WO2021160668A1

WO2021160668A1 - Vacuum cleaner having an activation member for activating a boosted mode of operation of a motor fan

Info

Publication number: WO2021160668A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/053205
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anne-Marie OUZAZNA; Thierry Prunier; Eric Pouvreau
Original assignee: Seb S.A.
Priority date: 2020-02-13
Filing date: 2021-02-10
Publication date: 2021-08-19
Also published as: US20230132128A1; CN215127981U; ES2935336T3; KR20220137984A; EP3865039A1; JP2023513363A; FR3107174A1; FR3107174B1; EP3865039B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner (2) comprising a suction duct (19); a waste separation device (5) fluidly connected to the suction duct (19); a main body (3), in which a motor fan is accommodated; a grip handle (4); a control member (23) which is arranged on the grip handle (4) and which is configured to control an operation of the motor fan according to a first operating mode; and an activation member (24) which can be actuated by a user and which is configured to control an operation of the motor fan according to a second operating mode, wherein the vacuum cleaner (2) is configured such that a maximum speed of rotation of the motor fan in the second operating mode is greater than a maximum speed of rotation of the motor fan in the first operating mode, the activation member (24) being arranged opposite the control member (23).

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Vacuum cleaner equipped with an activation device to activate a reinforced operating mode of a motor-fan

Technical area

The present invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaners for sucking up dust and small-grain waste present on a surface to be cleaned, which may for example be tiles, parquet, laminate, carpet or carpet.

State of the art

A vacuum cleaner, and more particularly a portable vacuum cleaner, in known manner comprises a suction duct; a waste separation device fluidly connected to the suction duct; a main body in which is housed a suction device comprising a motor fan which is configured to generate an air flow through the suction duct and the waste separation device; a grip handle; a control member which is arranged on the gripping handle and which is operable by a user, the control member being configured to control an operation of the motor-fan according to a normal operating mode when the control member is actuated by an user ; and an activating member which is operable by a user and which is configured to control operation of the fan motor in an enhanced mode of operation when the activating member is actuated by a user.

The vacuum cleaner is more particularly configured such that a maximum speed of rotation of the motor-fan in the reinforced operating mode is greater than a maximum speed of rotation of the motor-fan in the normal operating mode. Thus, when a user temporarily wishes to give the vacuum cleaner a reinforced suction power, he actuates the activation member. Such enhanced suction power can especially useful for vacuuming large waste or waste that adheres to the surface to be cleaned.

As is known, the activator is disposed at the rear of the main body of the vacuum cleaner. Such an arrangement of the activation member requires the use of the user's second hand to actuate the activation member, which may be uncomfortable for some users, in particular for those who use this second hand to support. the front part of the main body.

Summary of the invention

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

The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in providing a vacuum cleaner which is simple and economical in structure, while exhibiting increased ergonomics of use.

To this end, the present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising a suction duct; a waste separation device fluidly connected to the suction duct; a main body in which is housed a suction device comprising a motor-fan which is configured to generate an air flow through the suction duct and the waste separation device; a grip handle; a control member which is arranged on the gripping handle and which can be actuated by a user, the control member being configured to control an operation of the motor-fan according to a first operating mode, also called normal operating mode, when the control unit is operated by a user; and an activation member which can be actuated by a user and which is configured to control operation of the motor-fan according to a second operating mode, also called enhanced operating mode, when the activation member is actuated by a user , the vacuum cleaner being configured such that a maximum speed of rotation of the motor-fan in the second operating mode is greater than a maximum speed of rotation of the motor-fan in the first mode of operation, the member of activation being arranged opposite the organ of ordered.

Such an arrangement of the activation member allows on the one hand a user to activate the second operating mode of the motor-fan with one and the same finger, and on the other hand to make the activation member more intuitively accessible by the user, since he will not need to look at the vacuum cleaner and / or his hand to reach and actuate the activation device. Thus, the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention allows a user to easily and quickly activate, and therefore ergonomically and intuitively, the second operating mode of the motor-fan.

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

According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner is configured such that the maximum power level delivered to the fan motor in the first operating mode is lower than the maximum power level delivered to the fan motor in the second. operating mode.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control member is movable between a rest position and a control position and is configured to be moved into the control position when a first actuating force is applied by a user on the controller, and the activator is movable between an inactive position and an activated position and is configured to be moved into the activated position when a second actuation force is applied by a user on the activation device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second actuating forces are oriented substantially in the same direction. Such an orientation of the first and second actuating forces provides an ergonomic advantage, since when the actuator and the actuator are actuated by a single finger, the finger moves in substantially the same direction whether for actuate the control device or the activation device. Advantageously, the first and second actuating forces can deviate from each other by a maximum angle of 15 ° if the control member and the activation member are movable in strokes of rectilinear displacement. If the control member and the activation member are movable in circular arc travel strokes, the directions of the tangents to the first and second actuating forces may deviate by a maximum angle of 15 ° for the same angular position or for example when the control member and the activation member respectively occupy the rest position and the inactive position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises a biasing element configured to bias the control member towards the rest position, and a biasing member configured to urge the activation member towards the inactive position. .

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control member comprises a first gripping part and the activation member comprises a second gripping part which is located at a distance from the first gripping part, the first and second gripping parts being movable independently of one another.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first gripping part and the second gripping part are spaced from each other by a distance which is less than 6 cm, and advantageously less than 4 cm, when the The control member and the activation member respectively occupy the rest position and the inactive position. Such a distance allows to pass from the control member to the activation member and vice versa, without having to release the grip handle and without having to stretch the finger moving from one control to another until an awkward position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the biasing element is formed by an elastically deformable tab which is provided on the control member. The elastically deformable tab can for example be configured to bear against the main body. Advantageously, the elastically deformable tab extends from the first gripping part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the biasing member is formed by a biasing spring.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control member and the activation member are configured so that they can be actuated by the same finger of a user when the user maintains the grip handle. Such a configuration of the controller and the activator provides an ergonomic advantage allowing to move from one organ to another quickly with less having to search for the position of the organ towards which the finger should go. Indeed, to activate for example the activation member, the finger, for example the index finger, will move from a reference position corresponding to the position of the control member to go towards the activation member. . This reference position does not vary, ensuring the user repetitiveness of the gesture to activate the activation organ. Ditto for the return of the finger to the control unit. The fact that the activation member is located opposite the control member also makes it possible to facilitate this repetitiveness, since the activation member is located in the zone of anatomical extension of the finger (index) with the configuration of the control member and of the gripping handle as described above.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control member and the activation member are each configured to be actuated by a user by pulling. Such a configuration of the control member and of the activation member provides an ergonomic advantage, since actuation by pulling is easier than by pushing.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control member is configured to be actuated by a user by pulling the control member towards the gripping handle, and / or the activation member is configured to be actuated by a user by pulling the activation member towards the gripping handle. According to one embodiment of the invention, the control member and the activation member are located substantially in a reference plane which is defined by a longitudinal axis of the suction duct and a median longitudinal axis of the handle. grip. The control member and the activation member are therefore located in the center of the vacuum cleaner, which allows the user to operate them with the same finger, both with the left hand and with the right hand. Such an arrangement of the activation member thus allows a user to activate the first and second operating modes of the motor-fan, with one and the same finger, whether he is right-handed or left-handed.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the reference plane forms a median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control member is located in an upper part of the grip handle. Such an arrangement of the controller provides an ergonomic advantage, since it allows actuation of the controller and the activator with the index finger.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the median longitudinal axis of the gripping handle is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the suction duct.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first gripping part and the second gripping part are configured to be cut by the same plane which is perpendicular to the median longitudinal axis of the gripping handle. Such a configuration of the first and second gripping parts allows a user, wishing to actuate the activation member, to easily and ergonomically access the activation member, since the latter remains in the extension zone. anatomical finger (index finger) of the user which is able to actuate the control member. In addition, such a configuration of the first and second gripping parts, associated with an inclination of the gripping handle relative to the longitudinal axis of the suction duct, gives a very ergonomic arrangement of the gripping zones. grips of the control member, of the activation member, and of the gripping handle, since the control and activation members are then naturally accessible. This results in increased comfort of use for the user.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control member and the activation member are located near and under the main body in which the fan motor is housed.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner includes a battery box in which a rechargeable battery is housed, the grip handle extending between the battery box and the main body.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the activating member is disposed substantially at the intersection of the main body and an upright which is connected to the main body and which is substantially parallel to the grip handle.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the post extends between the main body and the battery box, and connects the main body to the battery box. Advantageously, the upright extends to the battery box.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control member and the activation member are mounted to be able to rotate respectively about a first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second axes of rotation are substantially parallel.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the second axis of rotation of the activation member is placed in front of the first axis of rotation of the control member relative to the median longitudinal axis of the gripping handle. In other words, the first axis of rotation of the control member is arranged between the second axis of rotation of the activation member and the median longitudinal axis of the gripping handle. Such an arrangement of the activation member and of the control member makes it possible to limit the travel strokes of the parts of the activation member and of the control member located inside the casing of the actuator. vacuum cleaner, and ensure increased compactness vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control member is mounted to be movable in rotation about the first axis of rotation according to a first amplitude of rotation and the activation member is mounted to be movable in rotation about the second axis of rotation. according to a second amplitude of rotation, an angular difference between the first and second amplitudes of rotation being less than or equal to 5 °, and preferably less than or equal to 2 °. Thus, the travel paths of the control member and of the activation member are substantially identical, which improves the feeling of a user and therefore provides an ergonomic advantage.

According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second amplitudes of rotation is between 2 and 6 °, and is for example about 4 °. Such a configuration of the control member and of the activation member limits the internal size of the vacuum cleaner, and therefore the external size of the vacuum cleaner. Indeed, too large amplitudes of rotation generate large internal component travel strokes, requiring more internal space resulting in a larger main body.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the activation member comprises a gripping orifice. Such a configuration of the activation member facilitates the actuation of the activation member by a user, and therefore gives the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention increased ergonomics of use.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping opening is oblong. Such a configuration of the gripping hole further facilitates the manipulation of the activation member by a user, since the latter does not have to precisely search for the position of the grip hole to insert his finger therein.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control member is a control trigger or a control button.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the activation member is an activation trigger or an activation button. According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation device extends along a first axis of extension and the motor-fan extends along a second axis of extension which is substantially parallel to the first axis of extension.

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

According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises an electronic control unit which is configured to control the operation of the motor-fan according to the first operating mode when the control member is actuated by a user and to control the operation of the motor-fan according to the second operating mode when the activation member is actuated by a user.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit comprises an electronic card equipped with a first contact and a second contact, the control member being configured to activate the first contact when the control member control is actuated by a user, and the activation member being configured to activate the second contact when the activation member is actuated by a user. Making the first and second contacts on the same electronic card makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the electronic control unit, and also to simplify the assembly of the electronic control unit. Such a configuration of the first and second contacts therefore makes it possible to significantly reduce the manufacturing costs of the vacuum cleaner.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second contacts are vertically offset from each other when the reference plane is vertical and the longitudinal axis of the suction duct is horizontal.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one, and preferably each, of the first and second contacts is an electromechanical contact, such as a switch, and for example a microswitch. The microswitch or microswitch can for example be of the “push-button” type or of the “push-button” type. the sink ".

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one, and preferably each, of the first and second contacts comprises several conductive tracks, and for example two conductive tracks. According to such an embodiment of the invention, at least one, and preferably each, of the control member and of the activation member comprises an additional contact comprising a pad made of conductive material or at least an additional conductive track which is configured to cooperate with the conductive tracks provided on the respective contact.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic card is arranged in the grip handle.

According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the control member and of the activation member includes a deflection arm configured to cooperate with a respective one of the first and second contacts.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the activation member comprises the return arm, the return arm comprising a bearing part which is configured to cooperate with the second contact and a perforated intermediate part, the intermediate part. perforated delimiting a passage opening through which the control member is configured to extend at least partially when the control member is actuated by a user. Advantageously, the perforated intermediate part connects the support part to the second gripping part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the perforated intermediate part comprises two lateral branches spaced apart from one another and between which the control member is at least partially disposed.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first axis of rotation of the control member is arranged between the two side branches of the perforated intermediate part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the return arm of the activation member comprises a receiving housing in which is at least partially housed the bias spring.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control member comprises an additional return arm which is configured to cooperate with the first contact.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to control the operation of the fan motor according to the second operating mode only as long as the activation device is actuated by a user.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to control the operation of the fan motor according to the first operating mode as long as the control member is not actuated again by a user. Thus, the electronic control unit is configured to maintain the operation of the fan motor according to the first mode of operation when the control member is released by the user.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the return arm comprises an elastically deformable portion which is configured to limit the forces applied by the return arm against the second contact when the activation member is actuated by a user. The elastically deformable portion can for example be formed by a zone of thinner thickness.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the additional return arm comprises an elastically deformable part which is configured to limit the forces applied by the additional return arm against the first contact when the control member is actuated by a user. The elastically deformable part can for example be formed by a curved zone.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner comprises a first stop, for example provided on the gripping handle, configured to limit the travel stroke of the control member towards the control position, and a second stop , for example provided on the upright connected to the main body, configured to limit the travel stroke of the organ activation to the activation position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction device comprises an engine casing in which the motor-fan is disposed.

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

Brief description of the figures

The invention will be better understood from the following description with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings showing, by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of this vacuum cleaner.

[Fig 1] is a perspective view of a portable vacuum cleaner according to the invention.

[Fig 2] is a side view of the portable vacuum cleaner of Figure 1.

[Fig 3] is a longitudinal sectional view of the portable vacuum cleaner of Figure 1.

[Fig 4] is a perspective view of a control member, an activation member and an electronic control unit of the portable vacuum cleaner of Figure 1.

[Fig 5] is a partial cutaway perspective view of the portable vacuum cleaner of Figure 1.

[Fig 6] is an enlarged scale view of a detail of Figure 3.

[Fig 7] is a partial cutaway perspective view of the portable vacuum cleaner of Figure 1.

detailed description

Figures 1 to 7 show a vacuum cleaner 2 which is portable and which has a main body 3, a gripping handle 4 connected to the main body 3, a waste separation device 5 removably mounted on the main body 3, and a suction device 6 housed in the main body 3.

The waste separation device 5 is advantageously of the cyclonic type, and comprises in particular a waste storage container 7, and a separator filter (not visible in the figures) housed in the waste storage container 7. The waste storage container waste 7 has more particularly an air inlet opening and an air outlet opening.

As shown in FIG. 7, the suction device 6 comprises a motor casing 12 and a motor fan 13 arranged in the motor casing 12. In known manner, the motor fan 13 comprises a fan 13.1 and an electric motor. 13.2 configured to rotate the fan.

The suction device 6 further comprises an air inlet port 14 and one or more air discharge ports 15 which are advantageously provided on the motor housing 12. The air inlet port 14 of the suction device 6 can be connected to the air outlet opening of the waste separation device 5 directly or by means of a connecting pipe.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the waste separation device 5 extends along a first extension axis A, and the motor-fan 13 extends along a second extension axis B which is substantially parallel. to the first extension axis A, and which can be confused with the first extension axis A.

The vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a rechargeable battery 16 configured to supply electrically the motor-fan 13. The rechargeable battery 16 is advantageously housed in a battery box 17 connected to the gripping handle 4, and more particularly to a lower part of the vacuum cleaner. the gripping handle 4. Advantageously, the vacuum cleaner 2 comprises an upright 18 which extends substantially parallel to the gripping handle 4 and which connects the battery box 17 to the main body 3.

The vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a suction duct 19 to which the air inlet opening of the waste separation device 5 is fluidly connected. Advantageously, the suction duct 19 extends substantially parallel to the two. first and second extension axes A, B. The motor-fan 13 is more particularly configured to generate an air flow through the suction duct 19 and the waste separation device 5.

The vacuum cleaner 2 also comprises a connecting sleeve 21 fluidly connected to the suction duct 19 and to which a nozzle can be connected. a suction tube, which can itself be connected to a suction head provided with a sole intended to be oriented towards a floor to be cleaned.

The vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises an electronic control unit 22 which is configured to control the operation of the motor-fan 13 according to a first operating mode, also called normal operating mode, in which the motor-fan 13 is driven in rotation. at a first rotational speed, and to control the operation of the motor-fan 13 according to a second operating mode, also called reinforced operating mode, in which the motor-fan 13 is rotated at a second rotational speed which is greater than the first speed of rotation. Thus, according to the second mode of operation, the vacuum generated in the suction duct 19 is greater than the vacuum generated in the latter when the motor-fan 13 operates according to the first mode of operation.

In order to be able to control the operation of the motor-fan 13 according to the two aforementioned operating modes, the vacuum cleaner 2 comprises a control member 23 which is advantageously arranged on an upper part of the gripping handle 4 and which can be actuated by a user , and an activation member 24 which is arranged opposite the control member 23 and which can also be actuated by a user. The control member 23 can for example be a trigger or a control button, and the activation member 24 can for example be an activation trigger or an activation button.

The controller 23 is movable between a rest position and a control position and is configured to be moved into the control position when a first actuating force is applied by a user to the controller 23, and the activating member 24 is movable between an inactive position and an activated position and is configured to be moved into the activated position when a second actuating force is applied by a user to the activating member. activation 24. The electronic control unit 22 is more particularly configured to control the operation of the motor-fan 13 according to the first operating mode when the control member 23 is actuated by a user, that is to say is moved in the control position, and to control the operation of the fan motor 13 according to the second operating mode when the activation member 24 is actuated by a user, that is to say is moved into the activation position.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the control member

23 and the activation member 24 are configured so as to be able to be actuated by the same finger of a user when the user maintains the gripping handle 4. Advantageously, the control member 23 is configured to be actuated by a user by pulling the control member 23 towards the gripping handle 4, and the activating member 24 is configured to be actuated by a user by pulling the activating member 24 towards the gripping handle 4 Thus, the first and second actuating forces to be applied respectively to the control member 23 and the activation member

24 to actuate them are oriented substantially in the same direction.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the control member 23 and the activation member 24 are located substantially in a reference plane which is defined by a longitudinal axis C of the suction duct 19 and a longitudinal axis median D of the gripping handle 4, and which for example forms a median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner 2. Advantageously, the control member 23 and the activation member 24 are located near and under the main body 3 in which the motor-fan 13 is housed.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the activation member 24 is disposed substantially at the intersection of the main body 3 and the post 18 which connects the battery box 17 to the main body 3.

As shown in FIGS. 6, the control member 23 is mounted to be movable in rotation about a first axis of rotation R1 according to a first amplitude of rotation and the activation member 24 is mounted to be movable in rotation about a second axis of rotation R2 according to a second amplitude of rotation. The first and second axes of rotation R1, R2 are parallel, and the second axis of rotation of the activation member 24 is placed in front of the first axis of rotation R1 of the control member 23 relative to the longitudinal axis median D of the gripping handle 4. According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second amplitudes of rotation is between 2 and 6 °, and is for example approximately 4 °, and an angular difference between the first and second amplitudes of rotation is less than or equal to 5 °, and preferably less than or equal to 2 °.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the electronic control unit 22 comprises an electronic card 25 which is arranged in the gripping handle 4 and which is equipped with a first contact 26 and a second contact 27. The first and second contacts 26, 27 are for example vertically offset with respect to each other when the reference plane is vertical and the longitudinal axis C of the suction duct 19 is horizontal. The controller 23 is configured to activate the first contact 26 when the controller 23 is actuated by a user, i.e. is moved into the control position, and the activation member 24 is configured to activate the second contact 27 when the activation member 24 is actuated by a user, that is to say is moved into the activation position. Each of the first and second contacts 26, 27 can be an electromechanical contact, such as a switch, and for example a microswitch or a microswitch.

The electronic control unit 22 is configured to transmit to the fan motor 13 a control signal, which is configured to control the operation of the fan motor 13 according to the first operating mode, when the first contact 26 is activated, and to transmitting to the fan motor 13 an activation signal, which is configured to control the operation of the fan motor 13 according to the second operating mode, when the second contact 27 is activated. Advantageously, the electronic control unit 22 is configured to control the operation of the motor-fan 13 according to the second mode. operating only as long as the activation member 24 is actuated by a user, that is to say only as long as the second contact 27 is kept activated by the activation member 24, and is configured to control the operation of the motor-fan 13 according to the first operating mode as long as the control member 23 is not actuated again by a user, that is to say as long as the first contact 26 is not activated. again by the activation member 24. Thus, the electronic control unit 22 is configured to maintain the operation of the motor-fan 13 according to the first operating mode when the control member 23 is released by the user.

As shown in FIG. 4, the control member 23 comprises a first gripping part 28 and the activating member 24 comprises a second gripping part 29 which is located at a distance from the first gripping part 28 and which is movable independently of the first gripping part 28. According to one embodiment of the invention, the first gripping part 28 and the second gripping part 29 are spaced from each other by a distance which is less than 6 cm, and advantageously less than 4 cm, when the control member 23 and the activation member 24 respectively occupy the rest position and the inactive position. Advantageously, the second gripping part 29 comprises a gripping orifice 31 which may for example be circular, oblong or of any other shape.

Advantageously and as for example shown in Figure 2, the median longitudinal axis D of the gripping handle 4 is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis C of the suction duct, and the first gripping portion 28 and the second gripping part 29 are configured to be cut by the same plane P which is perpendicular to the median longitudinal axis D of the gripping handle 4.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the activation member 24 also comprises a return arm 32 which is integral with the second gripping part 29 and which is configured to cooperate with the second contact 27 when the member d activation 24 is activated by a user. In a way advantageously, the return arm 32 comprises a support part 33 which is elongated and which is configured to cooperate with the second contact 27, and a perforated intermediate part 34 which connects the support part 33 to the second gripping part 29 .

The support portion 33 of the return arm 32 can advantageously comprise an elastically deformable portion 35 which is configured to limit the forces applied by the return arm 32 against the second contact 27 when the activation member 24 is actuated by a user. The elastically deformable portion 35 may for example be formed by a zone of thinner thickness.

The perforated intermediate part 34 advantageously defines a passage opening 36 through which the control member 23 is configured to extend at least when the control member 23 is actuated by a user. The perforated intermediate part 34 may for example comprise two lateral branches 37 spaced from one another and between which is arranged the first axis of rotation R1 of the control member 23.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the control member 23 further comprises an additional return arm 38 which is integral with the first gripping part 28 and which is configured to cooperate with the first contact 26.

Advantageously, the additional return arm 38 comprises an elastically deformable part 39 which is configured to limit the forces applied by the additional return arm 38 against the first contact 26 when the control member 23 is actuated by a user. The elastically deformable part 39 can for example be formed by a curved zone.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the vacuum cleaner 2 comprises a first stop 41, for example provided on the gripping handle 4, configured to limit the travel stroke of the control member 23 towards the control position, and a second stop 42, for example provided on the upright 18 connected to the main body 3, configured to limit the travel of displacement of the activation member 24 towards the activation position. The presence of the first and second stops 41, 42, of the elastically deformable part 35 and of the elastically deformable portion 39 makes it possible to preserve the integrity of the electronic card 25, including when a user exerts high actuation forces on it. the first and second gripping parts 28, 29.

Advantageously, the vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a biasing element 43 configured to bias the control member 23 towards the rest position, and a biasing member 44 configured to bias the activation member 24 towards the position. inactive.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the biasing element

43 is formed by an elastically deformable tab which is provided on the actuator 23 and which is configured to be elastically deformed when the actuator 23 is moved into the actuation position. The elastically deformable tab can for example extend from the first grip portion 28 and be configured to bear against the main body 3 or the motor housing 12.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the biasing member

44 is formed by a compression spring, and the return arm 32 of the activating member 24 has a receiving housing 45 in which the compression spring is partially housed. The biasing member 44 can for example be configured to bear on the one hand against a bottom wall of the receiving housing 45 and on the other hand against the main body 3 or the motor housing 12.

The operation of the vacuum cleaner 2 will now be described. When the motor-fan 13 is electrically powered, it establishes a vacuum, in particular in the waste separation device 5 so that air and waste are sucked in through the suction duct 19. The air laden with waste then enters the waste storage container 7 via the air inlet opening of the waste separation device 5 which can for example tangentially emerge into the waste storage container 7. The air is thus rotated and the waste is centrifuged outwards and this waste is collected by the waste storage container 7.

The air flow then flows successively through the air outlet opening of the waste separation device 5, the air inlet port 14 of the suction device 6 and the orifice (s) of air discharge 15 from the suction device 6. Then, the air flow escapes out of the main body 3 through air discharge openings 46 provided on the latter.

According to an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, at least one, and for example each of the first and second contacts 26, 27 comprises several conductive tracks, for example two conductive tracks, which can be obtained by screen printing or by printing. . According to such an embodiment of the invention, at least one, and preferably each, of the control member 23 and of the activation member 24 comprises an additional contact comprising at least one conductive element, such as a pellet made of conductive material or an additional conductive track which is configured to cooperate with the conductive tracks provided on the respective contact.

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, 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.

Claims

1. Vacuum cleaner (2) comprising a suction duct (19); a waste separation device (5) fluidly connected to the suction pipe (19); a main body (3) in which is housed a suction device (6) comprising a motor-fan (13) which is configured to generate an air flow through the suction duct (19) and the device for waste separation (5); a grip handle (4); a control member (23) which is arranged on the gripping handle (4) and which is operable by a user, the control member (23) being configured to control an operation of the motor-fan (13) according to a first mode of operation when the controller (23) is operated by a user; and an activation member (24) which can be actuated by a user and which is configured to control an operation of the motor-fan (13) according to a second operating mode when the activation member (24) is actuated by a user, the vacuum cleaner (2) being configured such that a maximum speed of rotation of the motor-fan (13) in the second operating mode is greater than a maximum speed of rotation of the motor-fan (13) in the first mode of operation, characterized in that the activation member (24) is arranged opposite the control member (23).

2. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 1, wherein the control member (23) is movable between a rest position and a control position and is configured to be moved into the control position when a first force d. The actuation is applied by a user to the controller (23), and the actuator (24) is movable between an inactive position and an activated position and is configured to be moved into the position of. activation when a second actuation force is applied by a user to the activation member (24).

3. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 2, wherein the first and second actuating forces are oriented in substantially the same direction.

4. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 2 or 3, which comprises a biasing element configured to urge the control member (23) towards the rest position, and a biasing member configured to urge the activation member. (24) to the inactive position.

5. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control member (23) comprises a first gripping part (28) and the activation member (24) comprises a second part grip (29) which is located at a distance from the first grip part (28), the first and second grip parts (28, 29) being movable independently of one another.

A vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 5 in combination with claim 2, wherein the first gripping part (28) and the second gripping part (29) are spaced from each other by a distance which. is less than 6 cm, and advantageously less than 4 cm, when the control member (23) and the activation member (24) respectively occupy the rest position and the inactive position.

7. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control member (23) and the activation member (24) are configured so as to be able to be actuated by the same finger. a user when the user maintains the grip handle (4).

8. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control member (23) is configured to be actuated by a user by pulling the control member (23) towards the grip handle. (4), and / or the activation member (24) is configured to be actuated by a user by pulling the activation member (24) towards the gripping handle (4).

9. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control member (23) and the activation member (24) are located substantially in a reference plane which is defined by a longitudinal axis (C) of the suction duct (19) and a median longitudinal axis (D) of the gripping handle (4).

10. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 9, wherein the reference plane forms a median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner (2).

11.Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control member (23) is located in an upper part of the grip handle (4).

12. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the median longitudinal axis (D) of the gripping handle (4) is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis (C) of the duct d suction (19).

13. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 11 or 12 in combination with claim 5, wherein the first gripping part (28) and the second gripping part (29) are configured to be cut by the same plane (P). which is perpendicular to the median longitudinal axis (D) of the grip handle (4).

14. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the control member (23) and the activation member (24) are located. near and under the main body (3) in which the motor-fan (13) is housed.

15. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which comprises a battery box (17) in which is housed a rechargeable battery (16), the grip handle (4) extending between the housing. battery (17) and the main body (3).

16. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 15, wherein the activating member (24) is disposed substantially at the intersection of the main body (3) and an upright (18) which is connected to the main body ( 3) and which is substantially parallel to the grip handle (4).

17. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the control member (23) and the activation member (24) are mounted to be movable in rotation respectively about a first axis of rotation (R1) and a second axis of rotation (R2).

18. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 17, wherein the first and second axes of rotation (R1, R2) are substantially parallel.

19. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the second axis of rotation (R2) of the activation member (24) is placed in front of the first axis of rotation (R1) of the control member. (23) relative to the median longitudinal axis (D) of the grip handle (4).

20. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the control member (23) is rotatably mounted about the first axis of rotation (R1) according to a first amplitude of rotation and the activation member (24) is mounted movable in rotation about the second axis of rotation (R2) according to a second amplitude of rotation, an angular difference between the first and second amplitudes of rotation being less than or equal to 5 °.

21.Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 20, wherein each of the first and second amplitudes of rotation is between 2 and 6 °.

22. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the waste separation device (5) extends along a first extension axis (A) and the fan motor (13) s 'extends along a second axis of extension (B) which is substantially parallel to the first axis of extension (A).

23. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the waste separation device (5) is of the cyclonic type.

24. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, which is a portable vacuum cleaner.