CN116158686A - Vacuum cleaners with suction heads movable between retracted and extended positions - Google Patents

Abstract

The dust collector (1) comprises: a main body (2) having a cleaner housing (3); -a suction head (9) through which the vacuum cleaner (1) can suck in external air; a suction motor accommodated in the cleaner housing (3); and a grip (15) mechanically connected to the cleaner housing (3). The suction head (9) is mounted for movement relative to the cleaner housing (3) between a retracted position in which the suction head (9) is adjacent a front edge of the cleaner housing (3) and a deployed position in which the suction head (9) is remote from the front edge of the cleaner housing (3), the cleaner (1) being configured such that rearward tilting of the handle (15) and the cleaner housing (3) causes movement of the suction head (9) to the deployed position.

Description

Vacuum cleaners with suction heads movable between retracted and extended positions

technical field

The invention relates in particular to a household vacuum cleaner of the broom type which allows the suction of dust and waste from the surface to be cleaned, which may be tiles, parquet floors, laminate, carpets or rugs.

Background technique

Broom vacuum cleaners include in a known manner:

- a body configured to rest on and roll on the floor to be cleaned, said body comprising a cleaner housing and first and second main wheels mounted for rotational movement relative to the cleaner housing,

- a suction head through which the vacuum cleaner can suck in external air,

- at least one exhaust opening through which air cleaned via the vacuum cleaner can leave the vacuum cleaner,

- an air circuit extending between the suction head and at least one exhaust opening,

- a suction motor accommodated in the cleaner housing and arranged above the air circuit, said suction motor being configured to generate an air flow in the air circuit, and

- A handle mechanically connected to the housing of the vacuum cleaner.

Such a configuration of the above-mentioned vacuum cleaner provides good operability for the vacuum cleaner, and is convenient for users to use it.

However, the access of the aforementioned broom-type vacuum cleaners to certain areas to be cleaned may prove to be complicated, or even impossible, due to the relatively large dimensions of the body of such vacuum cleaners in height (especially since the suction motor is integrated in the vacuum cleaner. in the housing).

Contents of the invention

The aim of the present invention is to remedy these disadvantages.

The technical problem underlying the invention is, inter alia, to provide a vacuum cleaner which is structurally simple, economical and reliable, and at the same time has a high cleaning performance.

To this end, the object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner comprising:

- a body configured to rest on and roll on the floor to be cleaned, said body comprising a cleaner housing, and first and second main wheels mounted for rotational movement relative to the cleaner housing,

- a suction head mechanically linked to the vacuum cleaner housing, through which the vacuum cleaner is able to suck in external air,

- at least one exhaust opening through which air cleaned via the vacuum cleaner can leave the vacuum cleaner,

- an air circuit extending between the suction head and at least one exhaust opening,

- a suction motor accommodated in the cleaner housing and arranged above the air circuit, said suction motor being configured to generate an air flow in the air circuit,

- a waste separation and collection device arranged above the air circuit upstream of the suction motor and configured to be passed through by the airflow generated by the suction motor, and

- A handle mechanically connected to the housing of the vacuum cleaner.

The suction head is mounted to move relative to the vacuum cleaner housing between a retracted position of the suction head near the front edge of the vacuum cleaner housing and a deployed position of the suction head away from the front edge of the vacuum cleaner housing, the vacuum cleaner being configured such that the handle and the vacuum cleaner housing are Rearward tilting of the cleaner from the intended operating position of the cleaner about the rotational axes of the first and second main wheels causes movement of the suction head to the deployed position and causes the handle and cleaner housing to be directed towards the intended operating position of the cleaner and about the first and second main wheels. Forward tilting of the axes of rotation of the two main wheels causes movement of the suction head to the retracted position.

This configuration of the vacuum cleaner according to the invention allows the vacuum cleaner to reach areas inaccessible to the main body (since the main body is specially equipped with a suction motor, the height of the main body is greater than head height), such as areas located under furniture.

Thus, the vacuum cleaner according to the invention has a high cleaning performance while being structurally simple, economical and reliable.

The vacuum cleaner may also have one or more of the following features alone or in combination.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second main wheels are arranged on both sides of the cleaner housing. More specifically, the first and second main wheels are side wheels of the vacuum cleaner.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the suction head extends beyond the front edge of the cleaner housing by a first unfolded distance when the suction head is in the retracted position, and extends beyond the front edge of the cleaner housing when the suction head is in the deployed position. The front edge has a second expanded distance, the second expanded distance being greater than the first expanded distance.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the predetermined operating position corresponds to a storage position of the vacuum cleaner, also referred to as a parked position, in which the first and second main wheels rest on the floor to be cleaned and the handle is substantially vertical extended.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the suction head is configured to contact the surface to be cleaned when the suction head is in the deployed position and the first and second main wheels of the cleaner rest on a horizontal surface. This configuration of the suction head provides improved suction efficiency for the vacuum cleaner according to the invention.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the suction head is mounted hinged on the cleaner housing about a transverse hinge axis.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the transverse articulation axis extends transversely and advantageously substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the main body.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the cleaner is configured such that rearward tilting of the handle and cleaner housing from a predetermined operating position of the cleaner causes forward movement of the transverse hinge axis, for example along a substantially arcuate trajectory, and causes the handle and cleaner Forward tilting of the housing towards a predetermined operating position of the cleaner causes rearward movement of the transverse hinge axis, for example along a generally arcuate trajectory.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the transverse hinge axis is substantially horizontal when the first and second main wheels of the vacuum cleaner rest on a horizontal surface.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the suction head includes a bottom plate provided with a lower surface and a suction cavity opened on the lower surface.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the suction head comprises a fork mounted to be hinged on the base plate by a front pivot link defining a front pivot axis, the fork mounted to be hinged on the cleaner housing by a rear pivot link defining a transverse hinge axis .

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the transverse hinge axis is located at the lower part of the vacuum cleaner housing, for example at the rear lower part of the vacuum cleaner housing.

According to an embodiment of the invention, when the cleaner is in a predetermined operating position, the transverse hinge axis is located behind the rotation axes of the first and second main wheels. These settings give the suction head a large deployment travel as it moves from the retracted position to the deployed position, allowing deep cleaning of hard-to-reach areas.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises locking means configured to be in a locked configuration and a released configuration, in the locked configuration the locking means locks the suction head in the retracted position preventing the suction head from pivoting about the transverse hinge axis In the released configuration, the locking means releases the tip, allowing the tip to pivot about the transverse hinge axis. These arrangements in particular allow avoiding downward pivoting of the suction head when the user transports the vacuum cleaner and thus avoiding any damage to the suction head due to impacts of the suction head, for example against the floor or furniture.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the locking device includes a first locking element disposed on the vacuum cleaner housing and a second locking element disposed on the suction head, the second locking element is configured to, when the suction head is in the retracted position, pass The magnetization or snap fit cooperates with the first locking element, thereby locking the suction head in the retracted position.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaner includes an actuation member configured to move the locking device to the release position when the cleaner housing and the handle are tilted backward from a predetermined operating position. These arrangements ensure that when the cleaner housing is tilted backwards, the locking means automatically moves to the release configuration (ie no special manipulation of the locking means by the user is required).

According to an embodiment of the invention, the second locking element is located in front of the transverse articulation axis, and the actuating member comprises at least one bearing part, such as a bearing shoe, which is arranged on the suction head and is located behind the transverse articulation axis, The at least one supporting portion is configured to be supported on the floor when the cleaner housing and the handle are tilted backward from a predetermined operating position, and exert a release force on the second locking element such that the force applied on the second locking element The resultant force is greater than and opposite to the locking force exerted by the first locking element on the second locking element.

In other words, when the cleaner housing and the handle are tilted backward from the predetermined operating position, the at least one support portion is configured to resist the force exerted by the first locking element on the second locking element, causing the suction head to rotate about the transverse hinge axis and away from the second locking element. The cleaner housing pivots a distance.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the second locking element is arranged on the upper part of the suction head.

According to an embodiment of the invention, at least one bearing portion is provided on the fork.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the actuating member comprises two bearing parts, respectively arranged on both sides of the locking device. These arrangements allow a better distribution of the release force applied to the second locking element and thus reduce the force applied to the handle for the user to move the locking device from the locked configuration to the released configuration.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the fork comprises two fork arms mounted so as to be hinged on the cleaner housing via a rear pivot joint. Advantageously, each yoke is provided with a corresponding bearing part.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the cleaner is configured such that rearward tilting of the handle and cleaner housing from the predetermined operating position causes movement of the suction head from the retracted position to the deployed position along a travel stroke comprising:

- a first stroke portion, during which the suction head is locked in the retracted position by the locking means and is moved by the cleaner housing according to a displacement movement comprising at least one vertical component, thereby causing a lifting of the suction head,

- a second stroke portion during which the actuating member moves the locking means to a release configuration in order to release the suction head and allow the suction head to move by gravity, for example pivoting the suction head downwards relative to the cleaner housing, until the tip makes contact with the surface to be cleaned, and

- A third stroke portion, during which the suction head is moved in translation along a substantially horizontal translational direction relative to and at a distance from the cleaner housing.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the direction of translation is substantially perpendicular to the transverse articulation axis.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the cleaner is configured such that during the first stroke portion the entire suction head is raised relative to the surface to be cleaned.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a vacuum cleaner includes a rechargeable battery configured to power a suction motor, the rechargeable battery being disposed within a battery compartment at least partially bounded by a housing of the vacuum cleaner.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the handle partially delimits the air circuit.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the handle includes a distal portion equipped with a suction nozzle detachably fastened to the vacuum cleaner housing, when the suction nozzle is fastened to the vacuum cleaner housing, and when the suction nozzle is When the nozzle is detached from the cleaner housing, the nozzle is fluidly coupled to the suction motor, the nozzle is configured to be fluidly coupled (eg, sealingly) to the suction head when the nozzle is fastened to the cleaner housing, and the nozzle is configured to to clean surfaces when the nozzle is detached from the cleaner housing. This arrangement of the suction nozzle allows the user to vacuum areas to be cleaned that are inaccessible to the suction head (such as ceilings or low furniture) when the suction nozzle is detached from the vacuum cleaner housing.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the suction nozzle is configured to be stationary relative to the vacuum cleaner housing when the suction nozzle is fastened to the vacuum cleaner housing.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the nozzle comprises a fastening part fastened to the handle and a cleaning part mechanically linked to the fastening part.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the handle comprises an elongated handle portion having a central longitudinal axis, the fastening portion is fastened to the handle portion, and the cleaning portion is mounted as a pivot extending transversely to the central longitudinal axis of the handle portion. The shaft pivots relative to the fastening portion, and thus pivots relative to the handle portion. Advantageously, the pivot axis extends substantially parallel to the transverse hinge axis when the nozzle is fastened to the cleaner housing. This configuration of the suction nozzle allows for easy cleaning operations with the suction nozzle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the cleaner comprises locking means configured to prevent the cleaning part from pivoting about the pivot when the suction nozzle is fastened to the cleaner housing. The presence of such locking means ensures simultaneous tilting of the handle and the cleaner housing when the handle is tilted backwards or forwards, thus ensuring an optimal movement of the suction head between the retracted and deployed positions.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises a locking member, such as a locking finger, which is movable, such as pivotally mounted, between a locked position and a release position in which the locking member locks the nozzle to the vacuum cleaner housing In the release position, the locking member releases the locking nozzle and allows the nozzle to be separated from the cleaner housing. Advantageously, the locking member is arranged in the upper part of the cleaner housing. Such a locking member avoids untimely detachment of the suction nozzle which would interfere with the use of the vacuum cleaner.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the nozzle comprises a locking element, such as a locking recess, configured to cooperate with the locking member when the locking member is in the locking position.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the cleaner comprises an unlocking member, such as an unlocking button, configured to move the locking member towards the release position. Advantageously, the unlocking member is arranged on the vacuum cleaner housing. The presence of such an unlocking member allows the user to easily move the locking member to the release position.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaner housing includes a connecting sleeve to which the suction nozzle is connected when the suction nozzle is fastened to the cleaner housing. It is advantageous if the connecting sleeve at least partially forms the locking device.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the connecting sleeve is arranged on the upper part of the vacuum cleaner housing, for example, on the rear upper part of the vacuum cleaner housing.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the handle comprises a handle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises a flexible coupling conduit located within the vacuum cleaner housing and fluidly linking the suction head to the connection sleeve.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises a suction duct, for example flexible, partially delimiting an air circuit, said suction duct comprising a first end mechanically connected to The cleaner housing is fluidly coupled to the suction motor, and a second end is mechanically coupled and fluidly coupled to the proximal end of the handle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device is of cyclone type.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device is, for example, detachably mounted on the handle.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device is, for example, detachably mounted on the vacuum cleaner housing. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device is advantageously arranged in front of the handle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the body has a substantially spherical shape. Such a configuration of the main body is advantageous for avoiding obstacles appearing in front of the main body.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum cleaner is a broom type vacuum cleaner.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the handle includes:

- a suction pipe configured to be mechanically connected to the cleaner housing and fluidly coupled to the suction head, and

- A gripping portion comprising a handle and a coupling portion which is tubular and is fluidly connected to the suction tube.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the coupling part is mounted hinged on the suction pipe between a first handle configuration in which the coupling part extends substantially parallel to the suction pipe, and a second handle configuration in which the coupling part extends substantially parallel to the suction pipe and in the second handle configuration. In the handle configuration, the coupling portion is inclined relative to the suction tube.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the suction tube comprises a distal portion of a handle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the handle comprises a proximal portion of the handle.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the handle includes:

- a first handle portion which is elongated and configured to be mechanically connected to the cleaner housing, and

- a second handle portion comprising an elongated main portion and a handle configured to be grasped by a user, the main portion being mounted to be hinged between a first handle configuration and a second handle configuration on the first On the handle portion, in a first handle configuration, the main portion extends substantially parallel to the first handle portion, and in a second handle configuration, the main portion is inclined relative to the first handle portion.

Description of drawings

Objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention may be better understood from the description given below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of specific embodiments of the invention presented as non-limiting examples, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to the invention in a first use configuration;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of Fig. 1 in a second use configuration;

Fig. 3 is a partial perspective view of the vacuum cleaner in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a partial top perspective view of the vacuum cleaner in Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a partial bottom perspective view of the vacuum cleaner in Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a partial bottom perspective view of the vacuum cleaner in Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the suction nozzle of the vacuum cleaner in Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum cleaner of Fig. 1 in the first operating position;

Fig. 9 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum cleaner of Fig. 1 in a second operating position;

Fig. 10 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum cleaner of Fig. 1 in a third operating position;

Fig. 11 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum cleaner of Fig. 1 in a fourth operating position.

Detailed ways

Only elements necessary for understanding the invention are shown. In order to facilitate reading of the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same elements in different figures.

It should be noted that in this document, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "lower", "upper", "front", and "rear" used to describe the vacuum cleaner or the main body refer to Use on a flat and level floor to be cleaned. In this document, the term "tilted forward" means tilted towards the suction head, away from the user who is normally operating the vacuum cleaner in front of the suction head, and the term "tilted backward" means tilted away from the suction head, so Users operating the vacuum cleaner in front of their heads.

1 to 11 show a broom cleaner 1 .

The vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a main body 2 configured to rest on and roll on the floor to be cleaned. The main body 2 comprises in particular a cleaner housing 3 provided with an outer housing surface 4 , for example part-spherical, and first and second main wheels 5 , 6 mounted for rotational movement relative to the cleaner housing 3 .

The first and second main wheels 5, 6 comprise first and second straps 7, 8 respectively, so that the main body 2 can be rested on and rolled on the floor to be cleaned. The first and second main wheels 5 , 6 are arranged on both sides of the housing 3 of the vacuum cleaner. More specifically, the first and second main wheels 5 , 6 are side wheels of the vacuum cleaner 1 .

As shown more particularly in FIG. 6 , the axes of rotation of the first and second main wheels 5 , 6 are inclined relative to each other, preferably converging towards the top of the body 2 , forming an angle of less than 180° at the apex. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the rotation axes of the first and second main wheels 5, 6 may be collinear.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the body 2 has a generally spherical shape. This configuration of the main body 2 is advantageous for avoiding obstacles appearing in front of the main body 2 . Advantageously, the housing outer surface 4 and the first and second main wheels 5, 6 partially form a generally spherical whole. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the first and second main wheels 5, 6 are annular and are mounted to move in rotation about first and second fixed hubs respectively, and the housing outer surface 4 is fixed to the first and second The hub partially forms a generally spherical whole.

The vacuum cleaner 1 also includes a suction head 9 and a plurality of exhaust ports 11 , through which the vacuum cleaner 1 can suck external air, and the air cleaned by the vacuum cleaner 1 can leave the vacuum cleaner 1 through the exhaust ports 11 .

The cleaner 1 also includes an air circuit 12 extending between the suction head 9 and the exhaust port 11 , and a suction motor 13 housed in the cleaner housing 3 and provided on the air circuit 12 . The suction motor 13 comprises an electric motor and a fan coupled to the motor for generating an air flow in the air circuit 12 from the suction head 9 to the air outlet 11 .

The vacuum cleaner 1 also comprises a waste separation and collection device 14 arranged on the air circuit 12 upstream of the suction motor 13 and configured to be passed through by the airflow generated by the suction motor 13 . According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the waste separation and collection device 14 is of cyclone type and comprises a waste collection container and a cyclone separation chamber which is annular and delimited externally by the side walls of the waste collection container.

The cleaner 1 also includes a handle 15 mechanically connected to the cleaner housing 3 . According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the handle 15 partially delimits the air circuit 12 and the waste separation and collection device 14 is for example detachably mounted on the handle 15 .

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the handle 15 includes:

- a suction pipe 16 configured to be mechanically connected to the cleaner housing 3 and fluidly linked to the suction head 9, and

- Grip part 17 comprising a handle 18 and a coupling part 19 which is tubular and is fluidly connected to the suction tube 16 .

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the coupling part 19 is detachably connected to the suction pipe 16 . However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the coupling portion 19 may be mounted hinged on the suction tube 16 between a first handle configuration and a second handle configuration in which the coupling portion 19 is substantially parallel to the suction pipe 16 . The suction tube 16 extends, and in the second handle configuration the coupling portion 19 is inclined relative to the suction tube 16 .

The vacuum cleaner 1 also comprises a suction duct 21 which is flexible and partially delimits the air circuit 12 . The suction conduit 21 comprises a first end mechanically connected to the cleaner housing 3 and fluidly connected to the suction motor 13, and a proximal end 15.1 mechanically connected and fluidly connected to the handle 15 (for example to the handle 18 ) of the second end.

Advantageously, the handle 15 has a distal end 15.2 delimited by the suction duct 16 and equipped with a suction nozzle 22 detachably fastened to the vacuum cleaner housing 3 and when The suction nozzle 22 is fluidly connected to the suction motor 13 both when the suction nozzle 22 is fastened to the cleaner housing 3 and when the suction nozzle 22 is detached from the cleaner housing 3 . Advantageously, the lateral dimensions of the suction nozzle 22 are smaller than the lateral dimensions of the suction head 9 .

The suction nozzle 22 is configured to be fluidly linked to the suction head 9 when the suction nozzle 22 is fastened to the cleaner housing 3 , thereby ensuring that the airflow sucked by the suction head 9 flows to the waste separation and collection device 14 . The suction nozzle 22 is also configured to ensure vacuuming of areas to be cleaned that are inaccessible with the suction head 9 (for example at the ceiling or under low furniture) when the suction nozzle 22 is detached from the cleaner housing 3 .

As shown more specifically in Figure 7, the suction nozzle 22 includes:

- a fastening part 22.1 tubular and fitted with the suction pipe 16,

- a cleaning part 22.2 detachably fastened to the cleaner housing 3, and

- An intermediate part 22.3, which is arranged between the fastening part 22.1 and the cleaning part 22.2 and mechanically connects the cleaning part 22.2 to the fastening part 22.1.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the vacuum cleaner housing 3 comprises a receiving recess 20 which is open on the housing outer surface 4 and is arranged so that when the suction nozzle 22 is fastened to the vacuum cleaner housing 3, at least partially Accommodates cleaning part 22.2. Advantageously, the receiving recess 20 is arranged on the upper part of the vacuum cleaner housing 3 .

As shown more specifically in Fig. 4, the main body 2 has a connecting sleeve 23, which is arranged on the vacuum cleaner housing 3, and when the suction nozzle 22 is fastened on the vacuum cleaner housing 3, the suction nozzle 22 is connected to the connecting sleeve on the barrel 23. The connecting sleeve 23 is arranged on the upper part of the cleaner housing 3 , and for example is arranged on the rear upper part of the cleaner housing 3 .

The connection sleeve 23 protrudes from the housing outer surface 4 , in particular extends from the bottom wall of the receiving recess 20 . Advantageously, the cleaner 1 comprises a flexible coupling conduit 24 located in the cleaner housing 3 and fluidly connecting the suction head 9 to the connection sleeve 23 .

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the cleaning part 22.2 is mounted to pivot relative to the fastening part 22.1 and thus relative to the suction duct 16 about a pivot axis B (see FIG. 8 ), which is perpendicular to the suction duct The central longitudinal axis of 16 extends and the pivot axis B extends substantially horizontally when the nozzle 22 is fastened to the cleaner housing 3 and the first and second main wheels 5, 6 rest on a horizontal surface.

Advantageously, the cleaning part 22.2 is mounted to pivot about a pivot B relative to the middle part 22.3 and the fastening part 22.1 is mounted to pivot about an additional pivot C substantially perpendicular to the pivot B relative to the middle part 22.3.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises locking means 220 configured to prevent the cleaning part 22 . The locking device 220 can be formed, for example, at least partially by the connecting sleeve 23 .

As shown in FIG. 8 , the fastening part 22 . 1 comprises an inner conduit 224 configured to be fluidly coupled to the connection sleeve 23 when the suction nozzle 22 is fastened to the cleaner housing 3 . More specifically, the inner conduit 224 includes a tubular distal end on which the connecting sleeve 23 is sleeved when the suction nozzle 22 is fastened to the cleaner housing 3 . Advantageously, the additional pivot C is substantially co-linear with the central longitudinal axis of the distal end of the inner catheter 224 .

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a locking member 221, such as a locking finger, which is mounted to move on the upper part of the vacuum cleaner housing 3 between a locked position and a release position, in which the locking member 221 Locking the nozzle 22 on the cleaner housing 3 and preventing the nozzle 22 from being separated from the cleaner housing 3 , in the release position, the locking member 221 releases the locking nozzle 22 and allows the nozzle 22 to be separated from the cleaner housing 3 . Advantageously, the nozzle 22 comprises a locking element 222, such as a locking recess, configured to cooperate with the locking member 221 when the locking member 221 is in the locked position.

The vacuum cleaner 1 also includes an unlocking member 223 disposed on the cleaner housing 3, such as an unlocking button, which is configured to move the locking member 221 to the release position, and also includes a biasing member (not visible in the figure), which is configured to move the locking member 221 to the release position. 221 is biased toward the locked position.

The vacuum cleaner 1 also includes a rechargeable battery 25 configured to power the suction motor 13 . The rechargeable battery 25 is arranged in a battery compartment at least partially delimited by the cleaner housing 3 . Advantageously, the rechargeable battery 25 is detachable and is configured to be taken out of and put into the battery compartment via an access opening 26 provided on the cleaner housing 3 and opening into the battery compartment.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises an inlet flap 27 mounted to pivot relative to the cleaner housing 3 between a closed position and an open position about the pivot of the inlet flap, In the closed position, the access flap 27 at least partially closes the access opening 26 and prevents the rechargeable battery 25 from being removed from the battery compartment, and in the open position, the access flap 27 releases the access opening 26 and permits the rechargeable battery 25 to be removed from the battery compartment . As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 , the exhaust port 11 is provided on the inlet baffle 27 .

As shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 , the suction head 9 is installed in a retracted position (see FIG. 9 ) where the suction head 9 is close to the front edge of the vacuum cleaner housing 3 and a deployed position (see FIG. 9 ) where the suction head 9 is away from the front edge of the vacuum cleaner housing 3 (see 11 ) are hinged on the vacuum cleaner housing 3 around the transverse hinge axis A. More specifically, when the suction head 9 is in the retracted position, the suction head 9 extends beyond the front edge of the cleaner housing 3 by a first unfolded distance, and when the suction head 9 is in the deployed position, the suction head 9 extends beyond the cleaner housing The front edge of the body 3 is deployed by a second distance, and the second distance is greater than the first distance.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the transverse articulation axis A is substantially horizontal when the first and second main wheels 5, 6 of the cleaner 1 rest on a horizontal surface and extends perpendicularly to the direction of movement D of the main body 2 . Advantageously, the transverse hinge axis A is located at the rear lower part of the housing 3 of the vacuum cleaner. As shown more particularly in FIG. 9 , the transverse articulation axis A is located behind the axis of rotation of the first and second main wheels 5 , 6 when the cleaner is in the predetermined operating position.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the suction head 9 comprises:

- a bottom plate 28 provided with a lower surface 29 and a suction chamber 31 opening on the lower surface 29, and

- a fork 32 mounted to be hinged on the base plate 28 by a front pivot joint defining a front pivot axis, the fork 32 comprising two forks mounted to be hinged on the cleaner housing 3 by a rear pivot joint defining a transverse hinge axis A Fork arm 33 .

Advantageously, the suction chamber 31 is elongated and extends in a direction of extension transverse to the direction of movement of the main body 2 .

As shown more specifically in FIGS. 8 to 11 , the vacuum cleaner 1 is configured to:

- so that the rearward tilting of the handle 15 and the cleaner housing 3 from the predetermined operating position of the cleaner 1 (which advantageously corresponds to the storage position of the cleaner 1, also referred to as the parked position) causes a forward movement of the transverse hinge axis A, for example along follows a generally arcuate trajectory, and thus causes the suction head 9 to move to the deployed position, and

- Forward tilting of the handle 15 and cleaner housing 3 towards the intended operating position of the cleaner 1 causes a rearward movement of the transverse articulation axis A, for example along a substantially arcuate path, and thus causes the suction head 9 towards the retracted position of the mobile.

Advantageously, the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises locking means 34 configured to be in:

- a locking configuration in which the locking means 34 lock the suction head 9 in the retracted position and prevent the suction head 9 from pivoting about the transverse hinge axis A, thereby preventing movement of the suction head 9 towards the extended position, and

- A release configuration, in which the locking means 34 release the suction head 9 and allow the suction head 9 to pivot about the transverse hinge axis A, thereby permitting movement of the suction head 9 towards the deployed position.

The locking device 34 allows in particular to be able to transport the vacuum cleaner 1 when the vacuum cleaner 1 is in the storage position, without risking the suction head 9 tipping downwards.

According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the locking device 34 comprises a first locking element 35 arranged on the cleaner housing 3 and a second locking element 36 arranged on the upper part of the suction head 9 and in front of the transverse hinge axis A. The second locking element 36 is configured to cooperate with the first locking element 35 when the suction head 9 is in the retracted position, for example by magnetization or buckling, so as to lock the suction head 9 in the retracted position.

In order to be able to unlock the suction head 9, thereby permitting the movement of the suction head 9 towards the deployed position, the cleaner 1 advantageously comprises actuating members configured to move the cleaner housing 3 and handle 15 backwards from a predetermined operating position. The locking device 34 automatically moves to the released configuration.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the actuating member comprises two bearing parts 38 , such as bearing shoes, arranged respectively on the fork arms 33 and located behind the transverse hinge axis A .

The supporting portion 38 is more specifically configured to be supported on the floor when the cleaner housing 3 and the handle 15 are tilted backward from the predetermined operating position, and exert a release force on the second locking member 36 such that the second locking member 36 The resultant force of the force on the second locking element 36 is greater than and opposite to the locking force exerted by the first locking element 35 on the second locking element 36 . In other words, when the cleaner housing 3 and the handle 15 are tilted backward from the predetermined operating position, the support portion 38 is configured to resist the force exerted by the first locking member 35 on the second locking member 36 to keep the suction head 9 away from the cleaner. The housing 3 pivots about a transverse hinge axis A by a distance. This configuration of the cleaner 1 ensures that the locking means 34 automatically moves to the release configuration when the handle 15 is tilted back, and thus allows the suction head 9 to move between the retracted and deployed positions.

The cleaner 1 is more specifically configured such that rearward tilting of the handle 15 and cleaner housing 3 from the predetermined operating position causes the suction head 9 to move from the retracted position to the deployed position according to a movement stroke comprising:

- a first stroke portion, during which the suction head 9 is locked in the retracted position by the locking means 34 and is moved by the cleaner housing 3 according to a displacement movement comprising at least one vertical component, thereby causing the suction head 9 the rise,

- a second stroke portion, during which the actuating member moves the locking device 34 to the release configuration in order to release the suction head 9 and allow the suction head 9 to move by gravity until the suction head 9 comes into contact with the surface to be cleaned ,as well as

- A third stroke portion, during which the suction head 9 is moved in translation relative to the cleaner housing 3 at a distance from the cleaner housing 3 in a translation direction substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the transverse articulation axis A.

Advantageously, the cleaner 1 is configured such that during the first part of the stroke the entire suction head 9 is raised relative to the surface to be cleaned.

According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the waste separation and collection device 14 can be mounted, for example, detachably on the cleaner housing 3 and in particular in front of the handle 15 . According to this embodiment of the invention, the handle 15 comprises:

- a first handle portion which is elongated and configured to be mechanically connected to the cleaner housing 3, and

- a second handle portion comprising an elongated main portion and a handle configured to be grasped by a user, the main portion being mounted to be hinged between a first handle configuration and a second handle configuration on the first On the handle portion, in a first handle configuration, the main portion extends substantially parallel to the first handle portion, and in a second handle configuration, the main portion is inclined relative to the first handle portion.

Of course, the invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described and illustrated above, which are given by way of example only. Modifications are possible, especially in the composition of the various elements or by substitution of equivalent techniques, without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims (17)

1. A vacuum cleaner (1) comprising:

a main body (2) configured to rest on and roll on a floor to be cleaned, the main body (2) comprising a cleaner housing (3) and first and second main wheels (5, 6) mounted for rotational movement relative to the cleaner housing (3),

-a suction head (9) mechanically coupled to the cleaner housing (3), through which suction head the cleaner (1) is able to suck in external air,

at least one exhaust opening (11) through which air cleaned by the vacuum cleaner (1) can leave the vacuum cleaner (1),

an air circuit (12) extending between the suction head (9) and the at least one exhaust opening (11),

a suction motor (13) housed in the cleaner housing (3) and arranged above the air circuit (12), the suction motor (13) being configured to generate an air flow in the air circuit (12),

waste separating and collecting means (14) arranged on the air circuit (12) upstream of the suction motor (13) and configured to be crossed by the air flow generated by the suction motor (13),

a grip (15) mechanically connected to the cleaner housing (3),

characterized in that the suction head (9) is mounted so as to be movable relative to the cleaner housing (3) between a retracted position in which the suction head (9) is close to the front edge of the cleaner housing (3) and a deployed position in which the suction head (9) is remote from the front edge of the cleaner housing (3), the cleaner (1) being configured such that tilting of the grip (15) and the cleaner housing (3) backwards from a predetermined operating position of the cleaner (1) and about the rotational axes of the first and second main wheels (5, 6) causes movement of the suction head (9) to the deployed position, and such that tilting of the grip (15) and the cleaner housing (3) forwards towards the predetermined operating position of the cleaner (1) and about the rotational axes of the first and second main wheels (5, 6) causes movement of the suction head (9) to the retracted position.

2. A vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 1, wherein the suction head (9) is mounted to be hinged to the cleaner housing (3) about a transverse hinge axis (a).

3. A vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 2, configured such that a rearward tilting of the grip (15) and the vacuum cleaner housing (3) from a predetermined operating position of the vacuum cleaner (1) causes a forward movement of the transverse hinge axis (a), and such that a forward tilting of the grip (15) and the vacuum cleaner housing (3) towards the predetermined operating position of the vacuum cleaner (1) causes a rearward movement of the transverse hinge axis (a).

4. A cleaner (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the transverse hinge axis (a) is located in a lower part of the cleaner housing (3).

5. A vacuum cleaner (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the transverse hinge axis (a) is located behind the rotational axes of the first and second main wheels (5, 6) when the vacuum cleaner is in the predetermined operating position.

6. A vacuum cleaner (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, comprising a locking device (34), the locking device (34) being configured to be in a locked configuration in which the locking device (34) locks the suction head (9) in the retracted position and prevents the suction head (9) from pivoting about the transverse hinge axis (a), and a released configuration in which the locking device (34) releases the suction head (9) and allows the suction head (9) to pivot about the transverse hinge axis (a).

7. A vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 6, wherein the locking means (34) comprises a first locking element (35) provided on the cleaner housing (3), and a second locking element (36) provided on the suction head (9) configured to cooperate with the first locking element (35) when the suction head (9) is in the retracted position, thereby locking the suction head (9) in the retracted position.

8. A vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 6 or 7, comprising an actuating member configured to move the locking means (34) to the release configuration when the cleaner housing (3) and the grip (15) are tilted backwards from the predetermined operating position.

9. A vacuum cleaner (1) according to claims 7 and 8, wherein the second locking element (36) is located in front of the transverse hinge axis (a) and the actuating member comprises at least one bearing portion (38) provided on the suction head (9) and located behind the transverse hinge axis (a), the at least one bearing portion (38) being configured to bear on the floor when the cleaner housing (3) and the grip (15) are tilted backwards from the predetermined operating position and to exert a release force on the second locking element (36) such that the resultant of the forces exerted on the second locking element (36) is greater than and opposite to the locking force exerted on the second locking element (36) by the first locking element (35).

10. A vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 8 or 9, configured such that rearward tilting of the grip (15) and the cleaner housing (3) from the predetermined operating position causes the cleaner head (9) to move from the retracted position to the deployed position according to a movement stroke comprising:

-a first travel portion during which the suction head (9) is locked in the retracted position by the locking means (34) and moved by the cleaner housing (3) according to a movement comprising at least one vertical component, thereby causing the suction head (9) to rise,

-a second portion of travel during which the actuation member moves the locking means (34) to the release configuration in order to release the suction head (9) and allow the suction head (9) to move by gravity until the suction head (9) is in contact with the surface to be cleaned, and

-a third portion of travel during which the suction head (9) is translationally moved in a substantially horizontal translational direction relative to the cleaner housing (3) and at a distance from the cleaner housing (3).

11. The vacuum cleaner (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a rechargeable battery (25) configured to power the vacuum cleaner motor (13), the rechargeable battery (25) being provided in a battery compartment, the battery compartment being at least partially defined by the vacuum cleaner housing (3).

12. The vacuum cleaner (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the grip (15) partially delimits the air circuit (12).

13. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 12, wherein the grip (15) comprises a distal portion (15.2) provided with a suction nozzle (22) detachably fastened to the cleaner housing (3), the suction nozzle (22) being fluidly coupled to the suction motor (13) when the suction nozzle (22) is fastened to the cleaner housing (3) and when the suction nozzle (22) is detached from the cleaner housing (3), the suction nozzle (22) being configured to be fluidly coupled to the suction head (9) when the suction nozzle (22) is fastened to the cleaner housing (3) and configured to clean the surface when the suction nozzle (22) is detached from the cleaner housing (3).

14. A vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 13, wherein the vacuum cleaner housing (3) comprises a connection sleeve (23), the suction nozzle (22) being connected to the connection sleeve when the suction nozzle (22) is fastened to the vacuum cleaner housing (3).

15. The vacuum cleaner (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, comprising a suction conduit (21) partially delimiting the air circuit (12), the suction conduit (21) comprising a first end mechanically connected to the vacuum cleaner housing (3) and fluidly coupled to the suction motor (13), and a second end mechanically connected and fluidly coupled to a distal end (15.1) of the grip (15).

16. A vacuum cleaner (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the waste separating and collecting device (14) is mounted on the grip (15).

17. A vacuum cleaner (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (2) has a substantially spherical shape.

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