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EP4176787B1 - Pivotable suction head - Google Patents

Pivotable suction head Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4176787B1
EP4176787B1 EP22205580.8A EP22205580A EP4176787B1 EP 4176787 B1 EP4176787 B1 EP 4176787B1 EP 22205580 A EP22205580 A EP 22205580A EP 4176787 B1 EP4176787 B1 EP 4176787B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
suction
head
head body
connecting member
suction tube
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP22205580.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP4176787A1 (en
EP4176787C0 (en
Inventor
Valentin JAVELLE
Mathias GANEM
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
SEB SA
Original Assignee
SEB SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by SEB SA filed Critical SEB SA
Publication of EP4176787A1 publication Critical patent/EP4176787A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP4176787B1 publication Critical patent/EP4176787B1/en
Publication of EP4176787C0 publication Critical patent/EP4176787C0/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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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
    • 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
    • A47L9/02—Nozzles
    • A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
    • A47L9/0461—Dust-loosening tools, e.g. agitators, brushes
    • A47L9/0466—Rotating tools
    • A47L9/0477—Rolls
    • 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
    • A47L9/02—Nozzles
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • A47L9/02—Nozzles
    • A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
    • A47L9/0405—Driving means for the brushes or agitators
    • A47L9/0411—Driving means for the brushes or agitators driven by electric motor
    • 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
    • A47L9/02—Nozzles
    • A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
    • A47L9/0427—Gearing or transmission means therefor
    • A47L9/0433—Toothed gearings
    • 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
    • A47L9/02—Nozzles
    • A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
    • A47L9/0494—Height adjustment of dust-loosening tools
    • 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
    • A47L9/24—Hoses or pipes; Hose or pipe couplings
    • A47L9/242—Hose or pipe couplings
    • A47L9/244—Hose or pipe couplings for telescopic or extensible hoses or pipes
    • 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
    • A47L9/24—Hoses or pipes; Hose or pipe couplings
    • A47L9/248—Parts, details or accessories of hoses or pipes
    • 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
    • A47L2201/00—Robotic cleaning machines, i.e. with automatic control of the travelling movement or the cleaning operation

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaners equipped with a suction head making it possible to suck up dust and waste present on a surface to be cleaned, and more particularly to the field of robot vacuum cleaners capable of moving autonomously on a surface to be cleaned. to clean.
  • Vacuum cleaners equipped with a suction head are well known on the market, these making it possible to clean surfaces by suction for the evacuation of dust and small particle size waste resting on them.
  • the surface to be vacuumed can, for example, be tiles, parquet, laminate, carpet or a rug.
  • a user When a user wishes to clean, for example, a surface having a width less than that of the suction head, the user places a lateral edge of the head body in contact with a vertical wall delimiting the surface to be cleaned and then moves the head body forward so as to induce a pivoting of the head body to the left or to the right at a pivot angle of approximately 90°, and this against the restoring force exerted on the head body by one of the aforementioned elastic elements. Then, the user proceeds to clean the aforementioned surface by holding the front edge of the head body against the aforementioned vertical wall, so as to prevent the elastic elements from stressing the head body in the predetermined configuration.
  • suction head described in the document US6532622 allows you to reach (by pivoting the head body to the left or to the right at a pivot angle equal to 90°) areas which are narrow and generally inaccessible with a standard suction head, the use of a such a suction head turns out to be complex and difficult.
  • the configuration of the suction head described in the document US6532622 is difficult to transfer to a suction head for a robot vacuum cleaner.
  • the present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.
  • the technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular of providing a suction head which is simple and economical in structure, while allowing easy cleaning of narrow areas.
  • the head body is configured to occupy, relative to the connecting member, at least one main operating position in which, when the connecting member is mechanically connected to the suction tube and the pivot axis is extends vertically, the head body has a lateral bulk, measured in a measurement direction which is horizontal and perpendicular to the suction tube, having a first bulk value, and a pivoting position in which, when the member connection is mechanically connected to the suction tube and the pivot axis extends vertically, the head body has a lateral bulk, measured in the direction of measurement, having a second bulk value which is less than the first size value.
  • the suction head further comprises a motorized drive mechanism comprising a drive motor configured to pivot the head body relative to the connecting member and around the pivot axis, the suction mechanism a motorized drive being configured to move the head body at least between the main operating position and the pivot position.
  • a motorized drive mechanism comprising a drive motor configured to pivot the head body relative to the connecting member and around the pivot axis, the suction mechanism a motorized drive being configured to move the head body at least between the main operating position and the pivot position.
  • Such a configuration of the suction head makes it possible to easily control a pivoting of the head body in the pivoting position (for example via the actuation by a user of a control button provided on a gripping handle of the vacuum cleaner when the suction head according to the present invention equips a sled vacuum cleaner, or via the emission of a control signal by a control unit of the vacuum cleaner when the suction head according to the present invention equips a robot vacuum cleaner), and therefore to carry out cleaning easy access to a narrow area.
  • the suction head may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.
  • the head body is configured such that, when the head body occupies the main operating position and the connecting member is mechanically connected to the suction tube, the body head extends substantially perpendicular to the suction tube, and such that, when the head body occupies the pivoting position and the connecting member is mechanically connected to the suction tube, the head body s extends substantially parallel to the suction tube.
  • the drive motor is arranged in the head body.
  • Such an arrangement of the drive motor makes it possible to avoid positioning the latter in the suction tube, and therefore to limit the bulk of the suction tube and to simplify the manufacture of the latter.
  • the motorized drive mechanism comprises a movement transmission mechanism which is mechanically coupled to an output shaft of the drive motor and to the connecting member, the movement transmission mechanism movement being disposed at least partly in the head body and being configured to transmit a rotational movement of the output shaft of the drive motor to the connecting member.
  • the connecting member comprises a toothed sector which is mechanically coupled to the movement transmission mechanism.
  • the toothed sector is centered on the pivot axis.
  • the movement transmission mechanism comprises a gear device or a gear train mechanically coupled to the output shaft of the drive motor and to the toothed sector.
  • the toothed sector extends substantially horizontally when the head body rests on a horizontal surface.
  • the head body is elongated and extends generally in a main direction of extension.
  • the head body has a generally rectangular shape.
  • the motorized drive mechanism is configured to pivot the head body, around the pivot axis and from the main operating position, at an equal maximum pivot angle at approximately 90°, such that the pivot position of the head body corresponds to a maximum pivot position of the head body from the main operating position.
  • the motorized drive mechanism is configured to pivot the head body, around the pivot axis and from the main operating position, in a first direction of pivot and according to a first maximum pivot angle equal to approximately 90°, and in a second pivot direction, opposite to the first pivot direction, and according to a second maximum pivot angle equal to approximately 90°.
  • the head body is configured to extend at least partly below the suction tube when the connecting member is mechanically connected to the suction tube and the body of head occupies the pivoting position.
  • Such head configuration suction allows to limit the lateral bulk of the suction head occupies the main operating position, and therefore to ensure easy access to relatively narrow areas to be cleaned.
  • the connecting member comprises a mounting part mounted articulated on the head body via a pivot connection defining the pivot axis, and a connecting part which is configured to be mechanically and fluidly connected to the suction tube.
  • the mounting part is generally cylindrical. According to one embodiment of the invention, the mounting part has a central axis which coincides with the pivot axis and which is configured to extend substantially vertically when the head body rests on a horizontal surface.
  • the connecting part is tubular and has a central longitudinal axis.
  • the central longitudinal axis of the connecting part is configured to be substantially coincident with a central longitudinal axis of the suction tube when the connecting member is mechanically connected to the suction tube.
  • the central longitudinal axis of the connecting part is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the head body rests on a horizontal surface.
  • the connecting member comprises a suction passage comprising a first end fluidly connected to the suction opening and a second end configured to be fluidly connected to the suction tube.
  • the head body comprises a cylindrical housing in which the mounting part is hingedly mounted, the cylindrical housing being fluidly connected to the suction opening.
  • the cylindrical housing comprises an internal peripheral wall configured to cooperate with an external peripheral wall of the mounting part.
  • the suction head comprises a rotating cleaning brush mounted to move in rotation in the head body around a brush rotation axis.
  • the axis of brush rotation is substantially horizontal when the head body rests on a horizontal surface.
  • the axis of brush rotation is substantially parallel to the main extension direction of the head body.
  • the drive motor is located at the front of the rotating cleaning brush. Such an arrangement of the drive motor makes it possible to better distribute the masses of the different components located in the suction head.
  • the output shaft of the drive motor is substantially parallel to the axis of brush rotation.
  • the suction head comprises a brush drive mechanism comprising an electric motor which is disposed in the head body and which is configured to rotate the rotating cleaning brush around the brush rotation axis.
  • the electric motor and the drive motor are arranged on either side of a median vertical plane of the head body. Such an arrangement of the electric motor and the drive motor makes it possible to better distribute the masses of the different components located in the suction head.
  • the pivot axis extends in the median vertical plane of the head body.
  • the electric motor and the drive motor are substantially aligned. Such an arrangement of the electric motor and the drive motor also makes it possible to better distribute the masses of the different components located in the suction head.
  • the suction opening is elongated and extends substantially parallel to the main extension direction of the head body.
  • the connecting member is integral with the distal end portion of the suction tube.
  • the suction head is mounted movable relative to the main body between an deployed configuration in which the suction head is distant from the main body, and a retracted configuration in which the head of suction is brought closer to the main body.
  • the vacuum cleaner includes a head drive mechanism configured to move the vacuum head between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration.
  • the suction tube is configured to occupy a first tube configuration in which the distal end portion of the suction tube extends beyond the main body, and advantageously at -beyond a front portion of the main body, a first deployment distance, and a second tube configuration in which the distal end portion of the suction tube extends beyond the main body, and advantageously beyond the front part of the main body, a second deployment distance greater than the first deployment distance.
  • the suction tube is telescopic.
  • the vacuum cleaner is configured such that a change in configuration of the suction tube from the second tube configuration to the first tube configuration results in a movement of the suction head from the deployed configuration to the retracted configuration, and such that a change in configuration of the suction tube from the first tube configuration to the second tube configuration results in a movement of the suction head from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration.
  • the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “lower”, “upper”, “below” used to describe the vacuum cleaner or the suction head refer to the vacuum cleaner and/or to the suction head in use when they rest on a floor to be cleaned which is flat and horizontal.
  • THE figures 1 to 9 represent a robot vacuum cleaner 2 configured to move autonomously over a surface to be cleaned.
  • the robot vacuum cleaner 2 comprises in particular a main body 3 and movement means 4 configured to move the main body 3 on the surface to be cleaned and in a main movement direction D.
  • the robot vacuum cleaner 2 object of the present invention is designed, like the majority of robot vacuum cleaners, to effectively clean floors when it moves in a direction of movement parallel to the longitudinal axis of the robot vacuum cleaner 2 and in a predetermined direction of movement.
  • the direction of movement parallel to the longitudinal axis of the robot vacuum cleaner and the predetermined direction of movement define the main direction of movement D of the robot vacuum cleaner 2 which is the subject of the present invention.
  • the terms "front” and "rear" in this document are identified with respect to the main direction of movement D of the robot vacuum cleaner 2.
  • the movement means 4 include in particular two movement tracks.
  • the movement means 4 could for example comprise one or more pair(s) of driving wheels.
  • the robot vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a suction head 5 comprising a head body 6 provided with a lower face 7 which is configured to be oriented towards the surface to be cleaned and advantageously placed at the front of the robot vacuum cleaner , and a suction opening 8 opening into the lower face 7 of the head body 6.
  • the head body 6 has a generally rectangular shape and extends generally in a main direction of extension.
  • the suction opening 8 is elongated and extends substantially parallel to the main extension direction of the head body 6.
  • the suction head 5 further comprises a connecting member 9 which is fixed to the head body 6 and which defines a suction passage 11 comprising a first end which is fluidly connected to the suction opening 8 and a second end which is opposite to the first end.
  • the suction head 5 may optionally further comprise a rotating cleaning brush 12 mounted to rotate in the head body 6 around a brush rotation axis A1 which extends substantially parallel to the main extension direction. of the head body 6 and which is substantially horizontal when the head body 6 rests on a horizontal surface.
  • a rotating cleaning brush 12 mounted to rotate in the head body 6 around a brush rotation axis A1 which extends substantially parallel to the main extension direction. of the head body 6 and which is substantially horizontal when the head body 6 rests on a horizontal surface.
  • the suction head 5 comprises a brush drive mechanism 13 comprising an electric motor 14 which is disposed in the head body 6 and which is configured to rotate the rotating cleaning brush 12 around the axis of brush rotation A1.
  • the robot vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a suction tube 15 comprising a distal end portion 15.1 which is fixed to the connecting member 9 and which is fluidly connected to the suction opening 8 via the passage of suction 11, and a proximal end portion which is fixed, directly or indirectly, to the main body 3.
  • the suction tube 15 has a rectangular or cylindrical cross section, and has a central longitudinal axis.
  • the suction head 5 is pivotally mounted relative to the suction tube 15 around a pivot axis A2 which extends substantially vertically when the suction head 5 rests on a horizontal surface.
  • the connecting member 9 comprises a mounting part 9.1 mounted articulated on the head body 6 via a pivot connection defining the aforementioned pivot axis A2, and a connecting part 9.2 to which the distal end portion 15.1 of the suction tube 15 is mechanically and fluidically connected.
  • the pivot connection is located in a rear part of the head body 6, and the pivot axis A2 extends in the median vertical plane P of the head body 6.
  • the mounting part 9.1 is generally cylindrical, and has a central axis which is configured to extend substantially vertically when the head body 6 rests on a horizontal surface.
  • the mounting part 9.1 is hingedly mounted in a cylindrical housing 16 which is provided on the head body 6 and which is fluidly connected to the suction opening 8.
  • the cylindrical housing 16 has an internal peripheral wall configured to cooperate with an external peripheral wall of the mounting part 9.1.
  • the connecting part 9.2 is tubular and extends radially relative to the mounting part 9.1.
  • the connecting part 9.2 has a central longitudinal axis which is configured to be substantially coincident with the central longitudinal axis of the suction tube 15 when the connecting part 9.2 is mechanically connected to the suction tube 15.
  • the The central longitudinal axis of the connecting part 9.2 is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the head body 6 rests on a horizontal surface.
  • the connecting part 9.2 can be mechanically connected to the suction tube via a connecting part.
  • the connecting part 9.2 can be directly mechanically connected to the suction tube 15, via a male or female connection end provided on the connecting part 9.2 and a female or male connection end provided on the distal end portion 15.1 of the suction tube 15.
  • the connecting part 9.2 could also be fixed to the suction tube 15 by any other suitable fixing means.
  • the suction head 5 further comprises a motorized drive mechanism 17 comprising a drive motor 18 which is disposed in the head body 6 and which is configured to pivot the head body 6 relative to the member connection 9, and therefore relative to the suction tube 15, and around the pivot axis A2.
  • a motorized drive mechanism 17 comprising a drive motor 18 which is disposed in the head body 6 and which is configured to pivot the head body 6 relative to the member connection 9, and therefore relative to the suction tube 15, and around the pivot axis A2.
  • the electric motor 14 and the drive motor 18 are aligned, and are arranged on either side of the median vertical plane P of the head body 6.
  • the shafts of output of the electric motor 14 and the drive motor 18 could be offset according to the main direction of movement D.
  • the drive motor 18 is located in the front of the rotating cleaning brush 12, and the output shaft of the drive motor 18 is parallel to the brush rotation axis A1.
  • the drive motor 18 could be located at the rear of the rotating cleaning brush 12.
  • the motorized drive mechanism 17 also includes a motion transmission mechanism 19 which is mechanically coupled to the output shaft of the drive motor 18 and to the connecting member 9, and which is therefore configured to transmit a rotational movement of the output shaft of the drive motor 18 to the connecting member 9.
  • the movement transmission mechanism 19 is arranged at least partly in the head body 6.
  • the movement transmission mechanism 19 comprises a gear train 21 which is mechanically coupled to the output shaft of the drive motor 18 and to a toothed sector 22 provided on the connecting member 9 and centered on the pivot axis A2.
  • the toothed sector 22 extends substantially horizontally when the head body 6 rests on a horizontal surface.
  • the head body 5 is configured such that, when the head body 5 occupies the main operating position and the pivot axis A2 extends vertically, the head body 5 presents a lateral bulk, measured in a measurement direction which is horizontal and perpendicular to the tube. suction 15, having a first size value, and such that, when the head body 5 occupies the first pivoting position or the second pivoting position and the pivot axis A2 extends vertically, the body head 5 has a lateral bulk, measured in the direction of measurement, having a second bulk value which is less than the first bulk value.
  • the motorized drive mechanism 17 is configured to move the head body 6 between the main operating position and the first pivot position, and between the main operating position and the second pivot position.
  • the motorized drive mechanism 17 is more particularly configured to pivot the head body 6, around the pivot axis A2 and from the main operating position, in the first direction of pivot and according to a first angle of maximum pivoting equal to 90°, and to pivot the head body 6, around the pivoting axis A2 and from the main operating position, in the second pivoting direction and at a second equal maximum pivoting angle at 90°.
  • the first pivoting position of the head body 6 corresponds to a first position of maximum pivoting of the head body 6 from the main operating position and in the first direction of pivoting
  • the second position of pivoting of the head body 6 corresponds to a second position of maximum pivoting of the head body 6 from the main operating position and in the second direction of pivoting
  • the head body 6 is configured to extend at least partly below the suction tube 15 and the connecting part 9.2 when the connecting member 9 is mechanically connected to the suction tube 15 and the head body 6 occupies the first pivot position or the second pivot position.
  • the rotating cleaning brush 12 is configured to extend at least partly below the suction tube 15 and the connecting part 9.2 when the connecting member 9 is mechanically connected to the suction tube 15 and the head body 6 occupies the first pivot position or the second pivot position.
  • the robot vacuum cleaner 2 also has a suction unit 23 comprising a suction motor and a fan which is coupled to the suction motor and which is configured to generate an air flow through the suction opening 8 and the suction tube 15.
  • the robot vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a waste collection device 24 located upstream of the suction unit 23, and configured to be crossed by the air flow generated by the fan.
  • the robot vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a power battery (not visible in the figures) configured to electrically power the robot vacuum cleaner 2, and a control unit (not visible in the figures) configured to control the operation of the robot vacuum cleaner 2.
  • the power battery is rechargeable and is housed in the main body 3.
  • the suction head 5 is mounted movable relative to the main body 3 between an deployed configuration in which the suction head 5 is remote from the main body 3 and is configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned, and a configuration retracted in which the suction head 5 is brought closer to the main body 3 and is configured to be located at a distance from the surface to be cleaned.
  • THE suction tube 15 is telescopic, and is configured to occupy a first tube configuration in which the distal end portion of the suction tube 15 15 extends beyond a front portion of the main body 3 d 'a first deployment distance, and a second tube configuration in which the distal end portion of 15.1 of the suction tube 15 extends beyond the front portion of the main body 3 by a second deployment distance greater than the first deployment distance.
  • the robot vacuum cleaner 2 is more particularly configured such that a change in configuration of the suction tube 15 from the first tube configuration to the second tube configuration results in a movement of the suction head 5 from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration, and such that a change in configuration of the suction tube 15 from the second tube configuration to the first tube configuration results in a movement of the suction head 5 from the deployed configuration to the deployed configuration retracted.
  • the robot vacuum cleaner 2 also includes a head movement mechanism 25 configured to move the cleaning head 5 between the deployed position and the retracted position, and for example to move the suction tube 15 between the first and second tube configurations.
  • a head moving mechanism 25 can be implemented in many different ways, and is not part of the subject matter of the present invention. Thus, the head movement mechanism 25 is not described in detail in this document.
  • FIG. 10 represents a robot vacuum cleaner 2 according to a second embodiment of the invention which differs from the embodiment shown on the figures 1 to 9 essentially in that the toothed sector 22 is located above the rotating cleaning brush 12, and in that the gear train 21 of the movement transmission mechanism 19 comprises in particular a toothed wheel which has a horizontal axis of rotation and which extends in an extension plane located between the drive motor 18 and the cleaning brush rotary 12.
  • FIG. 11 represents a robot vacuum cleaner 2 according to a third embodiment of the invention which differs from the embodiment shown on the figures 1 to 9 essentially in that the suction head 5 does not have a rotating cleaning brush.
  • THE figures 12 And 13 represent a robot vacuum cleaner 2 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention which differs from the embodiment shown on the Figure 10 essentially in that the drive motor 18 and the electric motor 14 are located at the rear of the rotating cleaning brush 12, and in that the connecting member 9 is integral with the distal end portion 15.1 of the suction tube 15.
  • the connecting member 9 and the suction tube 15 are made in a single piece.
  • the suction tube 15 could be flexible (and not telescopic), and the robot vacuum cleaner 2 could include a winding drum around which is intended to be rolled up at least partly the suction tube 15.
  • the suction tube 15 could, rather than being telescopic, be deformable like an accordion along the central longitudinal axis of the suction tube 15.
  • the flexible or accordion-deformable suction tube 15 can be guided in translation in a longitudinal direction for example using sliding guides extending longitudinally, such as for example slides or telescopic arms.
  • the vacuum cleaner could be a sled vacuum cleaner.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)

Description

Domaine techniqueTechnical area

La présente invention concerne le domaine des aspirateurs équipés d'une tête d'aspiration permettant d'aspirer des poussières et des déchets présents sur une surface à nettoyer, et plus particulièrement au domaine des aspirateurs robots pouvant se déplacer de manière autonome sur une surface à nettoyer.The present invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaners equipped with a suction head making it possible to suck up dust and waste present on a surface to be cleaned, and more particularly to the field of robot vacuum cleaners capable of moving autonomously on a surface to be cleaned. to clean.

Etat de la techniqueState of the art

Les aspirateurs équipés d'une tête d'aspiration sont bien connus sur le marché, ceux-ci permettant de nettoyer des surfaces par aspiration pour l'évacuation des poussières et des déchets de faible granulométrie reposant sur celles-ci. La surface à aspirer peut par exemple être du carrelage, du parquet, du stratifié, de la moquette ou un tapis.Vacuum cleaners equipped with a suction head are well known on the market, these making it possible to clean surfaces by suction for the evacuation of dust and small particle size waste resting on them. The surface to be vacuumed can, for example, be tiles, parquet, laminate, carpet or a rug.

Le document US6532622 divulgue une tête d'aspiration comportant :

  • un corps de tête pourvu d'une face inférieure qui est configurée pour être orientée vers une surface à nettoyer, et d'une ouverture d'aspiration débouchant dans la face inférieure du corps de tête,
  • un organe de liaison qui est relié fluidiquement à l'ouverture d'aspiration et qui est configuré pour être relié mécaniquement et fluidiquement à une portion d'extrémité distale d'un tube d'aspiration d'un aspirateur, le corps de tête étant monté pivotant par rapport à l'organe de liaison autour d'un axe de pivotement qui s'étend sensiblement verticalement lorsque le corps de tête repose sur une surface horizontale, et
  • une paire d'éléments élastiques qui sont configurés pour solliciter élastiquement le corps de tête et l'organe de liaison dans une configuration prédéterminée dans laquelle le corps de tête s'étend perpendiculairement au tube d'aspiration lorsque l'organe de liaison est relié mécaniquement à la portion d'extrémité distale du tube d'aspiration.
The document US6532622 discloses a suction head comprising:
  • a head body provided with a lower face which is configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned, and with a suction opening opening into the lower face of the head body,
  • a connecting member which is fluidly connected to the suction opening and which is configured to be mechanically and fluidly connected to a distal end portion of a suction tube of a vacuum cleaner, the head body being mounted pivoting relative to the connecting member around a pivot axis which extends substantially vertically when the head body rests on a horizontal surface, and
  • a pair of elastic elements which are configured to elastically bias the head body and the connecting member in a configuration predetermined in which the head body extends perpendicular to the suction tube when the connecting member is mechanically connected to the distal end portion of the suction tube.

Lorsqu'un utilisateur souhaite procéder par exemple au nettoyage d'une surface présentant une largeur inférieure à celle de la tête d'aspiration, l'utilisateur met en contact un bord latéral du corps de tête contre une paroi verticale délimitant la surface à nettoyer et déplace ensuite le corps de tête vers l'avant de manière à induire un pivotement du corps de tête vers la gauche ou vers la droite selon angle de pivotement d'environ 90°, et ce à l'encontre de la force de rappel exercée sur le corps de tête par l'un des éléments élastiques précités. Puis, l'utilisateur procède au nettoyage de la surface précitée en maintenant le bord avant du corps de tête contre la paroi verticale précitée, de manière à éviter que les éléments élastiques ne sollicitent le corps de tête dans la configuration prédéterminée.When a user wishes to clean, for example, a surface having a width less than that of the suction head, the user places a lateral edge of the head body in contact with a vertical wall delimiting the surface to be cleaned and then moves the head body forward so as to induce a pivoting of the head body to the left or to the right at a pivot angle of approximately 90°, and this against the restoring force exerted on the head body by one of the aforementioned elastic elements. Then, the user proceeds to clean the aforementioned surface by holding the front edge of the head body against the aforementioned vertical wall, so as to prevent the elastic elements from stressing the head body in the predetermined configuration.

Bien que la tête d'aspiration décrite dans le document US6532622 permette d'atteindre (en pivotant le corps de tête vers la gauche ou vers la droite selon un angle de pivotement égal à 90°) des zones qui sont étroites et généralement inaccessibles avec une tête d'aspiration standard, l'utilisation d'une telle tête d'aspiration s'avère complexe et malaisée. De plus, la configuration de la tête d'aspiration décrite dans le document US6532622 est difficilement transposable à une tête d'aspiration pour aspirateur robot.Although the suction head described in the document US6532622 allows you to reach (by pivoting the head body to the left or to the right at a pivot angle equal to 90°) areas which are narrow and generally inaccessible with a standard suction head, the use of a such a suction head turns out to be complex and difficult. In addition, the configuration of the suction head described in the document US6532622 is difficult to transfer to a suction head for a robot vacuum cleaner.

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

La présente invention vise à remédier à ces inconvénients.The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.

Le problème technique à la base de l'invention consiste notamment à fournir une tête d'aspiration qui soit de structure simple et économique, tout en permettant de procéder à un nettoyage aisé de zones étroites.The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular of providing a suction head which is simple and economical in structure, while allowing easy cleaning of narrow areas.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet une tête d'aspiration comprenant :

  • un corps de tête pourvu d'une face inférieure qui est configurée pour être orientée vers une surface à nettoyer, et d'une ouverture d'aspiration débouchant dans la face inférieure du corps de tête, et
  • un organe de liaison qui est relié fluidiquement à l'ouverture d'aspiration et qui est configuré pour être relié mécaniquement et fluidiquement à une portion d'extrémité distale d'un tube d'aspiration d'un aspirateur, tel qu'un aspirateur robot, le corps de tête étant monté pivotant par rapport à l'organe de liaison autour d'un axe de pivotement qui s'étend sensiblement verticalement lorsque le corps de tête repose sur une surface horizontale.
For this purpose, the invention relates to a suction head comprising:
  • a head body provided with a lower face which is configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned, and a suction opening opening into the underside of the head body, and
  • a connecting member which is fluidly connected to the suction opening and which is configured to be mechanically and fluidly connected to a distal end portion of a suction tube of a vacuum cleaner, such as a robot vacuum cleaner , the head body being pivotally mounted relative to the connecting member around a pivot axis which extends substantially vertically when the head body rests on a horizontal surface.

Le corps de tête est configuré pour occuper, par rapport à l'organe de liaison, au moins une position de fonctionnement principale dans laquelle, lorsque l'organe de liaison est relié mécaniquement au tube d'aspiration et que l'axe de pivotement s'étend verticalement, le corps de tête présente un encombrement latéral, mesuré selon une direction de mesure qui est horizontale et perpendiculaire au tube d'aspiration, ayant une première valeur d'encombrement, et une position de pivotement dans laquelle, lorsque l'organe de liaison est relié mécaniquement au tube d'aspiration et que l'axe de pivotement s'étend verticalement, le corps de tête présente un encombrement latéral, mesuré selon la direction de mesure, ayant une deuxième valeur d'encombrement qui est inférieure à la première valeur d'encombrement.The head body is configured to occupy, relative to the connecting member, at least one main operating position in which, when the connecting member is mechanically connected to the suction tube and the pivot axis is extends vertically, the head body has a lateral bulk, measured in a measurement direction which is horizontal and perpendicular to the suction tube, having a first bulk value, and a pivoting position in which, when the member connection is mechanically connected to the suction tube and the pivot axis extends vertically, the head body has a lateral bulk, measured in the direction of measurement, having a second bulk value which is less than the first size value.

La tête d'aspiration comporte en outre un mécanisme d'entraînement motorisé comportant un moteur d'entraînement configuré pour entraîner en pivotement le corps de tête par rapport à l'organe de liaison et autour de l'axe de pivotement, le mécanisme d'entraînement motorisé étant configuré pour déplacer le corps de tête au moins entre la position de fonctionnement principale et la position de pivotement.The suction head further comprises a motorized drive mechanism comprising a drive motor configured to pivot the head body relative to the connecting member and around the pivot axis, the suction mechanism a motorized drive being configured to move the head body at least between the main operating position and the pivot position.

Une telle configuration de la tête d'aspiration permet de commander aisément un pivotement du corps de tête dans la position de pivotement (par exemple via l'actionnement par un utilisateur d'un bouton de commande prévu sur une poignée de préhension de l'aspirateur lorsque la tête d'aspiration selon la présente invention équipe un aspirateur traineau, ou via l'émission d'un signal de commande par une unité de commande de l'aspirateur lorsque la tête d'aspiration selon la présente invention équipe un aspirateur robot), et donc de réaliser un nettoyage aisé d'une zone étroite.Such a configuration of the suction head makes it possible to easily control a pivoting of the head body in the pivoting position (for example via the actuation by a user of a control button provided on a gripping handle of the vacuum cleaner when the suction head according to the present invention equips a sled vacuum cleaner, or via the emission of a control signal by a control unit of the vacuum cleaner when the suction head according to the present invention equips a robot vacuum cleaner), and therefore to carry out cleaning easy access to a narrow area.

La tête d'aspiration peut en outre présenter une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes, prises seules ou en combinaison.The suction head may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le corps de tête est configuré de telle sorte que, lorsque le corps de tête occupe la position de fonctionnement principale et que l'organe de liaison est relié mécaniquement au tube d'aspiration, le corps de tête s'étend sensiblement perpendiculairement au tube d'aspiration, et de telle sorte que, lorsque le corps de tête occupe la position de pivotement et que l'organe de liaison est relié mécaniquement au tube d'aspiration, le corps de tête s'étend sensiblement parallèlement au tube d'aspiration.According to one embodiment of the invention, the head body is configured such that, when the head body occupies the main operating position and the connecting member is mechanically connected to the suction tube, the body head extends substantially perpendicular to the suction tube, and such that, when the head body occupies the pivoting position and the connecting member is mechanically connected to the suction tube, the head body s extends substantially parallel to the suction tube.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le moteur d'entraînement est disposé dans le corps de tête. Une telle disposition du moteur d'entraînement permet d'éviter un positionnement de ce dernier dans le tube d'aspiration, et donc de limiter l'encombrement du tube d'aspiration et de simplifier la fabrication de ce dernier.According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive motor is arranged in the head body. Such an arrangement of the drive motor makes it possible to avoid positioning the latter in the suction tube, and therefore to limit the bulk of the suction tube and to simplify the manufacture of the latter.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le mécanisme d'entraînement motorisé comporte un mécanisme de transmission de mouvement qui est couplé mécaniquement à un arbre de sortie du moteur d'entraînement et à l'organe de liaison, le mécanisme de transmission de mouvement étant disposé au moins en partie dans le corps de tête et étant configuré pour transmettre un mouvement de rotation de l'arbre de sortie du moteur d'entraînement à l'organe de liaison.According to one embodiment of the invention, the motorized drive mechanism comprises a movement transmission mechanism which is mechanically coupled to an output shaft of the drive motor and to the connecting member, the movement transmission mechanism movement being disposed at least partly in the head body and being configured to transmit a rotational movement of the output shaft of the drive motor to the connecting member.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'organe de liaison comporte un secteur denté qui est couplé mécaniquement au mécanisme de transmission de mouvement. De façon avantageuse, le secteur denté est centré sur l'axe de pivotement.According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting member comprises a toothed sector which is mechanically coupled to the movement transmission mechanism. Advantageously, the toothed sector is centered on the pivot axis.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le mécanisme de transmission de mouvement comporte un dispositif d'engrenage ou un train d'engrenage couplé mécaniquement à l'arbre de sortie du moteur d'entraînement et au secteur denté.According to one embodiment of the invention, the movement transmission mechanism comprises a gear device or a gear train mechanically coupled to the output shaft of the drive motor and to the toothed sector.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le secteur denté s'étend sensiblement horizontalement lorsque le corps de tête repose sur une surface horizontale.According to one embodiment of the invention, the toothed sector extends substantially horizontally when the head body rests on a horizontal surface.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le corps de tête est allongé et s'étend globalement selon une direction d'extension principale.According to one embodiment of the invention, the head body is elongated and extends generally in a main direction of extension.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le corps de tête présente une forme globalement rectangulaire.According to one embodiment of the invention, the head body has a generally rectangular shape.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le mécanisme d'entraînement motorisé est configuré pour faire pivoter le corps de tête, autour de l'axe de pivotement et à partir de la position de fonctionnement principale, selon un angle de pivotement maximal égal à environ 90°, de telle sorte que la position de pivotement du corps de tête correspond à une position de pivotement maximal du corps de tête à partir de la position de fonctionnement principale.According to one embodiment of the invention, the motorized drive mechanism is configured to pivot the head body, around the pivot axis and from the main operating position, at an equal maximum pivot angle at approximately 90°, such that the pivot position of the head body corresponds to a maximum pivot position of the head body from the main operating position.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le mécanisme d'entraînement motorisé est configuré pour faire pivoter le corps de tête, autour de l'axe de pivotement et à partir de la position de fonctionnement principale, dans un premier sens de pivotement et selon un premier angle de pivotement maximal égal à environ 90°, et dans un deuxième sens de pivotement, opposé au premier sens de pivotement, et selon un deuxième angle de pivotement maximal égal à environ 90°.According to one embodiment of the invention, the motorized drive mechanism is configured to pivot the head body, around the pivot axis and from the main operating position, in a first direction of pivot and according to a first maximum pivot angle equal to approximately 90°, and in a second pivot direction, opposite to the first pivot direction, and according to a second maximum pivot angle equal to approximately 90°.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le corps de tête est configuré pour s'étendre au moins en partie en dessous du tube d'aspiration lorsque l'organe de liaison est relié mécaniquement au tube d'aspiration et que le corps de tête occupe la position de pivotement. Une telle configuration de la tête d'aspiration permet de limiter l'encombrement latéral de la tête d'aspiration occupe la position de fonctionnement principale, et donc d'assurer un accès aisé à des zones relativement étroites à nettoyer.According to one embodiment of the invention, the head body is configured to extend at least partly below the suction tube when the connecting member is mechanically connected to the suction tube and the body of head occupies the pivoting position. Such head configuration suction allows to limit the lateral bulk of the suction head occupies the main operating position, and therefore to ensure easy access to relatively narrow areas to be cleaned.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'organe de liaison comporte une partie de montage montée articulée sur le corps de tête par l'intermédiaire d'une liaison pivot définissant l'axe de pivotement, et une partie de liaison qui est configurée pour être reliée mécaniquement et fluidiquement au tube d'aspiration.According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting member comprises a mounting part mounted articulated on the head body via a pivot connection defining the pivot axis, and a connecting part which is configured to be mechanically and fluidly connected to the suction tube.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la partie de montage est globalement cylindrique. Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la partie de montage présente un axe central qui est confondu avec l'axe de pivotement et qui est configuré pour s'étendre sensiblement verticalement lorsque le corps de tête repose sur une surface horizontale.According to one embodiment of the invention, the mounting part is generally cylindrical. According to one embodiment of the invention, the mounting part has a central axis which coincides with the pivot axis and which is configured to extend substantially vertically when the head body rests on a horizontal surface.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la partie de liaison est tubulaire et présente un axe longitudinal central. De façon avantageuse, l'axe longitudinal central de la partie de liaison est configuré pour être sensiblement confondu avec un axe longitudinal central du tube d'aspiration lorsque l'organe de liaison est relié mécaniquement au tube d'aspiration.According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting part is tubular and has a central longitudinal axis. Advantageously, the central longitudinal axis of the connecting part is configured to be substantially coincident with a central longitudinal axis of the suction tube when the connecting member is mechanically connected to the suction tube.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'axe longitudinal central de la partie de liaison est configuré pour s'étendre sensiblement horizontalement lorsque le corps de tête repose sur une surface horizontale.According to one embodiment of the invention, the central longitudinal axis of the connecting part is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the head body rests on a horizontal surface.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'organe de liaison comporte un passage d'aspiration comprenant une première extrémité reliée fluidiquement à l'ouverture d'aspiration et une deuxième extrémité configurée pour être reliée fluidiquement au tube d'aspiration.According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting member comprises a suction passage comprising a first end fluidly connected to the suction opening and a second end configured to be fluidly connected to the suction tube.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le corps de tête comporte un logement cylindrique dans lequel est montée articulée la partie de montage, le logement cylindrique étant relié fluidiquement à l'ouverture d'aspiration. De façon avantageuse, le logement cylindrique comporte une paroi périphérique interne configurée pour coopérer avec une paroi périphérique externe de la partie de montage.According to one embodiment of the invention, the head body comprises a cylindrical housing in which the mounting part is hingedly mounted, the cylindrical housing being fluidly connected to the suction opening. Advantageously, the cylindrical housing comprises an internal peripheral wall configured to cooperate with an external peripheral wall of the mounting part.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la tête d'aspiration comporte une brosse de nettoyage rotative montée mobile en rotation dans le corps de tête autour d'un axe de rotation de brosse.According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction head comprises a rotating cleaning brush mounted to move in rotation in the head body around a brush rotation axis.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'axe de rotation de brosse est sensiblement horizontal lorsque le corps de tête repose sur une surface horizontale.According to one embodiment of the invention, the axis of brush rotation is substantially horizontal when the head body rests on a horizontal surface.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'axe de rotation de brosse est sensiblement parallèle à la direction d'extension principale du corps de tête.According to one embodiment of the invention, the axis of brush rotation is substantially parallel to the main extension direction of the head body.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le moteur d'entraînement est situé à l'avant de la brosse de nettoyage rotative. Une telle disposition du moteur d'entraînement permet de mieux répartir les masses des différents composants situés dans la tête d'aspiration.According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive motor is located at the front of the rotating cleaning brush. Such an arrangement of the drive motor makes it possible to better distribute the masses of the different components located in the suction head.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'arbre de sortie du moteur d'entraînement est sensiblement parallèle à l'axe de rotation de brosse.According to one embodiment of the invention, the output shaft of the drive motor is substantially parallel to the axis of brush rotation.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la tête d'aspiration comporte un mécanisme d'entraînement de brosse comportant un moteur électrique qui est disposé dans le corps de tête et qui est configuré pour entraîner en rotation la brosse de nettoyage rotative autour de l'axe de rotation de brosse.According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction head comprises a brush drive mechanism comprising an electric motor which is disposed in the head body and which is configured to rotate the rotating cleaning brush around the brush rotation axis.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le moteur électrique et le moteur d'entraînement sont disposés de part et d'autre d'un plan vertical médian du corps de tête. Une telle disposition du moteur électrique et du moteur d'entraînement permet de mieux répartir les masses des différents composants situés dans la tête d'aspiration.According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric motor and the drive motor are arranged on either side of a median vertical plane of the head body. Such an arrangement of the electric motor and the drive motor makes it possible to better distribute the masses of the different components located in the suction head.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'axe de pivotement s'étend dans le plan vertical médian du corps de tête.According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis extends in the median vertical plane of the head body.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le moteur électrique et le moteur d'entraînement sont sensiblement alignés. Une telle disposition du moteur électrique et du moteur d'entraînement permet également de mieux répartir les masses des différents composants situés dans la tête d'aspiration.According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric motor and the drive motor are substantially aligned. Such an arrangement of the electric motor and the drive motor also makes it possible to better distribute the masses of the different components located in the suction head.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'ouverture d'aspiration est allongée et s'étend sensiblement parallèlement à la direction d'extension principale du corps de tête.According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction opening is elongated and extends substantially parallel to the main extension direction of the head body.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'organe de liaison est solidaire de la portion d'extrémité distale du tube d'aspiration.According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting member is integral with the distal end portion of the suction tube.

La présente invention concerne en outre un aspirateur, tel qu'un robot de nettoyage autonome pouvant se déplacer de manière autonome sur une surface à nettoyer, comprenant :

  • un corps principal,
  • une tête d'aspiration selon la présente invention,
  • un tube d'aspiration qui relie mécaniquement la tête d'aspiration au corps principal, le tube d'aspiration comportant une portion d'extrémité distale qui est reliée mécaniquement et fluidiquement à l'organe de liaison de la tête d'aspiration, et
  • une unité d'aspiration qui est fixée au corps principal et qui est configurée pour générer un flux d'air à travers l'ouverture d'aspiration, l'organe de liaison et le tube d'aspiration.
The present invention further relates to a vacuum cleaner, such as an autonomous cleaning robot capable of moving autonomously over a surface to be cleaned, comprising:
  • a main body,
  • a suction head according to the present invention,
  • a suction tube which mechanically connects the suction head to the main body, the suction tube comprising a distal end portion which is mechanically and fluidically connected to the connecting member of the suction head, and
  • a suction unit which is attached to the main body and which is configured to generate air flow through the suction opening, the connecting member and the suction tube.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la tête d'aspiration est montée mobile par rapport au corps principal entre une configuration déployée dans laquelle la tête d'aspiration est éloignée du corps principal, et une configuration rétractée dans laquelle la tête d'aspiration est rapprochée du corps principal.According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction head is mounted movable relative to the main body between an deployed configuration in which the suction head is distant from the main body, and a retracted configuration in which the head of suction is brought closer to the main body.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'aspirateur comporte un mécanisme d'entraînement de tête configuré pour déplacer la tête d'aspiration entre la configuration déployée et la configuration rétractée.According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner includes a head drive mechanism configured to move the vacuum head between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le tube d'aspiration est configuré pour occuper une première configuration de tube dans laquelle la portion d'extrémité distale du tube d'aspiration s'étend au-delà du corps principal, et avantageusement au-delà d'une partie avant du corps principal, d'une première distance de déploiement, et une deuxième configuration de tube dans laquelle la portion d'extrémité distale du tube d'aspiration s'étend au-delà du corps principal, et avantageusement au-delà de la partie avant du corps principal, d'une deuxième distance de déploiement supérieure à la première distance de déploiement. De façon avantageuse, le tube d'aspiration est télescopique.According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction tube is configured to occupy a first tube configuration in which the distal end portion of the suction tube extends beyond the main body, and advantageously at -beyond a front portion of the main body, a first deployment distance, and a second tube configuration in which the distal end portion of the suction tube extends beyond the main body, and advantageously beyond the front part of the main body, a second deployment distance greater than the first deployment distance. Advantageously, the suction tube is telescopic.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'aspirateur est configuré de telle sorte qu'un changement de configuration du tube d'aspiration de la deuxième configuration de tube à la première configuration de tube entraîne un déplacement de la tête d'aspiration de la configuration déployée à la configuration rétractée, et de telle sorte qu'un changement de configuration du tube d'aspiration de la première configuration de tube à la deuxième configuration de tube entraîne un déplacement de la tête d'aspiration de la configuration rétractée à la configuration déployée.According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner is configured such that a change in configuration of the suction tube from the second tube configuration to the first tube configuration results in a movement of the suction head from the deployed configuration to the retracted configuration, and such that a change in configuration of the suction tube from the first tube configuration to the second tube configuration results in a movement of the suction head from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration.

Brève description des figuresBrief description of the figures

On comprendra mieux les buts, aspects et avantages de la présente invention, d'après la description donnée ci-après de plusieurs modes de réalisation de l'invention présentés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, en se référant aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • La figure 1 est une vue partielle en perspective de dessus d'un robot de nettoyage autonome selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention.
  • La figure 2 est une vue partielle de côté du robot de nettoyage autonome de la figure 1 montrant une tête d'aspiration du robot de nettoyage autonome en configuration rétractée.
  • La figure 3 est une vue partielle de côté du robot de nettoyage autonome de la figure 1 montrant la tête d'aspiration en cours de déploiement.
  • La figure 4 est une vue partielle de côté du robot de nettoyage autonome de la figure 1 montrant la tête d'aspiration en configuration déployée.
  • La figure 5 est une vue en perspective de la tête d'aspiration du robot de nettoyage autonome de la figure 1.
  • La figure 6 est une vue en perspective de la tête d'aspiration de la figure 5, dans laquelle un capot supérieur de la tête d'aspiration a été déposé.
  • La figure 7 est une vue en coupe longitudinale de la tête d'aspiration de la figure 5.
  • La figure 8 est une de dessus de la tête d'aspiration dans une position de fonctionnement principale.
  • La figure 9 est une de dessus de la tête d'aspiration dans une position de pivotement.
  • La figure 10 est une vue en perspective d'une tête d'aspiration appartenant à un robot de nettoyage selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention, dans laquelle un capot supérieur de la tête d'aspiration a été déposé.
  • La figure 11 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'une tête d'aspiration appartenant à un robot de nettoyage selon un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention.
  • La figure 12 est une vue en perspective d'une tête d'aspiration appartenant à un robot de nettoyage selon un quatrième mode de réalisation de l'invention.
  • La figure 13 est une vue en perspective de la tête d'aspiration de la figure 12, dans laquelle un capot supérieur de la tête d'aspiration a été déposé.
The aims, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the description given below of several embodiments of the invention presented by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • There figure 1 is a partial perspective view from above of an autonomous cleaning robot according to a first embodiment of the invention.
  • There figure 2 is a partial side view of the autonomous cleaning robot of the figure 1 showing a vacuum head of the autonomous cleaning robot in retracted configuration.
  • There Figure 3 is a partial side view of the autonomous cleaning robot of the figure 1 showing the suction head being deployed.
  • There figure 4 is a partial side view of the autonomous cleaning robot of the figure 1 showing the suction head in deployed configuration.
  • There Figure 5 is a perspective view of the suction head of the autonomous cleaning robot of the figure 1 .
  • There Figure 6 is a perspective view of the suction head of the Figure 5 , in which an upper cover of the suction head has been removed.
  • There figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the suction head of the Figure 5 .
  • There figure 8 is one from above the suction head in a main operating position.
  • There Figure 9 is one from above the suction head in a pivoting position.
  • There Figure 10 is a perspective view of a suction head belonging to a cleaning robot according to a second embodiment of the invention, in which an upper cover of the suction head has been removed.
  • There Figure 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of a suction head belonging to a cleaning robot according to a third embodiment of the invention.
  • There Figure 12 is a perspective view of a suction head belonging to a cleaning robot according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
  • There Figure 13 is a perspective view of the suction head of the Figure 12 , in which an upper cover of the suction head has been removed.

Description détailléedetailed description

Seuls les éléments nécessaires à la compréhension de l'invention sont représentés. Pour faciliter la lecture des dessins, les mêmes éléments portent les mêmes références d'une figure à l'autre.Only the elements necessary for understanding the invention are represented. To make the drawings easier to read, the same elements carry the same references from one figure to another.

On notera que dans ce document, les termes "horizontal", "vertical", "inférieur", "supérieur", "dessous" employés pour décrire l'aspirateur ou la tête d'aspiration font références à l'aspirateur et/ou à la tête d'aspiration en situation d'usage lorsqu'ils reposent sur un sol à nettoyer qui est plat et horizontal.Note that in this document, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "lower", "upper", "below" used to describe the vacuum cleaner or the suction head refer to the vacuum cleaner and/or to the suction head in use when they rest on a floor to be cleaned which is flat and horizontal.

Les figures 1 à 9 représentent un aspirateur robot 2 configuré pour se déplacer de manière autonome sur une surface à nettoyer.THE figures 1 to 9 represent a robot vacuum cleaner 2 configured to move autonomously over a surface to be cleaned.

L'aspirateur robot 2 comporte notamment un corps principal 3 et des moyens de déplacement 4 configurés pour déplacer le corps principal 3 sur la surface à nettoyer et selon une direction de déplacement principale D.The robot vacuum cleaner 2 comprises in particular a main body 3 and movement means 4 configured to move the main body 3 on the surface to be cleaned and in a main movement direction D.

L'aspirateur robot 2 objet de la présente invention est conçu, comme la majorité des aspirateurs robots, pour nettoyer efficacement les sols lorsqu'il se déplace selon une direction de déplacement parallèle à l'axe longitudinal de l'aspirateur robot 2 et selon un sens de déplacement prédéterminé. La direction de déplacement parallèle à l'axe longitudinal de l'aspirateur robot et le sens de déplacement prédéterminé définissent la direction de déplacement principale D de l'aspirateur robot 2 objet de la présente invention. Il convient d'être noté que les termes « avant » et « arrière » dans le présent document sont identifiés par rapport à la direction de déplacement principale D de l'aspirateur robot 2.The robot vacuum cleaner 2 object of the present invention is designed, like the majority of robot vacuum cleaners, to effectively clean floors when it moves in a direction of movement parallel to the longitudinal axis of the robot vacuum cleaner 2 and in a predetermined direction of movement. The direction of movement parallel to the longitudinal axis of the robot vacuum cleaner and the predetermined direction of movement define the main direction of movement D of the robot vacuum cleaner 2 which is the subject of the present invention. It should be noted that the terms "front" and "rear" in this document are identified with respect to the main direction of movement D of the robot vacuum cleaner 2.

Selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 1 à 9, les moyens de déplacement 4 comportent notamment deux chenilles de déplacement. Cependant, selon une variante de réalisation de l'invention, les moyens de déplacement 4 pourraient par exemple comporter une ou plusieurs paire(s) de roues motrices.According to the embodiment shown on the figures 1 to 9 , the movement means 4 include in particular two movement tracks. However, according to a variant embodiment of the invention, the movement means 4 could for example comprise one or more pair(s) of driving wheels.

L'aspirateur robot 2 comporte en outre une tête d'aspiration 5 comportant un corps de tête 6 pourvu d'une face inférieure 7 qui est configurée pour être orientée vers la surface à nettoyer et avantageusement placée à l'avant de l'aspirateur robot, et d'une ouverture d'aspiration 8 débouchant dans la face inférieure 7 du corps de tête 6. Selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 1 à 9, le corps de tête 6 présente une forme globalement rectangulaire et s'étend globalement selon une direction d'extension principale. De façon avantageuse, l'ouverture d'aspiration 8 est allongée et s'étend sensiblement parallèlement à la direction d'extension principale du corps de tête 6.The robot vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a suction head 5 comprising a head body 6 provided with a lower face 7 which is configured to be oriented towards the surface to be cleaned and advantageously placed at the front of the robot vacuum cleaner , and a suction opening 8 opening into the lower face 7 of the head body 6. According to the embodiment shown on the figures 1 to 9 , the head body 6 has a generally rectangular shape and extends generally in a main direction of extension. Advantageously, the suction opening 8 is elongated and extends substantially parallel to the main extension direction of the head body 6.

La tête d'aspiration 5 comporte en outre un organe de liaison 9 qui est fixé au corps de tête 6 et qui définit un passage d'aspiration 11 comprenant une première extrémité qui est reliée fluidiquement à l'ouverture d'aspiration 8 et une deuxième extrémité qui est opposée à la première extrémité.The suction head 5 further comprises a connecting member 9 which is fixed to the head body 6 and which defines a suction passage 11 comprising a first end which is fluidly connected to the suction opening 8 and a second end which is opposite to the first end.

La tête d'aspiration 5 peut éventuellement comporter en outre une brosse de nettoyage rotative 12 montée mobile en rotation dans le corps de tête 6 autour d'un axe de rotation de brosse A1 qui s'étend sensiblement parallèlement à la direction d'extension principale du corps de tête 6 et qui est sensiblement horizontal lorsque le corps de tête 6 repose sur une surface horizontale.The suction head 5 may optionally further comprise a rotating cleaning brush 12 mounted to rotate in the head body 6 around a brush rotation axis A1 which extends substantially parallel to the main extension direction. of the head body 6 and which is substantially horizontal when the head body 6 rests on a horizontal surface.

Selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 1 à 9, la tête d'aspiration 5 comporte un mécanisme d'entraînement de brosse 13 comportant un moteur électrique 14 qui est disposé dans le corps de tête 6 et qui est configuré pour entraîner en rotation la brosse de nettoyage rotative 12 autour de l'axe de rotation de brosse A1.According to the embodiment shown on the figures 1 to 9 , the suction head 5 comprises a brush drive mechanism 13 comprising an electric motor 14 which is disposed in the head body 6 and which is configured to rotate the rotating cleaning brush 12 around the axis of brush rotation A1.

L'aspirateur robot 2 comporte de plus un tube d'aspiration 15 comportant une portion d'extrémité distale 15.1 qui est fixée à l'organe de liaison 9 et qui est reliée fluidiquement à l'ouverture d'aspiration 8 via le passage d'aspiration 11, et une portion d'extrémité proximale qui est fixée, directement ou indirectement, au corps principal 3. De façon avantageuse, le tube d'aspiration 15 présente une section transversale rectangulaire ou cylindrique, et présente un axe longitudinal central.The robot vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a suction tube 15 comprising a distal end portion 15.1 which is fixed to the connecting member 9 and which is fluidly connected to the suction opening 8 via the passage of suction 11, and a proximal end portion which is fixed, directly or indirectly, to the main body 3. Advantageously, the suction tube 15 has a rectangular or cylindrical cross section, and has a central longitudinal axis.

Comme montré plus particulièrement sur les figures 8 et 9, la tête d'aspiration 5 est montée pivotante par rapport au tube d'aspiration 15 autour d'un axe de pivotement A2 qui s'étend sensiblement verticalement lorsque la tête d'aspiration 5 repose sur une surface horizontale.As shown more particularly on the figures 8 and 9 , the suction head 5 is pivotally mounted relative to the suction tube 15 around a pivot axis A2 which extends substantially vertically when the suction head 5 rests on a horizontal surface.

A cet effet, l'organe de liaison 9 comprend une partie de montage 9.1 montée articulée sur le corps de tête 6 par l'intermédiaire d'une liaison pivot définissant l'axe de pivotement A2 précité, et une partie de liaison 9.2 à laquelle est reliée mécaniquement et fluidiquement la portion d'extrémité distale 15.1 du tube d'aspiration 15. De façon avantageuse, la liaison pivot est située dans une partie arrière du corps de tête 6, et l'axe de pivotement A2 s'étend dans le plan vertical médian P du corps de tête 6.For this purpose, the connecting member 9 comprises a mounting part 9.1 mounted articulated on the head body 6 via a pivot connection defining the aforementioned pivot axis A2, and a connecting part 9.2 to which the distal end portion 15.1 of the suction tube 15 is mechanically and fluidically connected. Advantageously, the pivot connection is located in a rear part of the head body 6, and the pivot axis A2 extends in the median vertical plane P of the head body 6.

Selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 1 à 9, la partie de montage 9.1 est globalement cylindrique, et présente un axe central qui est configuré pour s'étendre sensiblement verticalement lorsque le corps de tête 6 repose sur une surface horizontale. La partie de montage 9.1 est montée articulée dans un logement cylindrique 16 qui est prévu sur le corps de tête 6 et qui est relié fluidiquement à l'ouverture d'aspiration 8. De façon avantageuse, le logement cylindrique 16 comporte une paroi périphérique interne configurée pour coopérer avec une paroi périphérique externe de la partie de montage 9.1.According to the embodiment shown on the figures 1 to 9 , the mounting part 9.1 is generally cylindrical, and has a central axis which is configured to extend substantially vertically when the head body 6 rests on a horizontal surface. The mounting part 9.1 is hingedly mounted in a cylindrical housing 16 which is provided on the head body 6 and which is fluidly connected to the suction opening 8. Advantageously, the cylindrical housing 16 has an internal peripheral wall configured to cooperate with an external peripheral wall of the mounting part 9.1.

Selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 1 à 9, la partie de liaison 9.2 est tubulaire et s'étend radialement par rapport à la partie de montage 9.1. La partie de liaison 9.2 présente un axe longitudinal central qui est configuré pour être sensiblement confondu avec l'axe longitudinal central du tube d'aspiration 15 lorsque la partie de liaison 9.2 est reliée mécaniquement au tube d'aspiration 15. De façon avantageuse, l'axe longitudinal central de la partie de liaison 9.2 est configuré pour s'étendre sensiblement horizontalement lorsque le corps de tête 6 repose sur une surface horizontale.According to the embodiment shown on the figures 1 to 9 , the connecting part 9.2 is tubular and extends radially relative to the mounting part 9.1. The connecting part 9.2 has a central longitudinal axis which is configured to be substantially coincident with the central longitudinal axis of the suction tube 15 when the connecting part 9.2 is mechanically connected to the suction tube 15. Advantageously, the The central longitudinal axis of the connecting part 9.2 is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the head body 6 rests on a horizontal surface.

Comme montré sur les figures 5 à 9, la partie de liaison 9.2 peut être reliée mécaniquement au tube d'aspiration par l'intermédiaire d'une pièce de liaison. Toutefois, comme montré sur les figures 1 à 4, la partie de liaison 9.2 peut être directement reliée mécaniquement au tube d'aspiration 15, par l'intermédiaire d'un embout de raccordement mâle ou femelle prévu sur la partie de liaison 9.2 et d'un embout de raccordement femelle ou mâle prévu sur la portion d'extrémité distale 15.1 du tube d'aspiration 15. La partie de liaison 9.2 pourrait également être fixée au tube d'aspiration 15 par tout autre moyen de fixation approprié.As shown on the figures 5 to 9 , the connecting part 9.2 can be mechanically connected to the suction tube via a connecting part. However, as shown in the figures 1 to 4 , the connecting part 9.2 can be directly mechanically connected to the suction tube 15, via a male or female connection end provided on the connecting part 9.2 and a female or male connection end provided on the distal end portion 15.1 of the suction tube 15. The connecting part 9.2 could also be fixed to the suction tube 15 by any other suitable fixing means.

La tête d'aspiration 5 comporte en outre un mécanisme d'entraînement motorisé 17 comportant un moteur d'entraînement 18 qui est disposé dans le corps de tête 6 et qui configuré pour entraîner en pivotement le corps de tête 6 par rapport à l'organe de liaison 9, et donc par rapport au tube d'aspiration 15, et autour de l'axe de pivotement A2.The suction head 5 further comprises a motorized drive mechanism 17 comprising a drive motor 18 which is disposed in the head body 6 and which is configured to pivot the head body 6 relative to the member connection 9, and therefore relative to the suction tube 15, and around the pivot axis A2.

Selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 1 à 9, le moteur électrique 14 et le moteur d'entraînement 18 sont alignés, et sont disposés de part et d'autre du plan vertical médian P du corps de tête 6. Cependant, selon une variante de réalisation de l'invention, les arbres de sortie du moteur électrique 14 et du moteur d'entraînement 18 pourraient être décalés selon la direction de déplacement principale D.According to the embodiment shown on the figures 1 to 9 , the electric motor 14 and the drive motor 18 are aligned, and are arranged on either side of the median vertical plane P of the head body 6. However, according to a variant embodiment of the invention, the shafts of output of the electric motor 14 and the drive motor 18 could be offset according to the main direction of movement D.

Selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 1 à 9, le moteur d'entraînement 18 est situé à l'avant de la brosse de nettoyage rotative 12, et l'arbre de sortie du moteur d'entraînement 18 est parallèle à l'axe de rotation de brosse A1. Cependant, selon une variante de réalisation de l'invention, le moteur d'entraînement 18 pourrait être situé à l'arrière de la brosse de nettoyage rotative 12.According to the embodiment shown on the figures 1 to 9 , the drive motor 18 is located in the front of the rotating cleaning brush 12, and the output shaft of the drive motor 18 is parallel to the brush rotation axis A1. However, according to a variant embodiment of the invention, the drive motor 18 could be located at the rear of the rotating cleaning brush 12.

Le mécanisme d'entraînement motorisé 17 comporte également un mécanisme de transmission de mouvement 19 qui est couplé mécaniquement à l'arbre de sortie du moteur d'entraînement 18 et à l'organe de liaison 9, et qui est donc configuré pour transmettre un mouvement de rotation de l'arbre de sortie du moteur d'entraînement 18 à l'organe de liaison 9. De façon avantageuse, le mécanisme de transmission de mouvement 19 est disposé au moins en partie dans le corps de tête 6.The motorized drive mechanism 17 also includes a motion transmission mechanism 19 which is mechanically coupled to the output shaft of the drive motor 18 and to the connecting member 9, and which is therefore configured to transmit a rotational movement of the output shaft of the drive motor 18 to the connecting member 9. Advantageously, the movement transmission mechanism 19 is arranged at least partly in the head body 6.

Selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 1 à 9, le mécanisme de transmission de mouvement 19 comporte un train d'engrenage 21 qui est couplé mécaniquement à l'arbre de sortie du moteur d'entraînement 18 et à un secteur denté 22 prévu sur l'organe de liaison 9 et centré sur l'axe de pivotement A2. De façon avantageuse, le secteur denté 22 s'étend sensiblement horizontalement lorsque le corps de tête 6 repose sur une surface horizontale.According to the embodiment shown on the figures 1 to 9 , the movement transmission mechanism 19 comprises a gear train 21 which is mechanically coupled to the output shaft of the drive motor 18 and to a toothed sector 22 provided on the connecting member 9 and centered on the pivot axis A2. Advantageously, the toothed sector 22 extends substantially horizontally when the head body 6 rests on a horizontal surface.

Le corps de tête 6 est plus particulièrement configuré pour occuper, par rapport à l'organe de liaison 9, au moins :

  • une position de fonctionnement principale (voir notamment les figures 1, 5 et 8) dans laquelle le corps de tête 6 s'étend sensiblement perpendiculairement au tube d'aspiration 15 lorsque la partie de liaison 9.2 est reliée mécaniquement au tube d'aspiration 15,
  • une première position de pivotement (correspondant à un pivotement de 90° du corps de tête 6 à partir de la position de fonctionnement principale et selon un premier sens de pivotement) dans laquelle le corps de tête 6 s'étend sensiblement parallèlement au tube d'aspiration 15 lorsque la partie de liaison 9.2 est reliée mécaniquement au tube d'aspiration 15, et
  • une deuxième position de pivotement (correspondant à un pivotement de 90° du corps de tête 6 à partir de la position de fonctionnement principale et selon un deuxième sens de pivotement opposé au premier sens de pivotement) dans laquelle le corps de tête 6 s'étend également sensiblement parallèlement au tube d'aspiration 15 lorsque la partie de liaison 9.2 est reliée mécaniquement au tube d'aspiration 15.
The head body 6 is more particularly configured to occupy, with respect to the connecting member 9, at least:
  • a main operating position (see in particular the figures 1 , 5 And 8 ) in which the head body 6 extends substantially perpendicular to the suction tube 15 when the connecting part 9.2 is mechanically connected to the suction tube 15,
  • a first pivoting position (corresponding to a 90° pivoting of the head body 6 from the main operating position and in a first direction of pivoting) in which the head body 6 extends substantially parallel to the tube suction 15 when the connecting part 9.2 is mechanically connected to the suction tube 15, and
  • a second pivoting position (corresponding to a 90° pivoting of the head body 6 from the main operating position and in a second direction of pivoting opposite the first direction of pivoting) in which the head body 6 extends also substantially parallel to the suction tube 15 when the connecting part 9.2 is mechanically connected to the suction tube 15.

De façon avantageuse, le corps de tête 5 est configuré de telle sorte que, lorsque le corps de tête 5 occupe la position de fonctionnement principale et que l'axe de pivotement A2 s'étend verticalement, le corps de tête 5 présente un encombrement latéral, mesuré selon une direction de mesure qui est horizontale et perpendiculaire au tube d'aspiration 15, ayant une première valeur d'encombrement, et de telle sorte que, lorsque le corps de tête 5 occupe la première position de pivotement ou la deuxième position de pivotement et que l'axe de pivotement A2 s'étend verticalement, le corps de tête 5 présente un encombrement latéral, mesuré selon la direction de mesure, ayant une deuxième valeur d'encombrement qui est inférieure à la première valeur d'encombrement.Advantageously, the head body 5 is configured such that, when the head body 5 occupies the main operating position and the pivot axis A2 extends vertically, the head body 5 presents a lateral bulk, measured in a measurement direction which is horizontal and perpendicular to the tube. suction 15, having a first size value, and such that, when the head body 5 occupies the first pivoting position or the second pivoting position and the pivot axis A2 extends vertically, the body head 5 has a lateral bulk, measured in the direction of measurement, having a second bulk value which is less than the first bulk value.

Le mécanisme d'entraînement motorisé 17 est configuré pour déplacer le corps de tête 6 entre la position de fonctionnement principale et la première position de pivotement, et entre la position de fonctionnement principale et la deuxième position de pivotement.The motorized drive mechanism 17 is configured to move the head body 6 between the main operating position and the first pivot position, and between the main operating position and the second pivot position.

Le mécanisme d'entraînement motorisé 17 est plus particulièrement configuré pour faire pivoter le corps de tête 6, autour de l'axe de pivotement A2 et à partir de la position de fonctionnement principale, dans le premier sens de pivotement et selon un premier angle de pivotement maximal égal à 90°, et pour faire pivoter le corps de tête 6, autour de l'axe de pivotement A2 et à partir de la position de fonctionnement principale, dans le deuxième sens de pivotement et selon un deuxième angle de pivotement maximal égal à 90°.The motorized drive mechanism 17 is more particularly configured to pivot the head body 6, around the pivot axis A2 and from the main operating position, in the first direction of pivot and according to a first angle of maximum pivoting equal to 90°, and to pivot the head body 6, around the pivoting axis A2 and from the main operating position, in the second pivoting direction and at a second equal maximum pivoting angle at 90°.

Ainsi, de façon avantageuse, la première position de pivotement du corps de tête 6 correspond à une première position de pivotement maximal du corps de tête 6 à partir de la position de fonctionnement principale et selon le premier sens de pivotement, et la deuxième position de pivotement du corps de tête 6 correspond à une deuxième position de pivotement maximal du corps de tête 6 à partir de la position de fonctionnement principale et selon le deuxième sens de pivotement.Thus, advantageously, the first pivoting position of the head body 6 corresponds to a first position of maximum pivoting of the head body 6 from the main operating position and in the first direction of pivoting, and the second position of pivoting of the head body 6 corresponds to a second position of maximum pivoting of the head body 6 from the main operating position and in the second direction of pivoting.

Comme montré plus particulièrement sur la figure 9, le corps de tête 6 est configuré pour s'étendre au moins en partie en dessous du tube d'aspiration 15 et de la partie de liaison 9.2 lorsque l'organe de liaison 9 est relié mécaniquement au tube d'aspiration 15 et que le corps de tête 6 occupe la première position de pivotement ou la deuxième position de pivotement. De façon avantageuse, la brosse de nettoyage rotative 12 est configurée pour s'étendre au moins en partie en dessous du tube d'aspiration 15 et de la partie de liaison 9.2 lorsque l'organe de liaison 9 est relié mécaniquement au tube d'aspiration 15 et que le corps de tête 6 occupe la première position de pivotement ou la deuxième position de pivotement.As shown more particularly on the Figure 9 , the head body 6 is configured to extend at least partly below the suction tube 15 and the connecting part 9.2 when the connecting member 9 is mechanically connected to the suction tube 15 and the head body 6 occupies the first pivot position or the second pivot position. Advantageously, the rotating cleaning brush 12 is configured to extend at least partly below the suction tube 15 and the connecting part 9.2 when the connecting member 9 is mechanically connected to the suction tube 15 and the head body 6 occupies the first pivot position or the second pivot position.

L'aspirateur robot 2 comporte également une unité d'aspiration 23 comprenant un moteur d'aspiration et un ventilateur qui est couplé au moteur d'aspiration et qui est configuré pour générer un flux d'air à travers l'ouverture d'aspiration 8 et le tube d'aspiration 15.The robot vacuum cleaner 2 also has a suction unit 23 comprising a suction motor and a fan which is coupled to the suction motor and which is configured to generate an air flow through the suction opening 8 and the suction tube 15.

L'aspirateur robot 2 comporte de plus un dispositif de collecte de déchets 24 situé en amont de l'unité d'aspiration 23, et configuré pour être traversé par le flux d'air généré par le ventilateur.The robot vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a waste collection device 24 located upstream of the suction unit 23, and configured to be crossed by the air flow generated by the fan.

L'aspirateur robot 2 comporte en outre une batterie d'alimentation (non visible sur les figures) configurée pour alimenter électriquement l'aspirateur robot 2, et une unité de commande (non visible sur les figures) configurée pour commander le fonctionnement de l'aspirateur robot 2. De façon avantageuse, la batterie d'alimentation est rechargeable et est logée dans le corps principal 3.The robot vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a power battery (not visible in the figures) configured to electrically power the robot vacuum cleaner 2, and a control unit (not visible in the figures) configured to control the operation of the robot vacuum cleaner 2. robot vacuum cleaner 2. Advantageously, the power battery is rechargeable and is housed in the main body 3.

Selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 1 à 9, la tête d'aspiration 5 est montée mobile par rapport au corps principal 3 entre une configuration déployée dans laquelle la tête d'aspiration 5 est éloignée du corps principal 3 et est configurée pour être en contact avec la surface à nettoyer, et une configuration rétractée dans laquelle la tête d'aspiration 5 est rapprochée du corps principal 3 et est configurée pour être située à distance de la surface à nettoyer.According to the embodiment shown on the figures 1 to 9 , the suction head 5 is mounted movable relative to the main body 3 between an deployed configuration in which the suction head 5 is remote from the main body 3 and is configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned, and a configuration retracted in which the suction head 5 is brought closer to the main body 3 and is configured to be located at a distance from the surface to be cleaned.

En outre, selon le mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 1 à 9, le tube d'aspiration 15 est télescopique, et est configuré pour occuper une première configuration de tube dans laquelle la portion d'extrémité distale du 15.1 du tube d'aspiration 15 s'étend au-delà d'une partie avant du corps principal 3 d'une première distance de déploiement, et une deuxième configuration de tube dans laquelle la portion d'extrémité distale du 15.1 du tube d'aspiration 15 s'étend au-delà de la partie avant du corps principal 3 d'une deuxième distance de déploiement supérieure à la première distance de déploiement.Furthermore, according to the embodiment shown on the figures 1 to 9 , THE suction tube 15 is telescopic, and is configured to occupy a first tube configuration in which the distal end portion of the suction tube 15 15 extends beyond a front portion of the main body 3 d 'a first deployment distance, and a second tube configuration in which the distal end portion of 15.1 of the suction tube 15 extends beyond the front portion of the main body 3 by a second deployment distance greater than the first deployment distance.

L'aspirateur robot 2 est plus particulièrement configuré de telle sorte qu'un changement de configuration du tube d'aspiration 15 de la première configuration de tube à la deuxième configuration de tube entraîne un déplacement de la tête d'aspiration 5 de la configuration rétractée à la configuration déployée, et de telle sorte qu'un changement de configuration du tube d'aspiration 15 de la deuxième configuration de tube à la première configuration de tube entraîne un déplacement de la tête d'aspiration 5 de la configuration déployée à la configuration rétractée.The robot vacuum cleaner 2 is more particularly configured such that a change in configuration of the suction tube 15 from the first tube configuration to the second tube configuration results in a movement of the suction head 5 from the retracted configuration to the deployed configuration, and such that a change in configuration of the suction tube 15 from the second tube configuration to the first tube configuration results in a movement of the suction head 5 from the deployed configuration to the deployed configuration retracted.

A cet effet, l'aspirateur robot 2 comporte également un mécanisme de déplacement de tête 25 configuré pour déplacer la tête de nettoyage 5 entre la position déployée et la position rétractée, et par exemple pour déplacer le tube d'aspiration 15 entre les première et deuxième configurations de tube. Un tel mécanisme de déplacement de tête 25 peut être réalisé de nombreuses manières différentes, et ne fait pas partie de l'objet de la présente invention. Ainsi, le mécanisme de déplacement de tête 25 n'est pas décrit en détails dans le présent document.For this purpose, the robot vacuum cleaner 2 also includes a head movement mechanism 25 configured to move the cleaning head 5 between the deployed position and the retracted position, and for example to move the suction tube 15 between the first and second tube configurations. Such a head moving mechanism 25 can be implemented in many different ways, and is not part of the subject matter of the present invention. Thus, the head movement mechanism 25 is not described in detail in this document.

La figure 10 représente un aspirateur robot 2 selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention qui diffère du mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 1 à 9 essentiellement en ce que le secteur denté 22 est situé au-dessus de la brosse de nettoyage rotative 12, et en ce que le train d'engrenage 21 du mécanisme de transmission de mouvement 19 comporte notamment une roue dentée qui présente un axe de rotation horizontal et qui s'étend dans un plan d'extension situé entre le moteur d'entraînement 18 et la brosse de nettoyage rotative 12.There Figure 10 represents a robot vacuum cleaner 2 according to a second embodiment of the invention which differs from the embodiment shown on the figures 1 to 9 essentially in that the toothed sector 22 is located above the rotating cleaning brush 12, and in that the gear train 21 of the movement transmission mechanism 19 comprises in particular a toothed wheel which has a horizontal axis of rotation and which extends in an extension plane located between the drive motor 18 and the cleaning brush rotary 12.

La figure 11 représente un aspirateur robot 2 selon un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention qui diffère du mode de réalisation représenté sur les figures 1 à 9 essentiellement en ce que la tête d'aspiration 5 est dépourvue de brosse de nettoyage rotative.There Figure 11 represents a robot vacuum cleaner 2 according to a third embodiment of the invention which differs from the embodiment shown on the figures 1 to 9 essentially in that the suction head 5 does not have a rotating cleaning brush.

Les figures 12 et 13 représentent un aspirateur robot 2 selon un quatrième mode de réalisation de l'invention qui diffère du mode de réalisation représenté sur la figure 10 essentiellement en ce que le moteur d'entraînement 18 et le moteur électrique 14 sont situés à l'arrière de la brosse de nettoyage rotative 12, et en ce que l'organe de liaison 9 est solidaire de la portion d'extrémité distale 15.1 du tube d'aspiration 15. En d'autres termes, selon un tel mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'organe de liaison 9 et le tube d'aspiration 15 sont réalisés en une seule pièce.THE figures 12 And 13 represent a robot vacuum cleaner 2 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention which differs from the embodiment shown on the Figure 10 essentially in that the drive motor 18 and the electric motor 14 are located at the rear of the rotating cleaning brush 12, and in that the connecting member 9 is integral with the distal end portion 15.1 of the suction tube 15. In other words, according to such an embodiment of the invention, the connecting member 9 and the suction tube 15 are made in a single piece.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention non représenté sur les figures, le tube d'aspiration 15 pourrait être souple (et non pas télescopique), et l'aspirateur robot 2 pourrait comporter un tambour d'enroulement autour duquel est destiné à être enroulé au moins en partie le tube d'aspiration 15.According to another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the suction tube 15 could be flexible (and not telescopic), and the robot vacuum cleaner 2 could include a winding drum around which is intended to be rolled up at least partly the suction tube 15.

Selon encore un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention non représenté sur les figures, le tube d'aspiration 15 pourrait, plutôt qu'être télescopique, être déformable en accordéon selon l'axe longitudinal central du tube d'aspiration 15. Avantageusement, le tube d'aspiration 15 souple ou déformable en accordéon peut être guidé en translation selon une direction longitudinale par exemple à l'aide de guides coulissants s'étendant longitudinalement, tels que par exemples des coulisseaux ou des bras télescopiques.According to yet another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the suction tube 15 could, rather than being telescopic, be deformable like an accordion along the central longitudinal axis of the suction tube 15. Advantageously, the flexible or accordion-deformable suction tube 15 can be guided in translation in a longitudinal direction for example using sliding guides extending longitudinally, such as for example slides or telescopic arms.

Selon encore un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention non représenté sur les figures, l'aspirateur pourrait être un aspirateur traineau.According to yet another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the vacuum cleaner could be a sled vacuum cleaner.

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est nullement limitée aux modes de réalisation décrits et illustrés qui n'ont été donnés qu'à titre d'exemples. Des modifications restent possibles, notamment du point de vue de la constitution des divers éléments ou par substitution d'équivalents techniques, sans sortir pour autant du domaine de protection de l'invention.Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated which have been given only by way of examples. Modifications remain possible, particularly from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims (17)

  1. A suction head (5) comprising:
    - a head body (6) provided with a lower face (7) which is configured to be directed towards a surface to be cleaned, and with a suction opening (8) leading into the lower face (7) of the head body (6),
    - a connecting member (9) which is fluidly connected to the suction opening (8) and which is configured to be mechanically and fluidly connected to a distal end portion (15.1) of a suction tube (15) of a vacuum cleaner, the head body (6) being pivotably mounted relative to the connecting member (9) about a pivot axis (A2) which extends substantially vertically when the head body (6) rests on a horizontal surface,
    the head body (6) being configured to occupy, with respect to the connecting member (9), at least a main operating position in which, when the connecting member (9) is mechanically connected to the suction tube (15) and the pivot axis (A2) extends vertically, the head body (6) has a lateral bulk, measured according to a measurement direction which is horizontal and perpendicular to the suction tube (15), having a first bulk value, and a pivot position in which, when the connecting member (9) is mechanically connected to the suction tube (15) and the pivot axis (A2) extends vertically, the head body (6) has a lateral bulk, measured according to the measurement direction, having a second bulk value which is lower than the first bulk value,
    characterized in that the suction head (5) further includes a motor-driven drive mechanism (17) including a drive motor (18) configured to drive the head body (6) in rotation relative to the connecting member (9) and about the pivot axis (A2), the motor-driven drive mechanism (17) being configured to displace the head body (6) at least between the main operating position and the pivot position.
  2. The suction head (5) according to claim 1, wherein the drive motor (18) is disposed in the head body (6).
  3. The suction head (5) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the motor-driven drive mechanism (17) includes a movement transmission mechanism (19) which is mechanically coupled to an output shaft of the drive motor (18) and the connecting member (9), the movement transmission mechanism (19) being disposed at least partially in the head body (6) and being configured to transmit a rotational movement of the output shaft of the motor drive (18) to the connecting member (9).
  4. The suction head (5) according to claim 3, wherein the connecting member (9) includes a toothed sector (22) which is mechanically coupled to the movement transmission mechanism (19).
  5. The suction head (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the head body (6) is elongated and extends generally according to a main direction of extension.
  6. The suction head (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the head body (6) has a generally rectangular shape.
  7. The suction head (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the motor-driven drive mechanism (17) is configured to make the head body (6) pivot, about the pivot axis (A2) and from the main operating position, by a maximum pivot angle equal to about 90°, such that the pivoting position of the head body (6) corresponds to a maximum pivoting position of the head body (6) from the main operating position.
  8. The suction head (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the head body (6) is configured to extend at least partially below the suction tube (15) when the connecting member (9) is mechanically connected to the suction tube (15) and the head body (6) occupies the pivoting position.
  9. The suction head (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the connecting member (9) includes a mounting portion (9.1) hingedly mounted on the head body (6) via a pivot connection defining the pivot axis (A2), and a connecting portion (9.2) which is configured to be mechanically and fluidly connected to the suction tube (15).
  10. The suction head (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which includes a rotary cleaning brush (12) mounted movable in rotation in the head body (6) about a brush rotation axis (A1).
  11. The suction head (5) according to claim 10, wherein the drive motor (18) is located at the front of the rotary cleaning brush (12).
  12. The suction head (5) according to claim 10 or 11, which includes a brush drive mechanism (13) including an electric motor (14) which is disposed in the head body (6) and which is configured to drive the rotary cleaning brush (12) in rotation about the brush rotation axis (A1).
  13. The suction head (5) according to claim 12, wherein the electric motor (14) and the drive motor (18) are arranged on either side of a vertical midplane (P) of the head body (6).
  14. The suction head (5) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the electric motor (14) and the drive motor (18) are substantially aligned.
  15. The suction head (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the head body (6) is configured such that, when the head body (6) occupies the main operating position and the connecting member (9) is mechanically connected to the suction tube (15), the head body (6) extends substantially perpendicular to the suction tube (15), and such that, when the head body (6) occupies the pivoting position and the connecting member (9) is mechanically connected to the suction tube (15), the head body (6) extends substantially parallel to the suction tube (15).
  16. A vacuum cleaner comprising:
    - a main body (3),
    - a suction head (5) according to any one of the preceding claims,
    - a suction tube (15) which mechanically connects the suction head (5) to the main body (3), the suction tube (15) including a distal end portion (15.1) which is mechanically and fluidly connected to the connecting member (9) of the suction head (5), and
    - a suction unit (23) which is fastened to the main body (3) and which is configured to generate an air flow through the suction opening (8), the connecting member (9) and the suction tube (15).
  17. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 16, which consists of a robot vacuum cleaner.
EP22205580.8A 2021-11-09 2022-11-04 Pivotable suction head Active EP4176787B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR2111900A FR3128866B1 (en) 2021-11-09 2021-11-09 Pivoting suction head

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4176787A1 EP4176787A1 (en) 2023-05-10
EP4176787B1 true EP4176787B1 (en) 2024-05-22
EP4176787C0 EP4176787C0 (en) 2024-05-22

Family

ID=79170707

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP22205580.8A Active EP4176787B1 (en) 2021-11-09 2022-11-04 Pivotable suction head

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4176787B1 (en)
CN (1) CN116098512A (en)
FR (1) FR3128866B1 (en)

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4369543A (en) * 1980-04-14 1983-01-25 Jen Chen Remote-control radio vacuum cleaner
US6532622B2 (en) 2000-05-17 2003-03-18 Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd. Brush head of vacuum cleaner
KR20070101002A (en) * 2006-04-10 2007-10-16 이바도 Satellite cleaning robot system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR3128866A1 (en) 2023-05-12
EP4176787A1 (en) 2023-05-10
FR3128866B1 (en) 2023-10-27
CN116098512A (en) 2023-05-12
EP4176787C0 (en) 2024-05-22

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