Cleaning unit for suction head

Abstract

The invention provides a cleaning unit (11) comprising a rotary brush (12) configured to be mounted in a receiving recess of a suction head in a detachable manner and a closure plug (16) configured to close a passage opening (13) through which the rotary brush (12) is adapted to be introduced into and removed from the receiving recess, the closure plug (16) comprising a plug body (17) and at least one locking member (18) movable relative to the plug body (17) between a locking position in which the at least one locking member (18) cooperates with at least one locking element provided on the suction head to prevent the rotary brush (12) from being removed from the receiving recess and a release position in which the at least one locking member (18) releases the at least one locking element to allow the rotary brush (12) to be removed from the receiving recess (9).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaners equipped with a suction head for sucking up dust and small-particle waste present on the surface to be cleaned. BACKGROUND

[0002] Vacuum cleaners equipped with a suction head are well known on the market, they allow to clean a surface by suction, to remove dust and small-particle waste resting on the surface. The surface to be sucked can be, for example, a ceramic tile, a parquet, a laminate, a carpet or a rug.

[0003] The suction head comprises, in a known manner, a main body comprising a bottom plate provided with a bottom face and a suction mouth opening in the bottom face of the bottom plate. During use of the suction head, the bottom face of the bottom plate will be positioned in the vicinity of the surface to be sucked.

[0004] To improve the cleaning performance of the suction head, it is known to equip the suction head with a cleaning unit comprising:

[0005] - a rotating brush, which is movable in rotation about a rotation axis and is mounted in a receiving recess defined by the main body of the suction head in a removable manner, and

[0006] - a closure plug, which is configured to at least partially close a passage opening provided on the main body, through which the rotating brush is adapted to be introduced into and extracted from the receiving recess, the rotating brush being rotatable relative to the closure plug.

[0007] To ensure that the rotating brush remains in the receiving recess, the closure plug advantageously comprises a plug body and a locking device provided on the plug body and configured to lock the plug body to the main body. The locking device can for example comprise a thread configured to cooperate with an internal thread provided on the main body.

[0008] This configuration of the closure plug makes it difficult for the user to lock the plug body on the main body of the suction head. Furthermore, this configuration requires the user to exert a force to screw the closure plug on the main body, which makes the locking of the closure plug on the main body uncertain. Indeed, depending on the strength of the screwing force exerted by the user, the closure plug is either too tight or too loose on the main body. If the closure plug is not tight enough, the vibrations generated by the rotation of the rotating brush can cause the closure plug to loosen, up to its complete detachment. On the other hand, if the closure plug is too tight, an abnormally high loosening torque can be required to loosen the closure plug, thus making it difficult or impossible for the user to loosen it. SUMMARY

[0009] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0010] The basic technical problem of the present invention is in particular to provide a cleaning unit of a suction head which ensures a simple and ergonomic locking and unlocking of the plug body on the main body of the suction head.

[0011] To this end, the present application relates to a cleaning unit of a suction head, comprising:

[0012] - a rotating brush, movable in rotation about a rotation axis, and configured to be mounted in a removable manner in a receiving recess defined by a main body of the suction head, and

[0013] - a closure plug configured to at least partially close a passage opening provided on the main body, through which the rotating brush is adapted to be introduced into and extracted from the receiving recess.

[0014] The rotating brush is rotatable with respect to the closure plug.

[0015] The closure plug comprises a plug body and a locking device configured to lock the plug body to the main body.

[0016] The locking device comprises at least one locking member movable with respect to the plug body between a locking position, in which the at least one locking member cooperates with at least one locking element provided on the main body to prevent the rotating brush from being extracted from the receiving recess, and a release position, in which the at least one locking member releases the at least one locking element to allow the rotating brush to be extracted from the receiving recess.

[0017] The closure plug comprises an actuation member movable between a first actuation position and a second actuation position.

[0018] The actuation member comprises at least one cam surface and the at least one locking member comprises at least one contact surface which contacts the cam surface and is configured to move along the cam surface so that, when the actuation member moves between the first actuation position and the second actuation position, the contact surface moves along the cam surface to drive the at least one locking member to move between the release position and the locking position.

[0019] This configuration of the closure plug ensures that the plug body is easily and ergonomically locked to the main body of the suction head. Therefore, the cleaning unit according to the present application offers a higher use comfort to the user.

[0020] Furthermore, this configuration of the closure plug ensures that the plug body is effectively retained in the passage opening, so that the rotating brush is effectively retained in the receiving recess.

[0021] Furthermore, this configuration ensures a reliable locking, with a reduction of the locking force applied by the user to lock the closure plug, compared to the aforementioned prior art solutions.

[0022] The cleaning unit can also have one or more of the following features, alone or in combination.

[0023] Advantageously, the actuation member and the at least one locking member are configured so that a movement of the actuation member from the first actuation position to the second actuation position drives a movement of the at least one locking member from the release position to the locking position, and so that a movement of the actuation member from the second actuation position to the first actuation position drives a movement of the at least one locking member from the locking position to the release position. This configuration of the closure plug allows to lock / unlock the plug body only by moving the actuation member between the first and second actuation positions, which significantly ensures that the rotary brush is easily and ergonomically extracted from the receiving recess.

[0024] This configuration also contributes to ensure a reliable locking, with a reduced locking force applied by the user to lock the closure plug, compared to the aforementioned solutions of the prior art.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the application, the actuation member is mounted so as to be rotatable about an actuation axis substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the rotary brush.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the application, the rotation axis of the rotary brush substantially coincides with the central axis of the rotary brush.

[0027] Advantageously, the actuation axis is substantially coaxial to the rotation axis.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the application, the at least one locking member is movable relative to the plug body along a movement direction extending transversely to the rotation axis of the rotary brush.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the application, the movement direction of the at least one locking member is substantially radial with respect to the rotation axis of the rotary brush.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the application, the at least one locking member is slidably mounted relative to the plug body.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the application, the at least one locking member is configured to radially protrude from the outer periphery of the plug body when the at least one locking member is in the locking position.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the application, the at least one locking member is configured to be recessed from the outer periphery of the plug body or substantially flush with the outer periphery of the plug body when the at least one locking member is in the release position.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the application, the actuation member has a substantially discoid shape.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the application, the at least one cam surface extends transversely to the rotation axis of the rotary brush. This arrangement contributes to achieve compactness of the cleaning unit.

[0035] Advantageously, a generatrix of the cam surface is substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the rotary brush. This arrangement contributes to simplify the cleaning unit.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present application, the at least one contact surface is formed by an outer surface of a protrusion, which protrudes from the locking member and is configured to slide on the at least one cam surface. This embodiment facilitates the simplicity of the cleaning unit.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present application, the protrusion protrudes from the locking member in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the rotational brush.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present application, the actuation member comprises at least one cam groove, in which the at least one cam surface is formed.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the present application, the at least one cam groove extends transversely to the rotational axis of the rotational brush. This arrangement facilitates the compactness of the cleaning unit.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present application, the at least one cam groove is formed by at least two, preferably parallel, groove flanks, each having a generatrix substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the rotational brush.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the present application, at least one of the two groove flanks forms the at least one cam surface.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the present application, the protrusion is accommodated in and slides in the cam groove, such that when the actuation member is moved between the first actuation position and the second actuation position, the protrusion is moved in the cam groove by sliding on the at least one cam surface and drives the locking member to move between the release position and the locking position. This arrangement facilitates the compactness and reliability of the cleaning unit, more specifically, of the sub-assembly formed by the locking device and the actuation member, while ensuring the mechanical reliability of the connection between the locking device and the actuation member.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the present application, the at least one cam surface, preferably the at least one cam groove, is curved. The at least one cam surface, preferably the at least one cam groove, may, for example, have a circular arc shape or have a gradually changing radius of curvature.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the present application, the at least one cam surface, preferably the at least one cam groove, is substantially straight.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the present application, the at least one cam groove comprises a first cam surface configured to move the at least one locking member from the release position to the locking position when the actuation member is moved from the first actuation position to the second actuation position, and a second cam surface configured to move the at least one locking member from the locking position to the release position when the actuation member is moved from the second actuation position to the first actuation position.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the application, each of the first and second cam surfaces is curved. Each of the first and second cam surfaces may, for example, have a circular arc shape or have a gradually changing radius of curvature.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the application, each of the first and second cam surfaces is substantially straight.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the application, a first side of the slot forms the first cam surface for pushing the peg and the locking member radially outside the plug body when the actuating member is moved from the first actuating position to the second actuating position, and wherein a second side of the slot forms the second cam surface for pulling the peg and the locking member radially inside the plug body when the actuating member is moved from the second actuating position to the first actuating position.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the application, wherein the contact surface is formed by an outer peripheral surface of a roller rotatably movably mounted on the locking member and configured to roll on the cam surface.

[0050] According to an embodiment of the application, the actuating member is manually actuatable from outside the suction head when the plug body is locked to the main body.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the application, the locking device comprises a plurality of locking members, which are angularly offset from each other with respect to the rotation axis of the rotating brush, preferably three locking members, the actuating member comprising a corresponding number of cam surfaces. When the locking device has three locking members, the corresponding number of cam surfaces is for example 3 or 6. The plurality of locking members ensures a reliable locking. The presence of three locking members is preferred because it allows a three-point locking, thus allowing a statically determinate locking with no or less play, as compared to an over-determinate locking comprising more than three locking points. This reduces the vibrations generated because of the connection between the locking members of the cleaning unit and the at least one locking element provided on the suction head main body.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the application, the closure plug comprises a grip configured to be gripped by the user.

[0053] The presence of such a grip facilitates the extraction of the rotating brush from the receiving recess, for example, for its cleaning.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the application, the grip is movable between a rest position and a gripping position, in which the grip is configured to be gripped by the user. These arrangements facilitate the extraction of the rotating brush from the receiving recess, while limiting the volume of the closure plug, and thus of the cleaning unit on the suction head.

[0055] According to an embodiment of the application, the grip is mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis between the rest position and the gripping position. The pivot axis of the grip is for example substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotating brush.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the application, the handle is mounted on the actuation member. These arrangements make it possible to improve the gripping of the closure plug, in particular to perform the locking / unlocking of the plug body on the main body of the suction head.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the application, the handle is configured to move the actuation member between a first actuation position and a second actuation position when the handle is actuated by the user.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the application, the handle is configured to transmit a rotational torque to the actuation member.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the application, the actuation member is configured to move from the first actuation position to the second actuation position when the user applies a first rotational torque to the handle in a first rotational direction, and the actuation member is configured to move from the second actuation position to the first actuation position when the user applies a second rotational torque to the handle in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the application, the closure plug comprises a fastening cap fastened to the plug body and partially covering the actuation member. The fastening cap and the plug body advantageously define a mounting recess in which the actuation member is mounted. The fastening cap can for example be annular.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the application, the actuation member comprises a reading mark, and the closure plug comprises a locking mark and a release mark angularly offset relative to the rotation axis of the rotary brush, the locking mark and the release mark being fixed non-rotatable relative to the plug body, the reading mark being configured to be located opposite the release mark when the actuation member is in the first actuation position and to be located opposite the locking mark when the actuation member is in the second actuation position. Advantageously, the locking mark and the release mark are provided on the fastening cap.

[0062] According to an embodiment of the application, the rotary brush comprises a tubular brush body. Advantageously, the brush body is cylindrical with a circular cross-section.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the application, the rotary brush is rotatably guided in or around the plug body.

[0064] According to an embodiment of the application, the rotary brush has bristles provided on the outer surface of the brush body. Advantageously, the rotary brush comprises at least one row of bristles provided on the outer surface of the brush body.

[0065] According to an embodiment of the application, the locking members are uniformly distributed around the rotation axis of the rotary brush.

[0066] The application also relates to a suction head comprising:

[0067] - a body comprising a receiving recess open in a bottom face of the body, the bottom face being configured to face a surface to be cleaned, a passage opening open in the receiving recess, and at least one locking element, and

[0068] - the cleaning unit according to the application, the rotary brush being mounted in the receiving recess in a removable manner, the closure plug at least partially closing the passage opening, and the at least one locking member cooperating with the at least one locking element.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the application, the at least one locking element comprises at least one locking slot, the at least one locking member being configured to engage in the locking slot when the at least one locking member is in the locking position. Advantageously, the at least one locking slot extends at least partially around the passage opening.

[0070] According to an embodiment of the application, the at least one locking element comprises a plurality of locking slots, the locking slots being angularly offset from one another with respect to the rotation axis of the rotary brush, and each locking slot being intended to accommodate a respective locking member.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the application, the at least one locking member and the plug body are fixed against rotation with respect to the receiving recess when the plug body is locked to the body.

[0072] According to an embodiment of the application, the suction head comprises a foolproofing device configured to impose a relative angular orientation between the closure plug and the body when the plug body is inserted into the passage opening.

[0073] According to an embodiment of the application, the foolproofing device comprises at least one foolproofing element, such as a foolproofing rib, provided on the closure plug, and at least one foolproofing member, such as a foolproofing slot, provided on the body.

[0074] According to an embodiment of the application, the passage opening is provided on a lateral face of the body.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the application, the suction head comprises a drive device configured to drive the rotary brush in rotation about the rotation axis.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the application, the rotary brush comprises a first end configured to be rotatably coupled to the drive device, and a second end supported by the closure plug and mounted in rotatable movement with respect to the closure plug.

[0077] According to an embodiment of the application, the drive device comprises a drive motor, the output shaft of which can be substantially aligned with the rotation axis of the rotary brush, or can be offset from the rotation axis of the rotary brush.

[0078] According to an embodiment of the application, the main body comprises a base plate provided with a bottom face configured to face the surface to be cleaned, and a suction opening opening in the bottom face. Advantageously, the receiving recess opens in the bottom face of the base plate via the suction opening.

[0079] According to an embodiment of the application, the suction opening has an elongated shape and extends transversely, for example perpendicularly, to the direction of movement of the suction head. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0080] The application will be well understood by means of the following description and appended drawings, which show by way of non-limiting example embodiments of such a suction head.

[0081] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a suction head according to the application.

[0082] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a top perspective view of the suction head of

[0083] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a partial side view of the suction head of

[0084] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a partial side view of the suction head of

[0085] Figure 5 is Figure 1 a longitudinal sectional view of the suction head of

[0086] Figure 6 is Figure 2 an exploded perspective view of the closure plug of the cleaning unit of

[0087] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the cleaning unit, showing the handle in the gripping position and the locking member in the release position.

[0088] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the cleaning unit, showing the handle in the rest position and the locking member in the locking position.

[0089] Figure 9 is a front perspective view of the closure plug, showing in the locking position of the locking member.

[0090] Figure 10 is a sectional view of the closure plug, showing the locking member in the release position.

[0091] Figure 11 is a sectional view of the closure plug, showing the locking member in the locking position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] Figures 1 to 11 The suction head 2 is shown including a connection sleeve 3, to which a joint of a rigid or flexible tube is designed to be connected, the rigid or flexible tube itself being connected to a suction system of a vacuum cleaner (not shown). Various different models of vacuum cleaners are already present on the market, which can be used with the suction head 2 according to the present application; since these different models are known to the person skilled in the art, they are not described in detail in the present patent application.

[0093] The suction head 2 includes a main body 4, which is configured to be moved over a surface to be cleaned. The connection sleeve 3 is advantageously mounted pivotably relative to the main body 4, thereby allowing the main body 4 to be pivoted forward and backward when the suction head 2 is moved in a movement direction D1.

[0094] The main body 4 includes a bottom plate 5, which is provided with a bottom face 6, which is configured to be directed towards the surface to be cleaned, and a suction opening 7, which is open in the bottom face 6. The suction opening 7 is in particular in communication with the connection sleeve 3 via a connection channel, which is at least partially formed, for example, by a flexible connection tube. The suction opening 7 can for example have an elongated shape and extend transversely, for example perpendicularly, to the movement direction D1 of the suction head 2.

[0095] The main body 4 further includes a receiving recess 9, which is open in the bottom face of the bottom plate 5 via the suction opening 7 and is in fluid connection with the connection channel. Thus, according to the embodiment shown in the figures, the receiving recess 9 forms a suction chamber.

[0096] The suction head 2 further includes a cleaning unit 11, which includes a rotary brush 12, which is rotatably movably mounted in the receiving recess 9 along a rotation axis A, which substantially coincides with a central axis of the rotary brush 12. Advantageously, the rotary brush 12 is mounted in the receiving recess 9 in a detachable manner and is configured to be introduced into and extracted from the receiving recess 9 along an introduction direction D2. The introduction direction D2 extends transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the movement direction D1 of the suction head 2.

[0097] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the main body 4 has a passage opening 13, which is open in the receiving recess 9, through which the rotary brush 12 can be introduced into and extracted from the receiving recess 9. Advantageously, the passage opening 13 is provided on a lateral face of the main body 4.

[0098] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the rotary brush 12 comprises a brush body 14, for example tubular, and bristles 15 arranged on the outer surface of the brush body 14. Advantageously, the brush body 14 is cylindrical with a circular cross section and the rotary brush 12 comprises a plurality of rows of bristles, for example extending helically around the central axis of the rotary brush 12. According to an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the rows of bristles can be replaced by elastically deformable lamellae or foam cleaning sleeves.

[0099] The cleaning unit 11 further comprises a closure plug 16 configured to at least partially close the passage opening 13 when the rotary brush 12 is mounted in the receiving recess 9.

[0100] The closure plug 16 comprises a plug body 17 and a locking device configured to lock the plug body 17 to the main body 4.

[0101] The locking device comprises at least one locking member 18, advantageously three locking members 18, movably, preferably slidably, mounted on the plug body 17 between a locking position, in which the locking members 18 cooperate with at least one locking element arranged on the main body 4 to prevent the rotary brush 12 from being extracted from the receiving recess 9, and a release position, in which the locking members 18 release the at least one locking element to allow the rotary brush 12 to be extracted from the receiving recess 9. Advantageously, each locking member 18 is a latch.

[0102] According to an embodiment of the application, the at least one locking element has only one locking slot 19 extending at least partially around the passage opening 13 and each locking member 18 is configured to be engaged in the locking slot 19 when the locking member 18 is in the locking position. According to another embodiment of the application, the at least one locking element comprises a plurality of locking slots 19 angularly offset from each other with respect to the rotation axis A of the rotary brush 12 and each locking slot 19 is intended to accommodate a respective locking member 18.

[0103] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking members 18 are uniformly distributed around the rotation axis A of the rotary brush 12 and each locking member 18 is movably mounted with respect to the plug body 17 in a direction of movement extending substantially radially to the rotation axis A of the rotary brush 12.

[0104] When the locking members 18 are in the locking position (see figures 1 and 2), Figure 9 and Figure 11 , the locking members 18 are configured to radially protrude from the outer periphery 21 of the plug body 17 and when the locking members 18 are in the release position (see figures 3 and 4), Figure 7 and Figure 10 , the locking members 18 are configured to be recessed from or substantially flush with the outer periphery 21 of the plug body 17.

[0105] Advantageously, when the plug 17 is locked onto the main body 4, the locking members 18 and the plug 17 are fixed against rotation with respect to the receiving recess 9.

[0106] The closure plug 16 further comprises an actuation member 22 configured to move the locking members 18 between a locking position and a release position. The actuation member 22 can for example be generally disc-shaped.

[0107] According to the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the actuation member 22 is mounted in rotatable movement about an actuation axis, substantially coaxial to the rotation axis A of the rotary brush 12, with respect to the plug 17 between a first actuation position (see Figure 7 ) and a second actuation position (see Figure 8 ), and the actuation member 22 and the locking members 18 are configured so that the movement of the actuation member 22 from the first actuation position to the second actuation position drives the movement of the locking members 18 from the release position to the locking position, and so that the movement of the actuation member 22 from the second actuation position to the first actuation position drives the movement of the locking members 18 from the locking position to the release position. This configuration of the closure plug 16 allows to lock / unlock the plug 17 only by moving the actuation member 22 between the first and second actuation positions, thus ensuring that the rotary brush 12 is easily and ergonomically extracted from the receiving recess 9.

[0108] As shown in Figure 10 and Figure 11 , the actuation member 22 has at least one cam surface, advantageously formed by three cam grooves 23, in each of which a lobe 24 provided on a respective locking member 18 is housed. Each cam groove 23 extends transversely to the rotation axis A of the rotary brush 12.

[0109] According to the embodiment illustrated in the figures, each cam groove 23 is curved and has a generally circular arc shape. Each cam groove 23 can have a constant radius of curvature or a progressive radius of curvature. According to alternative embodiments not illustrated in the figures, however, each cam groove 23 can be straight.

[0110] Each cam groove 23 comprises a first cam surface 23.1 configured to move the respective locking member 18 from the release position to the locking position when the actuation member 22 is rotationally moved from the first actuation position to the second actuation position, and a second cam surface 23.2 configured to move the respective locking member 18 from the locking position to the release position when the actuation member 22 is rotationally moved from the second actuation position to the first actuation position. The first cam surface 23.1 is formed by a first groove flank, and the second cam surface 23.2 is formed by a second groove flank. Advantageously, the second groove flank is parallel to the first groove flank, and the width of the cam groove 23 is substantially larger than the width / diameter of the lugs 24, such that the lugs 24 are guided in the cam groove 23 when the actuation member 22 is rotationally moved.

[0111] Advantageously, each lug 24 alternately slides in contact on the first cam surface 23.1 and then on the second cam surface 23.2, such that said lug 24 is slidably moved on the first cam surface 23.1 when the actuation member 22 is moved from the first actuation position to the second actuation position, and on the second cam surface 23.2 when the actuation member 22 is moved from the second actuation position to the first actuation position.

[0112] In alternative embodiments, each lug 24 can simultaneously slide in contact on the first and second cam surfaces 23.1, 23.2.

[0113] In alternative embodiments, each locking member is provided with only one cam surface. In this embodiment, a return means, such as a spring, allows each lug to remain in contact with the cam surface.

[0114] In alternative embodiments, each locking member 18 can carry a roller rotatably mounted on each locking member 18 to achieve a rolling contact on the respective cam surface of the actuation member or on the first or second cam surface 23.1, 23.2 formed by the cam groove 23. In other words, in this alternative embodiment, the locking members do not slide on the cam surface when the actuation member 22 is moved, for example, from the first actuation position to the second actuation position, but roll on the cam surface of the actuation member 22.

[0115] The closure plug 16 further comprises a handle 25 configured to be gripped by a user, for example, to allow the removal of the rotary brush 12 from the receiving recess 9. The handle 25 can for example have a semi-circular or any other shape.

[0116] Advantageously, the handle 25 is pivoted about a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis A of the rotary brush 12, between a rest position (see Fig. 2) and a gripping position (see Fig. 3). Figure 8 ) and a gripping position (see Figure 7The handle 25 is pivotally mounted on the actuation member 22 between a rest position and a grip position. The handle 25 and the actuation member 22 are more particularly configured to define a grip passage adapted to receive at least one finger of a user when the handle 25 is in the grip position.

[0117] According to the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the actuation member 22 comprises a handle recess 22.1 into which the handle 25 extends at least partially when the handle 25 is in the rest position.

[0118] Advantageously, the handle 25 can comprise a grip protrusion which protrudes from the handle recess 22.1 when the handle 25 is in the rest position and which is configured to be gripped by the user when the handle 25 is in the rest position, thereby enabling the handle 25 to be moved from the rest position to the grip position.

[0119] More particularly, the handle 25 is configured to move the actuation member 22 from the first actuation position to the second actuation position when the user exerts a first rotational torque on the handle 25 in a first rotational direction, and to move the actuation member 22 from the second actuation position to the first actuation position when the user exerts a second rotational torque on the handle 25 in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.

[0120] According to the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the closure plug 16 comprises a fastening cap 26 fastened to the plug body 17. The fastening cap 26 and the plug body 17 define a mounting recess in which the actuation member 22 is mounted, and are configured to allow only rotational movement of the actuation member 22 relative to the plug body 17. Advantageously, the fastening cap 26 is annular, extends around the actuation member 22, and partially covers the actuation member 22.

[0121] According to the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the actuation member 22 comprises a reading mark 27, and the fastening cap comprises a locking mark 28 and a release mark 29 which are angularly offset relative to the rotation axis A of the rotary brush 12. The reading mark 27 is configured to be located opposite the release mark 29 when the actuation member 22 is in the first actuation position, and to be located opposite the locking mark 28 when the actuation member 22 is in the second actuation position.

[0122] The suction head 2 comprises a foolproof device 31 configured to impose a relative angular orientation between the closure plug 16 and the main body 4 when the plug body 17 is inserted into the passage opening 13. According to the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the foolproof device comprises a pair of foolproof elements 32, for example two foolproof ribs, provided on the plug body 17, and the passage opening 13 has a non-circular shape.

[0123] The suction head 2 further comprises drive means 33 configured to drive the rotation of the rotary brush 12 about its rotation axis A. More specifically, the drive means 33 comprise an electric drive motor 34, the output shaft of which can be substantially aligned with the rotation axis A of the rotary brush 12. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the electric drive motor 34 is housed in the brush body 14 of the rotary brush 12. According to alternative embodiments not shown in the figures, the electric drive motor 34 can be offset from the rotation axis A of the rotary brush 12.

[0124] Advantageously, the rotary brush 12 comprises a first end portion 12.1 configured to be rotatably coupled to the drive means 33 and a second end portion 12.2 supported by the closing plug 16 and rotatably movable with respect to the closing plug 16. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the drive means 33 comprise a coupling member 35 rotationally integral with the output shaft of the electric drive motor 33 and rotationally coupled with the first end portion 12.1 of the rotary brush 12.

[0125] In order to extract the rotary brush 12 from the receiving recess 9, for example in order to clean the rotary brush 12 or to replace the rotary brush 12, the user moves the grip 25 to the gripping position and exerts a rotation torque on the grip 25 in order to move the actuation member 22 to the first actuation position. This movement of the actuation member 22 drives the movement of the locking member 18 to the release position. Then, the user can easily extract the rotary brush 12 from the receiving recess 9 by exerting a pulling force on the grip 25 in order to subsequently clean or replace the rotary brush 12.

[0126] When the user wants to reposition the rotary brush 12 in the receiving recess 9, the user inserts the rotary brush 12 into the receiving recess 9 until the receiving recess 9 is coupled with the coupling member 18 and then exerts a rotation torque on the grip 25 in order to move the actuation member 22 to the second actuation position. This movement of the actuation member 22 drives the movement of the locking member 18 to the locking position. Finally, the user repositions the grip 25 in the rest position.

[0127] Of course, the present application is not limited to the described and illustrated embodiments, which are provided by way of example only. There can be some modifications, especially in the constitution of the various elements or through substitution by equivalent techniques, without departing from the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A cleaning unit (11) of a suction head, comprising: - a rotary brush (12) movable in rotation about an axis of rotation (A) and configured to be mounted in a removable manner in a receiving recess (9) defined by a main body (4) of the suction head, and - a closure plug (16) configured to at least partially close a passage opening (13) provided on the main body (4) through which the rotary brush (12) is adapted to be introduced into and extracted from the receiving recess (9), the rotary brush (12) being rotatable relative to the closure plug (16), the closure plug (16) comprising a plug body (17) and locking means configured to lock the plug body (17) to the main body (4), characterized in that the locking means comprise at least one locking member (18) movable relative to the plug body (17) between a locking position, in which the at least one locking member (18) cooperates with at least one locking element provided on the main body (4) to prevent the rotary brush (12) from being extracted from the receiving recess (9), and a release position, in which the at least one locking member (18) releases the at least one locking element to allow the rotary brush (12) to be extracted from the receiving recess (9), and in that the closure plug (16) comprises an actuation member (22) movable between a first actuation position and a second actuation position, and in that the actuation member (22) comprises at least one cam surface (23.1, 23.2), and and in that the at least one locking member (18) comprises at least one contact surface which contacts the cam surface (23.1, 23.2) and is configured to move along the cam surface (23.1, 23.2) such that, when the actuation member (22) moves between the first actuation position and the second actuation position, the contact surface moves along the cam surface (23.1, 23.2) to drive the at least one locking member (18) to move between the release position and the locking position.

2. The cleaning unit (11) according to claim 1, wherein The actuation member (22) is mounted so as to be movable in rotation about an actuation axis substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (A) of the rotary brush (12).

3. The cleaning unit (11) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The at least one locking member (18) is movable relative to the plug body (17) along a direction of movement transverse to the axis of rotation (A) of the rotary brush (12).

4. The cleaning unit (11) according to claim 3, wherein The direction of movement of the at least one locking member (18) is substantially radial relative to the axis of rotation (A) of the rotary brush (12).

5. The cleaning unit (11) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The at least one locking member (18) is configured to radially protrude from an outer periphery of the plug body (17) when the at least one locking member (18) is in the locking position.

6. The cleaning unit (11) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The at least one locking member (18) is slidably mounted relative to the plug body (17).

7. The cleaning unit (11) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The at least one cam surface (23.1, 23.2) extends transversely to the axis of rotation (A) of the rotary brush (12).

8. The cleaning unit (11) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Said at least one contact surface is formed by an outer surface of a protruding pin (24) which protrudes from said locking member (18) and is configured to slide on said at least one cam surface (23.1, 23.2).

9. The cleaning unit (11) according to claim 8, wherein Said protruding pin (24) protrudes from said locking member (18) in a direction parallel to the rotation axis (A) of said rotary brush (12).

10. The cleaning unit (11) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Said actuation member (22) comprises at least one cam groove (23) in which said at least one cam surface (23.1, 23.2) is formed.

11. The cleaning unit (11) according to claim 10, wherein Said at least one cam groove (23) extends transversely to the rotation axis (A) of said rotary brush (12).

12. The cleaning unit (11) according to claim 8, wherein Said actuation member (22) comprises at least one cam groove (23) in which said at least one cam surface (23.1, 23.2) is formed, said protruding pin (24) being housed in and sliding in said cam groove (23) so that, when said actuation member (22) is moved between said first actuation position and said second actuation position, said protruding pin (24) is moved in said cam groove (23) by sliding on said at least one cam surface (23.1, 23.2) and drives said locking member (18) to move between said release position and said locking position.

13. The cleaning unit (11) according to claim 10, wherein Said at least one cam groove (23) comprises a first cam surface (23.1) configured to move said at least one locking member (18) from said release position to said locking position when said actuation member (22) is moved from said first actuation position to said second actuation position, and a second cam surface (23.2) configured to move said at least one locking member (18) from said locking position to said release position when said actuation member (22) is moved from said second actuation position to said first actuation position.

14. The cleaning unit (11) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Said contact surface is formed by an outer peripheral surface of a roller rotatably mounted on said locking member (18) and configured to roll on said cam surface (23.1, 23.2).

15. The cleaning unit (11) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Said locking device comprises a plurality of locking members (18) which are angularly offset with respect to each other with respect to the rotation axis (A) of said rotary brush (12), said actuation member (22) comprising a corresponding number of cam surfaces (23.1, 23.2).

16. The cleaning unit (11) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Said closure plug (16) comprises a grip (25) configured to be gripped by a user.

17. The cleaning unit (11) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Said rotary brush (12) is rotatably guided in or around said plug body (17).

18. The cleaning unit (11) according to claim 15, wherein Said locking members are three.

19. A suction head comprising: - a main body (4) comprising a receiving recess (9) open in a bottom face of said main body (4) configured to be directed towards a surface to be cleaned, a passage opening (13) open in said receiving recess (9), and at least one locking element, and - a rotary brush (12) rotatably mounted on said main body (4) and comprising a plurality of bristles (14) extending from said rotary brush (12) and configured to be moved in contact with said surface to be cleaned, said at least one locking element being configured to be engaged by said bristles (14) when said rotary brush (12) is rotated. - The cleaning unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, said rotary brush (12) being mounted in said receiving recess (9) in a detachable manner, said closure plug (16) at least partially closing said passage opening (13), and said at least one locking member (18) cooperating with said at least one locking element.

20. The suction head of claim 19, wherein, Said at least one locking element comprises at least one locking groove (19), said at least one locking member (18) being configured to engage in said locking groove when said at least one locking member (18) is in said locked position.

21. The suction head of claim 19 or 20, wherein Said at least one locking member (18) and said plug body (17) are fixed against rotation relative to said receiving recess (9) when said plug body (17) is locked to said main body (4).

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