FR3133734A1 - Vacuum cleaner equipped with a user interface with improved waterproofing - Google Patents

Abstract

The vacuum cleaner comprises an electronic control unit configured to control operation of the vacuum cleaner, and a user interface (35) configured to allow a user to select at least one mode of operation of the vacuum cleaner, the user interface ( 35) comprising a support part (36) comprising a peripheral edge (37); a control part (44) supported by the support part (36) and configured to allow a user to select the at least one operating mode, the control part (44) having a perimeter fitting into the interior and partly spaced from the peripheral edge (37) of the support part (36); and a peripheral seal (52) extending around the peripheral edge (37) of the support part (36). Figure 9

Description

Vacuum cleaner equipped with a user interface with improved waterproofing

The present invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaners making it possible to vacuum up dust and waste present on a surface to be cleaned, which may for example be tiles, parquet, laminate, carpet or a rug.

State of the art

A vacuum cleaner, and for example a portable vacuum cleaner, comprises in a known manner in particular a suction duct, a waste separation and collection device, a suction motor configured to generate a flow of air through the duct. suction and the waste separation and collection device, an electronic control unit configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner and a user interface configured to allow a user to select at least one operating mode of the vacuum cleaner.

Such a user interface generally has several control buttons, such as an on/off button and an activation button for activating an enhanced operating mode, and is located near a printed circuit board such that that the actuation of one of the control buttons by a user can activate a respective electrical contact provided on the printed circuit board.

In order to avoid a risk of liquid penetrating inside the vacuum cleaner and towards the printed circuit board and also to avoid the evacuation of air and dust at the user's hand, the interface between each control button and the fixed part of the vacuum cleaner supporting the control buttons is equipped with a respective seal.

However, the creation of a dedicated seal for each seal complicates the structure of the vacuum cleaner and the assembly of the latter, which increases the manufacturing costs of the vacuum cleaner.

The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular of providing a vacuum cleaner which is simple and reliable in structure.

For this purpose, the present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising:

- an electronic control unit configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner, and

- a user interface configured to allow a user to select at least one operating mode of the vacuum cleaner,

characterized in that the user interface comprises:

- a support part which is fixed, that is to say immobile, and which includes a peripheral edge,

- a control part supported by the support part and configured to allow a user to select at least one operating mode, the control part having a perimeter fitting inside and partly at a distance from the edge peripheral of the support part, and

- a peripheral seal extending around the peripheral edge of the support part.

Such a configuration of the user interface makes it possible to provide a single seal on a stationary part of the user interface, namely the support part, which is much easier to control and achieve than sealing carried out on a part mobile such as a control button.

Thus, the user interface according to the present invention makes it possible to limit the manufacturing costs of the vacuum cleaner, and to increase the reliability of the latter.

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

According to one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral seal is elastically deformable.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral seal is made of an elastically deformable material. The peripheral seal can be made of rubber or elastomer, and for example nitrile (NBR), Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or even vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer (TPV). The peripheral seal can also be made of flexible polyvinyl chloride.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises a receiving housing in which the user interface is fixed.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral seal is overmolded on the peripheral edge of the support part. Such configuration of the user interface facilitates the manufacturing of the user interface, while improving the reliability of the seal between the user interface and the part of the vacuum cleaner to which the user interface is attached.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the peripheral seal is fixed to the support part for example by gluing or adhesion.

Advantageously, the peripheral seal is configured to form a junction interface between the support part and the part of the vacuum cleaner to which the user interface is attached.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control part comprises a touch surface, such as a touch screen.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control part comprises at least one control button which can be actuated by a user, the electronic control unit being configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner according to a predetermined operating mode when the at least one control button is activated by a user.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one control button is molded onto the support part. Such configuration of the user interface further facilitates the manufacturing of the user interface, while further improving the reliability of the seal between the user interface and the part of the vacuum cleaner to which the user interface is attached. Indeed, according to this embodiment, the support part, the peripheral seal and the at least one control button form only one part made inseparable after overmolding of the control button and the seal. device on the support part. Consequently, more than a single sealing interface is required and must be managed during the assembly phase of the vacuum cleaner, namely that between the peripheral edge of the support part and the fixed part to which is attached the user interface. This also results in a seal between the interior and exterior of the vacuum cleaner and reliability which is generally improved for the vacuum cleaner.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral seal and the at least one control button are made of an elastically deformable material, and for example of elastomer or any other elastically deformable plastic material suitable for overmolding. Thus, the at least one control button can deform, and therefore move, to activate, either directly or indirectly via an intermediate part, a microswitch of a printed circuit while preserving sealing. between the at least one control button and the support part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one control button is elastically deformable between a rest position and an activation position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one control button and the peripheral seal are made of the same material, and for example of elastomer.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one control button is made integrally with the peripheral seal and is overmolded on the support part. In other words, the at least one control button and the peripheral seal are overmolded simultaneously on the support part, that is to say during the same overmolding step.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the at least one control button and the peripheral seal are overmolded successively on the support part, that is to say during two different overmolding stages.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the user interface comprises a connecting part connecting the at least one control button to the peripheral seal. Advantageously, the connecting part is overmolded on the support part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting part covers all or part of the lower face of the support part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral seal comprises at least one retaining portion, such as a retaining tab, configured to cooperate mechanically with the support part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one retaining portion, which is provided on the peripheral seal, is located opposite a connection zone between the connection part and the seal peripheral sealing.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting part comprises a first end portion connected to the peripheral seal and a second end portion separated from the peripheral seal.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting part extends under the support part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral seal has a generally rectangular shape. Advantageously, the connecting part extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal part of the peripheral seal.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the support part comprises a passage orifice through which the connecting part extends, and for example the first end portion of the connecting part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the support part comprises at least one access port through which the at least one control button is accessible for a user.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the support part comprises at least one support surface extending under and along a portion of the circumferential edge of the at least one control button, the at least one support surface being configured to support the at least one control button.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one control button is located substantially in a median longitudinal plane of the user interface.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises a printed circuit board which is arranged at least partly below the user interface, the printed circuit board being equipped with at least one electrical contact, such as than a microswitch, the at least one control button being configured to activate the at least one electrical contact when the at least one control button is actuated by a user.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one control button comprises a stiffening insert. Such a stiffening insert gives the at least one control button greater robustness over time, and ensures contact, with the at least one electrical contact of the printed circuit board, which is more reliable over time)

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one control button, overmolded on the support part, also overmoldes the stiffening insert. Thus, the stiffening insert is connected in a watertight manner and by an elastically deformable material to the support part thus authorizing movement of the stiffening insert relative to the support part while guaranteeing a seal between the at least a control button and the support part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises a gripping handle, the user interface being arranged on the gripping handle. Such a layout of the user interface improves the ergonomics of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the user interface comprises an external surface which is flush with an external surface of the gripping handle. Such a layout of the user interface improves the ergonomics of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the support part is at least partly transparent to light radiation.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises at least one operating indicator configured to visually indicate to a user at least one operating parameter of the vacuum cleaner, the at least one operating indicator being configured to be visible through the support part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one operation indicator comprises at least one light-emitting diode configured to be visible through the support part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the support part comprises at least one light guide provided on the lower face of the support part and located opposite the at least one light-emitting diode, the at least one guide light being configured to transport a light signal emitted by the at least one light-emitting diode to an external surface of the user interface.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one light guide is offset laterally relative to the connecting part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the support part is rigid.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the user interface comprises at least one fixing member, such as a detent finger, configured to cooperate with at least one fixing element, such as a detent hole , provided on a fixed part of the vacuum cleaner, so as to fix the support part to said fixing part. Advantageously, the at least one fixing member extends from the support part

According to one embodiment of the invention, the passage orifice is provided on the at least one fixing member.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises a rechargeable battery configured to electrically power the vacuum cleaner.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the rechargeable battery comprises a first electrical connector which is configured to cooperate with a second electrical connector arranged in a fixed part of the vacuum cleaner, the first and second electrical connectors being configured to be arranged at the less partly below the user interface. Such an arrangement of the first and second electrical connectors reduces the bulk of the vacuum cleaner.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises an interconnection printed circuit board, also called a battery interconnection board, which is arranged at least partly below the user interface and which is equipped of the second electrical connector.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the interconnection printed circuit board is distinct from the printed circuit board which is equipped with at least one electrical contact.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the rechargeable battery is housed at least partly in a battery compartment delimited by the gripping handle.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping handle comprises:

- a first handle part which is immovable relative to a main body of the vacuum cleaner, the first handle part delimiting an internal housing and comprising an access opening which opens into the internal housing, and

- a second handle part comprising a gripping portion, which is provided with a gripping surface configured to be grasped by a user, and an insertion portion removably mounted in the internal housing, the insertion portion being configured to be removed from the internal housing and to be introduced into the internal housing via the access opening, the gripping portion and the insertion portion delimiting the battery compartment.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the portable vacuum cleaner comprises a locking mechanism configured to lock the insertion portion in the first handle part. The locking mechanism may for example comprise a locking member, such as a locking finger, movably mounted on the first locking part between a locking position in which the locking member is configured to cooperate with a locking element , such as a locking housing, provided on the insertion portion so as to lock the insertion portion in the first handle part, and an unlocking position in which the locking member is configured to release the locking element so as to allow withdrawal of the insertion portion from the internal housing.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first electrical connector of the rechargeable battery is provided on the insertion portion.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the second electrical connector is arranged in the internal housing.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one operation indicator comprises a battery status indicator, such as a battery charge indicator, which is provided on the insertion portion and which is configured to indicate at least one status parameter of the rechargeable battery, the battery status indicator being configured to be visible through the support portion when the insertion portion is seated in the internal housing.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the battery status indicator is configured to be visible through at least one viewing hole provided on the first handle portion when the insertion portion is housed in the internal housing .

According to one embodiment of the invention, the support part extends opposite the at least one viewing orifice, and covers the at least one viewing orifice.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the user interface comprises a first control button which is operable by a user, and a second control button which is operable by a user, the electronic control unit being configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner in a first mode of operation when the first control button is actuated by a user and for controlling the operation of the vacuum cleaner in a second mode of operation when the second button is actuated by a user.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second control buttons are configured so as to be able to be actuated by the same finger of a user when the user holds the grip handle.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one operation indicator comprises a first operation indicator and a second operation indicator which are provided on the printed circuit board and which are configured to indicate that the vacuum cleaner is operating respectively according to the first and second operating modes, each of the first and second operating indicators being configured to be visible through the support part. Advantageously, the first and second operating indicators are arranged respectively near the first and second control buttons.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the user interface is arranged on, and more particularly fixed to, the first handle part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the user interface is provided on an upper part of the first handle part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the interconnection printed circuit board is arranged in the first handle part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one fixing element is provided on the first handle part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the support part is made of plastic material, and for example of rigid plastic material, such as transparent acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polycarbonate.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the support part has a generally rectangular shape.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the support part is flat or curved.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is arranged in the gripping handle, and for example in the second handle part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to be arranged partly below the user interface.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises a suction duct, a waste separation and collection device, and a suction motor configured to generate a flow of air through the duct. suction and waste separation and collection device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device is mounted on the main body.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body comprises the suction conduit.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first handle part is integral with the main body.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner is a portable vacuum cleaner.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping handle extends along a central longitudinal axis.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the central longitudinal axis of the gripping handle is substantially parallel to the motor axis.

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

Brief description of the figures

In any case, the invention will be clearly understood with the help of the description which follows with reference to the appended schematic drawings representing, by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of this vacuum cleaner.

is a top perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the invention.

is a top perspective view of a vacuum cleaner grip handle of the .

is a partial perspective view from above of the vacuum cleaner of the in which a second handle part, of the gripping handle, has been deposited.

is a perspective view of the second handle part.

is a longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum cleaner of the .

is an enlarged scale view of a detail of the .

is a partial truncated perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of the .

is a partial perspective view of the grip handle.

is a top perspective view of a vacuum cleaner user interface .

is a bottom perspective view of the user interface of the .

is a top perspective view of a support part belonging to the user interface of the .

is a perspective view from below of the support part of the .

is a top perspective view of a peripheral seal and control buttons belonging to the user interface of the .

is a perspective view from below of the peripheral seal and control buttons of the .

detailed description

In this document, the terms "front", "rear" and "top" are defined in relation to use of the vacuum cleaner during which the user holds the vacuum cleaner by the grip handle and maintains it substantially horizontally, and the suction opening of the suction duct is located opposite the user.

Figures 1 to 14 represent a vacuum cleaner 2, and more particularly a portable vacuum cleaner, comprising a main body 4 comprising a suction duct 5 through which outside air can be sucked in by the vacuum cleaner 2. Advantageously, the suction conduit 5 is arranged in a front part of the main body 4.

The vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a gripping handle 6 allowing the vacuum cleaner 2 to be gripped by a user. Advantageously, the gripping handle 6 has a central longitudinal axis A and extends from a rear end of the main body 4.

The vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a waste separation and collection device 7 removably mounted on the main body 4.

As shown on the , the waste separation and collection device 7 comprises a waste collection container 8 comprising a side wall of generally tubular shape. The waste separation and collection device 7 is advantageously of the cyclonic type, and further comprises a tubular separation member 9, such as a tubular grid, which is arranged in the waste collection container 8 coaxially with a central axis of the waste collection container 8, and a cyclonic separation chamber 10 which is delimited externally by the side wall of the waste collection container 8, and internally by the tubular separation member 9.

The waste separation and collection device 7 further comprises an air intake opening 11 which is fluidly connected to the suction conduit 5 and which opens into the cyclonic separation chamber 10. Advantageously, the conduit d The suction 5 extends along an external surface of the waste separation and collection device 7.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the waste separation and collection device 7 comprises a drain hatch 12 pivotally mounted on the waste collection container 8 between a closing position in which the drain hatch 12 closes a drain opening 13 provided on the waste collection container 8 and a release position in which the drain hatch 12 releases the drain opening 13. Advantageously, the drain opening 13 is configured to be located at opposite the gripping handle 6.

The vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a suction motor 14 which has a motor axis B, and which is housed in the main body 4. The suction motor 14 is configured to generate a flow of air through the conduit suction 5 and the waste separation and collection device 7. The suction motor 14 more particularly comprises a fan and an electric motor configured to rotate the fan.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, in particular the , the waste separation and collection device 7 extends along an extension axis C which is substantially parallel to the motor axis B of the suction motor 14 and to the central longitudinal axis A of the handle gripping 6. Advantageously, the central longitudinal axis A, the motor axis B and the extension axis C are substantially collinear. However, according to a variant embodiment of the invention, the central longitudinal axis A, the motor axis B and the extension axis C could be parallel, but not collinear.

The vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a rechargeable battery 18 configured to electrically power the vacuum cleaner 2, and in particular the suction motor 14. The rechargeable battery 18 is located at the rear of the suction motor 14, and includes a plurality of battery cells 19 housed in a battery compartment 21 delimited by the gripping handle 6. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the battery cells 19 are arranged immovably in the battery compartment 21, and the The motor axis B of the suction motor 14 is intersecting with at least one of the battery cells 19.

As shown more particularly in Figures 3 to 5, the gripping handle 6 comprises a first handle part 22 which is integral with the main body 4 and which delimits an internal housing 23, and a second handle part 24 which delimits the compartment of battery 21 and which is removably mounted in the internal housing 23.

Advantageously, the second handle part 24 comprises a gripping portion 25 comprising a gripping surface 26 configured to be grasped by a user, and an insertion portion 27 removably mounted in the internal housing 23. The portion of The insert 27 is configured to be removed from the internal housing 23 and to be introduced into the internal housing 23 via an access opening 28 which is provided on the first handle part 22 and which opens into the internal housing 23. advantageously, the access opening 28 is provided at a rear end of the first handle part 22.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the battery compartment 21 is delimited by the gripping portion 25 and the insertion portion 27, such that at least one battery cell 19 extends at least partially in the insertion portion 27 and that at least one battery cell 19 extends at least partly into the gripping portion 25.

As shown in particular on the , the gripping portion 25 has a cross section, for example circular or oblong, substantially identical to the cross section of the first handle part 22, and the gripping surface 26 of the gripping portion 25 is configured to be flush with a additional gripping surface 29 of the first handle part 22 when the insertion portion 27 is housed in the internal housing 23. Such a configuration of the gripping portion 25 and the first handle part 22 makes it possible to lengthen the area gripping the vacuum cleaner 2 up to the first handle part 22, and therefore facilitating the handling of the vacuum cleaner 2 by a user. In Figures 4 and 5, the gripping zone is advantageously delimited by a grip surface with alternating reliefs, projecting reliefs and recessed reliefs. In a variant embodiment, the flu surface could be made by a smooth surface made of an elastomeric material.

As shown more particularly in Figures 5 to 7, the rechargeable battery 18 comprises a first electrical connector 31 which is provided on the insertion portion 27 and which is configured to cooperate with a second electrical connector 32, disposed in the internal housing 23 , when the insertion portion 27 is housed in the internal housing 23. Advantageously, the first electrical connector 31 is provided on a front part, and is for example located at a front end face of the portion insertion 27.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the vacuum cleaner 2 comprises an interconnection printed circuit board 33, also called a battery interconnection board, which is arranged in the first handle part 22 and which is equipped with the second electrical connector 32. The interconnection printed circuit board 33 can for example extend perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis A.

The vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises an electronic control unit 34 configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner 2. Advantageously, the electronic control unit 34 is arranged in the second handle part 24 and extends along of the rechargeable battery 18 (see ).

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the electronic control unit 34 is configured to control the operation of the suction motor 14 according to a first operating mode, also called normal operating mode, in which the suction motor 14 is driven in rotation at a first rotation speed, and to control the operation of the suction motor 14 according to a second operating mode, also called reinforced operating mode, in which the suction motor 14 is driven in rotation at a second rotation speed which is greater than the first rotation speed. Thus, according to the second mode of operation, the depression generated in the suction conduit 5 is greater than the depression generated in the latter when the suction motor 14 operates according to the first mode of operation.

The vacuum cleaner 2 also includes a user interface 35 configured to allow a user to select an operating mode of the vacuum cleaner 2 from among the first and second operating modes.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the user interface 35 is arranged on, and more particularly fixed to, an upper part of the first handle part 22. Advantageously, the interconnection printed circuit board 33 and the first and second electrical connectors 31, 32 are arranged at least partly below the user interface 35 (see the ).

The user interface 35 comprises a support part 36 which is fixed and which comprises a peripheral edge 37. The support part 36 is rigid, and is for example made of rigid plastic material. Advantageously, the support part 36 is at least partly, and for example entirely, transparent to light radiation.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the support part 36 has a generally rectangular shape, and is slightly curved. However, according to a variant embodiment of the invention, the support part 36 could be flat.

As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the user interface 35, and more particularly the support part 36, comprises an external surface which is substantially flush with the additional gripping surface 29 of the first handle part 22. Such a configuration of the user interface 35 gives better ergonomics to the vacuum cleaner 2, and significantly limits the risk of the vacuum cleaner 2 getting caught with obstacles when handling the vacuum cleaner 2.

The support part 36 is more particularly fixed to the first handle part 22. For this purpose, the user interface 35 comprises a first fixing member 39, such as a fixing lug or a fixing tab, and a second fixing member 41, such as a latching finger, located respectively at two opposite edges of the support part 36, and configured to cooperate respectively with a first fixing element 42, such as a fixing orifice, and a second fixing element 43, such as a latching hole, provided on the first handle part 22, and for example on an upper wall portion 22.1 of the first handle part 22, so as to fix the part of support 36 to the first handle part 22.

The user interface 35 also includes a control part 44 supported by the support part 36 and configured to allow a user to select the operating mode of the vacuum cleaner 2.

As shown more particularly on the , the control part 44 comprises a first control button 45 and a second control button 46 which are overmolded on the support part 36 and which are each operable by a user. Advantageously, the first and second control buttons 45, 46 are configured so as to be able to be actuated by the same finger of a user when the user holds the gripping handle 6, and are each elastically deformable between a position of rest and an activation position.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second control buttons 45, 46 are located substantially in a reference plane which is defined by the motor axis B and the central longitudinal axis A of the gripping handle 6, and which forms for example a median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner 2. Each of the first and second control buttons 45, 46 thus has a periphery falling inside and partly at a distance from the peripheral edge 37 of the support part 36.

As shown more particularly in Figures 11 and 12, the support part 36 comprises first and second access orifices 47, 48 in which the first and second control buttons 45, 46 are overmolded and through which the latter are accessible for a user. Advantageously, the support part 36 comprises, at each of the first and second access orifices 47, 48, one or more support member(s) 49 extending under and along a portion of the edge circumferential of a respective control button among the first and second control buttons 45, 46. Such support members 49 are configured to support the respective control button.

According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second control buttons 45, 46 may for example include a stiffening insert. Advantageously, each of the first and second control buttons 45, 46, overmolded on the support part 36, also overmoldes the stiffening insert.

The electronic control unit 34 is more particularly configured to control the operation of the suction motor 14 according to the first operating mode when the first control button 45 is actuated by a user, and to control the operation of the suction motor 14 according to the second mode of operation when the second control button 46 is actuated by a user.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the vacuum cleaner 2 comprises a printed circuit board 51 which is arranged at least partly below the user interface 35 and which is fixed to the first handle part 22. The board printed circuit 51 is equipped with a first electrical contact, such as a microswitch, and a second electrical contact, such as a microswitch. The first control button 45 is configured to activate the first electrical contact when the first control button 45 is operated by a user, and the second control button 46 is configured to activate the second electrical contact when the second control button 46 is activated. operated by a user. Advantageously, the upper wall portion 22.1 and the printed circuit board 51 are substantially coplanar, and the printed circuit board 51 is covered by the support part 36.

The user interface 35 further comprises a peripheral seal 52 configured to form a junction interface between the support part 36 and the first handle part 22. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the seal peripheral seal 52 has a generally rectangular shape and extends around the peripheral edge 37 of the support part 36. Advantageously, the first and second control buttons 45, 46 and the peripheral seal 52 are made in one same material, and for example in an elastically deformable material. Advantageously, the first and second control buttons 45, 46 and the peripheral seal 52 are made of elastomer, and for example of nitrile (NBR), Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE ), or in vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer (TPV). However, the first and second control buttons 45, 46 and the peripheral seal 52 could also be made of flexible polyvinyl chloride.

The peripheral seal 52 is more particularly overmolded on the peripheral edge 37 of the support part 36. Advantageously, the first and second control buttons 45, 46 are made integrally with the peripheral seal 52. In other words, the first and second control buttons 45, 46 and the peripheral seal 52 are overmolded simultaneously on the support part 36, that is to say during the same overmolding step and with the same overmolding material. However, according to a variant embodiment of the invention, the first and second control buttons 45, 46 and the peripheral seal 52 could be overmolded successively on the support part 36, that is to say when two different overmolding stages.

As shown more particularly on the , the user interface 35 comprises a connecting part 53 connecting the first and second control buttons 45, 46 to the peripheral seal 52, and extending under the support part 36. Advantageously, the connecting part 53 comes integrally with the peripheral seal 52, and is overmolded on the support part 36.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the connecting part 53 extends between and parallel to two longitudinal parts of the peripheral seal 52. The connecting part 53 comprises a first end portion 53.1 connected to the seal d peripheral seal 52, and more particularly to a transverse part of the peripheral seal 52, and a second end portion 53.2 separated from the peripheral seal 52, that is to say which is not connected to the peripheral seal 52.

Advantageously, the support part 36 comprises a passage orifice 54 (see the ), for example provided on the second fixing member 41, through which the first end portion 53.1 of the connecting part 53 extends, and the peripheral seal 52 comprises several retaining portions 55, such as retaining tabs, located on the side of the second end portion 53.2 of the connecting part 53 and configured to cooperate mechanically with the support part 36. Such a configuration of the user interface 35 ensures better mechanical retention of the joint peripheral sealing 52 and the connecting part 53 on the support part 36.

As shown in particular on the , the vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a battery status indicator 56, such as a battery charge indicator, which is provided on an upper part of the insertion portion 27 and which is configured to visually indicate to a user at least one state parameter of the rechargeable battery 18, such as a state of charge parameter of the rechargeable battery 18 and/or an error state parameter, such as an overheating state, of the rechargeable battery 18.

The battery status indicator 56 is more particularly configured for:

- indicate a charge level of the rechargeable battery 18 and/or the fact that the rechargeable battery 18 is being charged, when the gripping handle 6 is disconnected from the main body 4 and the first electrical connector 31 of the rechargeable battery 18 is connected to an electrical connector of an electric charger,

- indicate a charge level of the rechargeable battery 18 when the first electrical connector 31 of the rechargeable battery 18 is connected to the second electrical connector 32 provided in the internal housing 23.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the support part 36 is configured to cover the battery status indicator 56 when the insertion portion 27 is housed in the internal housing 23. The support part 36 thus allows to protect the battery status indicator 56, while allowing easy visualization of the battery status indicator 56 by a user.

As shown on the , the battery status indicator 56 comprises several light-emitting diodes 57, for example two or more in number, provided on the upper part of the insertion portion 27.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first handle part 22 comprises several viewing orifices 58 which are provided on the upper part of the first handle part 22 and which open into the internal housing 23. Each viewing orifice 58 is more particularly provided on the upper wall portion 22.1. As shown on the , the support part 36 extends opposite the viewing orifices 58, and therefore covers said viewing orifices 58.

Each of the light-emitting diodes 57 is configured to be visible through a respective viewing orifice 58 and through the support part 36 when the insertion portion 27 is housed in the internal housing 23. However, according to a variant embodiment of the According to the invention, the first handle part 22 could be provided with a single viewing orifice 58 through which all of the light-emitting diodes 57 could be viewed.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a first operating indicator 59 and a second operating indicator 61 which are configured to visually indicate to a user that the suction motor 14 is operating respectively according to the first and second modes of operation. The first and second operating indicators 59, 61 are arranged respectively near the first and second control buttons 45, 46, and are configured to be visible through the support part 36.

Advantageously, the first and second operating indicators 59, 61 are respectively formed by two light-emitting diodes provided on the printed circuit board 51.

As shown in Figures 10 and 12, the support part 36 comprises several light guides 62 provided on the lower face of the support part 36 and configured to be located respectively opposite the various aforementioned light-emitting diodes. Each light guide 62 is configured to guide and transport a light signal emitted by the respective light-emitting diode towards an external surface of the user interface 57, and more particularly of the support part 36. Advantageously, each light guide 62 is offset laterally relative to the connecting part 53.

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

Claims (18)

Vacuum cleaner (2) comprising:
- an electronic control unit (34) configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner (2), and
- a user interface (35) configured to allow a user to select at least one operating mode of the vacuum cleaner (2),
characterized in that the user interface (35) comprises:
- a support part (36) which is fixed and which comprises a peripheral edge (37),
- a control part (44) supported by the support part (36) and configured to allow a user to select at least one operating mode, the control part (44) having a perimeter fitting into the 'interior and partly at a distance from the peripheral edge (37) of the support part (36), and
- a peripheral seal (52) extending around the peripheral edge (37) of the support part (36). Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 1, in which the peripheral seal (52) is elastically deformable. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the peripheral seal (52) is overmolded on the peripheral edge (37) of the support part (36). Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the control part (44) comprises at least one control button (45, 46) which is operable by a user, the electronic control unit ( 34) being configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner (2) according to a predetermined operating mode when the at least one control button (45, 46) is actuated by a user. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 4, in which the at least one control button (45, 46) is molded onto the support part (36). Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 5, in which the at least one control button (45, 46) is integral with the peripheral seal (52) and is overmolded on the support part (36). Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, in which the user interface (35) comprises a connecting part (53) connecting the at least one control button (45, 46) to the joint of peripheral sealing (52). Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, in which the at least one control button (45, 46) comprises a stiffening insert. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which comprises a gripping handle (6), the user interface (35) being arranged on the gripping handle (6). Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 9, wherein the user interface (35) has an external surface which is flush with an external surface of the grip handle (6). Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 10, which comprises a printed circuit board (51) which is arranged at least partly below the user interface (35), the printed circuit board (51) being equipped with at at least one electrical contact, such as a microswitch, the at least one control button (45, 46) being configured to activate the at least one electrical contact when the at least one control button (45, 46 ) is operated by a user. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in which the support part (36) is at least partly transparent to light radiation. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 12, which comprises at least one operating indicator (56, 59, 61) configured to visually indicate to a user at least one operating parameter of the vacuum cleaner (2), the at least one operation indicator being configured to be visible through the support portion (36). Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, in which the user interface (35) comprises at least one fixing member configured to cooperate with at least one fixing element provided on a fixed part of the vacuum cleaner (2) so as to fix the support part (36) to said fixing part. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which comprises a rechargeable battery (18) configured to electrically power the vacuum cleaner (2). Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 15, in which the rechargeable battery (18) comprises a first electrical connector (31) which is configured to cooperate with a second electrical connector (32) disposed in a fixed part of the vacuum cleaner (2) , the first and second electrical connectors (31, 32) being configured to be arranged at least partly below the user interface (35). Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 15 or 16, in which the rechargeable battery (18) is housed at least partly in a battery compartment (21) delimited by the gripping handle (6). Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 17, in which the gripping handle (6) comprises:
- a first handle part (22) which is immovable relative to a main body (4) of the vacuum cleaner (2), the first handle part (22) delimiting an internal housing (23) and comprising an opening access (28) which opens into the internal housing (23), and
- a second handle part (24) comprising a gripping portion (25) configured to be grasped by a user, and an insertion portion (27) removably mounted in the internal housing (23), the portion of insert (27) being configured to be withdrawn out of the internal housing (23) and to be introduced into the internal housing (23) via the access opening (28), the gripping portion (25) and the portion of insertion (27) delimiting the battery compartment (21).