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

Abstract

The vacuum cleaner comprises a suction assembly comprising a suction nozzle and a first electrical connector (18); and a suction accessory comprising a connection nozzle configured to be mechanically and fluidically 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) comprises a protective cavity (22), two male connection pins (24) disposed in the protective cavity (22) and a protection member (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) comprises 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). Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Vacuum cleaner comprising a male electrical connector equipped with a protective member Technical field

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

[0002] A vacuum cleaner, and in particular a portable vacuum cleaner or a stick vacuum cleaner, comprises in a known manner:

[0003] - a suction assembly comprising: • a main body comprising a suction nozzle through which air can be sucked into the suction assembly, • a waste separation and collection device mounted on the main body and fluidically connected to the suction nozzle, and • a suction motor housed in the main body and configured to generate an air flow through the suction nozzle and the waste separation and collection device,

[0004] - a suction accessory comprising a connecting tip which is configured to be mechanically and fluidically connected to the suction nozzle provided on the main body of the suction assembly, and

[0005] - a first electrical connector which is arranged on the main body and a second electrical connector which is arranged on the suction accessory and which is configured to cooperate with the first electrical connector when the connection tip provided on the suction accessory is mechanically connected to the suction tip provided on the main body.

[0006] The first and second electrical connectors more particularly make it possible to electrically power an electrical component arranged directly in the suction accessory or in another accessory electrically and fluidically connected to the suction accessory. For example, the suction accessory may be a suction tube configured to be connected to a suction head provided with a sole intended to be oriented towards a floor to be cleaned, and the suction head may for example be provided with a rotating cleaning brush and a brush drive motor capable of being electrically powered by the suction assembly, via the suction accessory, when the suction accessory is connected to the suction tip provided on the suction assembly.

[0007] In a known manner, one of the first and second electrical connectors is a male electrical connector and comprises a protective cavity and two male connection pins arranged in the protective cavity, and the other of the first and second electrical connectors is a female electrical connector and comprises an insertion portion and two female connection pins arranged in the insertion portion and located respectively opposite two passage orifices opening into an end face of the insertion portion. Such a vacuum cleaner is more particularly configured such that, when the connection tip provided on the suction accessory is mechanically connected to the suction tip provided on the main body, the insertion portion is automatically inserted into the protective cavity and the two male connection pins are automatically connected respectively to the two female connection pins.

[0008] A disadvantage of such a type of vacuum cleaner lies in the fact that an object, waste or the like, 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, and for example during the use or storage phases of the vacuum cleaner.

[0009] However, the presence of an object or the like 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 therefore to prevent a suitable electrical connection between the male connection pins and the female connection pins of the first and second electrical connectors, or even to cause twisting of the two male connection pins, and therefore to prevent an electrical connection between the male connection pins and the connection pins.

[0010] Furthermore, when a metal object, such as a paper clip, is inserted into the protective cavity, and in particular between the two male connection pins, it is likely to electrically connect the two male connection pins, and therefore induce a short circuit within the vacuum cleaner which is likely to harm the entire vacuum cleaner. Summary of the invention

[0011] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0012] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in providing a vacuum cleaner which is of simple, reliable and economical structure, while ensuring an optimal electrical connection between a suction accessory and a main body belonging to the vacuum cleaner.

[0013] To this end, the present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising:

[0014] - a suction assembly comprising:

[0015] a main body comprising a suction nozzle through which air is capable of being sucked by the suction assembly,

[0016] a waste separation and collection device mounted, for example removably, on the main body and fluidically connected to the suction nozzle, and

[0017] 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,

[0018] - a suction accessory comprising a connecting tip which is configured to be mechanically and fluidically connected to the suction nozzle provided on the main body of the suction assembly, and

[0019] - a first electrical connector which is arranged on the main body and a second electrical connector which is arranged 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 tip provided on the suction accessory is mechanically connected to the suction tip provided on the main body,

[0020] one of the first and second electrical connectors being a male electrical connector and comprising a protective cavity, an access opening which opens into the protective cavity and two male connection pins which are arranged 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 part provided with two through-holes opening into an end face of the insertion part, and two female connection pins which are arranged in the insertion part and located respectively opposite the two through-holes,the insertion part 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 passage holes when the connection tip provided on the suction accessory is mechanically connected to the suction tip provided on the main body, ,

[0021] the male electrical connector further comprises a protective member, such as a protective slider, provided with a protective portion and movable between a deployed position in which the protective portion extends between the two male connection pins and a retracted position, and in that the insertion portion is configured to move the protective member from the deployed position to the retracted position when the insertion portion is inserted into the protective cavity.

[0022] Such a configuration of the male electrical connector, and in particular the presence of the protective member, prevents or at least limits the risks of introducing an object or the like between the male connection pins when the suction accessory is not connected to the main body. Thus, during a subsequent connection of the connection tip provided on the suction accessory to the suction tip provided on the main body, a reliable and optimal electrical connection is ensured between the male connection pins and the female connection pins belonging to the male and female electrical connectors. In addition, the presence of the protective member limits the risks of inserting a metallic object into the protective cavity, and therefore the risks of short circuit within the vacuum cleaner by electrical contact between the two male connection pins.

[0023] The vacuum cleaner may further have one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective member is made of electrically insulating material, that is to say of dielectric or electrically non-conductive material, and for example of plastic.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the protective member is in the deployed position, the protective portion extends exclusively between the two male connection pins.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the male connection pins has a free end which is set back from the access opening. Such an arrangement of the male connection pins substantially limits the risks of damage to the male connection pins during the use or storage phases of the vacuum cleaner.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective portion is configured to be located set back from the access opening when the protective member is in the deployed position. Such an arrangement of the protective portion substantially limits the risks of damage to the male connection pins during the use or storage phases of the vacuum cleaner.

[0028] According to the embodiment of the invention, the access opening is oriented towards the front. Such an orientation of the access opening ensures an easy connection between the first and second electrical connectors.

[0029] 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.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the end face of the insertion portion is configured to move the protective member from the deployed position to the retracted position when the insertion portion is inserted into the protective cavity.

[0031] 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 member is in the retracted position, and a passage opening provided in a separation wall separating the protective cavity and the internal housing and through which the protective part extends and is capable of being moved, and more particularly of sliding.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the internal housing is arranged at the rear of the protective cavity.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective part has a cross-section which is substantially identical to the passage section of the passage opening.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protection member is movable in translation in a direction of movement which is substantially parallel to the male connection pins. These arrangements make it possible to limit the size of the male electrical connector.

[0035] 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.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the male electrical connector comprises a guide device configured to guide the protective member in translation in the direction of movement during its movements between the deployed position and the retracted position. These arrangements ensure reliable and optimal movement of the protective member between the deployed and retracted positions.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide device comprises a guide groove extending in 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 movements of the protective member between the deployed position and the retracted position.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide device comprises an additional guide groove which extends in 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 movements of the protective member between the deployed position and the retracted position.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide device comprises two lateral guide walls which partly delimit the internal housing and which are configured to be arranged on either side of the protective part when the protective member occupies the retracted position, the two lateral guide walls being configured to laterally guide the protective part during movements of the protective member between the deployed position and the retracted position.

[0040] 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 protection member comprises a guide finger mounted to slide in the guide slot.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide finger is provided in a rear part of the protection member.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide finger is oriented opposite the guide groove, and for example upwards. Such a configuration of the guide device ensures optimal guidance of the protection member.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the passage opening partly forms the guide device.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the male electrical connector comprises a connector body delimiting the protective cavity. Advantageously, the connector body further delimits the internal housing.

[0045] 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 snap-fastening.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first body portion delimits the protective cavity, and the internal housing is delimited by the first and second body portions.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective portion comprises a free end face which is configured to be substantially flush with or to project relative to the free ends of the male connection pins when the protective member is in the deployed position. Such an arrangement of the protective portion further reduces the risks of inserting an object or the like between the two male connection pins.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective member is configured to be fully retracted out of the protective cavity when the protective member is in the retracted position.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective part is substantially flat.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective portion extends in the median longitudinal plane of the male electrical connector.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two male connection pins are arranged, for example symmetrically, on either side of the Ion- plane. median horizontal of the male electrical connector.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the insertion part and the protective cavity have generally complementary shapes.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the male electrical connector comprises a biasing member, such as a biasing spring, configured to bias the protective member toward the deployed position. Thus, when the suction accessory is disconnected from the main body, the protective member is automatically returned to the deployed position.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the insertion portion, and for example the end face of the insertion portion, is configured to push the protective member towards the retracted position and against the thrust force exerted by the biasing member when the insertion portion is inserted into the protective cavity.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the biasing member extends along an extension axis which is offset, for example upwards, relative to a median longitudinal axis of the protective portion. Such an arrangement of the biasing member makes it possible to bring the two electrical connection pins closer together and therefore to limit the width of the male electrical connector.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the male electrical connector comprises non-removable side walls delimiting the protective cavity and extending around the male connection pins.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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 approximately 2.5 mm.

[0059] 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 approximately 6 mm.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective member has a length of between 15 and 30 mm, advantageously between 18 and 25 mm, and for example approximately 20.5 mm.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction tip and the first electrical connector are arranged in a front part of the main body.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first electrical connector is arranged below the suction tip.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body comprises a suction duct which is fluidically connected to the suction nozzle.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction duct extends substantially parallel to the motor axis.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device is of the cyclonic type.

[0066] 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 may for example be collinear with the motor axis.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction accessory is a suction tube or a suction head.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction tube is configured to be connected to a suction head.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction head is provided with a sole intended 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 assembly when the connection tip provided on the suction accessory is connected to the suction tip provided on the suction assembly.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction assembly comprises a gripping handle mechanically connected to the main body.

[0071] 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 relative to the motor axis.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction motor is located at the rear of the median longitudinal axis of the gripping handle.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner is a portable vacuum cleaner, also called a hand-held vacuum cleaner, or a stick vacuum cleaner.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction assembly comprises a rechargeable battery configured to electrically power the vacuum cleaner.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first electrical connector is configured to be electrically connected to the rechargeable battery.

[0076] 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.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction assembly comprises an upright which extends substantially parallel to the gripping handle and between the battery housing and the main body. Brief description of the figures

[0078] In any case, the invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows with reference to the appended schematic drawings representing, by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of this vacuum cleaner.

[0079] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0080] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a suction assembly belonging to the vacuum cleaner of [Fig.l];

[0081] [Fig.3] is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the suction assembly of the [Fig.2] ;

[0082] [Fig.4] is a truncated perspective view of first and second connectors electrical devices belonging to the vacuum cleaner of [Fig.l] and in a disconnected state;

[0083] [Fig.5] is a truncated perspective view of the first and second connectors electrical connections of [Fig.4] in the disconnected state;

[0084] [Fig.6] is a truncated perspective view of the first and second connectors electrical elements of [Fig.4] in a connected state;

[0085] [Fig.7] is a truncated perspective view of the first and second connectors electrical [Fig.4] in the connected state;

[0086] [Fig.8] is an exploded perspective view of the first electrical connector of the [Fig.4] ;

[0087] [Fig.9] is a top view of the first electrical connector of [Fig.4];

[0088] [Fig. 10] is a front perspective view of the first electrical connector of [Fig.4];

[0089] [Fig. 11] is a rear perspective view of a first body portion belonging to the first electrical connector of [Fig.4];

[0090] [Fig. 12] is a front perspective view of the first body part of [Fig. 11]

[0091] [Fig. 13] is a truncated perspective view of the first electrical connector of the [Fig.4], Detailed description

[0092] In this document, the terms "front", "rear", "upper" and "below" are defined in relation to a use of the vacuum cleaner during which the user holds the suction assembly by the grip handle and keeps it substantially horizontally, and the suction nozzle provided on the main body is located opposite the user.

[0093] In this document, “substantially flush” means two surfaces which are flush or which have an offset of less than 1 mm.

[0094] Figures 1 to 13 represent a vacuum cleaner 2, and more particularly a vacuum cleaner brooms, comprising a suction assembly 3 and a suction accessory 4 configured to be mechanically and electrically connected to the suction assembly 3.

[0095] The suction assembly 3 comprises a main body 5 comprising a suction nozzle 6 through which air is capable of being sucked by the suction assembly 3 and to which the suction accessory 4 is capable of being connected, and a suction duct 7 which is fluidically connected to the suction nozzle 6. Advantageously, the suction nozzle 6 is arranged in a front part of the main body 5.

[0096] The suction assembly 3 further comprises a waste separation and collection device 8 which is removably mounted on the main body 5 and which is fluidically connected to the suction duct 7. The waste separation and collection device 8 is advantageously of the cyclonic type, and comprises in particular a waste storage container 9, and a tubular separation member (not visible in the figures) housed in the waste storage container 9 and delimiting with the latter a cyclonic separation chamber. The waste storage container 9 more particularly comprises an air intake opening which is fluidically connected to the suction duct 7. Advantageously, the suction duct 7 extends along an external surface of the waste separation and collection device 8.

[0097] As shown in [Fig. 3], the suction assembly 3 further comprises a suction motor 11 which has a motor axis A and which is housed in the main body 5. The suction motor 11 is configured to generate an air flow 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.

[0098] The suction assembly 3 further comprises a gripping handle 12 mechanically connected to the main body 5 and allowing the suction assembly 3 to be gripped by a user. Advantageously, the gripping handle 12 is elongated and has a median longitudinal axis B. The gripping handle 12 can be obtained by manufacturing in a single piece with the main body 5 or be attached to it.

[0099] 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 at the rear of the median longitudinal axis B of the gripping handle 12, and the suction duct 7 extends substantially parallel to the motor axis A.

[0100] As shown in [Fig.3], the vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a battery re chargeable battery 13 configured to electrically power the vacuum cleaner 2, and in particular the suction motor 11. The rechargeable battery 13, also called a battery pack, comprises several battery cells. The rechargeable battery 13 is advantageously housed in a battery housing 14 connected to the gripping handle 12, and more particularly to a lower part of the gripping handle 12. Advantageously, the main body 5 comprises an upright 15 which extends substantially parallel to the gripping handle 12 and between the battery housing 14 and the main body 5.

[0101] The suction assembly 3 also comprises 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 [Fig.2], the suction assembly 3 further comprises a control button 16 configured to control in particular the operation of the suction motor 11 when the control button 16 is actuated by the user.

[0102] As shown in [Fig.l], the suction accessory 4 is a suction tube configured to be connected to a suction head 20 provided with a sole intended to be oriented towards a floor to be cleaned. The suction accessory 4 more particularly comprises a connection tip 17 which is configured to be mechanically and fluidically connected to the suction tip 6 provided on the main body 5 of the suction assembly 3.

[0103] The suction head 20 may for example be provided with a rotating cleaning brush and a brush drive motor capable of being electrically powered by the suction assembly 3, and in particular by the rechargeable battery 13, via the suction accessory 4, when the connection tip 17 provided on the suction accessory 4 is connected to the suction tip 6 provided on the suction assembly 3.

[0104] For this purpose, the vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a first electrical connector 18 which is arranged 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 arranged on the suction accessory 4 and which is configured to cooperate with the first electrical connector 18, that is to say 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] As shown in [Fig.4], the first electrical connector 18 more particularly comprises a connector body 21 comprising a first body part 21.1 and a second body part 21.2 which are distinct from one another and which are fixed to one another, for example by snap-fastening.

[0107] The first electrical connector 18 further comprises a protective cavity 22 delimited by the first body part 21.1, an access opening 23 which is provided on the first body part 21.1, which is oriented forwards and 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 each other. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the connector body 21 comprises irremovable side walls delimiting the protective cavity 22 and extending around the male connection pins 24.

[0108] 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 set back from the access opening 23, and the two male connection pins 24 are for example spaced from each other by a separation distance which is less than 10 mm.

[0109] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second electrical connector 19 comprises an insertion part 25 provided with two passage orifices 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 passage orifices 26 respectively. Advantageously, the insertion part 25 and the protective cavity 22 have generally complementary shapes.

[0110] 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 passage holes 26 when the connection tip 17 provided on the suction accessory 4 is mechanically connected to the suction tip 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 direction of extension of the two male connection pins 24.

[0111] The first electrical connector 18 further comprises a protective member 28, such as a protective slide, which is arranged in the connector body 21. The protective member 28 is movable in translation, in a direction of movement DI which is substantially parallel to the male connection pins 24, between a deployed position (visible in FIGS. 4 and 5) and a retracted position (visible in FIGS. 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 connection tip 17 is connected to the suction tip 6.

[0112] The protective member 28 more particularly comprises a protective portion 29 which is configured to extend, for example exclusively, between the two male connection pins 24 when the protective member 28 is in the deployed position, and therefore to prevent or at least limit the risks of introduction of an object or waste between the male connection pins 24 when the suction accessory 4 is not connected to the main body 5, which could hinder a subsequent connection of the suction accessory 4 to the main body 5. Advantageously, the protective portion 29 is substantially flat and extends in the median longitudinal plane of the first electrical connector 18.

[0113] 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 approximately 2.5 mm, and a height of less than 12 mm, advantageously less than 8 mm, and for example approximately 6 mm, and the protective member 28 may have a length of between 15 and 30 mm, advantageously between 18 and 25 mm, and for example approximately 20.5 mm.

[0114] The protective part 29 more particularly comprises 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 set back from the access opening 23, when the protective member 28 is in the deployed position.

[0115] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first electrical connector 18 also comprises an internal housing 31 which is arranged at the rear of the protective cavity 22 and in which the protective part 29 is housed at least in part when the protective member 28 is in the retracted position. In addition, the first electrical connector 18 comprises a passage opening 32, for example oblong, provided in a separation wall 33 separating the protective cavity 22 and the internal housing 31, and 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.

[0116] 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 protection member 28 is configured to be fully retracted out of the protection cavity 22 when the protection member 28 is in the retracted position, and thus to be located substantially entirely within the internal housing 31.

[0117] The first electrical connector 18 further comprises a biasing member 34, such as a biasing spring, configured to bias the protective member 28 toward the deployed position. Thus, when the suction accessory 4 is disconnected from the main body 5, the protective member 28 is automatically returned to the deployed position.

[0118] The end face 25.1 of the insertion portion 25 is more particularly configured to push the protection member 28 towards the retracted position and against the thrust force exerted by the biasing member 34 when the insertion portion 25 is inserted into the protection cavity 22.

[0119] 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.

[0120] As shown more particularly in [Fig.4], the stressing member 34 extends along an extension axis C which is offset, for example upwards, relative to a median longitudinal axis of the protective part 29. Advantageously, the stressing member 34 extends in the median longitudinal plane of the first electrical connector 18.

[0121] As shown in [Fig.4], the first electrical connector 18 further comprises a guide device configured to guide the protection member 28 in translation along the direction of movement DI during its movements between the deployed position and the retracted position.

[0122] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the guide device comprises a guide groove 35 which extends into the protective cavity 22, and which is therefore provided on an internal 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 movements of the protective member 28 between the deployed position and the retracted position.

[0123] The guide device also comprises an additional guide groove 36 which extends into the internal housing 31 and which also extends parallel to the direction of movement D1, the additional guide groove 36 being configured to cooperate with the aforementioned longitudinal portion of the protective part 29 during movements of the protective member 28 between the deployed position and the retracted position. The guide groove 35 and the additional guide groove 36 are more particularly provided on the first body part 21.1.

[0124] Advantageously, the guide device further comprises two lateral guide walls 37 which partially delimit the internal housing 31 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 extend substantially parallel to the median longitudinal plane of the first electrical connector 18, and are more particularly configured to laterally guide the protective portion 29 during movements of the protective member 28 between the deployed position and the retracted position. Advantageously, the two lateral guide walls 37 are provided on the second body portion 21.2.

[0125] The guide device further comprises a guide slot 38 extending parallel to the direction of movement DI and opening into the internal housing 31, and the protection member 28 comprises a guide finger 39 provided in a rear part of the protection member 28 and slidably mounted 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 the guide groove 35, and therefore upwards.

[0126] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the passage opening 32 partly forms the guide device since it advantageously has a passage section which is substantially identical to the cross section of the protective part 29.

[0127] 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.

[0128] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated which has been given only as an example. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. Claims Vacuum cleaner (2) including: - a suction assembly (3) comprising: • a main body (5) comprising a suction nozzle (6) through which air is capable of being sucked by the suction assembly (3), • a waste separation and collection 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 separation and collection device (8), - a suction accessory (4) comprising a connecting tip (17) which is configured to be mechanically and fluidically connected to the suction tip (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 tip (17) provided on the suction accessory (4) is mechanically connected to the suction tip (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 each other, and the other of the first and second electrical connectors (18, 19)19) being a female electrical connector and comprising an insertion part (25) provided with two passage 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 each other respec-, tively of the two passage holes (26), the insertion part (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 passage holes (26) when the connection tip (17) provided on the suction accessory (4) is mechanically connected to the suction tip (6) provided on the main body (5), characterized in that the male electrical connector further comprises a protection member (28) provided with a protection part (29) and movable between a deployed position in which the protection part (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. A 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 extended position to the retracted position when the insertion portion (25) is inserted into the protective cavity (22).

3. A 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 at least partly housed when the protective member (28) is in the retracted position, and a passage opening (32) provided in a partition wall (33) separating the protective cavity (22) and the internal housing (31) and through which the protective portion (29) extends and is capable of being moved.

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

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

6. Vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 5, in which the male electrical connector comprises a guide device configured to guide the protective member (28) in translation in the direction of movement (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 direction of movement (D1), the guide groove (35) being configured to cooperate with a longitudinal portion of the protective part (29) during 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 partly delimit the internal housing (31) and which are configured to be arranged on either side of the protective part (29) when the protective member (28) occupies the retracted position, the two lateral guide walls (37) being configured to laterally guide the protective part (29) during 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, in which the guide device comprises a guide slot (38) extending parallel to the direction of movement (D1) and opening into the internal housing (31), and the protection member (28) comprises a guide finger (39) slidably mounted in the guide slot (38).

10. A 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. A 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. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the protective portion (29) is substantially flat.

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

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

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

16. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the male electrical connector comprises non-removable side walls delimiting the protective cavity (22) and extending around the male connection pins (24).

17. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the suction accessory (4) is a suction tube or a suction head.

18. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the suction assembly (3) comprises a rechargeable battery (13) configured to electrically power the vacuum cleaner.

19. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, which is a handheld vacuum cleaner or a stick vacuum cleaner.

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