Suction assembly provided with a concave leading edge

Abstract

The suction assembly (1) comprises a suction unit (3) including a lower front portion (21) with a leading edge (22); a suction nozzle (5) through which outside air can be drawn into the suction unit (1); and first and second main wheels (13, 14) mounted to rotate relative to the suction unit (3). The leading edge (22) has a concave edge portion located below the suction nozzle (5) and extending in a median vertical longitudinal plane of the suction unit (1).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates more particularly to domestic vacuum cleaners of the sled type for vacuuming dust and waste of small particle size present on a surface to be cleaned, which may for example be tiles, parquet, laminate, carpet or a rug.

[0002] In this description, the term "sled-type vacuum cleaner or vacuum assembly" refers to a vacuum cleaner or vacuum assembly that can move by rolling on the floor, for example using wheels or casters when the vacuum cleaner is in use. In a sled vacuum cleaner, a suction nozzle is connected to the suction assembly via a suction tube comprising a rigid part and a flexible part. During a cleaning operation, the user of a sled vacuum cleaner holds the suction nozzle via a handle provided on the rigid part of the suction tube or secured to the suction tube. A sled vacuum cleaner is generally pulled by the user via the handle and the flexible part of the suction tube; this method of movement is the origin of the name "sled vacuum cleaner".The term canister vacuum cleaner or canister vacuum cleaner assembly also covers vacuum cleaners with motorized wheels or castors capable of following the movements of the suction nozzle, the handle or the user. State of the art

[0003] A sled-type vacuum cleaner comprises, in a known manner, a vacuum cleaner housing comprising a lower front portion provided with a leading edge extending substantially in the median vertical longitudinal plane of the suction assembly; a suction nozzle through which outside air can be sucked in by the suction assembly; an air circuit which extends from the suction nozzle; a suction unit arranged on the air circuit, the suction unit comprising an electric motor and a fan coupled to the electric motor to generate an air flow in the air circuit; and first and second main wheels mounted to be able to rotate relative to the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0004] In order to be able to avoid a frontal obstacle encountered by the suction assembly, such as a table leg presented frontally to the suction assembly, the leading edge can be curved and have a convexity oriented towards the front of the suction assembly and the lower front part of the vacuum cleaner housing can for example have, seen from below, a convex external profile.

[0005] Such a configuration of the lower front part of the vacuum cleaner housing does not, however, allow it to avoid low obstacles, such as shoes, children's toys, furniture legs extending close to the ground (chair, table or coat rack legs for example) or any other type of small objects. Thus, when a suction assembly of the aforementioned type encounters such an obstacle, the vacuum cleaner housing of the suction assembly is likely to climb onto the obstacle without going around it, which may hinder the advancement of the suction assembly, or even cause it to overturn.

[0006] An example of a suction cleaning assembly is disclosed by FR 2 900 042 A1. 20 Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.

[0008] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in providing a suction assembly making it possible to easily avoid any type of obstacle presented in front of the suction assembly.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a sled-type suction assembly comprising: a vacuum cleaner housing comprising a lower front portion provided with a leading edge, a suction nozzle through which outside air can be drawn into the suction assembly, and first and second main wheels mounted to rotate relative to the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0010] The leading edge comprises a concave edge portion which is located under the suction nozzle and which extends in a median vertical longitudinal plane, also called sagittal plane, of the suction assembly and the lower front portion of the vacuum housing comprises first and second flanks located on either side of the leading edge and extending from the leading edge and respectively in the direction of the first and second main wheels. The lower front portion of the vacuum housing comprises a front protective portion which extends on either side of the median vertical longitudinal plane of the suction assembly and which is located above the first and second flanks.

[0011] Thus, since the lower front part of the vacuum housing has the shape of a boat bow, and more particularly a gibbet bow, the suction assembly according to the present invention can easily bypass any type of obstacle presented frontally to the suction assembly. In addition, the particular shape of the lower part of the suction assembly according to the present invention makes it possible to reduce situations where the vacuum housing could climb on a small obstacle which could hinder the advancement of the suction assembly or risk turning the suction assembly over.

[0012] The suction assembly may further have one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the concave edge portion has a radius of curvature of between 5 and 30 mm, advantageously between 5 and 20 mm, and for example approximately 18 mm.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction tip is arranged on a front part of the suction assembly.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the leading edge extends entirely in the median vertical longitudinal plane.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower front part of the vacuum cleaner housing is symmetrical with respect to the median vertical longitudinal plane of the suction assembly.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, an upper end of the concave edge portion is located in front of a lower end of the concave edge portion.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the leading edge extends substantially vertically when the first and second main wheels rest on a horizontal surface. Such a configuration of the suction assembly further facilitates the bypassing by the suction assembly of any type of obstacle presented frontally to the suction assembly.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the first and second main wheels rest on a horizontal surface, a tangent to a lower end of the concave edge portion extends at an angle of between 0 and 10° relative to the vertical, and for example less than 7°. Such a configuration of the leading edge allows the suction assembly to dodge obstacles encountered frontally by the latter even more easily.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower front portion of the vacuum cleaner housing comprises a lower edge which extends between two planes, which are substantially horizontal when the first and second main wheels rest on a horizontal surface, and in an extension direction which is curved and convex. Advantageously, the extension direction follows a parabolic profile whose apex is located close to or substantially in the median vertical longitudinal plane.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower edge of the lower front part of the vacuum cleaner housing has, transversely to the direction of extension of the lower edge, a rounded section. Such a configuration of the lower edge makes it possible to prevent the lower front part of the vacuum cleaner housing from becoming embedded in a door sill when the vacuum cleaner housing passes over such a door sill and thus avoids any immobilization of the suction assembly at this door sill.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower edge of the lower front part has, in the median vertical longitudinal plane of the suction assembly, a convexity having a radius of curvature which is less than the radius of curvature of the concave edge part. Such a configuration of the lower edge promotes a slight lifting of the vacuum cleaner housing when the latter passes over a door sill which would be of high height.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the leading edge extends to the lower edge of the lower front portion.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower front portion of the vacuum cleaner housing comprises a concave outer surface which extends over the first and second flanks and which defines a cavity which extends along an extension path at least partially around the lower front portion. Such a configuration of the lower front portion of the vacuum cleaner housing further promotes the avoidance of an obstacle, in particular a small one, presented frontally to the suction assembly and caused to slide on the first or second flank in the direction of the first or second main wheel. Indeed, the aforementioned cavity prevents the vacuum cleaner housing from climbing onto the obstacle while the obstacle is sliding on one of the first and second flanks.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the concave edge portion of the leading edge is part of the concave outer surface.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cavity forms a channel extending over the first and second flanks.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cavity extends from a rear edge of the first flank to a rear edge of the second flank.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the extension path is convex, and advantageously rounded.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the extension path extends substantially in an extension plane which is inclined relative to the horizontal by an angle of inclination of between 20 and 60°, and for example between 30 and 50°, and advantageously between 30 and 40°, when the first and second main wheels rest on a horizontal surface.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cavity has, transversely to the extension path, a radius of curvature which varies from the leading edge and in the direction of the first and second main wheels respectively. Such a configuration of the cavity further promotes the avoidance of an obstacle presented frontally to the suction assembly.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the radius of curvature of the cavity decreases from the leading edge and towards the first and second main wheels respectively.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second flanks extend respectively to the vicinity of the first and second main wheels.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second flanks has a height which increases from the leading edge and towards the first and second main wheels respectively.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower front part of the vacuum cleaner housing has, seen from below, a convex external profile which extends from the rear edge of the first sidewall to the rear edge of the second sidewall.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower front portion of the vacuum cleaner housing is configured such that, for all intersection points belonging to an intersection line defined by the intersection of the convex outer profile and a reference plane which is substantially horizontal when the first and second wheels rest on a horizontal surface, the angles of inclination of the tangents at said intersection points relative to the median vertical longitudinal plane of the suction assembly decrease from the leading edge and respectively in the direction of the first and second main wheels. Such a configuration of the lower front portion of the vacuum cleaner housing further promotes the avoidance of an obstacle presented frontally to the suction assembly.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower front portion of the vacuum cleaner housing is configured such that, for the intersection point which is located in the median vertical longitudinal plane of the suction assembly, a tangent to said intersection point extends substantially perpendicular to the median vertical longitudinal plane of the suction assembly.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the reference plane is located near the lower edge of the lower front portion of the vacuum cleaner housing. Advantageously, the reference plane is spaced from a lower face of the lower front portion of the vacuum cleaner housing by a distance of less than 20 mm, and for example less than 10 mm.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, for at least one point of intersection of the intersection line which is spaced from the median vertical longitudinal plane of the suction assembly by a distance less than 35% of a separation distance between the median vertical longitudinal plane of the suction assembly and a contact zone of one of the first and second main wheels on the ground, the angle of inclination of a tangent to said at least one point of intersection relative to the median vertical longitudinal plane of the suction assembly is less than or equal to 60°. Such a configuration of the lower front part of the vacuum cleaner housing further promotes the avoidance of an obstacle presented frontally to the suction assembly and caused to slide on the first or second flank in the direction of the first or second main wheel.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower front portion comprises an upper edge which extends in a direction of extension which is curved and convex. Advantageously, the upper edge of the lower front portion of the vacuum cleaner housing has, transversely to the direction of extension of the upper edge, a rounded section.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper edge of the lower front part extends in the shape of an arc of a circle.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front lower portion of the vacuum cleaner housing has a lower surface that is substantially planar. Advantageously, the lower surface of the front lower portion is substantially horizontal when the first and second main wheels rest on a horizontal surface.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum assembly comprises a front wheel which is mounted on the lower front portion of the vacuum housing and which is configured to roll on the floor.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction assembly comprises a front wheel support which is mounted articulated on the lower front part of the vacuum cleaner housing around a hinge axis, the front wheel being mounted movable in rotation relative to the front wheel support around an axis of rotation which is transverse, and for example substantially perpendicular, to the hinge axis. These arrangements make it easier to maneuver the suction assembly, in particular to bypass an obstacle encountered by the suction assembly.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower front part of the vacuum cleaner housing has a ground clearance greater than 20 mm, and for example between 20 and 28 mm. Such a configuration of the lower front part makes it possible to prevent the latter from becoming embedded in a door sill when the vacuum cleaner housing passes over such a door sill.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second main wheels are of the omnidirectional type.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first main wheel comprises a plurality of first rotating rollers distributed on the periphery of the first main wheel and forming a first tread of the first main wheel, and the second main wheel comprises a plurality of second rotating rollers distributed on the periphery of the second main wheel and forming a second tread of the second main wheel.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear edge of the first flank is located in the vicinity of first rotating rollers of the first main wheel and the rear edge of the second flank is located in the vicinity of second rotating rollers of the second main wheel. Such a configuration of the lower front part of the vacuum cleaner housing further promotes the avoidance of an obstacle presented frontally to the suction assembly, since an obstacle encountering one of the first and second flanks and sliding on the latter would then encounter the rotating rollers of one of the first and second main wheels by limiting the impacts on the rotating rollers during the transition between the flank and the rotating rollers and would then roll on said rotating rollers.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear edge of the first flank and the axes of rotation of the first rotating rollers located in the vicinity of the first flank extend substantially in a first lateral plane, and the rear edge of the second flank and the axes of rotation of the second rotating rollers located in the vicinity of the second flank extend substantially in a second lateral plane.

[0049] Advantageously, the front protective portion projects forward of the suction assembly relative to the first and second flanks.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front protection portion is inclined forward and downward.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner housing comprises a partially spherical outer housing surface, the outer housing surface and the first and second main wheels partly forming a generally spherical assembly. Such a configuration of the suction assembly further promotes the avoidance of an obstacle presented frontally to the suction assembly.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction assembly comprises a first fixed wheel hub and a second fixed wheel hub which are integral with the vacuum cleaner housing and which are arranged on either side of the vacuum cleaner housing, the first and second main wheels being annular and rotating respectively around the first and second fixed wheel hubs.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second fixed wheel hubs extend from the vacuum cleaner housing respectively beyond the first and second main wheels. Advantageously, the first and second fixed wheel hubs form part of the generally spherical shaped assembly.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction assembly comprises an air circuit and a suction unit arranged on the air circuit, the suction unit comprising an electric motor and a fan coupled to the electric motor to generate an air flow in the air circuit.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction assembly comprises at least one exhaust orifice through which air cleaned by the suction assembly can exit the suction assembly, the air circuit extending between the suction nozzle and the at least one exhaust orifice.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction assembly comprises a waste separation and collection device which is arranged on the air circuit upstream of the suction unit and which is crossed by the air flow generated by the fan when the suction assembly is in operation.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device is of the cyclonic type.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second fixed wheel hubs respectively have a first hub outer surface and a second hub outer surface which are each in the shape of a spherical cap. A spherical cap shape is also known as a dome shape.

[0059] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the first and second main wheels are side wheels of the suction assembly. Brief description of the figures

[0060] The aims, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the description given below of a particular embodiment of the invention presented by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings in which: There figure 1 is a three-quarter front view of a suction assembly according to the present invention; The figure 2 is a side view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 ; There figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 ; There figure 4 is a front view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 ; There Figure 5 is a top view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 ; There figure 6is a rear view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 ; There Figure 7a is a top view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 showing obstacle avoidance according to a first step; The Figure 7b is a top view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 showing obstacle avoidance according to a second stage; The Figure 7c is a top view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 showing obstacle avoidance according to a third stage; The Figure 7d is a top view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 showing obstacle avoidance according to a fourth step; The figure 8 is a partial side view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 ; There figure 9 is a partial bottom view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 . There figure 10 is an enlarged scale view of a detail of the figure 8 . Detailed description

[0061] Only the elements necessary for understanding the invention are shown. To facilitate reading of the drawings, the same elements bear the same references from one figure to another.

[0062] It should be noted that in this document, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "lower", "upper", "height", "top", "above" used to describe the suction assembly or the main body refer to the suction assembly in use when it rests by its wheels on a floor to be cleaned which is flat and horizontal.

[0063] THE figures 1 to 9 represent a sled-type suction assembly 1.

[0064] The suction assembly 1 comprises a main body 2 comprising in particular: a vacuum cleaner housing 3 comprising an outer housing surface 4 of, for example, partially spherical shape, a suction nozzle 5 through which outside air can be sucked in by the suction assembly 1, and an exhaust port 6 through which air cleaned by the suction assembly 1 can exit the suction assembly 1.

[0065] The suction nozzle 5 is advantageously arranged at one end of the main body 2 which corresponds to the front of the main body 2.

[0066] The main body 2 further comprises an air circuit 7 which extends between the suction nozzle 5 and the exhaust orifice 6, and a waste separation and collection device 8 and a suction unit 9 which are arranged on the air circuit 7.

[0067] The suction unit 9 comprises an electric motor and a fan coupled to the electric motor to generate an air flow in the air circuit 7 from the suction nozzle 5 to the exhaust port 6.

[0068] The waste separation and collection device 8 is arranged on the air circuit 7 upstream of the suction unit 9 and is crossed by the air flow generated by the fan when the suction assembly 1 is in operation.

[0069] In the embodiment of the figures 1 to 9 , the waste separation and collection device 8 is of the cyclonic type, and comprises a waste collection container 11, and a cyclonic separation chamber 12 which is annular and which is delimited externally by a side wall of the waste collection container 11.

[0070] The suction assembly 1 further comprises first and second main wheels 13, 14 mounted to be rotatably mounted relative to the vacuum cleaner housing 3. The first and second main wheels 13, 14 respectively comprise first and second treads 15, 16 so that the main body 2 can rest and roll on the floor to be cleaned. The first and second main wheels 13, 14 are arranged on either side of the vacuum cleaner housing 3. More specifically, the first and second main wheels 13, 14 are lateral wheels relative to the main body 2.

[0071] As represented in figure 4 , the main wheels 13, 14 advantageously have axes of rotation A13, A14 which are inclined relative to each other. The axes of rotation A13, A14 preferably converge towards the top of the main body 2 to form at the top an angle α less than 180°.

[0072] In operating condition, a suction nozzle (not shown), also known as a suction head, is normally connected to the suction nozzle 5 by a suction tube (not shown) comprising a rigid part and a flexible part. The suction assembly 1, the suction nozzle and the suction tube form a canister vacuum cleaner. During a cleaning operation, the user of a canister vacuum cleaner holds the suction nozzle via a handle provided on the rigid part of the suction tube or secured to the suction tube. When the first and second main wheels 13, 14 are not motorized, the handle and the suction tube allow the user to pull the suction assembly 1 which, thanks to the first and second main wheels 13, 14, rolls on the floor to be vacuumed.

[0073] The suction nozzle and the suction tube are parts of a canister vacuum cleaner that are known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the suction nozzle and the suction tube are not shown in the figures and are not described in further detail in this description.

[0074] The first and second main wheels 13, 14 are advantageously annular and rotate respectively around a first fixed wheel hub 18 and a second fixed wheel hub 19 which are integral with the vacuum cleaner housing 3 and which are arranged on either side of the vacuum cleaner housing 3. The first and second fixed wheel hubs 18, 19 extend from the vacuum cleaner housing 3 respectively beyond the first and second main wheels 13, 14.

[0075] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second fixed wheel hubs 18, 19 respectively have a first outer hub surface 18a and a second outer hub surface 19a which are each in the shape of a spherical cap, in other words in the shape of a dome.

[0076] As shown more particularly on the figure 4 , the first main wheel 13 has a first annular outer surface 13a which is flush with the first outer hub surface 18a of the first fixed wheel hub 18, and the second main wheel 14 has a second annular outer surface 14a which is flush with the second outer hub surface 19a of the second fixed wheel hub 19. Advantageously, each of the first and second annular outer surfaces 13a, 14a is a portion of an annular spherical surface.

[0077] The first and second annular outer surfaces 13a, 14a form, with the first and second hub outer surfaces 18a, 19a and the housing outer surface 4, at least in part a generally spherical shaped assembly. This configuration allows the suction assembly 1 to more easily avoid encountered obstacles.

[0078] As shown in the figures, the first and second main wheels 13, 14 are of the omnidirectional type. This type of wheel allows the suction assembly 1 to move laterally L by rolling to better avoid an obstacle 30 coming into contact with a protective structure, which will be described in more detail below, and / or one of the first and second outer hub surfaces 18a, 19a of the first and second fixed wheel hubs 18, 19 (see Figures 7a to 7b ). This type of wheel is also known as holonomic wheels.

[0079] Thus, the first main wheel 13 comprises a plurality of first rotating rollers 13b distributed over the periphery of the first main wheel 13 and forming the first tread 15 of the first main wheel 13, and the second main wheel 14 comprises a plurality of second rotating rollers 14b distributed over the periphery of the second main wheel 14 and forming the second tread 16 of the second main wheel 14.

[0080] The first rotating rollers 13b of the first main wheel 13 can rotate freely and have axes of rotation not parallel to the axis of rotation A13 of the first main wheel 13, and the second rotating rollers 14b of the second main wheel 14 can rotate freely and have axes of rotation not parallel to the axis of rotation A14 of the second main wheel 14. Advantageously and as shown in the figures, the axes of rotation of the first and second rotating rollers 13b, 14b are respectively perpendicular to the axes of rotation A13, A14 of the first and second main wheels 13, 14.

[0081] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the axes of rotation of the first and second rotating rollers 13b, 14b are substantially tangent to the generally spherical shape or tangent to a theoretical sphere arranged radially inside the generally spherical shape.

[0082] As shown on the figures 8 And 9 , the vacuum cleaner housing 3 more particularly comprises a lower front part 21 which has the shape of a boat bow, and more particularly a bow with a gibbet.

[0083] The front lower portion 21 is provided with a leading edge 22 which extends substantially vertically when the first and second main wheels 13, 14 rest on a horizontal surface. The leading edge 22 comprises a concave edge portion 220 which is located under the suction nozzle 5 and which extends in the median vertical longitudinal plane P of the suction assembly 1. Advantageously, the concave edge portion 220 has a radius of curvature of between 5 and 30 mm, advantageously between 5 and 20 mm, and for example of approximately 18 mm.

[0084] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, an upper end of the concave edge portion 220 is located in front of a lower end of the concave edge portion 220. Advantageously, when the first and second main wheels 13, 14 rest on a horizontal surface, a tangent Ta at the lower end of the concave edge portion 220 extends at an angle ω of between 0 and 10° relative to the vertical, and for example less than 7°, and in particular approximately 5.7°.

[0085] The lower front portion 21 has a lower edge 23 which extends between two planes P1, P2, which are substantially horizontal when the first and second main wheels 13, 14 rest on a horizontal surface (see figure 10), and in a direction of extension which is curved and convex. Advantageously, the lower edge 23 of the lower front part 21 has, transversely to the direction of extension of the lower edge 23, a rounded section. Advantageously, the direction of extension follows a parabolic profile whose apex is located in the median vertical longitudinal plane P.

[0086] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the lower edge 23 of the front lower part 21 has, in the median vertical longitudinal plane P of the suction assembly 1, a convexity 231 having a radius of curvature which is less than the radius of curvature of the concave edge part 220, and which is for example approximately 5 mm. Advantageously, the leading edge 22 extends to the lower edge 23 of the front lower part 21.

[0087] The front lower portion 21 comprises an upper edge 24 which also extends in a direction of extension which is curved and convex. Advantageously, the upper edge 24 of the front lower portion 21 of the vacuum cleaner housing 3 extends in the shape of an arc of a circle and has, transversely to the direction of extension of the upper edge 24, a rounded section.

[0088] The front lower portion 21 also comprises first and second flanks 25, 26 located on either side of the leading edge 22 and extending from the leading edge 22 and respectively to the vicinity of the first and second main wheels 13, 14. Advantageously, a rear edge 25.1 of the first flank 25 is curved and extends around a portion of the first main wheel 13. The rear edge 25.1 of the first flank 25 is more particularly located in the vicinity of first rotating rollers 13b of the first main wheel 13. Similarly, a rear edge 26.1 of the second flank 26 is curved and extends around a portion of the second main wheel 14. The rear edge 26.1 of the second flank 26 is more particularly located in the vicinity of second rotating rollers 14b of the second main wheel 14.

[0089] The rear edge 25.1 of the first flank 25 and the axes of rotation of the first rotating rollers 13b located in the vicinity of the first flank 25 may, for example, extend substantially in a first lateral plane, and the rear edge 26.1 of the second flank 26 and the axes of rotation of the second rotating rollers 14b located in the vicinity of the second flank 26 may, for example, extend substantially in a second lateral plane.

[0090] The lower front portion 21 of the vacuum cleaner housing 3 further comprises a concave outer surface 27 which extends over the first and second flanks 25, 26. The concave outer surface 27 defines a cavity 28 which extends along an extension path Pe from the rear edge 25.1 of the first flank 25 to the rear edge 26.1 of the second flank 26 via the leading edge 22. Thus, the cavity 28 forms a channel extending over the first and second flanks 25, 26.

[0091] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the extension path Pe is convex, and advantageously rounded, and extends in an extension plane P27 which is inclined relative to the horizontal by an angle of inclination β of between 20 and 60°, and advantageously between 30 and 50°, and for example approximately 35°, when the first and second main wheels 13, 14 rest on a horizontal surface.

[0092] The cavity 28 has, transversely to the extension path Pe, a radius of curvature which varies, and for example which decreases, from the leading edge 22 and in the direction of the first and second main wheels 13, 14 respectively. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the radius of curvature of the cavity 28 decreases from 18 mm at the leading edge 22 to approximately 9 mm at approximately 15 mm from the median vertical longitudinal plane P, to remain at around 9 mm up to each of the first and second main wheels 13, 14.

[0093] As shown on the figure 9 , the lower front part 21 of the vacuum cleaner housing 3 has, seen from below, a convex external profile 29 which extends from the rear edge of the first flank 25 to the rear edge of the second flank 26.

[0094] The lower front portion 21 of the vacuum cleaner housing 3 is more particularly configured such that, for all the intersection points Pi belonging to an intersection line Li defined by the intersection of the convex outer profile 29 and a reference plane which is substantially horizontal when the first and second wheels 13, 14 rest on a horizontal surface, the angles of inclination θ of the tangents Ti at said intersection points Pi relative to the median vertical longitudinal plane P of the suction assembly 1 decrease from the leading edge 22 and respectively in the direction of the first and second main wheels 13, 14. Advantageously, the reference plane is spaced from a lower face of the lower front portion 21 of the vacuum cleaner housing 3, which is oriented towards the ground when the first and second main wheels 13, 14 rest on the ground, by a distance of less than 20 mm, and for example less than 10 mm.

[0095] The lower front portion 21 of the vacuum cleaner housing 3 is also configured such that, for the intersection point Pi22 which is located in the median vertical longitudinal plane P of the suction assembly 1, a tangent Ti to said intersection point Pi22 extends substantially perpendicular to the median vertical longitudinal plane P of the suction assembly 1.

[0096] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, for at least one intersection point PiM of the intersection line Li which is spaced from the median vertical longitudinal plane P of the suction assembly 1 by a distance less than 35% of a separation distance between the median vertical longitudinal plane P of the suction assembly 1 and a contact zone of one of the first and second main wheels 13, 14 on the ground, the angle of inclination θ of a tangent Ti to said at least one intersection point PiM relative to the median vertical longitudinal plane P of the suction assembly 1 is less than or equal to 60°.

[0097] The lower front part 21 of the vacuum cleaner housing 3 also comprises a front protection portion 210, also called a front bumper, which extends on either side of the median vertical longitudinal plane P of the suction assembly 1 and which is located above the first and second flanks 25, 26. The front protection portion 210 projects towards the front of the suction assembly 1 relative to the first and second flanks 25, 26. The upper edge 24 of the lower front part 21 is advantageously defined by the front protection portion 210.

[0098] Advantageously, the front protection portion 210 has a convex shape and for example substantially in an arc of a circle. The front protection portion 210 is more particularly configured to protect the first and second flanks 25, 26 from some of the impacts that they could undergo when the suction assembly 1, moving on a floor to be cleaned, encounters obstacles. The front protection portion 210 is also configured to promote avoidance of an obstacle presented frontally to the suction assembly 1.

[0099] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the front protection portion 210 is inclined forward and downward. Advantageously, the front protection portion 210 is inclined relative to the horizontal by an angle of inclination φ of between 30 and 70°, and advantageously between 40 and 60°, and for example approximately 45°, when the first and second main wheels 13, 14 rest on a horizontal surface.

[0100] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the front protection portion 210 comprises an external protection surface 211 having a generally partially cylindrical shape. Advantageously, the intersection between the external protection surface 211 and the median vertical longitudinal plane is inclined relative to the horizontal by an angle of inclination Δ of between 50 and 70°, and for example of approximately 60°, when the first and second main wheels 13, 14 rest on a horizontal surface.

[0101] As shown on the figure 8, the lower front part 21 of the vacuum cleaner housing 3 comprises a lower surface 31 which is substantially flat and which is substantially horizontal when the first and second main wheels 13, 14 rest on a horizontal surface. Advantageously, the lower front part 21 of the vacuum cleaner housing 3 has a ground clearance G greater than 20 mm, and for example between 20 and 28 mm, and preferably approximately 24 mm.

[0102] As shown more particularly on the figure 8, the suction assembly 1 comprises a front wheel support 32 which is mounted articulated on the front lower part 21 of the vacuum cleaner housing 3 around a hinge axis, and a front wheel 33 which is configured to roll on the ground and which is mounted to rotate relative to the front wheel support 32 around a rotation axis which is transverse, and for example substantially perpendicular, to the hinge axis. These arrangements make it easier to maneuver the suction assembly 1, in particular to bypass an obstacle encountered by the suction assembly 1.

[0103] The suction assembly 1 further comprises a protective structure 34 which is configured to protect the first and second main wheels 13, 14, and which is arranged outside the vacuum cleaner housing 3. The protective structure 34 extends away from the outer housing surface 4 of the vacuum cleaner housing 3, and covers a portion of each of the first and second treads 15, 16 of the first and second main wheels 13, 14, and more particularly several of the first rotating rollers 13b and several of the second rotating rollers 14b.

[0104] Preferably, the protective structure 34 covers an angular sector S1 of each of the first and second treads 15, 16 which is greater than 90° and advantageously between 90° and 130°. In the example of the figure 2, the angular sector S1 covered is approximately 115°. The protective structure 34 therefore makes it possible to protect the first and second main wheels 13, 14 from some of the shocks that they could undergo when the suction assembly 1, moving on a floor to be cleaned, encounters obstacles. The protective structure 34 thus makes it possible to increase the longevity of the first and second main wheels 13, 14.

[0105] Advantageously, the protective structure 34 forms a handle assembly that can be grasped by the user. The protective structure 34 therefore takes the form of a handle assembly that can be grasped by the user to lift and move the suction assembly 1. Thus, the protective structure 34 makes it possible both to protect all or part of the first and second main wheels 13, 14 and to offer at least one handle surface for the user.

[0106] THE Figures 7a to 7dillustrate, in four steps, a dodge of a frontal obstacle, such as a table leg presenting itself frontally to the suction assembly 1. A frontal obstacle is an obstacle coming to meet and come into contact with the suction assembly 1 when the suction assembly 1 moves forward AV.

[0107] According to a first step represented in Figure 7a , the suction assembly 1 moves forward AV. An obstacle 30 stands in the path of the suction assembly 1 and in front of the first main wheel 13.

[0108] According to a second step represented in Figure 7b, the suction assembly 1 continues its forward movement AV and comes into contact with the obstacle 30. More precisely, an inclined outer surface 35 of the protective structure 34 comes into contact with the obstacle 30 by interposing itself between the obstacle 30 and the first main wheel 13, thus preventing the obstacle 30 from striking the front of the first main wheel 13.

[0109] According to a third step represented in Figure 7c , the suction assembly 1 continues its movement forward AV, the inclined outer surface 35 slides over the obstacle 30. Thanks to the inclination of the inclined outer surface 35, at the same time as the suction assembly 1 moves forward AV, the suction assembly 1 moves laterally L.

[0110] According to a fourth step represented in Figure 7d, the suction assembly 1 continues its forward movement AV, the inclined outer surface 35 is clear of the obstacle 30. The suction assembly 1 continues to slide on the obstacle 30 by contact between the obstacle 30 and the first outer hub surface 18a of the first fixed wheel hub 18. Because the first outer hub surface 18a of the first fixed wheel hub 18 projects relative to the first main wheel 13 and relative to the rest of the vacuum cleaner housing 3, the relative sliding of the obstacle 30 on the first outer hub surface 18a has the effect on the one hand of continuing to move the suction assembly 1 laterally as it moves forward AV and on the other hand of moving the obstacle 30 away from the first main wheel 13 to prevent the obstacle 30 from hitting the first main wheel 13, in particular a rear part of the first main wheel 13.

[0111] Obstacle avoidance according to the above four steps is achieved by a combined effect of the protective structure 34 and the first and second outer hub surfaces 18a, 19a of the first and second fixed wheel hubs 18, 19 in the form of spherical caps.

[0112] It should be noted that the protective structure 34 also comprises an inclined outer surface 36 which is located on the side of the second main wheel 14 and which is configured to come into contact with an obstacle 30 located on the side of the second main wheel 14, so as to prevent the obstacle from striking the front of the second main wheel 14.

[0113] According to an obstacle avoidance not shown in the figures, the first outer hub surface 18a of the first fixed wheel hub 18 could directly come into contact with the obstacle 30, that is to say without the latter first coming into contact with the protective structure 34. According to such an obstacle avoidance, the spherical cap shape of the first outer hub surface 18a, associated with first and second main wheels 13, 14 of the omnidirectional type, allows, when the obstacle 30 encounters the first outer hub surface 18a, a lateral rolling movement of the suction assembly 1 which is continuous and progressive as the forward movement AV of the suction assembly 1 progresses, which ultimately allows the suction assembly 1 to more easily disengage from the obstacle encountered.

[0114] Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated, which has been given only as an example. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. A canister type suction assembly (1) comprising: - a vacuum cleaner housing (3) comprising a front lower part (21) provided with a leading edge (22), - a suction nozzle (5) through which outside air can be sucked into the suction assembly (1), - first and second main wheels (13, 14) movably mounted in rotation relative to the vacuum cleaner housing (3), the leading edge (22) including a concave edge part (220) which is located under the suction nozzle (5) and which extends in a median vertical longitudinal plane (P) of the suction assembly (1), the front lower part (21) of the vacuum cleaner housing (3) comprising first and second flanks (25, 26) located on either side of the leading edge (22) and extending from the leading edge (22) and respectively towards the first and second main wheels (13, 14), characterized in that the front lower part (21) of the vacuum cleaner housing (3) includes a front protective portion (210) which extends on either side of the median vertical longitudinal plane (P) of the suction assembly (1) and which is located above the first and second flanks (25, 26).

2. The suction assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the concave edge part (220) has a radius of curvature of between 5 and 30 mm.

3. The suction assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when the first and second main wheels (13, 14) rest on a horizontal surface, a tangent (Ta) to a lower end of the concave edge part (220) extends at an angle (ω) of between 0 and 10° relative to the vertical, and for example less than 7°.

4. The suction assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front lower part (21) of the vacuum cleaner housing (3) comprises a lower edge (23) which extends between two planes (P1, P2), which are substantially horizontal when the first and second main wheels (13, 14) rest on a horizontal surface, and in a direction of extension which is curved and convex.

5. The suction assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the lower edge (23) of the front lower part (21) of the vacuum cleaner housing (3) has, transversely to the direction of extension of the lower edge (23), a rounded section.

6. The suction assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the lower edge (23) of the front lower part (21) has, in the median vertical longitudinal plane (P) of the suction assembly (1), a convexity (231) having a radius of curvature which is less than the radius of curvature of the concave edge part (220).

7. The suction assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front lower part (21) of the vacuum cleaner housing (3) comprises a concave outer surface (27) which extends over the first and second flanks (25, 26) and which defines a cavity (28) which extends along an extension path (Pe) at least partially around the front lower part (21).

8. The suction assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the cavity (28) has, transversely to the extension path (Pe), a radius of curvature which varies from the leading edge (22) and towards the first and second main wheels (13, 14) respectively.

9. The suction assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the radius of curvature of the cavity (28) decreases from the leading edge (22) and towards the first and second main wheels (13, 14) respectively.

10. The suction assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first and second flanks (25, 26) extend respectively to the vicinity of the first and second main wheels (13, 14).

11. The suction assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the front lower part (21) of the vacuum cleaner housing (3) has, seen from below, a convex outer profile (29) which extends from the rear edge of the first flank (25) to the rear edge of the second flank (26).

12. The suction assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first main wheel (13) comprises a plurality of first rotating rollers distributed over the periphery of the first main wheel (13) and forming a first tread of the first main wheel (13), and the second main wheel comprises a plurality of second rotating rollers distributed over the periphery of the second main wheel (14) and forming a second tread of the second main wheel (14).

13. The suction assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the rear edge of the first flank (25) is located in the vicinity of first rotating rollers of the first main wheel (13) and the rear edge of the second flank (26) is located in the vicinity of second rotating rollers of the second main wheel (14).

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