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

Abstract

The cleaning system comprises a vacuum cleaner (2) comprising a waste collection container (12), and a front emptying hatch configured to close a front emptying opening of the waste collection container (12); a docking station (3) comprising a drain receptacle (26) delimiting a receiving housing configured to house the waste collection container (12); and a sealing device (31) configured to be interposed between the waste collection container (12) and the drain receptacle (26) and to extend at least partly around a portion of the periphery of a peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12), when the waste collection container (12) is received in the receiving housing (27). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Cleaning system comprising a vacuum cleaner and a docking station capable of collecting waste from the vacuum cleaner Technical field

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

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

[0003] - a vacuum cleaner comprising: • a main body comprising a suction tip, • a gripping handle mechanically connected to the main body, • a waste separation and collection device fluidly connected to the suction nozzle, the waste separation and collection device comprising a waste collection container provided with a central longitudinal axis and a front emptying opening, and a front emptying hatch pivotally mounted on the waste collection container about a pivoting axis and between a closing position in which the front emptying hatch closes the front emptying opening and a release position in which the front emptying hatch releases the front emptying opening, and • a suction motor housed in the main body, the suction motor being configured to generate an airflow through the suction nozzle and the waste separation and collection device, and

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

[0005] In order to ensure easy insertion of the waste collection container into the emptying receptacle, it is necessary to provide clearance between the peripheral wall of the waste collection container and the inner peripheral surface of the emptying receptacle.

[0006] However, due to such a clearance which allows the passage of a significant air flow between the waste collection container and the emptying receptacle, it is necessary to oversize the suction device to ensure appropriate suction of the waste coming from the waste collection container and optimal conveyance of this waste to the collection device, which increases the manufacturing costs and the mass of the docking station. Summary of the invention

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

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

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

[0010] - a vacuum cleaner comprising: • a main body comprising a suction nozzle, for example arranged in a front part of the main body, • 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 central longitudinal axis and a front emptying opening, i.e. which is located at a front end of the waste collection container, and a front emptying hatch pivotally mounted on the waste collection container, and for example on an upper part of the waste collection container, about a pivoting axis and between a closing position in which the front emptying hatch closes the front emptying opening and a release position in which the front emptying hatch releases the front emptying opening, and • a suction motor housed in the main body, the suction motor being configured to generate an air flow through the suction nozzle and the waste separation and collection device,

[0011] - a docking station configured to accommodate the vacuum cleaner, the docking station comprising a drain receptacle delimiting a receiving housing configured to house at least in part the waste collection container and into which the waste contained in the waste collection container is capable of being emptied,

[0012] the cleaning system further comprises a sealing device configured to be interposed between the waste collection container and the emptying receptacle and to extend at least partially around a portion of the periphery of a peripheral wall of the waste collection container, when the waste collection container is received in the receiving housing.

[0013] Such a configuration of the sealing device prevents the penetration of an air flow, coming from outside the docking station, into the emptying container during an emptying operation, and therefore ensures efficient suction of the waste towards a collection device of the docking station without requiring the use of an oversized suction device, which significantly limits the manufacturing costs and the mass of the docking station.

[0014] Furthermore, the fact that the sealing device extends partly around the waste collection container makes it possible to position at least part of the sealing device at a distance from the front face of the waste collection container, and therefore to be able to use a large front emptying hatch, which ensures optimal and rapid emptying of the waste collection container during an emptying operation thereof.

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

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device is configured to seal an upper portion of the receiving housing when the waste collection container is received in the emptying receptacle.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device is configured to extend at least partially around the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device is configured to extend over more than 50% of the perimeter of the peripheral wall of the waste collection container, and advantageously over 60% to 80%, and even more advantageously over 70% to 80%, and for example over approximately 72%, of the perimeter of said peripheral wall.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device is configured to extend at least partially between the peripheral wall of the waste collection container and an internal peripheral surface of the emptying receptacle.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device comprises:

[0021] - a first sealing part configured to extend, for example sens- possibly circumferentially, around a portion of the circumference of the outer peripheral wall of the waste collection container, and

[0022] - a second sealing part comprising two lateral sealing portions configured to extend, for example substantially longitudinally, along the peripheral wall of the waste collection container and on either side of a median longitudinal plane of the waste collection container, and a connecting portion connecting the two lateral sealing portions together and configured to extend under a front face of the waste collection container.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first sealing part has a generally arc-shaped shape.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first sealing part extends over an angular sector greater than 250°, and advantageously between 250° and 280°, and for example approximately 260°.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second sealing part has a general U-shape.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device is fixed to the drain receptacle.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device comprises a seal.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the seal is continuous.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the emptying receptacle comprises a receiving groove which is provided in an inner surface of the drain receptacle, and the sealing device is fixed in said receiving groove.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the seal has a constant section.

[0031] 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, originating from the waste collection container, when the waste collection container is received in the receiving housing.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the collection device comprises a dust bag.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station comprises a suction device configured to generate a vacuum in the receiving housing and to convey waste, coming from the waste collection container, into the collection device.

[0034] 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 housing of receiving, the upper insertion opening being configured to face upwards when the docking station is resting on a horizontal surface.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the emptying receptacle comprises a lateral notch provided on a peripheral wall of the emptying receptacle and extending downwardly from the upper peripheral edge of the emptying receptacle, the lateral notch being configured to partially accommodate the waste collection container when the waste collection container is received in the receiving housing. The presence of such a notch makes it possible to arrange the waste collection container as close as possible to the main body of the vacuum cleaner (the presence of a space between the waste collection container and the main body of the vacuum cleaner, for receiving the upper peripheral edge of the emptying receptacle, is in particular not required), while allowing easy insertion of the waste collection container into the emptying receptacle.Thus, such a configuration of the emptying receptacle makes it possible to make the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention more compact.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing device, and for example the second sealing portion, is configured to extend partly along a portion of the contour of the lateral notch. Such a configuration of the sealing device further improves the sealing of the receiving housing when the waste collection container is received in the receiving housing.

[0039] Advantageously, the two lateral sealing portions are configured to extend respectively along two lateral edges of the lateral notch, and the connecting portion is configured to extend along the lower edge of the lateral notch.

[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 part 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 power supply unit configured to be electrically connected to an electrical power outlet and to electrically power the docking station, and for example the second electrical connector.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis of the front emptying hatch extends transversely to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis of the front emptying hatch is substantially diametrically opposite the suction nozzle relative to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container. In other words, the pivot axis of the front emptying hatch is located in an upper part of the waste collection container.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front drain opening has a passage section which is greater than or equal to at least 80% of the cross section of the waste collection container.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the grip handle is arranged in a rear part of the vacuum cleaner.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction motor is located at the rear of the median longitudinal axis of the gripping handle.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises a rechargeable battery configured to electrically power the vacuum cleaner.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rechargeable battery is housed in a battery case connected, and for example fixed, to the gripping handle, and more particularly to a lower part of the gripping handle.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner is a stick vacuum cleaner.

[0054] 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

[0055] 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.

[0056] [Fig-1] is a side view of a cleaning system according to the present invention.

[0057] [Fig.2] is a front perspective view of a vacuum cleaner belonging to the system of cleaning according to the present invention;

[0058] [Fig.3] is a front perspective view of a docking station belonging to the cleaning system according to the present invention;

[0059] [Fig.4] is a top view of a drain receptacle belonging to the station reception of [Fig.3];

[0060] [Fig.5] is a side view of the vacuum cleaner of [Fig.2];

[0061] [Fig.6] is a view, on an enlarged scale, of a detail of [Fig.5];

[0062] [Fig.7] is a partial sectional view of the vacuum cleaner of [Fig.2] inserted into a receiving housing of the docking station of [Fig.3]. Detailed description

[0063] 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.

[0064] In this document, the term "peripheral wall" of the waste collection container means the wall of the waste collection container which extends around the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0065] In this document, the term "median longitudinal plane" means a vertical plane which is parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container and which divides the main body into two substantially equal parts, left and right.

[0066] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term “substantially” means, in this document, “exactly or to within 10% or 10°”.

[0067] Figures 1 to 7 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.

[0068] 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 fluidically connected to the suction nozzle 5 and intended to rest on the ground.

[0069] 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 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] The vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a suction duct 9 which is fluidically connected to the suction nozzle 5, and 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 duct 9.

[0072] 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:

[0073] - a waste collection container 12 comprising a peripheral wall of shape globally tubular,

[0074] - a tubular separation member 13, such as a tubular grid, which is arranged in the waste collection container 12 coaxially with a central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12, and

[0075] - a cyclonic separation chamber 14 which is delimited externally by the peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12, and internally by the tubular separation member 13.

[0076] The waste collection container 12 further comprises an air intake opening 15 which is fluidically connected to the suction duct 9 and which opens into the cyclone separation chamber 14.

[0077] The waste separation and collection device 11 also comprises a front emptying hatch 16 pivotally mounted on the waste collection container 12, and more particularly on an upper part of the waste collection container 12, around a pivot axis C and between a closing position (see [Fig. 2]) in which the front emptying hatch 16 closes a front emptying opening 17 provided at a front end of the waste collection container 12 and a release position (see [Fig. 7]) in which the front emptying hatch 16 releases the front emptying opening 17.

[0078] The pivot axis C of the front drain hatch 16 extends transversely to the central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12, and is located near a front end of the waste collection container 12. Advantageously, the pivot axis C is substantially diametrically opposite the suction nozzle 5 with respect to the central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12. In other words, the pivot axis C of the front emptying hatch 16 is located in an upper part of the waste collection container 12.

[0079] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the front drain opening 17 has a passage section which is greater than or equal to at least 80% of the cross section of the waste collection container 12.

[0080] The waste separation and collection device 11 further comprises a biasing member 18 (see [Fig.6]), such as a biasing spring and in particular a leaf spring or a torsion spring, configured to bias the front drain hatch 16 towards the closed position.

[0081] As shown in [Fig.5], the vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a suction motor 19 which has a motor axis D and 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, the suction duct 9 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12 is parallel to the motor axis D of the suction motor 19, and may for example be substantially coincident with the motor axis D, and the median longitudinal axis A of the gripping handle 6 is inclined relative to the motor axis D.

[0084] 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 battery cells.

[0085] 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 grip handle 6 and between the battery housing and the main body 4.

[0086] 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.

[0087] As shown in [Fig.l], 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the emptying receptacle 26 further comprises a lateral notch 29 provided on a peripheral wall of the emptying receptacle 26 and extending downwards from the upper peripheral edge of the emptying receptacle 26. The lateral notch 29 is more particularly configured to partially house the waste collection container 12 when the waste collection container 12 is received in the receiving housing 27.

[0091] The cleaning system 1 further 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 part of the receiving housing 27 when the waste collection container 12 is received in the emptying 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 emptying receptacle 26.

[0092] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the sealing device 31 comprises:

[0093] - a first sealing portion 32 configured to extend, for example possibly circumferentially, around a portion of the periphery of the outer peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12, and therefore around the central longitudinal axis B of the waste collection container 12, and

[0094] - a second sealing part 33 comprising two sealing portions lateral 33.1 configured to extend, for example substantially longitudinally, along the peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12 and on either side of a median longitudinal plane of the waste collection container 12, and a connecting portion 33.2 connecting the two lateral sealing portions 33.1 together and configured to extend under a front face of the waste collection container 12.

[0095] The first sealing portion 32 is more particularly configured to extend over more than 50% of the periphery of the peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12, and advantageously over 60% to 80%, and even more advantageously over 70% to 80%, and for example over approximately 72%, of the periphery of said peripheral wall. Advantageously, the first sealing portion 32 has a generally arcuate shape, and extends over an angular sector greater than 250°, and advantageously between 250° and 280°, and for example approximately 260°.

[0096] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the second sealing portion 33 has a general U-shape, and is configured to extend more particularly along a portion of the contour of the lateral notch 29. Advantageously, the two lateral sealing portions 33.1 are configured to extend respectively along two lateral edges of the lateral notch 29, and the connecting portion 33.2 is configured to extend along the lower edge of the lateral notch 29.

[0097] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the sealing device 31 is formed by a seal, and is fixed to the emptying receptacle 26. In order to be able to visualize the path of the sealing device 31 along the peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12, the sealing device 31 has been shown diagrammatically on the vacuum cleaner 2 shown in [Fig.2].

[0098] Advantageously, the seal is continuous and has a constant section. The seal may for example be overmolded onto the drain receptacle 26, or be received in a receiving groove formed in an internal surface of the drain receptacle 26.

[0099] However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the sealing device 31 could be fixed to the waste collection container 12. According to yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, the sealing device 31 could be formed by a shoulder provided on an external surface of the peripheral wall of the waste collection container 12 and by a stop surface provided on the receptacle drain 26 and forming a seat suitable for receiving the aforementioned shoulder when the waste collection container 12 is received in the receiving housing 27.

[0100] The docking station 3 also comprises a collection device 34 fluidly connected 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 34 comprises a dust bag removably arranged in a receiving compartment delimited by the base body 25.

[0101] The docking station 3 further comprises a suction device 35 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 34. The suction device 35 comprises for example a motor-fan arranged in the base body 25.

[0102] An emptying operation of 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 a front portion thereof into the receiving housing 27 via the upper insertion opening 28 and moves the main body 4 in a movement direction that is substantially vertical.

[0104] Advantageously, the docking station 3 may be provided with a detection device configured to detect the presence of the waste collection container 12 in the receiving housing 27, and with an electronic control unit configured to control the operation of the docking station 3, and in particular to control the activation of the suction device 35 when the detection device has detected the presence of the waste collection container 12 in the receiving housing 27.

[0105] Thus, when the waste collection container 12 is housed in the receiving housing 27, the suction device 35 is automatically activated, which generates a vacuum in the receiving housing 27, an automatic movement of the front emptying hatch 16 into the release position, a suction of the waste contained in the waste collection container 12 and a conveyance of the sucked waste to the collection device 34 where it is collected. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the cleaning system 1 could be configured to automatically move the front emptying hatch 16 into the release position when the waste collection container 12 is inserted into the receiving housing 27.

[0106] Thus, the cleaning system 1 according to the present invention ensures automatic and easy emptying of the waste collection container 12 without handling the hatch. 16 front draining by the user and without risk of soiling the user and their environment.

[0107] Advantageously, the docking station 3 is further 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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, and for example the second electrical connector.

[0110] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated which has been given only as an example. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Cleaning system (1) comprising: - a vacuum cleaner (2) comprising: • a main body (4) comprising a suction tip (5), • a gripping handle (6) mechanically connected to the main body (4), • a waste separation and collection device (11) fluidically connected to the suction nozzle (5), the waste separation and collection device (11) comprising a waste collection container (12) provided with a central longitudinal axis (B) and a front emptying opening (17), and a front emptying hatch (16) pivotally mounted on the waste collection container (12) about a pivot axis (C) and between a closing position in which the front emptying hatch (16) closes the front emptying opening (17) and a release position in which the front emptying hatch (16) releases the front emptying 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 at least partially house the waste collection container (12), characterized in that the cleaning system (1) comprises a sealing device (31) configured to be interposed between the waste collection container (12) and the drain receptacle (26) and to extend at least partially around a portion of the periphery of a peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12), when the waste collection container (12) is received in the receiving housing (27).

2. A cleaning system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sealing device (31) is configured to extend over more than 50% from the perimeter of the peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12).

3. A cleaning system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing device (31) is configured to extend at least partly between the peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12) and an inner peripheral surface of the emptying receptacle (26).

4. A cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 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.

5. The cleaning system (1) of claim 4, wherein the drain receptacle (26) has a side notch (29) provided on a peripheral wall of the drain receptacle (26) and extending downwardly from the upper peripheral edge of the drain receptacle (26), the side notch (29) being configured to partially accommodate the waste collection container (12) when the waste collection container (12) is received in the receiving housing (27).

6. A cleaning system (1) according to claim 5, wherein the sealing device (31) is configured to extend partly along a portion of the contour of the side notch (29).

7. Cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sealing device (31) comprises: - a first sealing portion (32) configured to extend around a portion of the periphery of the outer peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12), and - a second sealing portion (33) comprising two lateral sealing portions (33.1) configured to extend along the peripheral wall of the waste collection container (12) and on either side of a median longitudinal plane of the waste collection container (12), and a connecting portion (33.2) connecting the two lateral sealing portions (33.1) together and configured to extend under a front face of the waste collection container (12).

8. A cleaning system (1) according to claim 7, wherein the first sealing portion (32) has a generally arcuate shape.

9. Cleaning system (1) according to claim 8, wherein the first sealing portion (32) extends over an angular sector greater than 250°.

10. A cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sealing device (31) is attached to the drain receptacle (26).

11. A cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sealing device (31) comprises a seal.

12. A cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the docking station (3) comprises a collection device (34) fluidly connected to the emptying receptacle (26) and configured to collect waste, from the waste collection container (12), when the waste collection container (12) is received in the receiving housing (27).

13. Cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the waste separation and collection device (11) is of the cyclonic type.

14. 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).

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

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