SLED-like suction unit equipped with a flap for access to a rechargeable battery

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates more particularly to domestic canister vacuum cleaners for vacuuming dust and small particle size debris from a surface to be cleaned, which may be, for example, tile, parquet, laminate, carpet or rug.

[0002] In this description, a canister vacuum cleaner or vacuum cleaner assembly refers to a vacuum cleaner or vacuum cleaner assembly that can be moved by rolling on the floor, for example, using wheels or casters when in use. In a canister vacuum cleaner, a suction nozzle is connected to the suction unit via a suction tube consisting of a rigid section and a flexible section. During cleaning, the user of a canister vacuum cleaner holds the suction nozzle by a handle located on the rigid section of the suction tube or attached to the tube itself. A canister vacuum cleaner is generally pulled by the user using the handle and the flexible section of the suction tube; this method of movement is the origin of the name "canister vacuum cleaner."The term canister vacuum cleaner or canister vacuum set also covers vacuum cleaners with motorized wheels or casters capable of following the movements of the suction nozzle, the handle or the user. State of the art

[0003] Document EP3424391 discloses a sled-type suction assembly, comprising a vacuum housing; an air circuit; a suction unit disposed on the air circuit, the suction unit comprising an electric motor and a fan coupled to the electric motor to generate an airflow in the air circuit; first and second main wheels which are mounted to rotate freely relative to the vacuum housing and which are disposed on either side of the vacuum housing;a rechargeable battery configured to electrically power the electric motor, the rechargeable battery being disposed in a battery compartment which is delimited at least in part by the vacuum cleaner housing and which is located in a lower part of the vacuum cleaner housing, the rechargeable battery being removable and being configured to be removed from the battery compartment and to be inserted into the battery compartment via an access opening which is provided in the lower part of the vacuum cleaner housing and which leads into the battery compartment;an access hatch disposed at the rear of the vacuum assembly and mounted to pivot relative to the vacuum housing around a hatch pivot axis, the access hatch being able to be moved between a closed position in which the access hatch at least partially closes the access opening and prevents removal of the rechargeable battery from the battery compartment, and an open position in which the access hatch releases the access opening and permits removal of the rechargeable battery from the battery compartment; and a rear wheel which is disposed between the first and second main wheels and which is configured to roll on the floor.

[0004] Such a configuration of the vacuum system, and more specifically the positioning of the rechargeable battery in a lower part of the vacuum cleaner housing, makes it possible to lower the center of gravity of the vacuum system, and therefore to improve its stability.

[0005] However, removing the rechargeable battery from the vacuum cleaner housing, for example for replacement or recharging, can be difficult for some users. This is because, to ensure a reliable electrical connection between the rechargeable battery's connector and the corresponding connector on the vacuum cleaner housing, significant force must be applied to the battery to remove it. Since access to the battery is limited, this force must be applied to a small external surface area, which can make battery removal difficult or even impossible for some users.

[0006] Furthermore, if a rechargeable battery is improperly positioned in the vacuum cleaner housing, for example after replacement or recharging, the rechargeable battery's electrical connector may not be properly connected to the electrical connector provided in the vacuum cleaner housing, which could impair the operation of the vacuum cleaner assembly. US2008 / 062618 discloses a vacuum assembly according to the preamble of claim 1. Summary of the invention

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

[0008] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular of providing a suction unit allowing easy and quick removal of a rechargeable battery housed in a vacuum unit housing from the suction unit, while ensuring an easy and reliable electrical connection of a rechargeable battery in the vacuum unit housing for example following a recharge or battery replacement.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a sled-type suction assembly, comprising: a vacuum cleaner housing, a suction nozzle through which outside air can be drawn into the suction assembly and which is located on a front part of the suction assembly, at least one exhaust port through which air cleaned by the suction assembly can exit the suction assembly, an air circuit extending between the suction nozzle and at least one exhaust port, a suction unit located on the air circuit, the suction unit comprising an electric motor and a fan coupled to the electric motor to generate an airflow in the air circuit, first and second main wheels which are mounted to rotate relative to the vacuum cleaner housing and which are located on either side of the vacuum cleaner housing, a rechargeable battery configured to electrically power the electric motor,the rechargeable battery being disposed in a battery compartment which is delimited at least partially by the vacuum cleaner housing, the rechargeable battery being removable and being configured to be removed from the battery compartment and inserted into the battery compartment via an access opening provided on the vacuum cleaner housing and which opens into the battery compartment, and an access hatch mounted pivoting relative to the vacuum cleaner housing about a hatch pivot axis and between a closed position in which the access hatch at least partially closes the access opening and prevents removal of the rechargeable battery from the battery compartment, and an open position in which the access hatch releases the access opening and allows removal of the rechargeable battery from the battery compartment.

[0010] The access hatch has a battery compartment in which the rechargeable battery is removably mounted. The access hatch is configured to move the rechargeable battery, at least partially, out of the battery compartment when the hatch is moved to the open position, and to insert the rechargeable battery into the battery compartment when the hatch is moved to the closed position. The battery compartment is located in the lower part of the vacuum cleaner housing, and the access opening is also located in the lower part of the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0011] This access hatch design makes removing the rechargeable battery from the vacuum cleaner housing easier, as partial removal is achieved simply by opening the hatch. Similarly, inserting the rechargeable battery into the vacuum cleaner housing is also simplified, requiring only the battery to be placed in the access hatch and the hatch then closed.

[0012] In addition, since the rechargeable battery is inserted into the battery compartment by closing the access hatch, optimal positioning of the rechargeable battery can be achieved reproducibly and easily (for example by adapting the shape of the access hatch and / or the position of the battery connectors), which ensures optimal operation of the entire suction unit.

[0013] In addition, the opening of the hatch is facilitated by the weight of the battery which forces the access hatch towards its open position.

[0014] The suction assembly may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rechargeable battery is configured to be removed from the battery location by means of a withdrawal movement which is directed towards the front of the suction assembly.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the access hatch comprises first guiding means configured to cooperate with second guiding means provided on the rechargeable battery when the rechargeable battery is inserted into the battery compartment, so as to guide the rechargeable battery along a guidance direction. These arrangements further facilitate the insertion and removal of the rechargeable battery into and out of the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guidance direction is substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis of the hatch.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first guiding means comprise at least one guide groove provided on the access hatch, and for example on a side wall of the access hatch, and the second guiding means comprise at least one guide rib provided on the rechargeable battery, and for example on a side wall of the rechargeable battery, and configured to be received in at least one guide groove.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one guide rib is straight.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first guiding means comprise two guide grooves provided on two opposite side walls of the access hatch, and the second guiding means comprise two guide ribs provided on two opposite side walls of the rechargeable battery.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the access hatch comprises first retaining means configured to cooperate, for example elastically, with second retaining means provided on the rechargeable battery when the rechargeable battery is received in the battery compartment, so as to retain the rechargeable battery in the battery compartment. These arrangements notably prevent the rechargeable battery from falling out when the access hatch is moved into the open position, and thus preserve the integrity of the rechargeable battery.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first retaining means comprise at least one male retaining element, such as a retaining finger or a retaining lug, provided on the access hatch, and the second retaining means comprise at least one female retaining element, such as a retaining housing, provided on the rechargeable battery and configured to receive at least one male retaining element when the rechargeable battery is inserted into the battery compartment. Advantageously, at least one female retaining element is provided on at least one guide rib and may, for example, be formed by a retaining notch.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one male retaining member protrudes into at least one groove of the guide.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rechargeable battery comprises a first electrical connector configured to cooperate with a second electrical connector mounted on the vacuum cleaner housing. The vacuum assembly is configured such that, when the rechargeable battery is in the battery compartment, the first electrical connector is automatically connected to the second electrical connector when the access door is moved from the open position to the closed position. These arrangements ensure an easy, quick, and optimal electrical connection of the rechargeable battery when it is inserted into the battery compartment.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first electrical connector is located on a front part, and for example on a front end face, of the rechargeable battery.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis of the hatch is substantially horizontal when the first and second main wheels rest on a horizontal surface.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the access hatch is pivotally mounted on the vacuum cleaner housing, and advantageously on a lower part of the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0028] When the first and second main wheels are resting on a horizontal surface, the access opening faces the horizontal surface. This configuration of the access opening allows the rechargeable battery to be removed from the bottom of the vacuum assembly, thus optimizing its position.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hatch pivot axis is located at the rear of the rotation axes of the first and second main wheels.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis of the hatch is located at the rear of the rechargeable battery.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the first and second main wheels rest on a horizontal surface, the distance between the pivot axis of the hatch and the horizontal surface is less than the distance between the rotation axes of the first and second main wheels and the horizontal surface.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rechargeable battery is located below the suction unit, and the center of gravity of a subassembly comprising the rechargeable battery and the suction unit is situated in a vertical plane behind and at a distance from the axes of rotation of the first and second main wheels. The rechargeable battery and the suction unit are among the heaviest functional components in a suction assembly. These arrangements ensure that the center of gravity of the suction assembly remains located behind the axes of rotation of the first and second main wheels, even with mass variations caused by filling or emptying a waste collection area of ​​the suction assembly.These arrangements allow the suction unit to remain preferably in contact with the ground by its first and second main wheels and by its additional wheel and to prevent the suction unit from tipping too often from back to front due, for example, to variations in acceleration during longitudinal movements, particularly forward, of the suction unit.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction unit includes an additional wheel mounted on the access hatch and configured to roll on the floor when the access hatch is closed. This positioning of the additional wheel on the access hatch allows the hatch to be lowered. Positioning the additional wheel on the access hatch thus allows the rechargeable battery to be positioned closer to the floor, thereby lowering the center of gravity of the suction unit and providing increased stability to the suction unit according to the present invention compared to prior art suction units.

[0034] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the additional wheel is a rear wheel of the suction assembly.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the additional wheel is located at least partially below the rechargeable battery, and in particular at least partially below a rear portion of the rechargeable battery. Such an arrangement further increases the stability of the suction assembly.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the first and second main wheels and the additional wheel rest on a horizontal surface, the axis of rotation of the additional wheel is closer to the horizontal surface than the pivot axis of the hatch.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction assembly comprises a wheel support that is hinged to the access hatch about a pivot axis, the additional wheel being mounted to rotate freely relative to the wheel support about a rotation axis that is transverse, and for example substantially perpendicular, to the pivot axis. These arrangements facilitate maneuvering of the suction assembly, in particular to bypass an obstacle encountered by the suction assembly.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction assembly includes a locking member mounted movable between a locked position in which the locking member locks the access hatch in the closed position and an unlocked position in which the locking member allows the access hatch to move to the open position. These arrangements prevent unintentional opening of the access hatch.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member is configured to be moved into the locked position by a rearward displacement movement of the suction assembly. This arrangement prevents accidental opening of the access hatch during use of the suction assembly, and in particular during forward movement of the suction assembly.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member is mounted movable, for example sliding, on the access hatch and is configured to cooperate with at least one additional locking element provided on the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism is mounted on a front end portion of the access hatch. This arrangement ensures effective locking of the access hatch in the closed position.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member comprises two hooking fingers arranged on either side of a median vertical longitudinal plane of the suction assembly, and for example arranged symmetrically with respect to the median vertical longitudinal plane of the suction assembly.

[0043] Advantageously, when the locking member is in the locked position, each of the hook fingers is configured to come to rest against a respective stop surface provided on the vacuum housing, and for example to rest on the respective stop surface.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member is curved.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the access hatch comprises a stop element, such as a stop pin or a stop lug, configured to bear against a stop portion, fixed relative to the vacuum cleaner housing, when the access hatch is moved into the open position, so as to limit the opening stroke of the access hatch. The stop portion may, for example, be formed by the vacuum cleaner housing or a suction unit housing the electric motor and fan.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the access hatch is configured to be moved into the open position by being lowered downwards.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the access hatch comprises a bottom wall and two side walls, for example generally flat, which are situated opposite each other and extend on either side of the bottom wall. Advantageously, the two side walls of the access hatch are substantially parallel to each other and extend, for example, substantially perpendicularly to the bottom wall.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bottom wall of the access hatch is curved.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bottom wall and the two side walls of the access hatch delimit the battery location.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the suction assembly is moved forward, the axis of rotation of the additional wheel is substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the hatch.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the axis of rotation of the additional wheel is located between the axes of rotation of the first and second main wheels and the pivot axis of the hatch. In other words, the axis of rotation of the additional wheel is located in front of the pivot axis of the hatch and behind the axes of rotation of the first and second main wheels.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the additional wheel is located between the first and second main wheels, and advantageously in the median vertical longitudinal plane of the suction assembly.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction assembly includes a waste separation and collection device, for example of the cyclonic type, which is disposed on the air circuit upstream of the suction unit and which is traversed by the airflow generated by the fan when the suction assembly is in operation.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rechargeable battery is disposed below the waste separation and collection device and / or the suction unit.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device comprises a waste collection container and a cyclonic separation chamber which is externally delimited by a side wall of the waste collection container.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the horizontal median plane of the rechargeable battery extends below the cyclonic separation chamber. Advantageously, the rechargeable battery is at least partially located below the cyclonic separation chamber.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second main wheels are annular and rotate respectively around first and second fixed wheel hubs which are attached to the vacuum cleaner housing and which are arranged on either side of the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fan is configured to generate an airflow in the air circuit from the suction nozzle to at least one exhaust port.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner housing and the first and second main wheels form at least in part an assembly with an overall spherical shape.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device is mounted removable from the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction unit is located in a rear portion of the vacuum cleaner housing. Advantageously, the suction unit is located at the rear of the waste collection container. This arrangement of the suction unit helps to minimize the overall size of the suction assembly.

[0062] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the first and second main wheels are lateral wheels of the suction assembly.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the center of gravity of the suction assembly is located substantially in the median vertical longitudinal plane of the suction assembly. Such an arrangement of the center of gravity further increases the stability of the suction assembly.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction unit includes a front wheel configured to roll on the ground. Advantageously, the front and auxiliary wheels are located in the median vertical longitudinal plane of the suction unit. This arrangement of the front and auxiliary wheels further increases the stability of the suction unit. Brief description of the figures

[0065] The aims, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention, presented by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: There figure 1 is a three-quarter front view of a suction assembly according to the present invention showing a gripping handle in a first gripping position; The figure 2 is a side view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 ; There figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 ; There figure 4 is a rear view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 ; There figure 5 is a partial perspective view from below of the suction assembly of the figure 1 showing an access hatch in the closed position and a locking mechanism in the locked position; The figure 6is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 showing the locking mechanism in the locked position; The figure 7 is a partial view from below of the suction assembly of the figure 1 showing the locking mechanism in the locked position; The figure 8 is a partial view from below of the suction assembly of the figure 1 showing the locking mechanism in the unlocked position; The figure 9 is a partial perspective view from below of the suction assembly of the figure 1 showing the access hatch in the open position; The Figure 10 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 showing the access hatch in the open position; The figure 11 is a partial side view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 showing the access hatch in the open position; The figure 12is a partial perspective view from below of the suction assembly of the figure 1 showing the access hatch in the open position; The figure 13 is a partial perspective view from below of the suction assembly of the figure 1 showing the access hatch in the open position; The figure 14 is a partial, truncated perspective view of the entire aspiration system of the figure 1 showing the access hatch in the open position; The figure 15 is a partial, truncated perspective view of the entire aspiration system of the figure 1 showing a rechargeable battery being removed from a designated battery slot on the access hatch. Detailed description

[0066] Only the elements necessary for understanding the invention are shown. To facilitate reading the drawings, the same elements bear the same reference numbers from one figure to another.

[0067] It should be noted that in this document, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "lower", "upper", "height", "top", "above" used to describe the suction assembly or the main body refer to the suction assembly in use when it rests on its wheels on a flat and horizontal floor to be cleaned.

[0068] THE figures 1 to 15 represent a sled-type suction assembly 1.

[0069] The suction assembly 1 comprises a main body 2 including, in particular: a vacuum cleaner housing 3 comprising an outer surface of the housing 4, for example partially spherical in shape, a suction nozzle 5 through which outside air can be drawn into the suction assembly 1, and an exhaust port 6 through which air cleaned by the suction assembly 1 can exit the suction assembly 1.

[0070] The suction nozzle 5 is advantageously arranged at one end of the vacuum cleaner housing 3 which corresponds to the front of the vacuum cleaner housing 3.

[0071] The main body 2 further includes an air circuit 7 which extends between the suction nozzle 5 and the exhaust port 6, and a waste separation and collection device 8 and a suction unit 9 which are arranged on the air circuit 7.

[0072] The suction unit 9 includes an electric motor and a fan coupled to the electric motor to generate an airflow in the aerodynamic circuit 7 from the suction nozzle 5 to the exhaust port 6. Advantageously, the suction unit 9 is located in a rear part of the vacuum housing 3.

[0073] The waste separation and collection device 8 is located on the air duct 7 upstream of the suction unit 9 and is traversed by the airflow generated by the fan when the suction assembly 1 is in operation. Advantageously, the waste separation and collection device 8 is removable.

[0074] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the waste separation and collection device 8 is of the cyclonic type, and comprises a waste collection container 11 having a side wall 12 of generally tubular shape, and a cyclonic separation chamber 13 which is annular and which is externally delimited by the side wall 12 of the waste collection container 11. The cyclonic separation chamber 13 is configured to be fluidly connected to the suction nozzle 5. Advantageously, the suction unit 9 is arranged at the rear of the waste collection container 11.

[0075] The waste separation and collection device 8 also includes a cover 14 which is movablely mounted relative to the waste collection container 11 between a closed position in which the cover 14 at least partially closes a drain opening 15 of the waste collection container 11, and an open position in which the cover 14 releases the drain opening 15 of the waste collection container 11.

[0076] Advantageously, the cover 14 includes an air connection duct (not visible in the figures) configured to fluidly connect the waste separation and collection device 8 to the suction unit 9.

[0077] The suction assembly 1 further includes first and second main wheels 17, 18 mounted movable in rotation relative to the vacuum housing 3. The first and second main wheels 17, 18 are arranged on either side of the vacuum housing 3. More precisely, the first and second main wheels 17, 18 are lateral wheels relative to the vacuum housing 3.

[0078] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second main wheels 17, 18 are annular and rotate respectively around a first fixed wheel hub 19 and a second fixed wheel hub 20 which are fixed to the vacuum housing 3 and which are arranged on either side of the vacuum housing 3. Advantageously, the first and second main wheels 17, 18 are of the omnidirectional type, and the first and second fixed wheel hubs 19, 20 extend from the vacuum housing 3 respectively beyond the first and second main wheels 17, 18.

[0079] Advantageously, the first and second main wheels 17, 18, the first and second fixed wheel hubs 19, 20 and the outer surface of the casing 4 partly form an assembly with an overall spherical shape.

[0080] The suction assembly 1 further includes a rechargeable battery 21 configured to electrically power the electric motor of the suction unit 9. The rechargeable battery 21 is disposed in a battery compartment 22 which is delimited at least in part by the vacuum housing 3 and which is located in a lower part of the vacuum housing 3. Advantageously, the rechargeable battery 21 is disposed partly below the waste separation and collection device 8 and partly below the suction unit 9.

[0081] The rechargeable battery 21 comprises a battery housing 210 and a plurality of electrical accumulators 211 arranged in the battery housing 210. The rechargeable battery 21 further comprises a first electrical connector 23 configured to cooperate with a second electrical connector 24 mounted on the vacuum housing 3. Advantageously, the first electrical connector is located on a front part, and for example on a front end face, of the battery housing 210.

[0082] The rechargeable battery 21 is removable and is designed to be taken out of the battery compartment 22 and inserted into the battery compartment 22 via an access opening 25 provided in the lower part of the vacuum housing 3, which opens into the battery compartment 22. When the first and second main wheels 17, 18 are resting on a horizontal surface, the access opening 25 faces the horizontal surface. In other words, the access opening 25 faces downwards from the suction assembly 1.

[0083] The suction assembly 1 also includes an access hatch 26 pivotally mounted on a lower part of the vacuum housing 3 around a hatch pivot axis A26 and between a closed position (see in particular the figure 5) in which the access hatch 26 at least partially closes the access opening 25 and prevents the rechargeable battery 21 from being removed from the battery compartment 22, and an open position (see in particular the figure 9 ) in which the access hatch 26 releases the access opening 25 and permits removal of the rechargeable battery 21 from the battery compartment 22. The access hatch 26 is configured to be moved into the open position by being lowered downwards.

[0084] Advantageously, the hatch pivot axis A26 is located behind the rotation axes of the first and second main wheels 17, 18. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, when the first and second main wheels 17, 18 rest on a horizontal surface, the hatch pivot axis A26 is horizontal, and the distance between the hatch pivot axis A26 and the horizontal surface is less than the distance between the rotation axes of the first and second main wheels 17, 18 and the horizontal surface. Advantageously, the hatch pivot axis A26 is located behind the rechargeable battery 21 and below the suction unit 9.

[0085] The access hatch 26 comprises a bottom wall 26.1 which is configured to at least partially close the access opening 25, and two side walls 26.2, for example generally flat, which are situated opposite each other and which extend on either side of the bottom wall 26.1. Advantageously, the two side walls 26.2 of the access hatch 26 are parallel to each other, and extend substantially perpendicularly to the bottom wall 26.1. The bottom wall 26.1 of the access hatch 26 may, for example, be curved and have a convex outer surface.

[0086] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the bottom wall 26.1 and the two side walls 26.2 of the access hatch 26 define a battery location 27 in which the rechargeable battery 21 is removably mounted. The access hatch 26 is more particularly configured to move the rechargeable battery 21 at least partially out of the battery compartment 22 when the access hatch 26, equipped with the rechargeable battery 21, is moved into the open position and to insert the rechargeable battery 21 into the battery compartment 22 when the access hatch 26, equipped with the rechargeable battery 21, is moved into the closed position.Furthermore, the suction assembly 1 is configured such that the first electrical connector 23 is automatically connected to the second electrical connector 24 when the access hatch 26, equipped with the rechargeable battery 21, is moved from the open position to the closed position.

[0087] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the rechargeable battery 21 is configured to be removed from the battery location 27 by means of a removal movement M1 which is directed towards the front of the suction assembly 1.

[0088] Advantageously, the access hatch 26 includes first guidance means configured to cooperate with second guidance means provided on the rechargeable battery 21 when the rechargeable battery 21 is inserted into the battery slot 27 and when the rechargeable battery 21 is removed from the battery slot 27, so as to guide the rechargeable battery 21 along a guidance direction D which is substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis of the hatch A26.

[0089] The first guide means may, for example, comprise two guide grooves 28 provided respectively on the two side walls 26.2 of the access hatch 26, and the second guide means may, for example, comprise two guide ribs 29 provided on two side walls of the battery housing 210 and configured to be received respectively in the guide grooves 28. Advantageously, the guide ribs 29 and the guide grooves 28 are straight.

[0090] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the access hatch 26 includes first retaining means configured to cooperate, for example elastically, with second retaining means provided on the rechargeable battery 21 when the rechargeable battery 21 is received in the battery slot 27, so as to retain the rechargeable battery 21 in the battery slot 27.

[0091] Advantageously, the first retaining means comprise two male retaining elements 30, such as retaining fingers or retaining lugs, provided on the access hatch 26 and each projecting into a respective guide groove 28, and the second retaining means comprise two female retaining elements 31, such as retaining housings, provided respectively on the guide ribs 29 and each configured to receive a respective male retaining element 30 when the rechargeable battery 21 is received in the battery location 27. Advantageously, each retaining housing is formed by a retaining notch.

[0092] The suction assembly 1 further includes a movable locking member 32, for example sliding, on the access hatch 26 between a locked position in which the locking member 32 cooperates with a locking element 33 provided on the suction housing 3 and locks the access hatch 26 in the closed position, and an unlocked position in which the locking member 32 releases the locking element 33 and allows the access hatch 26 to move to the open position. The locking member 32 may, for example, be curved and have a radius of curvature substantially identical to the radius of curvature of the bottom wall 26.1 of the access hatch 26.

[0093] Advantageously, the locking member 32 is mounted on a front end part of the access hatch 26, and is configured to be moved into the locking position by a displacement movement M2 which is directed towards the rear of the suction assembly 1.

[0094] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking member 32 has two hooking fingers 320 arranged symmetrically with respect to a median vertical longitudinal plane P of the suction assembly 1, and the locking element 33 has two stop surfaces 330 which are provided on the vacuum housing 3 and which are also arranged symmetrically with respect to the median vertical longitudinal plane P of the suction assembly 1. Advantageously, when the locking member 32 is in the locked position, each of the hooking fingers 320 is configured to rest on a respective stop surface 330.

[0095] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the access hatch 26 includes a stop member 34, such as a stop finger or a stop lug, which is configured to come into contact with a stop portion 35, which is fixed relative to the vacuum housing 3, when the access hatch 26 is moved into the open position, so as to limit the opening stroke of the access hatch 26. The stop portion 35 can, for example, be formed by the vacuum housing 3 or a suction housing 36 in which the electric motor and the fan are housed.

[0096] The suction assembly 1 also includes a wheel support 37 which is hinged on the access hatch 26 about a hinge axis A37 which is perpendicular to the hatch pivot axis A26, and an additional wheel 38 which is movably rotatable relative to the wheel support 37 about a rotation axis A38 which is transverse, and for example substantially perpendicular, to the hinge axis A37. Advantageously, the additional wheel 38 is a rear wheel of the suction assembly 1.

[0097] The auxiliary wheel 38 is located at least partially below the rechargeable battery 21, and in particular at least partially below a rear portion of the rechargeable battery 21. The auxiliary wheel 38 is located between the first and second main wheels 17, 18, and advantageously in the median vertical longitudinal plane P of the suction assembly. Advantageously, the auxiliary wheel 38 is located behind the axes of rotation of the first and second main wheels 17, 18.

[0098] The additional wheel 38 is configured to roll on the floor when the access hatch 26 is in the closed position and when the suction assembly 1 is, for example, pulled by the user. Advantageously, when the suction assembly 1 is moved forward and the additional wheel 38 is rolling on the floor, the axis of rotation A38 of the additional wheel 38 is substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the hatch A26.

[0099] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, when the first and second main wheels 17, 18 and the additional wheel rest on a horizontal surface, the axis of rotation A38 of the additional wheel 38 is closer to the horizontal surface than the pivot axis of the hatch A26. Advantageously, the axis of rotation A38 of the additional wheel 38 is located between the axes of rotation of the first and second main wheels and the pivot axis of the hatch A26.

[0100] Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated, which has been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. Canister-type suction assembly (1) comprising: • a vacuum cleaner housing (3), • a suction nozzle (5) through which outside air can be drawn into the suction assembly (1) and which is positioned on a front part of the suction assembly (1), • at least one exhaust port (6) through which air cleaned by the suction assembly (1) can exit the suction assembly (1), • an airflow circuit (7) extending between the suction nozzle (5) and the at least one exhaust port (6), • a suction unit (9) disposed on the airflow circuit (7), the suction unit (9) comprising an electric motor and a fan coupled to the electric motor to generate an airflow in the airflow circuit (7), • first and second main wheels (17, 18) which are rotatably mounted relative to the vacuum cleaner housing (3) and are positioned on either side of the vacuum cleaner housing (3), • a rechargeable battery (21) configured to electrically power the electric motor, the rechargeable battery (21) being disposed in a battery compartment (22) which is at least partially defined by the vacuum cleaner housing (3), the rechargeable battery (21) being removable and configured to be withdrawn from the battery compartment (22) and introduced into the battery compartment (22) via an access opening (25) provided on the vacuum cleaner housing (3) and leading into the battery compartment (22), • an access hatch (26) pivotally mounted relative to the vacuum cleaner housing (3) around a hatch pivoting axis (A26) and between a closed position in which the access hatch (26) at least partially closes the access opening (25) and prevents removal of the rechargeable battery (21) from the battery compartment (22), and an open position in which the access hatch (26) frees the access opening (25) and allows removal of the rechargeable battery (21) from the battery compartment (22), the access hatch (26) comprising a battery location (27) in which the rechargeable battery (21) is removably mounted, the access hatch (26) being configured to move the rechargeable battery (21) at least partially out of the battery compartment (22) when the access hatch (26) is moved to the open position and to introduce the rechargeable battery (21) into the battery compartment (22) when the access hatch (26) is moved to the closed position, characterized in that the battery compartment (22) is located in a lower part of the vacuum cleaner housing (3), in that the access opening (25) is provided in the lower part of the vacuum cleaner housing (3) and in the open position is oriented towards the bottom of the suction assembly (1), and in that, when the first and second main wheels (17, 18) rest on a horizontal surface, the access opening (25) is oriented towards the horizontal surface.

2. Suction assembly (1) according to the previous claim, characterized in that the rechargeable battery (21) is configured to be withdrawn from the battery location (27) according to a withdrawal movement (M1) directed towards the front of the suction assembly (1).

3. Suction assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the access hatch (26) comprises first guiding means configured to cooperate with second guiding means provided on the rechargeable battery (21) during insertion of the rechargeable battery (21) into the battery location (27), in order to guide the rechargeable battery (21) along a guiding direction (D).

4. Suction assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the access hatch (26) comprises first retention means configured to cooperate with second retention means provided on the rechargeable battery (21) when the rechargeable battery (21) is received in the battery location (27), so as to retain the rechargeable battery (21) in the battery location (27).

5. Suction assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rechargeable battery (21) comprises a first electrical connector (23) configured to cooperate with a second electrical connector (24) mounted on the vacuum cleaner housing (3), the suction assembly (1) being configured such that, when the rechargeable battery (21) is in the battery location (27), the first electrical connector (23) is automatically connected to the second electrical connector (24) when the access hatch (26) is moved from the open position to the closed position.

6. Suction assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hatch pivoting axis (A26) is located behind the rotational axes of the first and second main wheels (17, 18).

7. Suction assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when the first and second main wheels (17, 18) rest on a horizontal surface, the distance between the hatch pivoting axis (A26) and the horizontal surface is smaller than the distance between the rotational axes of the first and second main wheels (17, 18) and the horizontal surface.

8. Suction assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rechargeable battery (21) is disposed below the suction unit (9).

9. Suction assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction assembly (1) comprises an additional wheel (38) which is mounted on the access hatch (26) and is configured to be able to roll on the ground when the access hatch (26) occupies the closed position.

10. Suction assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the suction assembly (1) comprises a wheel support (37) which is hingedly mounted on the access hatch (26) around a hinge axis (A37), the additional wheel (38) being rotatably mounted relative to the wheel support (37) around a rotational axis (A38) which is transverse to the hinge axis (A37).

11. Suction assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction assembly (1) comprises a locking member (32) movably mounted between a locking position in which the locking member (32) locks the access hatch (26) in the closed position and an unlocking position in which the locking member (32) allows movement of the access hatch (26) to the open position.

12. Suction assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the access hatch (26) is configured to be moved to the open position by being lowered downward.

13. Suction assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction assembly (1) comprises a waste separation and collection device (8), for example of cyclonic type, which is disposed on the airflow circuit (7) upstream of the suction unit (9) and is traversed by the airflow generated by the fan when the suction assembly (1) is in operation.

14. Suction assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the rechargeable battery (21) is disposed below the waste separation and collection device (8).