Vacuum cleaner comprising male electrical connector equipped with protection mechanism

Abstract

The vacuum cleaner comprises a suction assembly comprising a suction nozzle and a first electrical connector (18); the invention relates to an electrical connector assembly (10) comprising a first electrical connector (18), and a suction member comprising a connection nozzle configured to be mechanically and fluidly connected with the suction nozzle, and a second electrical connector (19) configured to mate with the first electrical connector (18). One of the first and second electrical connectors (18, 19) comprises a protection cavity (22), two male connection pins (24) arranged in the protection cavity (22), and a protection mechanism (28) configured to occupy an extended position in which it extends between the male connection pins (24), the other of the first and second electrical connectors (18, 19) includes an insertion portion (25) configured to be received into the protection cavity (22), and two female connection pins configured to mate with the male connection pins (24).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaners allowing the extraction of dust and waste present on a surface to be cleaned, which may be, for example, tiles, parquet, laminate, carpet or rug. Background Art

[0002] A vacuum cleaner, in particular a portable vacuum cleaner or a broom-type vacuum cleaner, comprises in a known manner:

[0003] - a suction assembly comprising:

[0004] a main body comprising a suction nozzle through which air can be sucked by the suction assembly,

[0005] a waste separation and collection device mounted on the body and fluidly connected to the nozzle, and

[0006] a suction motor housed within the body and configured to generate an air flow through the suction nozzle and the waste separation and collection device,

[0007] a suction attachment comprising a connection nozzle configured to be mechanically and fluidically connected to a suction nozzle provided on the body of the suction assembly, and

[0008] - a first electrical connector, which is arranged on the main body; and a second electrical connector, which is arranged on the suction attachment and is configured to cooperate with the first electrical connector when the connection nozzle provided on the suction attachment is mechanically connected to the suction nozzle provided on the main body.

[0009] More specifically, the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector allow for powering electrical components that are arranged directly in the suction attachment or in another accessory that is electrically and fluidically connected to the suction attachment. For example, the suction accessory may be a suction tube that is configured to be connected to a suction head provided with a base plate facing the floor to be cleaned, and the suction head may, for example, be provided with a rotating cleaning brush and a brush drive motor, and when the suction attachment is connected to a suction nozzle provided on the suction assembly, the brush drive motor can be powered by the suction assembly through the suction attachment.

[0010] In a known manner, one of the first and second electrical connectors is a male electrical connector and includes a protective cavity and two male connecting pins disposed in the protective cavity, and the other of the first and second electrical connectors is a female electrical connector and includes an insertion portion and two female connecting pins disposed in the insertion portion, the two female connecting pins respectively facing two through-holes opening in an end face of the insertion portion. This vacuum cleaner is more specifically configured so that when the connection nozzle provided on the suction attachment is mechanically connected to the suction nozzle provided on the main body, the insertion portion is automatically inserted into the protective cavity, and the two male connecting pins are automatically connected to the two female connecting pins, respectively.

[0011] A disadvantage of this type of vacuum cleaner is that when the suction attachment is not connected to the body, for example when the vacuum cleaner is in use or stored, objects, waste or the like may enter the protective cavity, in particular between the two male connection pins.

[0012] However, the presence of an object or the like between the two male connecting pins may prevent the insertion portion from being inserted into the protective cavity, or at least limit the stroke of the insertion portion into the protective cavity, thereby hindering the proper electrical connection between the male connecting pins and the female connecting pins of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector, and even causing the two male connecting pins to be twisted, thereby hindering the electrical connection between the male connecting pins and the connecting pins.

[0013] Furthermore, when a metal object such as a paper clip is inserted into the protective cavity, particularly between the two male connection pins, the two male connection pins may be electrically connected, thereby causing a short circuit within the vacuum cleaner, which is likely to damage the entire vacuum cleaner. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The present invention aims to overcome all or some of these disadvantages.

[0015] The technical problem underlying the invention is, in particular, to provide a vacuum cleaner that is structurally simple, reliable and economical, while ensuring an optimal electrical connection between the main body belonging to the vacuum cleaner and the suction attachment.

[0016] To this end, the present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising:

[0017] - a suction assembly comprising:

[0018] a main body comprising a suction nozzle through which air can be sucked by the suction assembly,

[0019] a waste separation and collection device, which is for example detachably mounted on the body and fluidly connected to the nozzle, and

[0020] a suction motor housed in the body, the suction motor having a motor axis and configured to generate an air flow through the suction nozzle and the waste separation and collection device,

[0021] a suction attachment comprising a connection nozzle configured to be mechanically and fluidically connected to a suction nozzle provided on the body of the suction assembly, and

[0022] - a first electrical connector, which is arranged on the main body; a second electrical connector, which is arranged on the suction attachment and is configured to cooperate with the first electrical connector when the connection nozzle provided on the suction attachment is mechanically connected to the suction nozzle provided on the main body, i.e., directly electrically connected to the first electrical connector,

[0023] One of the first and second electrical connectors is a male electrical connector and includes a protective cavity, an entrance opening opened in the protective cavity, and two male connecting pins, the two male connecting pins are arranged in the protective cavity and extend substantially parallel to each other, and the other of the first and second electrical connectors is a female electrical connector and includes an insertion portion, the insertion portion is provided with two through holes opened in an end surface of the insertion portion, and two female connecting pins, the two female connecting pins are arranged in the insertion portion and respectively face the two through holes, the insertion portion is configured to be inserted into the protective cavity through the entrance opening, and the two male connecting pins are configured to be connected to the two female connecting pins respectively through the two through holes when the connecting nozzle provided on the suction attachment is mechanically connected to the suction nozzle provided on the main body,

[0024] The male electrical connector also includes a protection mechanism, such as a protection slider, which is provided with a protection portion and can be moved between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the protection portion extends between the two male connection pins in the extended position, and the insertion portion is configured to move the protection mechanism from the extended position to the retracted position when the insertion portion is inserted into the protection cavity.

[0025] This configuration of the male electrical connector, and in particular the presence of the protective mechanism, prevents or at least limits the risk of objects or the like being introduced between the male connection pins when the suction attachment is not connected to the main body. This ensures a reliable and optimal electrical connection between the male and female connection pins of the male and female electrical connectors when the connection nozzle provided on the suction attachment is subsequently connected to the suction nozzle provided on the main body. Furthermore, the presence of the protective mechanism limits the risk of metal objects being inserted into the protective cavity, thereby limiting the risk of electrical contact between the two male connection pins causing a short circuit within the vacuum cleaner.

[0026] The vacuum cleaner may further have one or more of the following features, alone or in combination.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protection means is made of an electrically insulating material, ie a dielectric material or a non-conductive material, such as a plastic material.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the protection mechanism is in the extended position, the protection portion extends only between the two male connector pins.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, each male connection pin comprises a free end that is recessed relative to the access opening. This arrangement of the male connection pins significantly limits the risk of damaging the male connection pins during use or storage of the vacuum cleaner.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective portion is configured to be retracted relative to the access opening when the protective mechanism is in the extended position. This arrangement of the protective portion significantly limits the risk of damaging the male connector pins during use or storage of the vacuum cleaner.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the access opening faces forward. Such orientation of the access opening ensures easy connection between the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrical connector is a male electrical connector, and the second electrical connector is a female electrical connector.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the end surface of the insertion portion is configured to move the protection mechanism from the extended position to the retracted position when the insertion portion is inserted into the protection cavity.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the male electrical connector includes an internal compartment, in which the protective part is at least partially accommodated when the protective mechanism is in the retracted position; and a passage opening arranged in a partition wall, which separates the protective cavity and the internal compartment, and the protective part extends through the passage opening and is capable of moving, especially sliding.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inner compartment is arranged at the rear of the protection cavity.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective portion has a cross section that is substantially the same as the channel cross section of the channel opening.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protection mechanism is translatable along a movement direction substantially parallel to the male connection pins. These arrangements allow limiting the bulk of the male electrical connector.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the insertion portion is configured to be inserted into the protection cavity along an insertion direction substantially parallel to the movement direction.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the male electrical connector includes a guide device configured to guide the protective mechanism to translate along a movement direction when the protective mechanism moves between the extended position and the retracted position. These arrangements ensure reliable and optimal movement of the protective mechanism between the extended position and the retracted position.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the guiding device comprises a guiding groove extending in the protection cavity and parallel to the movement direction, and the guiding groove is configured to cooperate with a longitudinal portion of the protection part, such as the lower longitudinal portion, when the protection mechanism moves between the extended position and the retracted position.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guiding means comprise an additional guiding groove extending in the inner compartment and parallel to the movement direction, the additional guiding groove being configured to cooperate with a longitudinal portion of the protecting portion when the protecting mechanism is moved between the extended position and the retracted position.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guiding device comprises two lateral guide walls which partially delimit the internal compartment and are configured to be arranged on either side of the protection portion when the protection mechanism occupies the retracted position, the two lateral guide walls being configured to laterally guide the protection portion when the protection mechanism moves between the extended position and the retracted position.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide means comprises a guide slot extending parallel to the movement direction and opening into the inner compartment, and the protection mechanism comprises a guide finger slidably mounted in the guide slot.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide finger is arranged in the rear part of the protection mechanism.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide fingers are oriented away from the guide groove, for example upwards. This configuration of the guide device ensures optimal guidance of the protective member.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the passage opening partially forms the guiding means.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the male electrical connector comprises a connector body defining a protective cavity. Advantageously, the connector body further defines an internal compartment.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connector body includes a first body portion and a second body portion, which are separate from each other and fixed to each other by, for example, snap fastening.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first body portion defines a protective cavity, and the interior compartment is defined by the first body portion and the second body portion.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the protective portion includes a free end surface that is configured to be substantially flush with or protrude relative to the free ends of the male connector pins when the protective mechanism is in the extended position. This arrangement of the protective portion further reduces the risk of objects or the like being inserted between the two male connector pins.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the protection mechanism is configured to be completely retracted out of the protection cavity when the protection mechanism is in the retracted position.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective portion is substantially flat.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective portion extends in a median longitudinal plane of the male electrical connector.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the two male connecting pins are symmetrically arranged on both sides of a middle longitudinal plane of the male electrical connector, for example.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the insertion portion and the protective cavity have overall complementary shapes.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the male electrical connector includes a biasing mechanism, such as a biasing spring, which is configured to bias the protection mechanism toward the extended position. Therefore, when the suction attachment is disconnected from the body, the protection mechanism automatically returns to the extended position.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the insertion portion, and for example an end surface of the insertion portion, is configured to urge the protection mechanism towards the retracted position and overcome the urging force applied by the biasing mechanism when the insertion portion is inserted into the protection cavity.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the biasing mechanism extends along an extension axis that is offset, for example upwardly offset, relative to the middle longitudinal axis of the protective portion. This arrangement of the biasing mechanism allows the two electrical connection pins to be brought closer together, thereby limiting the bulk of the male electrical connector in terms of width.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a male electrical connector includes a non-removable side wall defining a protective cavity and extending around the male connection pins.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the two male connector pins are spaced apart from each other by a distance less than 10 mm.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective portion has a width of less than 5 mm, advantageously less than 3 mm, for example about 2.5 mm.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective portion has a height of less than 12 mm, advantageously less than 8 mm, for example about 6 mm.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protection means has a length between 15 and 30 mm, advantageously between 18 and 25 mm, for example approximately 20.5 mm.

[0064] According to an embodiment of the invention, the suction nozzle and the first electrical connector are arranged in the front part of the main body.

[0065] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first electrical connector is arranged below the suction nozzle.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the body comprises a suction conduit fluidly connected to the suction nozzle.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction duct extends essentially parallel to the motor axis.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device is of the cyclonic type.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device has a central longitudinal axis which is substantially parallel to the motor axis, for example may be co-linear with the motor axis.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the suction attachment is a suction tube or a suction head.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the suction tube is configured to be connected to the suction head.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the suction head is provided with a base plate that faces the floor to be cleaned. Advantageously, the suction head is provided with a rotating cleaning brush and a brush drive motor, and the brush drive motor can be powered by the suction assembly when the connecting nozzle provided on the suction attachment is connected to the suction nozzle provided on the suction assembly.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction assembly comprises a handle mechanically connected to the body.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the invention, the handle is elongated and has a central longitudinal axis. Advantageously, the central longitudinal axis of the handle is inclined relative to the motor axis.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction motor is located behind the middle longitudinal axis of the handle.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner is a portable vacuum cleaner, also called a handheld vacuum cleaner or a broom-type vacuum cleaner.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the suction assembly comprises a rechargeable battery configured to power the vacuum cleaner.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrical connector is configured to be electrically connected to a rechargeable battery.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rechargeable battery is housed in a battery compartment that is connected (eg, fixed) to the handle, particularly to the lower portion of the handle.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the suction assembly includes a post extending substantially parallel to the handle and extending between the battery compartment and the body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0081] In any case, the invention will be clearly understood with the help of the following description made with reference to the accompanying schematic drawing which shows, by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of the vacuum cleaner.

[0082] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0083] Figure 2 Belongs to Figure 1 a perspective view of a suction assembly of a vacuum cleaner;

[0084] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A partial longitudinal sectional view of the suction assembly;

[0085] Figure 4 Belongs to Figure 1 A truncated perspective view of the vacuum cleaner and the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector in a disconnected state;

[0086] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A truncated perspective view of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector in a disconnected state;

[0087] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 a truncated perspective view of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector in a connected state;

[0088] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 a truncated perspective view of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector in a connected state;

[0089] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 a perspective exploded view of a first electrical connector;

[0090] Figure 9 yes Figure 4a top view of the first electrical connector;

[0091] Figure 10 yes Figure 4 a front perspective view of a first electrical connector;

[0092] Figure 11 Belongs to Figure 4 a rear perspective view of a first body portion of a first electrical connector;

[0093] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 a front perspective view of the first body portion;

[0094] Figure 13 yes Figure 4 A truncated perspective view of the first electrical connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0095] In this document, the terms "front", "rear", "upper" and "lower" are defined in relation to the use of the vacuum cleaner, wherein the user holds the suction assembly by the handle and holds it approximately horizontally, with the suction nozzle provided on the main body facing away from the user.

[0096] In this context, "substantially flush" means that the two surfaces are flush or offset by less than 1 mm.

[0097] Figures 1 to 13 A vacuum cleaner 2 , in particular a broom-type vacuum cleaner, is shown, comprising a suction assembly 3 and a suction attachment 4 , which is configured to be mechanically and electrically connected to the suction assembly 3 .

[0098] The suction assembly 3 comprises a body 5 containing a suction nozzle 6 through which air can be sucked by the suction assembly 3 and to which the suction attachment 4 can be connected, and a suction duct 7 fluidically connected to the suction nozzle 6. Advantageously, the suction nozzle 6 is arranged in the front part of the body 5.

[0099] The suction assembly 3 further comprises a waste separation and collection device 8, which is detachably mounted on the body 5 and fluidically connected to the suction duct 7. The waste separation and collection device 8 is advantageously of the cyclonic type and comprises, in particular, a waste storage container 9 and a tubular separation mechanism (not visible in the figures) housed in the waste storage container 9 and defining, together with the latter, a cyclonic separation chamber. More specifically, the waste storage container 9 comprises an air inlet that is fluidically connected to the suction duct 7. Advantageously, the suction duct 7 extends along the outer surface of the waste separation and collection device 8.

[0100] like Figure 3As shown, the suction assembly 3 further includes a suction motor 11 having a motor axis A and housed in the main body 5. The suction motor 11 is configured to generate an air flow through the suction nozzle 6, the suction duct 7, and the waste separation and collection device 8. More specifically, the suction motor 11 includes a fan and a motor configured to drive the fan to rotate.

[0101] The suction assembly 3 further comprises a handle 12 which is mechanically connected to the body 5 and allows the user to hold the suction assembly 3. Advantageously, the handle 12 is elongated and has a central longitudinal axis B. The handle 12 can be made integrally with the body 5 or connected to the body 5.

[0102] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the central longitudinal axis B of the handle 12 is inclined relative to the motor axis A, and the waste separation and collection device 8 has a central longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the motor axis A, for example, it can be colinear with the motor axis A. Advantageously, the suction motor 11 is located behind the central longitudinal axis B of the handle 12, and the suction duct 7 extends substantially parallel to the motor axis A.

[0103] like Figure 3 As shown, the vacuum cleaner 2 further includes a rechargeable battery 13 configured to power the vacuum cleaner 2, particularly the suction motor 11. The rechargeable battery 13, also referred to as a battery pack, comprises a plurality of battery cells. The rechargeable battery 13 is advantageously housed in a battery compartment 14, which is connected to the handle 12, particularly to the lower portion of the handle 12. Advantageously, the main body 5 includes a column 15 extending substantially parallel to the handle 12 and between the battery compartment 14 and the main body 5.

[0104] The suction assembly 3 further comprises an electronic control unit (not visible in the figure) configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner 2. Advantageously, the electronic control unit is housed in the body 5. Figure 2 As shown, the suction assembly 3 further comprises a control button 16 configured to control, inter alia, activation of the suction motor 11 when the control button 16 is actuated by a user.

[0105] like Figure 1 As shown, the suction attachment 4 is a suction pipe configured to be connected to a suction head 20 having a bottom plate facing the floor to be cleaned. More specifically, the suction attachment 4 includes a connecting nozzle 17 configured to be mechanically and fluidically connected to a suction nozzle 6 provided on the main body 5 of the suction assembly 3.

[0106] For example, the suction head 20 can be provided with a rotating cleaning brush and a brush drive motor. When the connecting nozzle 17 provided on the suction attachment 4 is connected to the suction nozzle 6 provided on the suction component 3, the brush drive motor can be powered by the suction component 3, especially the rechargeable battery 13, through the suction attachment 4.

[0107] To this end, the vacuum cleaner 2 also includes: a first electrical connector 18, which is arranged on the main body 5, especially in the front part of the main body 5 and below the suction nozzle 6, and is configured to be electrically connected to the rechargeable battery 13; and a second electrical connector 19, which is arranged on the suction attachment 4 and is configured to cooperate with the first electrical connector 18 when the connecting nozzle 17 provided on the suction attachment 4 is mechanically connected to the suction nozzle 6 provided on the main body 5, that is, directly electrically connected to the first electrical connector 18.

[0108] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first electrical connector 18 is a male electrical connector and the second electrical connector 19 is a female electrical connector.

[0109] like Figure 4 As shown, the first electrical connector 18 particularly comprises a connector body 21 , which comprises a first body portion 21 . 1 and a second body portion 21 . 2 . The two body portions are separate from each other and fixed to each other by, for example, snap fastening.

[0110] The first electrical connector 18 further includes a protective cavity 22 defined by a first body portion 21.1, an access opening 23 provided on the first body portion 21.1, facing forward and opening into the protective cavity 22, and two male connector pins 24 arranged in the protective cavity 22 and extending substantially parallel to each other. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the connector body 21 includes a non-detachable side wall that defines the protective cavity 22 and extends around the male connector pins 24.

[0111] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, two male connector pins 24 are symmetrically arranged on either side of the middle longitudinal plane of the first electrical connector 18 and extend parallel to the middle longitudinal plane of the first electrical connector 18. Advantageously, each male connector pin 24 includes a free end that is recessed relative to the access opening 23, and the two male connector pins 24 are spaced apart from each other by a distance of less than 10 mm, for example.

[0112] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the second electrical connector 19 includes an insertion portion 25 having two through-holes 26 opened in an end surface 25.1 of the insertion portion 25, and two female connector pins 27 arranged in the insertion portion 25 and facing the two through-holes 26, respectively. Advantageously, the insertion portion 25 and the protective cavity 22 have overall complementary shapes.

[0113] The insertion portion 25 is configured to be inserted into the protective cavity 22 through the entry port 23, and the two male connecting pins 24 are configured to be connected to the two female connecting pins 27 through the two through holes 26 when the connecting nozzle 17 provided on the suction attachment 4 is mechanically connected to the suction nozzle 6 provided on the main body 5. Advantageously, the insertion portion 25 is configured to be inserted into the protective cavity 22 along an insertion direction that is oriented substantially parallel to the extension direction of the two male connecting pins 24.

[0114] The first electrical connector 18 further includes a protection mechanism 28, such as a protection slider, which is arranged in the connector body 21. The protection mechanism 28 can be in the extended position ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) and retracted position ( Figure 6 and Figure 7 The insertion portion 25 is arranged to translate along a movement direction D1 substantially parallel to the male connecting pin 24, and the end face 25.1 of the insertion portion 25 is configured to move the protection mechanism 28 from the extended position to the retracted position when the insertion portion 25 is inserted into the protection cavity 22, and therefore when the connecting nozzle 17 is connected to the suction nozzle 6.

[0115] The protection mechanism 28 comprises in particular a protection portion 29 which is configured to extend, for example, only between the two male connection pins 24 when the protection mechanism 28 is in the extended position, thereby preventing or at least limiting the risk of objects or waste being introduced between the male connection pins 24 when the suction attachment 4 is not connected to the body 5, which could impair the subsequent connection of the suction attachment 4 to the body 5. Advantageously, the protection portion 29 is substantially flat and extends in the middle longitudinal plane of the first electrical connector 18.

[0116] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the protective portion 29 can have a width of less than 5 mm, advantageously less than 3 mm, for example, about 2.5 mm, and a height of less than 12 mm, advantageously less than 8 mm, for example, about 6 mm, and the protective mechanism 28 can have a length between 15 and 30 mm, advantageously between 18 and 25 mm, for example, about 20.5 mm.

[0117] The protection portion 29 particularly comprises a free end surface 29 . 1 which is arranged substantially flush with the free end of the male connection pin 24 and is therefore retracted relative to the access opening 23 when the protection mechanism 28 is in the extended position.

[0118] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first electrical connector 18 further includes an internal compartment 31, which is arranged behind the protective cavity 22. When the protective mechanism 28 is in the retracted position, the protective portion 29 is at least partially accommodated within this internal compartment. Furthermore, the first electrical connector 18 further includes an access opening 32, for example, an elongated, strip-shaped opening, disposed in a partition wall 33 separating the protective cavity 22 from the internal compartment 31. The protective portion 29 extends through this access opening 32 and is slidable. Advantageously, the internal compartment 31 is bounded by the first and second body portions 21.1 and 21.2.

[0119] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the protection portion 29 has a cross-section substantially the same as the passage cross-section of the passage opening 32, and the protection mechanism 28 is configured to be completely retracted out of the protection cavity 22 when the protection mechanism 28 is in the retracted position, thereby being substantially completely located within the internal compartment 31.

[0120] The first electrical connector 18 further comprises a biasing mechanism 34, such as a biasing spring, which is configured to bias the protection mechanism 28 toward the extended position. Therefore, when the suction attachment 4 is disconnected from the main body 5, the protection mechanism 28 automatically returns to the extended position.

[0121] The end surface 25 . 1 of the insertion portion 25 is particularly configured to push the protection mechanism 28 toward the retracted position and overcome the pushing force applied by the biasing mechanism 34 when the insertion portion 25 is inserted into the protection cavity 22 .

[0122] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the biasing mechanism 34 includes a first end abutting against, eg fixed to, the second body portion 21 . 2 and a second end abutting against, eg fixed to a rear portion of, the protection mechanism 28 .

[0123] More specifically, Figure 4 As shown, the biasing mechanism 34 extends along an extension axis C that is offset, for example upwardly offset, relative to a median longitudinal axis of the protective portion 29. Advantageously, the biasing mechanism 34 extends in a median longitudinal plane of the first electrical connector 18.

[0124] like Figure 4 As shown, the first electrical connector 18 further includes a guide device configured to guide the translation of the protection mechanism 28 along the movement direction D1 when the protection mechanism 28 moves between the extended position and the retracted position.

[0125] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the guide means comprise a guide groove 35 extending in the protective cavity 22 and being provided on the inner surface of the side wall delimiting the protective cavity 22. The guide groove 35 extends parallel to the movement direction D1 and is in particular configured to cooperate with a longitudinal portion, for example the lower longitudinal portion, of the protective part 29 when the protective member 28 moves between the extended position and the retracted position.

[0126] The guide means further comprise an additional guide groove 36 extending in the inner compartment 31 and also parallel to the direction of movement D1, the additional guide groove 36 being configured to cooperate with the aforementioned longitudinal portion of the protective portion 29 when the protective member 28 is moved between the extended position and the retracted position. The guide groove 35 and the additional guide groove 36 are in particular provided on the first body portion 21.1.

[0127] Advantageously, the guide device further comprises two lateral guide walls 37 which partially delimit the inner compartment 31 and are configured to be arranged on either side of the protective portion 29 when the protective member 28 occupies the retracted position. The two lateral guide walls 37 extend substantially parallel to the middle longitudinal plane of the first electrical connector 18 and are in particular configured to laterally guide the protective portion 29 when the protective member 28 moves between the extended position and the retracted position. Advantageously, the two lateral guide walls 37 are provided on the second body portion 21.2.

[0128] The guide device further comprises a guide slot 38 extending parallel to the direction of movement D1 and opening into the inner compartment 31, and the protection member 28 comprises a guide finger 39 arranged in the rear portion of the protection member 28 and slidably mounted in the guide slot 38. Advantageously, the guide slot 38 is arranged on the second body portion 21.2 and the guide finger 39 is oriented away from the guide groove 35 and is therefore upwards.

[0129] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the passage opening 32 partially forms the guide means, since it advantageously has a passage cross section that is substantially identical to the cross section of the protective portion 29 .

[0130] According to an embodiment of the present invention not shown in the figures, the suction attachment 4 may be a suction head 20 of the type described above.

[0131] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which are merely illustrative. Without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, modifications may be made, particularly in the construction of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner (2), comprising: - a suction assembly (3), comprising: a main body (5), said main body comprising a suction nozzle (6), through which air can be sucked by the suction assembly (3), a waste separation and collection device (8) mounted on the body (5) and fluidly connected to the suction nozzle (6), and a suction motor (11) housed in the body (5), the suction motor (11) having a motor axis (A) and configured to generate an air flow through the suction nozzle (6) and the waste separation and collection device (8), a suction attachment (4) comprising a connection nozzle (17) configured to be mechanically and fluidically connected to a suction nozzle (6) provided on the body (5) of the suction assembly (3), and - a first electrical connector (18) arranged on the main body (5); and a second electrical connector (19) arranged on the suction attachment (4) and configured to cooperate with the first electrical connector (18) when a connection nozzle (17) provided on the suction attachment (4) is mechanically connected to a suction nozzle (6) provided on the main body (5), One of the first and second electrical connectors (18, 19) is a male electrical connector and comprises a protective cavity (22), an entry port (23) opening into the protective cavity (22), and two male connection pins (24), the two male connection pins being arranged in the protective cavity (22) and extending substantially parallel to each other, and the other of the first and second electrical connectors (18, 19) is a female electrical connector and comprises an insertion portion (25), the insertion portion being provided with an end surface (25.1) opening into the insertion portion (25). The two female connecting pins (27) are arranged in the insertion portion (25) and face the two through holes (26) respectively. The insertion portion (25) is configured to be inserted into the protective cavity (22) through the entry port (23), and the two male connecting pins (24) are configured to be connected to the two female connecting pins (27) respectively through the two through holes (26) when the connecting nozzle (17) provided on the suction attachment (4) is mechanically connected to the suction nozzle (6) provided on the main body (5). It is characterized in that the male electrical connector further comprises a protection mechanism (28), the protection mechanism being provided with a protection portion (29) and being movable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein in the extended position the protection portion (29) extends between two male connection pins (24), and the insertion portion (25) is configured to move the protection mechanism (25) from the extended position to the retracted position when the insertion portion (25) is inserted into the protection cavity (22).

2. The vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 1, wherein the end surface (25.1) of the insertion part (25) is configured to move the protection mechanism (28) from the extended position to the retracted position when the insertion part (25) is inserted into the protection cavity (22).

3. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the male electrical connector includes an internal compartment (31), and when the protection mechanism (28) is in the retracted position, the protection part (29) is at least partially accommodated in the internal compartment (31); and a passage opening (32) arranged in a partition wall (33), the partition wall separating the protection cavity (22) and the internal compartment (31), and the protection part (29) extends through the passage opening and is capable of moving.

4. The vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 3, wherein the protective portion (29) has a cross section substantially the same as a passage cross section of the passage opening (32).

5. The vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the protection mechanism (28) is capable of translating along a movement direction (D1) substantially parallel to the male connection pin (24).

6. The vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 5, wherein the male electrical connector comprises a guide device configured to guide the protective mechanism (28) to translate along the movement direction (D1) when the protective mechanism (28) moves between the extended position and the retracted position.

7. The vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 6, wherein the guiding device comprises a guiding groove (35) extending in the protective cavity (22) and extending parallel to the movement direction (D1), and the guiding groove (35) is configured to cooperate with the longitudinal portion of the protective portion (29) when the protective mechanism (28) moves between the extended position and the retracted position.

8. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 6 or 7 in combination with claim 3, wherein the guiding device includes two lateral guide walls (37), which partially define the internal compartment (31) and are configured to be arranged on both sides of the protective part (29) when the protective mechanism (28) occupies the retracted position, and the two lateral guide walls (37) are configured to laterally guide the protective part (29) when the protective mechanism (28) moves between the extended position and the retracted position.

9. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 5 to 8 in combination with claim 3, wherein the guiding device comprises a guiding slit (38) extending parallel to the movement direction (D1) and opening into the internal compartment (31), and the protective mechanism (28) comprises a guiding finger (39) slidably mounted in the guiding slit (38).

10. The vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the protective portion (29) includes a free end surface (29.1), and the free end surface is configured to be substantially flush with the free end of the male connecting pin (24) or protrude relative to the free end of the male connecting pin (24) when the protective mechanism (28) is in the extended position.

11. The vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the protection mechanism (28) is configured to be completely retracted out of the protection cavity (22) when the protection mechanism (28) is in the retracted position.

12. The vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the protective portion (29) is substantially flat.

13. The vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the insert portion (25) and the protective cavity (22) have overall complementary shapes.

14. The vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the male electrical connector comprises a biasing mechanism (34) configured to bias the protection mechanism (28) towards the extended position.

15. The vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 14, wherein the biasing means (34) extends along an axis of extension (C) which is laterally offset relative to a median longitudinal axis of the protective portion (29).

16. The vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the male electrical connector comprises a non-removable side wall, which defines the protective cavity (22) and extends around the male connection pin (24).

17. The vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the suction attachment (4) is a suction tube or a suction head.

18. The vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the suction assembly (3) comprises a rechargeable battery (13) configured to power the vacuum cleaner.

19. The vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, which is a handheld vacuum cleaner or a broom-type vacuum cleaner.

Images