Cleaning unit for vacuum head

Abstract

The cleaning unit (11) includes a rotating brush (12) configured for removable mounting in a suction chamber of a suction head (2), and a closing plug (16) configured to close a passage opening (13) provided on the suction head (2) through which the rotating brush (12) can be removed from the suction chamber. The closing plug (16) comprises a plug body (17); a locking member (18) movable between locking and unlocking positions; and a gripping member (27) configured to move the locking member (18) from the locking position to the unlocking position and to move axially away from the plug body (17) when the gripping member (27) is moved from a first position to a second position. Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Cleaning unit for suction head technical field

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

[0002] Vacuum cleaners equipped with a suction head are well known on the market; these allow surfaces to be cleaned by suction to remove dust and debris from them. The surface to be vacuumed can, for example, be tile, parquet flooring, laminate flooring, carpet, or rugs.

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

[0004] In order to improve the cleaning performance of a suction head, it is known to equip the latter with a cleaning unit comprising:

[0005] - a rotating brush that is mobile in rotation about an axis of rotation and that is mounted removably within a suction chamber delimited by the main body of the suction head, and

[0006] - a closing cap that is configured to at least partially close a opening provided on the main body through which the rotating brush is able to be inserted into and removed from the suction chamber, the rotating brush being rotatable relative to the closing cap.

[0007] In order to ensure retention of the rotating brush in the suction chamber, the closing cap advantageously comprises a cap body and locking means provided on the cap body and configured to lock the cap body onto the main body.

[0008] Document FR3094624 discloses a closure cap whose locking means comprise several locking members movable relative to the cap body between a locked position in which the locking members are configured to cooperate with locking elements, such as locking grooves, provided on the main body so as to prevent the rotating brush from being withdrawn from the suction chamber, and an unlocked position in which the locking members are configured to release the locking elements. rusting in such a way as to allow removal of the rotating brush from the suction chamber.

[0009] The closure cap described in document FR3094624 further comprises a gripping member provided with several drive pins engaged respectively in circular openings provided on the locking members, and mounted to rotate relative to the cap body between a first actuating position and a second actuating position. The actuating member and the locking members are configured such that a movement of the actuating member from the first actuating position to the second actuating position results in a movement of the locking members from the locked position to the unlocked position, and such that a movement of the actuating member from the second actuating position to the first actuating position results in a movement of the locking members from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0010] Such a configuration of the closure cap allows locking / unlocking of the cap body only by moving the actuating member between the first and second actuating positions.

[0011] However, the gripping organ, due to its configuration, can only be manipulated by a user with the tips of two or three fingers, and therefore does not allow a firm and ergonomic grip on the gripping organ, which can make it difficult, for some users, in particular, to remove the rotating brush from the suction chamber. Summary of the invention

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

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

[0014] To this end, the present invention relates to a cleaning unit for a suction head, comprising:

[0015] - a rotating brush that is movable in rotation about an axis of rotation and that is configured to be removably mounted in a suction chamber delimited by a main body of the suction head, and

[0016] - a closing cap that is configured to at least partially close a an opening provided on the main body through which the rotating brush can be inserted into the suction chamber and removed from the suction chamber, the rotating brush being rotating relative to the closing cap, the closing cap comprising: • a cork body, • locking means configured to lock the cap body onto the main body, the locking means comprising at least one locking member which is movable relative to the cap body between a locked position in which at least one locking member is configured to cooperate with at least one locking element provided on the main body so as to prevent the rotating brush from being withdrawn from the suction chamber and an unlocked position in which at least one locking member is configured to release at least one locking element so as to allow the rotating brush to be withdrawn from the suction chamber, and • a gripping member configured to be grasped by a user, the gripping member being mounted movable relative to the cap body between a first position and a second position, the gripping member and at least one locking member being configured such that a movement of the gripping member from the first position to the second position causes at least one locking member to move from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0017] The gripping member is mounted movable relative to the cap body according to a displacement movement comprising at least one displacement component, and more particularly a translation component, extending substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush, and for example along the axis of rotation of the rotating brush, and in that the gripping member is configured to move away axially from the cap body during a displacement of the gripping member from the first position to the second position.

[0018] In other words, the gripping member is configured such that a separation distance between the cap body and the gripping member, measured along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush, increases when the gripping member is moved from the first position to the second position.

[0019] Such a configuration of the gripping element, and in particular the fact that it moves away from the cap body when the gripping element is moved from the first position to the second position, progressively facilitates the gripping and handling of the gripping element by a user when moving the gripping element to the second position, and thus allows for easy and ergonomic removal of the rotating brush from the suction chamber. Indeed, the removal of Removing the rotating brush from the suction chamber requires applying a pulling force to the closing cap, and it is easier to apply this pulling force to the closing cap when a firm grip on the gripping device is possible.

[0020] The cleaning unit may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping member is configured to move axially closer to the cap body when the gripping member is moved from the second position to the first position. In other words, the gripping member is configured such that the separation distance between the cap body and the gripping member, measured along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush, decreases when the gripping member is moved from the second position to the first position.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping member is configured to be moved from the first position to the second position when a rotational torque is applied to the gripping member by a user.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping member is configured to extend axially beyond the body of the cap, i.e. to protrude from the body of the cap, when the gripping member occupies the second position.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the closing cap comprises a receiving cavity into which the gripping member is received when the gripping member is in its first position. These arrangements prevent the gripping member from catching on an obstacle when the suction head is moving over a surface to be cleaned.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one locking member is movable relative to the cap body in a locking / unlocking movement which is distinct and different from the movement of the gripping member relative to the cap body.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking / unlocking movement of the locking member relative to the cap body includes at least one radial displacement component, i.e., one that extends radially relative to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the displacement movement of the gripping member relative to the cap body further comprises a rotational component about the axis of rotation of the rotating brush, that is to say, a component that is tangent to a circle centered on the axis of rotation of the rotating brush and perpendicular to said axis of rotation. The fact that the displacement movement of the gripping member relative to the cap body includes a a displacement component which extends substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush allows the gripping member to be moved axially away from the cap body for better gripping of the gripping member and facilitates the removal of the rotating brush, while the fact that the displacement movement of the gripping member relative to the cap body has a rotational component allows at least one locking member to be moved easily between the locking position and the unlocking position.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the movement of the gripping member relative to the cap body comprises a translational component, also called the axial displacement component, extending along the axis of rotation of the rotating brush, and a rotational component around the axis of rotation of the rotating brush.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the displacement movement of the gripping member relative to the cap body is substantially helical around the axis of rotation of the rotating brush.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the closure cap comprises a guide device configured to guide the gripping member relative to the cap body in a displacement movement which is substantially helical during a displacement of the gripping member between the first position and the second position, the guide device comprising at least one guide element provided on the gripping member and at least one guide element provided on the cap body and configured to cooperate with the at least one guide element.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guiding device is more particularly configured to guide the gripping member relative to the cap body according to a first helical displacement movement and in a first winding direction around the axis of rotation during a movement of the gripping member from the first position to the second position, and to guide the gripping member relative to the cap body according to a second helical displacement movement and in a second winding direction around the axis of rotation, reversed with respect to the first winding direction, during a movement of the gripping member from the second position to the first position.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, one of the at least one guide member and of the at least one guide element is a guide groove, and the other of the at least one guide member and of the at least one guide element is a guide lug mounted to slide in the guide groove.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one guide member is a guide groove, and at least one guide element is a guide lug mounted to slide in the guide groove.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide lug extends radially outwards from the closing cap relative to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cap body comprises a cylindrical portion centered on the axis of rotation of the rotating brush, the guide groove being provided on an internal face of the cylindrical portion.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide groove comprises at least a portion of the groove which extends substantially helically around the axis of rotation of the rotating brush.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking means comprise a drive part mounted movable in rotation relative to the cap body around a drive axis which is substantially coincident with the axis of rotation of the rotating brush, the gripping member being configured to drive the drive part in rotation around the drive axis and in a direction of unlocking when the gripping member is moved from the first position to the second position, and at least one locking member being fixed to the drive part and being configured to be moved from the locking position to the unlocking position when the drive part is driven in rotation around the drive axis and in the direction of unlocking.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping member is configured to rotate the drive part around the drive axis and in a locking direction, opposite to the unlocking direction, when the gripping member is moved from the second position to the first position, and at least one locking member is configured to be moved from the unlocking position to the locking position when the drive part is rotated around the drive axis and in the locking direction.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping member is rotationally fixed to the drive part.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping member comprises a gripping part configured to be grasped by a user, and an actuating part which is rotationally coupled to the drive part and which is configured to rotate the drive part around the drive axis when the gripping member is moved between the first position and the second position.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping member is mounted movable in translation relative to the drive part in a direction of translation which is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one guiding element is planned on the actuation part.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation part comprises at least one actuation leg extending substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush and being offset from the axis of rotation, at least one actuation leg extending through a through orifice provided on the drive part.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cap body comprises a bottom wall having a first face oriented towards at least one locking member and a second face oriented towards the rotating brush, at least one actuating lug projecting from the second face of the bottom wall.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive part bears against the first face of the bottom wall.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one guide element is provided on at least one actuating lug, and for example on an external face of at least one actuating lug.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation part comprises several actuation lugs distributed, and for example regularly distributed, around the axis of rotation of the rotating brush.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one locking member and the gripping member are distinct from each other.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one locking member is elastically deformable.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one locking member is configured to be elastically compressed when at least one locking member is moved towards the unlocking position and to elastically extend towards the locking position when at least one locking member occupies the unlocking position.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, when at least one locking member is moved towards the unlocking position, the at least one locking member is configured to be elastically compressed in a compression direction having at least one component oriented radially towards the inside of the closing plug relative to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush, and, when the at least one locking member occupies the unlocking position, the at least one locking member is configured to relax at least partially, towards the locking position, in a relaxation direction having at least one component oriented radially outwards from the closing plug relative to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cap body comprises at least a deformation surface configured to elastically deform at least one locking member when at least one locking member is moved into the unlocking position.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cap body comprises at least one deformation ramp including at least one deformation surface.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one deformation surface, preferably at least one deformation ramp, is curved. This at least one deformation surface, preferably at least one deformation ramp, may, for example, have an arc-shaped form or exhibit a gradually increasing radius of curvature. Such a configuration of the at least one deformation surface ensures smooth deformation of the at least one locking element and limits the risk of its failure.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, when at least one locking member is in the unlocked position, the locking member is configured to elastically pull the gripping member towards the first position. Such a configuration of the closure cap ensures automatic movement of the gripping member from the second position to the first position, without requiring an additional return element. These arrangements simplify the structure of the closure cap, thereby reducing its manufacturing costs, and also guarantee easy and ergonomic automatic locking of the cap body onto the main body of the suction head.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking member comprises a connecting arm extending from the drive part, and for example from an external peripheral surface of the drive part, and which is elongated and elastically deformable, and a locking part extending from the connecting arm and which is configured to cooperate with the at least one locking element provided on the main body.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting arm extends at least partially around the drive part.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking part is formed at a distal end of at least one locking member.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting arm is linked to the drive part at a connection zone, the locking part and the connection zone being angularly offset with respect to the axis of rotation. These arrangements facilitate the movement of the locking part relative to the cap body when at least one locking member is moved between the locked and unlocked positions.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking portion of at least one locking member has a chamfer configured to cooperate with the main body when the closing plug is inserted into the passage opening, so as to move the at least one locking member towards the unlocking position. Such a configuration of the locking means allows a user to insert the cleaning unit into the suction chamber without requiring prior movement of the gripping member into the second position, which further facilitates locking the closing plug onto the main body.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking portion has a first maximum width and the connecting arm has a second maximum width that is less than the first maximum width. These arrangements facilitate the elastic deformation of the connecting arm when at least one locking member is moved between the locked and unlocked positions, while ensuring secure locking of the locking cap when at least one locking member is in the locked position.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting arm is configured to slide on at least one deformation surface such that, when the gripping member is moved from the first position to the second position, the connecting arm deforms elastically towards the axis of rotation and causes a displacement of at least one locking member towards the unlocking position.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one locking member comprises a first curved portion having a concavity oriented towards the inside of the closure cap, and a second curved portion having a concavity oriented towards the outside of the closure cap. These arrangements provide greater elasticity to the at least one locking member and limit the risk of its breakage.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one locking member is configured to protrude, for example substantially radially, from an external periphery of the cap body when at least one locking member occupies the locking position.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one locking member is configured to be located recessed from or substantially flush with the outer periphery of the cap body when at least one locking member is in the unlocked position.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the closure cap includes an angular stroke limiting device configured to limit an angular stroke of the gripping member relative to the cap body.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the stroke limiting device The angular design includes a first end stop configured to prevent rotation of the gripping member, in a first direction of rotation, beyond the second position, and a second end stop configured to prevent rotation of the gripping member, in a second direction of rotation, beyond the first position. These features prevent, in particular, at least one locking element from fully penetrating the cap body and becoming lodged within it, which could render the cap inoperable. Thus, this configuration of the cap provides it with greater reliability.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second end stops is provided on the cap body or on a damping element fixed to the cap body, and for example received in the cylindrical portion of the cap body.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one actuation leg comprises a first bearing surface and a second bearing surface configured to come into contact respectively with the first and second end stops.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking means comprise several locking members distributed around the axis of rotation of the rotating brush. Such a configuration of the locking means ensures optimal locking of the closure plug onto the main body.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking elements extend in the same plane of extension. Such a configuration of the locking means gives the closure cap a very compact size. The plane of extension can, for example, extend substantially perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rotating brush is configured to be mounted removably in the suction chamber in a mounting direction which extends transversely, and preferably perpendicularly, to a direction of movement of the suction head.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, the closure cap comprises a cover that is fixed to the cap body, the cover and the cap body at least partially defining an internal housing in which at least one locking member is housed. Advantageously, the cover at least partially defines the receiving cavity in which the gripping member is received when the gripping member is in its first position.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hood is rotationally fixed to the drive part. Advantageously, the drive part and the hood are made in one piece, that is to say they are monobloc.

[0075] The present invention further relates to a suction head comprising:

[0076] - a main body comprising a suction chamber opening into a face lower part of the main body which is configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned, a passage opening leading into the suction chamber, and at least one locking element, and

[0077] - a cleaning unit according to the invention, the rotating brush being mounted in such a way removable in the suction chamber and being able to be introduced into and removed from the suction chamber via the passage opening, the closing plug closing at least partially the passage opening and at least one locking member cooperating with at least one locking element.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one locking element comprises at least one stop surface against which at least one locking member is configured to bear when at least one locking member occupies the locking position, the at least one stop surface being configured to prevent a displacement of the closing plug relative to the main body in a direction of withdrawal of the rotating brush out of the suction chamber.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one locking element comprises at least one locking housing, such as a locking groove, a locking notch, or a circular locking hole, in which at least one locking member is configured to engage when the locking member is in the locked position. Advantageously, the at least one locking housing extends at least partially around the passage opening.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction head includes a keying device configured to impose a relative angular orientation between the closing plug and the main body when the plug body is inserted into the passage opening.

[0081] According to the embodiment of the invention, the passage opening is provided on a lateral face of the main body. Brief description of the figures

[0082] In any case, the invention will be well understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the attached schematic drawings representing, by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of this suction head.

[0083] Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of a suction head according to the present invention.

[0084] Fig. 2 is a top perspective view of the suction head of Fig. 1 showing a rotating brush of the suction head partially removed.

[0085] Fig. 3 is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of the suction head of Fig. 1.

[0086] Fig. 4 is a partial perspective view of the suction head of Fig. 1, in which a suction head cleaning unit has been placed.

[0087] Fig. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the suction head of Fig. 1.

[0088] Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the closure cap, showing locking mechanisms in the locked position.

[0089] Fig. 7 is a front perspective view of the closure cap, showing the locking members in the unlocked position.

[0090] Fig. 8 is a top view of the closure cap, showing the locking members in the locked position.

[0091] Fig. 9 is a top view of the closure cap, showing the locking members in the unlocked position.

[0092] Fig. 10 is a rear perspective view of the closure cap, showing the locking members in the locked position.

[0093] Fig. 11 is a longitudinal, perspective cross-sectional view of the closure cap, showing the locking members in the locked position.

[0094] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the closure cap, showing the locking members in the locked position.

[0095] Fig. 13 is a partial perspective view of the closure cap.

[0096] Figure 14 is a rear perspective view of a cap body belonging to the closing cap.

[0097] Fig. 15 is a partial rear perspective view of the closure cap.

[0098] Figure 16 is a perspective view from the front of a hood and locking mechanisms belonging to the closing cap.

[0099] Fig. 17 is a rear perspective view of the hood and locking elements belonging to the closing cap.

[0100] The [Fig. 18] is a front perspective view of a gripping member belonging to the closure cap. Detailed description

[0101] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term "substantially" means, in this document, "exactly or to within 10% or to within 10°".

[0102] Figures 1 to 18 represent a suction head 2 comprising a connecting sleeve 3 to which is intended to be connected a nozzle of a rigid or flexible tube, itself connected to a suction system of a vacuum cleaner (not shown). Various variants of vacuum cleaners already exist on the market and can be used with the suction head 2 according to the invention; these variants being known to a person skilled in the art, they are not detailed in the present patent application.

[0103] The suction head 2 comprises a main body 4 configured to be moved over a surface to be cleaned. The connecting sleeve 3 is advantageously mounted in a pivot joint relative to the main body 4 so as to allow the connecting sleeve 3, relative to the main body 4, to pivot forward and backward when the suction head 2 is moved along a direction of travel DI.

[0104] The main body 4 comprises a sole 5 having a lower face 6 configured to be oriented towards the surface to be cleaned, and a suction inlet 7 opening onto the lower face 6. The suction inlet 7 communicates with the connecting sleeve 3 via, in particular, a suction duct formed at least in part, for example, by a flexible connecting duct. The suction inlet 7 may, for example, have an elongated shape and extend transversely, and for example perpendicularly, to the direction of movement DI of the suction head 2.

[0105] The main body 4 further includes a suction chamber 9 which opens into the lower face 6 of the sole 5 via the suction mouth 7, and which is fluidly connected to the suction conduit.

[0106] The suction head 2 also includes a cleaning unit 11 comprising a rotating brush 12 which is movably mounted in the suction chamber 9 about an axis of rotation A which coincides with the central longitudinal axis of the rotating brush 12. Advantageously, the rotating brush 12 is removably mounted in the suction chamber 9 and is configured to be inserted into and removed from the suction chamber 9 along a mounting direction D2. The mounting direction D2 extends transversely, and preferably perpendicularly, to the direction of movement DI of the suction head 2.

[0107] As shown in [Fig.4], the main body 4 has a passage opening 13 leading into the suction chamber 9 and through which the rotating brush 12 can be introduced into and removed from the suction chamber 9. Advantageously, the passage opening 13 is provided on a lateral face of the main body 4.

[0108] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the rotary brush 12 comprises a brush body 14 which is, for example, tubular, and bristles 15 provided on the external surface of the brush body 14. Advantageously, the brush body 14 is cylindrical with a circular cross-section, and the rotary brush 12 comprises one or more rows of bristles extending, for example, helically around the longitudinal axis. central part of the rotating brush 12. The rotating brush 12 could, for example, comprise at least one row of bristles and at least one elastically deformable blade. According to an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the rows of bristles could be replaced by a foam cleaning sleeve.

[0109] The cleaning unit 11 further includes a closing plug 16 which is configured to at least partially close the passage opening 13 when the rotating brush 12 is mounted in the suction chamber 9.

[0110] The closure cap 16 comprises a cap body 17 and locking means configured to lock the cap body 17 onto the main body 4.

[0111] The locking means comprise at least one locking member 18, advantageously three locking members 18, which are mounted movable, relative to the plug body 17, between a locking position in which the locking members 18 cooperate with at least one locking element 19, and for example three locking elements 19, provided on the main body 4 so as to prevent the rotary brush 12 from being withdrawn from the suction chamber 9, and an unlocking position in which the locking members 18 release the locking elements 19 so as to allow the rotary brush 12 to be withdrawn from the suction chamber 9.Advantageously, each locking member 18 is mounted movable relative to the plug body 17 according to a locking / unlocking movement comprising at least one radial displacement component, i.e. which extends radially relative to the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12.

[0112] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking elements 19 are angularly offset from one another with respect to the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12, and each locking element 19 is formed by a locking recess opening into the passage opening 13, and each locking member 18 is configured to engage in the respective locking recess when the locking members 18 are in the locked position. According to another embodiment of the invention, the locking means could comprise a single locking element 19, for example formed by a locking recess, such as a locking groove, extending at least partially around the passage opening 13.

[0113] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each locking element 19 comprises one or more stop surface(s) 190 (see [Fig. 3]) against which the locking members 18 are configured to bear when the locking members 18 are in the locked position. The stop surface(s) 190 is / are configured to prevent displacement of the closure plug 16 relative to the main body 4 in a direction of removal of the rotating brush 12 from the suction chamber 9. The or each stop surface 190 may for example have a normal which is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12.

[0114] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking members 18 are distributed around the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12, and extend in the same plane of extension which is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12. Advantageously, each locking member 18 has an overall S-shape, and comprises a first curved portion 18.1 having a concavity which is oriented towards the inside of the closing plug 16, and a second curved portion 18.2 having a concavity which is oriented towards the outside of the closing plug 16.

[0115] The locking members 18 are configured to protrude from the outer periphery 21 of the cap body 17 when the locking members 18 are in the locked position (see Figures 6, 10, and 12), and are configured to be recessed from or substantially flush with the outer periphery 21 of the cap body 17 when the locking members 18 are in the unlocked position (see [Fig. 7]). According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the cap body 17 has several through-holes 22 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cap body 17, and each of the locking members 18 is configured to protrude through a respective through-hole 22 when the locking members 18 are in the locked position.

[0116] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking means further comprise a drive part 23 (see in particular Figures 12 and 17) mounted movable in rotation relative to the plug body 17 around a drive axis which coincides with the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12. Advantageously, the plug body 17 comprises a bottom wall 24, for example circular, having a first face oriented towards the locking members 18 and a second face oriented towards the rotating brush 12, the drive part 23 bearing against the first face of the bottom wall 24.

[0117] Each locking member 18 is fixed to the drive part 23 and is configured to be moved from the locking position to the unlocking position when the drive part 23 is driven in rotation around the drive axis and in an unlocking direction SI (see [Fig. 12]).

[0118] As shown more particularly in Figures 12 and 17, each locking member 18 extends partially around the drive portion 23, and comprises a connecting arm 181 extending from the drive portion 23, for example from an external peripheral surface of the drive portion 23, and which is elongated and elastically deformable, and a locking portion 182 extending from the respective connecting branch 181 and which is configured to cooperate with the respective locking element 19 provided on the main body 4. Advantageously, each connecting branch 181 is connected to the drive part 23 at the level of a respective connecting zone 183, and each locking part 182 and the respective connecting zone 183 are angularly offset with respect to the axis of rotation A.

[0119] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking portion 182 of each locking member 18 is formed at a distal end of the respective locking member 18 and takes the form of a locking bolt. As shown in [Fig. 12], the locking portion 182 of each locking member 18 has a maximum width that is greater than the maximum width of the respective connecting arm 181.

[0120] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the plug body 17 comprises a plurality of deformation ramps 25, each having a deformation surface 26 configured to elastically deform the connecting arm 181 of a respective locking member 18 when the locking members 18 are moved to the unlocked position. Advantageously, each deformation surface 26 extends transversely to the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12 and is curved. Each deformation surface 26 may, for example, have an arc shape or a gradually decreasing radius of curvature. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each deformation surface 26 extends to a respective through-hole 22.

[0121] The deformation surfaces 26 and the locking members 18 are more particularly configured such that, when the locking members 18 are moved towards the unlocking position, each locking member 18 is elastically compressed by the respective deformation surface 26 in a compression direction having at least one component which is oriented radially with respect to the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12 and towards the inside of the closing plug 16, and such that, when the locking members 18 occupy the unlocking position, each locking member 18 is configured to elastically and automatically extend towards the locking position in an extension direction having at least one component which is oriented radially with respect to the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12 and towards the outside of the closing plug 16.

[0122] The closure cap 16 also includes a gripping member 27 which is configured to move the locking members 18 from the locked position to the unlocked position, and which is manually actuated from outside the suction head 2 when the cap body 17 is locked onto the body main 4. Advantageously, the gripping member 27 and the drive part 23 are separate from each other, and the gripping member 27 is movable relative to the cap body 17 according to a displacement movement which is separate and different from the locking / unlocking movement of each locking member 18.

[0123] The gripping member 27 is particularly mounted to move relative to the cap body 17 between a first position (see [Fig. 6]) and a second position (see [Fig. 7]), and the gripping member 27 and the locking members 18 are configured such that a movement of the gripping member 27 from the first position to the second position results in a movement of the locking members 18 from the locked position to the unlocked position. Advantageously, the gripping member 27 is configured to move from the first position to the second position when a rotational torque is applied by a user to the gripping member 27.

[0124] More specifically, when the gripping member 27 is moved from the first position to the second position, the connecting arm 181 of each locking member 18 slides on the respective deformation surface 26, deforms elastically towards the axis of rotation A, and causes the respective locking portion 182 to move towards the unlocked position. Advantageously, when the locking members 18 are in the unlocked position, the locking members 18 are configured to elastically force the gripping member 27 towards the first position.

[0125] As shown in Figures 11 and 18, the gripping member 27 has a gripping part 28 configured to be grasped by a user, for example to allow removal of the rotating brush 12 from the suction chamber 9, and an actuating part 29 which is rotationally coupled to the drive part 23 and which is configured to drive the drive part 23 in rotation around the drive axis and in the unlocking direction when the gripping member 27 is moved from the first position to the second position.

[0126] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the actuation part 29 comprises several actuation lugs 31, for example three actuation lugs 31, distributed, for example regularly distributed, around the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12. Each actuation lug 31 extends substantially parallel to the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12 and is offset with respect to the axis of rotation A. Advantageously, each actuation lug 31 extends through a respective through orifice 32 provided on the drive part 23 and through a respective through hole 33 provided on the bottom wall 24 of the plug body 17, and protrudes from the second face of the bottom wall 24.

[0127] Advantageously, the gripping member 27 is rotationally fixed to the drive part 23, and is mounted to move in translation relative to the drive part 23 in a direction of translation which is parallel to the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12.

[0128] As a result, the gripping member 27 is mounted movable relative to the cap body 17 according to a displacement movement comprising a translational component, also called the axial displacement component, extending along the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12, and a rotational component about the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12. Advantageously, the displacement movement of the gripping member 27 relative to the cap body 17 is substantially helical about the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12.

[0129] For this purpose, the closure cap 16 includes a guide device configured to guide the gripping member 27 relative to the cap body 17 according to this displacement movement during a displacement of the gripping member 27 between the first position and the second position.

[0130] The guiding device more particularly comprises several guiding elements 34 provided on the actuation part 29, and several guiding members 35 provided on the plug body 17 and configured to cooperate respectively with the guiding elements 34.

[0131] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each guide element 34 is provided on a respective actuating lug 31, and for example on an external face of the respective actuating lug 31, and is formed by a guide lug extending radially outwards from the closure plug 16 relative to the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12, and each guide member 35 is formed by a guide groove in which the respective guide lug is slidably mounted. Advantageously, each guide groove is provided on an internal face of a cylindrical portion 36 of the plug body 17, and comprises at least one portion of the groove extending substantially helically around the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12.

[0132] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the gripping member 27 is configured to move axially away from the cap body 17 when the gripping member 27 is moved from the first position to the second position, and to move axially closer to the cap body 17 when the gripping member 27 is moved from the second position to the first position. In other words, the gripping member 27 is configured such that the separation distance between the cap body 17 and the gripping member 27, measured along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12, increases when the gripping member 27 is moved from the first position to the second position, and decreases during a movement of the gripping member 27 from the second position to the first position. Such a configuration of the gripping member 27 facilitates its gripping during its movement to the second position.

[0133] Advantageously, the closure cap 16 has a receiving cavity 37, for example, cup-shaped, and the gripping member 27 is configured to be received in the receiving cavity 37 when the gripping member 27 is in the first position, and to extend axially beyond the body of the cap, that is, to protrude from the receiving cavity 37, when the gripping member 27 is in the second position.

[0134] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the closure cap 16 comprises a cover 38, for example annular, which is fixed to the cap body 17 and which, together with the cap body 17, at least partially defines an internal housing 39, for example annular, in which the locking members 18 are housed at least partially. Advantageously, the cover 38 defines the receiving cavity 37 in which the gripping member 27 is received when the gripping member 27 occupies the first position, and is rotationally fixed to the drive part 23. The drive part 23 and the cover 38 can, for example, be made in one piece, i.e. be monobloc.

[0135] The closure cap 16 also includes an angular stroke limiting device 27 configured to limit an angular stroke of the gripping member 27 relative to the cap body 17.

[0136] The angular stroke limiting device 27 more particularly comprises (see especially [Fig. 13]) at least one first end stop 41 configured to prevent rotation of the gripping member 27, in a first direction of rotation, beyond the second position, and at least one second end stop 42 configured to prevent rotation of the gripping member 27, in a second direction of rotation, beyond the first position. Each of the first and second end stops 41, 42 can for example be provided on the plug body 17 or on a damping element 43 fixed to the plug body 17, and for example received in the cylindrical portion 36 of the plug body 17. Advantageously, each actuating leg 31 has a first bearing surface and a second bearing surface configured to come into contact respectively with the first and second end stops 41, 42 respectively.

[0137] Advantageously, the suction head 2 includes a directional control device 44 configured to impose a relative angular orientation between the closure plug 16 and the main body 4 when the plug body 17 is inserted into the passage opening 13. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the directional control device 44 includes a directional element, such as a rib the misalignment, provided on the body of the cap 17, and the passage opening 13 has a non-circular shape.

[0138] The suction head 2 also includes a rotary drive device 45 configured to rotate the rotary brush 12 around its axis of rotation A. The rotary drive device 45 may, for example, include an electric drive motor 46 whose output shaft can be substantially aligned with the axis of rotation A of the rotary brush 12. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the electric drive motor 46 is housed in the brush body 14 of the rotary brush 12.

[0139] Advantageously, the rotary brush 12 comprises a first end portion 12.1 supported by a support ring which is fixed to the first end portion 12.1 and which is mounted to rotate freely relative to the main body 4, and a second end portion 12.2 supported by the closing plug 16 and mounted to rotate freely relative to the closing plug 16.

[0140] To remove the rotating brush 12 from the suction chamber 9, for example to clean or replace the rotating brush 12, the user applies a rotational torque to the gripping part 28 so as to move the gripping member 27 into the second position. This movement of the gripping member 27 causes the locking members 18 to move into the unlocked position. The user can then easily remove the rotating brush 12 from the suction chamber 9 by applying a pulling force to the gripping part 28 in order to clean or replace the rotating brush 12.

[0141] When the user wishes to reposition the rotating brush 12 in the suction chamber 9, he inserts the rotating brush 12 into the suction chamber 9 until the latter couples with the rotating drive device 45 and the closing plug 16 at least partially closes the passage opening 13. At this moment, the locking members 18 elastically and automatically extend towards the locking position so as to lock the plug body 17 onto the main body 4 of the suction head 2. Such a deformation of the locking members 18 causes the gripping member 27 to move into the first position, due to the cooperation of each of the connecting arms 181 with the respective deformation surface 26.

[0142] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking portion 182 of each locking member 18 has a chamfer 182.1 configured to cooperate with the main body 4 when the closing plug 16 is inserted into the passage opening 13, so as to move the respective locking member 18 towards the unlocked position. Such a configuration of the locking means allows a user to insert the cleaning unit 11 into the suction chamber 9 without requiring prior movement of the gripping member 27 into the second position, which further facilitates locking of the closure cap 16 onto the main body 4.

[0143] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated, which has been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Cleaning unit (11) for suction head (2), comprising: - a rotating brush (12) which is mobile in rotation about an axis of rotation (A) and which is configured to be removably mounted in a suction chamber (9) delimited by a main body (4) of the suction head (2), and - a closing plug (16) which is configured to at least partially close a passage opening (13) provided on the main body (4) and through which the rotating brush (12) is able to be introduced into the suction chamber (9) and removed from the suction chamber (9), the rotating brush (12) being rotatable relative to the closing plug (16), the closing plug (16) comprising: • a stopper body (17), • locking means configured to lock the cap body (17) onto the main body (4), the locking means comprising at least one locking member (18) which is movable relative to the cap body (17) between a locked position in which at least one locking member (18) is configured to cooperate with at least one locking element (19) provided on the main body (4) so ​​as to prevent the rotary brush (12) from being withdrawn from the suction chamber (9), and an unlocked position in which at least one locking member (18) is configured to release at least one locking element (19) so as to permit the rotary brush (12) to be withdrawn from the suction chamber (9), and • a gripping member (27) configured to be grasped by a user, the gripping member (27) being mounted movable relative to the cap body (17) between a first position and a second position, the gripping member (27) and at least one locking member (18) being configured such that a displacement of the gripping member (27) from the first position to the second position results in a displacement of at least one locking member (18) from the locking position to the unlocking position, characterized in that the gripping member (27) is mounted movable relative to the cap body (17) in a displacement movement comprising at least one displacement component extending substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (A) of the rotating brush (12), and in that the gripping member (27) is configured to move axially away from the cap body (17) during a displacement of the gripping member (27) from the first position to the second position.

2. Cleaning unit (11) according to claim 1, wherein the gripping member (27) is configured to extend axially beyond the body of the cap when the gripping member (27) occupies the second position.

3. Cleaning unit (11) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one locking member (18) is movable relative to the cap body (17) in a locking / unlocking motion that is distinct from and different from the displacement motion of the gripping member (27) relative to the cap body (17).

4. Cleaning unit (11) according to claim 3, wherein the locking / unlocking movement of the locking member (18) relative to the plug body (17) comprises at least one radial displacement component.

5. Cleaning unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the displacement movement of the gripping member (27) relative to the plug body (17) further comprises a rotational component about the axis of rotation (A) of the rotating brush (12).

6. Cleaning unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the displacement movement of the gripping member (27) relative to the plug body (17) is substantially helical around the axis of rotation (A) of the rotating brush (12).

7. A cleaning unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the closure cap (16) comprises a guide device configured to guide the gripping member (27) relative to the cap body (17) in a displacement movement that is substantially helical during a displacement of the gripping member (27) between the first position and the second position, the guide device comprising at least one guide element (34) provided on the gripping member (27) and at least one guide member (35) provided on the cap body (17) and configured to cooperate with at least one guiding element (34).

8. Cleaning unit (11) according to claim 7, wherein one of at least one guide member (35) and at least one guide element (34) is a guide groove, and the other of at least one guide member (35) and at least one guide element (34) is a guide lug mounted to slide in the guide groove.

9. Cleaning unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the locking means comprise a drive part (23) mounted movably for rotation relative to the plug body (17) about a drive axis which substantially coincides with the rotation axis (A) of the rotating brush (12), the gripping member (27) being configured to drive the drive part (23) in rotation about the drive axis and in a direction of unlocking when the gripping member (27) is moved from the first position to the second position, and at least one locking member (18) being fixed to the drive part (23) and being configured to be moved from the locking position to the unlocking position when the drive part (23) is driven in rotation about the drive axis and in the direction of unlocking.

10. Cleaning unit (11) according to claim 9, wherein the gripping member (27) comprises a gripping part (28) configured to be grasped by a user, and an actuating part (29) which is rotationally coupled to the drive part (23) and which is configured to rotate the drive part (23) around the drive axis when the gripping member (27) is moved between the first position and the second position.

11. Cleaning unit (11) according to claims 7 and 10, wherein at least one guiding element (34) is provided on the actuating part (29).

12. Cleaning unit (11) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the actuating part (29) comprises at least one actuating leg (31) extending substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (A) of the rotating brush (12) and offset from the axis of rotation (A), at least one actuating leg (31) extending through a through hole (32) provided on the drive part (23).

13. Cleaning unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least one locking member (18) and the gripping member (27) are distinct from each other.

14. Cleaning unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least one locking member (18) is elastically deformable.

15. Cleaning unit (11) according to claim 14, wherein at least one locking member (18) is configured to be elastically compressed when at least one locking member (18) is moved towards the unlock position and to elastically extend towards the lock position when at least one locking member (18) occupies the unlock position.

16. Cleaning unit (11) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the cap body (17) has at least one deformation surface (26) configured to elastically deform at least one locking member (18) when at least one locking member (18) is moved into the unlocking position.

17. Cleaning unit (11) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, when at least one locking member (18) is in the unlocked position, at least one locking member (18) is configured to elastically strain the gripping member (27) towards the first position.

18. Cleaning unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein at least one locking member (18) is configured to protrude from an external periphery (21) of the plug body (17) when at least one locking member (18) is in the locked position.

19. Cleaning unit (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the locking means comprise several locking members (18) which are distributed around the axis of rotation (A) of the rotating brush (12).

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

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