Suction unit with a device for separating and collecting partially spherical waste

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 JP3283503 discloses a canister vacuum cleaner comprising, in particular, a vacuum cleaner housing including at least one partially spherical outer housing surface; a suction nozzle through which outside air can be drawn into 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 from the suction nozzle to at least one exhaust port; 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 from the suction nozzle to at least one exhaust port;a waste separation and collection device which is arranged 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, the waste separation and collection device comprising a waste collection bowl intended to receive the waste separated by the waste separation and collection device; and first and second main wheels mounted to rotate freely relative to the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0004] The vacuum cleaner housing includes in particular a protective cover which is partially spherical in shape and which is mounted movably between a closed position in which the protective cover covers the waste separation and collection device and an open position in which the protective cover allows access to the waste separation and collection device for example to remove it for cleaning purposes.

[0005] However, a vacuum cleaner housing with an external shape that is at least partially spherical poses problems for integrating the functional elements of the vacuum assembly inside the at least partially spherical shape, particularly due to the significant size of the waste separation and collection device compared to the rest of the components of the vacuum assembly.

[0006] In particular, integrating the waste separation and collection device into a vacuum cleaner housing with a generally spherical shape implies either an oversizing of the external envelope of the vacuum cleaner housing to accommodate all the components of the vacuum assembly, or a very specific internal arrangement of the components of the vacuum assembly in the vacuum cleaner housing generating increased pressure losses due to convoluted fluid or electrical connections to connect the various components distributed in a non-optimized way around the waste separation and collection device. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks. Document US2007 / 067945 discloses a suction assembly according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0008] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular of providing a suction assembly which allows in particular for easy integration of components of the suction assembly inside a vacuum cleaner housing which is at least partially spherical in shape, while having a reduced footprint.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a sled-type suction assembly comprising: a vacuum cleaner housing comprising at least one partially spherical outer surface, a suction nozzle through which outside air can be drawn into 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 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 from the suction nozzle to at least one exhaust port, a waste separation and collection device disposed on the air circuit upstream of the suction unit and through which the airflow generated by the fan passes when the suction assembly is in operation,The waste separation and collection device comprises a waste collection bowl and a bowl lid that is movable relative to the waste collection bowl, and first and second main wheels mounted to rotate movable relative to the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0010] The waste collection bowl further comprises an outer bowl surface accessible from outside the suction assembly, which is partially spherical in shape. When the suction assembly is in operation, the outer bowl surface and the outer housing surface partially form a generally spherical assembly. The bowl cover is mounted to rotate relative to the waste collection bowl.

[0011] This arrangement allows the waste separation and collection device to be positioned inside the vacuum cleaner housing, offset to one side (for example, towards the front of the housing). This off-center position of the waste separation and collection device makes it easier to arrange the other components of the vacuum system in the internal space of the housing not occupied by the waste separation and collection device, without increasing the overall size of the vacuum system.

[0012] Furthermore, the fact that the bowl lid is mounted to rotate relative to the waste collection bowl ensures optimal guidance of the bowl lid when it is moved between an open position, in which the bowl lid exposes a drain opening in the waste collection bowl, and a closed position, in which the bowl lid closes the drain opening. This optimal guidance helps to preserve the integrity of the sealing devices on the bowl lid and / or the waste collection bowl, while also ensuring easy handling of the bowl lid by the user.

[0013] The suction assembly may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the partially spherical shapes defining respectively the outer surface of the bowl and the outer surface of the casing have substantially identical radii of curvature.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the partially spherical shapes defining respectively the outer surface of the bowl and the outer surface of the casing have centers which are substantially coincident.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste collection bowl has an external wall which is accessible from outside the suction assembly and which includes the external surface of the bowl.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bowl cover comprises an outer cover surface which is partially spherical in shape, and, when the suction assembly is in working order, the outer cover surface partially forms the assembly which is overall spherical in shape and is flush with the outer surface of the bowl and the outer surface of the housing.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the partially spherical shapes defining respectively the outer surface of the bowl, the outer surface of the casing and the outer surface of the lid have substantially identical radii of curvature.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the partially spherical shapes defining respectively the outer surface of the bowl, the outer surface of the casing and the outer surface of the lid have centers which are substantially coincident.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the outer surface of the casing, the first and second main wheels, the outer surface of the bowl and the outer surface of the lid partially form the overall spherical shape.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second main wheels are of the omnidirectional type.

[0022] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the first main wheel comprises a plurality of first rotating rollers distributed over the periphery of the first main wheel and forming a first tread of the first main wheel, and the second main wheel comprises a plurality of second rotating rollers distributed over the periphery of the second main wheel and forming a second tread of the second main wheel.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction assembly comprises a first fixed wheel hub and a second fixed wheel hub which are attached to the vacuum housing and which are arranged on either side of the vacuum housing, the first and second main wheels being annular and rotating respectively around the first and second fixed wheel hubs.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second fixed wheel hubs extend from the vacuum cleaner housing respectively beyond the first and second main wheels, the first and second fixed wheel hubs forming part of the overall spherical shape of the assembly.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second fixed wheel hubs have, respectively, a first outer hub surface and a second outer hub surface, each of which is spherical in shape. A spherical shape is also known as a dome shape.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the spherical caps defining the first and second outer surfaces of the hub have centers which are substantially coincident.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the centers of the spherical caps defining the first and second outer surfaces of the hub coincide with the center of the overall spherical shape.

[0028] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the spherical caps defining the first and second outer surfaces of the hub have substantially identical radii of curvature.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first main wheel has a first annular external surface which is flush with the first outer hub surface of the first fixed wheel hub, and the second main wheel has a second annular external surface which is flush with the second outer hub surface of the second fixed wheel hub.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second external annular surfaces is a portion of an annular spherical surface, the first and second external annular surfaces contributing to form, together with the first and second external hub surfaces of the first and second fixed wheel hubs and the outer surface of the casing, the overall spherical shape.

[0031] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, each of the first and second fixed wheel hubs is hollow, the suction assembly comprising a fluidic conduit or subsystem which is at least partially disposed in at least one of the first and second fixed wheel hubs.

[0032] According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the first and second main wheels are lateral wheels of the suction assembly.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bowl cover is movable relative to the waste collection bowl between an open position in which the bowl cover releases a drain opening of the waste collection bowl and a closed position in which the bowl cover at least partially closes the drain opening of the waste collection bowl.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device is of the cyclonic type.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device comprises a cyclonic separation chamber which is externally delimited by an internal wall of the waste collection bowl which is globally annular and which extends around a central axis of the waste collection bowl.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cyclone separation chamber is annular.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device comprises a filtration grid which is generally tubular and which is disposed in the waste collection bowl, the cyclonic separation chamber being internally delimited at least in part by the grid.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste collection bowl includes an air intake opening configured to be fluidly connected to the suction nozzle.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air inlet opening opens, preferably tangentially, into the cyclonic separation chamber, and for example into an upper part of the cyclonic separation chamber.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bowl cover is configured to allow the grid to be removed from the waste collection bowl when the bowl cover is in the open position.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bowl cover includes an air-connecting conduit configured to fluidly connect the waste separation and collection device to the suction unit.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device is arranged eccentrically with respect to the center of the overall spherical shape assembly.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central axis of the waste collection bowl is at a distance from the center of the overall spherical assembly which is greater than 1 / 3 of the internal diameter of the internal wall of the waste collection bowl.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device is mounted removable from the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device can be removed from the vacuum cleaner housing by a translational movement.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the translational movement is directed in a substantially radial direction with respect to the center of the assembly, which is generally spherical in shape.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the translational movement is directed towards the front and the top of the suction assembly.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device includes a gripping handle for removing the waste separation and collection device from the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping handle is movable between a first gripping position in which the gripping handle protrudes from the outer surface of the bowl and a second gripping position in which the gripping handle is retracted into a receiving cavity provided on the waste collection bowl, an outer surface of the gripping handle being flush with the outer surface of the bowl when the gripping handle occupies the second gripping position.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the outer wall of the waste collection bowl extends around the inner wall of the waste collection bowl and at a distance from the inner wall of the waste collection bowl. Advantageously, the outer wall of the waste collection bowl extends over only a portion of the periphery of the inner wall of the waste collection bowl.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving cavity is formed on the external wall of the waste collection bowl.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device comprises a locking mechanism configured to lock the waste collection bowl onto the vacuum cleaner housing, the locking mechanism comprising at least one locking member movably mounted on the waste collection bowl between a locking position in which at least one locking member is configured to cooperate with the vacuum cleaner housing so as to lock the waste collection bowl onto the vacuum cleaner housing, and an unlocking position in which at least one locking member is configured to release the vacuum cleaner housing so as to allow removal of the waste separation and collection device from the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping handle is mechanically connected to the locking mechanism and is configured to move at least one locking member from the locking position to the unlocking position when the gripping handle is moved from the second grip position to the first grip position, and to move at least one locking member from the unlocking position to the locking position when the gripping handle is moved from the first grip position to the second grip position.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one locking member is pivotally mounted on the waste collection bowl around a pivot axis.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism is disposed at least in part between the external and internal walls of the waste collection bowl.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism comprises two locking members arranged on either side of the gripping handle.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second main wheels have respectively a first outer wheel surface and a second outer wheel surface which are each in the shape of a spherical cap and which contribute to forming the overall spherical shape.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the outer surface of the bowl is flush with the outer surface of the casing. Brief description of the figures

[0059] 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; 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 front view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 ; There figure 5 is a top view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 ; There figure 6 is a rear view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 ; There figure 7a is a top view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 demonstrating obstacle avoidance in a first step; The figure 7bis a top view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 demonstrating obstacle avoidance in a second stage; The figure 7c is a top view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 demonstrating obstacle avoidance according to a third step; The figure 7d is a top view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 demonstrating obstacle avoidance according to a fourth step; The figure 8 is a perspective view of the entire aspiration of the figure 1 showing a gripping handle in a first gripping position; The figure 9 is a partial front view of the suction assembly of the figure 1 ; There Figure 10 is a perspective view of a waste separation and collection device from the suction assembly of the figure 1 . Detailed description

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] THE figures 1 to 10 represent a sled-type suction assembly 1.

[0063] The suction assembly 1 comprises a main body 2 including, in particular: a vacuum cleaner housing 3 comprising an outer surface of housing 4 of partially spherical 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.

[0064] The suction nozzle 5 is advantageously arranged at one end of the main body 2 which corresponds to the front of the main body 2.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] The waste separation and collection device 8 is located on the air 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

[0068] The waste separation and collection device 8 includes a waste collection bowl 11 comprising an air inlet opening 12 configured to be fluidly connected to the suction nozzle 5 and a drain opening 13 provided in an upper part of the waste collection bowl 11.

[0069] The waste collection bowl 11 further includes an external wall 11.1 which is accessible from outside the suction assembly 1. The external wall 11.1 includes an external bowl surface 110 which is partially spherical in shape.

[0070] The waste separation and collection device 8 also includes a bowl cover 14 which is movablely mounted, and for example movablely rotationally mounted, relative to the waste collection bowl 11 between an open position in which the bowl cover 14 releases the drain opening 13 of the waste collection bowl 11 and a closed position in which the bowl cover 14 at least partially closes the drain opening 13 of the waste collection bowl 11.

[0071] The bowl cover 14 includes an outer cover surface 140 that is partially spherical and flush with the outer bowl surface 110 and the outer housing surface 4. The partially spherical shapes defining the outer bowl surface 110, the outer housing surface 4, and the outer cover surface 140, respectively, have centers that are substantially coincident and have substantially identical radii of curvature. Thus, when the suction assembly 1 is in operation, the outer bowl surface 110, the outer housing surface 4, and the outer cover surface 140 partially form an assembly with an overall spherical shape.

[0072] In the implementation of figures 1 to 10The waste separation and collection device 8 is of the cyclonic type and comprises a grid 15 which is generally tubular and which is arranged in the waste collection bowl 11 coaxially with a central axis A11 of the waste collection bowl 11, and a cyclonic separation chamber 16 which is annular and which is formed around the grid 15. The cyclonic separation chamber 16 is delimited externally by an internal wall 11.2 of the waste collection bowl 11 which is generally cylindrical, and internally by the grid 15. Advantageously, the air inlet opening 12 opens, preferably tangentially, into an upper part of the cyclonic separation chamber 16, and the bowl cover 14 includes an air connection duct 17 configured to fluidly connect the waste separation and collection device 8 to the suction unit 9.

[0073] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the outer wall 11.1 of the waste collection bowl 11 extends around the inner wall 11.2 of the waste collection bowl 11 and at a distance from the inner wall 11.2. Advantageously, the outer wall 11.1 of the waste collection bowl 11 extends over only a part of the periphery of the inner wall 11.2 of the waste collection bowl 11.

[0074] Advantageously, the bowl cover 14 is configured to allow removal of the grid 15 from the waste collection bowl 11 via the drain opening 13 when the bowl cover 14 is in the open position.

[0075] As shown more specifically on the figure 3The waste separation and collection device 8 is arranged eccentrically with respect to the center of the overall spherical assembly. Advantageously, the central axis A11 of the waste collection bowl 11 is at a distance from the center of the overall spherical assembly that is greater than 1 / 3 of the internal diameter of the inner wall 11.2 of the waste collection bowl 11.

[0076] In the implementation of figures 1 to 10The waste separation and collection device 8 is mounted as a removable part of the vacuum housing 3, to facilitate the removal of accumulated waste from the waste collection bowl 11 and to clean the grille 15. Advantageously, the waste separation and collection device 8 can be removed from the vacuum housing 3 by a translational movement directed in a substantially radial direction about the center of the generally spherical assembly. Preferably, the translational movement is directed forward and upward from the suction assembly 1. A tubular or frustoconical filter (not shown) can be placed inside the grille 15. This filter, located downstream of the cyclonic separation chamber 16, can be separated from the grille 15 for cleaning and is advantageously flexible for improved dust removal.

[0077] In order to be able to be removed more easily, the waste separation and collection device 8 includes a gripping handle 19 which is for example arranged in a median longitudinal plane of the waste collection bowl 11.

[0078] In the implementation of figures 1 to 10 The gripping handle 19 is movably mounted on the waste collection bowl 11 between a first gripping position in which the gripping handle 19 protrudes from the outer surface of the bowl 110 and a second gripping position in which the gripping handle 19 is retracted into a receiving cavity 20 provided on the waste collection bowl 11 and more particularly on the outer wall 11.1 of the waste collection bowl 11. Advantageously, an outer surface 19.1 of the gripping handle 19 is flush with the outer surface of the bowl 110 when the gripping handle 19 occupies the second gripping position.

[0079] The waste separation and collection device 8 further includes a locking mechanism 21 configured to lock the waste collection bowl 11 onto the vacuum housing 3.

[0080] In the implementation of figures 1 to 10 The locking mechanism 21 comprises two locking members 22 which are arranged on either side of the gripping handle 19 and which are mounted movable, and for example pivotable, on the waste collection bowl 11 between a locking position in which the locking members 22 are configured to cooperate with the vacuum housing 3 so as to lock the waste collection bowl 11on the vacuum housing 3, and an unlocking position in which the locking members 22 are configured to release the vacuum housing 3 so as to permit removal of the waste separation and collection device 8 from the vacuum housing 3.

[0081] Advantageously, the locking members 22 are disposed at least partly between the external and internal walls 11.1, 11.2 of the waste collection bowl 11.

[0082] The gripping handle 19 is mechanically connected to each of the locking members 22 and is configured to simultaneously move the locking members 22 from the locking position to the unlocking position when the gripping handle 19 is moved from the second handle position to the first handle position, and to simultaneously move the locking members 22 from the unlocking position to the locking position when the gripping handle 19 is moved from the first handle position to the second handle position.

[0083] The suction assembly 1 further includes first and second main wheels 23, 24 mounted for rotation relative to the vacuum housing 3. The first and second main wheels 23, 24 each have first and second treads 25, 26 respectively, enabling the main body 2 to rest and roll on the floor to be cleaned. The first and second main wheels 23, 24 are positioned on either side of the main body 2. More precisely, the first and second main wheels 23, 24 are lateral wheels relative to the main body 2. The first and second main wheels 23, 24 have axes of rotation A23, A24 respectively.

[0084] As depicted in figure 4The main wheels 23, 24 advantageously have axes of rotation A23, A24 inclined relative to each other. The axes of rotation A23, A24 preferably converge towards the top of the main body 2 to form an angle α of less than 180° at the apex.

[0085] In operation, a suction nozzle (not shown), also known as a suction head, is normally connected to the suction nozzle 5 by a suction tube (not shown) comprising a rigid section and a flexible section. The suction assembly 1, the suction nozzle, and the suction tube together form a canister vacuum cleaner. During cleaning, the user of a canister vacuum cleaner holds the suction nozzle by means of a handle located on the rigid section of the suction tube or attached to the suction tube. When the first and second main wheels 23, 24 are not powered, the handle and suction tube allow the user to pull the suction assembly 1, which, thanks to the first and second main wheels 23, 24, rolls over the floor to be vacuumed.

[0086] The suction nozzle and suction tube are parts of a canister vacuum cleaner that are familiar to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the suction nozzle and suction tube are not shown in the figures and are not described in further detail in this document.

[0087] The first and second main wheels 23, 24 are advantageously annular and rotate respectively around a first fixed wheel hub 28 and a second fixed wheel hub 29 which are integral with the vacuum housing 3 and which are arranged on either side of the vacuum housing 3. The first and second fixed wheel hubs 28, 29 extend from the vacuum housing 3 respectively beyond the first and second main wheels 23, 24.

[0088] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second fixed wheel hubs 28, 29 have, respectively, a first outer hub surface 28a and a second outer hub surface 29a, each of which is spherical, or dome-shaped. Advantageously, the spherical caps defining the first and second outer hub surfaces 28a, 29a have centers that are substantially coincident with the center of the overall spherical shape, and have identical or substantially identical radii of curvature.

[0089] As shown more specifically on the figure 4, the first main wheel 23 has a first annular external surface 23a which is flush with the first outer hub surface 28a of the first fixed wheel hub 28, and the second main wheel 24 has a second annular external surface 24a which is flush with the second outer hub surface 29a of the second fixed wheel hub 29. Advantageously, each of the first and second annular external surfaces 23a, 24a is a portion of an annular spherical surface.

[0090] The first and second annular outer surfaces 23a, 24a, together with the first and second outer hub surfaces 28a, 29a, the outer bowl surface 110, the outer housing surface 4, and the outer cover surface 140, form an overall spherical shape. This configuration allows the suction assembly 1 to more easily avoid obstacles it encounters.

[0091] As shown in the figures, the first and second main wheels 23, 24 are omnidirectional. This type of wheel allows the suction assembly to move laterally L by rolling to better avoid an obstacle 30 coming into contact with a protective structure 32, which will be described in more detail below, and / or with one of the first and second outer hub surfaces 28a, 29a of the first and second fixed wheel hubs 28, 29 (see figures 7a to 7b ). This type of wheel is also known as holonomic wheels.

[0092] Thus, the first main wheel 23 comprises a plurality of first rotating rollers 23b distributed over the periphery of the first main wheel 23 and forming the first tread 25 of the first main wheel 23, and the second main wheel 24 comprises a plurality of second rotating rollers 24b distributed over the periphery of the second main wheel 24 and forming the second tread 26 of the second main wheel 24.

[0093] The first rotating rollers 23b of the first main wheel 23 can rotate freely and have axes of rotation not parallel to the axis of rotation A23 of the first main wheel 23, and the second rotating rollers 24b of the second main wheel 24 can rotate freely and have axes of rotation not parallel to the axis of rotation A24 of the second main wheel 24. Advantageously, and as shown in the figures, the axes of rotation of the first and second rotating rollers 23b, 24b are respectively perpendicular to the axes of rotation A23, A24 of the first and second main wheels 23, 24.

[0094] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the axes of rotation of the first and second rotating rollers 23b, 24b are substantially tangent to the overall spherical shape or tangent to a theoretical sphere arranged radially inside the overall spherical shape.

[0095] Advantageously, and as shown on the figure 9 , each of the first and second fixed wheel hubs 28, 29 is hollow and delimits an internal space which can be used to accommodate, for example, the functional components of the suction assembly 1, such as, for example, a filter (not shown) or a fluidic conduit 33 connecting the suction nozzle 5 to the air intake opening 12.

[0096] The suction assembly 1 further includes a protective structure 32 which is configured to protect the first and second main wheels 23, 24 and to protect the waste separation and collection device 8.

[0097] The protective structure is arranged outside the vacuum housing 3 of the main body 2. The protective structure 32 extends at a distance from the outer surface of the housing 4 of the vacuum housing 3, and covers a portion of each of the first and second treads 25, 26 of the first and second main wheels 23, 24, and more particularly several of the first rotating rollers 23b and several of the second rotating rollers 24b.

[0098] Preferably, the protective structure 32 covers an angular sector S1 of each of the first and second treads 25, 26 which is greater than 90° and advantageously between 90° and 130°. In the example of the figure 2The angular sector S1 covered is approximately 115°. The protective structure 32 therefore protects the first and second main wheels 23, 24 from some of the impacts they might sustain when the suction assembly 1, moving across the floor to be cleaned, encounters obstacles. The protective structure 32 thus increases the lifespan of the first and second main wheels 23, 24.

[0099] Advantageously, the protective structure 32 forms a handle assembly that can be grasped by the user. The protective structure 32 thus takes the form of a handle assembly that the user can grasp to lift and move the suction assembly 1. In this way, the protective structure 32 both protects all or part of the first and second main wheels 23, 24 and the waste separation and collection device 8, and provides at least one gripping surface for the user.

[0100] Furthermore, the protective structure 32 defines a central opening 34 which is large enough to allow the waste collection bowl 11 to be removed through the central opening 34. Thus, the waste collection bowl 11 can be easily grasped and removed from the vacuum cleaner housing 3 by the user through the central opening 22 defined by the protective structure 32.

[0101] THE figures 7a to 7d illustrate, in four stages, a dodge of a frontal obstacle, such as a table leg presenting itself frontal to the suction assembly 1. A frontal obstacle is an obstacle coming into contact with the suction assembly 1 when the suction assembly 1 moves forward AV.

[0102] According to a first step represented in figure 7aThe suction assembly 1 moves forward. An obstacle 30 is in the path of the suction assembly 1 and in front of the first main wheel 23.

[0103] According to a second stage represented in figure 7b , the suction assembly 1 continues its forward movement AV and comes into contact with the obstacle 30. More specifically, an inclined outer surface 35 of the protective structure 32 comes into contact with the obstacle 30 by interposing itself between the obstacle 30 and the first main wheel 23, thus preventing the obstacle 30 from hitting the front of the first main wheel 23.

[0104] According to a third stage represented in figure 7c, the suction assembly 1 continues its forward movement AV, the inclined outer surface 35 slides over the obstacle 30. Thanks to the inclination of the inclined outer surface 35, at the same time as the suction assembly 1 moves forward AV, the suction assembly 1 moves laterally L.

[0105] According to a fourth stage represented in figure 7dThe suction assembly 1 continues its forward movement AV, the inclined outer surface 35 is clear of the obstacle 30. The suction assembly 1 continues to slide over the obstacle 30 through contact between the obstacle 30 and the first outer surface of the hub 28a of the first fixed wheel hub 28. The first outer surface of the hub 28a of the first fixed wheel hub 28 is, in top view of the suction assembly 1, substantially in line with the inclined outer surface 35.Because the first outer surface of the hub 28a of the first fixed wheel hub 28 is in projection relative to the first main wheel 23 and relative to the rest of the vacuum housing 3, the relative sliding of the obstacle 30 on the first outer surface of the hub 28a has the effect, on the one hand, of continuing to move laterally the vacuum assembly 1 as it moves forward AV and, on the other hand, of moving the obstacle 30 away from the first main wheel 23 to prevent the obstacle 30 from hitting the first main wheel 23, in particular a rear part of the first main wheel 23.

[0106] Obstacle avoidance according to the four stages above is achieved by a combined effect of the protective structure 32 and the first and second outer hub surfaces 28a, 29a of the first and second fixed wheel hubs 28, 29 in the shape of spherical caps.

[0107] It should be noted that the protective structure 32 also includes an inclined outer surface 36 which is located on the side of the second main wheel 24 and which is configured to come into contact with an obstacle 30 located on the side of the second main wheel 24, so as to prevent the obstacle from hitting the front of the second main wheel 24.

[0108] According to an obstacle avoidance scheme not shown in the figures, the first outer surface of the hub 28a of the first fixed wheel hub 28 could come directly into contact with the obstacle 30, i.e. without the latter first coming into contact with the protective structure 32. According to such an obstacle avoidance scheme, the spherical cap shape of the first outer surface of the hub 28a, associated with first and second main wheels 23, 24 of omnidirectional type, allows, when the obstacle 30 meets the first outer surface of the hub 28a, a lateral rolling displacement of the suction assembly 1 which is continuous and progressive as the suction assembly 1 moves forward AV, which ultimately allows the suction assembly 1 to disengage more easily from the obstacle encountered.

[0109] 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.

[0110] Thus, in an unrepresented embodiment variant, the first and second main wheels could respectively have a first outer wheel surface and a second outer wheel surface, each in the shape of a spherical cap, which contribute to forming the overall spherical shape.

Claims

1. Sled-type suction assembly (1) comprising: • a vacuum cleaner housing (3) including at least one outer housing surface (4) of partially spherical shape, • a suction nozzle (5) through which outside air can be drawn into 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) which extends 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) from the suction nozzle (5) to the at least one exhaust port (6), • a waste separation and collection device (8) disposed on the airflow circuit (7) upstream of the suction unit (9) and traversed by the airflow generated by the fan when the suction assembly is in operation, the waste separation and collection device (8) comprising a waste collection bowl (11) and a bowl lid (14) that is movable relative to the waste collection bowl (11), • first and second main wheels (23, 24) rotatably mounted relative to the vacuum cleaner housing (3), the waste collection bowl (11) comprises an outer bowl surface (110) which is accessible from outside the suction assembly (1) and is partially spherical in shape, when the suction assembly (1) is in operating order, the outer bowl surface (110) and the outer housing surface (4) partially form a generally spherical assembly, and characterized in that the bowl lid (14) is rotatably mounted relative to the waste collection bowl (11).

2. Suction assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the waste collection bowl (11) comprises an external wall (11.1)which is accessible from outside the suction assembly and includes the outer bowl surface (110).

3. Suction assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bowl lid (14) comprises an outer lid surface (140) which is partially spherical, and in that, when the suction assembly is in operating order, the outer lid surface (140) partially forms the generally spherical assembly and is flush with the outer bowl surface (110) and the outer housing surface (4).

4. Suction assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the outer housing surface (4), the first and second main wheels (23, 24), the outer bowl surface (110), and the outer lid surface (140) partially form the generally spherical assembly.

5. Suction assembly (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the suction assembly (1) comprises a first fixed wheel hub (28) and a second fixed wheel hub (29) which are integral with the vacuum cleaner housing (3) and are disposed on either side of the vacuum cleaner housing (3), the first and second main wheels (23, 24) being annular and rotating respectively around the first and second fixed wheel hubs (28, 29).

6. Suction assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first and second fixed wheel hubs (28, 29) extend from the vacuum cleaner housing (3) respectively beyond the first and second main wheels (23, 24), the first and second fixed wheel hubs (28, 29) partially forming the generally spherical assembly.

7. Suction assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first and second fixed wheel hubs (28, 29) respectively have a first outer hub surface (28a) and a second outer hub surface (28b) which are each in the shape of a spherical cap.

8. Suction assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the waste separation and collection device (8) comprises a cyclonic separation chamber (16) which is externally bounded by an internal wall (11.2) of the waste collection bowl (11)which is generally annular and extends around a central axis (A11) of the waste collection bowl.

9. Suction assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the bowl lid (14) comprises an airflow connecting conduit (17) configured to fluidly connect the waste separation and collection device (8) to the suction unit (9).

10. Suction assembly (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the waste separation and collection device (8) is disposed eccentrically with respect to the center of the generally spherical assembly.

11. Suction assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the central axis (A11) of the waste collection bowl (11) is at a distance from the center of the generally spherical assembly that is greater than 1 / 3 of the inner diameter of the internal wall (11.2) of the waste collection bowl (11).

12. Suction assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the waste separation and collection device (8) is removably mounted relative to the vacuum cleaner housing (3).

13. Suction assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the waste separation and collection device (8) comprises a gripping handle (19) for removing the waste separation and collection device (8) from the vacuum cleaner housing.

14. Suction assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the gripping handle (19) is movable between a first handle position in which the gripping handle (19) protrudes from the outer bowl surface (110) and a second handle position in which the gripping handle (19) is retracted into a receiving cavity (20) provided on the waste collection bowl (11), an outer surface of the gripping handle (19) being flush with the outer bowl surface (110) when the gripping handle (19) occupies the second handle position.