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

Abstract

The vacuum cleaner comprises a waste collection container (12), and a drain hatch (16) configured to close a drain opening of the waste collection container (12), the drain opening (17) being located on a peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12), and the drain hatch (16) being mounted on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12). Figure 1

Description

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0010] - a main body comprising a suction nozzle,

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

[0012] - a waste separation and collection device fluidly connected to the nozzle suction, the waste separation and collection device comprising a waste collection container 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 release configuration in which the drain hatch releases the drain opening, and

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

[0014] the drain opening is located on a peripheral wall of the waste collection container, and the drain hatch is mounted on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container.

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

[0016] The vacuum cleaner may further have one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sliding direction is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container. The fact that the sliding direction of the emptying hatch is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container makes it possible, by equipping a docking station, capable of receiving the vacuum cleaner according to the invention, with a suitable stop member, to reliably and automatically move the emptying hatch into the release configuration when inserting the waste collection container into the docking station.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

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

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drain hatch is elastically deformable between the closure configuration and the release configuration.

[0024] 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 able to lock the emptying hatch in the closing configuration and an unlocking position in which the locking member is able to release the emptying hatch and allow it to pivot towards the release configuration.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device is of the cyclonic type.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the grip handle is arranged in a rear part of the vacuum cleaner.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner is a stick vacuum cleaner.

[0033] According to another embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner is a portable vacuum cleaner, also called a hand-held vacuum cleaner.

[0034] The present invention further relates to a cleaning system comprising a vacuum cleaner according to the invention, and a docking station configured to accommodate the vacuum cleaner.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station is configured to support and position the vacuum cleaner in a storage position in which the vacuum cleaner extends substantially vertically.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station comprises a base body configured to rest on the ground.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking 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 docked in the docking station.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station comprises a drain receptacle delimiting a receiving housing configured to house at least part of the waste collection container, and for example a front part of the waste collection container.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stop member is located in the receiving housing.

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

[0041] 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.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste collection container comprises a first connection interface, such as a support plate, which is fixed to the peripheral wall of the waste collection container and into which the emptying opening opens, and the docking station comprises a second connection interface configured to cooperate with the first connection interface so as to support and hold the vacuum cleaner in position when the vacuum cleaner is received by the docking station. Such a configuration of the waste collection container and the docking station provides increased ergonomics to the cleaning system according to the present invention.

[0043] 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.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second connection interface comprises a receiving location in which the first connection interface is intended to be removably mounted, and a passage opening configured to be located opposite the drain opening when the first connection interface is received in the receiving location.

[0045] 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 docking station and the emptying hatch occupies the release configuration.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first connection interface is configured to be removed from the receiving location in a removal movement that is directed upwards. In other words, the receiving location is open upwards. Such a configuration of the docking station ensures easy insertion, by a user, of the first connection interface into the receiving location.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first 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.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the direction of movement is substantially vertical when the docking station rests on a horizontal surface.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second connection interface is fixed to an external face, for example a side face or a front face, of a main housing of the docking station.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second connection interface comprises two lateral guide slides configured to extend on either side of the first connection interface and to guide the first connection interface in translation during insertion or removal of the first connection interface into or out of the receiving location.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station comprises:

[0052] - a collection device, for example fluidically connected to the passage opening provided on the second connection interface, configured to collect waste, coming from the waste collection container, when the vacuum cleaner is docked by the docking station, and

[0053] - a suction device configured to suck waste from the container waste collection, and to convey said vacuumed waste into the collection device.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the collection device comprises a dust bag.

[0055] 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.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station is configured to recharge a rechargeable battery of the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is docked by the docking station. Brief description of the figures

[0057] 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.

[0058] [Fig-1] is a side perspective view of a vacuum cleaner belonging to a cleaning system according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0059] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a docking station belonging to the system of cleaning according to the first embodiment of the invention;

[0060] [Fig.3] is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the cleaning system according to the first embodiment of the invention, showing the vacuum cleaner of [Fig.l] received by the docking station of [Fig.2];

[0061] [Fig.4] 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 docking station;

[0062] [Fig.5] is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the cleaning system according to the second embodiment of the invention, showing the vacuum cleaner being placed in the docking station;

[0063] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of the docking station belonging to the system of cleaning according to the second embodiment of the invention;

[0064] [Fig.7] is a partial front view of the cleaning system according to the second mode embodiment of the invention, showing the vacuum cleaner accommodated in the docking station;

[0065] [Fig.8] is a partial perspective view of a waste collection container of a vacuum cleaner belonging to a cleaning system according to a third embodiment of the invention, showing the emptying hatch in the closed configuration;

[0066] [Fig.9] is a partial perspective view of the waste collection container of the [Fig.8], showing the drain hatch in the release configuration;

[0067] [Fig. 10] is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the cleaning system according to the third embodiment of the invention, showing the collection container of waste from [Fig.8] being inserted into a receiving housing of a docking station. Detailed description

[0068] 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.

[0069] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term “substantially” means, in this document, “exactly or to within 10% or 10°”.

[0070] Figures 1 to 3 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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 outside air can be sucked in 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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:

[0076] - a waste collection container 12 comprising a peripheral wall of shape globally tubular,

[0077] - 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

[0078] - 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.l]) 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.3]) in which the drain hatch 16 releases the drain opening 17.

[0081] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, 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.

[0082] The waste separation and collection device 11 further comprises a biasing member 19, such as a compression spring or a leaf spring, configured to bias the drain hatch 16 towards the closing configuration.

[0083] The waste separation and collection device 11 also comprises a first connection interface 21, such as a connection plate, which is provided on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12 and into which the drain opening 17 opens. The operation of the first connection interface 21 is described in more detail below.

[0084] As shown in [Fig. 3], the vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a suction motor 22 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 22 more particularly comprises a fan and an electric motor configured to drive the fan in rotation.

[0085] Advantageously, the gripping handle 6 is arranged in a rear part of the vacuum cleaner 2, and the suction motor 22 is located at the rear of the median longitudinal axis A of the gripping handle 6.

[0086] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12 is parallel to a motor axis of the suction motor 22, 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.

[0087] The vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a rechargeable battery 23 configured to electrically power the vacuum cleaner 2, and in particular the suction motor 22. The rechargeable battery 23, also called a battery pack, comprises several battery cells.

[0088] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the gripping handle 6 is arranged between the rechargeable battery 23 and the main body 4. The rechargeable battery 23 is advantageously housed in a battery housing connected to the gripping handle 6, and more particularly to a lower part of the gripping handle 6. Advantageously, the vacuum cleaner 2 comprises an upright which extends substantially parallel to the gripping handle 6 and between the battery housing and the main body 4.

[0089] As shown in [Fig.3], 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.

[0090] The docking station 3 comprises in particular a main housing 24 which can for example be configured to rest on the ground or be fixed to a wall, and a second connection interface 25 which is fixed to an external face of the main housing 24, and for example to a side face or a front face of the main housing 24, and which is configured to cooperate with the first connection interface 21 so as to support and hold the vacuum cleaner 2 in position when the vacuum cleaner 2 is received by the docking station 3.

[0091] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the second connection interface 25 comprises a receiving location 26 in which the first connection interface 21 is intended to be removably mounted, and a passage opening 27 configured to be located opposite the drain opening 17 when the first connection interface 21 is received in the receiving location 26. As shown in [Fig. 3], the drain hatch 16 may for example be configured to protrude through the passage opening 27 when the vacuum cleaner 2 is received by the docking station 3 and the drain hatch 16 occupies the confi- release figure.

[0092] Advantageously, the receiving location 26 is open upwards, and the first connection interface 21 is configured to be inserted into and removed from the receiving location 26 in a direction of movement D1 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 docking station 3 rests on a horizontal surface or is fixed to a wall) the direction of movement DI is substantially vertical.

[0093] As shown in [Fig. 2], the second connection interface 25 comprises two lateral guide slides 28 configured to extend on either side of the first connection interface 21 and to guide the first connection interface 21 in translation during insertion or removal of the first connection interface 21 into or out of the receiving location 26. The lateral guide slides 28 are more particularly arranged on either side of the passage opening 27.

[0094] The docking station 3 also comprises a collection device 29 fluidly connected to the passage opening 27 provided on the second connection interface 25 and configured to collect waste, coming from the waste collection container 12, when the vacuum cleaner 2 is received by the docking station 3. According to one embodiment of the invention, the collection device 29 comprises a dust bag arranged removably in the main housing 24 of the docking station 3.

[0095] The docking station 3 further comprises a suction device 32 configured to suck up waste from the waste collection container 12 and to convey the sucked up waste into the collection device 29. The suction device 32 comprises, for example, a motor-driven fan arranged in the base body 25.

[0096] Advantageously, the suction device 32 is configured to generate a vacuum at the passage opening 27, and the drain hatch 16 is configured to be automatically moved into the release configuration when the vacuum, generated by the suction device 32, is greater than a predetermined value.

[0097] An operation for emptying the waste collection container 12 is described below.

[0098] When a user wishes to empty the contents of the waste collection container 12, he inserts the first connection interface 21 into the receiving location 26 provided on the second connection interface 25 in the direction of movement DI which is substantially vertical.

[0099] Advantageously, the docking station 3 can be provided with a detection device configured to detect the presence of the first connection interface 21 in the receiving location 26, and 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 32 when the detection device has detected the presence of the first connection interface 21 in the receiving location 26.

[0100] Thus, when the first connection interface 21 is received in the receiving location 26, the suction device 32 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 29 where it is collected.

[0101] When the waste suction cycle is finished (the docking 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 32 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 19.

[0102] 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.

[0103] Advantageously, the docking station 3 can further be configured to recharge the rechargeable battery 23 of the vacuum cleaner 2 when the latter is received by the docking station 3, and more particularly when the first connection interface 21 is received in the receiving location 26. Such a configuration of the cleaning system 1 according to the present invention makes it possible to empty the waste collection container 12 and to recharge the rechargeable battery 23 when the vacuum cleaner 2 is received in the docking station 3.

[0104] 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 first connection interface 21 and connected, for example by electrical connection wires extending through the main body 4 and the gripping handle 6, to the rechargeable battery 23, 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 location 26 and configured to cooperate electrically with the first electrical contacts provided on the vacuum cleaner 2 when the first connection interface 21 is received in the receiving location 26.

[0105] The docking station 3 also includes a power supply unit, also called a mains adapter, configured to be electrically connected to a socket. power supply, such as a mains socket and in particular a wall socket, and for electrically supplying the docking station 3, and for example the second electrical connector.

[0106] Figures 4 to 7 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:

[0107] - a locking member 33, 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 33 is able to lock the emptying hatch 16 in the closing configuration and an unlocking position in which the locking member 33 is able to release the emptying hatch 16 and allow it to pivot towards the release configuration, and

[0108] - a return member 34 (see [Fig.7]), such as a return spring, configured to return the locking member 33 to the locking position.

[0109] Advantageously, the locking member 33 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.

[0110] According to the second embodiment of the invention, the docking station 3 further comprises a stop member 35, such as a stop finger, configured to cooperate with the locking member 33 and to move the locking member 33 into the unlocking position when the vacuum cleaner 2 is received in the docking station 3. The locking member 33 is more particularly configured to come into abutment against the stop member 35 and to be moved, against the restoring force exerted by the restoring member 34, into the unlocking position when the first connection interface 21 is inserted into the receiving location 26.

[0111] Thus, the cleaning system 1 is configured such that, when the first connection interface 21 is received in the receiving location 26, the locking member 33 is automatically moved into the unlocking position.

[0112] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7, the stop member 35 and the second connection interface 25 are made in a single piece. Advantageously, the stop member 35 projects upwards from an upper edge of the second connection interface 25.

[0113] Figures 8 to 10 show a cleaning system 1 according to a third embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the emptying hatch 16 is slidably mounted on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12 in a sliding direction D2, which is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12, and in that the docking station 3 comprises an emptying receptacle 36 delimiting a receiving housing 37 configured to house at least in part the waste collection container 12, and for example a front part of the waste collection container 12, when the vacuum cleaner 2 is received by the docking station 3. The waste contained in the waste collection container 12 is more particularly suitable for being emptied into the emptying receptacle 36.

[0114] According to this third embodiment of the invention, the waste collection container 12 comprises two guide slides 37 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 37 are configured to guide the emptying hatch 16 in sliding along the sliding direction D2.

[0115] According to this third embodiment of the invention, the emptying receptacle 26 comprises an upper peripheral edge delimiting an upper insertion opening 38 through which the waste collection container 12 is able to be inserted into the receiving housing 37.

[0116] Advantageously, the receiving housing 37 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 38 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 37 from above the docking station 3, and in a direction of movement D3 that is substantially vertical when the docking station 3 rests on a horizontal surface. Advantageously, the direction of movement D3 is substantially parallel to the sliding direction D2.

[0117] According to this third embodiment of the invention, the emptying hatch 16 is advantageously provided with an actuating element 39 configured to cooperate with a stop element 41 provided in the emptying receptacle 36, so as to move the emptying hatch 16 into the release configuration when the waste collection container 12 is inserted into the receiving housing 37.

[0118] According to an 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.

[0119] 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. 15

Claims

Claims

1. Vacuum cleaner (2) comprising: - a main body (4) comprising a suction nozzle (5), - a gripping handle (6) mechanically connected to the main body (4), - a waste separation and collection device (11) fluidly connected to the suction nozzle (5), the waste separation and collection device (11) comprising a waste collection container (12) 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 (22) 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), characterized in that the drain opening (17) is located on a peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12), and in that the drain hatch (16) is mounted on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12).,

2. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 1, wherein the emptying hatch (16) is movably mounted on the waste collection container (12) between the sealing configuration and the releasing configuration.

3. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 2, wherein the emptying hatch (16) is slidably mounted on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12) in a sliding direction (D2).

4. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 3, wherein the sliding direction (D2) is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis (B) of the waste collection container (12).

5. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the waste collection container (12) comprises two guide slides (37) 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 (37) being configured to guide the emptying hatch (16) in sliding direction (D2).

6. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 2, wherein the drain hatch (16) is pivotally mounted on the peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12) around a pivot axis (C).

7. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the waste separation and collection device (11) comprises a biasing member (19) configured to bias the emptying hatch (16) towards the closing configuration.

8. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drain hatch (16) is elastically deformable between the closure configuration and the release configuration.

9. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the waste separation and collection device (11) comprises a locking member (33) which is mounted on the waste collection container (12) and which is movable between a locking position in which the locking member (33) is capable of locking the emptying hatch (16) in the closing configuration and an unlocking position in which the locking member (33) is capable of releasing the emptying hatch (16) and allowing it to pivot towards the releasing configuration.

10. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 9, wherein the locking member (33) 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).

11. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the emptying hatch (16) is substantially diametrically opposite the suction nozzle (5) relative to the central longitudinal axis (B) of the waste collection container (12).

12. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the vacuum cleaner (2) is a stick vacuum cleaner.

13. A cleaning system (1) comprising a vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and a docking station (3) configured to accommodate the vacuum cleaner (2).

14. A cleaning system (1) according to claim 13 in combination with claim 9, wherein the docking station (3) comprises a stop member (35) configured to cooperate with the locking member (33) and to move the locking member (33) into the unlocked position when the vacuum cleaner (2) is docked in the docking station (3).

15. Cleaning system (1) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the waste collection container (12) comprises a first connection interface (21) which is fixed to the peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12) and into which the emptying opening (17) opens, and the docking station (3) comprises a second connection interface (25) configured to cooperate with the first connection interface (21) so as to support and hold in position the vacuum cleaner (2) when the vacuum cleaner (2) is received by the docking station (3).

16. Cleaning system (1) according to claim 15, wherein the second connection interface (25) comprises a receiving location (26) in which the first connection interface (21) is intended to be removably mounted, and a passage opening (27) configured to be located opposite the drain opening (17) when the first connection interface (21) is received in the receiving location (26).

17. Cleaning system (1) according to claim 16, wherein the first connection interface (21) is configured to be withdrawn from the receiving location (26) in a withdrawal movement which is directed upwards.

18. Cleaning system (1) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the second connection interface (25) is fixed to an external face of a main housing (24) of the docking station (3).

19. Cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the docking station (3) comprises: - a collection device (29) configured to collect waste, coming from the waste collection container (12), when the vacuum cleaner (2) is received by the docking station (3), and - a suction device (32) configured to suck up waste, coming from the waste collection container (12), and to convey said sucked up waste into the collection device (29).

20. A cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the docking station (3) is configured to recharge a rechargeable battery (23) of the vacuum cleaner (2) when the vacuum cleaner (2) is docked by the docking station (3).

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