PORTABLE VACUUM CLEANER WITH DETACHABLE HANDLE

Description

Technical field

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

[0002] A vacuum cleaner, and more particularly a portable vacuum cleaner, comprises, in a known manner, a main body equipped with a suction duct; a waste separation and collection device mounted on the main body; a suction motor housed in the main body, the suction motor having a motor shaft and being configured to generate an air flow through the suction duct and the waste separation and collection device; a gripping handle delimiting a battery compartment; a rechargeable battery configured to electrically power the suction motor, the rechargeable battery comprising at least one battery cell housed in the battery compartment; and a user interface provided on the main body and configured to allow a user to start or stop the suction motor.

[0003] In order to allow a user to view the charge status of the rechargeable battery of the portable vacuum cleaner of the aforementioned type, in particular during use, it is known to equip such a portable vacuum cleaner with a battery status indicator, and in particular a battery charge indicator. Such a battery charge indicator is generally provided on the grip handle or in the direct vicinity thereof.

[0004] Such a positioning of the battery charge indicator makes it difficult, or even impossible, for the user to view the charge status of the rechargeable battery when holding the grip handle. In addition, such a positioning of the battery charge indicator exposes it to external shocks when the user handles the vacuum cleaner.

[0005] Document WO2017 / 117679 discloses a portable vacuum cleaner comprising in particular a main body, a waste separation and collection device mounted on the main body, a suction motor housed in the main body, a gripping handle which is removable and which delimits a battery compartment, a rechargeable battery comprising at least one battery cell housed in the battery compartment delimited by the gripping handle, a display screen capable of displaying a battery charge level, and an electronic control unit configured to control the operation of the portable vacuum cleaner. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0007] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in providing a portable vacuum cleaner which is more ergonomic, while being reliable and of simple structure.

[0008] To this end, the present invention relates to a portable vacuum cleaner comprising: a main body equipped with a suction duct, a waste separation and collection device mounted on the main body, a suction motor housed in the main body, the suction motor having a motor shaft and being configured to generate an air flow through the suction duct and the waste separation and collection device, a gripping handle delimiting a battery compartment, a rechargeable battery configured to electrically power the handheld vacuum cleaner, and in particular the suction motor, the rechargeable battery comprising at least one battery cell housed in the battery compartment delimited by the gripping handle, a user interface provided on the main body and configured to allow a user to select at least one operating mode of the handheld vacuum cleaner,an electronic control unit configured to control the operation of the handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0009] The main body includes a mounting portion defining an internal housing and including an access opening that opens into the internal housing, the user interface being provided on the mounting portion. The grip handle includes a first handle portion including a gripping surface configured to be grasped by a user and a second handle portion removably mounted in the internal housing, the second handle portion being configured to be removed from the internal housing and to be inserted into the internal housing via the access opening.The handheld vacuum cleaner further includes a battery status indicator, such as a battery charge indicator, provided on the second handle portion and configured to indicate at least one status parameter of the rechargeable battery when the second handle portion is housed in the internal housing, the battery status indicator configured to be visible through at least one viewing window provided on the mounting portion when the second handle portion is housed in the internal housing.

[0010] Such a configuration of the handheld vacuum cleaner makes it possible to position the battery status indicator away from the gripping area of ​​the handheld vacuum cleaner. These arrangements thus prevent the battery status indicator from being covered by the user's hand when gripping the handheld vacuum cleaner, which ensures perfect visibility of the battery status indicator by the user when using the handheld vacuum cleaner and therefore improves the ergonomics of the latter.

[0011] Furthermore, the fact that the battery status indicator is visible through a viewing window provided on the mounting part when the second handle part is housed in the internal housing allows the user to ensure that the grip handle, and therefore the rechargeable battery, is correctly inserted into the internal housing.Indeed, if the grip handle is correctly inserted, the user can see the battery status indicator through the viewing window with the battery status indicator normally positioned within the viewing window, for example centered within the viewing window, otherwise the battery status indicator would be abnormally positioned relative to the viewing window, for example off-center relative to the viewing window or would not be visible through the viewing window, indicating to the user that the grip handle is incorrectly inserted into the internal housing.

[0012] The handheld vacuum cleaner may further have one or more of the following features, alone or in combination.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the battery status indicator is configured to indicate a state of charge parameter of the rechargeable battery and / or an error status parameter, such as an overheating status, of the rechargeable battery. The state of charge parameter may for example be the remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery, also referred to as the state of charge or state of discharge, of the rechargeable battery.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the battery status indicator is configured to indicate the charge status parameter of the rechargeable battery and / or the error status parameter of the rechargeable battery when the grip handle is disconnected from the main body and the rechargeable battery is connected to an electrical charger.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the battery status indicator is configured to indicate the charge status parameter of the rechargeable battery and / or the error status parameter of the rechargeable battery when the second handle portion is housed in the internal housing.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the battery status indicator is configured to be located at least partially opposite the at least one viewing window when the second handle portion is housed in the internal housing.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the user interface is located near the at least one viewing window. The fact that the battery status indicator is visible from a viewing window located near the user interface allows the user to be able to view, simultaneously and in the same region of the handheld vacuum cleaner, the battery status indicator and the user interface, which further improves the ergonomics of the handheld vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the user interface and the at least one viewing window are provided on an upper portion of the mounting portion. Such positioning of the user interface and the at least one viewing window allows a user to easily and quickly view the user interface and the battery status indicator when using the handheld vacuum cleaner according to the present invention, which further improves the ergonomics of the handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the battery status indicator is configured to be positioned recessed from an outer surface of the mounting portion when the second handle portion is housed in the inner housing. Since the battery status indicator is visible through a viewing window provided on the mounting portion and is recessed from the outer surface of the mounting portion, the risks of contact with an external obstacle are reduced, thereby preserving the integrity of the battery status indicator, and therefore of the handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the battery status indicator comprises at least one light-emitting diode configured to be visible through the at least one viewing window when the second handle portion is housed in the internal housing.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the battery status indicator is configured to emit a light signal which varies depending on the state of charge of the rechargeable battery.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one light-emitting diode comprises an external surface which is located set back from an external surface of the second handle part, or which is substantially flush with the external surface of the second handle part.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one viewing window comprises at least one viewing orifice which is provided on the mounting part, and more particularly on a portion of the upper wall of the mounting part.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one viewing window comprises a covering portion configured to cover the battery status indicator when the second handle portion is housed in the internal housing, the covering portion being transparent or translucent, i.e. transparent to light radiation. Since the battery status indicator is visible through a covering portion which is transparent or translucent when the second handle portion is housed in the internal housing, the risks of contact of the battery status indicator with the user's hand or an external obstacle are zero when using the handheld vacuum cleaner, which makes it possible to preserve the integrity of the battery status indicator, and therefore of the handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the covering portion comprises at least one light guide provided on a lower face of the covering portion and located opposite the at least one light-emitting diode, the at least one light guide being configured to transport a light signal emitted by the at least one light-emitting diode to an external surface of the covering portion.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a protective cover which is attached to the mounting part and which comprises the covering part.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the covering portion extends opposite the at least one viewing orifice, and covers the at least one viewing orifice.

[0028] According to another embodiment of the invention, the covering portion is configured to extend directly opposite a portion of the second handle portion when the second handle portion is housed in the internal housing.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the user interface comprises a display screen.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the display screen comprises a window forming the aforementioned covering part.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the viewing window comprises a viewing notch provided on the mounting portion, and extending from a rear edge of the mounting portion and towards the user interface. Advantageously, the second handle portion comprises an insertion rib configured to be received in the viewing notch when the second handle portion is housed in the internal housing, the battery status indicator being provided on the insertion rib.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the battery status indicator is located in an upper portion of the second handle portion.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is arranged in the grip handle.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to control the operation of the suction motor according to a first operating mode, also called normal operating mode, in which the suction motor is rotated at a first rotational speed, and to control the operation of the suction motor according to a second operating mode, also called reinforced operating mode, in which the suction motor is rotated at a second rotational speed which is higher than the first rotational speed. Thus, according to the second operating mode, the vacuum generated in the suction duct is higher than the vacuum generated therein when the suction motor operates according to the first operating mode.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the user interface comprises a control member, such as a control button, which is mounted on the mounting part, and advantageously on the upper part of the mounting part, and which is actuable by a user, and an activation member, such as an activation button, which is mounted on the mounting part, and advantageously on the upper part of the mounting part, and which is actuable by a user, the electronic control unit being configured to control the operation of the suction motor according to the first operating mode when the control member is actuated by a user and to control the operation of the suction motor according to the second operating mode when the activation member is actuated by a user.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the control member and the activation member is located close to the at least one viewing window.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control member and the activation member are configured so as to be able to be actuated by the same finger of a user when the user holds the grip handle.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a printed circuit board which is attached to the mounting portion and which is equipped with a first electrical contact, such as a microswitch, and a second electrical contact, such as a microswitch, the control member being configured to activate the first electrical contact when the control member is actuated by a user, and the activation member being configured to activate the second electrical contact when the activation member is actuated by a user. Advantageously, the upper wall portion and the printed circuit board are substantially coplanar.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one battery cell is arranged in an irremovable manner in the battery compartment.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the access opening is provided at a rear end of the main body.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the battery compartment is delimited by the first and second handle portions. Advantageously, the at least one battery cell extends at least partly into the first handle portion and / or at least partly into the second handle portion. These arrangements make it possible to maximize the volume of the rechargeable battery, and consequently the energy capacity stored by the rechargeable battery.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rechargeable battery comprises a first electrical connector which is provided on the second handle portion and which is configured to cooperate with a second electrical connector disposed in the internal housing when the second handle portion is housed in the internal housing.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first electrical connector is provided on a front portion, and is for example located at a front end face of the second handle portion.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first handle portion has a cross-section substantially identical to the cross-section of the mounting portion.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the mounting portion comprises an additional gripping surface configured to be flush with the gripping surface of the first handle portion when the second handle portion is housed in the internal housing. Advantageously, the gripping surface and the additional gripping surface form the gripping area of ​​the handheld vacuum cleaner. Such a configuration of the mounting portion and the first handle portion makes it possible to extend the gripping area of ​​the handheld vacuum cleaner onto the mounting portion, and thus to facilitate the handling of the handheld vacuum cleaner by a user.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping handle has a central longitudinal axis which is substantially parallel to the motor axis of the suction motor.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central longitudinal axis of the grip handle and the motor axis of the suction motor are substantially collinear. This arrangement allows for a better distribution of the masses of the portable vacuum cleaner around the central longitudinal axis and consequently, this arrangement provides better comfort for the user.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the motor axis of the suction motor is intersecting with the rechargeable battery.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rechargeable battery is located at the rear of the suction motor.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control member and the activation member are located substantially in a reference plane which is defined by the motor axis and the central longitudinal axis of the gripping handle, and which forms for example a median longitudinal plane of the portable vacuum cleaner.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device extends along an extension axis which is substantially parallel to the motor axis of the suction motor.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the extension axis of the waste separation and collection device, the motor axis of the suction motor and the central longitudinal axis of the gripping handle are substantially collinear.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device is of the cyclonic type.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device is removably mounted on the main body.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device comprises a waste collection container provided with a drain opening, and a drain hatch movably mounted on the waste collection container between a closed position in which the drain hatch closes the drain opening and a released position in which the drain hatch releases the drain opening.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drain opening is configured to be located opposite the grip handle.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction duct extends along an external surface of the waste separation and collection device.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a locking mechanism configured to lock the gripping handle in the mounting portion. The locking mechanism may for example comprise a locking member, such as a locking finger, movably mounted on the mounting portion between a locking position in which the locking member is configured to cooperate with a locking element, such as a locking housing, provided on the second handle portion so as to lock the second handle portion in the mounting portion, and an unlocking position in which the locking member is configured to release the locking element so as to allow removal of the second handle portion from the internal housing. Brief description of the figures

[0059] In any case, the invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows with reference to the appended schematic drawings representing, by way of non-limiting examples, two embodiments of this portable vacuum cleaner. [ Fig 1 ] is a top perspective view of a handheld vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment of the invention. [ Fig 2 ] is a partial top perspective view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of the figure 1 . [ Fig 3 ] is a partial perspective view from above of a main body of the handheld vacuum cleaner of the figure 1 . [ Fig 4 ] is a top perspective view of a grip handle of the handheld vacuum cleaner of the figure 1 . [ Fig 5 ] is a longitudinal sectional view of the portable vacuum cleaner of the figure 1 . [ Fig 6 ] is an enlarged scale view of a detail of the Figure 5 . [ Fig 7] is a partial truncated perspective view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of the figure 1 . [ Fig 8 ] is a partial perspective view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of the figure 1 . [ Fig 9 ] is a schematic top view of a portable vacuum cleaner according to a second embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0060] In this document, the terms "front", "rear" and "top" are defined in relation to use of the handheld vacuum cleaner in which the user holds the handheld vacuum cleaner by the grip handle and keeps it substantially horizontally, and the suction opening of the suction duct is located away from the user.

[0061] THE figures 1 to 8represent a portable vacuum cleaner 2 comprising a main body 3 comprising a suction duct 4 through which outside air can be sucked into the portable vacuum cleaner 2. Advantageously, the suction duct 4 is arranged in a front part of the main body 3.

[0062] The portable vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a gripping handle 5 allowing the portable vacuum cleaner 2 to be gripped by a user. Advantageously, the gripping handle 5 has a central longitudinal axis A and extends from a rear end of the main body 3.

[0063] The portable vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a waste separation and collection device 6 removably mounted on the main body 3.

[0064] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the waste separation and collection device 6 comprises a waste collection container 7 comprising a side wall of generally tubular shape. The waste separation and collection device 6 is advantageously of the cyclonic type, and further comprises a tubular separation member 8, such as a tubular grid, which is arranged in the waste collection container 7 coaxially with a central axis of the waste collection container 7, and a cyclonic separation chamber 9 which is delimited externally by the side wall of the waste collection container 7, and internally by the tubular separation member 8.

[0065] The waste separation and collection device 6 further comprises an air intake opening 11 which is fluidically connected to the suction duct 4 and which opens into the cyclone separation chamber 9. Advantageously, the suction duct 4 extends along an external surface of the waste separation and collection device 6.

[0066] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the waste separation and collection device 6 comprises a drain hatch 12 pivotally mounted on the waste collection container 7 between a closed position in which the drain hatch 12 closes a drain opening 13 provided on the waste collection container 7 and a release position in which the drain hatch 12 releases the drain opening 13. Advantageously, the drain opening 13 is configured to be located opposite the grip handle 5.

[0067] The portable vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a suction motor 14 which has a motor shaft B, and which is housed in the main body 3. The suction motor 14 is configured to generate an air flow through the suction duct 4 and the waste separation and collection device 6. The suction motor 14 more particularly comprises a fan and an electric motor configured to drive the fan in rotation.

[0068] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, in particular the Figure 5, the waste separation and collection device 6 extends along an extension axis C which is substantially parallel to the motor axis B of the suction motor 14 and to the central longitudinal axis A of the gripping handle 5. Advantageously, the central longitudinal axis A, the motor axis B and the extension axis C are substantially collinear. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the central longitudinal axis A, the motor axis B and the extension axis C could be parallel, but not collinear.

[0069] The portable vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a rechargeable battery 15 configured to electrically power the portable vacuum cleaner 2, and in particular the suction motor 14. The rechargeable battery 15 is located at the rear of the suction motor 14, and comprises a plurality of battery cells 16 housed in a battery compartment 17 delimited by the gripping handle 5. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the battery cells 16 are arranged in an irremovable manner in the battery compartment 17, and the motor axis B of the suction motor 14 intersects with at least one of the battery cells 16.

[0070] As shown more particularly on the Figures 3 and 4, the gripping handle 5 is removably mounted on the main body 3. For this purpose, the main body 3 comprises a mounting portion 18 delimiting an internal housing 19, and the gripping handle 5 comprises a first handle portion 5.1 comprising a gripping surface 21 configured to be grasped by a user and a second handle portion 5.2 removably mounted in the internal housing 19. The second handle portion 5.2 is configured to be removed from the internal housing 19 and to be introduced into the internal housing 19 via an access opening 22 which is provided on the mounting portion 18 and which opens into the internal housing 19. Advantageously, the access opening 22 is provided at a rear end of the main body 3 and the second handle portion 5.2 has a maximum cross-section which is smaller than a minimum cross-section of the first handle portion 5.1.

[0071] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the battery compartment 17 is delimited by the first and second handle parts 5.1, 5.2, such that at least one battery cell 16 extends at least partly into the first handle part 5.1 and at least one battery cell 16 extends at least partly into the second handle part 5.2.

[0072] As shown in particular on the figure 4, the first handle portion 5.1 has a cross-section, for example circular or oblong, substantially identical to the cross-section of the mounting portion 18, and the gripping surface 21 of the first handle portion 5.1 is configured to be flush with an additional gripping surface 23 provided on the mounting portion 18 when the second handle portion 5.2 is housed in the internal housing 19. In addition, the mounting portion 18 also extends substantially along the central longitudinal axis A of the gripping handle 5. Such a configuration of the mounting portion 18 and the first handle portion 5.1 makes it possible to extend the gripping area of ​​the portable vacuum cleaner 2 up to the mounting portion 18, and thus to facilitate the handling of the portable vacuum cleaner 2 by a user. On the Figures 1 and 2, the gripping area is advantageously delimited by a grip surface with alternating reliefs, protruding reliefs and hollow reliefs. In an alternative embodiment, the grip surface could be produced by a smooth surface made of an elastomeric material.

[0073] As shown more particularly on the figures 6 and 7 , the rechargeable battery 15 comprises a first electrical connector 24 which is provided on the second handle part 5.2 and which is configured to cooperate with a second electrical connector 25, projecting into the internal housing 19, when the second handle part 5.2 is housed in the internal housing 19. Advantageously, the first electrical connector 24 is provided on a front part, and is for example located at a front end face of the second handle part 5.2.

[0074] As shown in particular on the figure 4, the handheld vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a battery status indicator 26, such as a battery charge indicator, which is provided on an upper portion of the second handle portion 5.2 and which is configured to indicate at least one status parameter of the rechargeable battery 15, such as a charge status parameter of the rechargeable battery 15 and / or an error status parameter, such as an overheating status, of the rechargeable battery 15.

[0075] The battery status indicator 26 is more particularly configured to: indicate a charge state of the rechargeable battery 15 and / or the fact that the battery is being charged and / or the fact that the rechargeable battery 15 is fully charged, when the gripping handle 5 is disconnected from the main body 3 and the first electrical connector 24 of the rechargeable battery 15 is connected to an electrical connector of an electrical charger, indicate a remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery 15 and / or the fact that the rechargeable battery 15 is discharged or has reached a predetermined discharge level (in other words: a minimum remaining capacity), when the first electrical connector 24 of the rechargeable battery 15 is connected to the second electrical connector 25 provided in the internal housing 19.

[0076] The battery status indicator 26 is advantageously configured to be located at least partly opposite a viewing window 27 provided on an upper part of the mounting part 18, and therefore to be visible through said viewing window 27, when the second handle part 5.2 is housed in the internal housing 19.

[0077] The battery status indicator 26 is advantageously configured to be positioned recessed from the outer surface 181 of the mounting portion 18 when the second handle portion 5.2 is housed in the inner housing 19.

[0078] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the battery status indicator 26 comprises several light-emitting diodes 28, for example two or more, provided on the upper part of the second handle part 5.2. Advantageously, the or each light-emitting diode 28 comprises an external surface which is located set back from an external surface of the second handle part 5.2, or which is substantially flush with the external surface of the second handle part 5.2.

[0079] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the viewing window 27 comprises several viewing orifices 29 which are provided on the upper part of the mounting part 18 and which open into the internal housing 19. Each viewing orifice 29 is more particularly provided on a portion of the upper wall 18.1 of the mounting part 18.

[0080] Each of the light-emitting diodes 28 is configured to be visible through a respective viewing port 29 when the second handle portion 5.2 is housed in the internal housing 19. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the mounting portion 18 could be provided with a single viewing port 29 through which all of the light-emitting diodes 28 could be viewed.

[0081] According to one embodiment of the invention, the battery status indicator 26 is configured to emit a light signal which varies depending on the state of charge of the rechargeable battery 15.

[0082] For example, the battery status indicator 26 could be configured to emit a light signal of a first color, for example red, when the state of charge of the rechargeable battery 15 is below a first predetermined charge threshold, to emit a light signal of a second color, for example orange, when the state of charge of the rechargeable battery 15 is above the first predetermined charge threshold and below a second predetermined charge threshold, to emit a light signal of a third color, for example yellow, when the state of charge of the rechargeable battery 15 is above the second predetermined charge threshold and below a third predetermined charge threshold, and to emit a light signal of a fourth color, for example green, when the state of charge of the rechargeable battery 15 is above the third predetermined charge threshold.

[0083] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the battery status indicator 26 could be configured to emit a flashing red light signal when the state of charge of the rechargeable battery 15 is lower than a first predetermined charge threshold, to emit a constant green light signal when the state of charge of the rechargeable battery 15 is higher than the first predetermined charge threshold and lower than a second predetermined charge threshold, and to emit a constant green light signal when the state of charge of the rechargeable battery 15 is higher than the second predetermined charge threshold.

[0084] Such a color variation of the light signal emitted by the battery status indicator 26 can be obtained by equipping the battery status indicator 26 with several monochromatic light-emitting diodes of different colors, or with one or more polychromatic light-emitting diode(s) configured to emit light signals of different colors depending on the intensity applied to the or each polychromatic light-emitting diode.

[0085] According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, the number of illuminated light-emitting diodes could vary depending on the state of charge of the rechargeable battery 15.

[0086] Thus, when the battery status indicator 26 comprises two light-emitting diodes 28, then no light-emitting diode is illuminated when the state of charge of the rechargeable battery 15 is lower than a first predetermined charge threshold, only one light-emitting diode is illuminated when the state of charge of the rechargeable battery 15 is higher than the first predetermined charge threshold and lower than a second predetermined charge threshold, and two light-emitting diodes are illuminated when the state of charge of the rechargeable battery 15 is higher than the second predetermined charge threshold. However, the battery status indicator 26 could comprise more than two light-emitting diodes, for example three, four, five or even six light-emitting diodes, aligned in an alignment direction.In such a case, the number of predetermined charge thresholds would of course be adapted according to the number of light-emitting diodes 28.

[0087] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the viewing window 27 further comprises a covering portion 31 which is transparent or translucent, and which is configured to cover the battery status indicator 26 when the second handle portion 5.2 is housed in the internal housing 19. The presence of the covering portion 31 makes it possible to protect the battery status indicator 26, while allowing easy viewing of the battery status indicator 26 by a user.

[0088] As shown on the figure 1, the covering portion 31 may for example be formed by a protective cover which is fixed to the mounting portion 18 and which extends opposite the viewing orifices 29, and therefore which covers said viewing orifices 29. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the covering portion 31 could be formed directly by the mounting portion 18, and therefore partially delimit the internal housing 19. Thus, according to such an alternative embodiment of the invention, the mounting portion 18 would be devoid of a viewing orifice 29, and the covering portion 31 would be configured to extend directly opposite a portion of the second handle portion 5.2 when the second handle portion 5.2 is housed in the internal housing 19. In another variant, the covering portion 31 could be omitted.

[0089] As shown on the figure 6, the covering portion 31 may optionally comprise several light guides 30 provided on a lower face of the covering portion 31 and configured to be located respectively opposite the various aforementioned light-emitting diodes 28. Each light guide 30 is configured to guide and transport a light signal emitted by the respective light-emitting diode towards an external surface of the covering portion 31.

[0090] The portable vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises an electronic control unit 32 (see figure 8 ) configured to control the operation of the portable vacuum cleaner 2. Advantageously, the electronic control unit 32 is arranged in the grip handle 5.

[0091] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the electronic control unit 32 is configured to control the operation of the suction motor 14 according to a first operating mode, also called normal operating mode, in which the suction motor 14 is rotated at a first rotational speed, and to control the operation of the suction motor 14 according to a second operating mode, also called reinforced operating mode, in which the suction motor 14 is rotated at a second rotational speed which is higher than the first rotational speed. Thus, according to the second operating mode, the vacuum generated in the suction duct 4 is higher than the vacuum generated therein when the suction motor 14 operates according to the first operating mode.

[0092] As shown on the Figures 1 and 2, the handheld vacuum cleaner 2 also includes a user interface 33 configured to allow a user to select at least one operating mode of the handheld vacuum cleaner 2. The user interface 33 is provided on the upper portion of the mounting portion 18, and is located proximate the viewing window 27.

[0093] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the user interface 33 comprises a control member 34, such as a control button, which can be actuated by a user, and an activation member 35, such as an activation button, which can be actuated by a user. Advantageously, the control member 34 and the activation member 35 are located substantially in a reference plane which is defined by the motor axis B and the central longitudinal axis A of the gripping handle 5, and which forms for example a median longitudinal plane of the portable vacuum cleaner 2.

[0094] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the activation member 35 is located near the viewing window 27, and the control member 34 and the activation member 35 are configured so as to be able to be actuated by the same finger of a user when the user holds the gripping handle 5. The user interface 33 comprises the control member 34, the activation member 35, the battery status indicator 26 and advantageously the covering part 31 which is transparent or translucent.

[0095] The electronic control unit 32 is more particularly configured to control the operation of the suction motor 14 according to the first operating mode when the control member 34 is actuated by a user, and to control the operation of the suction motor 14 according to the second operating mode when the activation member 35 is actuated by a user.

[0096] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the portable vacuum cleaner 2 comprises a printed circuit board 36 equipped with a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact, the control member 34 being configured to activate the first electrical contact when the control member 34 is actuated by a user, and the activation member 35 being configured to activate the second electrical contact when the activation member 35 is actuated by a user. Advantageously, the upper wall portion 18.1 and the printed circuit board 36 are substantially coplanar, and the printed circuit board 36 is covered by the covering portion 31.

[0097] According to an embodiment not shown in the figures, the user interface 33 could also comprise a display screen configured to display different operating parameters of the portable vacuum cleaner 2, such as for example the suction speed. The display screen could for example be touch-sensitive.

[0098] According to such an embodiment of the invention, the or each viewing orifice 28 could be located under the glass of the display screen, and the charge status indicator 26 could be visible through the glass of the display screen and the viewing orifice(s) 28. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the glass of the display screen forms the aforementioned covering part 31.

[0099] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the viewing window 27, and for example the or each viewing orifice 28, could be offset relative to the display screen, but be located close to said display screen.

[0100] There figure 9 represents a portable vacuum cleaner according to a second embodiment of the invention which differs from that shown in the figures 1 to 8essentially in that the viewing window 27 is formed by a viewing notch provided on the upper part of the mounting part 18, and extending from a rear edge of the mounting part 18 and towards the user interface 33. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the second handle part 5.2 advantageously comprises an insertion rib 38 configured to be received in the viewing notch when the second handle part 5.2 is housed in the internal housing 19, the battery status indicator 26 being provided on the insertion rib.

[0101] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which have been given only as examples. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. A portable vacuum cleaner (2) comprising: - a main body (3) equipped with a suction duct (4), - a waste separation and collection device (6) mounted on the main body (3), - a suction motor (14) housed in the main body (3), the suction motor (14) having a motor axis (B) and being configured to generate an air flow through the suction duct (4) and the waste separation and collection device (6), - a grip handle (5) delimiting a battery compartment (17), - a rechargeable battery (15) configured to electrically power the portable vacuum cleaner (2), the rechargeable battery (15) including at least one battery cell (16) housed in the battery compartment (17) delimited by the grip handle (5), - a user interface (33) provided on the main body (3) and configured to allow a user to select at least one operating mode of the portable vacuum cleaner (2), and - an electronic control unit (32) configured to control the operation of the portable vacuum cleaner (2), wherein the main body (3) includes a mounting part (18) delimiting an internal housing (19) and comprising an access opening (22) which emerges into the internal housing (19), wherein the grip handle (5) includes a first handle part (5.1) comprising a grip surface (21) configured to be grasped by a user and a second handle part (5.2) removably mounted in the internal housing (19), the second handle part (5.2) being configured to be removed from the internal housing (19) and to be inserted into the internal housing (19) via the access opening (22), and wherein the portable vacuum cleaner (2) further includes a battery status indicator (26) which is provided on the second handle part (5.2) and which is configured to indicate at least one status parameter of the rechargeable battery (15) when the second handle part (5.2) is housed in the internal housing (19), characterized in that the user interface (33) is provided on the mounting part (18), and in that the battery status indicator (26) is configured to be visible through at least one viewing window (27) provided on the mounting part (18) when the second handle part (5.2) is housed in the internal housing (19).

2. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 1, wherein the user interface (33) is located near the at least one viewing window (27).

3. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery status indicator (26) is configured to indicate a charge status parameter of the rechargeable battery (15) and / or an error status parameter of the rechargeable battery (15).

4. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the user interface (33) and the at least one viewing window (27) are provided on an upper part of the mounting part (18).

5. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the battery status indicator (26) is configured to be positioned set back from an external surface (181) of the mounting part (18) when the second handle part (5.2) is housed in the internal housing (19).

6. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the battery status indicator (26) includes at least one light-emitting diode (28) configured to be visible through the at least one viewing window (27) when the second handle part (5.2) is housed in the internal housing (19).

7. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one viewing window (27) includes at least one viewing orifice (29) which is provided on the mounting part (18) and which emerges into the internal housing (19).

8. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one viewing window (27) includes a covering part (31) configured to cover the battery status indicator (26) when the second handle part (5.2) is housed in the internal housing (19), the covering part (31) being transparent or translucent.

9. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the electronic control unit (32) is disposed in the grip handle (5).

10. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the electronic control unit (32) is configured to control the operation of the suction motor (14) according to a first operating mode in which the suction motor (14) is driven in rotation at a first rotation speed, and to control the operation of the suction motor (14) according to a second operating mode in which the suction motor (14) is driven in rotation at a second rotation speed which is greater than the first rotation speed.

11. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 10, wherein the user interface (33) includes a control member (34) which is mounted on the mounting part (18) and which may be actuated by a user, and an activation member (35) which is mounted on the mounting part (18) and which may be actuated by a user, the electronic control unit (32) being configured to control the operation of the suction motor (14) according to the first operating mode when the control member (34) is actuated by a user and to control the operation of the suction motor (14) according to the second operating mode when the activation member (35) is actuated by a user.

12. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the access opening (22) is provided at a rear end of the main body (3).

13. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the rechargeable battery (15) includes a first electrical connector (24) which is provided on the second handle part (5.2) and which is configured to cooperate with a second electrical connector (25) disposed in the internal housing (19) when the second handle part (5.2) is housed in the internal housing (19).

14. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the grip surface (21) of the first handle part (5.1) is configured to be flush with an additional grip surface (23) of the mounting part (18) when the second handle part (5.2) is housed in the internal housing (19).

15. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the grip handle (5) has a central longitudinal axis (A) which is substantially parallel to the motor axis (B) of the suction motor (14).

16. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 15, wherein the central longitudinal axis (A) of the grip handle (5) and the motor axis (B) of the suction motor (14) are substantially colinear.

17. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the waste separation and collection device (6) extends along an extension axis (C) which is substantially parallel to the motor axis (B) of the suction motor (14).