EP4039146A1 - Suction assembly provided with a structure for protecting a waste separation and collection device - Google Patents

Abstract

The suction assembly (1) includes a vacuum cleaner housing (3); a waste separation and collection device (8) comprising at least one outer surface (150, 160) which is partially spherical in shape and which together with an outer housing surface (4) forms the vacuum cleaner housing (3) , an assembly of generally spherical shape; first and second main wheels mounted rotatably relative to the vacuum cleaner housing (3); and a protective structure (32) configured to protect the waste separation and collection device (8), the protective structure (32) being disposed outside the vacuum cleaner housing (3) and extending radially at a distance from the exterior surface of the casing (4) and from the at least one exterior surface (150, 160).

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates more particularly to domestic vacuum cleaners of the canister type making it possible to suck up dust and small-grained waste present on a surface to be cleaned, which can for example be tiles, parquet, laminate, carpet or a carpet.

In the present description, by vacuum cleaner or sled-type suction assembly, reference is made to a vacuum cleaner or suction assembly that can move by rolling on the ground, for example using wheels or rollers when the vacuum cleaner is in use. In a canister vacuum cleaner, a suction nozzle is connected to the suction assembly via a suction tube comprising a rigid part and a flexible part. During a cleaning operation, the user of a canister vacuum cleaner holds the suction nozzle via a handle provided on the rigid part of the suction tube or secured to the suction tube. A canister vacuum cleaner is generally pulled by the user via the handle and the flexible part of the suction tube, this mode of movement is at the origin of the name "canister vacuum cleaner". The term sled vacuum cleaner or sled suction assembly also covers vacuum cleaners with motorized wheels or rollers capable of following the movements of the suction nozzle, the handle or the user.

State of the art

The document JP6313953 discloses a sled-type vacuum cleaner comprising in particular a vacuum cleaner casing comprising at least one outer surface of the casing of partially spherical shape; a suction nozzle through which outside air can be drawn in by the suction assembly; at least one exhaust port through which air cleaned by the suction assembly can come out of the suction assembly; an aeraulic circuit which extends between the suction nozzle and the at least one exhaust orifice; a suction unit disposed on the airflow circuit, the suction unit comprising an electric motor and a fan coupled to the electric motor to generate a flow of air in the airflow circuit from the suction nozzle to the at least one exhaust port; a device for separating and collecting waste which is arranged on the aeraulic circuit upstream of the suction unit and which is crossed by the flow of air generated by the fan when the suction assembly is in operation, the waste separation and collection device comprising a waste collection bowl for receiving the waste separated by the waste separation and collection device; and first and second main wheels mounted rotatably relative to the vacuum cleaner housing.

The waste separation and collection device further includes a lid having an exterior lid surface that is accessible from outside the suction assembly and that is partially spherical in shape. Advantageously, the outer surface of the cover and the outer surface of the housing partly form an assembly of generally spherical shape when the suction assembly is in working order.

The waste separation and collection device of the suction assembly described above is particularly exposed to frontal impacts. Indeed, when the suction assembly encounters a low obstacle, such as a coffee table or a buffet on legs having a lower edge at the height of the top of the vacuum cleaner box, during its movements on the floor to be cleaned, the obstacle is liable to come into direct contact with the waste separation and collection device and therefore to degrade the latter, which may adversely affect the performance of the suction assembly, or even prevent the operation of the assembly suction, in particular if the impact between the waste separation and collection device and the obstacle is violent.

Summary of the invention

The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.

The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in increasing the service life of the waste separation and collection device of a suction assembly, taking into account in particular the obstacles that a suction assembly may encounter when moving on a floor to be cleaned.

• un boitier d'aspirateur comprenant au moins une surface extérieure de boitier de forme partiellement sphérique,
• un embout d'aspiration par lequel de l'air extérieur peut être aspiré par l'ensemble d'aspiration,
• au moins un orifice d'échappement par lequel de l'air nettoyé par l'ensemble d'aspiration peut sortir de l'ensemble d'aspiration,
• un circuit aéraulique qui s'étend entre l'embout d'aspiration et l'au moins un orifice d'échappement,
• une unité d'aspiration disposée sur le circuit aéraulique, l'unité d'aspiration comprenant un moteur électrique et un ventilateur couplé au moteur électrique pour générer un flux d'air dans le circuit aéraulique depuis l'embout d'aspiration jusqu'à l'au moins un orifice d'échappement,
• un dispositif de séparation et de collecte de déchets qui est disposé sur le circuit aéraulique en amont de l'unité d'aspiration et qui est traversé par le flux d'air généré par le ventilateur lorsque l'ensemble d'aspiration est en fonctionnement, le dispositif de séparation et de collecte de déchets étant amovible et comprenant au moins une surface extérieure qui est accessible depuis l'extérieur de l'ensemble d'aspiration et qui est de forme partiellement sphérique, l'au moins une surface extérieure et la surface extérieure de boitier formant en partie un ensemble de forme globalement sphérique lorsque l'ensemble d'aspiration est en ordre de fonctionnement, et
• des première et deuxième roues principales montées mobiles en rotation par rapport au boitier d'aspirateur.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a sled-type suction assembly comprising:

• a vacuum cleaner casing comprising at least one outer casing surface of partially spherical shape,
• a suction nozzle through which outside air can be sucked in by the suction assembly,
• at least one exhaust port through which air cleaned by the suction assembly can exit the suction assembly,
• an aeraulic circuit which extends between the suction nozzle and the at least one exhaust orifice,
• a suction unit disposed on the airflow circuit, the suction unit comprising an electric motor and a fan coupled to the electric motor to generate a flow of air in the airflow circuit from the suction nozzle to the at least one exhaust port,
• a device for separating and collecting waste which is arranged on the aeraulic circuit upstream of the suction unit and which is crossed by the flow of air generated by the fan when the suction assembly is in operation, the waste separation and collection device being removable and comprising at least one exterior surface which is accessible from the exterior of the suction assembly and which is of partially spherical shape, the at least an outer surface and the outer housing surface forming in part a generally spherical assembly when the suction assembly is in working order, and
• first and second main wheels mounted rotatably relative to the vacuum cleaner housing.

The vacuum assembly further includes a protective structure that is configured to protect the waste separation and collection device, the protective structure being disposed externally of the vacuum cleaner housing and extending radially away of the outer surface of the case of partially spherical shape and radially remote from the at least one outer surface, the protective structure forming a handle assembly which can be grasped by a user.

The protective structure makes it possible to protect all or part of the waste separation and collection device by interposing itself between the waste separation and collection device and a possible obstacle encountered by the suction assembly during its movements. on the floor to be cleaned. In addition, by being disposed outside the vacuum cleaner housing and extending radially away from the outer surface of the housing, the protective structure makes it possible to at least partially protect the waste separation and collection device without having to oversize the vacuum cleaner box.

In the term "radially apart", reference is made to a radial direction which extends from the geometrically center of the generally spherical shaped assembly.

The suction assembly may further have one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective structure extends partially around and at a distance from the overall spherical shape.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective structure has a substantially curved shape around the first and second main wheels.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction nozzle is arranged on a front part of the vacuum cleaner housing.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective structure delimits a passage opening configured to allow removal of the waste separation and collection device through the passage opening.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the handle assembly consists of a single handle of substantially annular shape or in the shape of a “U” or in the shape of an open ring. With this substantially annular or “U”-shaped or open ring-shaped handle shape, the protective structure offers multiple gripping zones for the user who wishes to grasp and move the vacuum cleaner housing. The protective structure then forms a particularly ergonomic handle for the user.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective structure is configured to additionally protect the first and second main wheels.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second main wheels respectively comprise first and second treads, the protective structure being configured to cover a portion of each of the first and second treads.

The expression "tread" refers to a circular surface or to a set of surfaces forming a generally circular outer periphery of each main wheel and which is made to roll on the ground to be cleaned during the movements of the assembly of suction. The protective structure therefore covers a circular or generally circular portion of each of the first and second treads.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective structure covers the top of the first and second main wheels. In other words, the protective structure covers a tread portion which is located in the upper part of each of the first and second main wheels. Indeed, the top of the first and second main wheels is particularly exposed when the suction assembly partially engages under a low obstacle, such as a coffee table or a buffet on legs, having a lower edge at the height of the top of the first and second main wheels and capable of colliding with an upper part of the first and second main wheels. The fact that the protective structure covers the top of the first and second main wheels makes it possible to protect the first and second main wheels from this type of collision with a low obstacle.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective structure covers the top of the main wheels and extends towards the front of the vacuum cleaner housing to at least partially cover the front of the first and second main wheels. Thanks to this arrangement, the protective structure makes it possible to protect the first and second main wheels from shocks against low obstacles, such as a coffee table or the lower edge of a buffet on legs, but also against frontal obstacles, such as table legs or wall angles, appearing in front of the suction assembly.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective structure comprises first and second lateral protective parts which are arranged on either side of the waste separation and collection device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second side protection parts is elongated.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second lateral protection parts are arranged on either side of a median vertical longitudinal plane of the suction assembly.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective structure comprises a rear protective part which connects the first and second side protection parts and which extends transversely to the first and second side protection parts.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear protective part extends above a rear part of the vacuum cleaner housing.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear protective part extends at least partly to the rear of the waste separation and collection device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second lateral protective parts extend from the rear protective part and towards the front of the vacuum cleaner housing, and for example substantially as far as the tip of the vacuum cleaner. suction.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second lateral protective parts extend respectively in front of and above the first and second main wheels.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second lateral protective parts respectively comprise a first outer protective surface and a second outer protective surface which extend in front of and above the first and second main wheels, the first and second outer protective surfaces extending in the direction of the first and second axes of rotation of the first and second main wheels and being inclined such that, extending in the direction of the first and second axes of rotation, the first and second outer protective surfaces gradually diverge from each other. The first and second outer protective surfaces make it easier to dodge an obstacle. Indeed, by coming into contact with one of the first and second outer protective surfaces of the protective structure, an obstacle is caused to slide on said outer protective surface as the continuous suction assembly to move forward.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second lateral protective parts respectively comprise a first inner protective surface and a second inner protective surface which are concave and which melt respectively facing the first and second main wheels, each of the first and second inner protective surfaces being curved around a portion of the respective main wheel among the first and second main wheels, and for example around a portion of the respective tread among the first and second treads. Such a configuration of the first and second inner protective surfaces makes it possible to better follow the circular shape of the first and second main wheels, and in particular of the first and second treads, to better protect the portions of the first and second main wheels covered by the first and second interior protective surfaces.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective structure covers portions of the first and second treads without there being any part or part of the vacuum cleaner housing which is interposed or positioned between the first surface of inner protection and said portion of the first tread and between the second inner protection surface and said portion of the second tread.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first inner protective surface extends close to the first main wheel such that the radial distance between the first tread and the first inner protective surface, measured in a radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation of the first main wheel, is less than 5 cm, preferably less than 2 cm, and the second inner protective surface extends close to the second main wheel such that the radial distance between the second tread and the second inner protective surface, measured in a radial direction relative to the axis of rotation of the second main wheel, is less than 5 cm, preferably less than 2 cm. This proximity between the tread of a main wheel and the respective inner protective surface makes it possible to better protect the portion of tread covered by said inner protective surface.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective structure covers an angular sector of each of the first and second treads which is greater than 90°, and advantageously comprised between 90° and 130°. This angular amplitude of protection makes it possible to protect the first and second main wheels against most shocks.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective structure is connected to the main body by connecting means, such as connecting walls, connecting arms or intermediate connecting parts.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective structure is symmetrical with respect to a median vertical longitudinal plane of the suction assembly.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second lateral protective parts approach each other in the direction of the front of the vacuum cleaner housing, that is to say converge towards the front of the vacuum cleaner housing.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device comprises a waste collection bowl and a cover which is movable relative to the waste collection bowl between an open position in which the cover releases a waste collection bowl drain opening and a closed position in which the lid at least partially closes the waste collection bowl drain opening.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective structure is configured to protect the waste collection bowl and/or the lid.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste collection bowl includes a bowl outer surface which is accessible from outside the suction assembly and which is partially spherical in shape, the at least one outer surface of the waste separation and collection device including the bowl outer surface .

According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid comprises an exterior surface of the lid which is accessible from the exterior of the suction assembly and which is partially spherical in shape, the at least one exterior surface of the separation and collection of waste comprising the outer surface of the lid.

According to one embodiment of the invention, when the suction assembly is in working order, the outer surface of the lid is flush with the outer surface of the box, and for example also with the outer surface of the bowl.

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

According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste collection bowl comprises a waste collection container and a cyclonic separation chamber which is delimited externally by a side wall of the waste collection container which is generally annular.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover comprises an air connection pipe configured to fluidically connect the waste separation and collection device to the suction unit.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste collection bowl has an outer wall which is accessible from the exterior of the suction assembly and which includes the outer surface of the bowl.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the outer wall of the waste collection bowl extends around the side wall of the waste collection container and away from the side wall of the waste collection container. Of Advantageously, the outer wall of the waste collection bowl extends over only part of the periphery of the side wall of the waste collection container.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the exterior surface of the casing, the first and second main wheels, the exterior surface of the bowl and the exterior surface of the lid partly form the assembly of generally spherical shape.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction assembly comprises a first fixed wheel hub and a second fixed wheel hub which are integral with the vacuum cleaner housing and which are arranged on either side of the housing. vacuum cleaner, the first and second main wheels being annular and rotating respectively around the first and second fixed wheel hubs.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second fixed wheel hubs extend from the vacuum cleaner housing respectively beyond the first and second main wheels.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second fixed wheel hubs respectively have a first outer hub surface and a second outer hub surface which are each in the shape of a spherical cap. A spherical cap shape is also known as a domed shape. Such a configuration of the first and second fixed wheel hubs allows the frontal obstacles coming into contact with the protective structure to slide on the protective structure and then to slide on one of the first and second outer surfaces of the hub. The suction assembly is then deviated from its trajectory thus preventing the obstacle from colliding with the annular wheel attached to this same fixed wheel hub.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second fixed wheel hubs partly form the assembly of generally spherical shape.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first main wheel has a first annular outer surface which is flush with the first outer hub surface, and the second main wheel has a second annular outer surface which is flush with the second outer surface of hub.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device comprises a gripping handle for removing the waste separation and collection device from the vacuum cleaner housing.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second main wheels are of the omnidirectional type. This type of wheel allows the vacuum cleaner housing to move laterally by rolling to better dodge an obstacle coming into contact with the protective structure. This type of wheels is also known as holonomic wheels. These main wheels of the omnidirectional type are however more fragile than conventional non-omnidirectional wheels. The protective structure as previously described is particularly suitable for effectively protecting this type of main wheels.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the first main wheel comprises a plurality of first rotating rollers distributed over the periphery of the first main wheel and forming the first tread of the first main wheel, and the second main wheel comprises a plurality second rotating rollers distributed over the periphery of the second main wheel and forming the second tread of the second main wheel.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective structure is configured such that, when the suction assembly is viewed from the side, at least a part of the at least one outer surface of the separation device and waste collection point is set back from the protection structure.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the first and second main wheels are side wheels of the suction assembly.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device can be removed from the vacuum cleaner housing by a translational movement.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the translational movement is directed in a direction that is substantially radial with respect to the center of the assembly of generally spherical shape.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the translation movement is directed towards the front and the top of the suction assembly.

Brief description of figures

• La figure 1 est une vue trois-quarts avant d'un ensemble d'aspiration selon la présente invention ;
• La figure 2 est une vue de côté de l'ensemble d'aspiration de la figure 1 ;
• La figure 3 est une vue en coupe longitudinale de l'ensemble d'aspiration de la figure 1 ;
• La figure 4 est une vue de face de l'ensemble d'aspiration de la figure 1 ;
• La figure 5 est une vue de dessus de l'ensemble d'aspiration de la figure 1 ;
• La figure 6 est une vue arrière de l'ensemble d'aspiration de la figure 1 ;
• La figure 7a est une vue de dessus de l'ensemble d'aspiration de la figure 1 montrant un évitement d'obstacle selon une première étape ;
• La figure 7b est une vue de dessus de l'ensemble d'aspiration de la figure 1 montrant un évitement d'obstacle selon une deuxième étape ;
• La figure 7c est une vue de dessus de l'ensemble d'aspiration de la figure 1 montrant un évitement d'obstacle selon une troisième étape ;
• La figure 7d est une vue de dessus de l'ensemble d'aspiration de la figure 1 montrant un évitement d'obstacle selon une quatrième étape ;

The aims, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the description given below of a particular embodiment of the invention presented by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings in which :

• The figure 1 is a front three-quarter view of a suction assembly according to the present invention;
• The figure 2 is a side view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 ;
• The picture 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 ;
• The figure 4 is a front view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 ;
• The figure 5 is a top view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 ;
• The figure 6 is a rear view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 ;
• The figure 7a is a top view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 showing obstacle avoidance according to a first step;
• The figure 7b is a top view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 showing obstacle avoidance according to a second step;
• The figure 7c is a top view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 showing obstacle avoidance according to a third step;
• The figure 7d is a top view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 showing obstacle avoidance according to a fourth step;

detailed description

Only the elements necessary for understanding the invention are shown. To facilitate reading of the drawings, the same elements bear the same references from one figure to another.

It will be noted that in this document, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "lower", "upper", "height", "top", "top" used to describe the suction assembly or the main body are references to the suction assembly in use when it rests by its wheels on a floor to be cleaned which is flat and horizontal.

The figures 1 to 7 represent a suction assembly 1 of the sled type.

• un boitier d'aspirateur 3 comprenant une surface extérieure de boitier 4 de forme partiellement sphérique,
• un embout d'aspiration 5 par lequel de l'air extérieur peut être aspiré par l'ensemble d'aspiration 1, et
• un orifice d'échappement 6 par lequel de l'air nettoyé par l'ensemble d'aspiration 1 peut sortir de l'ensemble d'aspiration 1.

The suction assembly 1 comprises a main body 2 comprising in particular:

• a vacuum cleaner housing 3 comprising an outer housing surface 4 of partially spherical shape,
• a suction nozzle 5 through which outside air can be sucked in by the suction assembly 1, and
• an exhaust port 6 through which air cleaned by the suction assembly 1 can exit from the suction assembly 1.

The suction nozzle 5 is advantageously arranged at one end of the main body 2 which corresponds to the front of the main body 2.

The main body 2 further comprises an aeraulic circuit 7 which extends between the suction nozzle 5 and the exhaust orifice 6, and a waste separation and collection device 8 and a suction unit 9 which are arranged on the aeraulic circuit 7.

The suction unit 9 comprises an electric motor and a fan coupled to the electric motor to generate a flow of air in the aeraulic circuit 7 from the suction nozzle 5 to the exhaust port 6.

The waste separation and collection device 8 is arranged on the aeraulic circuit 7 upstream of the suction unit 9 and is crossed by the air flow generated by the fan when the suction assembly 1 is in operation. functioning

The waste separation and collection device 8 comprises a waste collection bowl 10 comprising a waste collection container 11. The waste collection container 11 comprises a side wall 12 of generally tubular shape, and for example generally cylindrical or frustoconical, an air intake opening (not visible in the figures) provided on the side wall 12 and configured to be fluidically connected to the suction nozzle 5, and a drain opening 14 located in an upper part of the waste collection container 11.

Waste collection bowl 10 further includes an outer wall 15 that is accessible from outside of suction assembly 1. Outer wall 15 includes a bowl outer surface 150 that is partially spherical in shape.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the outer wall 15 of the waste collection bowl 10 extends around the side wall 12 of the waste collection container 11 and at a distance from the side wall 12. Advantageously, outer wall 15 of waste collection bowl 10 extends only part of the periphery of side wall 12 of waste collection receptacle 11.

The waste separation and collection device 8 also comprises a cover 16 which is mounted movable, and for example mounted movable in rotation, relative to the waste collection bowl 10 between an open position in which the cover 16 releases the drain opening 14 of the waste collection container 11 and a closed position in which the cover 16 at least partially closes the drain opening 14 of the waste collection container 11.

Cover 16 includes an outer cover surface 160 which is partially spherical in shape and which is flush with the outer bowl surface 150 and the outer housing surface 4. The outer cover surface 160 is accessible from the exterior of the suction set 1.

The partially spherical shapes respectively defining the outer surface of the bowl 150, the outer surface of the box 4 and the outer surface of the lid 160 have centers which are substantially coincident and have substantially identical radii of curvature. Thus, when the suction assembly 1 is in working order, the outer surface of the bowl 150, the outer surface of the box 4 and the outer surface of the cover 160 partly form an assembly of generally spherical shape.

In the embodiment of figures 1 to 7 , the waste separation and collection device 8 is of the cyclonic type. The waste separation and collection device 8 comprises a grid 17 which is generally tubular and which is arranged in the waste collection container 11 coaxially with a central axis A11 of the waste collection container 11, and a cyclonic separation chamber 18 which is annular and which is formed around the grid 17. The cyclonic separation chamber 18 is delimited externally by the side wall 12 of the waste collection container 11, and internally by the grid 17. Advantageously, the opening air intake opens, preferably tangentially, in an upper part of the cyclonic separation chamber 18, and the cover 16 comprises an air connection pipe 19 configured to fluidically connect the separation device and collection point 8 to the suction unit 9.

Advantageously, cover 16 is configured to allow removal of grate 17 from waste collection container 11 via drain opening 14 when cover 16 is in the open position.

The waste separation and collection device 8 is removably mounted relative to the vacuum cleaner housing 3, in order to be able to more easily evacuate the waste accumulated in the waste collection container 11 and to clean the grid 17. Advantageously , the device for separating and collecting waste 8 can be removed from the vacuum cleaner housing 3 by a translational movement directed in a direction substantially radial with respect to the center of the assembly of generally spherical shape. Preferably, the translation movement is directed towards the front and the top of the suction assembly 1.

So as to be able to be removed more easily, the waste separation and collection device 8 comprises a gripping handle 21 which is for example arranged in a median vertical longitudinal plane of the waste collection bowl 10.

The suction assembly 1 further comprises first and second main wheels 23, 24 mounted rotatably relative to the vacuum cleaner housing 3. The first and second main wheels 23, 24 respectively comprise first and second treads 25, 26 so that the main body 2 can rest and roll on the floor to be cleaned. The first and second main wheels 23, 24 are arranged on either side of the main body 2. More precisely, the first and second main wheels 23, 24 are side wheels with respect to the main body 2. The first and second wheels main 23, 24 respectively have first and second axes of rotation A23, A24 which are advantageously inclined relative to each other. The first and second axes of rotation A23, A24 preferably converge towards the top of the main body 2 to form at the top an angle α less than 180° (see figure 4 ).

In working condition, a suction nozzle (not shown), also known as a suction head, is normally connected to the suction nozzle 5 by a suction tube (not shown) comprising a part rigid and a flexible part. The suction assembly 1, the suction nozzle and the suction tube form a canister vacuum cleaner. During a cleaning operation, the user of a canister vacuum cleaner holds the suction nozzle via a handle provided on the rigid part of the suction tube or secured to the suction tube. When the first and second main wheels 23, 24 are not motorized, the handle and the suction tube allow the user to pull the suction assembly 1 which, thanks to the first and second main wheels 23, 24, rolls on the floor to suck.

The suction nozzle and the suction tube are parts of a canister vacuum cleaner which are known to those skilled in the art. This is why the suction nozzle and the suction tube are not shown in the figures and are not described in more detail in the present description.

The first and second main wheels 23, 24 are advantageously annular and rotate respectively around a first fixed wheel hub 28 and a second fixed wheel hub 29 which are integral with the vacuum cleaner housing 3 and which are arranged on either side. and the other side of the vacuum cleaner housing 3. The first and second fixed wheel hubs 28, 29 extend from the vacuum cleaner housing 3 beyond the first and second main wheels 23, 24 respectively.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second fixed wheel hubs 28, 29 respectively have a first outer hub surface 28a and a second outer hub surface 29a which are each in the shape of a spherical cap, in other words in the shape of dome. Advantageously, the spherical caps defining the first and second outer hub surfaces 28a, 29a have centers which are substantially coincident with the center of the generally spherical shape, and have identical or substantially identical radii of curvature.

As shown more particularly on the figure 4 , the first main wheel 23 has a first annular outer surface 23a which is flush with the first hub outer surface 28a of the first fixed wheel hub 28, and the second main wheel 24 has a second annular outer surface 24a which is flush with the second outer hub surface 29a of the second fixed wheel hub 29. Advantageously, each of the first and second annular outer surfaces 23a, 24a is an annular spherical surface portion.

The first and second annular external surfaces 23a, 24a form, with the first and second external hub surfaces 28a, 29a, the external bowl surface 150, the external housing surface 4 and the external cover surface 160, the assembly of overall spherical shape. This configuration allows the suction assembly 1 to more easily dodge obstacles encountered.

As shown in the figures, the first and second main wheels 23, 24 are of the omnidirectional type. This type of wheel allows the suction assembly 1 to move laterally L by rolling to better dodge an obstacle 30 coming into contact with a protective structure 32, which will be described in more detail below, and/or one of the first and second outer hub surfaces 28a, 29a of the first and second stationary wheel hubs 28, 29 (see figures 7a to 7b ). This type of wheels is also known as holonomic wheels.

Thus, the first main wheel 23 comprises a plurality of first rotating rollers 23b distributed over the periphery of the first main wheel 23 and forming the first tread 25 of the first main wheel 23, and the second main wheel 24 comprises a plurality of second rotating rollers 24b distributed over the periphery of the second main wheel 24 and forming the second tread 26 of the second main wheel 24.

The first rotating rollers 23b of the first main wheel 23 can rotate freely and have axes of rotation not parallel to the axis of rotation A23 of the first main wheel 23, and the second rotating rollers 24b of the second main wheel 24 can rotate freely and have axes of rotation not parallel to the axis of rotation A24 of the second main wheel 24. Advantageously and as shown in the figures, the axes of rotation of the first and second rotating rollers 23b, 24b are respectively perpendicular to the axes of rotation A23, A24 of the first and second main wheels 23 , 24.

The suction assembly 1 further comprises a protective structure 32 which is configured to protect the first and second main wheels 23, 24 and to protect the waste separation and collection device 8, and more particularly the collection bowl of waste 10 and the cover 16.

The protective structure 32 is arranged outside the vacuum cleaner housing 3 of the main body 2. The protective structure 32 extends radially away from the outer surface of the housing 4, from the outer surface of the bowl 150, and of the outer surface of cover 160. Advantageously, the protective structure 32 extends partially around and away from the generally spherical shape.

The protective structure 32 is connected to the main body 2 by connecting arms 33. In variant embodiments not shown, the connecting arms 33 could be replaced by any other means making it possible to connect the protective structure 32 to the main body 2 , and in particular to the vacuum cleaner housing 3. This connection could be made by connecting walls or by intermediate connecting parts. The protective structure 32 can be attached to the main body 2, and for example to the vacuum cleaner housing 3, or can be at least partly manufactured, for example by injection under pressure of plastic material, to at least part of the housing. vacuum cleaner 3.

The protective structure 32 covers a portion of each of the first and second treads 25, 26 of the first and second wheels main 23, 24, and more particularly several of the first rotating rollers 23b and several of the second rotating rollers 24b.

Preferably, the protective structure 32 covers an angular sector S1 of each of the first and second treads 25, 26 which is greater than 90° and advantageously between 90° and 130°. In the example of the figure 2 , the angular sector S1 covered is about 115°. The protective structure 32 therefore makes it possible to protect the first and second main wheels 23, 24 from some of the shocks that they could suffer when the suction assembly 1, moving on a floor to be cleaned, encounters obstacles. The protective structure 32 thus makes it possible to increase the service life of the first and second main wheels 23, 24.

Advantageously, the protective structure 32 forms a handle assembly which can be grasped by the user. The protective structure 32 therefore takes the form of a handle assembly that can be grasped by the user to lift and move the suction assembly 1. Thus, the protective structure 32 makes it possible both to protect all or part of the first and second main wheels 23, 24 and of the waste separation and collection device 8 and to provide at least one handle surface for the user.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the handle assembly consists of a single "U" shaped handle. However, the handle assembly could consist of a single handle of substantially annular shape or in the shape of an open ring.

Furthermore, the protective structure 32 defines a passage opening 34 which is large enough to allow the waste collection bowl 10 to be removed through the passage opening 34. Thus, the waste collection bowl 10 can be grasped and easily removed from the vacuum cleaner housing 3 by the user through the passage opening 34 delimited by the protective structure 32.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the structure of protection 32 comprises first and second lateral protection parts 35, 36 which are elongated and which are arranged on either side of the waste separation and collection device 8, and a rear protection part 37 which connects the first and second side protection parts 35, 36 and which extends transversely to the first and second side protection parts 35, 36. Advantageously, the first and second side protection parts 35, 36 extend from the rear protection part 37 and towards the front of the vacuum cleaner housing 3, and for example substantially up to the suction nozzle 5. The rear protective part 37 advantageously extends above a rear part of the vacuum cleaner housing. vacuum cleaner 3, and for example at least partly at the rear of the waste separation and collection device 8.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second lateral protection parts 35, 36 are arranged symmetrically on either side of the median vertical longitudinal plane of the suction assembly 1, and the first and second parts side protection parts 35, 36 extend respectively in front of and above the first and second main wheels 23, 24. The first and second side protection parts 35, 36 can for example converge towards the front of the vacuum cleaner housing 3 .

Advantageously, the first and second side protection parts 35, 36 respectively cover the top of the first and second main wheels 23, 24 and extend towards the front of the vacuum cleaner housing 3 to respectively cover at least part of the front of the first and second main wheels 23, 24.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second lateral protective parts 35, 36 respectively comprise a first outer protective surface 351 and a second outer protective surface 361 which extend in front of and above the first and second main wheels 23, 24. The first and second outer protective surfaces 351, 361 extend in the direction of the first and second axes of rotation A23, A24 of the first and second main wheels 23, 24 and are inclined in such a way that, extending in the direction of the first and second axes of rotation A23, A24, the first and second outer protective surfaces 351, 361 gradually move apart from each other. The first and second outer protective surfaces 351, 361 make it easier to dodge an obstacle. Indeed, during a forward movement of the suction assembly 1, an obstacle coming into contact with one of the first and second outer protective surfaces 351, 361 will, as the movement forward AV of suction assembly 1 ( figures 7a to 7d ), sliding on said outer protective surface 351 causing a lateral displacement L of the suction assembly 1. Thus, the first and second outer protective surfaces 351, 361 allow the suction assembly 1 to disengage more easily from an obstacle and prevent the suction assembly 1 from remaining blocked behind this obstacle.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second lateral protection parts 35, 36 respectively comprise a first interior protection surface 352 and a second interior protection surface 362 which are concave and which melt respectively directly facing the first and second treads 25, 26. Each of the first and second inner protective surfaces 352, 362 are curved around a portion of the respective one of the first and second treads 25, 26. Such a configuration of the first and second inner protective surfaces 352, 362 make it possible to better follow the circular shape of the first and second main wheels 23, 24, and in particular of the first and second treads 25, 26, to better protect the portions of the first and second wheels main 23, 24 covered by the first and second inner protective surfaces 352, 362.

Advantageously, each of the first and second inner protective surfaces 352, 362 extends close to the respective main wheel such that the radial distance D between the tread respective and said inner protective surface, measured in a radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation of the respective main wheel, is less than 5 cm, preferably less than 2 cm. This proximity between the tread of a main wheel and the respective inner protective surface makes it possible to better protect the portion of tread covered by said inner protective surface.

The figures 7a to 7d illustrate, according to four stages, dodging a frontal obstacle, such as a table leg presenting itself frontally to the suction assembly 1. A frontal obstacle is an obstacle coming to meet and come into contact with the assembly suction 1 when the suction assembly 1 moves forward AV.

According to a first step represented in figure 7a , the suction assembly 1 moves forward AV. An obstacle 30 stands in the path of the suction assembly 1 and in front of the first main wheel 23.

According to a second step represented in figure 7b , the suction assembly 1 continues its forward movement AV and comes into contact with the obstacle 30. More specifically, the first outer protective surface 351 of the protective structure 32 comes into contact with the obstacle 30 by interposing itself between the obstacle 30 and the first main wheel 23 thus preventing the obstacle 30 from hitting the front of the first main wheel 23 and also the waste separation and collection device 8.

According to a third step represented in figure 7c , the suction assembly 1 continues its forward movement AV, the first outer protective surface 351 slides over the obstacle 30. Thanks to the inclination of the first outer protective surface 351, at the same time as the suction assembly 1 moves forward AV, suction assembly 1 moves laterally L.

According to a fourth step represented in figure 7d , all suction unit 1 continues to move forwards AV, the first outer protective surface 351 is clear of the obstacle 30. The suction assembly 1 continues to slide over the obstacle 30 by contact between the obstacle 30 and the first outer hub surface 28a of the first fixed wheel hub 28. The first outer hub surface 28a of the first fixed wheel hub 28 is located in top view of the suction assembly 1 substantially in the extension of the first outer protective surface 351. Because the first outer hub surface 28a of the first fixed wheel hub 28 protrudes with respect to the first main wheel 23 and with respect to the rest of the vacuum cleaner housing 3, the sliding relative to the obstacle 30 on the first outer surface of the hub 28a has the effect, on the one hand, of continuing to move the suction assembly 1 laterally as it moves forwards AV and, on the other part to remove the obstacle key 30 of the first main wheel 23 and of the waste separation and collection device 8 to prevent the obstacle 30 from colliding with the first main wheel 23, in particular a rear part of the first main wheel 23, and the device for waste separation and collection.

Obstacle dodging according to the above four steps is obtained by a combined effect of the protective structure 32 and the first and second outer hub surfaces 28a, 29a of the first and second fixed wheel hubs 28, 29 in the form spherical caps.

Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated which has been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Thus, in a variant embodiment not shown, the first and second main wheels 23, 24 could respectively have a first outer wheel surface and a second outer wheel surface which are each in the form of a spherical cap and which contribute to forming the assembly of generally spherical shape.

Claims (15)

Sled-type suction assembly (1) comprising: - a vacuum cleaner housing (3) comprising at least one outer surface of the housing (4) of partially spherical shape, - a suction nozzle (5) through which outside air can be sucked in by the suction assembly (1), - at least one exhaust port (6) through which air cleaned by the suction assembly (1) can exit the suction assembly (1), - an aeraulic circuit (7) which extends between the suction nozzle (5) and the at least one exhaust orifice (6), - a suction unit (9) arranged on the aeraulic circuit (7), the suction unit (9) comprising an electric motor and a fan coupled to the electric motor to generate a flow of air in the aeraulic circuit ( 7) from the suction nozzle (5) to at least one exhaust port (6), - a waste separation and collection device (8) which is arranged on the aeraulic circuit (7) upstream of the suction unit (9) and which is crossed by the flow of air generated by the fan when the suction assembly (1) is in operation, the waste separation and collection device (8) being removable and comprising at least one outer surface (150, 160) which is accessible from outside the assembly suction (1) and which is partially spherical in shape, the at least one outer surface (150, 160) and the outer housing surface (4) forming part of an assembly of generally spherical shape when the assembly of suction (1) is in working order, - first and second main wheels (23, 24) mounted rotatably relative to the vacuum cleaner housing (3), characterized in that the suction assembly (1) further comprises a protective structure (32) which is configured to protect the waste separation and collection device (8), the protective structure (32) being disposed outside the vacuum cleaner housing (3) and extending radially away from the outer housing surface (4) of partially spherical shape and radially spaced from the at least one outer surface (150, 160), and in that the protective structure (32) forms a handle assembly which can be grasped by a user. Suction assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the protective structure (32) delimits a passage opening (34) configured to allow removal of the waste separation and collection device (8) through the passage opening (34). Suction assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective structure (32) is configured to additionally protect the first and second main wheels (23, 24). Suction assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second main wheels (23, 24) respectively comprise first and second treads (25, 26), the protective structure (32) being configured to cover a portion of each of the first and second treads (25, 26). Suction assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective structure (32) comprises first and second lateral protective parts (35, 36) which are arranged on either side the waste separation and collection device (8). Suction assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the protective structure (32) comprises a rear protective part (37) which connects the first and second lateral protective parts (35, 36) and which extends transversely to the first and second side protection parts (35, 36). Suction assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the rear protective part (37) extends above a rear part of the vacuum cleaner casing (3). Suction assembly (1) according to Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the first and second side protection parts (35, 36) extend from the rear protection part (37) and towards the front of the housing. vacuum cleaner (3). Suction assembly (1) according to any one of Claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the first and second lateral protection parts (35, 36) extend respectively in front of and above the first and second main wheels (23, 24). Suction assembly (1) according to any one of Claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the first and second lateral protection parts (35, 36) respectively comprise a first outer protection surface (351) and a second surface outer protective surfaces (361) which extend in front of and above the first and second main wheels (23, 24), the first and second outer protective surfaces (351, 361) extending in the direction of the first and second axles of rotation (A23, A24) of the first and second main wheels (23, 24) and being inclined such that, extending in the direction of the first and second axes of rotation (A23, A24), the first and second outer protective surfaces (351, 361) gradually diverge from each other. Suction assembly (1) according to any one of Claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the first and second lateral protection parts (35, 36) comprise respectively a first internal protection surface (352) and a second surface inner shields (362) which are concave and which melt respectively facing the first and second main wheels (23, 24), each of the first and second inner protective surfaces (352, 362) being curved around a portion of the respective one of the first and second main wheels (23, 24). Suction assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the waste separation and collection device (8) comprises a waste collection bowl (10) and a lid (16) which is movable with respect to the waste collection bowl (10) between an open position in which the cover (16) releases an emptying opening (14) of the waste collection bowl (10) and a closed position in which the cover (16) at least partially closes the emptying opening (14) of the waste collection bowl (10). Suction assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the waste collection bowl (10) comprises an outer bowl surface (150) which is accessible from outside the suction assembly (1 ) and which is partially spherical in shape, the at least one exterior surface of the waste separation and collection device (8) comprising the bowl exterior surface (150). Suction assembly (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the lid (16) comprises an exterior lid surface (160) which is accessible from outside the suction assembly (1) and which is partially spherical in shape, the at least one exterior surface of the waste separation and collection device (8) including the lid exterior surface (160). Suction assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction assembly (1) comprises a first fixed wheel hub (28) and a second fixed wheel hub (29) which are integral with the vacuum cleaner housing (3) and which are arranged on either side of the vacuum cleaner housing (3), the first and second main wheels (23, 24) being annular and rotating respectively around the first and second fixed wheel hubs (28, 29).

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