EP1981386B1 - Vacuum cleaner having two expanded polypropylene shells - Google Patents

Vacuum cleaner having two expanded polypropylene shells Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1981386B1
EP1981386B1 EP07730843.5A EP07730843A EP1981386B1 EP 1981386 B1 EP1981386 B1 EP 1981386B1 EP 07730843 A EP07730843 A EP 07730843A EP 1981386 B1 EP1981386 B1 EP 1981386B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
vacuum cleaner
rigid
expanded polypropylene
lower body
upper body
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EP07730843.5A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1981386A1 (en
Inventor
François PYSZCZEK
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SEB SA
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SEB SA
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
    • A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
    • A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
    • A47L5/36—Suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing; Suction cleaners for fixing on staircases; Suction cleaners for carrying on the back
    • A47L5/362—Suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing; Suction cleaners for fixing on staircases; Suction cleaners for carrying on the back of the horizontal type, e.g. canister or sledge type
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/009—Carrying-vehicles; Arrangements of trollies or wheels; Means for avoiding mechanical obstacles

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the field of household appliances vacuum cleaners and more particularly the structure of a vacuum cleaner.
  • household appliances including vacuum cleaners, have benefited from the use of the various plastics that became available as polymer processing technology and their differentiated performance were developed, each specifically chosen for a particular purpose. special function: resistance to temperature, rigidity or flexibility, acoustic damping, aesthetic appearance, etc.
  • Several elements are thus manufactured separately and fixed to form the body of the device as well as the cover for the housing of the dust collection bag, the supports of the filter elements, etc ...
  • the plastics used in the vacuum cleaners are as thin as possible so as to limit the weight of the apparatus, and reduce the effort required for handling the vacuum cleaner during its use, this manipulation being a major cause of fatigue, for example when floors are to be climbed or when stairs are to be cleaned.
  • An example of a vacuum cleaner according to the preamble of claim 1 is disclosed by the document JPH02281695 A .
  • a first problem encountered during the manufacture of a vacuum cleaner is therefore the reduction of the weight of the device, this problem being a permanent concern for vacuum cleaner manufacturers.
  • the desired weight reduction results in the thinning of the shell and the body which goes against the strength of the device. In fact, the weight of plastic material used for the manufacture of a vacuum cleaner quickly reaches a limit determined by the strength of the assembly.
  • a second problem is to maintain the strength of the hull and the body while greatly reducing the weight of plastic material used and that of the vacuum cleaner.
  • Vacuuming in the home is usually not a very pleasant task and therefore the appliance is used without care. It often happens that the device hits furniture, walls or various objects placed in the room to be cleaned. On this occasion, given the rigidity of the frame of the vacuum cleaner, the shocked part is often damaged.
  • a third problem facing vacuum cleaner manufacturers is thus to combine good mechanical characteristics of the frame with possible shock absorption to limit the effects of imprudent handling.
  • One solution to this problem can be found in particular by rubber bands surrounding, like a belt, the body of the apparatus. Such a solution generates a significant additional cost.
  • a fourth problem that arises is to manufacture a vacuum cleaner whose materials can be easily, and if possible completely, recycled.
  • the invention therefore aims to solve these major difficulties, ie aims to achieve a vacuum cleaner low weight, high strength, can absorb shocks and having a high "recyclability" at the end of life, while by being simple in the assembly of the various elements constituting it.
  • body of the device it is meant the visible outer part of the device, which can take various denominations: housing, shell, frame ....
  • Expanded polypropylene is formed of beads which are molded in the object using a press in the presence of steam.
  • the EPP has multiple qualities: temperature resistance up to 110 ° C, excellent stability, lightness, impact resistance, ability to be recycled, etc. which makes it attractive.
  • its low mechanical strength is currently only a complementary material when making subsets.
  • the present invention thus can present constituent parts of the body of the vacuum cleaner, requiring a certain rigidity, strength and mechanical strength, made of EPP, which is not originally provided for this purpose.
  • the present invention is particularly intended to simplify the method of assembly of an upper body on a lower body by compressing the upper body on the lower body by rigid parts supported under the lower body, or integrated in the lower body and on the upper body, or integrated in the upper body, which allows a simple implementation while allowing to control and adjust the deformation of the two bodies to achieve the seal between the upper body and the lower body without a specific seal .
  • At least one connecting element is derived from one of the rigid parts.
  • At least one connecting element is composed of two rods respectively issuing from a rigid piece resting on the upper body and a rigid piece resting under the body lower, said rods being mechanically linked to one another, either by screwing or clipping, or by any other means known as such.
  • Another object of the present invention is to favor polypropylene in the choice of the plastic material.
  • Another object of the invention is to use more than 90% of a single type of plastic material, polypropylene, throughout the body of the vacuum cleaner.
  • Polypropylene can then be used in two forms: conventional polypropylene (PP) which has the conventional properties of plastics and expanded polypropylene (EPP).
  • connection element or elements, as well as the rigid parts are made of unexpanded polypropylene (PP).
  • the support of the upper rigid part on the upper body forms a plate covering at least 20% of the upper face of said body.
  • the support of the lower part under the lower body comprises moving members of the vacuum cleaner. This simplification generates reductions in assembly costs and components.
  • a vacuum cleaner 1 is conventionally constituted of a vacuum body inside which is housed a motor-fan (not shown) generating a suction force and a flow of air from the end of a pipe coming from connect, through a pipe 4, in an opening 30 formed on the body of the vacuum cleaner, to the evacuation towards the rear of the apparatus, by slots 34.
  • a motor-fan not shown
  • the flow of air passes through a housing 24 containing the filter dust collection bag (not shown).
  • the constituent material of the body of the vacuum cleaner ie the lower body 20, the upper body 40 is made of expanded polypropylene (EPP).
  • EPP expanded polypropylene
  • the low mechanical strength of the EPP required considerably increase the thickness of the walls to have sufficient strength. Surprisingly, however, even if the volume of material required then causes a slightly larger vacuum cleaner than normal, the mass of plastic material can be greatly reduced, and the weight of the final vacuum can be halved.
  • the smaller amount of material is also advantageous from an economic point of view since the vacuum cleaner is less expensive to manufacture.
  • the high flexibility of the EPP allows for improved shock absorption compared to other plastics traditionally used to make vacuum cleaners.
  • This great flexibility is associated, depending on the degree of expansion, an elastic memory of the material, which also has significant advantages in terms of assembly of the different complementary parts fitted to the body of the device. Indeed, it is thus possible to articulate for example the different lids without hinge and lock simply by deforming the material. This curious particularity also makes it possible to fix inserts, by interlocking, without difficulty.
  • the different parts are thus assembled very tightly, which has a significant advantage for the suction efficiency of the fan motor and the efficiency of the various filter elements.
  • the great flexibility of the EPP makes it possible to lock many pieces, inserts or electrical cables in the absorbent material without the possibility of movement, more particularly over time, particularly as a result of the vibrations of the motor-fan.
  • the vacuum cleaner thus advantageously comprises at least one assembly between a part made of expanded polypropylene and another part, made by deformation of the expanded polypropylene part. This deformation may allow, in addition to the mechanical strength of the parts, to produce a seal.
  • a lid 60 made of expanded polypropylene is disposed on the lower and upper bodies.
  • This lid allows the closure of the housing of the dust bag.
  • this cover can receive, in its thickness, various suction accessories such as small brush, suction lolly, etc.
  • the holding of the upper body on the lower body is provided by connecting elements constituted by rods 12 bearing under the lower body 20 and engaging with a rigid part 80 disposed on the upper body 40.
  • connecting elements constituted by rods 12 bearing under the lower body 20 and engaging with a rigid part 80 disposed on the upper body 40.
  • the supports of the rods 12 under the lower body 20 are made by rigid parts 14 for the rods located at the rear, preferably associated with the wheels 10 of the vacuum cleaner.
  • the rod 12 located at the front it is associated with the central wheel via a platform 11 to refocus the wheel relative to the entire vacuum, while providing a surface substantial support.
  • the rods penetrate into openings 32 of the lower body 20, as they are clearly visible figure 4 or 5 .
  • the actual assembly of the upper body on the lower body consists, according to the example shown, to screw the rods 12 into corresponding tubes 82 from the rigid piece 80, these tubes through advantageously a portion of the upper body 40 in three openings 50 presented figures 3 and 4 .
  • the screwing thus makes it possible to compress, by means of the rigid part 80, the upper body on the lower body, the relatively large deformation of the PPE, as previously described, making it possible to seal between the lower and upper bodies, without a specific seal.
  • the rigid piece 80 may have very different shapes and conformations, ranging from a piece covering substantially the entire surface of the upper body, as shown, to a more indented piece, promoting compression only around the tubes 82. It is even possible to consider the realization of several independent pieces.
  • the support surface under the lower body can be provided by a plate more or less extended, like the rigid part 80. It is then possible to have a rigid part under the lower body and more punctual support points on the upper body.
  • the rigid part has a housing 86 for a foam 84 for filtering the air leaving the fan motor, as well as the locations of the control buttons 6 and 8.
  • the present invention is not limited to a connection between the upper body and the lower body in three points, other architectures that can be envisaged within the scope of the invention.
  • the rods 12, or the tubes 82 can pass completely through the lower and upper bodies, the assembly then being produced by a nut or equivalent device, the principle being to compress the lower and upper bodies.
  • Indicators, actuators and actuators 6, 8, and the workpiece rigid 80, the tubes 12, the parts 14 and the rollers 10 will preferably be made of unexpanded polypropylene.
  • the constituent material of the vacuum cleaner that is to say the upper body 400, the lower body 200, and the rear body 500, is made of expanded polypropylene (EPP).
  • EPP expanded polypropylene
  • the rear body 500 comprises a rigid frame 510 of unexpanded PP around which is molded a covering 513 expanded polypropylene, in order to be able to withstand a possible violent impact on said handle. Part of the frame thus forms a handle reinforcement of the vacuum cleaner.
  • Such a framework 510 is clearly visible at the figure 11 which has the rear body 500 in an exploded view where the frame 510 is artificially separated from the casing 513.
  • the frame 510 has in particular a handle reinforcement 512 terminated by a flat rib 514 in an arc of a circle, allowing better grip and better performance of the EPP.
  • the vacuum cleaner also comprises a lid 180 for closing the housing of the bag, made of expanded polypropylene and disposed on the upper body.
  • the mechanical strength of the lid on the upper body 400 of the vacuum cleaner is obtained by interlocking, by deforming the material, as previously explained.
  • the holding of the upper and lower bodies to one another is ensured by rods 150, 160 bearing support under the lower body 200.
  • the rods 150 engage with the rear part 500, while the rod 160 is connected to a rigid part 190 disposed on the upper body 400.
  • the supports of the rods 150 and 160 under the lower body 200 are preferably associated with the wheels of the vacuum cleaner, as is clearly visible on the Figures 12 and 13 .
  • the central wheel 155 is associated with a platform 162 for recentering the wheel relative to the entire vacuum, while allowing to distribute the clamping force.
  • the rear wheels 153 are associated with a rigid part 152 which contributes to the compression of the lower body on the upper body, said part carrying the two rear rods 150.
  • the actual assembly of the upper body on the lower body consists, according to the example shown, to screw the rods 150 and 160 in corresponding tubes from the parts 190 and 500, the tubes and / or the rods advantageously passing through a portion of the upper body 400.
  • the figures 8 , 12 and 13 show particularly such a tube 194 from the part 190, this tube receiving the rod 160 which passes through the lower body 200 through the orifice 224.
  • the tube 194 passes through the upper body 400 through the orifice 410, such as illustrated figure 10 .
  • the frame 510 of the rear body is mechanically connected to at least one rigid piece bearing under the lower body, via at least one connecting element.
  • the rods 150 pass through the lower body 200 through the openings 226 and are in mechanical engagement with complementary tubes 520 coming from the frame 510 of the rear body 500, and partially passing through the upper body 400 through orifices 412.
  • the rear body 500 presses the plate 190, so indirectly on the upper body 400.
  • the two rods 150 are inclined with respect to the rod 160, in order to promote compression of the rear piece on the lower and upper bodies.
  • the rigid piece 190 may have very different shapes and conformations, ranging from a piece covering substantially the entire width of the upper body, as shown, behind the compartment of the dust bag, to a more indented room. It is even possible to consider the realization of several independent parts.
  • the support surface under the lower body can be provided by a plate more or less extended, like the rigid part 162. It is then possible to have a rigid part under the lower body and more punctual support points on the upper body.
  • the rigid part 190 also has the locations of the on / off control button 196, as well as that of the rewind button 198 of the electric cable on the reel 100.
  • the rigid piece 190 also has a housing 192 for a housing 195 containing a pleated filter type HEPA, for filtering the air from the dust bag, before entering the motor fan.
  • a housing 192 for a housing 195 containing a pleated filter type HEPA, for filtering the air from the dust bag, before entering the motor fan.
  • the lights, control and operating members 196, 198, as well as the rigid piece 190, the tubes 194, 150, 160 and the parts associated with them, as well as the rollers, will preferably be made of unexpanded polypropylene.
  • the motor-fan will advantageously be arranged in a housing 120, having a chimney 124 inside which is arranged a control card of the motor-fan.
  • This chimney is an extension of a part 122 constituting the cover of the casing 120 of the motor-fan.
  • This housing is advantageously made of rigid parts made of unexpanded polypropylene.
  • the casing 120 also comprises a substantially cylindrical fairing 130 surrounding the motor-fan and on which the cover 122 is fixed by a bayonet-type assembly.
  • the fairing comprises a multitude of openings 132 of air exhaust, these openings, of cylindrical shape, having a diameter of the order of 2.5 mm.
  • a foam 134 is disposed in front of the openings 132 so that the air leaving the shroud 130 passes through such foam before reaching the outlet 260 of the lower body. 200.
  • the fairing of the fan motor is made of unexpanded polypropylene to limit the diversity of materials used.
  • expanded polypropylene As far as expanded polypropylene is concerned, it will be used at degrees of expansion defined by the amount of material (polypropylene) per liter. It will be preferable to use contents of between 40 g and 80 g of material per liter.
  • the exemplary embodiments show the distinct upper and lower rigid parts of the upper and lower bodies, it may be envisaged, in the context of the invention, to insert said parts in the respective bodies.
  • one of the upper rigid parts, participating in maintaining the upper and lower body can be integrated in the upper body, as long as the piece is located in the upper part of said body so that the compression is performed on a sufficient thickness of the body superior.
  • one of the lower parts involved in maintaining the upper and lower bodies can also be integrated in the lower body, preferably in its lower part, to keep a sufficient thickness of the lower body to achieve the compression and maintenance of the various bodies .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Electric Suction Cleaners (AREA)
  • Filtering Of Dispersed Particles In Gases (AREA)

Description

L'invention concerne le domaine électroménager des aspirateurs et plus particulièrement la structure d'un aspirateur.
Historiquement, les appareils électroménagers, dont les aspirateurs, ont intégré avec bénéfice les diverses matières plastiques qui devenaient disponibles, au fur et à mesure du développement de la technologie de mise en oeuvre des polymères et de leurs performances différenciées, chacune étant spécifiquement choisie pour une fonction particulière : résistance à la température, rigidité ou souplesse, amortissement acoustique, aspect esthétique, etc.... Aujourd'hui, on trouve plus d'une demi-douzaine de matières plastiques différentes dans le corps d'un aspirateur : ABS, polyamide, polyéthylène, polypropylène, PVC, élastomères, etc..
Plusieurs éléments sont ainsi fabriqués séparément et fixés pour former le corps de l'appareil ainsi que le couvercle pour le logement du sac de récupération des poussières, les supports des éléments filtrants, etc...
Les matières plastiques utilisées dans les aspirateurs sont aussi minces que possible de manière à limiter le poids de l'appareil, et réduire les efforts nécessaires pour la manipulation de l'aspirateur au cours de son utilisation, cette manipulation étant une cause importante de fatigue, par exemple lorsque des étages sont à gravir ou lorsque des escaliers sont à nettoyer. Un exemple d'aspirateur selon le préambule de la revendication 1 est divulgué par le document JPH02281695 A . Un premier problème rencontré lors de la fabrication d'un aspirateur est donc la réduction du poids de l'appareil, ce problème étant un souci permanent pour les fabricants d'aspirateurs.
La diminution de poids recherchée se traduit par l'amincissement de la coque et du corps qui va à l'encontre de la solidité de l'appareil. De fait, le poids de matière plastique employée pour la fabrication d'un aspirateur atteint rapidement une limite fixée par la solidité de l'ensemble.The invention relates to the field of household appliances vacuum cleaners and more particularly the structure of a vacuum cleaner.
Historically, household appliances, including vacuum cleaners, have benefited from the use of the various plastics that became available as polymer processing technology and their differentiated performance were developed, each specifically chosen for a particular purpose. special function: resistance to temperature, rigidity or flexibility, acoustic damping, aesthetic appearance, etc. Today, there are more than half a dozen different plastics in the body of a vacuum cleaner: ABS, polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, elastomers, etc.
Several elements are thus manufactured separately and fixed to form the body of the device as well as the cover for the housing of the dust collection bag, the supports of the filter elements, etc ...
The plastics used in the vacuum cleaners are as thin as possible so as to limit the weight of the apparatus, and reduce the effort required for handling the vacuum cleaner during its use, this manipulation being a major cause of fatigue, for example when floors are to be climbed or when stairs are to be cleaned. An example of a vacuum cleaner according to the preamble of claim 1 is disclosed by the document JPH02281695 A . A first problem encountered during the manufacture of a vacuum cleaner is therefore the reduction of the weight of the device, this problem being a permanent concern for vacuum cleaner manufacturers.
The desired weight reduction results in the thinning of the shell and the body which goes against the strength of the device. In fact, the weight of plastic material used for the manufacture of a vacuum cleaner quickly reaches a limit determined by the strength of the assembly.

Un deuxième problème est donc de maintenir la solidité de la coque et du corps tout en diminuant fortement le poids de matière plastique employée et celui de l'aspirateur.A second problem is to maintain the strength of the hull and the body while greatly reducing the weight of plastic material used and that of the vacuum cleaner.

Le passage de l'aspirateur dans la maison n'est généralement pas une tâche considérée comme très agréable et de ce fait, l'appareil est utilisé sans ménagement. Il arrive donc fréquemment que l'appareil heurte des meubles, des murs ou divers objets placés dans la pièce à nettoyer. A cette occasion, compte tenu de la rigidité du bâti de l'aspirateur, la partie choquée est souvent endommagée.Vacuuming in the home is usually not a very pleasant task and therefore the appliance is used without care. It often happens that the device hits furniture, walls or various objects placed in the room to be cleaned. On this occasion, given the rigidity of the frame of the vacuum cleaner, the shocked part is often damaged.

Un troisième problème qui se pose aux fabricants d'aspirateurs est donc d'allier des bonnes caractéristiques mécaniques du bâti avec une absorption possible des chocs pour limiter les effets induits des manipulations imprudentes. Une solution à ce problème peut notamment être trouvée par des bandeaux en caoutchouc entourant, telle une ceinture, le corps de l'appareil. Une telle solution génère un surcoût non négligeable.A third problem facing vacuum cleaner manufacturers is thus to combine good mechanical characteristics of the frame with possible shock absorption to limit the effects of imprudent handling. One solution to this problem can be found in particular by rubber bands surrounding, like a belt, the body of the apparatus. Such a solution generates a significant additional cost.

Par ailleurs, dans la situation actuelle du recyclage des déchets de toutes sortes, et notamment des appareils électroménagers en fin de vie, tous les fabricants soucieux de l'environnement et inscrivant leur démarche vers un développement durable recherchent des solutions pour limiter le poids des matières à recycler et utilisent autant que possible des matériaux pouvant être récupérés aisément. Il est en effet connu que l'impact sur l'environnement d'un aspirateur provient, en grande part, de sa constitution.Moreover, in the current situation of the recycling of all types of waste, and in particular end-of-life appliances, all environmentally conscious manufacturers and their efforts towards sustainable development are looking for solutions to limit the weight of materials. to recycle and use as much as possible materials that can be easily recovered. It is known that the environmental impact of a vacuum cleaner comes largely from its constitution.

Un quatrième problème qui se pose est donc de fabriquer un aspirateur dont les matériaux puissent être facilement, et si possible intégralement, recyclés.A fourth problem that arises is to manufacture a vacuum cleaner whose materials can be easily, and if possible completely, recycled.

L'invention a donc pour objectif de résoudre ces principales difficultés, c'est à dire vise à réaliser un aspirateur de faible poids, de solidité élevée, pouvant absorber des chocs et disposant d'une « recyclabilité » élevée en fin de vie, tout en étant simple dans le montage des différents éléments le constituant.The invention therefore aims to solve these major difficulties, ie aims to achieve a vacuum cleaner low weight, high strength, can absorb shocks and having a high "recyclability" at the end of life, while by being simple in the assembly of the various elements constituting it.

Selon l'invention, l'aspirateur comporte un corps inférieur et un corps supérieur renfermant notamment un moto-ventilateur et un dispositif de séparation des déchets, caractérisé en ce que :

  • le corps inférieur et le corps supérieur sont réalisés en polypropylène expansé,
  • au moins une pièce rigide dite supérieure est en appui sur le corps supérieur, ou est intégrée au corps supérieur,
  • au moins une pièce rigide dite inférieure est en appui sous le corps inférieur, ou est intégrée au corps inférieur,
  • au moins un élément de liaison rigide est lié mécaniquement à au moins une pièce supérieure et une pièce inférieure en traversant le corps supérieur et le corps inférieur,
afin de réaliser un maintien par compression des corps supérieur et inférieur.According to the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises a lower body and an upper body including in particular a motor-fan and a separating device. waste, characterized in that:
  • the lower body and the upper body are made of expanded polypropylene,
  • at least one so-called upper rigid piece bears on the upper body, or is integrated in the upper body,
  • at least one so-called lower rigid piece bears under the lower body, or is integrated with the lower body,
  • at least one rigid connecting element is mechanically connected to at least one upper part and one lower part by passing through the upper body and the lower body,
in order to maintain compression by the upper and lower bodies.

Par corps de l'appareil, il faut entendre la partie extérieure visible de l'appareil, qui peut prendre diverses dénominations : boîtier, coque, bâti....By body of the device, it is meant the visible outer part of the device, which can take various denominations: housing, shell, frame ....

Le polypropylène expansé (PPE) est formé de perles qui sont moulées en objet à l'aide de presse en présence de vapeur. Principalement utilisé comme matériau absorbant les chocs, notamment récemment dans l'automobile (amortisseur de chocs), le PPE possède de multiples qualités : tenue à la température jusqu'à 110°C, excellente stabilité, légèreté, résistance aux chocs, aptitude à être recyclé, etc.. qui le rende attractif. Toutefois, sa faible tenue mécanique n'en fait pour l'instant qu'un matériau complémentaire lors de la réalisation de sous-ensembles.Expanded polypropylene (EPP) is formed of beads which are molded in the object using a press in the presence of steam. Mainly used as shock absorbing material, especially recently in the automobile (shock absorber), the EPP has multiple qualities: temperature resistance up to 110 ° C, excellent stability, lightness, impact resistance, ability to be recycled, etc. which makes it attractive. However, its low mechanical strength is currently only a complementary material when making subsets.

La présente invention ose ainsi présenter des parties constitutives du corps de l'aspirateur, nécessitant une certaine rigidité, solidité et tenue mécanique, réalisées en PPE, qui n'est pas prévu, à l'origine, pour cet usage.The present invention thus can present constituent parts of the body of the vacuum cleaner, requiring a certain rigidity, strength and mechanical strength, made of EPP, which is not originally provided for this purpose.

La réalisation des corps inférieur et supérieur en PPE leur confère une grande souplesse, en plus des avantages découlant de ses propriétés intrinsèques décrites précédemment.The realization of the lower and upper bodies of EPP gives them great flexibility, in addition to the benefits derived from its intrinsic properties described above.

Cet aspect est utilisé dans la présente invention. En effet, par la déformation relativement importante du PPE qui, notamment, n'altère pas ses propriétés mécaniques, la présente invention vise particulièrement à simplifier le mode d'assemblage d'un corps supérieur sur un corps inférieur en comprimant le corps supérieur sur le corps inférieur par des pièces rigides prenant appui sous le corps inférieur, ou intégrées au corps inférieur et sur le corps supérieur, ou intégrées au corps supérieur, ce qui permet une mise en oeuvre simple tout en permettant de contrôler et d'ajuster la déformation des deux corps afin de réaliser l'étanchéité entre le corps supérieur et le corps inférieur, sans joint spécifique.This aspect is used in the present invention. Indeed, by the relatively large deformation of the EPP which, in particular, does not alter its properties mechanical, the present invention is particularly intended to simplify the method of assembly of an upper body on a lower body by compressing the upper body on the lower body by rigid parts supported under the lower body, or integrated in the lower body and on the upper body, or integrated in the upper body, which allows a simple implementation while allowing to control and adjust the deformation of the two bodies to achieve the seal between the upper body and the lower body without a specific seal .

Avantageusement, afin de simplifier le nombre d'éléments, au moins un élément de liaison est issu de l'une des pièces rigides.Advantageously, to simplify the number of elements, at least one connecting element is derived from one of the rigid parts.

Toutefois, selon un mode de mise en oeuvre préféré de l'invention, au moins un élément de liaison est composé de deux tiges issues respectivement d'une pièce rigide en appui sur le corps supérieur et d'une pièce rigide en appui sous le corps inférieur, lesdites tiges étant liées mécaniquement l'une à l'autre, soit par vissage, soit par clipage, soit par tout autre moyen connu en tant que tel.However, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one connecting element is composed of two rods respectively issuing from a rigid piece resting on the upper body and a rigid piece resting under the body lower, said rods being mechanically linked to one another, either by screwing or clipping, or by any other means known as such.

Un autre but de la présente invention est de privilégier le polypropylène dans le choix de la matière plastique. Un autre objectif de l'invention est d'utiliser, à plus de 90 %, un seul type de matière plastique, le polypropylène, dans tout le corps de l'aspirateur. Le polypropylène peut alors être employé sous deux formes : le polypropylène classique (PP) qui possède les propriétés classiques des matières plastiques et le polypropylène expansé (PPE).Another object of the present invention is to favor polypropylene in the choice of the plastic material. Another object of the invention is to use more than 90% of a single type of plastic material, polypropylene, throughout the body of the vacuum cleaner. Polypropylene can then be used in two forms: conventional polypropylene (PP) which has the conventional properties of plastics and expanded polypropylene (EPP).

Ainsi, de préférence, le ou les éléments de liaison, ainsi que les pièces rigides sont réalisés en polypropylène (PP) non expansé.Thus, preferably, the connection element or elements, as well as the rigid parts are made of unexpanded polypropylene (PP).

Avantageusement, afin de répartir l'effort sur la pièce supérieure et limiter les risques de fuite aéraulique, l'appui de la pièce rigide supérieure sur le corps supérieur forme une platine couvrant au moins 20 % de la face supérieure dudit corps.Advantageously, in order to distribute the force on the upper part and limit the risk of air leakage, the support of the upper rigid part on the upper body forms a plate covering at least 20% of the upper face of said body.

Par ailleurs, toujours dans un souci de simplification et de rationalisation des éléments constitutifs de l'appareil, l'appui de la pièce inférieure sous le corps inférieur comporte des organes de déplacement de l'aspirateur. Cette simplification génère des réductions de coûts d'assemblage et de composants.Moreover, always for the sake of simplification and rationalization of the constituent elements of the apparatus, the support of the lower part under the lower body comprises moving members of the vacuum cleaner. This simplification generates reductions in assembly costs and components.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention vont être donnés par la description qui va suivre, en regard des figures annexées qui ne constituent qu'un exemple non limitatif de réalisation, où les figures 1 à 6 présentent une première mise en oeuvre de l'invention, tandis que les figures 7 à 13 présentent une seconde mise en oeuvre de l'invention.

  • La figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un aspirateur selon un premier mode de mise en oeuvre de la présente invention.
  • La figure 2 est une vue en perspective des corps supérieur et inférieur de l'aspirateur.
  • La figure 3 est une vue éclatée en perspective des corps supérieur et inférieur de l'aspirateur.
  • La figure 4 est une vue de dessus des corps inférieur et supérieur, séparés volontairement l'un de l'autre.
  • La figure 5 est une vue éclatée de dessous de l'aspirateur.
  • La figure 6 est une vue éclatée de certaines parties de l'aspirateur.
  • La figure 7 est une vue en perspective d'un aspirateur assemblé selon un second mode de mise en oeuvre de la présente invention.
  • La figure 8 est une vue éclatée des différentes pièces principales de l'aspirateur.
  • La figure 9 est une vue en perspective, de dessous, de certaines parties de l'aspirateur.
  • La figure 10 est une vue de dessus, du corps supérieur de l'aspirateur.
  • La figure 11 est une vue éclatée en perspective de certaines pièces de l'aspirateur.
  • Les figures 12 et 13 sont des vues selon deux perspectives de certaines pièces assemblées de l'aspirateur.
Other features and advantages of the invention will be given by the description which follows, with reference to the appended figures which constitute only a nonlimiting example of embodiment, where the Figures 1 to 6 present a first implementation of the invention, while the Figures 7 to 13 present a second implementation of the invention.
  • The figure 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • The figure 2 is a perspective view of the upper and lower bodies of the vacuum cleaner.
  • The figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the upper and lower bodies of the vacuum cleaner.
  • The figure 4 is a top view of the lower and upper bodies, voluntarily separated from each other.
  • The figure 5 is an exploded view from below of the vacuum cleaner.
  • The figure 6 is an exploded view of some parts of the vacuum cleaner.
  • The figure 7 is a perspective view of an assembled vacuum cleaner according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • The figure 8 is an exploded view of the different main parts of the vacuum cleaner.
  • The figure 9 is a perspective view, from below, of some parts of the vacuum cleaner.
  • The figure 10 is a top view of the upper body of the vacuum cleaner.
  • The figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of some parts of the vacuum cleaner.
  • The Figures 12 and 13 are views from two perspectives of some assembled parts of the vacuum cleaner.

Selon un premier mode de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, tel qu'illustré aux figures 1 à 6, un aspirateur 1 est classiquement constitué d'un corps d'aspirateur à l'intérieur duquel est logé un moto-ventilateur (non représenté) générant une force d'aspiration et une circulation d'air depuis l'extrémité d'un tuyau venant se connecter, par une tubulure 4, dans une ouverture 30 ménagée sur le corps de l'aspirateur, jusqu'à l'évacuation vers l'arrière de l'appareil, par des fentes 34. Dans ce processus d'élimination des poussières, le flux d'air traverse un logement 24 contenant le sac filtrant de récupération des poussières (non représenté).According to a first embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 1 to 6 , a vacuum cleaner 1 is conventionally constituted of a vacuum body inside which is housed a motor-fan (not shown) generating a suction force and a flow of air from the end of a pipe coming from connect, through a pipe 4, in an opening 30 formed on the body of the vacuum cleaner, to the evacuation towards the rear of the apparatus, by slots 34. In this process of dust removal, the flow of air passes through a housing 24 containing the filter dust collection bag (not shown).

Le corps de l'aspirateur est composé de deux pièces principales fabriquées séparément puis assemblées l'une sur l'autre :

  • un corps inférieur 20 disposant d'un logement 26 pour le moto-ventilateur, d'un espace 24 aménagé pour la réception du sac filtrant, d'un logement 28 pour un enrouleur 13 de câble électrique, d'aménagement pour les organes de manoeuvre tels que roues ou roulettes 10. Le corps inférieur 20 dispose également d'un insert 5 pour la connexion de la tubulure 4 permettant le raccordement du suceur d'aspiration. Une poignée 22 est également formée dans le corps inférieur.
  • un corps supérieur 40 sur lequel viennent s'ajuster des organes de commande, tels un bouton marche/arrêt 8 en prise avec un interrupteur 9, ainsi qu'un bouton 6 de rembobinage du câble électrique. Le corps supérieur comporte également un évidement 46 de réception d'une carte électronique de commande. Tel que bien visible aux figures 3 et 4, le corps supérieur comporte un logement 42 du moto-ventilateur, s'étendant vers le corps inférieur par des parois 44 de cloisonnement du moto-ventilateur. Une partie avant 48 du corps supérieur réalise, avec le corps inférieur, le logement 24 du dispositif de séparation des déchets. Cette imbrication des deux corps dans cette partie s'étendant essentiellement horizontalement permet de positionner correctement les deux corps l'un sur l'autre, et assure un bon appui du corps supérieur sur le corps inférieur.
The body of the vacuum cleaner consists of two main parts manufactured separately and then assembled one on the other:
  • a lower body 20 having a housing 26 for the motor-fan, a space 24 arranged for receiving the filter bag, a housing 28 for a reel 13 of electric cable, fitting for the actuators such as wheels or rollers 10. The lower body 20 also has an insert 5 for connecting the tubing 4 for connecting the suction nozzle. A handle 22 is also formed in the lower body.
  • an upper body 40 which is fitted with control members, such as an on / off button 8 engaged with a switch 9, and a button 6 for rewinding the electric cable. The upper body also comprises a recess 46 for receiving an electronic control card. As clearly visible to figures 3 and 4 , the upper body comprises a housing 42 of the motor-fan, extending towards the lower body by partition walls 44 of the motor fan. A front portion 48 of the upper body carries, with the lower body, the housing 24 of the waste separation device. This imbrication of the two bodies in this part extending essentially horizontally allows the two bodies to be correctly positioned one on the other, and ensures a good support of the upper body. on the lower body.

Selon l'invention le matériau constitutif du corps de l'aspirateur, soit donc le corps inférieur 20, le corps supérieur 40, est en polypropylène expansé (PPE).According to the invention the constituent material of the body of the vacuum cleaner, ie the lower body 20, the upper body 40 is made of expanded polypropylene (EPP).

La faible tenue mécanique du PPE a toutefois nécessité d'augmenter considérablement les épaisseurs des parois pour présenter une solidité suffisante. Cependant, et de manière surprenante, même si le volume de matériau nécessaire entraîne alors un aspirateur légèrement plus volumineux que la normale, la masse de matière plastique peut être fortement réduite, et le poids de l'aspirateur final peut être divisé par deux.The low mechanical strength of the EPP, however, required considerably increase the thickness of the walls to have sufficient strength. Surprisingly, however, even if the volume of material required then causes a slightly larger vacuum cleaner than normal, the mass of plastic material can be greatly reduced, and the weight of the final vacuum can be halved.

La quantité de matière plus faible est également avantageuse d'un point de vue économique puisque l'aspirateur est moins coûteux à fabriquer.The smaller amount of material is also advantageous from an economic point of view since the vacuum cleaner is less expensive to manufacture.

La grande souplesse du PPE permet une absorption améliorée des chocs par rapport aux autres plastiques traditionnellement utilisés pour fabriquer les aspirateurs. A cette grande souplesse est associée, selon le degré d'expansion, une mémoire élastique du matériau, ce qui présente également des avantages importants en terme d'assemblage des différentes pièces complémentaires ajustées sur le corps de l'appareil. En effet, il est ainsi possible d'articuler par exemple les différents couvercles sans charnière et de les verrouiller simplement en déformant la matière. Cette curieuse particularité permet également de fixer des inserts, par emboîtement, sans difficulté.The high flexibility of the EPP allows for improved shock absorption compared to other plastics traditionally used to make vacuum cleaners. This great flexibility is associated, depending on the degree of expansion, an elastic memory of the material, which also has significant advantages in terms of assembly of the different complementary parts fitted to the body of the device. Indeed, it is thus possible to articulate for example the different lids without hinge and lock simply by deforming the material. This curious particularity also makes it possible to fix inserts, by interlocking, without difficulty.

Il suffit en effet de « forcer » la matière à se déformer pour verrouiller ou fixer un insert, la matière reprenant sa forme après la déformation pour maintenir l'assemblage.It suffices to "force" the material to deform to lock or fix an insert, the material resuming its shape after the deformation to maintain the assembly.

Les différentes parties sont ainsi assemblées de manière très étanche, ce qui présente un avantage important pour l'efficacité d'aspiration du moto-ventilateur et l'efficience des divers organes filtrants. La grande souplesse du PPE permet de verrouiller de nombreuses pièces, inserts ou câbles électriques dans le matériau absorbant sans possibilité de mouvement, plus particulièrement au cours du temps, sous l'effet notamment des vibrations du moto-ventilateur.The different parts are thus assembled very tightly, which has a significant advantage for the suction efficiency of the fan motor and the efficiency of the various filter elements. The great flexibility of the EPP makes it possible to lock many pieces, inserts or electrical cables in the absorbent material without the possibility of movement, more particularly over time, particularly as a result of the vibrations of the motor-fan.

Cette grande étanchéité du matériau lui-même permet d'éviter, ou du moins de limiter fortement l'emploi de joints, notamment au niveau du canal d'aspiration, ce qui est économique en terme de quantité de matière et en temps d'assemblage de l'aspirateur.This great tightness of the material itself avoids, or at least greatly limits the use of seals, especially at the suction channel, which is economical in terms of quantity of material and assembly time of the vacuum cleaner.

L'aspirateur comporte ainsi avantageusement au moins un assemblage entre une pièce réalisée en polypropylène expansé et une autre pièce, réalisé par déformation de la pièce en polypropylène expansé. Cette déformation peut permettre, outre la tenue mécanique des pièces, de réaliser un joint d'étanchéité.The vacuum cleaner thus advantageously comprises at least one assembly between a part made of expanded polypropylene and another part, made by deformation of the expanded polypropylene part. This deformation may allow, in addition to the mechanical strength of the parts, to produce a seal.

Selon l'exemple proposé, un couvercle 60 réalisé en polypropylène expansé est disposé sur les corps inférieur et supérieur. Ce couvercle permet la fermeture du logement du sac à poussières. Accessoirement, ce couvercle peut recevoir, dans son épaisseur, différents accessoires d'aspiration tels que petite brosse, sucette d'aspiration, etc.According to the proposed example, a lid 60 made of expanded polypropylene is disposed on the lower and upper bodies. This lid allows the closure of the housing of the dust bag. Incidentally, this cover can receive, in its thickness, various suction accessories such as small brush, suction lolly, etc.

Selon l'invention, la tenue du corps supérieur sur le corps inférieur est assurée par des éléments de liaison constitués par des tiges 12 prenant appui sous le corps inférieur 20 et venant en prise avec une pièce rigide 80 disposée sur le corps supérieur 40. Un tel agencement est particulièrement illustré par les figures 5 et 6.According to the invention, the holding of the upper body on the lower body is provided by connecting elements constituted by rods 12 bearing under the lower body 20 and engaging with a rigid part 80 disposed on the upper body 40. such an arrangement is particularly illustrated by the figures 5 and 6 .

Les appuis des tiges 12 sous le corps inférieur 20 sont réalisés par des pièces rigides 14 pour les tiges situés à l'arrière, préférentiellement associés avec les roulettes 10 de l'aspirateur. En ce qui concerne la tige 12 située à l'avant, elle est associée à la roulette centrale par l'intermédiaire d'une plateforme 11 permettant de recentrer la roulette par rapport à l'ensemble de l'aspirateur, tout en procurant une surface d'appui conséquente.The supports of the rods 12 under the lower body 20 are made by rigid parts 14 for the rods located at the rear, preferably associated with the wheels 10 of the vacuum cleaner. As regards the rod 12 located at the front, it is associated with the central wheel via a platform 11 to refocus the wheel relative to the entire vacuum, while providing a surface substantial support.

Les tiges pénètrent dans des ouvertures 32 du corps inférieur 20, telles que bien visibles figure 4 ou 5.The rods penetrate into openings 32 of the lower body 20, as they are clearly visible figure 4 or 5 .

L'assemblage à proprement parlé du corps supérieur sur le corps inférieur consiste, selon l'exemple présenté, à visser les tiges 12 dans des tubes 82 correspondants issus de la pièce rigide 80, ces tubes traversant avantageusement une partie du corps supérieur 40 en trois ouvertures 50 présentées figures 3 et 4.The actual assembly of the upper body on the lower body consists, according to the example shown, to screw the rods 12 into corresponding tubes 82 from the rigid piece 80, these tubes through advantageously a portion of the upper body 40 in three openings 50 presented figures 3 and 4 .

Le vissage permet ainsi de comprimer, par l'intermédiaire de la pièce rigide 80, le corps supérieur sur le corps inférieur, la déformation relativement importante du PPE, tel que précédemment décrit, permettant de réaliser l'étanchéité entre les corps inférieur et supérieur, sans joint spécifique.The screwing thus makes it possible to compress, by means of the rigid part 80, the upper body on the lower body, the relatively large deformation of the PPE, as previously described, making it possible to seal between the lower and upper bodies, without a specific seal.

La pièce rigide 80 peut présenter des formes et conformations très différentes, allant d'une pièce couvrant sensiblement toute la surface du corps supérieur, tel que présenté, à une pièce plus échancrée, favorisant la compression uniquement autour des tubes 82. Il est même possible d'envisager la réalisation de plusieurs pièces indépendantes.The rigid piece 80 may have very different shapes and conformations, ranging from a piece covering substantially the entire surface of the upper body, as shown, to a more indented piece, promoting compression only around the tubes 82. It is even possible to consider the realization of several independent pieces.

De même, et a contrario, la surface d'appui sous le corps inférieur peut être assuré par une plaque plus ou moins étendue, à l'instar de la pièce rigide 80. Il est alors possible de disposer une pièce rigide sous le corps inférieur et des points d'appui plus ponctuels sur le corps supérieur.Similarly, and conversely, the support surface under the lower body can be provided by a plate more or less extended, like the rigid part 80. It is then possible to have a rigid part under the lower body and more punctual support points on the upper body.

La version telle qu'illustrée offre toutefois l'avantage de pouvoir réaliser d'autres fonctions par la pièce rigide disposée sur le corps supérieur. Ainsi, la pièce rigide présente un logement 86 pour une mousse 84 permettant de filtrer l'air sortant du moto-ventilateur, ainsi que les emplacements des boutons de commande 6 et 8.The version as illustrated, however, offers the advantage of being able to perform other functions by the rigid part disposed on the upper body. Thus, the rigid part has a housing 86 for a foam 84 for filtering the air leaving the fan motor, as well as the locations of the control buttons 6 and 8.

Par ailleurs, la présente invention n'est pas limitée à une liaison entre le corps supérieur et le corps inférieur en trois points, d'autres architectures pouvant être envisagées dans le cadre de l'invention.Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to a connection between the upper body and the lower body in three points, other architectures that can be envisaged within the scope of the invention.

D'autres modes d'assemblage et de configuration peuvent être envisagés sans sortir du cadre de l'invention. Notamment les tiges 12, ou les tubes 82, peuvent traverser totalement les corps inférieur et supérieur, l'assemblage étant alors réalisé par un écrou ou dispositif équivalent, le principe étant de réaliser une compression des corps inférieur et supérieur.Other modes of assembly and configuration can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the rods 12, or the tubes 82, can pass completely through the lower and upper bodies, the assembly then being produced by a nut or equivalent device, the principle being to compress the lower and upper bodies.

Les voyants, organes de commande et de manoeuvre 6, 8, ainsi que la pièce rigide 80, les tubes 12, les pièces 14 ainsi que les roulettes 10 seront préférentiellement élaborés en polypropylène non expansé.Indicators, actuators and actuators 6, 8, and the workpiece rigid 80, the tubes 12, the parts 14 and the rollers 10 will preferably be made of unexpanded polypropylene.

Selon un second exemple de réalisation de l'invention, présenté aux figures 7 à 13, l'aspirateur 100 selon l'invention est constitué d'un corps d'aspirateur composé de trois pièces principales fabriquées séparément puis assemblées par la suite :

  • un petit corps inférieur 200 disposant :
    • ∘ d'un logement 220 de la partie inférieure du moto-ventilateur,
    • ∘ d'un emplacement 222 pour les organes de manoeuvre arrière tels que roues ou roulettes 153, visibles figures 12 et 13,
    • ∘ d'une sortie d'air 260 de l'aspirateur,
    • ∘ d'un logement 230 de la partie inférieure d'un enrouleur 110 de câble électrique,
  • un corps supérieur 400 important comprenant :
    • ∘ un espace 402 aménagé pour la réception d'un sac à poussières filtrant,
    • ∘ un logement 404 de la partie supérieure de l'enrouleur 110 de câble électrique,
    • ∘ un emplacement 406 pour les organes de manoeuvre avant (roulette 155) de l'aspirateur,
    • ∘ un évidement 408 de logement de la partie supérieure du moto-ventilateur, conjointement avec le logement 220 du corps inférieur 200,
    • ∘ un insert 405 permettant le raccordement de tubulures d'aspiration, cet insert coopérant avec un support de sac 407 disposé dans l'espace 402.
  • un corps arrière 500 comportant une large poignée 502 de transport de l'aspirateur.
According to a second embodiment of the invention, presented to Figures 7 to 13 , the vacuum cleaner 100 according to the invention consists of a vacuum cleaner body composed of three main parts manufactured separately and assembled thereafter:
  • a small lower body 200 having:
    • ∘ a housing 220 of the lower part of the fan motor,
    • ∘ a location 222 for the rear actuators such as wheels or casters 153, visible Figures 12 and 13 ,
    • ∘ an air outlet 260 of the vacuum cleaner,
    • ∘ a housing 230 of the lower part of a reel 110 of electric cable,
  • an important upper body 400 comprising:
    • A space 402 arranged for receiving a filter dust bag,
    • A housing 404 of the upper part of the cable winder 110,
    • A location 406 for the front actuators (wheel 155) of the vacuum cleaner,
    • A recess 408 for housing the upper part of the fan motor, together with the housing 220 of the lower body 200,
    • ∘ an insert 405 for the connection of suction tubes, this insert cooperating with a bag holder 407 disposed in the space 402.
  • a rear body 500 having a large handle 502 for transporting the vacuum cleaner.

Tout comme pour le premier exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention le matériau constitutif de l'aspirateur, soit donc le corps supérieur 400, le corps inférieur 200, ainsi que le corps arrière 500, est en polypropylène expansé (PPE).As for the first embodiment of the invention, the constituent material of the vacuum cleaner, that is to say the upper body 400, the lower body 200, and the rear body 500, is made of expanded polypropylene (EPP).

Toutefois, afin de renforcer la tenue aux chocs de la poignée 502, le corps arrière 500 comprend une ossature rigide 510 en PP non expansé autour de laquelle est surmoulé un habillage 513 en polypropylène expansé, afin de pouvoir résister mécaniquement à un éventuel choc violent sur ladite poignée. Une partie de l'ossature forme donc un renfort de poignée de transport de l'aspirateur.However, in order to reinforce the shock resistance of the handle 502, the rear body 500 comprises a rigid frame 510 of unexpanded PP around which is molded a covering 513 expanded polypropylene, in order to be able to withstand a possible violent impact on said handle. Part of the frame thus forms a handle reinforcement of the vacuum cleaner.

Une telle ossature 510 est nettement visible à la figure 11 qui présente le corps arrière 500 dans une vue éclatée où l'ossature 510 est artificiellement séparée de l'habillage 513. L'ossature 510 présente notamment un renfort de poignée 512 terminé par une nervure plane 514 en arc de cercle, permettant une meilleure accroche et une meilleure tenue du PPE.Such a framework 510 is clearly visible at the figure 11 which has the rear body 500 in an exploded view where the frame 510 is artificially separated from the casing 513. The frame 510 has in particular a handle reinforcement 512 terminated by a flat rib 514 in an arc of a circle, allowing better grip and better performance of the EPP.

Selon ce second exemple de réalisation, l'aspirateur comporte également un couvercle 180 permettant la fermeture du logement du sac, réalisé en polypropylène expansé et disposé sur le corps supérieur. La tenue mécanique du couvercle sur le corps supérieur 400 de l'aspirateur est obtenue par emboîtement, en déformant la matière, comme précédemment expliqué.According to this second embodiment, the vacuum cleaner also comprises a lid 180 for closing the housing of the bag, made of expanded polypropylene and disposed on the upper body. The mechanical strength of the lid on the upper body 400 of the vacuum cleaner is obtained by interlocking, by deforming the material, as previously explained.

Selon l'exemple proposé, la tenue des corps supérieur et inférieur l'un à l'autre est assurée par des tiges 150, 160 prenant appui sous le corps inférieur 200. Les tiges 150 viennent en prise avec la pièce arrière 500, tandis que la tige 160 est liée à une pièce rigide 190 disposée sur le corps supérieur 400.According to the proposed example, the holding of the upper and lower bodies to one another is ensured by rods 150, 160 bearing support under the lower body 200. The rods 150 engage with the rear part 500, while the rod 160 is connected to a rigid part 190 disposed on the upper body 400.

Les appuis des tiges 150 et 160 sous le corps inférieur 200 sont préférentiellement associés avec les roulettes de l'aspirateur, tel qu'il est bien visible sur les figures 12 et 13. En ce qui concerne la roulette centrale 155, cette dernière est associée à une plateforme 162 permettant de recentrer la roulette par rapport à l'ensemble de l'aspirateur, tout en permettant de répartir l'effort de serrage.The supports of the rods 150 and 160 under the lower body 200 are preferably associated with the wheels of the vacuum cleaner, as is clearly visible on the Figures 12 and 13 . Regarding the central wheel 155, the latter is associated with a platform 162 for recentering the wheel relative to the entire vacuum, while allowing to distribute the clamping force.

Les roulettes arrière 153 sont associées à une pièce rigide 152 qui participe à la compression du corps inférieur sur le corps supérieur, ladite pièce portant les deux tiges arrière 150.The rear wheels 153 are associated with a rigid part 152 which contributes to the compression of the lower body on the upper body, said part carrying the two rear rods 150.

L'assemblage à proprement parlé du corps supérieur sur le corps inférieur consiste, selon l'exemple présenté, à visser les tiges 150 et 160 dans des tubes correspondants issus des pièces 190 et 500, les tubes et/ou les tiges traversant avantageusement une partie du corps supérieur 400.The actual assembly of the upper body on the lower body consists, according to the example shown, to screw the rods 150 and 160 in corresponding tubes from the parts 190 and 500, the tubes and / or the rods advantageously passing through a portion of the upper body 400.

Les figures 8, 12 et 13 montrent particulièrement un tel tube 194 issu de la pièce 190, ce tube recevant la tige 160 qui traverse le corps inférieur 200 par l'orifice 224. Le tube 194 traverse quant à lui le corps supérieur 400 par l'orifice 410, tel qu'illustré figure 10.The figures 8 , 12 and 13 show particularly such a tube 194 from the part 190, this tube receiving the rod 160 which passes through the lower body 200 through the orifice 224. The tube 194 passes through the upper body 400 through the orifice 410, such as illustrated figure 10 .

Selon l'invention, l'ossature 510 du corps arrière est lié mécaniquement à au moins une pièce rigide en appui sous le corps inférieur, par l'intermédiaire d'au moins un élément de liaison. Ainsi, les tiges 150 traversent le corps inférieur 200 par les ouvertures 226 et sont en prise mécanique avec des tubes complémentaires 520 issu de l'ossature 510 du corps arrière 500, et traversant partiellement le corps supérieur 400 par des orifices 412.According to the invention, the frame 510 of the rear body is mechanically connected to at least one rigid piece bearing under the lower body, via at least one connecting element. Thus, the rods 150 pass through the lower body 200 through the openings 226 and are in mechanical engagement with complementary tubes 520 coming from the frame 510 of the rear body 500, and partially passing through the upper body 400 through orifices 412.

Les figures 12 et 13 illustrent des différentes pièces rigides permettant la compression des corps inférieur et supérieur.The Figures 12 and 13 illustrate different rigid parts allowing the compression of the lower and upper bodies.

Tel qu'il est notamment bien visible sur la figure 13, le corps arrière 500 appuie sur la platine 190, donc indirectement sur le corps supérieur 400.As it is particularly visible on the figure 13 , the rear body 500 presses the plate 190, so indirectly on the upper body 400.

Par ailleurs, tel que le montre la figure 8, les deux tiges 150 sont inclinées par rapport à la tige 160, afin de favoriser la compression de la pièce arrière sur les corps inférieur et supérieur.Moreover, as shown in figure 8 , the two rods 150 are inclined with respect to the rod 160, in order to promote compression of the rear piece on the lower and upper bodies.

De même que pour le premier exemple de réalisation, la pièce rigide 190 peut présenter des formes et conformations très différentes, allant d'une pièce couvrant sensiblement toute la largeur du corps supérieur, tel que présenté, en arrière du compartiment du sac à poussières, à une pièce plus échancrée. Il est même possible d'envisager la réalisation de plusieurs pièces indépendantes.As for the first embodiment, the rigid piece 190 may have very different shapes and conformations, ranging from a piece covering substantially the entire width of the upper body, as shown, behind the compartment of the dust bag, to a more indented room. It is even possible to consider the realization of several independent parts.

De même, et a contrario, la surface d'appui sous le corps inférieur peut être assurée par une plaque plus ou moins étendue, à l'instar de la pièce rigide 162. Il est alors possible de disposer une pièce rigide sous le corps inférieur et des points d'appui plus ponctuels sur le corps supérieur.Similarly, and conversely, the support surface under the lower body can be provided by a plate more or less extended, like the rigid part 162. It is then possible to have a rigid part under the lower body and more punctual support points on the upper body.

La pièce rigide 190 présente également les emplacements du bouton de commande marche/arrêt 196, ainsi que celui du bouton 198 de rembobinage du câble électrique sur l'enrouleur 100.The rigid part 190 also has the locations of the on / off control button 196, as well as that of the rewind button 198 of the electric cable on the reel 100.

La pièce rigide 190 présente également un logement 192 pour un boîtier 195 renfermant un filtre plissé de type HEPA, permettant de filtrer l'air en provenance du sac à poussières, avant son entrée dans le moto-ventilateur.The rigid piece 190 also has a housing 192 for a housing 195 containing a pleated filter type HEPA, for filtering the air from the dust bag, before entering the motor fan.

Les voyants, organes de commande et de manoeuvre 196, 198, ainsi que la pièce rigide 190, les tubes 194, 150, 160 ainsi que les pièces qui leur sont associées, tout comme les roulettes, seront préférentiellement élaborés en polypropylène non expansé.The lights, control and operating members 196, 198, as well as the rigid piece 190, the tubes 194, 150, 160 and the parts associated with them, as well as the rollers, will preferably be made of unexpanded polypropylene.

Le moto-ventilateur, non représenté, sera avantageusement disposé dans un carter 120, comportant une cheminée 124 à l'intérieur de laquelle est disposée une carte de commande du moto-ventilateur. Cette cheminée est un prolongement d'une pièce 122 constituant le couvercle du carter 120 du moto-ventilateur. Ce carter est avantageusement constitué de pièces rigides réalisées en polypropylène non expansé.The motor-fan, not shown, will advantageously be arranged in a housing 120, having a chimney 124 inside which is arranged a control card of the motor-fan. This chimney is an extension of a part 122 constituting the cover of the casing 120 of the motor-fan. This housing is advantageously made of rigid parts made of unexpanded polypropylene.

Le carter 120 comporte également un carénage 130 sensiblement cylindrique, entourant le moto-ventilateur et sur lequel vient se fixer le couvercle 122 par un assemblage de type baïonnette.The casing 120 also comprises a substantially cylindrical fairing 130 surrounding the motor-fan and on which the cover 122 is fixed by a bayonet-type assembly.

Avantageusement, le carénage comporte une multitude d'ouvertures 132 d'échappement d'air, ces ouvertures, de forme cylindrique, présentant un diamètre de l'ordre de 2,5 mm.Advantageously, the fairing comprises a multitude of openings 132 of air exhaust, these openings, of cylindrical shape, having a diameter of the order of 2.5 mm.

Afin de réduire davantage le bruit généré par le moto-ventilateur, une mousse 134 est disposée devant les ouvertures 132, de sorte que l'air sortant du carénage 130 passe au travers d'une telle mousse avant de rejoindre la sortie 260 du corps inférieur 200.In order to further reduce the noise generated by the fan motor, a foam 134 is disposed in front of the openings 132 so that the air leaving the shroud 130 passes through such foam before reaching the outlet 260 of the lower body. 200.

Avantageusement, le carénage du moto-ventilateur est réalisé en polypropylène non expansé afin de limiter la diversité des matériaux utilisés.Advantageously, the fairing of the fan motor is made of unexpanded polypropylene to limit the diversity of materials used.

En ce qui concerne le polypropylène expansé, il sera utilisé à des degrés d'expansion définis par la quantité de matière (polypropylène) par litre. On utilisera de manière privilégiée des teneurs comprises entre 40 g et 80 g de matière par litre.As far as expanded polypropylene is concerned, it will be used at degrees of expansion defined by the amount of material (polypropylene) per liter. It will be preferable to use contents of between 40 g and 80 g of material per liter.

Par ailleurs, afin de faciliter le recyclage du polypropylène utilisé, on privilégiera l'utilisation d'homopolymères.Moreover, in order to facilitate the recycling of the polypropylene used, preference will be given to the use of homopolymers.

Bien que les exemples de réalisation montrent les pièces rigides supérieures et inférieures distinctes des corps supérieur et inférieur, il peut être envisagé, dans le cadre de l'invention, d'insérer lesdites pièces dans les corps respectifs. Ainsi, l'une des pièces rigides supérieures, participant au maintien des corps supérieur et inférieur, peut être intégrée au corps supérieur, pour autant que la pièce soit située en partie supérieure dudit corps afin que la compression soit réalisée sur une épaisseur suffisante du corps supérieur.Although the exemplary embodiments show the distinct upper and lower rigid parts of the upper and lower bodies, it may be envisaged, in the context of the invention, to insert said parts in the respective bodies. Thus, one of the upper rigid parts, participating in maintaining the upper and lower body, can be integrated in the upper body, as long as the piece is located in the upper part of said body so that the compression is performed on a sufficient thickness of the body superior.

De même, l'une des pièces inférieure participant au maintien des corps supérieur et inférieur peut également être intégrée au corps inférieur, préférentiellement dans sa partie inférieure, afin de garder une épaisseur suffisante du corps inférieur pour réaliser la compression et le maintien des différents corps.Similarly, one of the lower parts involved in maintaining the upper and lower bodies can also be integrated in the lower body, preferably in its lower part, to keep a sufficient thickness of the lower body to achieve the compression and maintenance of the various bodies .

L'intégration des pièces rigides dans les corps supérieur et inférieur permet de réduire les risques d'endommagement du mobilier et des objets présents dans la pièce à nettoyer, puisque ces pièces rigides sont recouvertes et protégées par un habillage en PPE.The integration of rigid parts in the upper and lower bodies reduces the risk of damage to furniture and objects in the room to be cleaned, since these rigid parts are covered and protected by a PPE cladding.

Claims (16)

  1. Vacuum cleaner (1, 100) having a lower body (20, 200) and an upper body (40, 400) enclosing notably a motor-ventilator and a device for separating waste, characterised in that:
    - the lower body (20, 200) and the upper body (40, 400) are made from expanded polypropylene,
    - at least one so-called upper rigid part (80, 190, 510) is supported on the upper body (40, 400), or is integrated into the upper body,
    - at least one so-called lower rigid part (11, 14, 152, 162) is supported under the lower body (20, 200), or is integrated into the lower body,
    - at least one rigid connecting element (12, 82, 150, 160, 194, 520) is mechanically connected to at least one upper part (80, 190, 510) and a lower part (11, 14, 152, 162) by passing through the upper body (40, 400) and the lower body (20, 200),
    in order to hold by compression the upper (40, 400) and the lower (20, 200) bodies.
  2. Vacuum cleaner (1, 100) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that at least one connecting element (12, 82, 150, 160, 194, 520) originates from one of the rigid parts (11, 14, 80, 152, 162, 190, 510).
  3. Vacuum cleaner (1, 100) according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one connecting element is composed of two rods (12, 82, 150, 160, 194, 520) originating respectively from a rigid part (80, 190, 510) supported on the upper body (40, 400) and from a rigid part (11, 14, 152, 162) supported under the lower body (20, 200), said rods (12, 82, 150, 160, 194, 520) being mechanically connected to one another.
  4. Vacuum cleaner (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the mechanical connection between one of the upper parts (80, 190, 510) and one of the lower parts (11, 14, 152, 162) by the connecting element (12, 82,150, 160, 194, 520) is of the screw type.
  5. Vacuum cleaner (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the mechanical connection between one of the upper parts (80, 190, 510) and one of the lower parts (11, 14, 152, 162) by the connecting element (12, 82, 150, 160, 194, 520) is of the clip type.
  6. Vacuum cleaner (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connecting element (12, 82, 150, 160, 194, 520) and the rigid parts (11, 14, 80, 152, 162, 190, 510) are made from non-expanded polypropylene.
  7. Vacuum cleaner (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support of the upper rigid part (80, 190) on the upper body (40, 400) forms a plate (80, 190) covering at least 20% of the upper surface of said body.
  8. Vacuum cleaner (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support of the lower part (11, 14, 152, 162) under the lower body (20, 200) includes components (10, 153, 155) for moving the vacuum cleaner (1, 100).
  9. Vacuum cleaner (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it has a rear body (500) comprising a rigid frame (510) around which a casing (513) made from expanded polypropylene is overmoulded.
  10. Vacuum cleaner (100) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that a part of the frame (510) forms a handle reinforcement (512) for transporting the vacuum cleaner (100).
  11. Vacuum cleaner (100) according to any one of claims 9 or 10, characterised in that the rear body (500) is supported on the upper body (400).
  12. Vacuum cleaner (100) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the frame (512) of the rear body is mechanically connected to at least one rigid part (152) supported under the lower body (200), by means of at least one connecting element (150).
  13. Vacuum cleaner (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterised in that the frame (512) of the rear body (500) is made from non-expanded polypropylene.
  14. Vacuum cleaner (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it has a closing lid (60, 180) made from expanded polypropylene positioned on the upper body (40, 400) and/or on the lower body (20).
  15. Vacuum cleaner (1, 100) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the expanded polypropylene and the non-expanded polypropylene used are homopolymers.
  16. Vacuum cleaner (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the expanded polypropylene has a content of between 40 g and 80 g of material per litre.
EP07730843.5A 2006-02-02 2007-01-23 Vacuum cleaner having two expanded polypropylene shells Active EP1981386B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0600952A FR2896679B1 (en) 2006-02-02 2006-02-02 VACUUM
PCT/FR2007/000123 WO2007088260A1 (en) 2006-02-02 2007-01-23 Vacuum cleaner having two expanded polypropylene shells

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1981386A1 EP1981386A1 (en) 2008-10-22
EP1981386B1 true EP1981386B1 (en) 2018-01-17

Family

ID=36978211

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07730843.5A Active EP1981386B1 (en) 2006-02-02 2007-01-23 Vacuum cleaner having two expanded polypropylene shells

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US20110131755A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1981386B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2009525100A (en)
CN (1) CN101378686A (en)
FR (1) FR2896679B1 (en)
RU (1) RU2414843C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2007088260A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP6007805B2 (en) * 2013-01-30 2016-10-12 三菱電機株式会社 Electric vacuum cleaner

Family Cites Families (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3634905A (en) * 1969-10-27 1972-01-18 Gen Electric Electric vacuum cleaner construction
JPS5722729A (en) * 1980-07-18 1982-02-05 Hitachi Ltd Electric cleaner
US4592764A (en) * 1983-06-30 1986-06-03 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Vacuum cleaner
JP2664244B2 (en) * 1989-04-22 1997-10-15 タイガースポリマー株式会社 Sound-absorbing housing
DE4321216A1 (en) * 1993-06-25 1995-01-19 Omega Haushaltsgeraete Gmbh & Motor and component mounting for electrical appliances, in particular vacuum cleaners
US5404614A (en) * 1994-01-06 1995-04-11 Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. Latch assembly for blower of wet/dry vacuum cleaner
US5479676A (en) * 1994-05-12 1996-01-02 Electrolux Corporation Vacuum cleaner
TW271384B (en) * 1995-01-13 1996-03-01 Black & Decker Inc Vacuum cleaner
US5870798A (en) * 1996-05-03 1999-02-16 The Hoover Company Compact carpet and upholstery extractor
US6370730B1 (en) * 1998-08-28 2002-04-16 Emerson Electric Co. Hose lock with integral seal
US6145160A (en) * 1998-11-20 2000-11-14 Primus Holdings, L.P. Tank-type vacuum cleaner
US6231647B1 (en) * 1999-01-25 2001-05-15 Han-Shim Cheng Vacuum cleaner
JP2001321306A (en) * 2000-05-16 2001-11-20 Hitachi Ltd Vacuum cleaner
US6530116B2 (en) * 2001-02-13 2003-03-11 Shop Vac Corporation Vacuum cleaner with muffled detachable blower exhaust
JP2005261658A (en) * 2004-03-18 2005-09-29 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Vacuum cleaner

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN101378686A (en) 2009-03-04
JP2009525100A (en) 2009-07-09
WO2007088260A1 (en) 2007-08-09
RU2008135437A (en) 2010-03-10
US20110131755A1 (en) 2011-06-09
RU2414843C2 (en) 2011-03-27
FR2896679B1 (en) 2008-03-14
FR2896679A1 (en) 2007-08-03
EP1981386A1 (en) 2008-10-22

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