Vacuum cleaner with improved sealing user interface

Abstract

The vacuum cleaner comprises an electronic control unit configured to control operation of the vacuum cleaner, a user interface (35) configured to enable a user to select at least one operating mode of the vacuum cleaner, the user interface (35) including a support (36) having a peripheral edge (37), a control (44) supported by the support (36) and configured to enable a user to select at least one operating mode, the control (44) having a boundary inscribed inside and partially away from the peripheral edge (37) of the support (36), and a peripheral seal (52) extending around the peripheral edge (37) of the support (36).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaners making it possible to clean dust and waste present on the surfaces to be cleaned, which may be, for example, tiles, parquet, laminate, carpets or rugs. [Background technology]

[0002] The vacuum cleaner, and for example a portable vacuum cleaner, comprises in a known manner, in particular a suction duct, a waste sorting device, a suction motor configured to generate an air flow through the suction duct and the waste sorting device, an electronic control unit configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner, and a user interface configured to enable a user to select at least one operating mode of the vacuum cleaner.

[0003] Such a user interface typically includes several control buttons, such as an on / off button and an activation button, that allow for activating enhanced operating modes, and are located near the printed circuit board such that activation of one of the control buttons by a user can activate respective electrical contacts provided on the printed circuit board.

[0004] In order to avoid the risk of liquids penetrating into the interior of the vacuum cleaner and into the printed circuit board, and also to avoid air and dust expelling by the user's hands, the interface between each control button and the fixed part of the vacuum cleaner that supports the control button is equipped with a respective seal.

[0005] However, manufacturing a dedicated seal for each seal complicates the construction of the vacuum cleaner and vacuum cleaner assemblies and increases the manufacturing costs of the vacuum cleaner. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to alleviate all or part of these problems.

[0007] The technical problem underlying the present invention is, inter alia, to provide a vacuum cleaner which is simple in construction and reliable.

[0008] To this end, the present invention comprises: an electronic control unit configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner; a user interface configured to enable a user to select at least one operating mode of the vacuum cleaner; and A vacuum cleaner comprising: a support that is fixed, i.e. immovable, and includes a peripheral edge; - a control supported by the support and configured to allow a user to select at least one operational mode, the control having a boundary inscribed inside a peripheral edge of the support and partially spaced from the peripheral edge; a peripheral seal extending around the peripheral edge of the support; and Including, relating to vacuum cleaners.

[0009] In other words, the peripheral seal extends around and contacts the outer circumferential surface of the support.

[0010] Thus, the support and the peripheral seal are radially overlapped.

[0011] Such a configuration of the user interface makes it possible to provide a single sealing on the fixed part, i.e. the support, of the user interface, which can be controlled and manufactured much easier than sealings manufactured on moving parts such as control buttons.

[0012] The user interface according to the invention therefore makes it possible to limit the manufacturing costs of the vacuum cleaner and to increase its reliability.

[0013] The vacuum cleaner may also have one or more of the following characteristics, either alone or in combination:

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral seal is elastically deformable.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral seal is made of an elastically deformable material. The peripheral seal can be made of rubber or elastomer, such as nitrile (NBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or even vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer (TPV). The peripheral seal can also be made of flexible polyvinyl chloride.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, a vacuum cleaner includes a receiving housing to which a user interface is fastened.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral seal is overmolded onto the peripheral edge of the support. Such a configuration of the user interface facilitates manufacture of the user interface while improving the reliability of the seal between the user interface and the part of the vacuum cleaner to which it is fastened.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the invention, the peripheral seal is fastened to the support, for example by pasting or gluing.

[0019] Advantageously, the peripheral seal is configured to form a mating interface between the support and the part of the vacuum cleaner to which the user interface is fastened.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control unit includes a touch surface, such as a touch screen.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit includes at least one control button that can be actuated by a user, and the electronic control unit is configured to control operation of the vacuum cleaner according to a predetermined operating mode when the at least one control button is actuated by the user.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one control button is overmolded onto the support. Such a configuration of the user interface facilitates the manufacture of the user interface while further improving the reliability of the sealing between the user interface and the part of the vacuum cleaner to which it is fastened. Indeed, according to this embodiment, the support, the peripheral seal and the at least one control button form only one part that is rendered inseparable after overmolding the control button and the peripheral seal onto the support. Thus, only a single sealing interface is required and has to be managed during the assembly phase of the vacuum cleaner, i.e. between the peripheral edge of the support and the fixed part to which the user interface is fastened. This also results in an improved sealing between the interior and exterior of the vacuum cleaner and for the vacuum cleaner in general.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral seal and the at least one control button are made of an elastically deformable material, for example an elastomer or any other elastically deformable plastic material suitable for overmolding. Thus, the at least one control button can deform and thus move in order to activate the microswitch of the printed circuit directly or indirectly via an intermediate part, while maintaining the sealing between the at least one control button and the support.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one control button is elastically deformable between a rest position and an actuated position.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one control button and the peripheral seal are made of the same material, for example an elastomer.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one control button is made integral with the peripheral seal and overmolded onto the support, in other words, the at least one control button and the peripheral seal are overmolded onto the support at the same time, i.e. during the same overmolding process.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the invention, the at least one control button and the peripheral seal are overmolded onto the support in succession, i.e. during two different overmolding steps.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the invention, the user interface includes a connection portion connecting the at least one control button to the peripheral seal, advantageously the connection portion being overmolded onto the support portion.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connection portion covers all or part of the lower surface of the support portion.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral seal includes at least one retaining portion, such as a retaining lug, configured to mechanically cooperate with the support portion.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one retaining portion provided on the peripheral seal is arranged opposite a connection area between the connection portion and the peripheral seal.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connection portion includes a first end connected to the perimeter seal and a second end separated from the perimeter seal.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connection portion extends below the support portion.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the invention, the peripheral seal has a generally rectangular shape. Advantageously, the connection portion extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal portion of the peripheral seal.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support comprises a passage orifice, through which the connection part and, for example, the first end of the connection part extend.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support includes at least one access orifice through which the at least one control button is accessible to a user.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the support portion includes at least one support surface extending under and along a portion of a circumferential edge of the at least one control button, the at least one support surface being configured to support the at least one control button.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one control button is located substantially in a longitudinal central plane of the user interface.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner includes a printed circuit board disposed at least partially beneath the user interface, the printed circuit board comprising at least one electrical contact, such as a microswitch, and the at least one control button configured to actuate the at least one electrical contact when the at least one control button is actuated by a user.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one control button includes a reinforcing insert, which renders the at least one control button more robust over time and ensures a more reliable contact with the at least one electrical contact of the printed circuit board over time.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one control button overmolded to the support also overmolded a reinforcing insert, which is thus connected to the support in a sealing manner and by means of an elastically deformable material, thus allowing displacement of the reinforcing insert relative to the support while ensuring sealing between the at least one control button and the support.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention the vacuum cleaner comprises a grip handle and the user interface is arranged on the grip handle. Such an arrangement of the user interface improves the ergonomics of the vacuum cleaner according to the invention.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the user interface includes an outer surface that is flush with the outer surface of the grip handle. Such a placement of the user interface improves the ergonomics of the vacuum cleaner according to the invention.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the haptic is at least partially transparent to light rays.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner includes at least one operational indicator configured to visually indicate to a user at least one operational parameter of the vacuum cleaner, the at least one operational indicator being configured to be visible through the support.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one operational indicator includes at least one light emitting diode configured to be visible through the support.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the support includes at least one light guide provided on a lower surface of the support and positioned facing the at least one light emitting diode, the at least one light guide configured to convey an optical signal emitted by the at least one light emitting diode to an outer surface of the user interface.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one light guide is laterally offset with respect to the connection.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support is rigid.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the user interface includes at least one fastening member, such as a detent finger, configured to cooperate with at least one fastening element, such as a detent orifice, provided in the fixed part of the vacuum cleaner to fasten the support to the fastening part. Advantageously, the at least one fastening member extends from the support.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the passage orifice is provided in at least one fastening member.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner includes a rechargeable battery configured to electrically power the vacuum cleaner.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rechargeable battery includes a first electrical connector configured to cooperate with a second electrical connector arranged on a stationary portion of the vacuum cleaner, the first and second electrical connectors being configured to be arranged at least partially below the user interface, such an arrangement of the first and second electrical connectors reduces the size of the vacuum cleaner.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner includes an interconnect printed circuit board, also referred to as a battery interconnect board, disposed at least partially below the user interface and including a second electrical connector.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the interconnect printed circuit board is different from the printed circuit board with at least one electrical contact.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rechargeable battery is at least partially contained in a battery compartment defined by the grip handle.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the grip handle comprises: a first handle part that is immobile relative to the body of the vacuum cleaner, the first handle part defining an internal housing and having an access opening opening into the internal housing; a second handle portion including a gripping portion having a gripping surface configured to be gripped by a user and an insert removably attached to the inner housing, the insert being configured to be removed from the inner housing and introduced into the inner housing through an access opening, the gripping portion and the insert defining a battery compartment; Includes.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the portable vacuum cleaner includes a locking mechanism configured to lock the insert in the first handle portion. The locking mechanism may include, for example, a locking member movably attached to a first locking member, such as a locking finger, between a locked position in which the locking member is configured to cooperate with a locking element, such as a lock housing, provided on the insert to lock the insert to the first handle portion, and an unlocked position in which the locking member is configured to release the locking element to allow removal of the insert from the inner housing.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a first electrical connector of the rechargeable battery is provided in the insertion part.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a second electrical connector is disposed within the inner housing.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one operational indicator includes a battery status indicator, such as a battery charging indicator, provided in the insert and configured to indicate at least one status parameter of the rechargeable battery, the battery status indicator being configured to be visible through the support when the insert is housed in the internal housing.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the battery status indicator is configured to be visible through at least one viewing orifice in the first handle portion when the insert is housed within the inner housing.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support extends facing and covers the at least one viewing orifice.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the user interface includes a first control button that can be actuated by a user and a second control button that can be actuated by the user, and the electronic control unit is configured to control operation of the vacuum cleaner in a first operating mode when the first control button is actuated by the user and to control operation of the vacuum cleaner in a second operating mode when the second button is actuated by the user.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second control buttons are configured to be actuable by the same finger of a user when the user holds the grip handle.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one operational indicator is provided on the printed circuit board and includes a first operational indicator and a second operational indicator configured to indicate that the vacuum cleaner is operating according to a first and second operational mode, respectively, each of the first and second operational indicators being configured to be visible through the support. Advantageously, the first and second operational indicators are located near the first and second control buttons, respectively.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the user interface is disposed on the first handle portion, and more specifically, fastened to the first handle portion.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, the user interface is provided on an upper portion of the first handle portion.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the interconnect printed circuit board is disposed in the first handle portion.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one fastening element is provided on the first handle portion.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support is made of a plastic material, and for example a rigid plastic material such as transparent acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polycarbonate.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support has a generally rectangular shape.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, the support is flat or curved.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is arranged in the grip handle and, for example, in the second handle part.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electronic control unit is configured to be positioned partially below the user interface.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the invention, a vacuum cleaner includes a suction duct, a waste separation and collection device, and a suction motor configured to generate an air flow through the suction duct and the waste separation and collection device.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device is removably attached to the body.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the invention, the body includes a suction duct.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first handle portion is fixed to the body.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner is a handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0081] According to one embodiment of the invention, the grip handle extends along the central longitudinal axis.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central longitudinal axis of the grip handle is substantially parallel to the motor axis.

[0083] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the waste separation and collection device is of the cyclone type. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0084] In any case, the invention will be clearly understood with the aid of the following description, with reference to the attached schematic drawings which represent, by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of this vacuum cleaner. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the grip handle of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a top partial perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 with the second handle portion of the grip handle inserted; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second handle portion. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal section through the vacuum cleaner of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged scale view of a detail of FIG. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a partial cutaway perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the grip handle. [Figure 9] 9 is a top perspective view of the user interface of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the user interface of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a support belonging to the user interface of FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a bottom perspective view of the support of FIG. 11. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a top perspective view of a perimeter seal and control buttons belonging to the user interface of FIG. 11. FIG. [Figure 14] 14 is a bottom perspective view of the perimeter seal and control button of FIG. 13. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0085] In this specification, the terms "front", "rear" and "top" are defined in relation to use of the vacuum cleaner, where the user holds the vacuum cleaner by the grip handle and maintains it substantially horizontally, with the suction opening of the suction duct located opposite the user.

[0086] Figures 1 to 14 represent a vacuum cleaner 2, more particularly a portable vacuum cleaner comprising a body 4 including a suction duct 5 through which outside air can be sucked in by the vacuum cleaner 2. Advantageously, the suction duct 5 is located in the front part of the body 4.

[0087] The vacuum cleaner 2 further includes a grip handle 6 which enables the vacuum cleaner 2 to be grasped by a user. Advantageously, the grip handle 6 has a central longitudinal axis A and extends from the rear end of the main body 4.

[0088] The vacuum cleaner 2 further includes a waste separating and collecting device 7 removably mounted to the main body 4 .

[0089] 5, the waste separation and collection device 7 includes a waste collection container 8 including a sidewall of generally tubular shape. The waste separation and collection device 7 is advantageously of the cyclone type and further includes a tubular separating member 9, such as a tubular grid, arranged coaxially with the central axis of the waste collection container 8, and a cyclone separating chamber 10 defined externally by the sidewall of the waste collection container 8 and internally by the tubular separating member 9.

[0090] The waste separating and collecting device 7 further comprises an air inlet 11 in fluid communication with the suction duct 5 and opening into the cyclonic separating chamber 10. Advantageously, the suction duct 5 extends along the outer surface of the waste separating and collecting device 7.

[0091] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the waste separating and collecting device 7 comprises an exhaust port hatch 12 pivotally mounted on the waste collecting receptacle 8 between a closed position in which the exhaust port hatch 12 closes an exhaust port 13 provided in the waste collecting receptacle 8 and an open position in which the exhaust port hatch 12 opens the exhaust port 13. Advantageously, the exhaust port 13 is arranged to be arranged on the opposite side of the grip handle 6.

[0092] The vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a suction motor 14 having a motor axis B and housed in the body 4. The suction motor 14 is configured to generate an air flow through the suction duct 5 and the waste separating and collecting device 7. The suction motor 14 more specifically comprises a fan and an electric motor configured to rotate the fan.

[0093] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, and in particular in Fig. 5, the waste separating and collecting device 7 extends along an extension axis C that is substantially parallel to the motor axis B of the suction motor 14 and to the central longitudinal axis A of the grip handle 6. Advantageously, the central longitudinal axis A, the motor axis B and the extension axis C are substantially collinear. However, according to a variant of the invention, the central longitudinal axis A, the motor axis B and the extension axis C may be parallel but not collinear.

[0094] The vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a rechargeable battery 18 configured to electrically power the vacuum cleaner 2, in particular the suction motor 14. The rechargeable battery 18 comprises a number of battery cells 19 housed in a battery compartment 21 located at the rear of the suction motor 14 and defined by the grip handle 6. According to the illustrated embodiment, the battery cells 19 are fixedly arranged in the battery compartment 21, such that the motor axis B of the suction motor 14 intersects at least one of the battery cells 19.

[0095] As shown more particularly in Figures 3 to 5, the grip handle 6 includes a first handle portion 22 secured to the body 4 and defining an inner housing 23, and a second handle portion 24 defining a battery compartment 21 and removably attached to the inner housing 23.

[0096] Advantageously, the second handle portion 24 includes a gripping portion 25 with a gripping surface 26 configured to be gripped by a user and an insert 27 removably attached to the inner housing 23. The insert 27 is configured to be removed from the inner housing 23 and to be introduced into the inner housing 23 via an access opening 28 provided in the first handle portion 22 and opening into the inner housing 23. Advantageously, the access opening 28 is provided at a rear end of the first handle portion 22.

[0097] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the battery compartment 21 is defined by a gripping portion 25 and an insert portion 27, with at least one battery cell 19 extending at least partially into the insert portion 27 and at least one battery cell 19 extending at least partially into the gripping portion 25.

[0098] As shown in particular in FIG. 6, the gripping part 25 has, for example, a circular or rectangular cross section, substantially identical to that of the first handle part 22, and the gripping surface 26 of the gripping part 25 is configured to be flush with an additional gripping surface 29 of the first handle part 22 when the insert 27 is accommodated in the inner housing 23. Such a configuration of the gripping part 25 and the first handle part 22 allows the gripping area of ​​the vacuum cleaner 2 to be extended even on the first handle part 22, thus facilitating the handling of the vacuum cleaner 2 by the user. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the gripping area is advantageously delimited by a gripping surface having a relief formed with alternating convex and concave reliefs. In a variant, the gripping surface may be made by a smooth surface made of an elastomeric material.

[0099] 5 to 7, the rechargeable battery 18 is provided in the insert 27 and includes a first electrical connector 31 configured to cooperate with a second electrical connector 32 arranged in the inner housing 23 when the insert 27 is received in the inner housing 23. Advantageously, the first electrical connector 31 is provided at the front, for example located on the front end face of the insert 27.

[0100] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the vacuum cleaner 2 comprises an interconnect printed circuit board 33, also called battery interconnect board, arranged in the first handle part 22 and equipped with the second electrical connector 32. The interconnect printed circuit board 33 may, for example, extend perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis A.

[0101] The vacuum cleaner 2 further includes an electronic control unit 34 configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner 2. Advantageously, the electronic control unit 34 is arranged in the second handle part 24 and extends alongside the rechargeable battery 18 (see Figure 8).

[0102] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the electronic control unit 34 is configured to control the operation of the suction motor 14 according to 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 to control the operation of the suction motor 14 according to a second operating mode (also called enhanced operating mode) in which the suction motor 14 is driven in rotation at a second rotation speed that is greater than the first rotation speed. Thus, according to the second operating mode, the low pressure generated in the suction duct 5 is greater than the low pressure generated in the suction duct 5 later when the suction motor 14 operates according to the first operating mode.

[0103] The vacuum cleaner 2 also includes a user interface 35 arranged to enable a user to select an operational mode of the vacuum cleaner 2 from among first and second operational modes.

[0104] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the user interface 35 is arranged on top of the first handle part 22, more specifically fastened to the top of the first handle part 22. Advantageously, the interconnecting printed circuit board 33 and the first and second electrical connectors 31, 32 are arranged at least partially below the user interface 35 (see FIG. 7).

[0105] The user interface 35 includes a support 36 which is fastened and has a peripheral edge 37. The support 36 is rigid, for example made of a rigid plastic material. Advantageously, the support 36 is at least partially, and for example completely, transparent to light rays.

[0106] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the support 36 has a generally rectangular shape and is slightly curved, however, according to variants of the invention, the support 36 may be flat.

[0107] 1 and 6, the user interface 35, and more specifically the support portion 36, includes an outer surface that is substantially flush with the additional gripping surface 29 of the first handle portion 22. Such a configuration of the user interface 35 provides better ergonomics to the vacuum cleaner 2 and significantly limits the risk of the vacuum cleaner 2 becoming entangled in obstacles when handling the vacuum cleaner 2.

[0108] The support 36 is more specifically fastened to the first handle part 22. For this purpose, the user interface 35 comprises a first fastening member 39, such as a fastening pin or fastening tab, and a second fastening member 41, such as a latching finger, which are respectively arranged at two opposite ends of the support 36 and are configured to cooperate with a first fastening element 42, such as a fastening orifice, and a second fastening element 43, such as a latching orifice, provided on the first handle part 22 and, for example, on the upper wall 22.1 of the first handle part 22, respectively, in order to fasten the support 36 to the first handle part 22.

[0109] The user interface 35 is also supported by the support 36 and includes a control 44 configured to allow a user to select an operational mode of the vacuum cleaner 2 .

[0110] 9, the control section 44 is overmolded onto the support section 36 and includes a first control button 45 and a second control button 46, each of which may be actuated by a user. Advantageously, the first and second control buttons 45, 46 are configured to be actuable by the same finger of a user when the user holds the grip handle 6, and each of which is elastically deformable between a rest position and an actuated position.

[0111] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second control buttons 45, 46 are arranged substantially in a reference plane defined by the motor axis B and the central longitudinal axis A of the grip handle 6, for example forming a central longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner 2. Each of the first and second control buttons 45, 46 therefore has a peripheral fit within and partly spaced from the peripheral edge 37 of the support 36.

[0112] More specifically, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the support 36 includes first and second access orifices 47, 48 overmolded with first and second control buttons 45, 46, the latter of which are accessible to a user. Advantageously, the support 36 includes one or more support members 49 at each of the first and second access orifices 47, 48 that extend partially under and along the circumferential edge of the respective control button between the first and second control buttons 45, 46. Such support members 49 are configured to support the respective control button.

[0113] According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second control buttons 45, 46 may, for example, include a reinforcing insert. Advantageously, each of the first and second control buttons 45, 46 overmolded onto the support 36 also overmolded a reinforcing insert.

[0114] The electronic control unit 34 is more specifically configured to control operation of the suction motor 14 according to a first operating mode when the first control button 45 is actuated by a user, and to control operation of the suction motor 14 according to a second operating mode when the second control button 46 is actuated by the user.

[0115] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the vacuum cleaner 2 comprises a printed circuit board 51 arranged under at least a part of the user interface 35 and fastened to the first handle part 22. The board printed circuit 51 comprises a first electrical contact, such as a microswitch, and a second electrical contact, such as a microswitch. The first control button 45 is configured to activate the first electrical contact when the first control button 45 is activated by a user, and the second control button 46 is configured to activate the second electrical contact when the second control button 46 is activated by a user. Advantageously, the upper wall part 22.1 and the printed circuit board 51 are substantially coplanar and the printed circuit board 51 is covered by the support part 36.

[0116] The user interface 35 further includes a peripheral seal 52 configured to form a joint interface between the support 36 and the first handle portion 22. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the peripheral seal 52 has a generally rectangular shape and extends around the peripheral edge 37 of the support 36. Advantageously, the first and second control buttons 45, 46 and the peripheral seal 52 are made of the same material, for example an elastically deformable material. Advantageously, the first and second control buttons 45, 46 and the peripheral seal 52 are made of an elastomer, and for example, nitrile (NBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer (TPV). However, the first and second control buttons 45, 46 and the peripheral seal 52 can also be made of flexible polyvinyl chloride.

[0117] The peripheral seal 52 is more particularly overmolded onto the peripheral edge 37 of the support 36. Advantageously, the first and second control buttons 45, 46 are integral with the peripheral seal 52. In other words, the first and second control buttons 45, 46 and the peripheral seal 52 are overmolded onto the support 36 simultaneously, i.e. during the same overmolding step and with the same overmolding material. However, according to a variant of the invention, the first and second control buttons 45, 46 and the peripheral seal 52 can be overmolded onto the support 36 consecutively, i.e. during two different overmolding steps.

[0118] 13, the user interface 35 includes a connection portion 53 that connects the first and second control buttons 45, 46 to the peripheral seal 52 and extends below the support portion 36. Advantageously, the connection portion 53 is integral with the peripheral seal 52 and is overmolded onto the support portion 36.

[0119] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the connection 53 extends between and parallel to two longitudinal portions of the peripheral seal 52. The connection 53 comprises a first end 53.1 connected to the peripheral seal 52, more particularly to a transverse portion of the peripheral seal 52, and a second end 53.2 separated from the peripheral seal 52, i.e. not connected to the peripheral seal 52.

[0120] Advantageously, the support 36 comprises, for example, a passage orifice 54 (see FIG. 11 ) provided in the second fastening member 41, through which the first end 53.1 of the connecting part 53 extends, and the peripheral seal 52 comprises several retaining parts 55, such as retaining lugs, which flank the second end 53.2 of the connecting part 53 and are configured to mechanically cooperate with the support 36. Such a configuration of the user interface 35 ensures a better mechanical retention of the peripheral seal 52 and the connecting part 53 on the support 36.

[0121] As shown particularly in FIG. 4 , the vacuum cleaner 2 further includes a battery status indicator 56, such as a battery charge indicator, provided on the upper part of the insert 27 and configured to visually indicate to a user at least one status parameter of the rechargeable battery 18, such as a charge status parameter of the rechargeable battery 18 and / or an error status parameter of the rechargeable battery 18, such as an overtemperature condition.

[0122] More specifically, the battery status indicator 56 is - indicating the charge level of the rechargeable battery 18 and / or the fact that the rechargeable battery 18 is being charged when the grip handle 6 is detached from the main body 4 and the first electrical connector 31 of the rechargeable battery 18 is connected to an electrical connector of the charger; indicates the charge level of the rechargeable battery 18 when the first electrical connector 31 of the rechargeable battery 18 is connected to the second electrical connector 32 provided on the inner housing 23 It is configured for:

[0123] According to the illustrated embodiment, the support 36 is configured to cover the battery status indicator 56 when the insert 27 is received in the inner housing 23. Thus, the support 36 allows for protection of the battery status indicator 56 while allowing easy visualization of the battery status indicator 56 by a user.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 4, the battery status indicator 56 includes a number of light emitting diodes 57, for example two or more, disposed on the top of the insert 27.

[0125] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first handle part 22 includes several viewing orifices 58 that are provided in the upper part of the first handle part 22 and emerge in the inner housing 23. Each viewing orifice 58 is more particularly provided in the upper wall 22.1. As shown in Figure 1, the support part 36 extends facing the viewing orifices 58 and therefore covers said viewing orifices 58.

[0126] Each of the light emitting diodes 57 is configured to be visible through a respective viewing orifice 58 and through the support portion 36 when the insert 27 is received in the inner housing 23. However, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the first handle portion 22 may be provided with a single viewing orifice 58 through which all of the light emitting diodes 57 are visible.

[0127] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a first operation indicator 59 and a second operation indicator 61, which are configured to visually indicate to a user that the suction motor 14 is operating according to the first and second operation modes, respectively. The first operation indicator 59 and the second operation indicator 61 are arranged near the first control button 45 and the second control button 46, respectively, and are configured to be visible through the support 36.

[0128] Advantageously, the first operation indicator 59 and the second operation indicator 61 are each formed by two light-emitting diodes provided on the printed circuit board 51 .

[0129] 10 and 12, the support 36 includes several light guides 62 arranged on the underside of the support 36 and each arranged facing a different aforementioned light emitting diode. Each light guide 62 is arranged to guide and convey an optical signal emitted by a respective light emitting diode towards the user interface 57, more specifically towards the outer surface of the support 36. Advantageously, each light guide 62 is laterally offset with respect to the connection portion 53.

[0130] Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the described and illustrated embodiments, given only by way of example: modifications are possible, particularly in terms of the arrangement of the various elements or by the substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. - an electronic control unit (34) configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner (2); a user interface (35) configured to enable a user to select at least one operating mode of said vacuum cleaner (2); The user interface (35) comprises: a fixed support (36) having a peripheral edge (37); a control (44) supported by said support (36) and configured to allow a user to select said at least one operational mode, said control (44) having a boundary inscribed within and partially spaced from said peripheral edge (37) of said support (36); a peripheral seal (52) extending around said peripheral edge (37) of said support part (36); A vacuum cleaner (2), comprising:

2. The vacuum cleaner (2) of claim 1, wherein the peripheral seal (52) is elastically deformable.

3. 3. The vacuum cleaner (2) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the peripheral seal (52) is overmolded onto the peripheral edge (37) of the support (36).

4. 4. The vacuum cleaner (2) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control portion (44) includes at least one control button (45, 46) that can be actuated by a user, and the electronic control unit (34) is configured to control operation of the vacuum cleaner (2) according to a predetermined operating mode when the at least one control button (45, 46) is actuated by a user.

5. 5. The vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one control button (45, 46) is overmolded onto the support (36).

6. 6. The vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 5, wherein said at least one control button (45, 46) is integral with said peripheral seal (52) and is overmolded onto said support (36).

7. The vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the user interface (35) comprises a connection (53) connecting the at least one control button (45, 46) to the peripheral seal (52).

8. The vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the at least one control button (45, 46) comprises a reinforcing insert.

9. 9. The vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a grip handle (6), the user interface (35) being arranged on the grip handle (6).

10. The vacuum cleaner (2) of claim 9, wherein the user interface (35) includes an outer surface flush with an outer surface of the grip handle (6).

11. 11. The vacuum cleaner (2) of claim 10, comprising a printed circuit board (51) disposed at least partially beneath the user interface (35), the printed circuit board (51) comprising at least one electrical contact, such as a microswitch, and the at least one control button (45, 46) configured to actuate the at least one electrical contact when the at least one control button (45, 46) is actuated by a user.

12. The vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support (36) is at least partially transparent to light rays.

13. 13. The vacuum cleaner (2) of claim 12, comprising at least one operational indicator (56, 59, 61) configured to visually indicate to a user at least one operational parameter of the vacuum cleaner (2), the at least one operational indicator being configured to be visible through the support (36).

14. A vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the user interface (35) includes at least one fastening member configured to cooperate with at least one fastening element provided on a fixed part of the vacuum cleaner (2) to fasten the support part (36) to the fastening part.

15. 15. The vacuum cleaner (2) of any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising a rechargeable battery (18) configured to electrically power the vacuum cleaner (2).

16. 16. The vacuum cleaner (2) of claim 15, wherein the rechargeable battery (18) includes a first electrical connector (31) configured to cooperate with a second electrical connector (32) arranged on a fixed portion of the vacuum cleaner (2), the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector (31, 32) being configured to be arranged at least partially below the user interface (35).

17. 17. The vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the rechargeable battery (18) is at least partially contained in a battery compartment (21) defined by the grip handle (6).

18. The grip handle (6) is a first handle part (22) immobile relative to the body (4) of said vacuum cleaner (2), said first handle part (22) defining an internal housing (23) and including an access opening (28) opening into said internal housing (23); a second handle portion (24) including a grip portion (25) configured to be gripped by a user and an insert portion (27) removably attached to said inner housing (23), said insert portion (27) configured to be removed from said inner housing (23) and introduced into said inner housing (23) through said access opening (28), said grip portion (25) and said insert portion (27) defining said battery compartment (21); 18. The vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 17, comprising:

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