Electromechanical apparatus, system for regenerating such an apparatus and corresponding method

EP4683552A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-01-28DEGLACE
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
EP2024712495
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-03-22
Filing Date
2024-03-21
Publication Date
2026-01-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Electromechanical devices like vacuum cleaners face issues with dust accumulation and technological obsolescence, leading to performance degradation and breakdowns, which are difficult for non-experts to maintain, resulting in premature disposal rather than repair.

Method used

The design of modular electromechanical devices with removable electronic, electromechanical, and mechanical modules that can be assembled and replaced without tools, equipped with sensors for performance monitoring and alert systems, allowing users to perform maintenance and upgrades easily, and a regeneration system that facilitates module replacement and notification through a third-party terminal.

Benefits of technology

Enables easy maintenance and scalability for non-expert users, extending the device's lifespan, preventing breakdowns, and combating obsolescence by allowing timely replacement of modules and monitoring performance to prevent failures.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure EP2024057571_26092024_PF_FP
    Figure EP2024057571_26092024_PF_FP
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The invention relates to an electromechanical apparatus, such as an upright vacuum cleaner (1), comprising a central structure (8) in which at least one electronic device is assembled, electrically connected to at least one electromechanical device, the at least one electronic device making it possible to supply electrical energy and / or to control the at least one electromechanical device. These devices are arranged in the form of modules assembled in the central structure (8) and are electrically or functionally connected to each other without tools and so as to be directly operational after they are assembled in the central structure (8).
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE: Electromechanical device, regeneration system for such a device and corresponding method TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates, in general, to the technical field of electromechanical devices, such as portable electric tools, electric means of transport or household appliances.

[0002] The invention relates in particular to household appliances comprising a battery powering an electromechanical device, such as an electromotor device.

[0003] The invention applies in particular to electromechanical devices such as a vacuum cleaner and more particularly a broom-type vacuum cleaner. STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

[0004] In the remainder of the description, the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction are understood to mean directions respectively parallel and perpendicular to the main axis of the electromechanical device (i.e. the axis corresponding to the largest dimension of the device), for example the main axis of a broom-type vacuum cleaner. The same applies to the front and rear or the top and bottom which are respectively oriented according to the normal position of use of the electromechanical device described, for example the position of use of a broom-type vacuum cleaner.

[0005] In order to facilitate the reader's understanding of the invention, the description of the invention in the remainder of the description is based purely for illustrative purposes on a broom-type vacuum cleaner. Nevertheless, it is understood that the invention can be implemented in other forms of electromechanical devices, such as household appliances, or in the form of portable power tools such as a drill.

[0006] Known from the prior art are broom-type vacuum cleaners comprising a main structure acting as a chassis, a lower part of which comes into contact with the floor to be vacuumed and an upper part is held by a user such that the main axis of the main structure of the stick vacuum cleaner is inclined backwards relative to the vertical. The main structure of the stick vacuum cleaner generally has an elongated shape, the lower part of which is formed by a suction tube connected at its lower end to a brush device which comes into contact with the floor. The upper end of the suction tube is connected to a vacuum cleaner body of substantially cylindrical shape to which is mechanically connected a handle allowing the vacuum cleaner to be held by a user. The handle may have devices for controlling the functions of the vacuum cleaner in the form of push buttons or switches.The vacuum cleaner body is hollow in order to accommodate a plurality of electronic components, such as a battery and devices for controlling the operation of the vacuum cleaner, electromechanical devices, such as an electric motor mechanically connected to a suction device, for example a propeller, and mechanical devices, such as filters, for example a main filter downstream of the motor and a fabric filter generally located between the main filter and the motor to protect the motor from dust not captured by the girocyclone filter. The main filter is generally located in a hollow and removable part of the vacuum cleaner body acting as a dust container to collect the dust sucked up from the floor.

[0007] When the vacuum cleaner is in operation, dust accumulates in the tank and when it is too full, the dust can form a blockage obstructing the air passage, which considerably degrades the suction capacity and can damage the motor, which starts to overspeed if the tank is not regularly emptied. For the same reasons, the various filters of the vacuum cleaner must be cleaned regularly to remove the fine dust that clogs them to the point of degrading the suction capacity as explained above.

[0008] However, it is common for vacuum cleaner users to forget to perform these maintenance operations regularly, which can eventually damage the motor and even lead to the vacuum cleaner breaking down. Furthermore, it is not always easy for a user to perform the necessary maintenance operations, especially when the user is not an expert in the field.

[0009] After a certain number of charging cycles of the vacuum cleaner battery or recharging the battery in poor conditions, the battery deteriorates and its charging capacity decreases, which reduces the operating autonomy of the vacuum cleaner. A significant reduction in the vacuum cleaner's operating autonomy makes it practically unusable and a battery change is required to regenerate the vacuum cleaner's operating autonomy.

[0010] In all these situations, a vacuum cleaner repair is necessary. However, this requires technical expertise and tools that often require the use of a professional repairer. Thus, the constraints and cost of repair often lead the vacuum cleaner owner to throw it away instead of repairing it.

[0011] Generally speaking, dust accumulation and dust pollution are a major problem that needs to be addressed in the field of electromechanical devices, particularly household appliances such as vacuum cleaners and others. Dust can infiltrate various components of such equipment and degrade their performance, or even cause breakdowns or reduce the reliability of these devices. This degradation results in so-called "use obsolescence".

[0012] In addition, such equipment is likely to be subject to shocks, for example during use or handling. These shocks can cause breakdowns or degrade the performance or reliability of the device.

[0013] Furthermore, technological obsolescence is a major challenge for electromechanical devices, particularly for power tools or household appliances, such as vacuum cleaners, drills, etc. Technologies tend not to be compatible with each other, which leads to interoperability problems for certain elements and makes the maintenance and scalability of devices difficult, particularly in relation to technological developments and market needs.

[0014] There is therefore a need for an electromechanical device, such as a household appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner or other, whose maintenance and / or upgradeability are easy for a non-expert person while preserving the performance and reliability (in particular the longevity) of the device, in particular so as to combat the obsolescence (obsolescence of use and technological obsolescence) of such a device. In particular, there is a need for such a device that can be easily repaired by its user at the appropriate time. STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention aims to overcome all or part of the drawbacks of the state of the art by proposing in particular an electromechanical device, such as a household appliance, for example a vacuum cleaner, the electronic and electromechanical devices of which are easily replaceable at the appropriate time (for example before or during a breakdown) while preserving the performance and reliability of the device. To this end, the performance of the device can in particular be monitored during its use to prevent breakdowns due to insufficient maintenance.

[0016] To this end, according to a first aspect of the invention, an electromechanical apparatus is proposed comprising a central structure, in which at least one electronic device electrically connected to at least one electromechanical device is assembled, said at least one electronic device making it possible to supply electrical energy and / or control said at least one electromechanical device. In the electromechanical apparatus, said at least one electronic device and said at least one electromechanical device are respectively arranged in the form of at least one removable electronic module and at least one removable electromechanical module. Said at least one electronic module and said at least one electromechanical module each respectively comprise a control device, said electronic device and said electromechanical device, integrated into said module.Said at least one electronic module and said at least one electromechanical module are assembled in the central structure and are electrically connected to each other without tools and so as to be directly operational after their assembly.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment, the central structure forms a (or acts as) a chassis in which said at least one electronic device and said at least one electromechanical device are assembled.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment, said at least one electronic module and said at least one electromechanical module are each respectively equipped with at least one sensor capable of carrying out performance measurements (or measuring the performance) of said at least one corresponding module. Said control devices integrated respectively into said modules can be configured to implement, from the performance measurements, diagnostic and prediction functionalities generating an alert signal when the performances of the corresponding module measured by said at least one sensor do not conform to predefined values ​​or are non-compliant according to an algorithm which can integrate a learning function; and to transmit said alert signal to a device for signaling a status of said module.

[0019] Thus, the performance measurements can be processed by said control device, integrated into said modules, which has diagnostic and prediction functionalities, in order to generate an alert signal when the performance of the corresponding module measured by said sensors does not comply with standard values ​​or is non-compliant according to an algorithm which can integrate a learning function. Said alert signal can be transmitted to a device for signaling the status of said module.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment, said alert signal is representative of at least any one of: a first state requiring a maintenance (or servicing) operation, a second state requiring a breakdown prevention operation, and / or a third state requiring a breakdown repair operation.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment, said signaling device comprises at least any one of: a screen located on the electromechanical device and electrically connected to said at least one electronic module; and a transceiver for establishing a wireless connection with a third-party terminal independent of the device. electromechanical, such as a tablet or smartphone, and / or a server capable of generating a notification from a dedicated application and / or by email.

[0022] Advantageously, the electromechanical device further comprises at least one mechanical module assembled to the central structure in order to be functionally connected to said at least one electromechanical module without tools and so as to be directly operational after its assembly.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment, the electromechanical device is a portable electric tool, an individual means of transport, or a household appliance; and wherein said at least one electronic module comprises a battery module comprising a rechargeable battery, and wherein said at least one electromechanical module comprises a motor module comprising an electromotor device electrically powered by the battery module.

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment, the electromechanical device further comprises at least one mechanical module assembled in the central structure so as to be functionally connected to said at least one electromechanical module without tools and so as to be directly operational after its assembly.

[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment, the electromechanical device is such that: - said at least one electronic module, said at least one electromechanical module and said at least one mechanical module are assembled in said central structure and are electrically or functionally connected to each other without tools and so as to be directly operational after their assembly in the central structure; and - said at least one electronic module is configured to provide power supply to the device; and - said at least one mechanical module comprises at least one filter module.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment, the electromechanical device is a vacuum cleaner.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment, the electromechanical device is such that: said at least one sensor of the battery module is configured to measure a temperature or a charge capacity of the battery; said at least one sensor of the motor module is configured to measure a temperature or a rotation speed of the electric motor; and said signaling device being configured to generate, in response to a said alert signal, an alert rendered in the form of a pictogram or a notification.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment, the electromechanical apparatus is such that: the first state requires a maintenance operation for which a user is prompted to access the affected module to perform a maintenance operation, such as emptying a dust container and cleaning said at least one filter when said at least one sensor of the engine module detects an overspeed; the second state requires a failure prevention operation for which the user is prompted to order a replacement battery module in order to substitute it for the defective battery module before the latter becomes inoperative, when said at least one sensor of the engine module detects an underspeed of the electric motor, or to order a replacement engine module in order to substitute it for the defective battery module, if said at least one sensor of the engine module detects an overheating of the electric motor;and the third state requires a repair operation to restore full functionality of a failed module.;

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment, the electromechanical device further comprises a PCB card arranged in a housing provided in said central structure and having on a front face at least one front connector and on a rear face at least one rear connector. Said motor module is inserted from the front into said housing to connect to said at least one front connector of said PCB card, and / or said battery module is inserted into said housing from the rear to connect to said at least one rear connector of said PCB card. Thus, said PCB card centralizes (or processes) information, including the measurements of performance, coming from (or received from) the battery and motor modules, and to transmit each alert signal to said signaling device.

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment, the electromechanical device is such that: the screen is electrically connected to said central PCB board, arranged on said vacuum cleaner, preferably on a visible part of said battery module once the latter is inserted into said housing, and on which the status of the vacuum cleaner is indicated by pictograms; and / or the wireless transmitter / receiver is electrically connected or integrated into said PCB board and electrically connected to an antenna located on said main structure, preferably in a handle, in order to be able to communicate with a said third-party terminal.

[0031] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a regeneration system (also called system) comprising an electromechanical device according to the first aspect of the invention and a third-party terminal, for example a computer, a smartphone or a tablet, on which an application is installed. The application (executed by the third-party terminal) is configured to receive a said alert signal, produced from the performance measurements, by wireless connection and to command said third-party terminal to generate a first notification to a user, and / or a second notification transmitted by said third-party terminal, for example on a profile of the user of a website and / or in an email box of the user.

[0032] The regeneration system according to the second aspect can thus make it possible to regenerate the electromechanical device as defined above, for example a stick vacuum cleaner. Thus, if the performance of the respective module does not comply with predefined standard values ​​or does not comply according to an algorithm that can integrate a learning function, then the application can receive by wireless link, from said third-party terminal, the alert signal and generate, in response to said alert signal, a notification a first notification intended for a user. Alternatively or cumulatively, a second notification can be transmitted by said third-party terminal, for example on a user profile of a dedicated website and in a user's mailbox.

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment, if the alert signal corresponds to a first state requiring a maintenance operation, the application provides the user with a tutorial procedure (or tutorial information, or usage information) on the third-party terminal for servicing or maintenance of said electromechanical device.

[0034] According to an exemplary embodiment, if the alert signal corresponds to a second state requiring a failure prevention operation, the application authorizes the user to order a replacement module (possibly via a dedicated website).

[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment, if the alert signal corresponds to a third state requiring a fault repair operation, the application authorizes the user to order a replacement module (possibly via a dedicated website).

[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment, the regeneration system is such that: the application is configured to provide, to a user, access through the application to a configuration panel of said electromechanical device to enter information relating to a context of use of said electromechanical device, and to configure said electromechanical device by selecting suitable modules according to the context of use; and / or the application is configured to cause storage of information relating to a nominal usage guarantee of at least said module.

[0037] Thus, the user can advantageously access, through the dedicated application and / or the dedicated website, a configuration panel of said electromechanical device or said vacuum cleaner to enter information relating to its context of use in order to configure it by selecting the modules adapted to the context of use. Information relating to a nominal usage guarantee of all said available battery, motor or mechanical modules is stored on the dedicated application and / or the dedicated website.

[0038] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method (or regeneration method) is proposed for implementing the system according to the second aspect of the invention, to enable the regeneration of an electromechanical device as defined above. In other words, this method is implemented by the system of the second aspect of the invention.

[0039] The method according to the fourth aspect comprises: providing access, for a user, to a configuration panel of said electromechanical device on said third-party terminal through said application; obtaining, via the configuration panel, information relating to the context of use of said electromechanical device; and determining, by the application, from the information relating to the context of use, a configuration of said electromechanical device by identifying, among available electronic and electromechanical modules, said at least one electronic module and said at least one electromechanical module which are the most appropriate depending on the context of use, for example the battery module whose autonomy is the most adapted to the context of use of said electromechanical device.

[0040] Thus, a user can advantageously access a configuration panel of his product on said third-party terminal through said dedicated application. Said user enters information relating to the context of use of said household appliance or said stick vacuum cleaner. Thus, this information allows the dedicated application to identify the configuration of said household appliance or said stick vacuum cleaner by identifying in the range of electronic or electromechanical modules available those which are most appropriate for its use, for example the battery module whose autonomy is most suited to the context of use of said household appliance or said stick vacuum cleaner, and to propose, thanks to its modular design, the household appliance or stick vacuum cleaner most appropriate for its use.

[0041] According to an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises during operation of the electromechanical device: carrying out performance measurements of said at least one electronic module, such as said battery module, and of said at least one electromechanical module, such as said motor module, by said sensor equipping each of these modules; generation of an alert signal by said sensor if the performance of the corresponding module does not comply with predefined values ​​or is non-compliant according to an algorithm which can integrate a learning function; and transmission of said alert signal to a device for signaling the status of the electromechanical device.

[0042] According to an exemplary embodiment, said alert signal is transmitted to a screen located on said electromechanical device, and / or to an application installed on a third-party terminal, so as to enable at least any one of: a first state requiring a maintenance operation for which a user is invited to access the affected module to carry out a maintenance operation, a tutorial procedure is proposed in order to accompany the user to carry out the operation, a second state requiring a breakdown prevention operation for which the user is invited to order a replacement module on the application in order to substitute it for the defective module, and a third state requiring a breakdown repair operation for which the user must order a replacement module on the application in order to substitute it for the defective module.

[0043] Thus, said alert signal can advantageously be transmitted to a screen located on said electromechanical device or said vacuum cleaner and / or a dedicated application installed on a third-party terminal. Thus, it is possible to view the different states of the electromechanical device or the vacuum cleaner. A first state requiring a maintenance operation for which a user is invited to access the assigned module to carry out a maintenance operation, a tutorial procedure is proposed in order to accompany the user to carry out the operation. A second state requiring a breakdown prevention operation for which the user is invited to order a replacement module on the dedicated application in order to replace the defective module. A third state requiring a fault repair operation for which the user must order a replacement module on the dedicated application in order to replace the defective module.

[0044] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a computer program product is provided comprising code instructions for implementing all or part of the method according to the third aspect of the invention as defined above. This computer program can in particular be executed collectively by the electromechanical apparatus and the third-party terminal of the system according to the second aspect of the invention, as defined above.

[0045] This computer program may use any programming language, and may be in the form of source code, object code, or code intermediate between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0046] The invention also relates to an information medium (or recording medium) readable by a computer, and comprising instructions of a computer program as mentioned above.

[0047] The present invention advantageously makes it possible to provide an electromechanical device, such as a household appliance or other, for example a vacuum cleaner, whose maintenance and / or upgradeability are easy for a non-expert person while preserving the performance and reliability (in particular the longevity) of the device. In this way, it is possible to effectively combat the obsolescence of such a device, whether it is obsolescence of use or technological obsolescence as already indicated. In particular, it is possible for a user to easily repair or improve a part of the electromechanical device (for example a defective part or one that one wishes to modify) at the appropriate time, for example in a preventive manner before degradation of performance or before the occurrence of a breakdown, or in a curative manner when a breakdown or defect occurs, or when the performance of the device is no longer adapted to the context of use.

[0048] For example, in the case of a stick vacuum cleaner, it is advantageously possible to improve its performance by modifying a module, such as the battery module and / or motor module, in order to meet new usage needs (for example, a new usage environment requiring an adaptation of the performance of the module(s)). A non-expert user can thus easily ensure the scalability of the electromechanical device by replacing one or more modules assembled in the central structure.

[0049] The modular construction within the central structure also allows for effective protection of the electromechanical device modules, particularly against dust and shocks, while allowing independent replacement of each module, so that the necessary maintenance and / or upgradeability can be carried out.

[0050] The invention can also advantageously make it possible to detect faults, breakdowns or possible reductions in performance (transient or prolonged) of the modules of the electromechanical device, and thus allow even a non-expert user to determine which module requires replacement, and when (for example before or after the occurrence of a breakdown or other). Maintenance operations can, for example, be announced in a preventive or curative manner, so that the user can identify, and if necessary replace, the appropriate module with another at the appropriate time.

[0051] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention are highlighted by the following description of non-limiting examples of embodiments of the different aspects of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0052] The description refers to the appended figures which are also given as non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the invention: Figure 1 shows an exploded side view of a stick vacuum cleaner; Figure 2 shows an exploded side perspective view of the vacuum cleaner body and its components; Figure 3 shows the interior of the vacuum cleaner body in top view; Figure 4 shows a side perspective view of the assembly of the components interiors of the vacuum cleaner body; and Figure 5 illustrates the different phases of the process viewed on a smartphone.

[0053] For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference signs throughout the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

[0054] For purely illustrative purposes, the description of embodiments of the invention in the remainder of the description is based on a broom-type vacuum cleaner. However, it is understood that the invention is not limited to this particular example and may be implemented in other forms of electromechanical devices, such as household appliances, or in the form of portable power tools such as a drill. Numerous embodiment details are provided below as non-limiting examples, other implementations being possible, however.

[0055] Figure 1 shows an electromechanical device here taking the form of a stick vacuum cleaner 1, as well as its various components, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The stick vacuum cleaner 1 has a vacuum cleaner body 2 which is the main structure of the stick vacuum cleaner. The body 2 comprises a central structure 8 which acts as the chassis of the stick vacuum cleaner 1. This central structure 8 forms for example a shell or equivalent.

[0056] Particular examples of embodiments of the vacuum cleaner 1 are described below with reference to figures 1 to 5.

[0057] The vacuum cleaner 1 comprises at least one electronic device electrically connected to at least one electromechanical device. Said at least one electronic device and said at least one electromechanical device are assembled in the central structure 8. These modules are arranged in the form of removable modules within the central structure 8, which means that they can be removed from the central structure 8 after having been assembled therein. Thus, said at least one electronic device and said at least one electromechanical device are respectively arranged in the form of at least one removable electronic module and at least one removable electromechanical module in the central structure 8. Once assembled, these modules are thus protected inside the central structure 8 serving as the chassis of the vacuum cleaner.

[0058] The number and characteristics of the electronic and electromechanical modules may vary depending on the case. For example, it is subsequently considered that the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises, in the central structure 8, an electronic module and an electromechanical module corresponding (or comprising) respectively to a battery module 21 and to a motor module 14, other examples being however possible.

[0059] Said at least one electronic module and said at least one electromechanical module are assembled in the central structure 8 and are electrically connected to each other without tools and so as to be directly operational after their assembly.

[0060] In this document, an element inserted, connected, etc. "without tools" means that this element is inserted, connected, etc. manually without tools, i.e. without the use of a hand tool or a mechanical tool. For example, no fastening tools (screws, bolts, etc.) or handling tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.) are used or required.

[0061] In this document, connecting or inserting an element without tools so as to be "directly operational" (or functional) after its assembly means that once manually connected or inserted, said element is connected in an operative manner, that is to say in a way that can operate (or cooperate) in synergy with the element(s) with which it is connected or into which it is inserted. To do this, as described below in particular examples, locking devices may be arranged on each element intended to be connected so that the locking devices on either side cooperate together to manually lock, and if necessary manually unlock, for example according to a "plug & play" locking mechanism.

[0062] Said at least one electronic module and said at least one electromechanical module, namely the battery module 21 and the motor module 14 in the examples that follow, each comprise a respective control device of said module, integrated into said module. In other words, the electromechanical module comprises its own control device integrated into said electromechanical module and the electronic module comprises its own control device integrated into the electronic module.

[0063] The battery module 21 can be configured to electrically power the motor module 14 once these two modules are assembled together in the central structure 8. More generally, the electronic module can be configured to provide the energy supply to the vacuum cleaner 1. To do this, the battery module 21 comprises, for example, a rechargeable battery.

[0064] The motor module 14 comprises, for example, an electromotor device 17 electrically powered by the battery module 21.

[0065] According to a particular example, said at least one electronic module (namely the battery module 21 for example) and said at least one electromechanical module (namely the motor module 14 for example) are each respectively equipped with at least one sensor configured to carry out performance measurements (or characteristics, or capacities) of said at least one corresponding module.

[0066] As described below in particular examples, the nature, characteristics and number of the measured performances may vary depending on the case, depending in particular on the type of sensors used and the performances that one wishes to monitor. For example, a sensor of the battery module may be configured to measure a temperature (representative of the safety and performance of the battery) or a charge capacity of the battery of the battery module. For example, a sensor of the engine module 14 may be configured to measure a temperature, a rotation speed (for example an underspeed speed or an overspeed speed) and / or vibrations (for example linked to mechanical defects) of an electric motor of the engine module 14.

[0067] The control devices integrated respectively into the electronic module and the electromechanical module can then be configured to implement, from the performance measurements, diagnostic and prediction functionalities generating an alert signal when the performance of the corresponding module measured by said sensors does not conform to predefined values ​​(for example standard values). An algorithm integrating a learning function can optionally be executed by each control device for this purpose. The control devices can further be configured to transmit each alert signal to a signaling device. This signaling device can thus, from a received alert signal, generate or determine a status of said module corresponding to the alert signal.Each alert may be rendered or delivered by the signaling device in any suitable form, for example in the form of pictograms and / or notifications.

[0068] As described below in particular examples, an alert signal generated by one of the control devices may be representative of various states of the module affected by the alert as the case may be.

[0069] According to a particular example, the vacuum cleaner 1 further comprises at least one mechanical module (see, for example, references 12, 13, 22 described below) assembled in the central structure 8 so as to be functionally connected to said at least one electromechanical module (namely the motor module 14) without tools and so as to be directly operational after its assembly. By way of example, said at least one mechanical module assembled in the central structure 8 comprises at least one filter module (or filtration unit), as described below in particular examples.

[0070] In this case, the electronic module, the electromechanical module (namely the motor module 14), the electronic module (namely the battery module 21) and the mechanical module can be assembled in the central structure 8, in the form of removable modules, and are electrically or functionally connected to each other without tools and so as to be directly operational after their assembly in the central structure 8. In this case, the mechanical module can also comprise its own control device configured in a similar way to the control devices of the electromechanical module and the electronic module.

[0071] Particular examples of embodiments of the vacuum cleaner 1, and of some of its elements mentioned above, are now described with reference to figures 1 to 5.

[0072] According to a particular example illustrated in Figure 1, the upper end of a suction tube 3 may be fitted into a cylindrical opening 4 formed at the lower part of the vacuum cleaner body 2. A brush device 5 may be mechanically connected to the lower part of the suction tube 3. When not in use, the vacuum cleaner 1 may be stored on a base 6. The base 6 may be connected to a domestic electrical outlet and have base electrical contacts (not shown) which are electrically connected to vacuum cleaner electrical contacts (not shown) in order to allow the vacuum cleaner 1 to be recharged when it is stored on its base 6.

[0073] Figure 2 shows the vacuum cleaner body 2 in an exploded view in order to make its internal components visible according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The vacuum cleaner body 2 has a tank 7 of substantially cylindrical shape. The lower end of the tank 7 is extended by the cylindrical opening 4 in which the suction tube 3 is fitted. The upper end of the tank 7 is mechanically connected to a central structure 8 acting as a chassis for the entire upright vacuum cleaner 1. The tank 7 is mechanically connected to the central structure 8 by a first locking device 9 so that it can be easily mounted and dismounted without tools, i.e. manually. The first locking device 9 may be a mechanical bayonet lock, quarter-turn lock, magnetic lock or a combination of these locking modes.It is important in this example that the tank 7 can be opened easily, because it must be emptied frequently of the dust sucked up at the brush device 5 and collected in the tank 7.

[0074] In the example envisaged, the central structure 8 has a handle 10 arranged so that a user can hold it ergonomically with one hand. the vacuum cleaner 1 during its use. The handle 10 has, for example, a trigger device 11 allowing the user to easily control the operation of the vacuum cleaner 1 during its use.

[0075] A cyclone filter unit 12 (illustrated in Figure 1) can be installed in the tank 7 in order to separate the dust from the air sucked from the floor by the upright vacuum cleaner 1. The dust can thus be collected in the tank 7 upstream of the cyclone filter. It is understood that the concepts of upstream and downstream are to be understood in relation to the direction of circulation of the air in the vacuum cleaner along the longitudinal axis of the upright vacuum cleaner 1 from bottom to top. The cyclone filter unit 12 can then be inserted without tools into the tank 7 so that it can be easily removed for regular cleaning.

[0076] According to a particular example, downstream of the cyclone filter unit, a HEPA 13 filter is arranged in the tank 7. HEPA is the acronym for “high-efficiency particulate air”. The HEPA 13 filter treats the air flow leaving the cyclone filter unit 12 to protect a motor unit 14 located downstream of the HEPA 13 filter.

[0077] According to a particular example, the cyclone filter unit 12 and the HEPA filter 13 form removable mechanical modules of the “plug-and-play” type, i.e. easy to mount in the vacuum cleaner 1 and directly operational after their installation.

[0078] According to a particular example, a motor unit 14 is inserted from the front into the central structure 8. It is held in place inside the central structure 8 by a clamp 15. The clamp 15 is mechanically connected to the tank 7 by a second locking device (not shown) so that it can be easily mounted and dismounted without tools. This locking device may be a mechanical bayonet lock, quarter-turn lock, magnetic lock or a combination of these locking modes. The clamp 15 has a rubber portion which rests on the motor unit 14 to dampen vibrations and protect it from longitudinal shocks which the vacuum cleaner 1 may experience, for example when the brush device 5 hits a piece of furniture or a wall.In order for a user to be able to fully insert the engine block 14 from the front into the central structure 8 and remove it easily, it is provided with a retractable gripping device (no. illustrated) which makes it possible to reduce the longitudinal size of the motor module once in place in the central structure 8. The motor unit comprises an electric motor 17 rotating a suction device 18, for example a propeller. The motor module 14 carries its own control electronics including the piloting functions and the fault diagnosis and fault prediction intelligence described below. Thus, different motor references from different suppliers can be mounted in the motor module 14 while ensuring their compatibility with the other components of the upright vacuum cleaner 1.

[0079] According to a particular example, the motor 17, its control electronics and the suction device 18 are encapsulated in a motor fairing 19. The motor fairing 19 has on its rear face a motor connector 20 electrically connected to the electric motor 17. Thus, the motor unit 14 forms a removable electromechanical module of the “plug-and-play” type (referred to as the motor module in the following), that is to say easy to mount in the central structure 8 of the vacuum cleaner 1 and directly operational after its installation without requiring any configuration or electronic adjustment to associate it with the other components of the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0080] According to a particular example, a battery pack 21 is inserted from the rear into the central structure 8. It is held in place inside the central structure 8 by a fabric filter holder 22 which is mechanically connected to the rear end of the central structure 8 by a third locking device so as to be able to be easily mounted and dismounted without tools and thus to be able to easily remove the battery pack, for example to replace it. This third locking device can be a mechanical bayonet lock, quarter-turn lock, magnetic lock or a combination of these locking modes. The filter holder 22 comprises at least one fabric filter 25 (here two) and a metal circle 26 (or any other sufficiently rigid synthetic material). The metal circle 26 presses on the battery pack 21 to hold it in the rear part of the central structure 8.

[0081] According to a particular example, the battery pack 21 comprises a rechargeable battery, for example of the Lithium-ion type, a device for controlling the battery and certain functions of the vacuum cleaner 1 and a screen 23 making it possible to display the status of the vacuum cleaner 1, for example in the form of pictograms. The The battery control device includes its own electronics including the battery charging management functions and the fault diagnosis and fault prediction intelligence described below. Thus, different battery references from different suppliers can be mounted in the battery module 21 while ensuring their compatibility with the other components of the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0082] According to a particular example, the battery and its control device are encapsulated in a battery fairing 24. The battery fairing 24 has on its rear face the screen 23 electrically connected to the battery control device and on its front face a battery connector (not shown) electrically connected to the battery and to the battery control device. Thus, the battery pack 21 forms a removable electronic module of the “plug-and-play” type (referred to as the battery module in the following), that is to say easy to mount in the central structure 8 of the stick vacuum cleaner 1 and directly operational after its installation without requiring any configuration or electronic adjustment to associate it with the other components of the stick vacuum cleaner 1.

[0083] As illustrated in the example of Figure 3, a PCB board 16 (PCB is the acronym for "printed circuit board") can be arranged in the central structure 8, for example so as to be fixed in the middle part of the central structure 8 on a plurality of tabs 27, here four, by screws. The PCB board 16 has for example on its front face (not illustrated) at least one front connector on which the motor connector 20 is connected when the motor module 14 is inserted from the front into the central structure 8. The PCT board 16 has for example on its rear face 28 at least one rear connector 29 on which the battery connector is connected when the battery module 21 is inserted from the rear into the central structure 8. Thus, the battery module 21 and the motor module 14 are connected in plug-and-play mode on either side of the PCB board 16 as illustrated in Figure 4.The PCB board 16 also carries a handle connector (not shown) facing downwards so that the handle 10, which is designed as an electromechanical module or as the receptacle of a specific module allowing, for example, to carry the electronic functions relating to the control of the device by a user, can be connected to it when it is fixed to the central structure 8.

[0084] According to a particular example, the electromechanical module (namely the motor 14) and the electronic module (namely the battery module 21) are each respectively equipped with at least one integrated sensor (not illustrated) which is specific to them and whose function is to measure the performance of the module with which the sensor is associated during operation of the vacuum cleaner 1. In other words, the electronic module and the electromechanical module are each respectively equipped with at least one sensor configured to (or capable of) carrying out performance measurements of said at least one corresponding module. For example, the motor module 14 may comprise at least one sensor for carrying out performance measurements of the motor module 14 and the battery module 21 may comprise at least one sensor for carrying out performance measurements of the battery module 21.In this way, each module can advantageously monitor its performance, and transmit it, independently of the other module(s) of the electromechanical device.

[0085] The performances measured by each sensor may vary in terms of nature, characteristics, number, etc. depending on the module concerned. For example, each measured performance may define one or more characteristics or parameters (or capacities) of the module considered, such as for example an engine rotation speed (if the speed is zero, this may indicate a fault), an engine temperature, a battery temperature, a power delivered by the battery, a state of charge of the battery, a difference in autonomy with a theoretical autonomy at full charge, etc.

[0086] According to a particular example, the sensors of the different modules are electrically connected to the PCB board 16 via the front and rear connectors (29). Thus, the PCB board 16 can centralize (or collect and / or process) the information, including the performance measurements, coming from (or provided by) the electronic and electromechanical modules (14, 21) and their sensors.

[0087] As described above, the modules mounted in the vacuum cleaner 1, in particular the battery module 21 and the motor module 14, respectively comprise an electronic device for controlling the electric motor 17 and an electronic device for controlling the battery. These electronic control devices have, in addition to controlling the operation of the module, functionalities of diagnosis and prediction of the state of at least one of the modules of the vacuum cleaner. Thus, each of the modules has, beyond the functional aspects specific to it, all the functionalities making it possible to ensure the other functionalities of the invention described below, such as the diagnosis of the state of the module and the prediction of the evolution of this state.

[0088] The stick vacuum cleaner 1 is advantageous in that it allows easy maintenance and / or upgradeability for a non-expert person while preserving the performance and reliability (in particular the longevity) of the device. In this way, it is possible to effectively combat the obsolescence of such a device, whether it is obsolescence of use or technological obsolescence as already indicated. In particular, it is possible for a user to easily repair or improve a part of the electromechanical device (for example a defective part or one that one wishes to modify) at the appropriate time, for example in a preventive manner before degradation of performance or before the occurrence of a breakdown, or in a curative manner when a breakdown or defect occurs, or when the performance of the device is no longer adapted to the context of use.

[0089] For example, it is advantageously possible to improve the performance of the stick vacuum cleaner 1 by modifying a module, such as the battery module and / or motor module, in order to meet new usage needs (for example, a new usage environment requiring an adaptation of the performance of the module(s)). A non-expert user can thus easily ensure the scalability of the electromechanical device by replacing one or more modules assembled in the central structure 8.

[0090] The modular construction within the central structure 8 also allows the modules of the vacuum cleaner 1 to be effectively protected, in particular against dust and shocks, while allowing independent and selective replacement of each module, so that the necessary maintenance and / or upgradeability can be carried out.

[0091] The invention can also advantageously make it possible to detect faults, breakdowns or possible drops in performance (transient or prolonged). modules of the vacuum cleaner 1, and thus to allow a user, even a non-expert, to determine which module requires replacement, and when (for example before or after the occurrence of a breakdown or other). Maintenance or servicing operations can, for example, be announced in a preventive or curative manner, so that the user can identify, and if necessary replace, the appropriate module with another at the appropriate time.

[0092] According to a particular example, the vacuum cleaner 1 forms with a third-party terminal 30 a system, also called a regeneration system, this system making it possible to regenerate (or improve, or maintain, or repair), or to maintain in operational state, or even to ensure the scalability of, the vacuum cleaner 1. The third-party terminal 30 is for example a computer, a smartphone or a tablet. An application, called a dedicated application hereinafter, is installed on this third-party terminal 30. This application (or computer program) can be executed by at least one processor (not shown) of the terminal 30.

[0093] According to a particular example, the application is configured to receive via wireless connection a said alert signal, generated from the performance measurements from the sensors, and to command the third-party terminal 30 to generate a first notification intended for a user, and / or a second notification transmitted by said third-party terminal 30 on a profile of the user of a website and / or in an email box of the user.

[0094] According to a particular example, if the alert signal corresponds to a first state requiring a maintenance operation, the application provides the user with a tutorial procedure (or tutorial information, or usage information) on the third-party terminal 30 to carry out maintenance or servicing of the electromechanical device 1.

[0095] In a particular example, if the alert signal corresponds to a second condition requiring a failure prevention operation, the application authorizes the user to (or allows to) order a replacement module. In a particular example, if the alert signal corresponds to a third condition requiring a fault repair operation, the application authorizes the user to (or allows to) order a replacement module.

[0096] According to a particular example, the PCB board 16 can also be electrically connected to the screen 23 located at the rear of the battery module 21 through the rear connector 29. The PCB board 16 comprises a transmitter / receiver making it possible to establish a wireless connection, for example of the Bluetooth™, Wifi, 4G, 5G type, etc. For example, for the Bluetooth™ connection, the transmitter / receiver is connected to a Bluetooth™ antenna integrated into the handle 10. Thus, the PCB board 16 can transmit to the screen 23 and / or to the third-party terminal 30 through the Bluetooth™ antenna information coming from the battery module 21 and the motor module 14. The third-party terminal can be, for example, a computer, a smartphone or a tablet; a smartphone is illustrated as an example of implementation in FIG. 5, on which a dedicated application is installed.The Bluetooth™ wireless connection can be replaced or combined with a WiFi-type wireless connection or any other wireless connection as indicated above.

[0097] The information transmitted by the PCB card 16 via wireless connection to the third-party terminal can also generate notifications relating to the status of the vacuum cleaner 1 which are sent to the user from the dedicated application and / or by email possibly via a dedicated server.

[0098] The stick vacuum cleaner 1 described above can thus advantageously have a fully, or at least partially, modular architecture. This plug & play type modularity, as explained above, advantageously allows the user to access, without the aid of tools, the main electronic, electromechanical or mechanical components of the device. As illustrated in particular in Figure 1, the electronic or electromechanical modules (motor module 14, battery module 21, handle 10) and the mechanical modules (tank 7, suction tube 3, brush device 5) can be pre-assembled together on the plug & play principle. According to a particular example, the architecture of the stick vacuum cleaner 1 is of the chassis type, that is to say composed of a central structure 8 designed to accommodate electronic modules, electromechanical modules and modules mechanics presenting different performances, and each ensuring specific functions.

[0099] According to a particular example, the electronic or electromechanical modules (motor module 14, battery module 21, handle 10) and the mechanical modules (tank 7, suction tube 3, brush device 5) are assembled without glue in the central structure 8 serving as a chassis.

[0100] If unusual behavior of the module is measured by one of the sensors, for example overheating, under-speed or over-speed of the electric motor 17, an alert signal can advantageously be produced by the PCB board 16 and an alert can be given, for example by being displayed in the form of a pictogram on the screen 23 of the vacuum cleaner 1. For this purpose, performance values ​​can be predefined for each of the sensors and, when the measurement of one of the sensors is outside the predefined values, an alert signal representative of the situation is generated. The alert signal can also be generated by a more complex algorithm crossing the performance values ​​delivered by several sensors and which can integrate a learning function of an artificial intelligence.This alert signal may also be transmitted, for example via the Bluetooth™ wireless connection, from the stick vacuum cleaner 1 to one or more of the third-party terminals mentioned above and on which the dedicated application is installed. It may appear there in the form of a notification which may also be transmitted to a profile of a user's web account and to their email inbox. This alert (called in English "Predictive Maintenance Assistant") may cover at least three types of situations requiring user intervention.

[0101] On the one hand, this alert may correspond to a maintenance situation in order to prevent the occurrence of a breakdown. In this case, the user can access a tutorial procedure (photo, diagram, video) on the third-party terminal in order to assist him in the maintenance procedure of his device. For example, if the sensor of the motor module 14 detects an overspeed of the electric motor 17, the user is invited to empty the tank 7 of the dust contained therein and to clean the various filters of the vacuum cleaner, such as the cyclonic filter unit 12, the HEPA filter 13 and the fabric filter

[0102] On the other hand, the alert may correspond to a predictive failure situation, i.e. the imminent occurrence of a failure. According to a first example, if the sensor of the motor module 14 detects an under-revving or unusual overheating of the electric motor 17, the user is invited to order a replacement motor module 14 from the dedicated application on one of the third-party terminals, or directly on the website of the manufacturer of the stick vacuum cleaner 1, and to substitute it for the defective motor module 14. According to a second example, if the sensor of the battery module 21 detects a significant drop in the charging capacity of the battery, the user is invited to order a replacement battery module 21 from the dedicated application on one of the third-party terminals, or directly on the website of the manufacturer of the stick vacuum cleaner 1, and to substitute it for the defective battery module 21.The user is informed of the status of the vacuum cleaner 1 and what he must do on the screen 23 by pictograms and on the third-party terminals to which the vacuum cleaner is connected by notifications and / or pictograms visible on the dedicated application installed there.

[0103] The alert may also correspond to an actual failure situation rendering the device in whole or in part inoperable, requiring the replacement of the faulty module in order to restore the full capacity of the device.

[0104] In the case of a damaged or defective mechanical module, such as the cyclonic filter unit 12 or the tank 7, the user can go to the dedicated application on one of the third-party terminals connected to the vacuum cleaner 1, or to his dedicated web profile in order to order the defective mechanical module and replace it with a new corresponding mechanical module.

[0105] Thus, the stick vacuum cleaner 1, the third-party terminal(s) connected to the vacuum cleaner and the dedicated application installed on the third-party terminals form a system advantageously making it possible to prevent breakdowns caused by a lack of maintenance or to replace a defective module preventively before a breakdown occurs. This system thus advantageously makes it possible to easily regenerate and maintain in operational condition electromechanical or household appliances, such as a stick vacuum cleaner 1, in order to combat their obsolescence while preserving the performance and reliability of these appliances, in particular by protecting the components of these appliances from dust or other. It is also advantageously possible to replace a module when its performance does not meet needs or a context of use (for example in the event of a change in the environment or context of use).

[0106] All the modules and their variations are available on the dedicated website and on the dedicated application. Thus, as illustrated in Figure 5, through the dedicated application, or the dedicated website, the user can access a configuration panel 31 of his vacuum cleaner (also called in English "modular system configurator"). The user is invited to enter information relating to the context of use of the vacuum cleaner that he wishes to acquire, for example, the surface area of ​​his home, the nature of the floor, whether he has animals, whether he has a vehicle). This information makes it possible to identify the configuration of the vacuum cleaner 1 most appropriate for his use. For example, the autonomy of the battery of the battery module 1 is adapted to the surface area of ​​the home and the power of the electric motor of the motor module 14 is adapted to the nature of the floor and the presence of animals.

[0107] According to a particular example, all electronic modules available on the dedicated application and website include information on their nominal usage warranty, which is itself previously calculated by the manufacturer with or without taking into account the information entered by the user on the control panel. Therefore, if a module fails before the nominal usage period expires, the user can order a replacement module free of charge. Conversely, if the nominal usage warranty period has expired, the user will have to pay the cost of the replacement module when ordering.

[0108] As illustrated in Figure 5 according to a particular example, the dedicated application installed on the third-party terminal presents the user with a tutorial panel 32 to assist him in disassembling or assembling the module to be maintained or replaced. A maintenance or failure occurrence warning panel 33 informs the user of upcoming maintenance operations and of the warning that a module is defective and of the upcoming occurrence of a failure. Thus, the user no longer experiences a breakdown due to a maintenance fault or an interruption of operation due to a defective module having ceased to function.

[0109] In a particular example, packaging used by the manufacturer to send a replacement module to the user's home may be prepaid so that the user can place the replaced defective module therein. Thus, the packaging of the modules is reusable and the electronic and electromechanical modules are redirected by the manufacturer of the vacuum cleaner 1 to recycling centers or suppliers for reconditioning. A recycling panel 34 is available on the dedicated application or on the dedicated website to easily allow the user to return a defective module and ensure its recycling or reconditioning.

[0110] The system advantageously making it possible to regenerate an electromechanical device or a vacuum cleaner 1 described above can be implemented according to a method, called a regeneration method, a particular example of embodiment of which is described below with reference to Figures 1 to 5. First of all, a user can access a configuration panel 31 available in the dedicated application on a third-party terminal 30 in order to best configure the vacuum cleaner 1 (for example a vacuum cleaner that he wishes to acquire) according to his needs. In other words, access is provided to the user, on the third-party terminal 30 through the application, to access the configuration panel 31 of the vacuum cleaner 1. The user enters information relating to the context of use of the vacuum cleaner 1. The application thus obtains the context information entered by the user.Thus, from this information, the dedicated application determines a configuration of the stick vacuum cleaner 1 by identifying (or selecting), from among available electronic and electromechanical modules, said at least one electronic module (for example the battery module 21) and said at least one electromechanical module (for example the motor module 14) which are the most appropriate depending on the context of use. Thus, the application can configure the stick vacuum cleaner 1 by identifying from the range of available electronic or electromechanical modules those which are the most appropriate for its use, for example the battery module whose autonomy is the most adapted to the context of use of the stick vacuum cleaner 1, to propose, thanks to its modular design, the stick vacuum cleaner 1 the configuration most appropriate for its use.

[0111] As explained above, during operation of the vacuum cleaner 1, the performance of the battery module 21 and the motor module 14 can be measured by sensors equipping each of these modules. An alert signal is generated if one or more of the sensors measure performances of the corresponding module which do not conform to predefined values ​​(for example standard values) or which are detected as abnormal by the algorithm which can integrate a learning function of an artificial intelligence. This alert signal can then be transmitted to a device for signaling the status of the electronic device or the vacuum cleaner, this signaling device being able for example to comprise a screen 23 or a transceiver configured to establish a wireless connection with one or more third-party terminals 30 connected to the vacuum cleaner 1 as already described previously.

[0112] In other words, according to a particular example, the method comprises: carrying out performance measurements of said at least one electronic module, such as said battery module 21, and of said at least one electromechanical module, such as said motor module 14, by said at least one sensor equipping each of said modules respectively; generating an alert signal by said at least one sensor if the performance of the corresponding module does not conform to predefined values ​​(for example standard values) or does not conform according to an algorithm which can integrate a learning function; and transmitting said alert signal to a device for signaling the status of the electromechanical device.

[0113] Thus, according to a particular example of embodiment of the method, the alert signal is transmitted to a screen 23 located clearly visible to the user on the battery module 21, and by wireless connection to a dedicated application installed on a third-party terminal or to a dedicated website.

[0114] The alert signal then advantageously makes it possible to view on the screen and the third-party terminal at least three situations corresponding respectively to a first state requiring a maintenance operation, to a second state requiring a breakdown prevention operation and to a third state requiring a breakdown repair operation. To perform the maintenance operation, the user is invited to access the affected module to perform a maintenance operation while being assisted by a tutorial procedure proposed on the dedicated application or the dedicated website. To perform the breakdown prevention operation, the user is invited to order a replacement module on the dedicated application or the dedicated website in order to be able to substitute it for the defective module and thus prevent the occurrence of a breakdown, which allows the stick vacuum cleaner 1 to be kept in optimal operational conditions.To perform the fault repair operation, the user must order a replacement module on the dedicated application or the dedicated website in order to be able to substitute it for the faulty module and thus restore the full functionality of the faulty vacuum cleaner.

[0115] Thus, according to a particular example of embodiment of the regeneration method, the alert signal is transmitted to a screen 23 located on the vacuum cleaner 1 (for display on the screen), and / or to an application installed on a third-party terminal 30, so as to make it possible to view at least any one of: a first state requiring a maintenance operation for which a user is invited to access the affected module to carry out a maintenance operation, a tutorial procedure then being able to be proposed in order to accompany the user to carry out the operation; a second state requiring a breakdown prevention operation for which the user is invited to order a replacement module on the application in order to substitute it for the defective module;and a third state requiring a fault repair operation for which the user must order a replacement module on the application in order to substitute it for the faulty module.;

[0116] The process may be supplemented by information relating to a nominal usage guarantee for each of said battery, engine or mechanical modules. available which are stored on the dedicated application and / or the dedicated website. Thus, if a faulty module fails before the expiration of a guaranteed usage period, the corresponding replacement module can be ordered, for example free of charge.

[0117] The system for regenerating an electromechanical device or the vacuum cleaner 1 described above also comprises a computer program product comprising code instructions allowing the implementation of the method described above. In particular, the application executed on the third-party terminal 30 may constitute a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor of the third-party terminal 30, cause the execution of the steps of the regeneration method.

[0118] As indicated in the foregoing description, the various aspects of the invention may be implemented depending on the context in configuration variants different from those described above. For example, other household appliances or portable power tools may be made according to the invention and form a system allowing their regeneration in order to avoid their obsolescence, for example a blender or a drill.

[0119] Naturally, the invention is described in the foregoing by way of example. It is understood that those skilled in the art are able to carry out different variant embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0120] It is emphasized that all features, as they emerge for a person skilled in the art from this description, the drawings and the attached claims, even if they have been specifically described only in relation to other specific features, both individually and in any combinations, may be combined with other features or groups of features disclosed herein, provided that this has not been expressly excluded or that technical circumstances make such combinations impossible or meaningless.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Electromechanical apparatus comprising a central structure (8) in which at least one electronic device electrically connected to at least one electromechanical device is assembled, said at least one electronic device making it possible to supply electrical energy and / or control said at least one electromechanical device, said electromechanical apparatus in which: - said at least one electronic device and said at least one electromechanical device are respectively arranged in the form of at least one removable electronic module (21) and at least one removable electromechanical module (14); - said at least one electronic module (21) and said at least one electromechanical module (14) respectively comprise a device for controlling said electronic device and said electromechanical device, integrated into said module; and - said at least one electronic module (21) and said at least one electromechanical module (14) are assembled in the central structure (8) and are electrically connected to each other without tools and so as to be directly operational after their assembly.

2. Electromechanical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the central structure (8) forms a chassis in which said at least one electronic device and said at least one electromechanical device are assembled.

3. Electromechanical apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one electronic module (21) and said at least one electromechanical module (14) are each respectively equipped with at least one sensor capable of carrying out performance measurements of said at least one corresponding module, said control devices integrated respectively into said modules being configured to implement, from the performance measurements, diagnostic and prediction functionalities generating an alert signal when the performances of the corresponding module measured by said at least one sensor do not conform to predefined values or by an algorithm capable of integrating a learning function; and to transmit said alert signal to a device for signaling a status of said module.

4. An electromechanical apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said alert signal is representative of at least any one of: a first condition requiring a maintenance operation; a second condition requiring a fault prevention operation; and a third condition requiring a fault repair operation.

5. Electromechanical apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said signaling device comprises at least any one of: - a screen (23) located on the electromechanical device (1) and electrically connected to said at least one electronic module (21); and - a transceiver for establishing a wireless connection with a third-party terminal (30) independent of the electromechanical device (1), such as a tablet or a smartphone, and / or a server capable of generating a notification from an application and / or by email.

6. Electromechanical apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein said electromechanical apparatus is a portable power tool or a household appliance; and wherein said at least one electronic module comprises a battery module (21) comprising a rechargeable battery, and wherein said at least one electromechanical module comprises a motor module (14) comprising an electromotive device (17) electrically powered by the battery module [21].

7. Electromechanical apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises at least one mechanical module (12, 13, 22) assembled in the central structure (8) so as to be functionally connected to said at least one electromechanical module (14) without tools and so as to be directly operational after its assembly.

8. Electromechanical apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: - said at least one electronic module, said at least one electromechanical module and said at least one mechanical module are assembled in said central structure (8) and are electrically or functionally connected between them without tools and so as to be directly operational after their assembly in the central structure; and - said at least one electronic module is configured to provide the power supply to the device (1); and - said at least one mechanical module comprises at least one filter module (12, 13, 22).

9. Electromechanical apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the electromechanical apparatus is a vacuum cleaner.

10. Electromechanical apparatus according to claim 9, wherein: said at least one sensor of the battery module (21) is configured to measure a temperature or a charge capacity of the battery; said at least one sensor of the motor module (14) is configured to measure a temperature or a rotational speed of the electric motor (17); and said signaling device being configured to generate, in response to a said alert signal, an alert rendered in the form of a pictogram or a notification.

11. Electromechanical apparatus according to any combination of the preceding claims including at least claims 4 and 9, wherein: - the first state requires a maintenance operation for which a user is prompted to access the affected module to perform a maintenance operation, such as emptying a dust container (7) and cleaning said at least one filter (12, 13, 22) when said at least one sensor of the engine module detects overspeed; - the second state requires a failure prevention operation for which the user is invited to order a replacement battery module (21) in order to substitute it for the defective battery module (21) before the latter becomes inoperative, when said at least one sensor of the engine module (14) detects an under-speed of the electric motor (17), or to order a replacement engine module (14) in order to substitute it for the defective battery module (14), if said at least one sensor of the motor module (14) detects overheating of the electric motor (17); and - the third state requires a repair operation to restore full functionality of a failed module.

12. Electromechanical apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein said electromechanical apparatus further comprises a PCB card (16) arranged in a housing provided in said central structure (8) and having on a front face at least one front connector and on a rear face (28) at least one rear connector (29); and wherein: - said motor module (14) is inserted from the front into said housing to connect to said at least one front connector of said PCB card (16), and / or - said battery module (21) is inserted into said housing from the rear to connect to said at least one rear connector (29) of said PCB card (16); - said PCB board (16) being configured to centralize information, including performance measurements, coming from the battery and motor modules (21, 14), and to transmit each alert signal to said signaling device.

13. Electromechanical apparatus according to any combination of the preceding claims including at least claims 5 and 12, wherein: - the screen (23) is electrically connected to said PCB board (16), arranged on said vacuum cleaner (1), preferably on a visible part of said battery module (21) once the latter is inserted into said housing, and on which the status of the vacuum cleaner (1) is indicated by pictograms; and / or - the transmitter / receiver is electrically connected or integrated into said PCB card (16) and electrically connected to an antenna located on said central structure (8), preferably in a handle (10), in order to be able to communicate with a said third-party terminal.

14. Regeneration system comprising: an electromechanical device according to any one of claims 1 to 13; and a third-party terminal (30), for example a computer, a smartphone or a tablet, on which an application is installed, said application being configured to receive a said alert signal, produced from the performance measurements, by wireless link and to command said third-party terminal (30) to generate a first notification to a user, and / or a second notification transmitted by said third-party terminal (30), for example on a profile of the user of a website and / or in a mailbox of the user.

15. System according to claim 14, wherein: - if the alert signal corresponds to a first state requiring a maintenance operation, the application provides the user with a tutorial procedure on the third-party terminal (30) for servicing or maintenance of said electromechanical device; - if the alert signal corresponds to a second state requiring a failure prevention operation, the application authorizes the user to order a replacement module, and - if the alert signal corresponds to a third state requiring a fault repair operation, the application authorizes the user to order a replacement module.

16. System according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: - the application is configured to provide, to a user, access through the application to a configuration panel (31) of said electromechanical device to enter information relating to a context of use of said electromechanical device, and to configure said electromechanical device by selecting suitable modules according to the context of use; and / or - the application is configured to cause storage of information relating to a nominal usage guarantee of at least said module.

17. Method of implementing a regeneration system according to any one of claims 1 to 16 for regenerating said electromechanical device, said method comprising: - providing access, for a user, to a configuration panel (31) of said electromechanical device on said third-party terminal (30) through said application; - obtaining, via the control panel, information relating to the context of use of said electromechanical device (1); and - determination, by the application, from information relating to the context of use, of a configuration of said electromechanical device (1) by identifying, among available electronic and electromechanical modules, said at least one electronic module (21) and said at least one electromechanical module (14) which are the most appropriate depending on the context of use, for example the battery module (21) whose autonomy is the most adapted to the context of use of said electromechanical device (1).

18. Method according to claim 17, wherein the method comprises during operation of said electromechanical apparatus (1): - carrying out performance measurements of said at least one electronic module, such as said battery module (21), and of said at least one electromechanical module, such as said motor module (14), by said at least one sensor equipping each of said modules respectively; - generation of an alert signal by said at least one sensor if the performance of the corresponding module does not comply with predefined values or by an algorithm which can integrate a learning function; and - transmission of said alert signal to a device for signaling the status of the electromechanical device.

19. Method according to claim 18, wherein said alert signal is transmitted to a screen (23) located on said electromechanical device (1), and / or to an application installed on a third-party terminal (30), so as to enable at least any one of: - a first state requiring a maintenance operation for which a user is invited to access the affected module to carry out a maintenance operation, a tutorial procedure is proposed in order to accompany the user to carry out the operation; - a second state requiring a failure prevention operation for which the user is invited to order a replacement module on the application in order to substitute it for the defective module; and - a third state requiring a fault repair operation for which the user must order a replacement module on the application in order to replace the faulty module.

20. Computer program product comprising code instructions for implementing the method of any one of claims 17 to 19.