Handheld vacuum cleaner with removable grip handle

Abstract

The handheld vacuum cleaner (2) comprises a main body (3), a suction motor housed in the main body (3), a gripping handle (5) defining a boundary of a battery compartment, a rechargeable battery including at least one battery cell housed in the battery compartment, and a user interface (33). The main body (3) comprises a mounting portion (18) defining a boundary of an inner housing, the mounting portion (18) being provided with the user interface (33), and the gripping handle (5) comprises a first handle portion (5.1) having a gripping surface (21) and a second handle portion removably attached to the inner housing. The handheld vacuum cleaner (2) comprises a battery status indicator provided on the second handle portion, the battery status indicator being configured to be visible through a viewing window (27) provided in the mounting portion (18).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaners capable of sucking up dust and dirt from surfaces to be cleaned, which may be tiles, hardwood floors, laminate floors, carpets or rugs. [Background technology]

[0002] As is known, a vacuum cleaner, more specifically a handheld vacuum cleaner, comprises a main body equipped with a suction duct, a dust separating and collecting device attached to the main body, a suction motor housed in the main body, the suction motor having a motor shaft and configured to generate an air flow through the suction duct and the dust separating and collecting device, a gripping handle defining a battery compartment, a rechargeable battery configured to supply electricity to the suction motor, the rechargeable battery having at least a battery cell housed in the battery compartment, and a user interface provided on the main body, configured to allow a user to start or stop the suction motor.

[0003] To enable a user to visually check the charge state of the rechargeable battery in such a vacuum cleaner, particularly when in use, it is known to equip such vacuum cleaners with a battery status indicator, in particular a battery charge level indicator, which is typically provided on or in close proximity to the grip handle.

[0004] Such placement of the battery charge indicator makes it difficult, and sometimes even impossible, for a user to view the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery when gripping the grip handle, and also exposes the indicator to external shocks when the user handles the vacuum cleaner. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention aims to alleviate all or part of these disadvantages.

[0006] In particular, the technical problem underlying the present invention is to provide a handheld vacuum cleaner which is stable, simple in construction and at the same time more ergonomic. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Therefore, the present invention provides - A main body equipped with a suction duct; - a waste separation and collection device attached to the main body; - a suction motor housed in the body, the suction motor having a motor shaft and configured to generate an air flow through the suction duct and the dirt separating and collecting device; a gripping handle defining a battery compartment; - a rechargeable battery adapted to power a handheld vacuum cleaner, in particular a suction motor, the rechargeable battery comprising at least one battery cell housed in a battery compartment defined by a grip handle; - a user interface provided on the main body, the user interface being configured to allow a user to select at least one operation mode of the handheld vacuum cleaner; - an electronic control unit configured to control the operation of the handheld vacuum cleaner; The present invention relates to a handheld vacuum cleaner equipped with a

[0008] The body has a mounting portion defining a boundary of the inner housing, the mounting portion having an access opening into the inner housing, and the user interface is provided on the mounting portion. The grip handle includes a first handle portion having a gripping surface configured to be grasped by a user and a second handle portion removably attached to the inner housing, the second handle portion configured to be withdrawn from the inner housing through the access opening and inserted into the inner housing. The handheld vacuum cleaner further includes a battery status indicator, such as a battery charge indicator, on the second handle portion, configured to indicate at least one status parameter of the rechargeable battery when the second handle portion is housed in the inner housing, the battery status indicator configured to be visible through at least one viewing window on the mounting portion when the second handle portion is housed in the inner housing.

[0009] Such a configuration of the handheld vacuum cleaner allows the battery status indicator to be located away from the gripping zone of the handheld vacuum cleaner, which prevents the battery status indicator from being obscured by a user's hand when gripping the handheld vacuum cleaner, and allows the user to have a perfect view of the battery status indicator when using the handheld vacuum cleaner, improving the ergonomic design of the handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0010] Furthermore, when the second handle portion is housed in the inner housing, the battery status indicator is visible through a viewing window provided in the mounting portion, allowing the user to confirm that the grip handle, and therefore the rechargeable battery, is correctly inserted into the inner housing. In fact, if the grip handle is properly inserted, the user can see the battery status indicator through the viewing window and the battery status indicator is in the correct position relative to the viewing window, such as being centered within the viewing window, whereas if the battery status indicator is not in its correct position relative to the viewing window, such as being miscentered or not visible through the viewing window, the user will know that the grip handle is not correctly inserted into the inner housing.

[0011] In addition, the handheld vacuum cleaner may have one or more of the following features, either alone or in combination:

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery status indicator is configured to display a parameter of the charging state of the rechargeable battery and / or a parameter of an error state, such as an overheating state of the rechargeable battery. The charging state parameter can for example be the remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery, also referred to as the charging or discharging state of the rechargeable battery.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery status indicator is configured to display a parameter of the charging state of the rechargeable battery and / or a parameter of an error state of the rechargeable battery when the grip handle is detached from the main body and the rechargeable battery is connected to the charging device.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery status indicator is configured to display a parameter of a charging state of the rechargeable battery and / or a parameter of an error state of the rechargeable battery when the second handle portion is accommodated in the inner housing.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery status indicator is configured to be at least partially opposed to the at least one viewing window when the second handle portion is received within the inner housing.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the user interface is located adjacent to at least one viewing window. Having the battery status indicator visible through a viewing window located adjacent to the user interface allows a user to simultaneously view the battery status indicator and the user interface in the same area of ​​the vacuum cleaner, further improving the ergonomic design of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the user interface and the at least one viewing window are provided on the top of the mounting portion, such positioning of the user interface and the at least one viewing window allows a user to easily and quickly view the user interface and the battery status indicator when using the handheld vacuum cleaner according to the present invention, further improving the ergonomic performance of the handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery status indicator is configured to be recessed from the outer surface of the mounting part when the second handle part is housed in the inner housing. The battery status indicator is visible through a viewing window provided in the mounting part, and since the battery status indicator is recessed from the outer surface of the mounting part, the risk of contact with external obstacles is reduced, and the battery status indicator, and therefore the handheld vacuum cleaner, can be maintained in a healthy state.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery status indicator comprises at least one light emitting diode configured to be visible through the at least one viewing window when the second handle portion is housed within the inner housing.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery status indicator is configured to emit a light signal that varies depending on the state of charge of the rechargeable battery.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one light-emitting diode has an outer surface that is recessed from the outer surface of the second handle portion or that is approximately flush with the outer surface of the second handle portion.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one viewing window comprises at least one peephole provided in the mounting part, more particularly in a part of the upper wall of the mounting part.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one viewing window comprises a cover portion configured to cover the battery status indicator when the second handle portion is housed within the inner housing, the cover portion being transparent or translucent and allowing light to pass through. Since the battery status indicator is visible through the transparent or translucent cover portion when the second handle portion is housed within the inner housing, there is no risk of the battery status indicator coming into contact with a user's hand or an external obstacle when the vacuum cleaner is in use, thereby preserving the health of the battery status indicator, and therefore the health of the vacuum cleaner.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cover portion comprises at least one light guide disposed on a lower surface of the cover portion and positioned opposite the at least one light emitting diode, the at least one light guide being configured to convey an optical signal emitted from the at least one light emitting diode to an outer surface of the cover portion.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a protective hood secured to a mounting portion, the protective hood having a cover portion.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cover portion extends opposite to and covers the at least one peep hole.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the invention, the cover portion is configured to extend directly opposite a portion of the second handle portion when the second handle portion is received in the inner housing.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the user interface comprises a display screen.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the display screen comprises glass forming the aforementioned cover portion.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the viewing window comprises a viewing notch in the mounting portion extending from a rear edge of the mounting portion towards the user interface. Advantageously, the second handle portion comprises an insert rib configured to fit into the viewing notch when the second handle portion is received in the inner housing and the battery status indicator is provided on the insert rib.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery status indicator is disposed on an upper portion of the second handle portion.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is located in the grip handle.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to control the operation of the suction motor in a first operating mode, also called normal operating mode, in which the suction motor is driven in rotation at a first rotation speed, and in a second operating mode, also called strong operating mode, in which the suction motor is driven in rotation at a second rotation speed higher than the first rotation speed, such that in the second operating mode the negative pressure generated in the suction duct is greater than the negative pressure generated in the suction duct when the suction motor is operated in the first operating mode.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the user interface comprises a control device, such as a control button mounted on the mounting portion, advantageously on an upper portion of the mounting portion, which can be operated by a user, and an actuator, such as an activation button mounted on the mounting portion, advantageously on an upper portion of the mounting portion, which can be operated by a user, and the electronic control unit is configured to control operation of the suction motor according to a first operating mode when the control device is operated by the user, and to control operation of the suction motor according to a second operating mode when the actuator is operated by the user.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the control device and the actuator is located proximate to the at least one viewing window.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control device and the actuator are configured so that they can be operated by the same fingers of a user when the user is holding the grip handle.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a printed circuit board fixed to a mounting part, the printed circuit board having a first electrical contact such as a microswitch and a second electrical contact such as a microswitch, the control device configured to activate the first electrical contact when the control device is operated by a user, and the actuator device configured to activate the second electrical contact when the actuator device is operated by a user. Advantageously, the portion of the top wall and the printed circuit board are substantially coplanar.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one battery cell is built-in installed in the battery compartment.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the access opening is provided at the rear end of the body.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the battery compartment is delimited by a first handle portion and a second handle portion. Advantageously, at least one battery cell extends at least partially into the first handle portion and / or into the second handle portion. This configuration allows maximizing the volume of the rechargeable battery and thus the energy capacity stored in the rechargeable battery.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rechargeable battery includes a first electrical connector provided on the second handle portion, the first electrical connector configured to cooperate with a second electrical connector disposed on the inner housing when the second handle portion is received in the inner housing.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first electrical connector is provided in the front portion, for example located at the level of the front end face of the second handle portion.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first handle portion has a cross-section that is substantially the same as the cross-section of the mounting portion.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the attachment part comprises an additional gripping surface configured to be flush with the gripping surface of the first handle part when the second handle part is housed within the inner housing. Advantageously, the gripping surface and the additional gripping surface form a gripping zone of the handheld vacuum cleaner. Such a configuration of the attachment part and the first handle part allows the gripping zone of the handheld vacuum cleaner to be extended up to the attachment part, thereby facilitating handling of the handheld vacuum cleaner by a user.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the grip handle has a central longitudinal axis that is generally parallel to the motor axis of the suction motor.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central longitudinal axis of the grip handle and the motor axis of the suction motor are substantially collinear, this arrangement allows for better weight distribution around the central longitudinal axis of the handheld vacuum cleaner and therefore provides greater comfort for the user.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the motor shaft of the suction motor intersects with the rechargeable battery.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rechargeable battery is located behind the suction motor.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control device and actuator are located approximately within a reference plane defined by the central longitudinal axis of the motor shaft and the grip handle, such as forming a longitudinal median plane of the handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the dirt separating and collecting device extends along an extension axis that is substantially parallel to the motor axis of the suction motor.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the extension axis of the dirt separating and collecting device, the motor shaft of the suction motor, and the longitudinal central axis of the grip handle are substantially collinear.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the garbage separating and collecting device is of a cyclone type.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the dirt separating and collecting device is removably attached to the main body.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a garbage separation and collection device includes a garbage collection container having an outlet, and an outlet hatch attached to the garbage collection container so as to be movable between a closed position in which the outlet hatch closes the outlet and an open position in which the outlet hatch opens the outlet.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the outlet is configured to be located on the opposite side of the grip handle.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction duct extends along an outer surface of the dirt separating and collecting device.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a locking mechanism configured to lock the grip handle to the mounting part. The locking mechanism may comprise, for example, a locking part, such as a locking claw, attached to the mounting part so as to be movable between a locking position configured to cooperate with a locking element, such as a locking groove, provided in the second handle part to lock the second handle part to the mounting part, and an unlocked position configured to release the locking element so that the second handle part can be pulled out of the inner housing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0058] In any case, the invention will be better understood on reading the description that follows, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings which represent, by way of non-limiting example, two embodiments of this handheld vacuum cleaner. [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of the top of a handheld vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the top surface of the handheld vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a partial perspective view of the upper surface of the handheld vacuum cleaner body of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the top of the grip handle of the handheld vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged scale view of a detail of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a partially sectional perspective view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1. [Figure 9]FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the top surface of a handheld vacuum cleaner according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0059] In this specification, the terms "front", "rear" and "top" are defined in relation to use of the handheld vacuum cleaner, during which the user holds the handheld vacuum cleaner by the grip handle and holds it substantially horizontally, with the suction opening of the suction duct located opposite the user.

[0060] Figures 1 to 8 represent a handheld vacuum cleaner 2 having a body 3 provided with a suction duct 4 through which outside air is sucked into the handheld vacuum cleaner 2. Advantageously, the suction duct 4 is arranged in the front part of the body 3.

[0061] The handheld vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a gripping handle 5 which enables a user to grip the handheld vacuum cleaner 2. Advantageously, the gripping handle 5 has a central longitudinal axis A and extends from the rear end of the main body 3.

[0062] The handheld vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a dust separating and collecting device 6 which is removably attached to the main body 3.

[0063] According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the dirt separating and collecting device 6 comprises a dirt collection bin 7 having a generally tubular side wall. The dirt separating and collecting device 6 is advantageously of the cyclone type and further comprises a tubular separating member 8, such as a tubular net, arranged within the dirt collection bin 7 coaxially with the central axis of the dirt collection bin 7, and a cyclonic separating chamber 9 defined externally by the side wall of the dirt collection bin 7 and internally by the tubular separating member 8.

[0064] The dirt separating and collecting device 6 further comprises an air inlet 11 in fluid communication with the suction duct 4 and opening into the cyclonic separating chamber 9. Advantageously, the suction duct 4 extends along an outer surface of the dirt separating and collecting device 6.

[0065] According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the waste separating and collecting device 6 comprises an outlet hatch 12 attached to the waste collecting bin 7 so as to be pivotable between a closed position in which the outlet hatch 12 closes an outlet 13 provided in the waste collecting bin 7 and an open position in which the outlet hatch 12 opens the outlet 13. Advantageously, the outlet 13 is arranged to be located opposite the grip handle 5.

[0066] The handheld vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a suction motor 14 having a motor shaft B and housed within the main body 3. The suction motor 14 is configured to generate an air flow through the suction duct 4 and the dust separating and collecting device 6. More specifically, the suction motor 14 comprises a fan and an electric motor configured to drive the fan to rotate.

[0067] According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, in particular in Fig. 5, the dirt separating and collecting device 6 extends along an extension axis C which is substantially parallel to the motor axis B of the suction motor 14 and to the central longitudinal axis A of the grip handle 5. Advantageously, the central longitudinal axis A, the motor axis B and the extension axis C are substantially collinear. However, according to variant embodiments of the invention, the central longitudinal axis A, the motor axis B and the extension axis C could also be parallel but not collinear.

[0068] The handheld vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a rechargeable battery 15 arranged to supply electricity to the handheld vacuum cleaner 2, in particular to the suction motor 14. The rechargeable battery 15 is located behind the suction motor 14 and comprises a number of battery cells 16 housed in a battery compartment 17 defined by the grip handle 5. According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the battery cells 16 are built-in installed in the battery compartment 17 and the motor axis B of the suction motor 14 intersects at least one battery cell 16.

[0069] As shown in particular detail in Figures 3 and 4, the grip handle 5 is removably attached to the main body 3. To this end, the main body 3 comprises an attachment portion 18 that defines an inner housing 19, the grip handle 5 comprising a first handle portion 5.1 including a gripping surface 21 configured to be grasped by a user, and a second handle portion 5.2 removably attached to the inner housing 19. The second handle portion 5.2 is configured to be withdrawn from and inserted into the inner housing 19 through an access opening 22 provided in the attachment portion 18 that opens into the inner housing 19. Advantageously, the access opening 22 is provided at the rear end of the main body 3, and the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the second handle portion 5.2 is less than the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the first handle portion 5.1.

[0070] According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the boundaries of the battery compartment 17 are defined by the first handle portion 5.1 and the second handle portion 5.2, with at least one battery cell 16 extending at least partially within the first handle portion 5.1 and at least one battery cell 16 extending at least partially within the second handle portion 5.2.

[0071] As shown in particular in FIG. 4, the first handle part 5.1 has a cross section, such as circular or elliptical, that is substantially identical to that of the attachment part 18, and when the second handle part 5.2 is accommodated in the inner housing 19, the gripping surface 21 of the first handle part 5.1 is arranged to be flush with an additional gripping surface 23 provided on the attachment part 18. The attachment part 18 also extends substantially along the central longitudinal axis A of the grip handle 5. Such an arrangement of the attachment part 18 and the first handle part 5.1 allows the gripping zone of the handheld vacuum cleaner 2 to be extended up to the attachment part 18, thereby facilitating the handling of the handheld vacuum cleaner 2 by the user. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the gripping zone is advantageously delimited by a gripping surface that is embossed with alternating convex and concave shapes. In a variant embodiment, the gripping surface may consist of a smooth surface made of an elastomeric material.

[0072] As shown in more detail in Figures 6 to 7, the rechargeable battery 15 comprises a first electrical connector 24 provided on the second handle part 5.2 and configured to cooperate with a second electrical connector 25 protruding within the inner housing 19 when the second handle part 5.2 is accommodated within the inner housing 19. Advantageously, the first electrical connector 24 is provided in a front part, for example located at the level of the front end face of the second handle part 5.2.

[0073] As particularly shown in FIG. 4, the handheld vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a battery status indicator 26, such as a battery charge indicator, provided on the upper part of the second handle portion 5.2 and configured to display at least one status parameter of the rechargeable battery 15, such as a charging state parameter of the rechargeable battery 15, and / or an error state parameter, such as an overheating state of the rechargeable battery 15.

[0074] More specifically, the battery status indicator 26 includes: - when the grip handle 5 is detached from the main body 3 and the first electrical connector 24 of the rechargeable battery 15 is connected to an electrical connector of the charger, an indication of the charging state of the rechargeable battery 15 and / or that the rechargeable battery 15 is charging and / or that the rechargeable battery 15 is fully charged; - an indication of the remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery 15 and / or that the rechargeable battery 15 has reached a discharged state or a predefined discharge level (i.e. a minimum remaining capacity) when the first electrical connector 24 of the rechargeable battery 15 is connected to the second electrical connector 25 provided on the inner housing 19; The present invention is configured to perform the following steps.

[0075] The battery status indicator 26 is advantageously configured to be at least partially opposite a viewing window 27 provided in the upper part of the mounting portion 18 and therefore be visible through that viewing window 27 when the second handle portion 5.2 is housed within the inner housing 19.

[0076] The battery status indicator 26 is advantageously arranged to be recessed from the outer surface 181 of the mounting portion 18 when the second handle portion 5.2 is housed in the inner housing 19.

[0077] According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the battery status indicator 26 comprises a plurality, e.g. two or more, light emitting diodes 28 provided on an upper portion of the second handle portion 5.2. Advantageously, the or each light emitting diode 28 has an outer surface that is recessed from or substantially flush with the outer surface of the second handle portion 5.2.

[0078] According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the viewing window 27 comprises a number of sight holes 29 in the upper part of the mounting part 18, opening into the inner housing 19. More specifically, each sight hole 29 is provided in the upper wall of the mounting part 18 in a region 18.1.

[0079] Each light emitting diode 28 is arranged to be visible through a respective sight hole 29 when the second handle part 5.2 is housed within the inner housing 19. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the mounting part 18 may be provided with only one sight hole 29 through which all the light emitting diodes 28 are visible.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery status indicator 26 is configured to emit a light signal that varies depending on the state of charge of the rechargeable battery 15 .

[0081] For example, the battery status indicator 26 may be configured to emit a light signal of a first color, e.g., red, when the charge state of the rechargeable battery 15 is below a first predetermined charge threshold, to emit a light signal of a second color, e.g., orange, when the charge state of the rechargeable battery 15 is above the first predetermined charge threshold but below a second predetermined charge threshold, to emit a light signal of a third color, e.g., yellow, when the charge state of the rechargeable battery 15 is above the second predetermined charge threshold but below a third predetermined charge threshold, and to emit a light signal of a fourth color, e.g., green, when the charge state of the rechargeable battery 15 is above the third predetermined charge threshold.

[0082] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the battery status indicator 26 may be configured to emit a red flashing light signal when the state of charge of the rechargeable battery 15 is below a first predetermined charge threshold, to emit a green solid light signal when the state of charge of the rechargeable battery 15 is above the first predetermined charge threshold but below a second predetermined charge threshold, and to emit a green solid light signal when the state of charge of the rechargeable battery 15 is above the second predetermined charge threshold.

[0083] Such color changes in the light signals emitted by the battery status indicators 26 can be achieved by equipping each battery status indicator 26 with multiple monochromatic light emitting diodes of different colors, or by equipping the battery status indicators 26 with one or more multicolor light emitting diodes configured to emit light signals of different colors depending on the applied current.

[0084] According to another variant embodiment of the invention, the number of illuminated light emitting diodes may vary depending on the charge state of the rechargeable battery 15 .

[0085] Thus, if the battery status indicator 26 comprises two light-emitting diodes 28, none of the light-emitting diodes will be illuminated if the charge state of the rechargeable battery 15 is below a first predetermined charge threshold, only one light-emitting diode will be illuminated if the charge state of the rechargeable battery 15 is above the first predetermined charge threshold but below a second predetermined threshold, and two light-emitting diodes will be illuminated if the charge state of the rechargeable battery 15 is above the second predetermined charge threshold. However, the battery status indicator 26 may comprise more than two light-emitting diodes aligned in the alignment direction, for example three, four, five or even six light-emitting diodes. It goes without saying that in such a case the number of predetermined charge thresholds will be adapted according to the number of light-emitting diodes 28.

[0086] According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the viewing window 27 further comprises a transparent or translucent cover portion 31 configured to cover the battery status indicator 26 when the second handle portion 5.2 is housed within the inner housing 19. The presence of the cover portion 31 allows for protection of the battery status indicator 26 while still allowing easy viewing of the battery status indicator 26 by a user.

[0087] As shown in Fig. 1, the cover part 31 can be formed, for example, by a protective hood fixed to the attachment part 18 and extending opposite the sight hole 29, thereby covering it. However, according to a variant embodiment of the invention, the cover part 31 can be formed directly by the attachment part 18 and thus partially bounds the inner housing 19. Therefore, according to such a variant of the invention, the sight hole 29 of the attachment part 18 is eliminated and the cover part 31 is configured to extend directly opposite a part of the second handle part 5.2 when the second handle part 5.2 is accommodated in the inner housing 19. In another variant, the cover part 31 can also be omitted.

[0088] 6, the cover portion 31 may optionally include a plurality of light guides 30 provided on the lower surface of the cover portion 31, the light guides 30 being configured to face the respective light emitting diodes 28. Each light guide 30 is configured to guide and transmit an optical signal sent from each light emitting diode to the outer surface of the cover portion 31.

[0089] The handheld vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises an electronic control unit 32 (see FIG. 8) arranged to control the operation of the handheld vacuum cleaner 2. Advantageously, the electronic control unit 32 is arranged in the grip handle 5.

[0090] According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the electronic control unit 32 is configured to control the operation of the suction motor 14 in a first operating mode, also called normal operating mode, in which the suction motor 14 is driven in rotation at a first rotation speed, and in a second operating mode, also called strong operating mode, in which the suction motor 14 is driven in rotation at a second rotation speed higher than the first rotation speed. In the second operating mode, the negative pressure generated in the suction duct 4 is therefore greater than the negative pressure generated in the suction duct 4 when the suction motor 14 is operated in the first operating mode.

[0091] 1 and 2, the handheld vacuum cleaner 2 further includes a user interface 33 configured to enable a user to select at least one operating mode of the handheld vacuum cleaner 2. The user interface 33 is provided on an upper portion of the mounting portion 18 and is located adjacent to the viewing window 27.

[0092] According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the user interface 33 comprises a control device 34, such as a user-operable control button, and an actuator device 35, such as a user-operable activation button. Advantageously, the control device 34 and the actuator device 35 lie in a reference plane defined by the motor axis B and the central longitudinal axis A of the grip handle 5, forming e.g. the median longitudinal plane of the handheld vacuum cleaner 2.

[0093] According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the actuator 35 is located adjacent to the viewing window 27, and the control device 34 and the actuator 35 are configured to be operated by the same finger of a user when the user is holding the grip handle 5. The user interface 33 includes the control device 34, the actuator 35, the battery status indicator 26, and advantageously includes a transparent or translucent cover portion 31.

[0094] More specifically, the electronic control unit 32 is configured to control the operation of the suction motor 14 according to a first operating mode when the control device 34 is operated by a user, and to control the operation of the suction motor 14 according to a second operating mode when the actuator 35 is operated by the user.

[0095] According to the embodiment shown in the drawings, the handheld vacuum cleaner 2 comprises a printed circuit board 36 with a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact, the control device 34 is configured to activate the first electrical contact when the control device 34 is operated by a user and the actuator 35 is configured to activate the second electrical contact when the actuator 35 is operated by a user. Advantageously, the top wall part 18.1 and the printed circuit board 36 are substantially coplanar and the printed circuit board 36 is covered by the cover part 31.

[0096] According to an embodiment not shown in the drawings, the user interface 33 may also comprise a display screen arranged to display various operating parameters of the handheld vacuum cleaner 2, such as suction speed, etc. The display screen may for example be touch sensitive.

[0097] In such an embodiment of the invention, the or each peephole 28 may be located behind the display screen glass, and the battery status indicator 26 may be visible through the display screen glass and through the peephole 28. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the display screen glass forms the aforementioned cover portion 31.

[0098] According to one alternative embodiment of the invention, the viewing window 27 as well as, for example, one or each peephole 28 may be offset relative to the display screen, but may be located close to the display screen.

[0099] Figure 9 shows a handheld vacuum cleaner according to a second embodiment of the invention, which differs essentially from that shown in figures 1 to 8 in that here the viewing window 27 is formed by a viewing notch in the upper part of the mounting part 18, which extends from the rear edge of the mounting part 18 towards the user interface 33. In such an embodiment of the invention the second handle part 5.2 advantageously comprises an insert rib 38 arranged to fit into the viewing notch when the second handle part 5.2 is accommodated in the inner housing 19, and the battery status indicator 26 is provided on the insert rib.

[0100] Naturally, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated only by way of example: modifications are still possible therein, in particular by substitution of the various elements or technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. a body (3) equipped with a suction duct (4), - a waste separating and collecting device (6) attached to said body (3); a suction motor (14) housed in said body (3), having a motor shaft (B) and adapted to generate an air flow through said suction duct (4) and through said waste separating and collecting device (6); a grip handle (5) that defines the battery compartment (17); a rechargeable battery (15) adapted to supply electricity to the handheld vacuum cleaner (2), said rechargeable battery (15) comprising at least one battery cell (16) housed in said battery compartment (17) defined by said grip handle (5); a user interface (33) provided on the main body (3) and configured to allow a user to select at least one operating mode of the handheld vacuum cleaner (2); an electronic control unit (32) adapted to control the operation of the handheld vacuum cleaner (2); In a handheld vacuum cleaner (2), The body (3) has an attachment portion (18) defining an inner housing (19), the attachment portion (18) having an access opening (22) opening into the inner housing (19), the user interface (33) being provided on the attachment portion (18), the grip handle (5) comprising a first handle portion (5.1) having a gripping surface (21) configured for grasping by a user, and a second handle portion (5.2) removably attached to the inner housing (19), the second handle portion (5.2) being adapted to be withdrawn from the inner housing (19) through the access opening (22) and to be attached to the inner housing (19). 9), and the handheld vacuum cleaner (2) further comprises a battery status indicator (26) provided on the second handle portion (5.2), configured to display at least one status parameter of the rechargeable battery (15) when the second handle portion (5.2) is accommodated in the inner housing (19), the battery status indicator (26) being configured to be visible through at least one viewing window (27) provided in the mounting portion (18) when the second handle portion (5.2) is accommodated in the inner housing (19).

2. 2. The handheld vacuum cleaner (2) of claim 1, wherein the user interface (33) is located adjacent to the at least one viewing window (27).

3. The handheld vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery status indicator (26) is configured to display a parameter of a charging state of the rechargeable battery (15) and / or a parameter of an error state of the rechargeable battery (15).

4. The handheld vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the user interface (33) and the at least one viewing window (27) are provided on an upper portion of the mounting portion (18).

5. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the battery status indicator (26) is configured to be positioned recessed from the outer surface (181) of the mounting portion (18) when the second handle portion (5.2) is housed in the inner housing (19).

6. 6. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the battery status indicator (26) comprises at least one light-emitting diode (28) configured to be visible through the at least one viewing window (27) when the second handle portion (5.2) is housed in the inner housing (19).

7. The at least one viewing window (27) is at least one peephole (29) provided in the upper part of the mounting portion (18), the peephole (29) opening into the inner housing (19). A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one viewing window (27) has a cover portion (31) configured to cover the battery status indicator (26) when the second handle portion (5.2) is housed within the inner housing (19), the cover portion (31) being transparent or translucent.

9. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic control unit (32) is located within the grip handle (5).

10. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the electronic control unit (32) is configured to control operation of the suction motor (14) in a first operating mode in which the suction motor (14) is driven to rotate at a first rotational speed, and is configured to control operation of the suction motor (14) in a second operating mode in which the suction motor (14) is driven to rotate at a second rotational speed faster than the first rotational speed.

11. The handheld vacuum cleaner (2) of claim 10, wherein the user interface (33) comprises a control device (34) attached to the mounting portion (18) and operable by a user, and an actuator (35) attached to the mounting portion (18) and operable by a user, and the electronic control unit (32) is configured to control the operation of the suction motor (14) according to the first operating mode when the control device (34) is operated by the user, and to control the operation of the suction motor (14) according to the second operating mode when the actuator (35) is operated by the user.

12. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the access opening (22) is provided at the rear end of the main body (3).

13. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the rechargeable battery (15) comprises a first electrical connector (24) provided on the second handle portion (5.2) and configured to cooperate with a second electrical connector (25) arranged on the inner housing (19) when the second handle portion (5.2) is accommodated within the inner housing (19).

14. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the gripping surface (21) of the first handle portion (5.1) is configured to be flush with an additional gripping surface (23) of the mounting portion (18) when the second handle portion (5.2) is housed within the inner housing (19).

15. 15. A handheld vacuum cleaner (2) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the grip handle (5) has a central longitudinal axis (A) substantially parallel to the motor axis (B) of the suction motor (14).

16. 16. The handheld vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 15, wherein the longitudinal central axis (A) of the grip handle (5) and the motor axis (B) of the suction motor (14) are substantially collinear.

17. The handheld vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the dust separating and collecting device (6) extends along an extension axis (C) that is substantially parallel to the motor axis (B) of the suction motor (14).

Images