Cleaning unit for a suction head

Abstract

The cleaning unit (11) includes a rotating brush (12) configured for removable mounting in a housing for a suction head (2), and a closing plug (16) configured to close a passage (13) provided on the suction head (2) through which the rotating brush can be removed from the housing. The closing plug (16) comprises a plug body (17); a locking member (18) that is elastically deformable and movable between locking and release positions; and an actuating member (23) configured to move the locking member (18) from the locking position to the release position.

Description

Technical field

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

[0002] Vacuum cleaners equipped with a suction head are well known on the market, allowing you to clean surfaces by suction to remove dust and small-sized debris from them. The surface to be vacuumed can, for example, be tiles, parquet, laminate, carpet or a rug.

[0003] A suction head comprises, in a known manner, a main body comprising a sole provided with a lower face and a suction orifice opening into the lower face of the sole. The lower face of the sole is intended to be positioned adjacent to the surface to be vacuumed during use of the suction head.

[0004] In order to improve the cleaning performance of a suction head, it is known to equip the latter with a cleaning unit comprising: a rotating brush which is rotatable about an axis of rotation and which is removably mounted in a receiving housing delimited by the main body of the suction head, and a closing cap which is configured to at least partially close a passage opening provided on the main body and through which the rotating brush is adapted to be inserted into and removed from the receiving housing, the rotating brush being rotatable relative to the closing cap.

[0005] In order to ensure retention of the rotating brush in the receiving housing, the closing cap advantageously comprises a cap body and locking means provided on the cap body and configured to lock the cap body onto the main body.

[0006] Document FR3094624 discloses a closure cap whose locking means comprise several locking members movable relative to the cap body between a locking position in which the locking members are configured to cooperate with locking elements, such as locking grooves, provided on the main body so as to prevent removal of the rotating brush from the receiving housing, and a release position in which the locking members are configured to release the locking elements so as to allow removal of the rotating brush from the receiving housing.

[0007] The closure cap described in document FR3094624 further comprises an actuating member provided with several drive pins respectively engaged in circular openings provided on the locking members, and mounted to move in rotation relative to the cap body between a first actuating position and a second actuating position. The actuating member and the locking members are configured such that a movement of the actuating member from the first actuating position to the second actuating position causes a movement of the locking members from the locking position to the release position, and such that a movement of the actuating member from the second actuating position to the first actuating position causes a movement of the locking members from the release position to the locking position.

[0008] Such a configuration of the closure cap allows locking / unlocking of the cap body only by moving the actuating member between the first and second actuating positions, which ensures easy and ergonomic removal of the rotating brush from the receiving housing.

[0009] Furthermore, such a configuration of the closing cap ensures effective retention of the cap body in the passage opening and thus of the rotating brush in the receiving housing.

[0010] However, the assembly of such a closing cap, due to the large number of parts it is made up of, proves to be complex, which increases the manufacturing costs of such a closing cap.

[0011] Furthermore, when a user wishes to reposition the rotating brush in the receiving housing, for example after cleaning the rotating brush, he must first fully insert the rotating brush into the receiving housing, and secondly move the actuating member into the first actuating position, so as to lock the closing cap onto the main body of the suction head. However, such manipulation of the actuating member, after insertion of the rotating brush into the receiving housing, is not necessarily intuitive for all users and is therefore likely to be forgotten by some users, which may cause subsequent damage to the rotating brush due to a coupling fault between the latter and its rotation drive device. Summary of the invention

[0012] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0013] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in providing a cleaning unit for a suction head which is of simple and economical structure, while ensuring easy and ergonomic locking of the cap body on the main body of the suction head.

[0014] To this end, the present invention relates to a cleaning unit for a suction head, comprising: a rotating brush which is rotatable about an axis of rotation and which is configured to be removably mounted in a receiving housing delimited by a main body of the suction head, and a closing cap which is configured to at least partially close a passage opening provided on the main body and through which the rotating brush is able to be introduced into the receiving housing and removed from the receiving housing, the rotating brush being rotatable relative to the closing cap, the closing cap comprising: a cap body, locking means configured to lock the cap body on the main body,the locking means comprising at least one locking member which is movable relative to the plug body between a locking position in which the at least one locking member is configured to cooperate with at least one locking element provided on the main body so as to prevent removal of the rotating brush from the receiving housing and a release position in which the at least one locking member is configured to release the at least one locking element so as to allow removal of the rotating brush from the receiving housing, and an actuating member mounted movable relative to the plug body between a first actuating position and a second actuating position,the actuating member and the at least one locking member being configured such that a movement of the actuating member from the first actuating position to the second actuating position causes a movement of the at least one locking member from the locking position to the release position.

[0015] The at least one locking member is elastically deformable, and the closure cap is configured such that the at least one locking member is elastically compressed when the at least one locking member is moved to the release position and such that the at least one locking member elastically relaxes to the locking position when the at least one locking member occupies the release position.

[0016] When a user wishes to reposition the rotating brush of the cleaning unit according to the present invention in the receiving housing delimited by a main body of the suction head and lock the cap body on the main body of the suction head, for example after cleaning or replacing the rotating brush, he simply has to insert the rotating brush into the receiving housing via the passage opening until the closing cap at least partially closes the passage opening. Indeed, at this moment, the at least one locking member elastically and automatically relaxes towards the locking position so as to lock the cap body on the main body of the suction head.

[0017] Such a configuration of the closing cap therefore guarantees automatic, easy and ergonomic locking of the cap body onto the main body of the suction head.

[0018] The cleaning unit may further have one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking member extends at least partly around the actuating member.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the at least one locking member is moved to the release position, the at least one locking member is configured to be elastically compressed in a compression direction having at least one component oriented radially towards the inside of the closure cap relative to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush, and in which, when the at least one locking member occupies the release position, the at least one locking member is configured to relax at least partially, towards the locking position, in a relaxation direction having at least one component oriented radially towards the outside of the closure cap relative to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking member is integral in movement with the actuating member at least during a movement of the actuating member from the first actuating position to the second actuating position.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating member is mounted to be movable in rotation around an actuating axis which is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation axis and the rotation axis are substantially collinear.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating member is rotatable between the first actuating position and the second actuating position, the at least one locking member being integral in rotation with the actuating member at least during a movement of the actuating member from the first actuating position to the second actuating position.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking member and the actuating member are made in a single piece. In other words, the at least one locking member and the actuating member are in one piece, and are for example molded. These arrangements make it possible to greatly simplify the assembly of the closure cap, and therefore to significantly reduce the manufacturing costs of the latter.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the plug body comprises at least one deformation surface configured to elastically deform the at least one locking member when the at least one locking member is moved into the release position.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the plug body comprises at least one deformation ramp comprising the at least one deformation surface.

[0028] According to another embodiment of the invention, the plug body comprises a deformation pin comprising at least one deformation surface.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one deformation surface extends transversely to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one deformation surface, preferably the at least one deformation ramp, is curved. The at least one deformation surface, preferably the at least one deformation ramp, may for example have the shape of an arc of a circle or have a progressive radius of curvature. Such a configuration of the at least one deformation surface ensures smooth deformation of the at least one locking member, and limits the risks of the latter breaking.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the at least one locking member occupies the release position, the at least one locking member is configured to elastically bias the actuating member towards the first actuating position. Such a configuration of the closing cap ensures automatic movement of the actuating member from the second actuating position to the first actuating position, without requiring the presence of an additional return member. These arrangements make it possible to further simplify the structure of the closing cap, and therefore to further limit the manufacturing costs of the latter.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking member comprises a connecting branch which extends from the actuating member, and for example from an external peripheral surface of the actuating member, and which is elongated and elastically deformable, and a locking portion which extends from the connecting branch and which is configured to cooperate with the at least one locking element provided on the main body.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting branch extends at least partially around the axis of rotation.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting branch extends at least partially around the actuating member.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking portion is formed at a distal end of the at least one locking member. Advantageously, the locking portion takes the form of a lock bolt formed at the distal end of the at least one locking member.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting branch is connected to the actuating member at a connecting zone, the locking part and the connecting zone being angularly offset relative to the axis of rotation. These arrangements make it easier for the locking part to move relative to the plug body when the at least one locking member is moved between the locking position and the release position.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking member has a width which varies along its length.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking portion has a first maximum width and the connecting branch has a second maximum width which is less than the first maximum width. These arrangements make it easier for the connecting branch to elastically deform when the at least one locking member is moved between the locking position and the release position, while ensuring secure locking of the locking cap when the at least one locking member occupies the locking position.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting branch is configured to slide on the at least one deformation surface such that, when the actuating member is moved, and advantageously moved in rotation, from the first actuating position to the second actuating position, the connecting branch deforms elastically towards the axis of rotation and causes a movement of the at least one locking member to the release position.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking member comprises a first curved portion having a concavity which is oriented towards the inside of the closure cap, and a second curved portion having a concavity which is oriented towards the outside of the closure cap. These arrangements give greater elasticity to the at least one locking member, and limit the risks of the latter breaking.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking member generally has an S shape.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking member, more specifically the locking portion of the at least one locking member, is configured to protrude, for example substantially radially, from an external periphery of the plug body when the at least one locking member occupies the locking position.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking member, more specifically the locking portion of the at least one locking member, is configured to be located set back from or to be substantially flush with the outer periphery of the plug body when the at least one locking member occupies the release position.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating member can be manually actuated from outside the suction head when the cap body is locked onto the main body.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the plug body comprises at least one passage orifice, for example provided on an external peripheral surface of the plug body, through which the at least one locking member projects when the at least one locking member occupies the locking position.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the plug body comprises at least one guide member, such as a guide wall, which is configured to guide, for example substantially radially, the locking portion of the at least one locking member when the at least one locking member is moved between the locking position and the release position. Advantageously, the guide member extends substantially to the at least one passage orifice.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one deformation surface extends substantially to the at least one passage orifice.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one deformation surface and the at least one guide member are arranged on either side of the at least one passage orifice.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the closure cap comprises an angular travel limiting device configured to limit an angular travel of the actuating member relative to the cap body. The angular travel limiting device comprises a first end-of-travel stop configured to prevent rotation of the actuating member, in a first direction of rotation, beyond the second actuating position, and a second end-of-travel stop configured to prevent rotation of the actuating member, in a second direction of rotation, beyond the first actuating position. These provisions in particular prevent the at least one locking member from penetrating entirely inside the cap body and becoming buttressed between the actuating member and an internal peripheral wall of the cap body, which would be likely to render the closure cap inoperative.Thus, such a configuration of the closing cap gives it greater reliability.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second end stops is provided on the plug body.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second end-of-travel stops comprises a contact zone against which a respective bearing surface is configured to bear, rotationally integral with the actuating member. The two bearing surfaces may, for example, be provided on a bearing lug provided on the actuating member.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating member comprises a gripping portion configured to be grasped by a user, for example when removing the rotating brush from the receiving housing. The presence of such a gripping portion makes it possible to facilitate, on the one hand, movement of the actuating member between the first actuating position and the second actuating position, and on the other hand, the removal of the rotating brush from the receiving housing, for example to clean it.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating member is configured to be moved from the first actuating position to the second actuating position when a rotational torque is applied to the gripping portion by a user.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking portion of the at least one locking member comprises a chamfer configured to cooperate with the main body when inserting the closure cap into the passage opening, so as to urge the at least one locking member towards the release position. Such a configuration of the locking means allows a user to insert the cleaning unit into the receiving housing without requiring prior movement of the actuating member into the second actuating position, which further facilitates locking the closure cap onto the main body.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking means comprise a plurality of locking members which are angularly offset from each other relative to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush. Such a configuration of the locking means ensures optimal locking of the closing cap on the main body.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking members extend in the same extension plane. Such a configuration of the locking means gives great compactness to the closing cap.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the extension plane extends substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rotating brush is guided in rotation in or around the cap body.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the closure cap comprises a fixing hood which is fixed to the cap body and which partially covers the actuating member. The fixing hood and the cap body advantageously delimit a mounting housing in which the actuating member is mounted. The fixing hood may, for example, be provided with an access opening configured to allow access to the gripping portion provided on the actuating member.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating member comprises a reading mark and the closing cap comprises a release mark which is immobile in rotation relative to the cap body, the reading mark being configured to be located opposite the release mark when the actuating member occupies the second actuating position. Advantageously, the release mark is provided on the fixing cover.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rotating brush is configured to be removably mounted in the receiving housing in a mounting direction which extends transversely, and preferably perpendicularly, to a direction of movement of the suction head.

[0062] The present invention further relates to a suction head comprising: a main body comprising a receiving housing opening into a lower face of the main body which is configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned, a passage opening opening into the receiving housing, and at least one locking element, and a cleaning unit according to the present invention, the rotating brush being removably mounted in the receiving housing, the closing cap at least partially closing the passage opening and the at least one locking member cooperating with the at least one locking element.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking element comprises at least one stop surface against which the at least one locking member is configured to bear when the at least one locking member occupies the locking position, the at least one stop surface being configured to prevent movement of the closing cap relative to the main body in a direction of withdrawal of the rotating brush from the receiving housing.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one stop surface has a normal which is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking element comprises at least one locking housing in which the at least one locking member is configured to engage when the at least one locking member occupies the locking position. Advantageously, the at least one locking housing is partially delimited by the stop surface.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking housing extends at least partly around the passage opening.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking housing is a locking groove, a locking notch or a circular locking hole.

[0068] According to another embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking element comprises a locking rib or a locking lug provided with the stop surface.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking member and the plug body are immobile in rotation relative to the receiving housing when the plug body is locked onto the main body.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction head comprises a keying device configured to impose a relative angular orientation between the closing cap and the main body when inserting the cap body into the passage opening.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the invention, the keying device comprises at least one keying element, such as a keying rib, provided on the closing cap, and at least one keying member, such as a keying groove, provided on the main body.

[0072] According to the embodiment of the invention, the passage opening is provided on a side face of the main body.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction head comprises a drive device configured to drive the rotating brush in rotation around the axis of rotation.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rotating brush comprises a first end portion configured to be coupled in rotation to the drive device, and a second end portion supported by the closing cap and mounted to move in rotation relative to the closing cap.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body comprises a sole provided with the lower face which is configured to be oriented towards the surface to be cleaned, and a suction orifice opening into the lower face. Advantageously, the receiving housing opens into the lower face of the sole via the suction orifice. Brief description of the figures

[0076] 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 example, an embodiment of this suction head. There figure 1 is a partial three-quarter front view of a suction head according to the present invention. The figure 2 is a partial three-quarter front view of the suction head of the figure 1 . There figure 3 is a partial perspective sectional view of the suction head of the figure 1, in which a cover for fixing a suction head closing cap has been removed. The figure 4 is a partial perspective view of the suction head of the figure 1 , in which a suction head cleaning unit has been deposited. The Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the suction head of the figure 1 . There figure 6 is a front view of the closure cap, showing the locking members in the locking position. The figure 7 is a front perspective view of the closure cap, showing the locking members in the locked position. figure 8 is a rear perspective view of the closure cap, showing the locking members in the locked position. figure 9 is a perspective view of an actuating member and locking members belonging to the closing cap. The figure 10is a perspective view of a cap body of the closure cap. The figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the closure cap, showing the locking members in the locked position. figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the closure cap, showing the locking members in the released position. Detailed description

[0077] THE figures 1 to 12 represent a suction head 2 comprising a connection sleeve 3 to which is intended to be connected a tip of a rigid or flexible tube, itself connected to a suction system of a vacuum cleaner (not illustrated). Various variants of vacuum cleaners already exist on the market and can be used with the suction head 2 according to the invention; these variants being known to those skilled in the art, they are not detailed in the present patent application.

[0078] The suction head 2 comprises a main body 4 configured to be moved over a surface to be cleaned. The main body 4 comprises a sole 5 provided with a lower face 6 configured to be oriented towards the surface to be cleaned, and a suction orifice 7 opening onto the lower face 6. The suction orifice 7 communicates with the connecting sleeve 3 in particular by means of a connecting passage formed at least in part, for example, by a flexible connecting conduit. The suction orifice 7 may, for example, have an elongated shape and extend transversely, and for example perpendicularly, to a direction of movement D1 of the suction head 2.

[0079] The main body 4 further comprises a receiving housing 9 which opens into the lower face 6 of the sole 5 via the suction orifice 7, and which is fluidically connected to the connecting passage. Thus, according to the embodiment shown in the figures, the receiving housing 9 forms a suction chamber.

[0080] The suction head 2 also comprises a cleaning unit 11 comprising a rotating brush 12 which is mounted to rotate in the receiving housing 9 along an axis of rotation A which is substantially coincident with the central axis of the rotating brush 12. Advantageously, the rotating brush 12 is removably mounted in the receiving housing 9, and configured to be inserted into and removed from the receiving housing 9 along a mounting direction D2. The mounting direction D2 extends transversely, and preferably perpendicularly, to the direction of movement D1 of the suction head 2.

[0081] As shown on the figure 4 , the main body 4 has a passage opening 13 opening into the receiving housing 9 and through which the rotating brush 12 can be inserted into and removed from the receiving housing 9. Advantageously, the passage opening 13 is provided on a side face of the main body 4.

[0082] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the rotating brush 12 comprises a brush body 14 which is for example tubular, and bristles 15 provided on the external surface of the brush body 14. Advantageously, the brush body 14 is cylindrical with a circular section, and the rotating brush 12 comprises one or more rows of bristles extending for example helically around the central axis of the rotating brush 12. According to an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the rows of bristles could be replaced by elastically deformable strips or by a foam cleaning sleeve.

[0083] The cleaning unit 11 further comprises a closing cap 16 which is configured to at least partially close the passage opening 13 when the rotating brush 12 is mounted in the receiving housing 9.

[0084] The closure cap 16 comprises a cap body 17 and locking means configured to lock the cap body 17 onto the main body 4.

[0085] The locking means comprise at least one locking member 18, advantageously three locking members 18, which are mounted to move, relative to the plug body 17, between a locking position in which the locking members 18 cooperate with at least one locking element 19, and for example a single locking element 19, provided on the main body 4 so as to prevent removal of the rotating brush 12 from the receiving housing 9, and a release position in which the locking members 18 release the locking element 19 so as to allow removal of the rotating brush 12 from the receiving housing 9.

[0086] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking element 19 is formed by a single locking housing, such as a locking groove, extending at least partly around the passage opening 13, and each locking member 18 is configured to engage in the locking housing when the locking members 18 occupy the locking position. According to another embodiment of the invention, the locking means could comprise a plurality of locking elements 19, for example formed by locking housings such as locking grooves, which are angularly offset from each other relative to the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12 and in each of which a respective locking member 18 is intended to be received.

[0087] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking element 19 comprises one or more stop surfaces 190 (see figure 3 ) against which the locking members 18 are configured to bear when the locking members occupy the locking position. The stop surface(s) 190 is (are) configured to prevent movement of the closing cap 16 relative to the main body 4 in a direction of withdrawal of the rotating brush 12 from the receiving housing 9. The or each stop surface 190 may for example have a normal which is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12.

[0088] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking members 18 are distributed around the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12, and extend in the same plane of extension which is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12. Advantageously, each locking member 18 generally has an S shape, and comprises a first curved portion 18.1 having a concavity which is oriented towards the inside of the closing cap 16, and a second curved portion 18.2 having a concavity which is oriented towards the outside of the closing cap 16.

[0089] The locking members 18 are configured to protrude from the outer periphery 21 of the plug body 17 when the locking members 18 occupy the locking position (see figures 6 to 8), and are configured to be located set back from or to be substantially flush with the outer periphery 21 of the plug body 17 when the locking members 18 occupy the release position (see figure 12 ). According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the plug body 17 comprises several passage holes 22, provided on the outer peripheral surface of the plug body 17, and each of the locking members 18 is configured to protrude through a respective passage hole 22 when the locking members 18 occupy the locking position.

[0090] Advantageously, the locking members 18 and the plug body 17 are immobile in rotation relative to the receiving housing 9 when the plug body 17 is locked onto the main body 4.

[0091] The closing cap 16 also comprises an actuating member 23 which is configured to move the locking members 18 from the locking position to the release position, and which can be manually actuated from outside the suction head 2 when the cap body 17 is locked onto the main body 4. Advantageously, the locking members 18 are integral in rotation with the actuating member 23. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking members 18 and the actuating member 23 are made in a single piece, that is to say are monobloc.

[0092] As shown more particularly on the figures 9 And 11, each locking member 18 extends partly around the actuating member 23, and comprises a connecting branch 181 which extends from the actuating member 23, and for example from the outer peripheral surface of the actuating member 23, and which is elongated and elastically deformable, and a locking portion 182 which extends from the respective connecting branch 181 and which is configured to cooperate with the at least one locking element 19 provided on the main body 4. Each connecting branch 181 extends at least partly around the actuating member 23 and therefore around the axis of rotation A. Advantageously, each connecting branch 181 is connected to the actuating member 23 at a respective connecting zone 183, and each locking portion 182 and the respective connecting zone 183 are angularly offset relative to the axis of rotation A.

[0093] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking portion 182 of each locking member 18 is formed at a distal end of the respective locking member 18. Advantageously, each locking portion 182 takes the form of a lock bolt formed at the distal end of the respective locking member 18.

[0094] As shown on the figure 11 , the locking portion 182 of each locking member 18 has a maximum width which is greater than the maximum width of the respective connecting branch 181.

[0095] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the actuating member 23 is mounted to be movable in rotation relative to the plug body 17, around an actuating axis which is collinear with the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12, and between a first actuating position (see figure 2 ) and a second actuation position (see the figure 12 ). The actuating member 23 and the locking members 18 are configured such that a rotation of the actuating member 23 from the first actuating position to the second actuating position causes a movement of the locking members 18 from the locking position to the release position.

[0096] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the plug body 17 comprises a plurality of deformation ramps 24 each comprising a deformation surface 25 configured to elastically deform the connecting branch 181 of a respective locking member 18 when the locking members 18 are moved into the release position. Advantageously, each deformation surface 25 extends transversely to the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12, and is curved. Each deformation surface 25 may for example have an arcuate shape or have a progressive radius of curvature. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each deformation surface 25 extends substantially to a respective passage orifice 22.

[0097] The deformation surfaces 25 and the locking members 18 are more particularly configured such that, when the locking members 18 are moved towards the release position, each locking member 18 is elastically compressed by the respective deformation surface 25 in a compression direction having at least one component which is oriented radially relative to the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12 and towards the inside of the closing cap 16, and such that, when the locking members 18 occupy the release position, each locking member 18 is configured to relax elastically and automatically, towards the locking position, in a relaxation direction having at least one component which is oriented radially relative to the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12 and towards the outside of the closing cap 16.In addition, when the locking members 18 occupy the release position, the locking members 18 are configured to elastically bias the actuating member 23 towards the first actuating position.

[0098] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the connecting branch 181 of each locking member 18 is configured to slide on the respective deformation surface 25 such that, when the actuating member 23 is moved from the first actuating position to the second actuating position, said connecting branch 181 deforms elastically towards the axis of rotation A and causes a movement of the respective locking portion 182 to the release position.

[0099] Advantageously, the plug body 17 further comprises a plurality of guide members 26, such as guide walls, which each extend substantially to a respective passage orifice 22. Each guide member 26 is configured to guide, for example substantially radially, the locking portion 182 of the respective locking member 18 when the respective locking member 18 is moved between the locking position and the release position. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the deformation surface 25 and the guide member 26, which are associated with the same passage orifice 22, are arranged on either side of said passage orifice 22.

[0100] The closure cap 16 also comprises an angular travel limiting device configured to limit an angular travel of the actuating member 23 relative to the cap body 17. The angular travel limiting device more particularly comprises a first end-of-travel stop configured to prevent rotation of the actuating member 23, in a first direction of rotation, beyond the second actuating position, and a second end-of-travel stop configured to prevent rotation of the actuating member 23, in a second direction of rotation, beyond the first actuating position. Advantageously, each of the first and second end-of-travel stops is provided on the cap body 17, and comprises a contact zone against which is configured to bear a respective bearing surface integral in rotation with the actuating member 23.The two bearing surfaces can, for example, be provided on a bearing lug provided on the actuating member 23.

[0101] The closing cap 16 further comprises a gripping portion 28 configured to be grasped by a user, for example to allow removal of the rotating brush 12 from the receiving housing 9. The gripping portion 28 may for example have a rectilinear shape or any other shape. The gripping portion 28 is more particularly configured to move the actuating member 23 from the first actuating position to the second actuating position when a rotational torque is applied to the gripping portion 28 by a user.

[0102] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the closure cap 16 comprises a fixing cap 29 which is fixed to the cap body 17. The fixing cap 29 and the cap body 17 delimit a mounting housing 31 in which the actuating member 23 and the connecting branches 181 are mounted. Advantageously, the fixing cap 29 partially covers the actuating member 23, and comprises an access opening 32 configured to allow access to the gripping portion 28 provided on the actuating member 23.

[0103] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the actuating member 23 comprises a reading mark, which can for example be formed by one end of the gripping part 28, and the fixing cover 29 comprises a release mark 34. The reading mark is configured to be located opposite the release mark 34 when the actuating member 23 occupies the second actuating position.

[0104] Advantageously, the suction head 2 comprises a keying device 35 configured to impose a relative angular orientation between the closure cap 16 and the main body 4 during insertion of the cap body 17 into the passage opening 13. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the keying device 35 comprises a pair of keying elements, such as two keying ribs, provided on the cap body 17, and the passage opening 13 has a non-circular shape.

[0105] The suction head 2 also comprises a drive device 36 configured to drive the rotating brush 12 in rotation about the axis of rotation A of the latter. The drive device 36 more particularly comprises an electric drive motor 37 whose output axis can be substantially aligned with the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the electric drive motor 37 is housed in the brush body 14 of the rotating brush 12. Advantageously, the rotating brush 12 comprises a first end portion 12.1 configured to be supported by a support element provided on the main body 4 and mounted to be movable in rotation relative to the support element, and a second end portion 12.2 supported by the closing cap 16 and mounted to be movable in rotation relative to the closing cap 16.

[0106] In order to remove the rotating brush 12 from the receiving housing 9, for example to clean the rotating brush 12 or replace the latter, the user applies a rotational torque to the gripping portion 28 so as to move the actuating member 23 into the second actuating position. Such a movement of the actuating member 23 causes a movement of the locking members 18 into the release position. The user can then easily remove the rotating brush 12 from the receiving housing 9 by exerting a tensile force on the gripping portion 28 in order to clean or replace the rotating brush 12.

[0107] When the user wishes to reposition the rotating brush 12 in the receiving housing 9, he inserts the rotating brush 12 into the receiving housing 9 until the latter engages with the drive device 36 and the closing cap 16 at least partially closes the passage opening 13. At this moment, the locking members 18 elastically and automatically relax towards the locking position so as to lock the cap body 17 onto the main body 4 of the suction head 2. Such deformation of the locking members 18 causes a movement of the actuating member 23 into the first actuating position, due to the cooperation of each of the connecting branches 181 with the respective deformation surface 25.

[0108] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking portion 182 of each locking member 18 comprises a chamfer 182.1 configured to cooperate with the main body 4 upon insertion of the closure plug 16 into the passage opening 13, so as to bias the respective locking member 18 toward the release position. Such a configuration of the locking means allows a user to insert the cleaning unit 11 into the receiving housing 9 without requiring prior movement of the actuating member 23 into the second actuating position, which further facilitates locking of the closure plug 16 onto the main body 4.

[0109] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated, which has been given only as an example. 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 cleaning unit (11) for a suction head (2), comprising: - a rotating brush (12) which is rotatably movable about an axis of rotation (A) and which is configured to be removably mounted in a receiving housing (9) delimited by a main body (4) of the suction head (2), and - a closure cap (16) which is configured to at least partially close a passage opening (13) provided on the main body (4) and through which the rotating brush (12) is able to be introduced into the receiving housing (9) and removed from the receiving housing (9), the rotating brush (12) being rotatable relative to the closure cap (16), the closure cap (16) including: • a cap body (17), • locking means configured to lock the cap body (17) onto the main body (4), the locking means including at least one locking member (18) which is movable relative to the cap body (17) between a locking position in which the at least one locking member (18) is configured to cooperate with at least one locking element (19) provided on the main body (4) so as to prevent a removal of the rotating brush (12) from the receiving housing (9) and a release position in which the at least one locking member (18) is configured to release the at least one locking element (19) so as to allow a removal of the rotating brush (12) from the receiving housing (9), and • an actuating member (23) movably mounted relative to the cap body (17) between a first actuating position and a second actuating position, the actuating member (23) and the at least one locking member (18) being configured such that a displacement of the actuating member (23) from the first actuating position to the second actuating position causes a displacement of the at least one locking member (18) from the locking position to the release position, characterized in that the at least one locking member (18) is elastically deformable, and in that the closure cap (16) is configured such that the at least one locking member (18) is elastically compressed when the at least one locking member (18) is displaced towards the release position and such that the at least one locking member (18) elastically relaxes towards the locking position when the at least one locking member (18) occupies the release position.

2. The cleaning unit (11) according to claim 1, wherein, when the at least one locking member (18) is displaced towards the release position, the at least one locking member (18) is configured to be elastically compressed in a compression direction having at least one component oriented radially towards the inside of the closure cap (16) relative to the axis of rotation (A) of the rotating brush (12), and wherein, when the at least one locking member (18) occupies the release position, the at least one locking member (18) is configured to relax at least partially, towards the locking position, in a relaxation direction having at least one component oriented radially towards the outside of the closure cap (16) relative to the axis of rotation (A) of the rotating brush (12).

3. The cleaning unit (11) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one locking member (18) is secured in movement to the actuating member (23) at least during a displacement of the actuating member (23) from the first actuating position towards the second actuating position.

4. The cleaning unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one locking member (18) and the actuating member (23) are made in one piece.

5. The cleaning unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cap body (17) includes at least one deformation surface (25) configured to elastically deform the at least one locking member (18) when the at least one locking member (18) is displaced into the release position.

6. The cleaning unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, when the at least one locking member (18) occupies the release position, the at least one locking member (18) is configured to elastically bias the actuating member (23) towards the first actuating position.

7. The cleaning unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one locking member (18) includes a connecting branch (181) which extends from the actuating member (23), and which is elongate and elastically deformable, and a locking part (182) which extends from the connecting branch (181) and which is configured to cooperate with the at least one locking element (19) provided on the main body (4).

8. The cleaning unit (11) according to claim 7, wherein the connecting branch (181) extends at least partially about the actuating member (23).

9. The cleaning unit (11) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the locking part (182) is formed at a distal end of the at least one locking member (18).

10. The cleaning unit (11) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the connecting branch (181) is connected to the actuating member (23) at a connecting area (183), the locking part (182) and the connecting area (183) being angularly offset relative to the axis of rotation (A).

11. The cleaning unit (11) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the locking part (182) has a first maximum width and the connecting branch (181) has a second maximum width which is less than the first maximum width.

12. The cleaning unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the at least one locking member (18) includes a first curved portion (18.1) having a concavity which is oriented towards the inside of the closure cap (16), and a second curved portion (18.2) having a concavity which is oriented towards the outside of the closure cap (16).

13. The cleaning unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one locking member (18) is configured to protrude from an outer periphery (21) of the cap body (17) when the at least one locking member (18) occupies the locking position.

14. The cleaning unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the actuating member (23) is movably mounted in rotation about an actuating axis which is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (A) of the rotating brush (12).

15. The cleaning unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the actuating member (23) includes a gripping part (28) configured to be grasped by a user.

16. A suction head (2) comprising: - a main body (4) including a receiving housing (9) opening into a lower face (6) of the main body (4) which is configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned, a passage opening (13) opening into the receiving housing (9), and at least one locking element (19), and - a cleaning unit (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, the rotating brush (12) being removably mounted in the receiving housing (9), the closure cap (16) at least partially closing the passage opening (13) and the at least one locking member (18) cooperating with the at least one locking element (19).

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