electrical contacts located in a front part of the main body 4 of the vacuum cleaner 2 and connected, for example by electrical connection wires extending through the main body 4 and the gripping handle 6, to the rechargeable battery 22, and the docking station 3 may for example comprise a second electrical connector provided with a pair of second electrical contacts located in the receiving housing 27 and configured to electrically cooperate with the first electrical contacts provided on the vacuum cleaner 2 when the waste collection container 12 is housed in the receiving housing 27.

[0102] 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 in particular the second electrical connector.

[0103] According to another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the front draining member 16 could be elastically deformable between the confi sealing configuration and the release configuration. For example, the front drain member 16 could be a front drain membrane, and be made of elastomeric material.

[0104] According to yet another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the front emptying member 16 could comprise a fixing part fixed to the waste collection container 12, a closing part configured to close or release the front emptying opening 17 according to the configuration occupied by the front emptying member 16, and a folding line connecting the closing part to the fixing part, the closing part being configured to be moved between the closing configuration and the release configuration by folding along the folding line.

[0105] 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. 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), • 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 front drain opening (17), and a front drain member (16) configured to occupy a closing configuration in which the front drain member (16) closes the front drain opening (17) and a release configuration in which the front drain member (16) releases the front drain opening (17), and • a suction motor (19) housed in the main body (4), the suction motor (19) being configured to generate an air flow through the suction nozzle (5) and the waste separation and collection device (11), - a docking station (3) configured to accommodate the vacuum cleaner (2), the docking station (3) comprising: • a drain receptacle (26) delimiting a receiving housing (27) configured to house at least in part the waste collection container (12), and • a suction device (33) configured to generate a vacuum in the receiving housing (27), characterized in that the front emptying member (16) is configured to be automatically moved into the release configuration when the waste collection container (12) is arranged in the receiving housing (27) and a vacuum is generated by the suction device (33) in the receiving housing (27).

2. A cleaning system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the front drain member (16) is configured to be automatically moved in the release configuration when the depression, generated by the suction device (33) in the receiving housing (27), is greater than a predetermined value.

3. Cleaning system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the front drain opening (17) has a passage section which is smaller than the cross section of the waste collection container (12).

4. A cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the waste collection container (12) has a front end face (12.1) provided with a peripheral edge, the front emptying member (16) having a peripheral edge located at a distance from the peripheral edge of said front end face (12.1).

5. Cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the front drain member (16) is a front drain hatch.

6. A cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the front emptying member (16) is movably mounted on the waste collection container (12) between the sealing configuration and the releasing configuration.

7. Cleaning system (1) according to claim 6, wherein the front emptying member (16) is pivotally mounted on the waste collection container (12) about a pivot axis (C) and between the closure configuration and the release configuration.

8. A cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the waste separation and collection device (11) comprises a biasing member (18) configured to bias the front draining member (16) towards the closure configuration.

9. Cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the front drain member (16) is elastically deformable between the closure configuration and the release configuration.

10. A cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the docking station (3) comprises a collection device (32) fluidly connected to the emptying receptacle (26) and configured to collect waste, originating from the waste collection container (12), when the waste collection container (12) is received in the receiving housing (27), the suction device (33) being configured to convey waste, originating from the waste collection container (12), in the collection device (32).

11. A cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the emptying receptacle (26) comprises an upper peripheral edge defining an upper insertion opening (28) through which the waste collection container (12) is adapted to be inserted into the receiving housing (27), the upper insertion opening (28) being configured to face upwards when the docking station (3) rests on a horizontal surface.

12. A cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which comprises a sealing device (31) configured to be interposed between the waste collection container (12) and the emptying receptacle (26) and to seal an upper portion of the receiving housing (27) when the waste collection container (12) is received in the emptying receptacle (26).

13. A cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the docking station (3) is configured to recharge a rechargeable battery (22) of the vacuum cleaner (2) when the vacuum cleaner (2) is docked by the docking station (3).

14. Cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the docking station (3) comprises a detection device (34) configured to detect the presence of the waste collection container (12) in the receiving housing (27), and an electronic control unit (35) configured to control an activation of the suction device (33) only when the detection device (34) has detected the presence of the waste collection container (12) in the receiving housing (27).

15. A cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the vacuum cleaner (2) is a stick vacuum cleaner.

16. A method of controlling a cleaning system (1) comprising: - providing a cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, - receiving the waste collection container (12) in the receiving housing (27), - automatically detecting the presence of the waste collection container (12) in the receiving housing (27), and - automatically activating the suction device (33) when the presence of the waste collection container (12) in the receiving housing (27) has been detected, so as to move the emptying member front (16) in the release configuration and to suck up the waste contained in the waste collection container (12).

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