Handheld vacuum cleaner equipped with a removable waste collection container

Abstract

The handheld vacuum cleaner (2) has a main body (3); a waste separation and collection device (7) comprising a waste collection container (8); and a fastening device (13) configured to removably and reversibly attach the waste collection container (8) to the main body (3). The fastening device (13) has a retaining tab (21) provided on the waste collection container (8) and comprising a retaining portion (23) extending transversely to a median longitudinal plane (P) of the handheld vacuum cleaner (2), and a retaining groove (22) provided on the main body (3), configured to receive the retaining portion (23), and comprising a first insertion portion (25) that is open upwards and a second retaining portion (26) comprising a stop wall (27) configured to cover the upper part of the retaining portion (23). Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Portable vacuum cleaner equipped with a removable waste collection container. 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 handheld vacuum cleaner includes, in a known manner, in particular a main body equipped with an air intake duct, a gripping handle mechanically connected to the main body, a waste separation and collection device mounted on the main body, and a suction motor housed in the main body and configured to generate an airflow through the air intake duct and the waste separation and collection device.

[0003] In order to allow emptying and cleaning of the waste separation and collection device, the latter generally includes a waste collection container mounted removably on the main body, and the handheld vacuum cleaner includes a fastening device configured to reversibly fix and lock the waste collection container onto the main body.

[0004] Such a fastening device may, for example, comprise:

[0005] - a fixing hook provided on an upper front part of the main body,

[0006] - a fixing housing provided on a lower front part of the container waste collection and suitable for use with the mounting hook provided on the main body, and

[0007] - a locking mechanism comprising a locking member, such as a locking finger, provided on an upper rear part of the main body, and a locking element, such as a locking housing, provided on an upper rear part of the waste collection container and suitable for cooperating with the locking member.

[0008] Such a configuration of the fastening device requires, when installing the waste collection container on the main body, that the following steps be carried out:

[0009] - tilt the waste collection container forward and downwards,

[0010] - insert the fixing hook provided on the main body into the housing of The attachment is intended for the waste collection container, and

[0011] - pivot the rear part of the waste collection container towards the main body until the locking mechanism provided on the main body cooperates with the locking element provided on the waste collection container.

[0012] Although such a sequence of steps ensures optimal compression of the sealing gasket provided on the main body and which is able to cooperate with an air inlet opening provided on the waste collection container (which gives increased reliability to the sealing gasket), this sequence of steps may prove difficult for some users. Summary of the invention

[0013] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of this drawback.

[0014] The technical problem underlying the invention consists of providing a portable vacuum cleaner that is simple and reliable in structure, while allowing easy assembly / disassembly of a waste collection container belonging to the portable vacuum cleaner.

[0015] To this end, the present invention relates to a portable vacuum cleaner comprising:

[0016] - a main body comprising an air intake duct,

[0017] - a gripping handle mechanically connected to the main body,

[0018] - a waste separation and collection device comprising a container of waste collection unit equipped with an air inlet opening configured to be fluidly connected to the air intake duct, the waste collection container having a central longitudinal axis and being removably mounted on the main body,

[0019] - a fastening device configured to removably and reversibly fix the waste collection container on the main body and to hold the waste collection container in a position for use, and

[0020] - a suction motor housed in the main body, the suction motor being configured to generate an airflow through the air intake duct and the waste separation and collection device,

[0021] the fastening device comprising:

[0022] - at least one retaining tab provided on the waste collection container and comprising a retaining portion extending transversely to a median longitudinal plane of the handheld vacuum cleaner, and for example substantially perpendicular to said median longitudinal plane, and

[0023] - at least one retaining groove provided on the main body and configured for to receive the retaining portion of at least one retaining tab when the waste collection container is mounted on the main body, at least one retaining groove extending substantially parallel to the median longitudinal plane of the handheld vacuum cleaner and comprising a first insertion portion that is open upwards so as to permit insertion of the retaining part into the first insertion portion in an insertion direction comprising at least one vertical component, and a second retaining portion comprising a stop wall configured to cover the retaining part from above with at least one retaining leg, when the waste collection container is mounted on the main body, so as to prevent withdrawal of the retaining part from the second retaining portion in an upward-oriented withdrawal movement, and for example vertically upwards.

[0024] Such a configuration of the fastening device, and in particular of at least one retaining groove, ensures easy, one-handed mounting of the waste collection container on the main body, since it is sufficient for a user to insert the retaining part into the first insertion portion and then slide the retaining part into the retaining groove and towards the second retaining portion until the waste collection container reaches the operating position in which the stop wall covers the retaining part and prevents unintentional dismantling of the waste collection container.

[0025] Thus, the handheld vacuum cleaner according to the present invention has increased ergonomics of use compared to handheld vacuum cleaners of the prior art.

[0026] The handheld vacuum cleaner may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one retaining leg is fixed relative to the waste collection container.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one retaining tab is integrated with the waste collection container. In other words, the waste collection container and at least one retaining tab are made in a single piece. Such a configuration of the fastening device provides increased reliability to the handheld vacuum cleaner according to the present invention and reduces its manufacturing costs.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second retaining portion is configured to guide the retaining part in translation relative to the main body during a final mounting phase of the waste collection container onto the main body, and therefore during an initial dismounting phase of the waste collection container. Such a configuration of the fastening device further facilitates the mounting and dismounting operations of the waste collection container.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one retaining tab is provided on a lower part of the waste collection container, and at least one retaining groove is provided on an upper part of the main body. Such The configuration of the fixing device further facilitates the assembly and disassembly operations of the waste collection container.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first insertion portion has a depth that increases, for example, progressively, towards the second retention portion, and for example towards the suction motor. Such a configuration of the first insertion portion ensures easy engagement of the retention portion in the second retention portion, and in particular under the stop wall, and thus further facilitates the mounting of the waste collection container onto the main body.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the depth of the first insertion portion increases, for example progressively, up to the second retention portion. Such a configuration of the first insertion portion further facilitates the mounting of the waste collection container onto the main body.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bottom wall of the first insertion portion comprises a guide ramp which is inclined backwards and downwards.

[0034] According to another embodiment of the invention, the bottom wall of the first insertion portion and the bottom wall of the second retention portion are substantially coplanar.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first insertion portion includes at least one lateral guide wall configured to cooperate with at least one retaining tab so as to guide the insertion of at least one retaining tab into the first insertion portion.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one lateral guide wall is inclined such that the width of the first insertion portion narrows towards the bottom of at least one retaining groove.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first insertion portion comprises two lateral guide walls situated opposite each other and configured to cooperate with at least one retaining tab so as to guide the insertion of at least one retaining tab into the first insertion portion. Advantageously, at least one of the two lateral guide walls is inclined such that the width of the first insertion portion narrows towards the bottom of at least one retaining groove.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one retaining groove has a closed front end. In other words, the at least one retaining groove is completely closed at the front. Such a configuration of the at least one retaining groove helps to limit the risk of accidental disassembly of the waste collection container during a cleaning operation.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one retaining groove has an open front end. Such a configuration of the at least one retaining groove allows the waste collection container to be mounted on the main body substantially via a translational movement.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one retaining lug comprises a connecting part mechanically linking the retaining part to the waste collection container.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one retaining lug has a generally L-shaped cross-section.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining part has a length, measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container, which is greater than the length of the second retaining portion.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first insertion portion has a length greater than that of the second retention portion.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening device is configured such that dismantling the waste collection container comprises a first dismantling phase during which the retaining part is moved in translation forward and in the second retaining portion in a translation direction, which is substantially parallel to the median longitudinal plane of the handheld vacuum cleaner, until the retaining part is offset longitudinally with respect to the stop wall (and therefore is no longer covered by the stop wall) and a second dismantling phase during which the retaining part is moved with respect to the main body in a lifting movement, which includes at least a vertical component, so as to extract the retaining part out of the first insertion portion.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening device comprises two retaining tabs provided on the waste collection container and each comprising a retaining portion extending transversely to the median longitudinal plane of the handheld vacuum cleaner, and two retaining grooves provided on the main body and each configured to receive the retaining portion of the respective retaining tab when the waste collection container is mounted on the main body.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body comprises a bearing area, for example formed by a generally flat bearing surface, located between the two retaining grooves, and the waste collection container is provided with a bearing portion, for example located between the two retaining tabs, configured to bear against the bearing area when the waste collection container is mounted on the main body. Advantageously, the bearing area is arranged above the air intake duct.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two retaining grooves are laterally offset from each other.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two retaining grooves extend respectively on either side of the median longitudinal plane of the handheld vacuum cleaner. Such a configuration of the fastening device helps to improve the stability of the waste collection container when it is in the operating position, while also further enhancing the ergonomics of using the waste separation and collection device.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two retaining tabs are arranged respectively on either side of the median longitudinal plane of the waste collection container, and are for example symmetrical with respect to the median longitudinal plane of the waste collection container.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two retaining parts extend in opposite directions and outwards from the handheld vacuum cleaner. Such a configuration of the fastening device ensures stable retention of the waste collection container on the main body.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two retaining grooves extend respectively on either side of the air intake duct. In other words, the air intake duct extends at least partially between the two retaining grooves.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the retaining grooves comprises an inner side wall and an outer side wall, the outer side walls converging towards each other in the direction of the suction motor. Such a configuration of the retaining grooves ensures optimal guidance of at least one retaining portion in at least one retaining groove, and thus further facilitates the mounting of the waste collection container onto the main body.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the handheld vacuum cleaner includes a sealing gasket fixed to the main body and configured to cooperate in a hermetic manner with the air inlet opening provided on the waste collection container when the waste collection container is mounted on the main body.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing joint is configured to stress the retaining part of at least one retaining tab against the abutment wall.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fastening device comprises a locking mechanism configured to reversibly lock the waste collection container onto the main body, and thus to lock the waste collection container in the position of use. The locking mechanism is specifically configured to prevent translation of the part of retained towards the first insertion portion when the waste collection container is in the position of use.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism comprises a locking member, such as a locking finger, provided on the waste collection container or on the main body, and a locking element, such as a locking orifice, provided on the main body or the waste collection container and configured to cooperate with the locking member, the locking member being movable between a locking position in which the locking member is able to cooperate with the locking element so as to lock the waste collection container on the main body and a release position in which the locking member is able to release the locking element so as to allow disassembly of the waste collection container from the main body.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member is movable relative to the waste collection container along a direction of movement which extends substantially transversely, and for example substantially radially, relative to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking position corresponds to a deployed position of the locking member, and the release position corresponds to a depressed position of the locking member.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking element is provided on an upper part of the main body.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism includes a return member configured to return the locking member to the locked position.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste collection container is generally cylindrical or frustoconical in shape.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction motor is arranged downstream of the waste separation and collection device.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container is located substantially in the median longitudinal plane of the handheld vacuum cleaner when the waste collection container is mounted on the main body.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air inlet opening provided on the waste collection container extends along an extension plane that is inclined with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the waste collection container. Advantageously, the extension plane is inclined backwards and upwards.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the handheld vacuum cleaner includes an air filter, such as a pleated filter, which is located upstream of the suction motor and is directly accessible to a user when the waste collection container is placed on top of the vacuum. The air filter is removable from the main body. This positioning of the air filter is made possible, in particular, by the specific configuration of the fastening device according to the present invention, which eliminates the need for any pivoting movement at the end of the operation to mount the waste collection container onto the main body. Indeed, such a final pivoting movement would be likely to damage the integrity of the air filter.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first insertion portion and the second retention portion are longitudinally offset from each other. Advantageously, the second retention portion extends in line with the first insertion portion.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stop wall extends opposite a bottom wall of the second retaining portion. Brief description of the figures

[0068] 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 examples, several embodiments of this portable vacuum cleaner.

[0069] [Fig.1] is a top perspective view of a portable vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0070] [Fig.2] is a longitudinal sectional view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of [Fig.1].

[0071] [Fig.3] is a partial truncated perspective view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of the [Fig.l].

[0072] [Fig.4] is a perspective view from below of a waste separation and collection device belonging to the handheld vacuum cleaner of [Fig.1].

[0073] [Fig.5] is a partial perspective view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of [Fig.1].

[0074] [Fig.6] is a partial truncated perspective view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of the [Fig.l].

[0075] [Fig.7] is a partial cross-sectional view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of [Fig.1].

[0076] [Fig.8] is a partial truncated perspective view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of [Fig.1].

[0077] [Fig.9] is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of [Fig.1].

[0078] [Fig.10] is a truncated perspective view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of [Fig.1], showing the waste separation and collection device being assembled.

[0079] [Fig. 11] is a partial truncated perspective view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of [Fig.1], showing the waste separation and collection device in the mounted state.

[0080] [Fig. 12] is a partial perspective top view of a handheld vacuum cleaner according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0081] [Fig. 13] is a partial truncated perspective view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of [Fig. 12], showing the waste separation and collection device being assembled.

[0082] [Fig. 14] is a partial, truncated perspective view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of [Fig. 12], showing the waste separation and collection device in the assembled state. Detailed description

[0083] In this document, the terms "front", "rear", "lower", "upper", "top", "bottom", "above" and "vertical" are defined with respect to a use of the vacuum cleaner during which the user holds the handheld vacuum cleaner by the grip handle and keeps it substantially horizontal, and the connection nozzle is located opposite the user.

[0084] In this document, the term “transparent to light radiation” means transparent or translucent.

[0085] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term "substantially" means, in this document, "exactly or to within 10% or to within 10°".

[0086] Figures 1 to 11 represent a handheld vacuum cleaner 2 comprising a main body 3 having an air intake duct 4 through which outside air can be drawn in by the handheld vacuum cleaner 2, and a connecting nozzle 5 fluidly connected to the air intake duct 4 and to which various vacuum cleaner accessories can be connected.

[0087] The handheld vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a gripping handle 6 mechanically connected to the main body 3 and enabling a user to grip the handheld vacuum cleaner 2. Advantageously, the gripping handle 6 is located in a rear portion of the handheld vacuum cleaner 2. The gripping handle 6 may be manufactured as a single unit with the main body 3 or attached to it.

[0088] The handheld vacuum cleaner 2 further includes a waste separation and collection device 7 mounted removably on the main body 3 and fluidly connected to the air intake duct 4.

[0089] The waste separation and collection device 7 is advantageously of the cyclonic type, and includes in particular a waste collection container 8, and a tubular separation element 9 housed in the waste collection container 8 and delimiting with the latter a cyclonic separation chamber.

[0090] The waste collection container 8 more particularly includes an air inlet opening 11 (see [Fig.4]) which is configured to be fluidly connected to the air inlet duct 4 when the waste collection container 8 is mounted on the main body 3. The air inlet opening 11 can, for example, extend along an extension plane which is inclined with respect to a central longitudinal axis A of the waste collection container 8, and for example inclined backwards and upwards.

[0091] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the waste collection container 8 is generally cylindrical or frustoconical in shape, and the central longitudinal axis A of the waste collection container 8 is located substantially in the median longitudinal plane P of the handheld vacuum cleaner 2 when the waste collection container 8 is mounted on the main body 3.

[0092] As shown in [Fig.5], the handheld vacuum cleaner 2 advantageously includes a sealing gasket 12 which is annular and which is fixed to the main body 3 so as to extend around an air outlet of the air intake duct 4. The sealing gasket 12 is more particularly configured to cooperate in a hermetic manner with the air intake opening 11 provided on the waste collection container 8 when the waste collection container 8 is mounted on the main body 3.

[0093] The waste separation and collection device 7 further includes a fastening device 13 configured to removably and reversibly attach the waste collection container 8 to the main body 3 and to hold the waste collection container 8 in a position for use. Such a fastening device 13 is described in more detail below.

[0094] As shown in [Fig.2], the handheld vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a suction motor 16 which is housed in the main body 3. The suction motor 16 is configured to generate an airflow through the air intake duct 4 and the waste separation and collection device 7. The suction motor 16 more particularly comprises a fan and an electric motor configured to drive the fan in rotation.

[0095] As shown more particularly in Figures 2 and 5, the handheld vacuum cleaner 2 also includes an air filter 30, such as a pleated filter, which is removable from the main body 3 and is located upstream of the suction motor 16. Advantageously, the air filter 30 is directly accessible to a user when the waste collection container 8 is removed. This arrangement of the air filter 30 ensures more frequent cleaning of the latter by a user, since it is easy for them to check the condition of the air filter 30 each time the waste collection container 8 is removed.

[0096] As shown in [Fig. 2], the handheld vacuum cleaner 2 further includes a rechargeable battery 17 configured to electrically power the handheld vacuum cleaner 2, and in in particular the suction motor 16. The rechargeable battery 17, also called the battery pack, comprises several battery cells. The rechargeable battery 17 is advantageously housed in a battery case 18 connected to the handle 6, and more specifically to a lower part of the handle 6. The battery case 18 can, for example, be removably attached to the handle 6.

[0097] The handheld vacuum cleaner 2 also includes a user interface 19 configured to allow a user to select at least one operating parameter of the vacuum cleaner 2, and an electronic control unit 20, such as a microprocessor or microcontroller, configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner 2.

[0098] As shown more particularly in Figures 4 and 7, the fastening device 13 comprises two retaining tabs 21 provided on the waste collection container 8, and two retaining grooves 22 provided on the main body 3 and each configured to receive at least partially one of its respective retaining tabs 21 when the waste collection container 8 is mounted on the main body 3. Advantageously, the two retaining tabs 21 are provided on a lower part of the waste collection container 8, and the two retaining grooves 22 are provided on an upper part of the main body 3.

[0099] As shown more particularly in [Fig.4], each retaining tab 21 is fixed relative to the waste collection container 8. Advantageously, each retaining tab 21 is fitted together with the waste collection container 8. In other words, the waste collection container 8 and the retaining tabs 21 are made in one piece.

[0100] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the two retaining tabs 21 are arranged respectively on either side of a median longitudinal plane of the waste collection container 8, and are for example symmetrical with respect to the median longitudinal plane of the waste collection container 8.

[0101] As shown in [Fig.7], each retaining leg 21 has a generally L-shaped cross-section, and more particularly comprises a retaining portion 23 extending transversely to the median longitudinal plane P of the handheld vacuum cleaner 2, and for example substantially perpendicular to said median longitudinal plane P, and a connecting portion 24 mechanically linking the respective retaining portion 23 to a peripheral wall of the waste collection container 8. Advantageously, the two retaining portions 23 extend in opposite directions from each other and outwards from the handheld vacuum cleaner 2.

[0102] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the two retaining grooves 22 extend respectively on either side of the median longitudinal plane P of the portable vacuum cleaner 2, and extend substantially parallel to said median longitudinal plane P. Advantageously, the two retaining grooves 22 extend respectively on either side of the air intake duct 4. In other words, the air intake duct 4 extends at least partly between the two retaining grooves 22.

[0103] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, each retaining groove 22 comprises a bottom, and an inner side wall 22.1 and an outer side wall 22.2 which are located opposite each other and are arranged on either side of the respective bottom. According to the first embodiment of the invention, each retaining groove 22 has a closed front end. In other words, each retaining groove 22 is completely closed at the front.

[0104] Each retaining groove 22 more particularly comprises a first insertion portion 25 which is open upwards, and a second retaining portion 26 which is offset longitudinally with respect to the respective first insertion portion 25 (and for example which extends in the continuation of the respective first insertion portion 25) and which comprises a stop wall 27, for example generally flat, extending opposite a bottom wall of said second retaining portion 26.

[0105] Each first insertion portion 25 is more particularly configured to allow insertion of the respective retaining portion 23 into said first insertion portion 25 in an insertion direction comprising at least one vertical component, and for example in a vertical insertion direction, and the abutment wall 27 of each second insertion portion 25 is more particularly configured to cover the respective retaining portion 23 from above, when the waste collection container 8 is in the operating position, so as to prevent withdrawal of said retaining portion 23 from the respective second retaining portion 26 in a vertically upward direction. Advantageously, the sealing gasket 12 is configured to press the retaining portion 23 of each retaining tab 21 against the respective abutment wall 27.

[0106] Each retaining portion 23 may, for example, have a length, measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis A of the waste collection container 8, which is greater than the length of the respective second retaining portion 26, and each first insertion portion 25 may, for example, have a length greater than that of the respective second retaining portion 26.

[0107] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the bottom wall of the first insertion portion 25 and the bottom wall of the second retention portion 26 of the same retention groove 22 are substantially coplanar, and extend substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the air intake duct 4.

[0108] According to the first embodiment of the invention, each first insertion portion 25 comprises two side guide walls 25.1 (which respectively form in part the respective inner side wall 22.1 and outer side wall 22.2) situated opposite each other and configured to cooperate with the respective retaining tab 21 so as to guide the insertion of said retaining tab 21 into said first insertion portion 25. Advantageously, at least one of the two side guide walls 25.1 of each first insertion portion 25 is inclined such that the width of each first insertion portion 25 narrows towards the bottom of the respective retaining groove 22. Such a configuration of each first insertion portion 25 ensures easy insertion of each retaining tab 21 into the respective retaining groove 22.

[0109] The aforementioned fastening device 13 is more particularly configured such that dismantling the waste collection container 8 comprises a first dismantling phase during which each retaining part 23 is moved translationally forward (opposite the suction motor 16) and in the respective second retaining portion 26 in a translational direction that is substantially parallel to the median longitudinal plane P of the portable vacuum cleaner 2, until said retaining part 23 is offset longitudinally relative to the respective stop wall 27 (and thus is no longer covered by said stop wall 27), and a second dismantling phase during which each retaining part 23 is moved relative to the main body 3 in a lifting movement that includes at least one vertical component,(and for example according to a vertical lifting movement) so as to extract said retaining portion 23 from the respective first insertion portion 25.

[0110] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the main body 3 has a support area 28, for example formed by a generally flat support surface, located between the two retaining grooves 22 and disposed above the air intake duct 4, and the waste collection container 8 is provided with a support part 29, for example located between the two retaining tabs 21, configured to bear against the support area 28 when the waste collection container 8 is mounted on the main body 3. The presence of the support area 28 and the support part 29 gives the waste collection container 8 great stability when it is in the position of use.

[0111] Advantageously, the fastening device 13 further comprises a locking mechanism 31 configured to reversibly lock the waste collection container 8 onto the main body 3 when the waste collection container 8 is in the operating position, and thus to prevent, in particular, translation of each retaining part 23 towards the respective first insertion portion 25 when the waste collection container 8 is in the operating position.

[0112] The locking mechanism 31 may, for example, comprise a locking member 32 provided with a locking finger and mounted on the waste collection container 8, and a locking element 33, such as a locking orifice, provided on the main body 3, and for example on the upper rear part of the main body 3, and configured to cooperate with the locking member 32.

[0113] The locking member 32 is particularly movable between a locking position in which the locking member 32 is able to cooperate with the locking element 33 so as to lock the waste collection container 8 onto the main body 3, and a release position in which the locking member 32 is able to release the locking element 33 so as to allow disassembly of the waste collection container 8 from the main body 3. Advantageously, the locking mechanism 31 may further include a return member 34 configured to return the locking member 32 to the locking position.

[0114] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the locking member 32, and more particularly the locking finger, has a chamfer configured to cooperate with the main body 3 during a final assembly phase of the waste collection container 8, so as to move the locking member 32 towards the unlocked position. Such a configuration of the locking mechanism 31 allows a user to mount the waste collection container 8 onto the main body 3 without requiring prior movement of the locking member 32 into the unlocked position, which further facilitates the mounting of the waste collection container 8 onto the main body 3.

[0115] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the locking member 32 is movable relative to the waste collection container along a direction of movement which extends transversely, and for example substantially radially, relative to the central longitudinal axis A of the waste collection container, and the locking position corresponds to a deployed position of the locking member 32 and the release position corresponds to a depressed position of the locking member 32.

[0116] Figures 12 to 14 show a portable vacuum cleaner 2 according to a second embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that each first insertion portion 25 has a depth that increases, for example progressively, towards the respective second retention portion 26, and for example up to said second retention portion 26. To this end, the bottom wall of each first insertion portion 25 may, for example include a guide ramp which is inclined backwards and downwards. Such a configuration of each first insertion portion 25 ensures easy engagement of said retaining portion 23 in the respective second retaining portion 26, and in particular under the respective abutment wall 27.

[0117] According to the second embodiment of the invention, the external side walls 22.2 of the two retaining grooves 22 converge towards each other in the direction of the suction motor 16, i.e. towards the rear of the handheld vacuum cleaner 2. Such a configuration of the retaining grooves 22 ensures optimal guidance of the two retaining parts 23 in said retaining grooves 22, and thus further facilitates the mounting of the waste collection container 8 on the main body 3.

[0118] According to the second embodiment of the invention, each retaining groove 22 has an open front end. In other words, each retaining groove 22 is open at the front. Such a configuration of the retaining grooves 22 allows the waste collection container 8 to be mounted on the main body 3 substantially by a rearward translational movement of the handheld vacuum cleaner 2.

[0119] 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

1. Demands Portable vacuum cleaner (2) including: - a main body (3) comprising an air intake duct (4), - a gripping handle (6) mechanically connected to the main body (3), - a waste separation and collection device (7) comprising a waste collection container (8) having an air inlet opening (11) configured to be fluidly connected to the air inlet duct (4), the waste collection container (8) having a central longitudinal axis (A) and being removably mounted on the main body (3), - a fastening device (13) configured to removably and reversibly fix the waste collection container (8) to the main body (3) and to hold the waste collection container (8) in a position for use, and - a suction motor (16) housed in the main body (3), the suction motor (16) being configured to generate an airflow through the air intake duct (4) and the waste separation and collection device (7), characterized in that the fastening device (13) comprises: - at least one retaining tab (21) provided on the waste collection container (8) and comprising a retaining portion (23) extending transversely to a median longitudinal plane (P) of the handheld vacuum cleaner (2), and - at least one retaining groove (22) provided on the main body (3) and configured to receive the retaining portion (23) of at least one retaining tab (21) when the waste collection container (8) is mounted on the main body (3), the at least one retaining groove (22) extending substantially parallel to the median longitudinal plane (P) of the handheld vacuum cleaner (2) and comprising a first insertion portion (25) which is open upwards so as to permit insertion of the retaining portion (23) into the first insertion portion (25) in an insertion direction comprising at least one vertical component, and a second retaining portion (26) comprising a stop wall (27) configured to cover from above the retaining portion (23) of at least one retaining tab (21), when the collection container waste (8) is mounted on the main body (3), so as to prevent the retention part (23) from being withdrawn from the second retention portion (26) by means of an upwardly directed withdrawal movement.

2. Portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 1, wherein at least one retaining leg (21) is fixed relative to the waste collection container (8).

3. Portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one retaining tab (21) is provided on a lower part of the waste collection container (8), and at least one retaining groove (22) is provided on an upper part of the main body (3).

4. Portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first insertion portion (25) has a depth that increases in the direction of the second retention portion (26).

5. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first insertion portion (25) comprises at least one guide side wall (25.1) configured to cooperate with at least one retaining tab (21) so as to guide the insertion of at least one retaining tab (21) into the first insertion portion (25).

6. Portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 5, wherein at least one side guide wall (25.1) is inclined such that the width of the first insertion portion (25) narrows towards the bottom of at least one retaining groove (22).

7. Portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one retaining groove (22) has a closed front end.

8. Portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one retaining lug (21) has an overall L-shaped cross-section.

9. A portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fastening device (13) is configured such that dismantling the waste collection container (8) comprises a first dismantling phase during which the retaining portion (23) is moved translationally forward and in the second retaining portion (26) along a translational direction, which is substantially parallel to the median longitudinal plane (P) of the handheld vacuum cleaner (2), until the retaining part (23) is offset longitudinally with respect to the stop wall (27) and a second dismantling phase during which the retaining part (23) is moved with respect to the main body (3) in a lifting motion, which includes at least a vertical component, so as to extract the retaining part (23) out of the first insertion portion (25).

10. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the fastening device (13) comprises two retaining tabs (21) provided on the waste collection container (8) and each comprising a retaining portion (23) extending transversely to the median longitudinal plane (P) of the handheld vacuum cleaner (2), and two retaining grooves (22) provided on the main body (3) and each configured to receive the retaining portion (23) of the respective retaining tab (21) when the waste collection container (8) is mounted on the main body (3).

11. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 10, wherein the two retaining grooves (22) extend respectively on either side of the median longitudinal plane (P) of the handheld vacuum cleaner (2).

12. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the two retaining parts (23) extend in opposite directions from each other and outwards from the handheld vacuum cleaner (2).

13. Portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the two retaining grooves (22) extend respectively on either side of the air intake duct (4).

14. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein each of the retaining grooves (22) has an inner side wall (22.1) and an outer side wall (22.2), the outer side walls (22.2) converging towards each other in the direction of the suction motor (16).

15. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which includes a sealing gasket (12) fixed to the main body (3) and configured to cooperate hermetically with the air inlet opening (11) provided on the waste collection container (8) when the waste collection container (8) is mounted on the main body (3).

16. Portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 15, wherein the sealing gasket (12) is configured to press the retaining part (23) of at least one retaining tab (21) against the stop wall (27).

17. Portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the fastening device (13) includes a locking mechanism (31) configured to reversibly lock the waste collection container (8) onto the main body (3).

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