Vacuum cleaner including a waste collection container equipped with a front extension part, and a cleaning system including such a vacuum cleaner

Abstract

The vacuum cleaner (2) includes an air inlet duct (9), a waste collection container (12), and a front discharge member (16) configured to close a front discharge opening (17) in the waste collection container (12). The waste collection container (12) has a main container portion (13) attached to the main body (4) and having a first maximum transverse dimension, and a front extension portion (14) extending forward and including the front discharge opening (17). The front extension portion (14) has a second maximum transverse dimension that is smaller than the first maximum transverse dimension. The front extension portion (14) has a peripheral wall that is located directly opposite and at a distance from the air inlet duct (9). Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Vacuum cleaner comprising a waste collection container equipped with a front extension part, and a 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 can for example be tile, parquet, laminate, carpet or 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, • 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 having a front discharge opening, a front discharge flap pivotally mounted on the waste collection container around a pivot axis and between a closed position in which the front discharge flap closes the front discharge opening and a release position in which the front discharge flap releases the front discharge opening, a actuating member configured to actuate the front discharge flap towards the release position,and a locking member which is mounted on the waste collection container opposite the pivot axis of the front drain flap relative to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container and which is movable between a locked position in which the locking member is able to lock the front drain flap in the closed position and an unlocked position in which the locking member is able to release the front drain flap and allow its pivoting towards the release position, , • 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,

[0004] - a docking station configured to accommodate the vacuum cleaner, the docking station including: • a drainage receptacle defining a receiving compartment configured to 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 unlocked position when the waste collection container is inserted into the receiving housing, and • a collection device fluidly connected to the receiving housing and configured to collect waste from the waste collection container.

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

[0006] However, such a configuration of the cleaning system requires positioning the waste collection container away from the air inlet duct, firstly in order to define a receiving space suitable for reviewing the peripheral wall of the drain receptacle when the waste collection container is received in the drain receptacle, and secondly in order to ensure easy actuation of the locking member by the actuation member and therefore optimal pivoting of the front drain flap between the closed position and the release position.

[0007] However, such a positioning of the waste collection container in relation to the air intake duct increases the bulk of the vacuum cleaner and has an impact on its ergonomics. 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 of providing a vacuum cleaner which is of simple, compact and ergonomic structure.

[0010] To this end, the present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising:

[0011] - a main body comprising a suction nozzle and an air inlet duct fluidly connected to the suction nozzle,

[0012] - a gripping handle mechanically connected to the main body,

[0013] - a waste separation and collection device fluidly connected to the conduit air inlet, the waste separation and collection device comprising a waste collection container provided with a front discharge opening, and a front discharge member configured to occupy a sealing configuration in in which the front draining device closes the front drain opening and a release configuration in which the front draining device releases the front drain opening, and

[0014] - a suction motor housed in the main body, the suction motor being configured to generate an airflow through the suction nozzle, the air inlet duct, and the waste separation and collection device,

[0015] the waste collection container comprises a main container part fixed to the main body and having a first maximum transverse dimension, and a front extension part extending towards the front of the vacuum cleaner and comprising the front drain opening, the front extension part having a second maximum transverse dimension which is less than the first maximum transverse dimension, the air inlet duct extends at least in part along and against an external peripheral surface of the main container part, and the front extension part comprises a peripheral wall which is located directly opposite and at a distance from the air inlet duct.

[0016] Such a configuration of the waste collection container, and in particular of the main container part and the front extension part, makes it possible to keep the main part of the waste collection container (namely the main container part) as close as possible to the air inlet duct of the vacuum cleaner, and thus to make the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention more compact, while allowing the waste collection container to be inserted into a discharge receptacle belonging to a docking station suitable for receiving the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention, since the upper peripheral edge of said discharge receptacle is suitable for being received in part between the peripheral wall of the front extension part and the air inlet duct.

[0017] In addition, the specific configuration of the front extension part ensures optimal guidance of the waste collection container when it is inserted into the emptying receptacle belonging to the docking station, and therefore facilitates said insertion.

[0018] In addition, the specific configuration of the waste collection container allows the latter to maintain a high waste storage capacity, while allowing easy movement of the emptying device to the release position when inserting the waste collection container into the aforementioned emptying receptacle.

[0019] The vacuum cleaner may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main container part and the front extension part delimit at least in part an internal volume of the waste collection container.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, a ratio of the second maximum transverse dimension to the first maximum transverse dimension is included between 0.5 and 0.9, and advantageously between 0.7 and 0.9, and for example approximately equal to 0.83.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main container part has a first maximum longitudinal dimension, and the front extension part has a second maximum longitudinal dimension which is less than half of the first maximum longitudinal dimension, and for example one-third of the first maximum longitudinal dimension.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste collection container is removable from the main body.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral wall of the front extension part and the air inlet duct delimit a receiving space, also called a receiving gap, in which a peripheral upper part of a drain receptacle belonging to a docking station is intended to be partially received when the vacuum cleaner is received by the docking station.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste collection container comprises a support surface, for example annular, extending around the front extension portion and connecting a front edge of the main container portion to a rear edge of the front extension portion. The support surface is configured to cooperate, for example in a sealed manner, with an upper peripheral edge of the waste receptacle belonging to the docking station when the vacuum cleaner is docked. Advantageously, the support surface is configured to rest on the upper peripheral edge of the waste receptacle.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front extension part extends forward from the support surface.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support surface extends transversely to a central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support surface is inclined, with respect to a transverse plane extending perpendicularly to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container, at an angle of inclination less than or equal to 20°, and for example less than 10°.

[0029] According to another embodiment of the invention, the support surface extends perpendicularly to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main container part has an overall cylindrical shape, for example cylindrical with a circular cross-section, and has a first diameter, and the front extension part has an overall cylindrical shape, for example cylindrical with a circular cross-section, and has a second diameter which is smaller than the first diameter.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main container part comprises a first central longitudinal axis, and the front extension part comprises a second central longitudinal axis which is substantially parallel to the first central longitudinal axis of the main container part.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second central longitudinal axis of the front extension part is offset with respect to the first central longitudinal axis of the main container part and is located substantially opposite the air inlet duct with respect to said first central longitudinal axis.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front extension part fits into a cylinder of revolution having a central axis substantially coinciding with the first central longitudinal axis of the main container part and having a cylinder diameter substantially identical to the first diameter of the main container part.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front extension part is located inset from a front end of the suction nozzle.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front drain opening has a passage section that is smaller than the cross-section of the main container part.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front draining device is a front draining hatch.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front draining member is movably mounted on the front extension part between the sealing configuration and the release configuration.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front draining member is pivotally mounted on the front extension part around a pivot axis and between the sealing configuration and the release configuration.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis of the front draining member is located opposite the air inlet duct with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis of the front emptying member extends transversely to a central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device includes a excitation member, such as a excitation spring, configured to excitation the front discharge member towards the release configuration.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device comprises a locking member which is mounted on the waste collection container, and for example on the front extension part, and which is movable between a locking position in which the locking member is able to lock the front drain member in the sealing configuration and an unlocking position in which the locking member is able to release the front drain member and allow movement of the front drain member towards the release configuration.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member is located opposite the pivot axis of the front emptying member relative to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device is of the cyclonic type.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction motor has a motor shaft, and the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container is substantially parallel to the motor shaft of the suction motor, and is, for example, substantially coincident with the motor shaft.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping handle is elongated and has a median longitudinal axis which is inclined with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping handle is arranged in a rear part of the vacuum cleaner.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction motor is located at the rear of the median longitudinal axis of the gripping 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 handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0051] The present invention further relates to a system comprising a vacuum cleaner according to the invention, and a docking station configured to accommodate the vacuum cleaner, the docking station comprising a drain receptacle configured to house at least partially the front extension part when the vacuum cleaner is accommodated by the docking station.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station includes an actuating member, such as an actuating finger, configured to cooperate with the locking member mounted on the waste collection container and to move the locking member into the unlocked position when the front extension part is inserted into the waste receptacle.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device includes a return member configured to return the locking member to the locked position.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station comprises:

[0055] - a collection device fluidly connected to the drain receptacle and configured to collect waste from the waste collection container when the front extension part is received in the discharge receptacle, and

[0056] - a suction device configured to suction waste from the container waste collection, and to convey the vacuumed waste to the collection device.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the collection device includes a dust bag.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drain receptacle has an upper peripheral edge delimiting a top insertion opening through which the front extension part is able to be inserted into the drain receptacle, the top insertion opening being configured to be oriented upwards when the docking station is in use configuration, and for example rests on a horizontal surface.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front extension part is configured to be inserted into and removed from the drain receptacle from the top of the docking station, and for example in a direction of movement which is substantially vertical when the docking station rests on a horizontal surface.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station includes a sealing device, such as a sealing gasket, configured to be interposed between the waste collection container and the drain receptacle, and for example between the support surface and the drain receptacle, when the front extension part is received in the drain receptacle.

[0061] 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 received by the docking station. Brief description of the figures

[0062] In any case, the invention will be well understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the attached schematic drawings representing, by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of this cleaning system.

[0063] [Fig-1] is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cleaning system according to the invention, showing a vacuum cleaner of said cleaning system housed in a docking station of said cleaning system;

[0064] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner in [Fig.1];

[0065] [Fig.3] is a side view of the vacuum cleaner of [Fig.1]. Detailed description

[0066] In this document, the terms "front", "rear", "front", "upper", "lower", "top", "above" and "below" are defined with respect to a use of the vacuum cleaner during which the user holds the vacuum cleaner by the gripping handle and keeps it substantially horizontal, 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.

[0067] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term "substantially" means, in this document, "exactly or to within 10% or to within 10°".

[0068] 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.

[0069] The vacuum cleaner 2 more particularly comprises a main body 4 provided with a suction nozzle 5 disposed in a front part of the main body 4, a gripping handle 6 mechanically connected to the main body 4 and enabling the vacuum cleaner 2 to be gripped by a user, and a suction head (not shown in the figures) fluidly connected to the suction nozzle 5 and intended to rest on the floor.

[0070] In a known manner, the suction head comprises a sole having 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 drawn 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.

[0071] 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 as a single piece with the main body 4 or attached to it.

[0072] The vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises an air inlet duct 9 which is fluidly connected to the suction nozzle 5, and a waste separation and collection device 11 which is mounted, for example in a removable manner, on the main body 4 and which is fluidly connected to the air inlet duct 9.

[0073] Advantageously, the waste separation and collection device 11 is of the cyclone type. To this end, the waste separation and collection device 11 more specifically comprises:

[0074] - a waste collection container 12 delimiting an internal volume,

[0075] - a tubular separating element (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 of the waste collection container 12, and

[0076] - a cyclone 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 element.

[0077] The waste collection container 12 further includes an air inlet opening (not shown in the figures) which is fluidly connected to the air inlet duct 9 and which opens into the cyclone separation chamber.

[0078] As shown more particularly in [Fig. 2], the waste collection container 12 comprises a main container portion 13 fixed to the main body 4 and having a first maximum transverse dimension, and a front extension portion 14 extending towards the front of the vacuum cleaner 2 and having a second maximum transverse dimension that is smaller than the first maximum transverse dimension. The main container portion 13 and the front extension portion 14 partially define the internal volume of the waste collection container 12.

[0079] As shown in [Fig.2], the air inlet duct 9 extends along and against an external peripheral surface 13.1 of the main container portion 13, and the front extension portion 14 has a peripheral wall 14.1 which is located directly opposite and at a distance from the air inlet duct 9. Advantageously, the front extension portion 14 is located recessed from a front end of the suction nozzle 5.

[0080] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the main container portion 13 has a generally cylindrical shape, for example, a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section, and has a first diameter, and the front extension portion 14 has a generally cylindrical shape, for example, a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section, and has a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter. A ratio of the second diameter to the first diameter may, for example, be between 0.5 and 0.9, and advantageously between 0.7 and 0.9, and for example approximately equal to 0.83.

[0081] The main container part 13 more particularly includes a first central longitudinal axis B which defines the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container 12, and the front extension part 14 includes a second central longitudinal axis C which is substantially parallel to the first central longitudinal axis B of the main container part 13.

[0082] Advantageously, the second central longitudinal axis C of the front extension part 14 is offset with respect to the first central longitudinal axis B of the main container part 13 and is located substantially opposite the air inlet duct 9 with respect to the second central longitudinal axis C of the front extension part 14. In other words, the second central longitudinal axis C is further from the air inlet duct 9 than the first central longitudinal axis B. However, according to one embodiment of the invention, the first central longitudinal axis B and the second central longitudinal axis C could be substantially confused.

[0083] As shown in [Fig.3], the front extension part 14 advantageously fits into a cylinder of revolution having a central axis substantially coinciding with the first central longitudinal axis B of the main container part 13 and having a cylinder diameter substantially identical to the first diameter of the main container part 13.

[0084] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the main container part 13 has a first maximum longitudinal dimension, namely a first length, and the front extension part 14 has a second maximum longitudinal dimension, namely a second length, which is less than half of the first maximum longitudinal dimension, and for example one-third, or even one-quarter, of the first maximum longitudinal dimension.

[0085] The waste collection container 12 further comprises a bearing surface 15 which is annular and which extends around the front extension portion 14. The bearing surface 15 connects a front edge of the main container portion 13 to a rear edge of the front extension portion 14. Thus, the front extension portion 14 extends forward from the bearing surface 15. The function of the bearing surface 15 will be described in detail below.

[0086] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the support surface 15 is inclined, with respect to a transverse plane extending perpendicularly to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container 12, and therefore extending perpendicularly to the first central longitudinal axis A, at an angle of inclination less than or equal to 20°, and for example less than 10°. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the support surface 15 could extend perpendicularly to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container 12.

[0087] The waste separation and collection device 11 also includes a front discharge member 16, such as a front discharge hatch, configured to occupy a closing configuration (see [Fig.3]) in which the front discharge member 16 closes a front discharge opening 17 provided on the front extension part 14 and a release configuration (see [Fig.1]) in which the front discharge member 16 releases the front discharge opening 17.

[0088] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the front draining member 16 is pivotally mounted on the waste collection container 12, and more particularly on the front extension portion 14, about a pivot axis D and between the closed and open configurations. The pivot axis D of the front draining member 16 extends transversely to the longitudinal axis central of the waste collection container 12, and is located near the front end or on the front end face of the front extension part 14. Advantageously, the pivot axis D is substantially diametrically opposite to the air inlet duct 9 with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container 12.

[0089] The waste separation and collection device 11 further includes a excitation member (not shown in the figures), such as a excitation spring, configured to excitation the front discharge member 16 towards the release configuration.

[0090] The waste separation and collection device 11 also includes a locking member 19, such as a locking finger, which is mounted on the waste collection container 12, and for example on the front extension part 14, and which is movable between a locking position in which the locking member 19 is able to lock the front discharge member 16 in the sealing configuration and an unlocking position in which the locking member 19 is able to release the front discharge member 16 and allow movement of the front discharge member 16 towards the release configuration.

[0091] Advantageously, the locking member 19 is located opposite the pivot axis D of the front drain member 16 relative to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container 12, and is therefore located on the side of the air inlet duct 9.

[0092] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking member 19 is pivotally mounted on the peripheral wall 14.1 of the front extension part 14 around a pivot axis which is substantially parallel to the pivot axis D of the front drain member 16.

[0093] The waste separation and collection device 11 further includes a return element (not shown in the figures), such as a return spring, configured to return the locking element 19 to the locked position.

[0094] As shown in [Fig. 1], the vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a suction motor 21 which is housed in the main body 4. The suction motor 21 is configured to generate an airflow through the suction head, the suction nozzle 5, the air inlet duct 9 and the waste separation and collection device 11. The suction motor 21 more particularly comprises a fan and an electric motor configured to drive the fan in rotation.

[0095] Advantageously, the gripping handle 6 is arranged in a rear part of the vacuum cleaner 2, and the suction motor 21 is located at the rear of the median longitudinal axis A of the gripping handle 6.

[0096] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container 12 is parallel to a motor axis of the suction motor 21, and can, for example, be substantially coincident with the motor axis, and the median longitudinal axis A of the gripping handle 6 is inclined with respect to the motor axis.

[0097] The vacuum cleaner 2 further includes a rechargeable battery 22 configured to electrically power the vacuum cleaner 2, and in particular the suction motor 21. The rechargeable battery 22, also called the battery pack, comprises several battery cells.

[0098] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the grip handle 6 is arranged between the rechargeable battery 22 and the main body 4. The rechargeable battery 22 is advantageously housed in a battery case connected to the grip handle 6, and more particularly to a lower part of the grip handle 6. Advantageously, the vacuum cleaner 2 includes an upright 23 which extends substantially parallel to the grip handle 6 and between the battery case and the main body 4.

[0099] As shown in [Fig.1], 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.

[0100] The docking station 3 includes in particular a base 24 configured to rest on the ground, and a discharge receptacle 26 delimiting a receiving housing 27 configured to house at least part of the waste collection container 12, and more particularly the front extension part 14, 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 discharge receptacle 26.

[0101] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the drain receptacle 26 has an upper peripheral edge delimiting a upper insertion opening 28 through which the front extension part 14 is able to be inserted into the receiving housing 27.

[0102] 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 front extension portion 14 is configured to be inserted into and removed from the receiving housing 27 from the top of the docking station 3, and in a direction of movement that is substantially vertical when the docking station 3 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0103] As shown in [Fig.1], the peripheral wall 14.1 of the front extension part 14 and the air inlet duct 9 delimit a receiving space 29, also called a receiving gap, in which a peripheral upper part of the drain receptacle 26 is intended to be partially received when the vacuum cleaner 2 is received by the docking station 3.

[0104] Advantageously, the bearing surface 15 is configured to cooperate in a sealed manner with the upper peripheral edge of the drain receptacle 26 and to rest on said peripheral edge when the vacuum cleaner 2 is received by said docking station 3.

[0105] For this purpose, the docking station 3 includes a sealing device 31, such as a sealing gasket, fixed to the drain receptacle 26 and configured to be interposed between the waste collection container 12 and the drain receptacle 26, and for example between the support surface 15 and the drain receptacle 26, and to seal an upper peripheral part of the drain receptacle 26 when the front extension part 14 is received in the drain receptacle 26.

[0106] The docking station 3 also includes a collection device 32 fluidly connected to the drain receptacle 26, for example via a connecting tube, and configured to collect waste from the waste collection container 12 when the front extension part 14 is received in the receiving housing 27. According to one embodiment of the invention, the collection device 32 includes a dust bag removably disposed in a receiving compartment delimited by the base 24.

[0107] The docking station 3 further includes a suction device 33 configured to generate a vacuum in the receiving housing 27, and more particularly to suction waste from the waste collection container 12, and to convey the suctioned waste to the collection device 32. The suction device 33 includes, for example, a motor-fan disposed in the base 24.

[0108] The docking station 3 also includes an actuating member 34, such as an actuating finger, configured to cooperate with the locking member 19 mounted on the waste collection container 12 and to move the locking member 19, against the restoring force exerted by the restoring member, into the unlocked position when the front extension part 14 is inserted into the discharge receptacle 26.

[0109] An operation to empty the waste collection container 12 is described below.

[0110] When a user wishes to empty the contents of the waste collection container 12, they insert the front extension part 14 into the receiving housing 27 via the upper insertion opening 28 and move the main body 4 in a substantially vertical direction. During such movement, the organ The actuation 34 cooperates with the locking member 19 and moves the latter into the unlocking position, which results in an automatic movement of the drain member 16 into the release position due to the restoring force exerted by the actuation member on the drain member 16.

[0111] Advantageously, the docking station 3 can be equipped with a detection device configured to detect the presence of the front extension part 14 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 33 when the detection device has detected the presence of the front extension part 14 in the receiving housing 27.

[0112] Thus, when the front extension part 14 is housed in the receiving housing 27, the suction device 32 is automatically activated, resulting in the suction of the waste contained in the waste collection container 12 and the conveyance of the suctioned waste to the collection device 32 where it is collected.

[0113] Advantageously, the docking station 3 can also 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 front extension part 14 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.

[0114] For this purpose, the vacuum cleaner 2 may, for example, include a first electrical connector having 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 connecting 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, include a second electrical connector having a pair of second electrical contacts configured to cooperate electrically with the first electrical contacts provided on the vacuum cleaner 2 when the front extension part 14 is housed in the receiving housing 27.

[0115] The docking station 3 also includes a power supply unit, also called an AC adapter, configured to be electrically connected to an electrical power outlet, such as a mains outlet and in particular a wall outlet, and to electrically supply the docking station 3 and in particular the second electrical connector.

[0116] According to another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the front draining member 16 could be elastically deformable between the sealing configuration and release configuration. For example, the front drain element 16 could be a front drain membrane, and be made of elastomer material.

[0117] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which have been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the construction of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Vacuum cleaner (2) comprising: - a main body (4) having a suction nozzle (5) and an air inlet duct (9) fluidly connected to the 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 air inlet duct (9), the waste separation and collection device (11) having a waste collection container (12) having a front discharge opening (17), and a front discharge member (16) configured to occupy a closing configuration in which the front discharge member (16) closes the front discharge opening (17) and a release configuration in which the front discharge member (16) releases the front discharge opening (17), and - a suction motor (21) housed in the main body (4),the suction motor (21) being configured to generate an airflow through the suction nozzle (5), the air inlet duct (9) and the waste separation and collection device (11), characterized in that the waste collection container (12) comprises a main container portion (13) fixed to the main body (4) and having a first maximum transverse dimension, and a front extension portion (14) extending towards the front of the vacuum cleaner (2) and comprising the front drain opening (17), the front extension portion (14) having a second maximum transverse dimension which is less than the first maximum transverse dimension, in that the air inlet duct (9) extends at least partly along and against an external peripheral surface (13.1) of the main container portion (13),and in that the front extension portion (14) comprises a peripheral wall (14.1) which is located directly opposite and at a distance from the air inlet duct (9).

2. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral wall (14.1) of the front extension portion (14) and the air inlet duct (9) define a receiving space (29) in which a peripheral portion is intended to be partially received upper of a drain receptacle (26) belonging to a docking station (3) when the vacuum cleaner (2) is received by the docking station (3).

3. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 2, wherein the waste collection container (12) has a support surface (15) extending around the front extension part (14) and connecting a front edge of the main container part (13) to a rear edge of the front extension part (14), the support surface (15) being configured to cooperate with an upper peripheral edge of the discharge receptacle (26) belonging to the docking station (3) when the vacuum cleaner (2) is received by said docking station (3).

4. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the main container part (13) has an overall cylindrical shape and has a first diameter, and the front extension part (14) has an overall cylindrical shape and has a second diameter which is smaller than the first diameter.

5. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the main container part (13) has a first central longitudinal axis (B), and the front extension part (14) has a second central longitudinal axis (C) which is substantially parallel to the first central longitudinal axis (B) of the main container part (13).

6. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 5, wherein the second central longitudinal axis (C) of the front extension part (14) is offset from the first central longitudinal axis (B) of the main container part (13) and is located substantially opposite the air inlet duct (9) with respect to said first central longitudinal axis (B).

7. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the front extension part (14) is located inset from a front end of the suction nozzle (5).

8. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the front discharge member (16) is a front discharge hatch.

9. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the front discharge member (16) is movably mounted on the front extension part (14) between the sealing configuration and the release configuration.

10. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 9, wherein the front discharge member (16) is pivotally mounted on the front extension part (14) about a pivot axis (D) and between the sealing configuration and the release configuration.

11. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the waste separation and collection device (11) comprises a squeezing member configured to squeeze the front discharge member (16) towards the release configuration.

12. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the waste separation and collection device (11) comprises a locking member (19) which is mounted on the waste collection container (12) and which is movable between a locking position in which the locking member (19) is able to lock the front discharge member (16) in the sealing configuration and an unlocking position in which the locking member (19) is able to release the front discharge member (16) and allow movement of the front discharge member (16) to the release configuration.

13. 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), the docking station (3) comprising a drain receptacle (26) configured to accommodate at least partially the front extension portion (14) when the vacuum cleaner (2) is accommodated by the docking station (3).

14. Cleaning system (1) according to claim 13, wherein the docking station (3) comprises: - a collection device (32) fluidly connected to the discharge receptacle (26) and configured to collect waste from the waste collection container (12) when the front extension part (14) is received in the discharge receptacle (26), and - a suction device (33) configured to suction waste from the waste collection container (12) and to convey the suctioned waste to the collection device (32).

15. Cleaning system (1) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the drain receptacle (26) has an upper peripheral edge defining an upper insertion opening (28) through which the front extension portion (14) is able to be inserted into the drain receptacle (26), the insertion opening upper (28) being configured to be oriented upwards when the docking station (3) is in use configuration.

16. Cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the docking station (3) includes a sealing device (31) configured to be interposed between the waste collection container (12) and the drain receptacle (26) when the front extension part (14) is received in the drain receptacle (26).

17. Cleaning system (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the docking station (3) is configured to recharge a rechargeable battery (22) of the vacuum cleaner (2) when the vacuum cleaner (2) is received by the docking station (3).

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