WO2021048886A1

WO2021048886A1 - Pulling and charging accessory for a vacuum cleaner device

Info

Publication number: WO2021048886A1
Application number: PCT/IT2020/050219
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luciano Scian; Emanuele Mazzolo
Original assignee: De' Longhi Appliances S.R.L. Con Unico Socio
Priority date: 2019-09-13
Filing date: 2020-09-10
Publication date: 2021-03-18
Also published as: IT201900016295A1; EP4027853A1; CN114727737A

Abstract

A pulling and charging accessory for an autonomous suction unit (12) of a vacuum cleaner device (11), comprising a motor unit (17), a collection container (16) and a handle (18), comprises a containing body (20) provided with at least one housing seating (21) suitable to receive and house the suction unit (12) in a stable manner, and movement means (22) associated with the containing body (20).

Description

“PULLING AND CHARGING ACCESSORY FOR A VACUUM CLEANER DEVICE”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments described here concern a pulling and charging accessory for a cordless vacuum cleaner device, known in the field as a “2 in 1” vacuum cleaner device and normally comprising an autonomous suction unit, usable in itself, and a suction stick, or tube, connectable to it.

The pulling and charging accessory is in particular suitable to cooperate with the suction unit, in such a way as to increase the times of use of the suction unit itself, at the same time reducing fatigue for the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For cleaning domestic environments, cordless vacuum cleaners are increasingly common, that is, ones with a rechargeable battery, which comprise a suction unit equipped with a handle, by means of which it can be supported and maneuvered by a user, and a suction tube, or stick, which can be connected between the suction unit and a suction head, or other accessory suitable to be put in contact with, or in proximity to, the surfaces to be cleaned.

These vacuum cleaner devices are known in the field as “2-in-l suction devices”, as they can be used with or without a suction tube, allowing great versatility and greater manageability if the suction unit alone is used, or as a traditional electric brush in combination with the suction tube.

It is known that such vacuum cleaner devices are generally characterized by high performance, but reduced times of use, and significant recharging times, given the intrinsic limit of the batteries available.

These vacuum cleaner devices also have significant weights to be supported during use by the user, due to the overall weight of the motor unit and the power supply batteries, which weigh completely on the hand and arm if they are used without the suction tube.

Vacuum cleaners of the “pull-along” type are also known, normally connected, during use, to a power supply network; however, although they provide substantially unlimited duration of use even at high power, they are not very versatile and are inconvenient to use, in particular on stairs or surfaces raised above the floor.

A housing for a pull-along vacuum cleaner device is also known which comprises a battery pack, allowing use both in cordless mode and also with a cord. This housing, however, is a classic pull-along unit, and contains both the motor member and also the impeller integrated inside it, which cannot therefore be used autonomously.

Document US 2009/0307865 A1 describes a portable cleaning system which comprises a suction unit powered by a first battery integrated therein: the suction unit can be carried like a backpack. The system also comprises a trolley defining a seating to receive the suction unit, inside which there is a second battery that can be electrically connected to the first battery in order to power the suction unit when it is on the trolley. When the suction unit is disposed in the trolley, the second battery is connected to and transfers energy to the first battery, which in turn powers the motor member. JP HI 1128122 A concerns a portable vacuum cleaner device that can be removably installed on a trolley, which, however, has the sole function of allowing a simplified transport and movement of the vacuum cleaner device, but not of supplying electric energy to it.

EP 1 815 777 A1 describes a vacuum cleaner device comprising a first pull- along suction unit of a traditional type, powered by cable, and a second suction unit, which can be separated and removed from the first suction unit, powered by a battery. Each of the two suction units is provided with respective motor members.

WO 2008/054181 A1 describes a vacuum cleaner device comprising a main body having an inlet and an outlet for a flow of air, a housing portion, and a motor unit disposed in the main body to force a flow of air between the inlet and outlet, which defines a traditional pull-along suction unit. The housing portion removably houses a container for the dust and a drive unit provided with a rechargeable battery, which can be coupled with the container to generate a flow of air in the container when the latter is separated from the main body, defining a cordless suction unit. An electric power supply device is provided on the main body, to transfer energy from the main body to the rechargeable battery.

There is therefore a need to perfect a pulling and charging accessory for a vacuum cleaner device which can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

One purpose of the present invention is to provide a pulling and charging accessory that allows to increase the times of use of the vacuum cleaner device, even when it is operating at maximum power.

Another purpose of the invention is to provide a pulling and charging accessory that allows the weight of the suction unit to be discharged by the user, and therefore reduces the possible fatigue of the user while he/she is carrying out the cleaning activities.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a pulling and charging accessory that is simple to manufacture.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a pulling and charging accessory that is simple and safe to use for the user, without risks for his/her safety in terms of voltage and electric current.

Another purpose of the present invention is to increase the versatility and the functions of a device of the “2 in 1” type known in the state of the art, eliminating its current disadvantages.

The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

In accordance with the above purposes, a pulling and charging accessory according to the invention can be used in cooperation with a suction unit of a suction device of the “2 in 1” type.

Such vacuum cleaner devices of the “2 in 1” type generally comprise a suction unit that can be gripped by a user and can be used autonomously, possibly connected to specific accessories, and a suction tube, which can be connected at one end to the suction unit, and at the opposite end to a suction head suitable to be placed in contact with the surface to be cleaned, allowing it to be used as a traditional electric broom. The suction unit comprises all the electrical and mechanical components required for the functioning, including a container to collect dust and/or dirt connected to a suction pipe, a motor unit, or motorized head, suitable to generate and suck in a flow of air and dirt from the outside through the suction pipe, and convey it to the collection container, at least one battery pack to power the motor member, and a handle unit by means of which the user can grip and maneuver the suction unit.

In particular, the pulling and charging accessory according to the invention allows to increase the versatility of vacuum cleaner devices of the “2 in 1” type, substantially transforming them into a “3 in 1” type that can be used in three different configurations. A first configuration provides to use the suction unit on its own, a second configuration provides to use the suction unit in combination with the wand or suction tube in broom mode, and a third configuration provides to use the suction unit in combination with the pulling and charging accessory, obtaining a traditional trailing vacuum cleaner.

The pulling and charging accessory according to the invention comprises a containing body provided with at least one housing seating suitable to receive and house the suction unit in a stable manner, and movement means, associated with the containing body and suitable to allow its movement on a support surface.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the pulling and charging accessory also comprises supply means suitable to supply electric power to the suction unit.

According to some embodiments, the pulling and charging accessory comprises electrical connection elements connected on one side to the electrical supply devices and connectable, on the other side, to electrical contacts provided on the suction unit.

According to some embodiments, the seating and the connection elements are configured to achieve a same-shape coupling and an electrical coupling with the suction unit inserted in, and connected to, them.

According to some embodiments, the connection elements are configured to cooperate directly with the battery pack of the suction unit.

According to some embodiments, the supply devices comprise at least one battery pack of the rechargeable type, therefore the pulling and charging accessory can be used in wireless mode, essentially functioning as a charge accumulator, or power bank.

This solution allows both to relieve the user of the weight of the suction unit, and also to significantly increase the duration of use thereof, while maintaining its ease of movement.

According to one variant, the supply devices comprise at least one cable for connection to an electrical network, and possibly a transformer to transform the alternating current supplied by the power supply network into direct current to be supplied to the suction unit.

According to some embodiments, the supply devices can comprise both a battery pack and also a cable for connection to the electrical network, and possible transformers suitable to supply electrical energy with current and voltage suitable for the suction unit.

The pulling device according to the invention, therefore, can function as a charge accumulator, or as an element for supplying energy from the electrical network, as well as a mobile support for the suction unit.

Embodiments described here also concern a method for using a pulling and charging accessory according to the invention, which provides to position and attach an autonomous suction unit comprising a collection container, a motor unit and a handle unit in the housing seating, by coupling and electrically connecting circuits and electrical connectors of the suction unit to electrical connection elements provided on the pulling and charging device, and to power the autonomous suction unit by means of supply devices provided in the containing body and electrically connected to the connection elements.

The method according to the invention also provides to connect possible tubes, flexible pipes or other to a suction pipe of the suction unit and move the containing body by means of the movement means in order to perform the cleaning operations.

According to some embodiments, the method provides to command the functioning of the combination of pulling and charging accessory and suction unit by means of an auxiliary user interface connected to a tube or pipe connected to such suction unit, and wherein the auxiliary user interface is configured to communicate with a user interface of the suction unit.

ILLUSTRATION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-re strictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

- fig. 1 is a lateral view of a pulling and charging accessory according to some embodiments described here;

- fig. 2 is a three-dimensional view from the rear part of the pulling and charging accessory of fig. 1;

- fig. 3 is a front view of the pulling and charging accessory of fig. 1;

- fig. 4 is an exploded view of a pulling and charging accessory according to some embodiments described here;

- fig. 5 is a three-dimensional view of a pulling and charging accessory in combination with a suction unit;

- fig. 6 is a lateral view from the opposite side of fig. 5;

- fig. 7 is a section view of a pulling and charging accessory and of a suction unit in unassembled condition;

- fig. 8 is a section view of a pulling and charging accessory and of a suction unit in assembled condition;

- fig. 9 is a perspective view of different conformations of use of a vacuum cleaner device according to some embodiments described here;

- figs. 10 and 11 are schematic section views of a pulling and charging accessory according to other variants.

To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can conveniently be incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

We will now refer in detail to the possible embodiments of the invention, of which one or more examples are shown in the attached drawings. Each example is supplied by way of illustration of the invention and shall not be understood as a limitation thereof. For example, one or more characteristics shown or described insomuch as they are part of one embodiment can be varied or adopted on, or in association with, other embodiments to produce another embodiment. It is understood that the present invention shall include all such modifications and variants.

Embodiments described using the attached drawings concern a pulling and charging accessory indicated as a whole with reference number 10, which can be used in cooperation with an autonomous suction unit 12 of a vacuum cleaner device 11 of the type known as “2 in 1” (fig. 9).

The vacuum cleaner device 11 comprises, in addition to the suction unit 12, a suction tube or wand 13, which can be connected at one end to a suction pipe 14 of the suction unit 12, and at the opposite end to a suction head 15 suitable to be placed in contact with the surface to be cleaned, allowing use as a traditional electric broom, thus presenting two configurations of use.

According to some embodiments, the autonomous suction unit 12 comprises the electrical and mechanical components for its functioning, including a container 16 for collecting dust and/or dirt connected to the suction pipe 14, a motor unit 17, or motorized head, configured to generate and suck in a flow of air and dirt from the outside through the suction pipe 14, and convey it toward the collection container 16, and a handle 18 by means of which the user can grip and maneuver the suction unit 12. The motor unit 17 can comprise a motor member 51 and an impeller 52 connected to the shaft of the motor member 51 and rotated by the latter in order to generate the flow of air.

In the collection container 16 there can be provided a filtration unit 53 configured to filter the flow of air and dirt sucked in, promoting the sedimentation of dirt in the collection container 16, and clean the flow of air before re-introducing it to the outside.

A command interface can be provided on the handle 18, comprising keys or buttons, possibly also of the touch type, by means of which the user can command the functioning of the vacuum cleaner device 11.

The suction unit 12 is also provided with electrical energy supply devices, comprising at least one battery pack 19 of the rechargeable type, and configured to power at least the motor unit 17. The battery pack 19 is in particular removable and detachable from the suction unit 12. The pulling and charging accessory 10 according to the invention allows, in particular, to increase the versatility of the vacuum cleaner device 11 of the “2 in 1” type, substantially transforming it into a “3 in 1” type, therefore having three different configurations of use, for example shown in fig. 9.

According to some embodiments, the pulling and charging accessory 10 comprises a containing body 20 provided with at least one housing seating 21 suitable to receive and house the suction unit 12 in a stable manner.

According to some embodiments, the housing seating 21 is open upward and is configured to receive the suction unit 12 in the vertical direction.

The containing body 20 is associated with movement means 22 suitable to allow the movement thereof on a support surface.

The movement means 22 can comprise a plurality of wheels 23, 24. By way of example, the drawings show a pair of wheels 23 disposed on opposite sides of the containing body 20, in proximity to a part thereof located, during use, at the rear, and a small wheel 24 located in correspondence with a front part.

The movement means 22 can be of the idle type, that is, without electric and/or mechanical drive, and be moved by means of a traction or thrust force exerted directly or indirectly by a user on the containing body 20.

According to some embodiments, the pulling and charging accessory 10 also comprises supply means 25 suitable to supply electric power to the autonomous suction unit 12.

According to some embodiments, the pulling and charging accessory 10 also comprises electrical connection elements 26 connected on one side to the electric power supply devices 25, and connectable on the other side to electrical circuits 27 provided on the suction unit 12, in order to allow the passage of electrical energy from the pulling and charging accessory 10 to the motor unit 17.

According to some embodiments, the electric power supply devices 25 can comprise shutter elements, or switches, not shown, suitable to selectively connect each battery pack or module 38 to the connection elements 26.

According to some embodiments, the connection elements 26 can be configured to connect to the same electrical connectors 28 to which, during use, the battery pack 19 of the suction unit 12 is connected. In this case, it can be provided to remove the battery pack 19 from the suction unit 12 before inserting it into the housing seating 21.

Advantageously, therefore, the connection elements 26 are made in a substantially identical manner to the connection elements provided on the battery pack 19. This makes using the pulling and charging accessory 10 particularly simple and practical.

According to possible variants, the electrical connection elements 26 can be configured to cooperate directly with the battery pack 19 associated with the suction unit 12.

For example, it can be provided that the electrical connection elements 26 can transfer electrical energy, by means of induction or dedicated electrical connection cables, directly to the battery pack 19 installed on the suction unit 12 and connected to the circuits 27.

According to some embodiments, the housing seating 21 is conformed so as to achieve a same-shape coupling with the suction unit 12. According to some embodiments, the housing seating 21 can comprise a first housing portion 29 configured to house the collection container 16, and a second housing portion 30 configured to house the handle unit 18.

The respective first 29 and second housing portion 30 are delimited at the bottom by respective bottom walls, configured to contact, during use, respective lower surfaces of the collection container 16 and of the handle unit 18, and laterally by lateral walls.

The first 29 and the second housing portion 30 can be separated from each other by a separating wall 31.

According to some embodiments, the electrical connection elements 26 can be provided on the separating wall 31 on the rear side 13a facing, during use, toward the handle 18, that is, in correspondence with the zone in which the battery pack 19 is normally connected on the suction unit 12.

A front side 31b of the separating wall 31 cooperates instead with the collection container 16. According to some embodiments, the rear side 31a of the separating wall 31 has a profile mating with an internal side of the handle unit 18, in order to achieve a same-shape coupling that allows to maintain the suction unit 12 stable during motion. The profile of the rear side 31a in particular can be substantially the same as the profile of the battery pack 19.

According to some embodiments, on the separating wall 31 there can be provided first coupling members 32 configured to couple with mating second coupling members 33 provided on the suction unit 12.

By way of example, the first coupling members 32 can be disposed on the rear side 31a and can comprise a tab 32a, or a protruding tooth, and the second coupling members 33 can comprise a cavity 33a, or a recess, having a shape complementary to the tab, or protruding tooth.

According to other embodiments, the containing body 20 also comprises a cavity 34 that extends into the upper edge, in correspondence with the first housing portion 29, configured to support and house the suction pipe 14.

According to some embodiments, during use the end of the suction pipe 14 is positioned outside the containing body 20, so as to facilitate the connection of a flexible, or possibly rigid, tubular element 49.

According to some embodiments, the containing body 20 is at least partly hollow and comprises inside it a containing compartment 35 configured to house at least part of the supply devices 25.

According to possible embodiments, for example shown with reference to fig. 4, the containing body 20 comprises two half-shells coupled together to define the containing compartment 35.

In particular, there can be provided a lower half-shell 36, to which the movement means 22 can be connected, and an upper half-shell 37 positioned, during use, above the lower half-shell 36, which is conformed so as to define the housing seating 21 for the suction unit 12.

According to some embodiments, the upper half-shell 37 comprises in the front part a gripping portion, or a handle 44, configured to be gripped by a user.

The two half-shells 36, 37, during use, are assembled and connected to each other in a stable manner, possibly with attachment elements of the removable type, in order to allow access to the containing compartment 35 and allow the replacement and/or maintenance of the supply devices 25.

According to some embodiments, for example described with reference to figs. 4, 7, 8, the supply devices 25 comprise at least one battery module, or pack 38 of the rechargeable type, so that the pulling and charging accessory 10 can be used in wireless mode, substantially acting as a charge accumulator, or power bank. According to some embodiments, several battery modules 38 can be provided. By way of example, three battery modules 38 are shown in the drawings, but the number can also be smaller, for example two, or much greater, for example eight, ten, twenty, or more, as a function of their energy density.

Preferably, the supply devices 25 comprise at least two battery modules 38. This allows to supply greater autonomy of use of the vacuum cleaner device 11 compared to that supplied by the battery pack 19 that can be associated with the suction unit 12.

According to some embodiments, the battery modules 38 can have electrical voltages comprised between about 15 V and about 36V, for example 18V, 21.6V, 25.2V, as commercially available, or other, and electric currents from 1300 to 4000mAh.

According to some embodiments, the battery modules 38 are connected in parallel.

Thanks to three battery modules 38 of the type indicated above, for example, it is possible to increase the usage times of the vacuum cleaner device 11 at maximum power from the lOmin of known solutions up to about 40-50min, and usage times at average power from about 20-30min to about 150min.

The presence of battery modules 38 of the rechargeable type allows to maintain the comfort and practicality of use of the vacuum cleaner device 11, without needing to be constrained by cables, but at the same time reducing the fatigue of the user, who no longer has to carry the suction unit 12 by hand, and greatly increasing the overall duration of use.

According to these embodiments, the pulling and charging accessory 10 comprises a control and command unit 40 configured to manage and regulate the functioning of the battery modules 38, so as to optimize their consumption and recharge times. According to some embodiments, the control and command unit 40 is configured to manage the battery modules 38 in parallel, in order to fully exploit each individual battery module 38, making each one complete a full discharge cycle. For example, the control and command unit 40 can monitor the status of the charge of the battery module 38 in use and, when it detects that this is ending, that is, it is close to zero, it can command the switching of a switch in order to power the connection elements 26 with another battery module 38.

According to the embodiments that provide to use battery modules 38, a connection socket 39 can be provided on the containing body 20 by means of which it is possible to connect the pulling and charging accessory 10 to an electrical network, so as to recharge the battery modules 38.

According to some embodiments, the supply devices 25 are only of the wireless type, comprising only one or more battery modules 38 of the rechargeable type.

According to some embodiments, the control and command unit 40 is configured to manage the recharging of the battery modules 38, and identify the charging priorities of the cells in order to obtain a substantially complete recharge of each of them.

According to further embodiments, the pulling and charging accessory 10 can also comprise an ignition command 41, which can be selectively driven by a user in order to allow the activation of the control and command unit 40 and/or the supply of electrical energy supplied by the supply devices 25 to the connection elements 26.

According to one variant, described for example with reference to fig. 10, the supply devices 25 comprise at least one cable 42 provided with a connector 43 connectable to an electrical network, and configured to supply electrical energy to the connection elements 26.

According to these embodiments, the pulling and charging accessory 10 can act as an element for supplying energy from an electrical network, allowing to use the vacuum cleaner device 11 substantially as a trailing vacuum cleaner of the traditional type.

According to some embodiments, a transformer 50 can also be provided, configured to transform the alternating current supplied by the power supply network into direct current to be supplied to the suction unit 12.

According to other variants, for example described with reference to fig. 11, the supply devices 25 can comprise both at least one battery module 38 and also a cable 42 for connection to the electrical network, and possible one or more transformers 50. According to this variant, it can be provided that the control and command unit 40, as a function of the status of the charge of the battery modules 38 and/or of the possible connection to the electrical network, supplies energy from one or from the other to the connection elements 26, in order to optimize consumption.

According to possible embodiments, in the event that one or more battery modules 38 are not fully charged, it can be provided that the energy of the electrical network is used partly to power the connection elements 26 and partly to recharge the battery modules 38.

According to other embodiments, which can be combined with the previous ones, and for example described with reference to figs. 5-8, the pulling and charging accessory 10 can comprise support and electrical connection elements 45 configured to support a battery pack 19 of the autonomous suction unit 12 and power it with the electrical energy supplied by the supply devices 25.

According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the battery pack 19 can be recharged during use, or during the step of recharging the battery modules 38 provided in the containing compartment 35.

According to some embodiments, the support and electrical connection elements 45 can comprise coupling members 47 configured to couple with mating coupling members 46 provided on the battery pack 19, so as to guarantee a definite coupling between the two components.

The coupling members 47 of the support and electrical connection elements 45 can be substantially the same as the coupling members 33 provided on the suction unit 12.

For example, the coupling members 47 can comprise a cavity 47a having the same shape and size as the cavity 33a provided in the suction unit 12, and the coupling members 46 of the battery pack 19 can comprise a tab 46a, or a protruding tooth, suitable to be inserted on each occasion into each cavity 47a, 33a.

Embodiments described here also concern a vacuum cleaner device 11 achieved by the combination of a pulling and recharging accessory 10 and an autonomous suction unit 12.

According to some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner device 11 also comprises at least one flexible tube 49 which can be removably connected to the suction pipe 14, and is suitable to be connected for example to the suction wand 13 or directly to a suction head 15 or other cleaning accessory.

According to some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner device 11 also comprises an auxiliary command interface 48 that can be connected to the flexible pipe 49, by means of which the user can command the functioning of the vacuum cleaner device 11.

The auxiliary command interface 48 can be connected between the flexible tube 49 and the suction wand 13, and be conformed so as to be ergonomic and allow easy grip by the user. The command interface 48 can comprise a plurality of keys or buttons disposed in such a position that the user can drive them with the same hand with which he/she grips the tube 49 or the wand 13, guaranteeing high ergonomics of use.

The auxiliary command interface 48 can be configured to communicate in wireless mode with a command unit of the suction unit 12, so as to regulate the functioning of the vacuum cleaner device 11.

Embodiments described here concern a method for using the pulling and charging accessory 10. The method provides to position and attach the autonomous suction unit 12 of the vacuum cleaner device 11, comprising the motor unit 17, the collection container 16 and the handle 18, in the housing seating 21, electrically coupling and connecting electrical circuits and connectors 27, 28 of the suction unit 12 to the electrical connection elements 26, and to power the autonomous suction unit 12 by means of supply devices 19 provided in the containing body 21 and connected to the electrical connection elements 26.

According to some embodiments, the method also provides to connect a possible flexible tube 49 to the suction pipe 14 of the suction unit 12 and move the containing body 20 by means of the movement means 22 in order to perform the cleaning operations.

According to other embodiments, the method provides to connect an auxiliary user interface 48 to the flexible tube 49 and command the functioning of the suction unit 12 by means of commands provided thereon.

According to some embodiments, the method can provide to remove the suction unit 12 from the containing body 20 at the end of the cleaning operations, and possibly empty the collection container 16. It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts may be made to the pulling and charging accessory 10 and to the method for using a pulling and charging accessory as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention. It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of pulling and charging accessory 10 and method for using a pulling and charging accessory, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

Claims

1. Pulling and charging accessory for an autonomous suction unit (12) of a vacuum cleaner device (11) comprising a motor unit (17), a collection container (16), a handle (18), and electrical energy supply devices comprising at least one removable and rechargeable battery pack (19), characterized in that that the pulling and charging accessory comprises a containing body (20) provided with at least one housing seating (21) suitable to receive and house the suction unit (12) in a stable manner, movement means (22) associated with the containing body (20), electrical energy supply devices (25) comprising two or more battery packs or modules (38) connected to each other in parallel, and electrical connection elements (26), connected to said supply devices (25), disposed in said housing seating (21) and configured to couple with mating connection elements (28) provided in said suction unit (12) and power the latter with the energy supplied by said supply devices (25).

2. Pulling and charging accessory as in claim 1, characterized in that said pulling and charging accessory comprises a control and command unit (40) configured to manage the parallel functioning of said battery modules (38) in order to make them complete a full discharge and/or charge cycle.

3. Pulling and charging accessory as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said control and command unit (40) is configured to monitor the status of the charge of the battery module (38) in use, and command the switching of a switch in order to power the connection elements (26) with another battery module (38) when the charge of the battery module (38) in use is close to zero.

4. Pulling and charging accessory as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said supply devices (25) comprise at least one cable (42) provided with a connector (43) connectable to an electrical network.

5. Pulling and charging accessory as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said connection elements (26) are configured to connect to the same electrical connectors (28) of said suction unit (12) to which said battery pack (19) also alternatively connects.

6. Pulling and charging accessory as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said housing seating (21) comprises a first housing portion (29) configured to house the collection container (16) and a second housing portion (30) configured to house the handle unit (18), separated one from the other by a separating wall (31) and said connection elements (26) are provided on said separating wall (31) on the rear side facing, during use, toward the handle (18).

7. Pulling and charging accessory as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that in proximity to said electrical connection elements (26) first coupling members (32) are provided, configured to couple with mating second coupling members (33) provided on the suction unit (12) in order to achieve a same-shape coupling.

8. Pulling and charging accessory as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises electrical connection and support elements (45) disposed on said containing body (20) and configured to support said battery pack (19) of the autonomous suction unit (12) and supply it with the electrical energy supplied by said supply devices (25).

9. Vacuum cleaner device characterized in that it comprises a pulling and charging accessory (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, and an autonomous suction unit (12) inserted in said housing seating (21) and connected with respective connector elements (28) to said connection elements (26).

10. Vacuum cleaner device as in claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a flexible tube (47) connected to said suction pipe (14), a suction wand (13) connected to a suction head (15) and an auxiliary command interface (48) provided with command members connected between said flexible tube (47) and said suction wand (13).

11. Method for using a pulling and charging accessory as in any claim from 1 to 8, characterized in that it provides to position and attach an autonomous suction unit (12) of a vacuum cleaner device (11), comprising a motor unit (17), a collection container (16), a handle (18) and electrical energy supply devices comprising at least one removable and rechargeable battery pack (19), in the housing seating (21), and electrically connect electrical circuits and connectors (27, 28) of said suction unit (12) to said electrical connection elements (26) provided on said containing body (20), and power said autonomous suction unit (12) by means of electrical energy supply devices (25) comprising two or more battery packs or modules (38) connected in parallel to each other, provided in the containing body (20) and electrically connected to the electrical connection elements (26), wherein said method provides to manage the functioning in parallel of said battery modules (38) in order to make them complete a full discharge and/or charge cycle.

12. Method as in claim 11, characterized in that it provides to monitor the status of the charge of the battery module (38) in use, and command the switching of a switch in order to power the connection elements (26) with another battery module (38) when the charge of the battery module (38) in use is close to zero.

13. Method as in claim 11 or 12, characterized in that it provides to connect said electrical connection elements (26) to the same electrical connectors (28) of said suction unit (12) to which said battery pack (19) is also connected.

14. Method as in any claim from 11 to 13, characterized in that it provides to connect a possible flexible tube (47) to the suction pipe (14) of said suction unit (12) and move the containing body (20) by means of movement means (22) in order to perform the cleaning operations.

15. Method as in claim 14, characterized in that it provides to command the functioning of the vacuum cleaner device (11) given by the combination of pulling and charging accessory (10) and suction unit (12) by means of an auxiliary user interface (48) connected to a tube (49) or pipe connected to said suction unit (12).