Vacuum cleaner comprising a male electrical connector equipped with a protective member

Abstract

The vacuum cleaner includes a suction assembly comprising a suction nozzle and a first electrical connector (18); and a suction accessory comprising a connecting nozzle configured to be mechanically and fluidly connected to the suction nozzle, and a second electrical connector (19) configured to cooperate with the first electrical connector (18). One of the first and second electrical connectors (18, 19) has a protective cavity (22), two male connection pins (24) disposed in the protective cavity (22), and a protective element (28) configured to occupy a deployed position in which it extends between the male connection pins (24), and the other of the first and second electrical connectors (18, 19) has an insertion portion (25) configured to be received in the protective cavity (22) and two female connection pins configured to cooperate with the male connection pins (24).

Description

Domain technique

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

[0002] A vacuum cleaner, and in particular a handheld or stick vacuum cleaner, is known to include: a suction assembly comprising: ∘ a main body having a suction nozzle through which air is suitable for being drawn into the suction assembly, ∘ a waste separation and collection device mounted on the main body and fluidly connected to the suction nozzle, and ∘ a suction motor housed in the main body and configured to generate an airflow through the suction nozzle and the waste separation and collection device, a suction accessory comprising a connecting nozzle which is configured to be mechanically and fluidly connected to the suction nozzle provided on the main body of the suction assembly,and a first electrical connector which is located on the main body and a second electrical connector which is located on the suction accessory and which is configured to cooperate with the first electrical connector when the connection nozzle provided on the suction accessory is mechanically connected to the suction nozzle provided on the main body.

[0003] The first and second electrical connectors are specifically designed to power an electrical component located directly within the suction accessory or within another accessory that is electrically and fluidly connected to the suction accessory. For example, the suction accessory could be a suction tube configured to be connected to a suction head equipped with a sole designed to be oriented towards a floor to be cleaned, and the suction head could, for example, be equipped with a rotating cleaning brush and a brush drive motor capable of being electrically powered by the suction unit, via the suction accessory, when the suction accessory is connected to the suction nozzle provided on the suction unit.

[0004] As is known, one of the first and second electrical connectors is a male connector with a protective cavity and two male connection pins arranged within the cavity, and the other of the first and second electrical connectors is a female connector with an insertion portion and two female connection pins arranged within the insertion portion and positioned opposite two through-holes opening onto an end face of the insertion portion. Such a vacuum cleaner is more specifically configured such that, when the connection nozzle on the suction accessory is mechanically connected to the suction nozzle on the main body, the insertion portion is automatically inserted into the protective cavity and the two male connection pins are automatically connected to the two female connection pins.

[0005] One disadvantage of this type of vacuum cleaner is that an object, debris or similar, is likely to get into the protective cavity, and in particular between the two male connection pins, when the suction accessory is not connected to the main body, for example during the phases of use or storage of the vacuum cleaner.

[0006] However, the presence of an object or similar between the two male connection pins is likely to prevent the insertion of the insertion part into the protective cavity, or at least to limit the insertion stroke of the insertion part into the protective cavity, and thus prevent a proper electrical connection between the male connection pins and the female connection pins of the first and second electrical connectors, or even cause the two male connection pins to twist, and thus prevent an electrical connection between the male connection pins and the connection pins.

[0007] Furthermore, when a metallic object, such as a paperclip, is inserted into the protective cavity, and particularly between the two male connection pins, it is liable to electrically connect the two male connection pins, and thus induce a short circuit within the vacuum cleaner, which is liable to damage the entire vacuum cleaner. A vacuum cleaner according to the preamble of claim 1 is known, for example, from WO-A-2022035041. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0009] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular of providing a vacuum cleaner which is simple in structure, reliable and economical, while ensuring an optimal electrical connection between a suction accessory and a main body belonging to the vacuum cleaner.

[0010] To this end, the present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising: a suction assembly comprising: a main body having a suction nozzle through which air is suitable for being drawn into the suction assembly, a waste separation and collection device mounted, for example removably, on the main body and fluidly connected to the suction nozzle, and a suction motor housed in the main body, the suction motor having a motor shaft and being configured to generate an airflow through the suction nozzle and the waste separation and collection device, a suction accessory comprising a connection nozzle which is configured to be mechanically and fluidly connected to the suction nozzle provided on the main body of the suction assembly,and a first electrical connector which is disposed on the main body and a second electrical connector which is disposed on the suction accessory and which is configured to cooperate with the first electrical connector, i.e. to be directly electrically connected with the first electrical connector, when the connection nozzle provided on the suction accessory is mechanically connected to the suction nozzle provided on the main body, one of the first and second electrical connectors being a male electrical connector and having a protective cavity, an access opening which leads into the protective cavity and two male connection pins which are disposed in the protective cavity and which extend substantially parallel to each other,and the other of the first and second electrical connectors being a female electrical connector and comprising an insertion portion having two through-holes opening into an end face of the insertion portion, and two female connection pins which are disposed in the insertion portion and located opposite the two through-holes respectively, the insertion portion being configured to be inserted into the protective cavity via the access opening and the two male connection pins being configured to be connected respectively to the two female connection pins via the two through-holes when the connection nozzle provided on the suction accessory is mechanically connected to the suction nozzle provided on the main body, the male electrical connector further comprises a protective element, such as a protective slider,provided with a protective part and movable between a deployed position in which the protective part extends between the two male connection pins and a retracted position, and in that the insertion part is configured to move the protective element from the deployed position to the retracted position when the insertion part is inserted into the protective cavity.

[0011] This configuration of the male electrical connector, and in particular the presence of the protective element, prevents or at least limits the risk of an object or similar being inserted between the male connection pins when the suction accessory is not connected to the main body. Thus, when the connection nozzle on the suction accessory is subsequently connected to the suction nozzle on the main body, a reliable and optimal electrical connection is ensured between the male and female connection pins of the male and female electrical connectors. Furthermore, the presence of the protective element limits the risk of a metallic object being inserted into the protective cavity, and therefore the risk of a short circuit within the vacuum cleaner due to electrical contact between the two male connection pins.

[0012] The vacuum cleaner may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective element is made of electrically insulating material, that is to say, dielectric or electrically non-conductive material, and for example, plastic.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the protective device is in the deployed position, the protective part extends exclusively between the two male connection pins.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the male connection pins has a free end that is recessed relative to the access opening. This arrangement of the male connection pins significantly reduces the risk of damage to the male connection pins during the use or storage of the vacuum cleaner.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective part is configured to be recessed relative to the access opening when the protective element is in the deployed position. Such an arrangement of the protective part significantly reduces the risk of damage to the male connection pins during the vacuum cleaner's use or storage.

[0017] According to the embodiment of the invention, the access opening is oriented towards the front. Such an orientation of the access opening ensures easy connection between the first and second electrical connectors.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first electrical connector is the male electrical connector and the second electrical connector is the female electrical connector.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the end face of the insertion part is configured to move the protective element from the deployed position to the retracted position when the insertion part is inserted into the protective cavity.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the male electrical connector comprises an internal housing in which the protective part is housed at least in part when the protective element is in the retracted position, and a passage opening provided in a separating wall separating the protective cavity and the internal housing and through which the protective part extends and is able to be moved, and more particularly to slide.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the internal housing is located at the rear of the protective cavity.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective part has a cross-section that is substantially identical to the passage section of the passage opening.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective element is movable in translation along a direction of movement that is substantially parallel to the male connection pins. This arrangement makes it possible to limit the size of the male electrical connector.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the insertion part is configured to be inserted into the protective cavity in an insertion direction oriented substantially parallel to the direction of movement.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the male electrical connector includes a guide device configured to guide the protective element in translation along the direction of movement during its movement between the deployed and retracted positions. These arrangements ensure reliable and optimal movement of the protective element between the deployed and retracted positions.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide device comprises a guide groove extending into the protective cavity and extending parallel to the direction of movement, the guide groove being configured to cooperate with a longitudinal portion, for example a lower longitudinal portion, of the protective part during the movements of the protective member between the deployed position and the retracted position.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide device includes an additional guide groove which extends into the internal housing and which extends parallel to the direction of movement, the additional guide groove being configured to cooperate with a longitudinal portion of the protective part during the movements of the protective member between the deployed position and the retracted position.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide device comprises two lateral guide walls which partially delimit the internal housing and which are configured to be arranged on either side of the protective part when the protective element is in the retracted position, the two lateral guide walls being configured to laterally guide the protective part during the movements of the protective element between the deployed position and the retracted position.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide device comprises a guide slot extending parallel to the direction of movement and opening into the internal housing, and the protective member comprises a guide finger mounted to slide in the guide slot.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide finger is provided in a rear part of the protective device.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide finger is oriented opposite to the guide groove, for example upwards. Such a configuration of the guide device ensures optimal guidance of the protective element.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the passage opening forms part of the guiding device.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the male electrical connector comprises a connector body that defines the protective cavity. Advantageously, the connector body also defines the internal housing.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connector body comprises a first body part and a second body part which are distinct from each other and which are fixed to each other, for example by snapping.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first body part delimits the protective cavity, and the internal housing is delimited by the first and second body parts.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective part comprises a free end face configured to be substantially flush with, or to protrude from, the free ends of the male connection pins when the protective element is in the deployed position. Such an arrangement of the protective part further reduces the risk of inserting an object or similar device between the two male connection pins.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective element is configured to be fully retracted out of the protective cavity when the protective element is in the retracted position.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective part is substantially flat.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective part extends in the median longitudinal plane of the male electrical connector.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two male connection pins are arranged, for example symmetrically, on either side of the median longitudinal plane of the male electrical connector.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the insertion part and the protective cavity have overall complementary shapes.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the male electrical connector includes a actuating element, such as a actuating spring, configured to actuate the protective element towards the deployed position. Thus, when the suction accessory is disconnected from the main body, the protective element is automatically returned to the deployed position.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the insertion part, and for example the end face of the insertion part, is configured to push the protective member back towards the retracted position and against the thrust force exerted by the activating member when the insertion part is inserted into the protective cavity.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the activating element extends along an extension axis that is offset, for example upwards, from a median longitudinal axis of the protective part. Such an arrangement of the activating element allows the two electrical connection pins to be brought closer together and thus reduces the width of the male electrical connector.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the male electrical connector has fixed side walls delimiting the protective cavity and extending around the male connection pins.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two male connection pins are spaced apart from each other by a separation distance of less than 10 mm.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective part has a width of less than 5 mm, advantageously less than 3 mm, and for example about 2.5 mm.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective part has a height of less than 12 mm, advantageously less than 8 mm, and for example about 6 mm.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective element has a length between 15 and 30 mm, advantageously between 18 and 25 mm, and for example about 20.5 mm.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction nozzle and the first electrical connector are arranged in a front part of the main body.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first electrical connector is located below the suction nozzle.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body comprises a suction conduit which is fluidly connected to the suction nozzle.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction duct extends substantially parallel to the motor axis.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device is of the cyclonic type.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device has a central longitudinal axis which is substantially parallel to the motor axis, and which can, for example, be collinear with the motor axis.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction accessory is a suction tube or a suction head.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction tube is configured to be connected to a suction head.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction head is provided with a soleplate designed to be oriented towards a floor to be cleaned. Advantageously, the suction head is provided with a rotating cleaning brush and a brush drive motor capable of being electrically powered by the suction unit when the connection nozzle provided on the suction accessory is connected to the suction nozzle provided on the suction unit.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction assembly includes a gripping handle mechanically connected to the main body.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping handle is elongated and has a median longitudinal axis. Advantageously, the median longitudinal axis of the gripping handle is inclined with respect to the motor axis.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction motor is located at the rear of the median longitudinal axis of the gripping handle.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner is a portable vacuum cleaner, also called a handheld vacuum cleaner, or a stick vacuum cleaner.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction assembly includes a rechargeable battery configured to electrically power the vacuum cleaner.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first electrical connector is configured to be electrically connected to the rechargeable battery.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rechargeable battery is housed in a battery case connected, and for example fixed, to the gripping handle, and more particularly to a lower part of the gripping handle.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction assembly includes an upright which extends substantially parallel to the gripping handle and between the battery housing and the main body. Brief description of the figures

[0067] In any case, the invention will be well understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the attached schematic drawings representing, by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of this vacuum cleaner. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a suction assembly belonging to the vacuum cleaner of the figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the suction assembly of the figure 2 ; Figure 4 is a truncated perspective view of the first and second electrical connectors belonging to the vacuum cleaner of the figure 1 and in a disconnected state; Figure 5 is a truncated perspective view of the first and second electrical connectors of the figure 4 in the disconnected state; Figure 6 is a truncated perspective view of the first and second electrical connectors of the figure 4 in a connected state; Figure 7 is a truncated perspective view of the first and second electrical connectors of the figure 4 in the connected state; Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the first electrical connector of the figure 4 ; Figure 9 is a top view of the first electrical connector of the figure 4 ; Figure 10 is a front perspective view of the first electrical connector of the figure 4 ; Figure 11 is a rear perspective view of the first body part belonging to the first electrical connector of the figure 4 ; Figure 12 is a front perspective view of the first part of the body of the figure 11 ; Figure 13is a truncated perspective view of the first electrical connector of the figure 4 . Detailed description

[0068] In this document, the terms "front", "rear", "upper" and "lower" are defined with respect to a use of the vacuum cleaner during which the user holds the suction assembly by the grip handle and keeps it substantially horizontal, and the suction nozzle provided on the main body is located opposite the user.

[0069] In this document, "substantially flush" means two surfaces that are flush or that have an offset of less than 1 mm.

[0070] THE figures 1 to 13 represent a vacuum cleaner 2, and more particularly a stick vacuum cleaner, comprising a suction unit 3 and a suction accessory 4 configured to be mechanically and electrically connected to the suction unit 3.

[0071] The suction assembly 3 comprises a main body 5 having a suction nozzle 6 through which air is suitable for being drawn into the suction assembly 3 and to which the suction accessory 4 is suitable for being connected, and a suction conduit 7 which is fluidly connected to the suction nozzle 6. Advantageously, the suction nozzle 6 is disposed in a front part of the main body 5.

[0072] The suction assembly 3 further includes a waste separation and collection device 8, which is removably mounted on the main body 5 and fluidly connected to the suction duct 7. The waste separation and collection device 8 is advantageously of the cyclonic type and includes, in particular, a waste storage container 9 and a tubular separation element (not visible in the figures) housed within the waste storage container 9, which together defines a cyclonic separation chamber. The waste storage container 9 more specifically includes an air inlet opening that is fluidly connected to the suction duct 7. Advantageously, the suction duct 7 extends along an external surface of the waste separation and collection device 8.

[0073] As shown on the figure 3The suction assembly 3 further comprises a suction motor 11 which has a motor shaft A and is housed in the main body 5. The suction motor 11 is configured to generate an airflow through the suction nozzle 6, the suction duct 7 and the waste separation and collection device 8. The suction motor 11 more particularly comprises a fan and an electric motor configured to drive the fan in rotation.

[0074] The suction assembly 3 further includes a gripping handle 12 mechanically connected to the main body 5, enabling a user to grasp the suction assembly 3. Advantageously, the gripping handle 12 is elongated and has a median longitudinal axis B. The gripping handle 12 can be manufactured as a single piece with the main body 5 or attached to it.

[0075] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the median longitudinal axis B of the gripping handle 12 is inclined relative to the motor axis A, and the waste separation and collection device 8 has a central longitudinal axis which is substantially parallel to the motor axis A, and which may, for example, be collinear with the motor axis A. Advantageously, the suction motor 11 is located behind the median longitudinal axis B of the gripping handle 12, and the suction duct 7 extends substantially parallel to the motor axis A.

[0076] As shown on the figure 3The vacuum cleaner 2 further includes a rechargeable battery 13 configured to electrically power the vacuum cleaner 2, and in particular the suction motor 11. The rechargeable battery 13, also called the battery pack, comprises several battery cells. The rechargeable battery 13 is advantageously housed in a battery case 14 connected to the handle 12, and more particularly to a lower portion of the handle 12. Advantageously, the main body 5 includes a support 15 that extends substantially parallel to the handle 12 and between the battery case 14 and the main body 5.

[0077] The suction assembly 3 also includes an electronic control unit (not visible in the figures) configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner 2. Advantageously, the electronic control unit is housed in the main body 5. As shown in the figure 2, the suction assembly 3 further includes a control button 16 configured to control, in particular, the starting of the suction motor 11 when the control button 16 is operated by the user.

[0078] As shown on the figure 1 The suction accessory 4 is a suction tube configured to be connected to a suction head 20 equipped with a sole designed to be oriented towards a floor to be cleaned. The suction accessory 4 more specifically includes a connection nozzle 17 which is configured to be mechanically and fluidly connected to the suction nozzle 6 provided on the main body 5 of the suction assembly 3.

[0079] The suction head 20 can for example be provided with a rotating cleaning brush and a brush drive motor suitable for being electrically powered by the suction unit 3, and in particular by the rechargeable battery 13, via the suction accessory 4, when the connection nozzle 17 provided on the suction accessory 4 is connected to the suction nozzle 6 provided on the suction unit 3.

[0080] For this purpose, the vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a first electrical connector 18 which is disposed on the main body 5, and more particularly in a front part of the main body 5 and below the suction nozzle 6, and which is configured to be electrically connected to the rechargeable battery 13, and a second electrical connector 19 which is disposed on the suction accessory 4 and which is configured to cooperate with the first electrical connector 18, i.e. to be directly electrically connected with the first electrical connector 18, when the connection nozzle 17 provided on the suction accessory 4 is mechanically connected to the suction nozzle 6 provided on the main body 5.

[0081] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first electrical connector 18 is a male electrical connector and the second electrical connector 19 is a female electrical connector.

[0082] As shown on the figure 4 , the first electrical connector 18 more particularly comprises a connector body 21 having a first body part 21.1 and a second body part 21.2 which are distinct from each other and which are fixed to each other, for example by snap-fit.

[0083] The first electrical connector 18 further comprises a protective cavity 22 delimited by the first body part 21.1, an access opening 23 provided on the first body part 21.1, which is oriented forward and opens into the protective cavity 22, and two male connection pins 24 arranged in the protective cavity 22 and extending substantially parallel to each other. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the connector body 21 comprises fixed side walls delimiting the protective cavity 22 and extending around the male connection pins 24.

[0084] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the two male connection pins 24 are arranged symmetrically on either side of the median longitudinal plane of the first electrical connector 18, and extend parallel to the median longitudinal plane of the first electrical connector 18. Advantageously, each of the male connection pins 24 has a free end which is located in retreat from the access opening 23, and the two male connection pins 24 are, for example, spaced apart from each other by a separation distance which is less than 10 mm.

[0085] As shown on the figures 4 And 5, the second electrical connector 19 comprises an insertion part 25 having two through holes 26 opening into an end face 25.1 of the insertion part 25, and two female connection pins 27 which are arranged in the insertion part 25 and located opposite the two through holes 26 respectively. Advantageously, the insertion part 25 and the protective cavity 22 have overall complementary shapes.

[0086] The insertion part 25 is configured to be inserted into the protective cavity 22 via the access opening 23 and the two male connection pins 24 are configured to be connected respectively to the two female connection pins 27 via the two through ports 26 when the connection nozzle 17 provided on the suction accessory 4 is mechanically connected to the suction nozzle 6 provided on the main body 5. Advantageously, the insertion part 25 is configured to be inserted into the protective cavity 22 in an insertion direction oriented substantially parallel to the extension direction of the two male connection pins 24.

[0087] The first electrical connector 18 further includes a protective element 28, such as a protective slide, which is disposed in the connector body 21. The protective element 28 is translationally movable, along a direction of movement D1 which is substantially parallel to the male connection pins 24, between a deployed position (visible on the figures 4 And 5 ) and a retracted position (visible on the figures 6 And 7 ), and the end face 25.1 of the insertion part 25 is configured to move the protective member 28 from the deployed position to the retracted position when the insertion part 25 is inserted into the protective cavity 22, and therefore when the connecting nozzle 17 is connected to the suction nozzle 6.

[0088] The protective element 28 more particularly includes a protective part 29 which is configured to extend, for example exclusively, between the two male connection pins 24 when the protective element 28 is in the deployed position, and thus to prevent or at least limit the risks of an object or debris being introduced between the male connection pins 24 when the suction accessory 4 is not connected to the main body 5, which could hinder subsequent connection of the suction accessory 4 to the main body 5. Advantageously, the protective part 29 is substantially flat and extends in the median longitudinal plane of the first electrical connector 18.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective part 29 may have a width of less than 5 mm, advantageously less than 3 mm, and for example about 2.5 mm, and a height of less than 12 mm, advantageously less than 8 mm, and for example about 6 mm, and the protective member 28 may have a length between 15 and 30 mm, advantageously between 18 and 25 mm, and for example about 20.5 mm.

[0090] The protective part 29 more particularly includes a free end face 29.1 which is configured to be substantially flush with the free ends of the male connection pins 24, and therefore to be located in recess relative to the access opening 23, when the protective member 28 is in the deployed position.

[0091] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first electrical connector 18 also includes an internal housing 31 located at the rear of the protective cavity 22, in which the protective part 29 is housed, at least partially, when the protective element 28 is in the retracted position. Furthermore, the first electrical connector 18 includes a passage opening 32, for example oblong, provided in a partition wall 33 separating the protective cavity 22 and the internal housing 31, through which the protective part 29 extends and is able to slide. Advantageously, the internal housing 31 is delimited by the first and second body parts 21.1, 21.2.

[0092] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the protective part 29 has a cross-section which is substantially identical to the passage section of the passage opening 32, and the protective member 28 is configured to be fully retracted out of the protective cavity 22 when the protective member 28 is in the retracted position, and therefore to be located substantially entirely in the internal housing 31.

[0093] The first electrical connector 18 further includes a tensioning element 34, such as a tensioning spring, configured to tension the protective element 28 towards the deployed position. Thus, when the suction accessory 4 is disconnected from the main body 5, the protective element 28 is automatically returned to the deployed position.

[0094] The end face 25.1 of the insertion part 25 is more particularly configured to push the protective member 28 back towards the retracted position and against the thrust force exerted by the activating member 34 when the insertion part 25 is inserted into the protective cavity 22.

[0095] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the stressing member 34 comprises a first end portion bearing against, and for example fixed, to the second body part 21.2, and a second end portion bearing against, and for example fixed, to the protection member 28, and for example to a rear part of the protection member 28.

[0096] As shown more specifically on the figure 4, the stressing member 34 extends along an extension axis C which is offset, for example upwards, with respect to a median longitudinal axis of the protection part 29. Advantageously, the stressing member 34 extends in the median longitudinal plane of the first electrical connector 18.

[0097] As shown on the figure 4 , the first electrical connector 18 also includes a guiding device configured to guide the protective element 28 in translation along the direction of movement D1 during its movements between the deployed position and the retracted position.

[0098] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the guide device includes a guide groove 35 which extends into the protective cavity 22, and which is therefore provided on an inner face of a side wall delimiting the protective cavity 22. The guide groove 35 extends parallel to the direction of movement D1, and is more particularly configured to cooperate with a longitudinal portion, for example a lower longitudinal portion, of the protective part 29 during the movements of the protective member 28 between the deployed position and the retracted position.

[0099] The guide device also includes an additional guide groove 36 extending into the internal housing 31 and parallel to the direction of movement D1. The additional guide groove 36 is configured to cooperate with the aforementioned longitudinal portion of the protective part 29 during the movement of the protective element 28 between the deployed and retracted positions. The guide groove 35 and the additional guide groove 36 are specifically provided on the first body part 21.1.

[0100] Advantageously, the guide device further comprises two lateral guide walls 37 that partially delimit the internal housing 31 and are configured to be positioned on either side of the protective portion 29 when the protective element 28 is in the retracted position. The two lateral guide walls 37 extend substantially parallel to the median longitudinal plane of the first electrical connector 18 and are specifically configured to guide the protective portion 29 laterally during the movement of the protective element 28 between the deployed and retracted positions. Advantageously, the two lateral guide walls 37 are provided on the second body portion 21.2.

[0101] The guide device further comprises a guide slot 38 extending parallel to the direction of travel D1 and opening into the internal housing 31, and the protective member 28 comprises a guide finger 39 provided in a rear part of the protective member 28 and mounted to slide in the guide slot 38. Advantageously, the guide slot 38 is provided on the second body part 21.2, and the guide finger 39 is oriented opposite to the guide groove 35, and therefore upwards.

[0102] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the passage opening 32 forms part of the guidance device since it advantageously presents a passage section which is substantially identical to the cross-section of the protection part 29.

[0103] According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the suction accessory 4 could be a suction head 20 of the aforementioned type.

[0104] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated, which has been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. Vacuum cleaner (2) comprising: • a suction assembly (3) comprising: ∘ a main body (5) comprising a suction nozzle (6) through which air is able to be sucked in by the suction assembly (3), ∘ a waste separating and collecting device (8) mounted on the main body (5) and fluidically connected to the suction nozzle (6), and ∘ a suction motor (11) housed in the main body (5), the suction motor (11) having a motor axis (A) and being configured to generate an air flow through the suction nozzle (6) and the waste separating and collecting device (8), • a suction accessory (4) comprising a connection nozzle (17) which is configured to be mechanically and fluidically connected to the suction nozzle (6) provided on the main body (5) of the suction assembly (3), and • a first electrical connector (18) which is arranged on the main body (5) and a second electrical connector (19) which is arranged on the suction accessory (4) and which is configured to cooperate with the first electrical connector (18) when the connection nozzle (17) provided on the suction accessory (4) is mechanically connected to the suction nozzle (6) provided on the main body (5), one of the first and second electrical connectors (18, 19) being a male electrical connector and comprising a protective cavity (22), an access opening (23) which opens into the protective cavity (22), and two male connection pins (24) which are arranged in the protective cavity (22) and which extend substantially parallel to one another, and the other of the first and second electrical connectors (18, 19) being a female electrical connector and comprising an insertion portion (25) provided with two through-orifices (26) opening into an end face (25.1) of the insertion portion (25), and two female connection pins (27) which are arranged in the insertion portion (25) and are located facing the two through-orifices (26), respectively, the insertion portion (25) being configured to be inserted into the protective cavity (22) via the access opening (23) and the two male connection pins (24) being configured to be connected respectively to the two female connection pins (27) via the two through-orifices (26) when the connection nozzle (17) provided on the suction accessory (4) is mechanically connected to the suction nozzle (6) provided on the main body (5), characterised in that the male electrical connector further comprises a protective member (28) provided with a protective portion (29) and movable between a deployed position in which the protective portion (29) extends between the two male connection pins (24) and a retracted position, and in that the insertion portion (25) is configured to move the protective member (28) from the deployed position to the retracted position when the insertion portion (25) is inserted into the protective cavity (22).

2. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 1, wherein the end face (25.1) of the insertion portion (25) is configured to move the protective member (28) from the deployed position to the retracted position when the insertion portion (25) is inserted into the protective cavity (22).

3. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the male electrical connector comprises an internal housing (31) in which the protective portion (29) is housed at least in part when the protective member (28) is in the retracted position, and a passage opening (32) provided in a separating wall (33) separating the protective cavity (22) and the internal housing (31) and through which the protective portion (29) extends and is able to be moved.

4. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 3, wherein the protective portion (29) has a cross-section which is substantially identical to the passage cross-section of the passage opening (32).

5. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the protective member (28) is translatably movable in a movement direction (D1) which is substantially parallel to the male connection pins (24).

6. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 5, wherein the male electrical connector comprises a guide device configured to guide the protective member (28) in translation in the movement direction (D1) during its movements between the deployed position and the retracted position.

7. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 6, wherein the guide device comprises a guide groove (35) extending in the protective cavity (22) and extending parallel to the movement direction (D1), the guide groove (35) being configured to cooperate with a longitudinal portion of the protective portion (29) during the movements of the protective member (28) between the deployed position and the retracted position.

8. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 6 or 7 in combination with claim 3, wherein the guide device comprises two lateral guide walls (37) which delimit the internal housing (31) in part and which are configured to be arranged on either side of the protective portion (29) when the protective member (28) occupies the retracted position, the two lateral guide walls (37) being configured to laterally guide the protective portion (29) during the movements of the protective member (28) between the deployed position and the retracted position.

9. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 5 to 8 in combination with claim 3, wherein the guide device comprises a guide slot (38) extending parallel to the movement direction (D1) and opening into the internal housing (31), and the protective member (28) comprises a guide finger (39) mounted so as to slide in the guide slot (38).

10. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the protective portion (29) comprises a free end face (29.1) which is configured to be substantially flush with or to project relative to the free ends of the male connection pins (24) when the protective member (28) is in the deployed position.

11. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the protective member (28) is configured to be fully retracted out of the protective cavity (22) when the protective member (28) is in the retracted position.

12. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the insertion portion (25) and the protective cavity (22) have generally complementary shapes.

13. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the male electrical connector comprises a biasing member (34) configured to bias the protective member (28) towards the deployed position.

14. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 13, wherein the biasing member (34) extends along an extension axis (C) which is transversely offset relative to a median longitudinal axis of the protective portion (29).

15. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the male electrical connector comprises fixed lateral walls delimiting the protective cavity (22) and extending around the male connection pins (24).

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