Handheld vacuum cleaner docking station

Abstract

The docking station (3) comprises a support body (19) configured to support the vacuum cleaner (2) in a storage position in which a vacuum cleaner duct (7) belonging to the vacuum cleaner (2) extends substantially vertically, the support body (19) comprising a receiving housing configured to accommodate at least part of the vacuum cleaner (2) when the vacuum cleaner (2) is in the storage position; and a stop device (23) comprising a stop portion against which the vacuum cleaner duct (7) is capable of abutting, the stop device (23) being configured to limit the movements of the vacuum cleaner duct (7) in at least one transverse direction extending transversely to an extension direction of the vacuum cleaner duct (7) when the vacuum cleaner (2) is in the storage position, and being elastically deformable at least in the transverse direction. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Docking station for handheld 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 casing including a connection nozzle, • a gripping handle mechanically connected to the main housing, • a waste separation and collection device mounted on the casing main and fluidly connected to the connecting nozzle, • a suction head configured to be in contact with a surface to be cleaned, • a vacuum cleaner hose mechanically and fluidly connecting the nozzle to the suction head, and • a suction motor housed in the main casing, the suction motor being configured to generate an airflow through the suction head, the vacuum duct, the connection nozzle and the waste separation and collection device, and

[0004] - a docking station configured to accommodate the vacuum cleaner and to position this last in a storage position in which the vacuum cleaner duct extends substantially vertically.

[0005] Such a docking station generally includes a support body configured to be located away from the ground and provided with a receiving housing configured to house at least part of the vacuum cleaner, and for example to house at least part of a battery case of the vacuum cleaner, when the vacuum cleaner is in the storage position.

[0006] When the vacuum cleaner is in such a storage position, a user may bump into the suction head or the vacuum hose and thus unintentionally move the vacuum hose transversely to its extension direction. Such transverse movements of the vacuum hose are likely to damage the support body (which absorbs the various forces applied to the vacuum hose), and in particular an electrical connector on the hose when the docking station is capable of recharging a rechargeable battery on the vacuum cleaner, and also to damage a wall or a furniture located near the docking station by impact of the suction head against this wall or this piece of furniture.

[0007] In addition, depending on the vacuum cleaner accessory mounted on the vacuum cleaner when the latter is in storage position, the forces borne by the support body are likely to vary significantly, which complicates the manufacture of the support body to limit the risks of breakage of the latter and to ensure reliable recharging of the rechargeable battery of the vacuum cleaner when the docking station is a charging station. 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 docking station which is of simple and reliable structure, while ensuring stable and reliable support of a vacuum cleaner duct equipping a vacuum cleaner accommodated on the docking station.

[0010] To this end, the present invention relates to a docking station for a vacuum cleaner, and for example for a handheld vacuum cleaner or stick vacuum cleaner, the docking station comprising:

[0011] - a support body configured to support the vacuum cleaner in a position of storage in which a vacuum cleaner hose belonging to the vacuum cleaner extends substantially vertically, the support body having a receiving housing configured to house at least part of the vacuum cleaner, and for example to house at least part of a battery casing of the vacuum cleaner, when the vacuum cleaner is in the storage position, and

[0012] - a stop device comprising a stop portion against which the conduit of vacuum cleaner, and for example a portion of an external circumferential wall of the vacuum cleaner duct, is capable of coming to a stop when the vacuum cleaner is in the storage position, the stop device being configured to limit the movements of the vacuum cleaner duct in at least one transverse direction which extends transversely to an extension direction of the vacuum cleaner duct when the vacuum cleaner is in the storage position, the stop device being elastically deformable at least in the transverse direction.

[0013] Such a stop device is thus configured to absorb at least some of the forces applied to the vacuum cleaner duct, and therefore to ensure reliable and stable support of the vacuum cleaner duct when the vacuum cleaner is in the storage position. In particular, the presence of the stop device considerably reduces the risk of damage to the support body.

[0014] In addition, the fact that the stop device is elastically deformable at least in the transverse direction allows the latter in particular to adapt to different vacuum duct diameters and different vacuum designs, and thus gives great versatility to the docking station according to the present invention.

[0015] The docking station may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stop device is offset vertically relative to the support body and is configured to be located at a lower altitude than that of the support body when the docking station is in use.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stop device is substantially centered with respect to a median vertical longitudinal plane of the docking station.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving housing comprises a housing axis that passes through the receiving housing and is substantially parallel to and offset from a central longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner duct when the vacuum cleaner is in the storage position, the stop device being configured to limit displacement of the vacuum cleaner duct in the direction of the housing axis when the vacuum cleaner is in the storage position. In other words, the housing axis extends substantially vertically when the docking station is in operating condition (i.e., installed and ready for use).

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving housing is open upwards.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving housing has a top opening through which the vacuum cleaner is able to be at least partially inserted into the receiving housing.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stop device comprises a fixed part which is fixed relative to the support body, the stop part being fixed to the fixed part, for example by gluing or overmolding.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stop part is elastically deformable at least in the transverse direction.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stop part is configured to extend around at least a portion of the perimeter of the vacuum cleaner duct when the vacuum cleaner is in the storage position, and for example over an angular sector of at least 30°.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stop part is made of elastomer or deformable foam, and is capable of compressing under the effect of pressure exerted by the vacuum cleaner duct on the stop part when the vacuum cleaner is in the storage position.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stop part includes at least one support tab which is flexible and which is capable of elastically deforming under the effect of pressure exerted by the vacuum duct on at least one support tab when the vacuum cleaner is in the storage position.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stop part comprises two support tabs which are flexible and which extend towards each other, the two support tabs being able to deform elastically under the effect of pressure exerted by the vacuum duct on the two support tabs when the vacuum is in the storage position.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support portion includes a connecting portion linking the two support tabs to each other. Advantageously, the connecting portion is fixed to the fixed portion.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two support tabs are arranged on either side of a median vertical longitudinal plane of the docking station in operating conditions, and are for example arranged symmetrically on either side of the median vertical longitudinal plane of the docking station.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two support tabs are configured to extend substantially horizontally when the docking station is in use.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the free ends of the two support tabs are located at a distance from each other and substantially opposite each other.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two support tabs are configured to extend laterally on either side of the vacuum cleaner duct when the vacuum cleaner is in the storage position.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stop device comprises a fixed part which is fixed relative to the support body and an elastic element which is disposed between the fixed part and the stop part, the elastic element being configured to stress the stop part at a distance from the fixed part and to tend to compress under the effect of a pressure exerted by the vacuum duct on the stop part when the vacuum is in the storage position.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixed part is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the vacuum cleaner is in the storage position.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stop part is mounted to slide relative to the fixed part along a sliding direction.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stop device is configured such that the sliding direction extends substantially horizontally, and advantageously along said transverse direction, when the docking station is in working order.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the elastic element is a spring, such as a compression spring, or is made of elastomer or deformable foam.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stop device is mechanically connected to the support body.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station is a wall-mounted docking station and the support body is configured to be fixed to a wall. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the docking station is in operating condition when the support body is fixed to a wall.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station comprises a base configured to rest on the floor. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the docking station is in operating condition when the base rests on a horizontal surface.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station includes a support column configured to support the support body and to extend substantially vertically when the base rests on a horizontal surface.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stop device is configured to limit movements of the vacuum duct towards the support column.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stop device is configured to be located at least partly between the vacuum duct and the support column when the vacuum is in the storage position.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stop device is fixed to the support column.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support column comprises an intermediate piece to which the stop device is attached, a first support tube configured to mechanically connect the base to the intermediate piece, and a second support tube configured to mechanically connect the intermediate piece to the support body, the intermediate piece being interposed between the first and second support tubes and being configured to mechanically connect the first and second support tubes to each other. These arrangements make it possible to substantially increase the mechanical strength of the support column.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixed part is fixed to the intermediate part, and for example to a support plate for the intermediate part.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixed part and the intermediate piece are made in one piece.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate part comprises at least one support member configured to support a vacuum cleaner accessory.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate part comprises a support portion, for example a support arm, having a lower face and an upper face and configured to extend substantially horizontally when the docking station is in use, at least one support member extending from and perpendicularly to one of the lower and upper faces of the support portion.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one support member is located near a free end of the support part.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate part comprises a first male assembly part configured to cooperate with a first female assembly part of which the first support tube is provided, and a second male assembly part configured to cooperate with a second female assembly part of which the second support tube is provided.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second male assembly parts extend opposite each other.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second male assembly parts are substantially coaxial.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second male assembly parts are configured to extend substantially vertically when the base rests on a horizontal surface.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate part comprises a support plate, the first male assembly part extending from an underside of the support plate and the second male assembly part extending from an upper side of the support plate.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second male assembly parts are tubular.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the docking station is configured to recharge a rechargeable battery of the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is in the storage position.

[0057] The present invention further relates to a cleaning system comprising a docking station according to the present invention, and a vacuum cleaner configured to be received by the docking station.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises:

[0059] - a main housing comprising a connection nozzle,

[0060] - a gripping handle mechanically connected to the main housing,

[0061] - a waste separation and collection device mounted on the main casing and fluidly connected to the connection nozzle,

[0062] - a suction head configured to be in contact with a surface to be cleaned,

[0063] - a vacuum cleaner duct mechanically and fluidly connecting the nozzle of connection to the suction head, and

[0064] - a suction motor housed in the main casing, the suction motor being configured to generate an airflow through the suction head, vacuum duct, connection nozzle and waste separation and collection device.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner includes a rechargeable battery configured to electrically power the vacuum cleaner.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rechargeable battery is housed in a battery case fixed, for example in a removable manner, to the gripping handle, and more particularly to a lower part of the gripping handle.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner, and for example the battery housing of the vacuum cleaner, is configured to be inserted into and removed from the receiving housing from the top of the support body, and for example in a direction of movement which is substantially vertical when the docking station is in use, and for example when the support body is fixed to a wall or when the base rests on a horizontal surface. Brief description of the figures

[0068] 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 examples, two embodiments of this cleaning system.

[0069] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a cleaning system according to a first embodiment of the invention, showing a vacuum cleaner of said cleaning system housed in a docking station of said cleaning system;

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

[0071] [Fig.3] is a partial perspective view of the docking station of the [Fig.1];

[0072] [Fig.4] is an exploded perspective view of the docking station of the [Fig.1];

[0073] [Fig.5] is a top perspective view of an accessory support belonging to the docking station of the [Fig.1];

[0074] [Fig.6] is a side perspective view of the accessory support of [Fig.5];

[0075] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of a cleaning system according to a second embodiment of the invention, showing a vacuum cleaner of said cleaning system housed in a docking station of said cleaning system;

[0076] [Fig.8] is a top perspective view of an intermediate part belonging to the docking station of the [Fig.7];

[0077] [Fig.9] is a partial perspective view of the cleaning system of the [Fig.7];

[0078] [Fig. 10] is a partial perspective view of a cleaning system according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0079] [Fig. 11] is a top perspective view of an intermediate part belonging to the cleaning system of the [Fig. 10];

[0080] [Fig. 12] is a partial perspective view of a cleaning system according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0081] [Fig. 13] is a perspective view from below of an intermediate part belonging to the cleaning system of the [Fig. 12];

[0082] [Fig. 14] is a partial perspective view from below of the intermediate piece of [Fig. 13], showing the stop part in the retracted position;

[0083] [Fig. 15] is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the intermediate piece of [Fig.13]. Detailed description

[0084] 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 connection nozzle provided on the main housing is located opposite the user.

[0085] In this document, the terms "vertical", "upper" and "lower" in relation to the docking station are defined with respect to a use of the docking station during which the latter is able to support the vacuum cleaner in a vertical storage position.

[0086] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term "substantially" means, in this document, "exactly or to within 10% or to within 10°".

[0087] Figures 1 to 6 represent a cleaning system 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention, comprising a vacuum cleaner 2, and more particularly a stick vacuum cleaner or a handheld vacuum cleaner, and a docking station 3 configured to accommodate the vacuum cleaner 2, and more particularly to support the vacuum cleaner 2 in a storage position.

[0088] The vacuum cleaner 2 includes a main housing 4 having an air intake duct 5 through which outside air can be drawn in by the vacuum cleaner 2, and a connecting nozzle 6 fluidly connected to the air intake duct 5 and to which various vacuum cleaner accessories can be connected, and in particular a vacuum cleaner duct 7 which is itself connected to a suction head 8, also called a vacuum cleaner nozzle, having a sole intended to be in contact with a surface to be cleaned and a suction mouth opening into the underside of the sole.

[0089] The vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a gripping handle 9 mechanically connected to the main housing 4 and enabling a user to grip the vacuum cleaner 2. Advantageously, the gripping handle 9 is located in a rear portion of the vacuum cleaner 2. The gripping handle 9 may be manufactured as a single unit with the main housing 4 or attached to it.

[0090] The vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a waste separation and collection device 11 which is removably mounted on the main housing 4 and is fluidly connected to the air intake duct 5. The waste separation and collection device 11 is advantageously of the cyclonic type and includes, in particular, a waste storage container 12 and a tubular separation element 13 housed within the waste storage container 12, which together defines a cyclonic separation chamber. The waste storage container 12 more specifically includes an air intake opening which is fluidly connected to the air intake duct 5.

[0091] As shown in [Fig.2], the vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a suction motor 15 which is housed in the main casing 4. The suction motor 15 is configured to generate an airflow through the suction head 8, the vacuum duct 7, the connection nozzle 6, the air intake duct 5 and the waste separation and collection device 11. The suction motor 15 more particularly comprises a fan and an electric motor configured to drive the fan in rotation.

[0092] As shown in [Fig. 2], the vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a rechargeable battery 16 configured to electrically power the vacuum cleaner 2, and in particular the suction motor 15. The rechargeable battery 16, also called the battery pack, comprises several battery cells. The rechargeable battery 16 is advantageously housed in a battery case 17 connected to the handle 9, and more particularly to a lower portion of the handle 9. Advantageously, the main housing 4 has a support 18 that extends substantially parallel to the handle 9 and between the battery case 17 and the main housing 4. The battery case 17 can, for example, be removably attached to the handle 9.

[0093] As shown more particularly in [Fig.3], the docking station 3 has a support body 19 configured to support the vacuum cleaner 2 in a storage position in which the vacuum cleaner duct 7 belonging to the vacuum cleaner 2 extends substantially vertically.

[0094] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the docking station 3 is a wall-mounted docking station and the support body 19 is configured to be fixed to a wall. For this purpose, the support body 19 may, for example, have several holes for fixing opening into a rear face of the support body 19 and configured to be respectively traversed by fixing screws, so as to fix the support body 19 to the wall.

[0095] As shown in [Fig. 3], the support body 19 has a receiving recess 22 configured to house, at least partially, the battery case 17 of the vacuum cleaner 2 when the vacuum cleaner 2 is in the storage position. Advantageously, the receiving recess 22 is open upwards, and the battery case 17 is configured to be inserted into the receiving recess 22 in a mounting direction that is substantially vertical and in a translational movement that is oriented from top to bottom.

[0096] The battery housing 17 can be received in the receiving slot 22 while connected to the main housing 4 (see [Fig. 1]). However, the battery housing 17 can also be received in the receiving slot 22 after being removed from the main housing 4.

[0097] Advantageously, the receiving housing 22 has a housing axis which is substantially parallel and offset with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the vacuum duct 7 when the vacuum 2 is in the storage position.

[0098] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the docking station 3 is further configured to recharge the rechargeable battery 16 of the vacuum cleaner 2 when the latter is received by the docking station 3, and more particularly when the battery case 17 is received in the receiving compartment 22. Such a configuration of the docking station 3 makes it possible to recharge the rechargeable battery 16 when the vacuum cleaner 2 is received in the docking station 3.

[0099] For this purpose, the docking station 3 includes an electrical connector, for example a male electrical connector, configured to cooperate with a complementary electrical connector, for example a female electrical connector, provided on the battery housing 17, when the battery housing 17 is received in the receiving housing 22.

[0100] According to such an embodiment of the invention, the docking station 3 further comprises a power supply unit (not visible in the figures), also called a power adapter, connected to the electrical connector and configured to be electrically connected to an electrical power outlet, such as a mains outlet and in particular a wall outlet.

[0101] As shown in [Fig.5], the docking station 3 further includes a stop device 23 which is vertically offset from the support body 19 and which is configured to be located at a lower altitude than the support body 19 when the docking station 3 is in use.

[0102] The stop device 23 more particularly comprises a stop portion 24 against which the vacuum duct 7 is able to come directly to a stop when The vacuum cleaner 2 is in the storage position, and a fixed part 25 which is fixed relative to the support body 19.

[0103] The stop device 23 is configured to limit the movement of the vacuum duct 7 along at least one transverse direction extending transversely to an extension direction of the vacuum duct 7 when the vacuum 2 is in the storage position. Advantageously, the stop device 23 is more particularly configured to limit a displacement of the vacuum duct 7 in the direction of the housing axis when the vacuum 2 is in the storage position.

[0104] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the stop portion 24 is directly attached to the fixed portion 25, for example by bonding or overmolding, and is elastically deformable at least in the transverse direction. Advantageously, the stop portion 24 is configured to extend around at least a portion of the circumference of the vacuum duct 7 when the vacuum 2 is in the storage position.

[0105] The stop portion 24 may, for example, comprise two flexible support tabs 26 that extend towards each other, and a connecting portion 27 linking the two support tabs 26 to each other. Advantageously, the connecting portion 27 is fixed to the fixed portion 25 and, for example, has an arc-shaped form.

[0106] The two support tabs 26 are advantageously arranged on either side of a median vertical longitudinal plane P of the docking station 3 and are capable of elastic deformation (for example, towards the connecting portion) under the effect of pressure exerted by the vacuum duct 7 on the two support tabs 26 when the vacuum cleaner 2 is in the storage position. Advantageously, the two support tabs 26 are spaced apart and are configured to extend laterally at least partially on either side of the vacuum duct 7 when the vacuum cleaner 2 is in the storage position. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the stop portion 24 could, for example, comprise a single support tab 26.

[0107] As shown in [Fig.6], the fixed part 25 can for example be configured to extend substantially horizontally when the vacuum cleaner 2 is in the storage position, and can for example include a fixing portion to which the stop portion is attached and which is able to extend around at least a part of the perimeter of the vacuum cleaner duct 7. The fixing portion can for example be provided with an internal surface having an angular cross-section shape.

[0108] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the docking station 3 comprises an accessory holder 28 configured to support various vacuum cleaner accessories, and the fixed part 25 extends from a support plate 29 belonging to the accessory holder 28. The fixed part 25 and the accessory holder 28 can, for example be made in one piece, or the fixed part 25 can for example be attached to the accessory support 28.

[0109] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the support plate 29 is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the docking station 3 is in use, and more particularly when the support body 19 is fixed to a wall.

[0110] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the support plate 29 comprises a central part 29.1 from which the fixed part 25 extends, and two lateral support arms 29.2 extending on either side of the central part 29.1. Advantageously, at least one of the lateral support arms 29.2 comprises one or more support member(s) 30 each configured to support a vacuum cleaner accessory.

[0111] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the accessory support 28 is mechanically connected to the support body 19 by means, for example, of a connecting element 31 which is elongated and capable of extending substantially vertically when the docking station 3 is in use.

[0112] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the docking station 3 may advantageously include an additional accessory holder 32 interposed between the connecting element 31 and the support body 19, and configured to mechanically connect the connecting element 31 and the support body 19 to each other. The additional accessory holder 32 may, for example, be equipped with support elements similar or different from those of the accessory holder 28.

[0113] Figures 7 to 9 depict a cleaning system 1 according to a second embodiment which differs from the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6 essentially in that the docking station 3 comprises a base 33 configured to rest on the floor and a support column 34 configured to support the support body 19 and to extend substantially vertically when the base 33 rests on a horizontal surface. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the stop device 23 is configured to be located at least partially between the vacuum duct 7 and the support column 34 and to limit movement of the vacuum duct 7 towards the support column 34 when the vacuum cleaner 2 is in the storage position.

[0114] The support column 34 may, for example, comprise an intermediate piece 35 (see [Fig. 8]) to which the stop device 23 is attached, a first support tube 36 configured to mechanically connect the base 33 to the intermediate piece 35, and a second support tube 37 configured to mechanically connect the intermediate piece 35 to the support body 19. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the intermediate piece 35 is interposed between the first and second support tubes 36, 37 and is thus configured to mechanically connect the first and second support tubes 36, 37 to each other.

[0115] For this purpose, the intermediate part 35 includes a first male assembly part 38 configured to cooperate with a first female assembly part provided with the first support tube 36, and a second male assembly part 39 configured to cooperate with a second female assembly part provided with the second support tube 37.

[0116] As shown in [Fig. 8], the first and second male assembly parts 38, 39 extend in opposite directions and are configured to extend vertically when the base 33 rests on a horizontal surface. Advantageously, the first and second male assembly parts 38, 39 are coaxial and extend respectively from the lower face of a support plate belonging to the intermediate part 35 and from the upper face of said support plate.

[0117] According to the second embodiment of the invention, the intermediate part 35 comprises at least one support member 30 configured to support a vacuum cleaner accessory, and may, for example, have a shape similar to that of the accessory support 28 belonging to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0118] Figures 10 and 11 represent a cleaning system 1 according to a third embodiment which differs from the second embodiment shown in Figures 7 to 9 essentially in that the stop part 24 is formed by a stop element made of elastomer or deformable foam and capable of being compressed under the effect of pressure exerted by the vacuum duct 7 on the stop part 24.

[0119] Figures 12 to 15 represent a cleaning system 1 according to a fourth embodiment which differs from the second embodiment shown in Figures 7 to 9 essentially in that the stop device 23 comprises an elastic element 41 disposed between the fixed part 25 and the stop part 24, the elastic element 41 being configured to stress the stop part 24 at a distance from the fixed part 25 and to tend to compress under the effect of a pressure exerted by the vacuum duct 7 on the stop part 24 when the vacuum 2 is in the storage position.

[0120] According to such an embodiment of the invention, the stop part 24 can for example be rigid and be mounted to slide relative to the fixed part 25 along a sliding direction D which extends substantially horizontally when the docking station 3 is in use, and the elastic element 41 can for example be a spring, such as a compression spring, or be made of elastomer or deformable foam.

[0121] Of course, the present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which have been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without going outside the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Docking station (3) for vacuum cleaner, the docking station (3) comprising: - a support body (19) configured to support the vacuum cleaner (2) in a storage position in which a vacuum cleaner duct (7) belonging to the vacuum cleaner (2) extends substantially vertically, the support body (19) comprising a receiving housing (22) configured to house at least part of the vacuum cleaner (2) when the vacuum cleaner (2) is in the storage position, and - a stop device (23) comprising a stop portion (24) against which the vacuum cleaner duct (7) is capable of abutting when the vacuum cleaner (2) is in the storage position, the stop device (23) being configured to limit the movements of the vacuum cleaner duct (7) in at least one transverse direction extending transversely to an extension direction of the vacuum cleaner duct (7) when the vacuum cleaner (2) is in the storage position,the stop device (23) being elastically deformable at least in the transverse direction.

2. Docking station (3) according to claim 1, wherein the receiving housing (22) has a housing axis which passes through the receiving housing (22) and which is substantially parallel and offset with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the vacuum duct (7) when the vacuum (2) is in the storage position, the stop device (23) being configured to limit a displacement of the vacuum duct (7) in the direction of the housing axis when the vacuum (2) is in the storage position.

3. Docking station (3) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stop portion (24) is elastically deformable at least in the transverse direction.

4. Docking station (3) according to claim 3, wherein the stop part (24) comprises at least one support tab (26) which is flexible and which is capable of elastically deforming under the effect of pressure exerted by the vacuum duct (7) on at least one support tab (26) when the vacuum (2) is in the storage position.

5. Docking station (3) according to claim 4, wherein the stop portion (24) comprises two support tabs (26) which are flexible and extending towards each other, the two support tabs (26) being able to deform elastically under the effect of pressure exerted by the vacuum duct (7) on the two support tabs (26) when the vacuum (2) is in the storage position.

6. Docking station (3) according to claim 5, wherein the two support tabs (26) are arranged on either side of a median vertical longitudinal plane (P) of the docking station (3) in the condition of use.

7. Docking station (3) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stop device (23) comprises a fixed part (25) which is fixed relative to the support body (19) and an elastic element which is disposed between the fixed part (25) and the stop part (24), the elastic element being configured to stress the stop part (24) at a distance from the fixed part (25) and to tend to compress under the effect of pressure exerted by the vacuum duct (7) on the stop part (24) when the vacuum (2) is in the storage position.

8. Docking station (3) according to claim 7, wherein the stop part (24) is mounted to slide relative to the fixed part (25) in a sliding direction (D).

9. Docking station (3) according to claim 8, wherein the stop device (23) is configured such that the sliding direction (D) extends substantially horizontally when the docking station (3) is in use.

10. Docking station (3) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the elastic element is a spring or is made of elastomer or deformable foam.

11. Docking station (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the stop device (23) is mechanically connected to the support body (19).

12. Docking station (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which is a wall-mounted docking station and in which the support body (19) is configured to be fixed to a wall.

13. Docking station (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which includes a base (33) configured to rest on the ground.

14. Docking station (3) according to claim 13, which includes a support column (34) configured to support the support body (19) and to extend substantially vertically when the base (33) rests on a horizontal surface.

15. Docking station (3) according to claim 14, wherein the stop device (23) is fixed to the support column (34).

16. Docking station (3) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the support column (34) comprises an intermediate piece (35) to which the stop device (23) is fixed, a first support tube (36) configured to mechanically connect the base (33) to the intermediate piece (35), and a second support tube (37) configured to mechanically connect the intermediate piece (35) to the support body (19), the intermediate piece (35) being interposed between the first and second support tubes (36, 37) and being configured to mechanically connect the first and second support tubes (36, 37) to each other.

17. Docking station (3) according to claim 16, wherein the intermediate piece (35) comprises at least one support member (30) configured to support a vacuum cleaner accessory.

18. Docking station (3) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the intermediate part (35) comprises a first male assembly part (38) configured to cooperate with a first female assembly part provided with the first support tube (36), and a second male assembly part (39) configured to cooperate with a second female assembly part provided with the second support tube (37).

19. Docking station (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, which is configured to recharge a rechargeable battery (16) of the vacuum cleaner (2) when the vacuum cleaner (2) is in the storage position.

20. Cleaning system (1) comprising a docking station (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, and a vacuum cleaner (2) configured to be accommodated by the docking station (3).