Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
  • A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
  • A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
  • A47L5/36—Suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing; Suction cleaners for fixing on staircases; Suction cleaners for carrying on the back
  • A47L5/362—Suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing; Suction cleaners for fixing on staircases; Suction cleaners for carrying on the back of the horizontal type, e.g. canister or sledge type
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
  • A47L9/009—Carrying-vehicles; Arrangements of trollies or wheels; Means for avoiding mechanical obstacles
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
  • A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
  • A47L9/2868—Arrangements for power supply of vacuum cleaners or the accessories thereof
  • A47L9/2884—Details of arrangements of batteries or their installation
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
  • A47L9/32—Handles
  • A47L9/327—Handles for suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing

Definitions

• TITLE Suction assembly equipped with a protective structure for a waste separation and collection device
• the present invention relates more particularly to domestic vacuum cleaners of the sled type making it possible to suck up dust and small-grained waste present on a surface to be cleaned, which can for example be tiles, parquet, laminate, carpet or rug.
• vacuum cleaner or suction assembly of the sled type reference is made to a vacuum cleaner or suction assembly that can move by rolling on the ground, for example using wheels or rollers when the vacuum cleaner is in use.
• a suction nozzle is connected to the suction assembly via a suction tube comprising a rigid part and a flexible part.
• the user of a canister vacuum cleaner holds the suction nozzle via a handle provided on the rigid part of the suction tube or integral with the suction tube.
• a canister vacuum cleaner is generally pulled by the user via the handle and the flexible part of the suction tube, this mode of movement is at the origin of the name "canister vacuum cleaner".
• the name sled vacuum cleaner or sled suction set also covers vacuum cleaners with motorized wheels or casters capable of following the movements of the suction nozzle, the handle or the user.
• the document JP6313953 discloses a sled-type vacuum cleaner comprising in particular a vacuum cleaner casing comprising at least one outer surface of the casing of partially spherical shape; a suction nozzle through which outside air can be drawn in by the suction assembly; at least one exhaust port through which air cleaned by the suction assembly can come out of the suction assembly; an aeraulic circuit which extends between the suction nozzle and the at least one exhaust orifice; a suction unit disposed on the airflow circuit, the suction unit comprising an electric motor and a fan coupled to the electric motor to generate a flow of air in the airflow circuit from the suction nozzle to the at least one exhaust port; a device for separating and collecting waste which is arranged on the a Vogellic circuit upstream of the suction unit and which is crossed by the flow of air generated by the fan when the suction assembly is in operation, the waste separation and collection device comprising a waste collection bowl for receiving the waste separated by the waste separation and collection device; and first and
• the waste separation and collection device further comprises a cover comprising an outer surface of the cover which is accessible from the outside of the suction assembly and which is partially spherical in shape.
• a cover comprising an outer surface of the cover which is accessible from the outside of the suction assembly and which is partially spherical in shape.
• the outer surface of the cover and the outer surface of the housing partly form an assembly of generally spherical shape when the suction assembly is in working order.
• the device for separating and collecting waste from the suction assembly described above is particularly exposed to frontal impacts. Indeed, when the suction assembly encounters a low obstacle, such as a coffee table or a buffet on legs having a lower edge at the height of the top of the vacuum cleaner box, during its movements on the floor to be cleaned, the obstacle is liable to come into direct contact with the waste separation and collection device and therefore to degrade the latter, which may adversely affect the performance of the suction assembly, or even prevent the operation of the assembly suction, in particular if the impact between the waste separation and collection device and the obstacle is violent.
• a low obstacle such as a coffee table or a buffet on legs having a lower edge at the height of the top of the vacuum cleaner box
• the obstacle is liable to come into direct contact with the waste separation and collection device and therefore to degrade the latter, which may adversely affect the performance of the suction assembly, or even prevent the operation of the assembly suction, in particular if the impact between the waste separation and collection device and the obstacle is violent.
• the present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.
• the technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in increasing the service life of the waste separation and collection device of a suction assembly, taking into account in particular the obstacles that a set of suction moving over a floor to be cleaned.
• the subject of the invention is a sled-type suction assembly comprising:
• a vacuum cleaner casing comprising at least one exterior surface of the casing of partially spherical shape
• the suction unit comprising an electric motor and a fan coupled to the electric motor to generate a flow of air in the aunterlic circuit from the suction nozzle to the at least one exhaust port,
• waste separation and collection device for separating and collecting waste which is arranged on the aeraulic circuit upstream of the suction unit and which is crossed by the flow of air generated by the fan when the suction assembly is in operation , the waste separation and collection device being removable and comprising at least one outer surface which is accessible from the outside of the suction assembly and which is of partially spherical shape, the at least an outer surface and the outer housing surface forming in part a generally spherical assembly when the suction assembly is in working order, and
• first and second main wheels mounted rotatably relative to the vacuum cleaner housing.
• the vacuum assembly further includes a protective structure that is configured to protect the waste separation and collection device, the protective structure being disposed outside of the vacuum cleaner housing and extending radially spaced from the outer surface of the partially spherical housing and radially spaced from the at least one outer surface, the protective structure forming a handle assembly which can be grasped by a user.
• the protective structure makes it possible to protect all or part of the waste separation and collection device by interposing itself between the waste separation and collection device and a possible obstacle encountered by the suction assembly during of its movements on the floor to be cleaned.
• the protective structure makes it possible to at least partially protect the waste separation and collection device without having to oversize the vacuum cleaner box.
• the suction assembly may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.
• the protective structure extends partially around and at a distance from the overall spherical shape.
• the protective structure has a substantially curved shape around the first and second main wheels.
• the suction nozzle is arranged on a front part of the vacuum cleaner housing.
• the protective structure delimits a passage opening configured to allow removal of the waste separation and collection device through the passage opening.
• the handle assembly consists of a single handle of substantially annular shape or in the shape of a "U” or in the shape of an open ring.
• the protective structure offers multiple gripping zones for the user who wishes to grasp and move the vacuum cleaner housing. The protective structure then forms a particularly ergonomic handle for the user.
• the protective structure is configured to further protect the first and second main wheels.
• the first and second main wheels respectively comprise first and second treads, the protective structure being configured to cover a portion of each of the first and second treads.
• the expression "tread” refers to a circular surface or to a set of surfaces forming a generally circular outer periphery of each main wheel and which is made to roll on the ground to be cleaned during the movements of the suction set.
• the protective structure therefore covers a circular or generally circular portion of each of the first and second treads.
• the protective structure covers the top of the first and second main wheels.
• the protective structure covers a tread portion which is located in the upper part of each of the first and second main wheels.
• the top of the first and second main wheels is particularly exposed when the suction assembly partially engages under a low obstacle, such as a coffee table or a buffet on legs, having a lower edge at the height of the top of the first and second main wheels and capable of colliding with an upper part of the first and second main wheels.
• a low obstacle such as a coffee table or a buffet on legs
• the protective structure covers the top of the main wheels and extends towards the front of the vacuum cleaner housing to at least partially cover the front of the first and second main wheels.
• the protective structure makes it possible to protect the first and second main wheels from shocks against low obstacles, such as a coffee table or the lower edge of a buffet on legs, but also against frontal obstacles, such as table legs or wall angles, appearing in front of the suction unit.
• the protective structure comprises first and second lateral protective parts which are arranged on either side of the waste separation and collection device.
• each of the first and second side protection parts is elongated.
• the first and second lateral protection parts are arranged on either side of a median vertical longitudinal plane of the suction assembly.
• the protective structure comprises a rear protective part which connects the first and second side protection parts and which extends transversely to the first and second side protection parts.
• the rear protective part extends above a rear part of the vacuum cleaner housing.
• the rear protective part extends at least partly at the rear of the waste separation and collection device.
• the first and second lateral protective parts extend from the rear protective part and towards the front of the vacuum cleaner housing, and for example substantially up to the suction tip.
• the first and second lateral protective parts extend respectively in front of and above the first and second main wheels.
• the first and second lateral protective parts respectively comprise a first outer protective surface and a second outer protective surface which extend in front of and above the first and second wheels.
• the first and second outer protective surfaces extending in the direction of the first and second axes of rotation of the first and second main wheels and being inclined in such a way that extending in the direction of the first and second axes of rotation , the first and second outer protective surfaces gradually move apart.
• the first and second outer protective surfaces make it easier to dodge an obstacle. Indeed, by coming into contact with one of the first and second outer protective surfaces of the protective structure, an obstacle is caused to slide on said outer protective surface as the continuous suction assembly to move forward.
• the first and second lateral protective parts respectively comprise a first inner protective surface and a second inner protective surface which are concave and which melt respectively facing the first and second main wheels.
• each of the first and second inner protective surfaces being curved around a portion of the respective main wheel among the first and second main wheels, and for example around a portion of the respective tread among the first and second strips rolling.
• Such a configuration of the first and second inner protective surfaces makes it possible to better follow the circular shape of the first and second main wheels, and in particular of the first and second treads, to better protect the portions of the first and second main wheels covered by the first and second interior protective surfaces.
• the protective structure covers portions of the first and second treads without there being any part or part of the vacuum cleaner housing which is interposed or positioned between the first inner protective surface and said portion of the first tread and between the second inner protective surface and said portion of the second tread.
• the first inner protective surface extends close to the first main wheel such that the radial distance between the first tread and the first inner protective surface, measured in a radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation of the first main wheel, is less than 5 cm, preferably less than 2 cm
• the second inner protective surface extends close to the second main wheel of such that the radial distance between the second tread and the second inner protective surface, measured in a radial direction relative to the axis of rotation of the second main wheel, is less than 5 cm, preferably less than 2 cm.
• the protective structure covers an angular sector of each of the first and second treads which is greater than 90°, and advantageously between 90° and 130°. This angular amplitude of protection makes it possible to protect the first and second main wheels against most shocks.
• the protective structure is connected to the main body by connecting means, such as connecting walls, connecting arms or intermediate connecting parts.
• the protective structure is symmetrical with respect to a median vertical longitudinal plane of the suction assembly.
• the first and second lateral protection parts approach each other in the direction of the front of the vacuum cleaner housing, that is to say converge towards the front of the vacuum cleaner housing.
• the waste separation and collection device comprises a waste collection bowl and a lid which is movable relative to the waste collection bowl between an open position in wherein the cover releases a waste collection bowl drain opening and a closed position wherein the cover at least partially closes the waste collection bowl drain opening.
• the protective structure is configured to protect the waste collection bowl and/or the lid.
• the waste collection bowl includes a bowl outer surface which is accessible from outside the suction assembly and which is partially spherical in shape, the at least one outer surface of the waste separation and collection device including the bowl outer surface .
• the cover comprises an outer surface of the cover which is accessible from the outside of the suction assembly and which is partially spherical in shape, the at least one outer surface of the waste separation and collection device comprising the cover outer surface.
• the outer surface of the lid is flush with the outer surface of the box, and for example also with the outer surface of the bowl. .
• the waste separation and collection device is of the cyclonic type.
• the waste collection bowl comprises a waste collection container and a cyclonic separation chamber which is delimited externally by a side wall of the waste collection container which is generally annular .
• the cover comprises an air connection pipe configured to fluidically connect the waste separation and collection device to the suction unit.
• the waste collection bowl has an outer wall which is accessible from the outside of the suction assembly and which includes the outer surface of the bowl.
• the outer wall of the waste collection bowl extends around the side wall of the waste collection container and away from the side wall of the waste collection container.
• the outer wall of the waste collection bowl extends over only part of the periphery of the side wall of the waste collection container.
• the outer surface of the casing, the first and second main wheels, the outer surface of the bowl and the outer surface of the lid partly form the assembly of generally spherical shape.
• the suction assembly comprises a first fixed wheel hub and a second fixed wheel hub which are integral with the vacuum cleaner housing and which are arranged on either side. another of the vacuum cleaner housing, the first and second main wheels being annular and rotating respectively around the first and second fixed wheel hubs.
• the first and second fixed wheel hubs extend from the vacuum cleaner housing respectively beyond the first and second main wheels.
• the first and second fixed wheel hubs respectively have a first outer hub surface and a second outer hub surface which are each in the shape of a spherical cap.
• a spherical cap shape is also known as a domed shape.
• the first and second fixed wheel hubs form in part the assembly of generally spherical shape.
• the first main wheel has a first annular external surface which is flush with the first external hub surface
• the second main wheel has a second annular external surface which is flush with the second outer hub surface.
• the waste separation and collection device comprises a gripping handle for removing the waste separation and collection device from the vacuum cleaner housing.
• the first and second main wheels are of the omnidirectional type.
• This type of wheel allows the vacuum cleaner box to move laterally by rolling to better dodge an obstacle coming into contact with the protective structure.
• This type of wheels is also known as holonomic wheels.
• These main wheels of the omnidirectional type are however more fragile than conventional non-omnidirectional wheels.
• the protective structure as previously described is particularly suitable for effectively protecting this type of main wheels.
• the first main wheel comprises a plurality of first rotating rollers distributed over the periphery of the first main wheel and forming the first tread of the first main wheel
• the second main wheel comprises a plurality of second rotating rollers distributed over the periphery of the second main wheel and forming the second tread of the second main wheel.
• the protective structure is configured such that, when the suction assembly is viewed from the side, at least part of the at least one outer surface of the device separating and collecting waste is set back from the protection structure.
• the first and second main wheels are side wheels of the suction assembly.
• the device for separating and collecting waste is removable from the vacuum cleaner housing by a translational movement.
• the translational movement is directed in a substantially radial direction with respect to the center of the assembly of generally spherical shape.
• the translational movement is directed towards the front and the top of the suction assembly.
• Figure 1 is a front three-quarter view of a suction assembly according to the present invention.
• Figure 2 is a side view of the suction assembly of Figure 1;
• Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the suction assembly of Figure 1;
• Figure 4 is a front view of the suction assembly of Figure 1;
• Figure 5 is a top view of the suction assembly of Figure 1;
• Figure 6 is a rear view of the suction assembly of Figure 1;
• FIG. 7a is a top view of the suction assembly of FIG. 1 showing obstacle avoidance according to a first step
• FIG. 7b is a top view of the suction assembly of FIG. 1 showing obstacle avoidance according to a second step;
• Figure 7c is a top view of the suction assembly of Figure 1 showing obstacle avoidance according to a third step
• Figure 7d is a top view of the suction assembly of Figure 1 showing obstacle avoidance according to a fourth step
• Figures 1 to 7 show a suction assembly 1 of the sled type.
• the suction assembly 1 comprises a main body 2 comprising in particular:
• a vacuum cleaner housing 3 comprising an outer surface of the housing 4 of partially spherical shape
• the suction tip 5 is advantageously arranged at one end of the main body 2 which corresponds to the front of the main body 2.
• the main body 2 further comprises an aeraulic circuit 7 which extends between the suction nozzle 5 and the exhaust orifice 6, and a device for separating and collecting waste 8 and a unit for suction 9 which are arranged on the aeraulic circuit 7.
• the suction unit 9 comprises an electric motor and a fan coupled to the electric motor to generate a flow of air in the aeraulic circuit 7 from the suction nozzle 5 to the exhaust port 6.
• the waste separation and collection device 8 is arranged on the aeraulic circuit 7 upstream of the suction unit 9 and is crossed by the air flow generated by the fan when the suction assembly 1 is in operation
• the waste separation and collection device 8 comprises a waste collection bowl 10 comprising a waste collection receptacle 11 .
• the waste collection container 11 comprises a side wall 12 of generally tubular shape, and for example generally cylindrical or frustoconical, an air intake opening (not visible in the figures) provided on the side wall 12 and configured to be fluidly connected to the suction nozzle 5, and a drain opening 14 located in an upper part of the waste collection container 11.
• the waste collection bowl 10 further includes an outer wall 15 which is accessible from outside the suction assembly 1.
• the outer wall 15 includes an outer bowl surface 150 which is partially spherical in shape. .
• the outer wall 15 of the waste collection bowl 10 extends around the side wall 12 of the waste collection container 11 and at a distance from the side wall 12.
• outer wall 15 of waste collection bowl 10 extends over only part of the periphery of side wall 12 of waste collection receptacle 11 .
• the waste separation and collection device 8 also comprises a cover 16 which is movably mounted, and for example mounted movably in rotation, relative to the waste collection bowl 10 between an open position in which the cover 16 releases the emptying opening 14 of the waste collection container 11 and a closing position in which the lid 16 at least partially closes the emptying opening 14 of the waste collection container 11 .
• the cover 16 comprises an outer cover surface 160 which is partially spherical in shape and which is flush with the outer bowl surface 150 and the outer housing surface 4.
• the outer cover surface 160 is accessible from the outside of the suction assembly 1 .
• the partially spherical shapes respectively defining the bowl outer surface 150, the casing outer surface 4 and the cover outer surface 160 have centers which are substantially coincident and have substantially identical radii of curvature.
• the outer surface of the bowl 150, the outer surface of the box 4 and the outer surface of the cover 160 partly form an assembly of generally spherical shape.
• the waste separation and collection device 8 is of the cyclonic type.
• the waste separation and collection device 8 comprises a grid 17 which is generally tubular and which is arranged in the waste collection container 11 coaxially with a central axis A11 of the waste collection container 11, and a cyclonic separation chamber 18 which is annular and which is formed around the grid 17.
• the cyclonic separation chamber 18 is delimited externally by the side wall 12 of the waste collection container 11, and internally by the grid 17.
• the opening air intake opens, preferably tangentially, in an upper part of the cyclonic separation chamber 18, and the cover 16 comprises an air connection pipe 19 configured to fluidically connect the separation device and collection point 8 to the suction unit 9.
• the cover 16 is configured to allow removal of the grid 17 from the waste collection container 11 via the emptying opening 14 when the cover 16 occupies the open position.
• the waste separation and collection device 8 is removably mounted relative to the vacuum cleaner housing 3, in order to be able to more easily evacuate the waste accumulated in the waste collection container 11 and to clean the grid 17.
• the waste separation and collection device 8 can be removed from the vacuum cleaner housing 3 by a translational movement directed in a direction substantially radial with respect to the center of the assembly of generally spherical shape.
• the translation movement is directed towards the front and the top of the suction assembly 1 .
• the waste separation and collection device 8 comprises a gripping handle 21 which is for example arranged in a median vertical longitudinal plane of the waste collection bowl 10.
• the suction assembly 1 further comprises first and second main wheels 23, 24 rotatably mounted relative to the vacuum cleaner housing 3.
• the first and second main wheels 23, 24 respectively comprise first and second treads 25, 26 so that the main body 2 can rest and roll on the floor to be cleaned.
• the first and second main wheels 23, 24 are arranged on either side of the main body 2. More precisely, the first and second main wheels 23, 24 are side wheels with respect to the main body 2.
• the first and second wheels main 23, 24 respectively have first and second axes of rotation A23, A24 which are advantageously inclined relative to each other.
• the first and second axes of rotation A23, A24 preferably converge towards the top of the main body 2 to form at the top an angle a less than 180° (see FIG. 4).
• a suction nozzle (not shown), also known as a suction head, is normally connected to the suction nozzle 5 by a suction tube (not shown) comprising a rigid part and a flexible part.
• the suction assembly 1, the suction nozzle and the suction tube form a sled vacuum cleaner.
• the user of a canister vacuum cleaner holds the suction nozzle via a handle provided on the rigid part of the suction tube or secured to the suction tube.
• the handle and the suction tube allow the user to pull the suction assembly 1 which, thanks to the first and second main wheels 23, 24, rolls on the floor to suck.
• suction nozzle and the suction tube are parts of a canister vacuum cleaner which are known to those skilled in the art. This is why the suction squeegee and the suction tube are not shown in the figures and are not described in more detail in this description.
• the first and second main wheels 23, 24 are advantageously annular and rotate respectively around a first fixed wheel hub 28 and a second fixed wheel hub 29 which are integral with the vacuum cleaner housing 3 and which are arranged on either side of the vacuum cleaner housing 3.
• the first and second fixed wheel hubs 28, 29 extend from the vacuum cleaner housing 3 respectively beyond the first and second main wheels 23, 24.
• the first and second fixed wheel hubs 28, 29 respectively have a first outer hub surface 28a and a second outer hub surface 29a which are each in the shape of a spherical cap, otherwise said domed.
• the spherical caps defining the first and second outer hub surfaces 28a, 29a have centers which are substantially coincident with the center of the generally spherical shape, and have identical or substantially identical radii of curvature.
• the first main wheel 23 has a first annular outer surface 23a which is flush with the first hub outer surface 28a of the first fixed wheel hub 28, and the second main wheel 24 has a second annular outer surface 24a which is flush with the second outer hub surface 29a of the second fixed wheel hub 29.
• each of the first and second annular outer surfaces 23a, 24a is an annular spherical surface portion.
• the first and second annular outer surfaces 23a, 24a form, with the first and second hub outer surfaces 28a, 29a, the bowl outer surface 150, the housing outer surface 4 and the cover outer surface 160, the assembly of generally spherical shape. This configuration allows the suction assembly 1 to more easily dodge obstacles encountered.
• the first and second main wheels 23, 24 are of the omnidirectional type.
• This type of wheel allows the suction assembly 1 to move laterally L by rolling to better dodge an obstacle 30 coming into contact with a protective structure 32, which will be described in more detail below, and/or one of the first and second outer hub surfaces 28a, 29a of the first and second fixed wheel hubs 28, 29 (see Figures 7a to 7b).
• This type of wheels is also known as holonomic wheels.
• the first main wheel 23 comprises a plurality of first rotating rollers 23b distributed over the periphery of the first main wheel 23 and forming the first tread 25 of the first main wheel 23
• the second main wheel 24 comprises a plurality of second rotating rollers 24b distributed over the periphery of the second main wheel 24 and forming the second tread 26 of the second main wheel 24.
• the first rotating rollers 23b of the first main wheel 23 can rotate freely and have axes of rotation not parallel to the axis of rotation A23 of the first main wheel 23, and the second rotating rollers 24b of the second main wheel 24 can rotate freely and have axes of rotation not parallel to the axis of rotation A24 of the second main wheel 24.
• the axes of rotation of the first and second rotating rollers 23b, 24b are respectively perpendicular to the axes of rotation A23, A24 of the first and second main wheels 23 , 24.
• the suction assembly 1 further comprises a protective structure 32 which is configured to protect the first and second main wheels 23, 24 and to protect the waste separation and collection device 8, and more particularly the waste collection bowl 10 and lid 16.
• the protective structure 32 is arranged outside the vacuum cleaner housing 3 of the main body 2.
• the protective structure 32 extends radially away from the outer surface of the housing 4, from the outer surface of the bowl 150, and the outer cover surface 160.
• the protective structure 32 extends partially around and away from the generally spherical shape.
• the protective structure 32 is connected to the main body 2 by connecting arms 33.
• the connecting arms 33 could be replaced by any other means making it possible to connect the protective structure 32 to the main body 2, and in particular to the vacuum cleaner housing 3. This connection could be made by connecting walls or by intermediate connecting pieces.
• the protective structure 32 can be attached to the main body 2, and for example to the vacuum cleaner housing 3, or can be at least partly manufactured, for example by injection under pressure of plastic material, to at least one part of the vacuum cleaner box 3.
• the protective structure 32 covers a portion of each of the first and second treads 25, 26 of the first and second wheels main 23, 24, and more particularly several of the first rotating rollers 23b and several of the second rotating rollers 24b.
• the protective structure 32 covers an angular sector S1 of each of the first and second treads 25, 26 which is greater than 90° and advantageously between 90° and 130°. In the example of Figure 2, the angular sector S1 covered is approximately 115°.
• the protective structure 32 therefore makes it possible to protect the first and second main wheels 23, 24 from some of the shocks that they could suffer when the suction assembly 1, moving on a floor to be cleaned, encounters obstacles.
• the protective structure 32 thus makes it possible to increase the service life of the first and second main wheels 23, 24.
• the protective structure 32 forms a handle assembly which can be grasped by the user.
• the protective structure 32 therefore takes the form of a user-graspable handle assembly for lifting and moving the suction assembly 1 .
• the protective structure 32 makes it possible both to protect all or part of the first and second main wheels 23, 24 and of the waste separation and collection device 8 and to provide at least one handle surface for the user. .
• the handle assembly consists of a single "U" shaped handle.
• the handle assembly could consist of a single handle of substantially annular shape or in the shape of an open ring.
• the protective structure 32 defines a passage opening 34 which is large enough to allow the waste collection bowl 10 to be removed through the passage opening 34.
• the waste collection bowl 10 can be easily grasped and removed from the vacuum cleaner housing 3 by the user through the passage opening 34 delimited by the protective structure 32.
• the structure of protection 32 comprises first and second side protection parts
• the first and second lateral protective parts 35, 36 extend from the rear protective part 37 and towards the front of the vacuum cleaner housing 3, and for example substantially as far as the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner. suction 5.
• the rear protective part 37 advantageously extends above a rear part of the vacuum cleaner housing 3, and for example at least partly at the rear of the waste separation and collection device 8 .
• the first and second lateral protection parts 35, 36 are arranged symmetrically on either side of the median vertical longitudinal plane of the suction assembly 1, and the first and second lateral protective parts 35, 36 extend respectively in front of and above the first and second main wheels 23, 24.
• the first and second lateral protective parts 35, 36 can for example converge towards the front of the casing of vacuum cleaner 3.
• the first and second lateral protection parts 35, 36 respectively cover the top of the first and second main wheels 23, 24 and extend towards the front of the vacuum cleaner housing 3 to respectively cover at least partly the front of the first and second main wheels 23, 24.
• the first and second lateral protective parts 35, 36 respectively comprise a first outer protective surface 351 and a second outer protective surface 361 which extend in front and above first and second main wheels 23, 24.
• the first and second outer protective surfaces 351, 361 extend in the direction of the first and second axes of rotation A23, A24 of the first and second main wheels 23, 24 and are inclined such that, extending in the direction of the first and second axes of rotation A23, A24, the first and second outer protective surfaces 351, 361 gradually move away from each other.
• the first and second outer protective surfaces 351, 361 make it easier to dodge an obstacle.
• the first and second outer protective surfaces 351, 361 allow the suction assembly 1 to emerge more easily from an obstacle and prevent the suction assembly 1 from remaining blocked behind this obstacle.
• the first and second lateral protection parts 35, 36 respectively comprise a first interior protection surface 352 and a second interior protection surface 362 which are concave and which melt respectively facing directly to the first and second treads 25, 26.
• Each of the first and second inner protective surfaces 352, 362 are curved around a portion of the respective one of the first and second treads 25, 26.
• Such configuration of the first and second inner protective surfaces 352, 362 makes it possible to better follow the circular shape of the first and second main wheels 23, 24, and in particular of the first and second treads 25, 26, to better protect the portions of the first and second main wheels 23, 24 covered by the first and second inner protective surfaces 352, 362.
• each of the first and second inner protective surfaces 352, 362 extends close to the respective main wheel such that the radial distance D between the tread respective and said inner protective surface, measured in a radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation of the respective main wheel, is less than 5 cm, preferably less than 2 cm.
• This proximity between the tread of a main wheel and the respective inner protective surface makes it possible to better protect the portion of tread covered by said inner protective surface.
• Figures 7a to 7d illustrate, in four steps, dodging a frontal obstacle, such as a table leg presenting frontally to the suction assembly 1 .
• a frontal obstacle is an obstacle coming to meet and contact the suction assembly 1 when the suction assembly 1 moves forward AV.
• the suction assembly 1 continues its forward movement AV and comes into contact with the obstacle 30. More specifically, the first outer protective surface 351 of the structure protection 32 comes into contact with the obstacle 30 by interposing itself between the obstacle 30 and the first main wheel 23 thus preventing the obstacle 30 from hitting the front of the first main wheel 23 and also the separation device and waste collection 8.
• the suction assembly 1 continues its forward movement AV, the first outer protective surface 351 slides over the obstacle 30. Thanks to the inclination of the first outer protective surface 351, at the same time as the suction assembly 1 moves forward AV, the suction assembly 1 moves laterally L.
• the assembly suction unit 1 continues to move forwards AV, the first outer protective surface 351 is clear of the obstacle 30.
• the suction assembly 1 continues to slide over the obstacle 30 by contact between the obstacle 30 and the first outer hub surface 28a of the first fixed wheel hub 28.
• the first outer hub surface 28a of the first fixed wheel hub 28 is located in top view of the suction assembly 1 substantially in the extension of the first outer protective surface 351 .
• the relative sliding of the obstacle 30 on the first outer surface of the hub 28a has the effect, on the one hand, of continuing to move the suction assembly 1 laterally as it moves forward AV and, on the other hand, of moving the obstacle 30 away from the first main wheel 23 and of the waste separation and collection device 8 to prevent the obstacle 30 from colliding with the first main wheel 23, in particular a rear part of the first main wheel 23, and the separation and collection device waste collection.
• Obstacle dodging according to the four steps above is obtained by a combined effect of the protective structure 32 and the first and second outer hub surfaces 28a, 29a of the first and second fixed wheel hubs 28, 29 in the form of spherical caps.
• first and second main wheels 23, 24 could respectively have a first outer wheel surface and a second outer wheel surface which are each in the form of a spherical cap and which contribute to form the assembly of generally spherical shape.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Filters For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)
• Hooks, Suction Cups, And Attachment By Adhesive Means (AREA)
• Electric Suction Cleaners (AREA)

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Citations (4)

• 2021
  • 2021-02-05 FR FR2101098A patent/FR3119529B1/fr active Active
• 2022
  • 2022-02-03 WO PCT/FR2022/050208 patent/WO2022167760A1/fr active Application Filing
  • 2022-02-03 EP EP22155059.3A patent/EP4039146A1/de active Pending
  • 2022-02-03 CN CN202280013398.5A patent/CN116916800A/zh active Pending

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