Cleaning Unit For Suction Head

Abstract

A cleaning unit comprises a rotating brush configured to be removably mounted in a suction chamber of a suction head, and a closing cap configured to close a passage opening provided on the suction head and through which the rotating brush is adapted to be removed from the suction chamber. The closing cap includes a cap body; a locking member movable between locking and unlocking positions; and a gripping member configured to displace the locking member from the locking position to the unlocking position and to move axially away from the cap body upon a displacement of the gripping member from a first position to a second position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention concerns the field of vacuum cleaners equipped with a suction head allowing to vacuum dust and waste present on a surface to be cleaned.

STATE OF THE ART

The vacuum cleaners equipped with a suction head are well known on the market, these allowing surfaces to be cleaned by vacuum for the evacuation of dust and waste resting on them. The surface to be vacuumed may for example be tiles, parquet, laminate, carpet or a rug.

A suction head comprises in a known manner a main body including a sole provided with a lower face and a suction inlet emerging into the lower face of the sole. The lower face of the sole is intended to be positioned adjacent to the surface to be vacuumed during the use of the suction head.

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

• • a rotating brush which is rotatably movable about an axis of rotation and which is removably mounted in a suction chamber delimited by the main body of the suction head, and
  • a closing cap which is configured to at least partially close a passage opening provided on the main body and through which the rotating brush is able to be inserted into and removed from the suction chamber, the rotating brush being rotatable relative to the closing cap.

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

Document FR3094624 discloses a closing cap whose locking means include several locking members movable relative to the cap body between a locking position in which the locking members are configured to cooperate with locking elements, such as locking grooves, provided on the main body so as to prevent the rotating brush from being removed from the suction chamber, and an unlocking position in which the locking members are configured to release the locking elements so as to allow the rotating brush to be removed from the suction chamber.

The closing cap described in document FR3094624 further includes a gripping member provided with several drive pins respectively engaged in circular openings provided on the locking members, and movably mounted in rotation relative to the cap body between a first actuating position and a second actuating position. The actuating member and the locking members are configured such that a displacement of the actuating member from the first actuating position to the second actuating position causes a displacement of the locking members from the locking position to the unlocking position, and such that a displacement of the actuating member from the second actuating position to the first actuating position causes a displacement of the locking members from the unlocking position to the locking position.

Such a configuration of the closing cap allows locking/unlocking of the cap body only by displacing the actuating member between the first and second actuating positions.

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

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to overcome all or part of these drawbacks.

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

For this purpose, the present invention concerns a cleaning unit for a suction head, comprising:

• • a rotating brush which is rotatably movable about an axis of rotation and which is configured to be removably mounted in a suction chamber delimited by a main body of the suction head, and
  • a closing cap which is configured to at least partially close a passage opening provided on the main body and through which the rotating brush is able to be introduced into the suction chamber and removed from the suction chamber, the rotating brush being rotatable relative to the closing cap, the closing cap including:
  • a cap body,
  • locking means configured to lock the cap body on the main body, the locking means including at least one locking member which is movable relative to the cap body between a locking position in which the at least one locking member is configured to cooperate with at least one locking element provided on the main body so as to prevent removal of the rotating brush from the suction chamber and an unlocking position in which the at least one locking member is configured to release the at least one locking element so as to allow removal of the rotating brush from the suction chamber, and
  • a gripping member configured to be grasped by a user, the gripping member being movably mounted relative to the cap body between a first position and a second position, the gripping member and the at least one locking member being configured such that a displacement of the gripping member from the first position to the second position causes a displacement of the at least one locking member from the locking position to the unlocking position.

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

In other words, the gripping member is configured such that a separation distance between the cap body and the gripping member, measured in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush, increases during a displacement of the gripping member from the first position to the second position.

Such a configuration of the gripping member, and in particular the fact that it moves away from the cap body when the gripping member is displaced from the first position to the second position, gradually promotes the gripping and holding of the gripping member by a user when displacing the gripping member to the second position and thus allows an easy and ergonomic removal of the rotating brush from the suction chamber. Indeed, the removal of the rotating brush from the suction chamber requires exerting a pulling force on the closure cap, and it is easier to exert this pulling force on the closure cap when a firm grip of the gripping member is possible.

The cleaning unit may further have one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

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

According to an embodiment of the invention, the gripping member is configured to be displaced from the first position to the second position when a torque is applied to the gripping member by a user.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the gripping member is configured to extend axially beyond the body of the cap, that is to say to protrude from the cap body, when the gripping member occupies the second position.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the closure cap includes a receiving cavity in which the gripping member is received when the gripping member occupies the first position. These arrangements make it possible to avoid the gripping member catching on an obstacle when the suction head is displaced over a surface to be cleaned.

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

According to an embodiment of the invention, the locking/unlocking movement of the locking member relative to the cap body comprises at least one radial displacement component, that is to say that extends radially relative to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the displacement movement of the gripping member relative to the cap body further comprises a rotation component about the axis of rotation of the rotating brush, that is to say a component that is tangent to a circle centered on the axis of rotation of the rotating brush and perpendicular to said axis of rotation. The fact that the displacement movement of the gripping member relative to the cap body includes a displacement component that extends substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush makes it possible to move the gripping member axially away from the cap body for better gripping of the gripping member and to facilitate the removal of the rotating brush, while the fact that the displacement movement of the gripping member relative to the cap body includes a rotation component makes it possible to easily displace the at least one locking member between the locking position and the unlocking position.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the displacement movement of the gripping member relative to the cap body comprises a translation component, also called an axial movement component, extending along the axis of rotation of the rotating brush, and a rotation component about the axis of rotation of the rotating brush.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the displacement movement of the gripping member relative to the cap body is substantially helical about the axis of rotation of the rotating brush.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the closure cap includes a guide device configured to guide the gripping member relative to the cap body according to a displacement movement which is substantially helical during a movement of the gripping member between the first position and the second position, the guide device including at least one guide element provided on the gripping member and at least one guide member provided on the cap body and configured to cooperate with the at least one guide element.

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

According to an embodiment of the invention, one of the at least one guide member and the at least one guide element is a guide groove, and the other of the at least one guide member and the at least one guide element is a guide lug slidably mounted in the guide groove.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one guide member is a guide groove, and the at least one guide element is a guide lug slidably mounted in the guide groove.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the guide lug extends radially outwardly of the closure cap relative to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush.

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

According to an embodiment of the invention, the guide groove includes at least one groove part that extends substantially helically about the axis of rotation of the rotating brush.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the locking means include a drive part movably mounted in rotation relative to the cap body about a drive axis which is substantially coincident with the axis of rotation of the rotating brush, the gripping member being configured to drive the drive part in rotation about the drive axis and in an unlocking direction when the gripping member is displaced from the first position to the second position, and the at least one locking member being fixed to the drive part and being configured to be displaced from the locking position to the unlocking position when the drive part is driven in rotation about the drive axis and in the unlocking direction.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the gripping member is configured to rotatably drive the drive part about the drive axis and in a locking direction, opposite to the unlocking direction, when the gripping member is displaced from the second position to the first position, and the at least one locking member is configured to be displaced from the unlocking position to the locking position when the drive part is rotatably driven about the drive axis and in the locking direction.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the gripping member is rotatably secured to the drive part.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the gripping member includes a gripping part configured to be grasped by a user, and an actuating part which is rotatably coupled to the drive part and which is configured to rotatably drive the drive part about the drive axis when the gripping member is displaced between the first position and the second position.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the gripping member is movably mounted in translation relative to the drive part in a translation direction that is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one guide element is provided on the actuating part.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the actuating part includes at least one actuating tab extending substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush and being offset relative to the axis of rotation, the at least one actuating tab extending through a through-orifice provided on the drive part.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the cap body includes a bottom wall having a first face oriented towards the at least one locking member and a second face oriented towards the rotating brush, the at least one actuating tab projecting from the second face of the bottom wall.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the drive part bears on the first face of the bottom wall.

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

According to an embodiment of the invention, the actuating part includes several actuating tabs distributed, and for example regularly distributed, about the axis of rotation of the rotating brush.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking member and the gripping member are distinct from one another.

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

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking member is configured to be elastically compressed when the at least one locking member is displaced toward the unlocking position and to elastically relax toward the locking position when the at least one locking member occupies the unlocking position.

According to an embodiment of the invention, when the at least one locking member is displaced to the unlocking position, the at least one locking member is configured to be elastically compressed in a compression direction having at least one component oriented radially toward the inside of the closure cap relative to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush, and, when the at least one locking member occupies the unlocking position, the at least one locking member is configured to relax at least partially, toward the locking position, in a relaxation direction having at least one component oriented radially toward the outside of the closure cap relative to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the cap body includes at least one deformation surface configured to elastically deform the at least one locking member when the at least one locking member is displaced to the unlocking position.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the cap body includes at least one deformation ramp comprising the at least one deformation surface.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one deformation surface, preferably the at least one deformation ramp, is curved. The at least one deformation surface, preferably the at least one deformation ramp, may for example have the shape of an arc of a circle or have a progressive radius of curvature. Such a configuration of the at least one deformation surface ensures smooth deformation of the at least one locking member, and limits the risks of breakage of the latter.

According to an embodiment of the invention, when the at least one locking member occupies the unlocking position, the at least one locking member is configured to elastically bias the gripping member towards the first position. Such a configuration of the closure cap ensures an automatic displacement of the gripping member from the second position to the first position, without requiring the presence of an additional return member. These provisions make it possible on the one hand to simplify the structure of the closing cap, and therefore to limit the manufacturing costs of the latter, and on the other hand to guarantee automatic, easy and ergonomic locking of the cap body on the main body of the suction head.

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

According to an embodiment of the invention, the connecting branch extends at least partially around the drive part.

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

According to an embodiment of the invention, the connecting branch is connected to the drive part at a connection zone, the locking part and the connection zone being angularly offset relative to the axis of rotation. These arrangements make it easier to displace the locking part relative to the cap body when the at least one locking member is displaced between the locking position and the unlocking position.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the locking part of the at least one locking member includes a chamfer configured to cooperate with the main body when inserting the closure cap into the passage opening, so as to urge the at least one locking member toward the unlocking position. Such a configuration of the locking means allows a user to insert the cleaning unit into the suction chamber without requiring prior displacement of the gripping member into the second position, which further facilitates the locking of the closure cap onto the main body.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the locking part has a first maximum width and the connecting branch has a second maximum width that is less than the first maximum width. These provisions make it easier to elastically deform the connecting branch when the at least one locking member is displaced between the locking position and the unlocking position, while ensuring secure locking of the locking cap when the at least one locking member occupies the locking position. According to an embodiment of the invention, the connecting branch is configured to slide on the at least one deformation surface such that, when the gripping member is displaced from the first position to the second position, the connecting branch is elastically deformed toward the axis of rotation and causes a displacement of the at least one locking member toward the unlocking position. According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking member includes a first curved portion having a concavity that is oriented toward the inside of the closure cap, and a second curved portion having a concavity that is oriented toward the outside of the closure cap. These provisions provide a greater elasticity to the at least one locking member, and limit the breaking risks of the latter.

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

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking member is configured to be set back from or to be substantially flush with the external periphery of the cap body when the at least one locking member occupies the unlocking position.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the closure cap includes an angular stroke limitation device configured to limit an angular stroke of the gripping member relative to the cap body.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the angular stroke limitation device includes a first end-of-travel stop configured to prevent rotation of the gripping member, in a first rotation direction, beyond the second position, and a second end-of-travel stop configured to prevent rotation of the gripping member, in a second direction of rotation, beyond the first position. These provisions in particular prevent the at least one locking member from penetrating entirely inside the cap body and becoming arched in the cap body, which would be likely to render the closure cap inoperative. Thus, such a configuration of the closure cap gives it greater reliability.

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

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one actuating tab includes a first bearing surface and a second bearing surface configured to abut respectively against the first and second end-of-travel stops.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the locking means include several locking members which are distributed about the axis of rotation of the rotating brush. Such a configuration of the locking means ensures optimal locking of the closing cap on the main body.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the locking members extend in the same extension plane. Such a configuration of the locking means gives great compactness to the closing cap. The extension plane can for example extend substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the rotating brush is configured to be removably mounted in the suction chamber in a mounting direction that extends transversely, and preferably perpendicularly, to a direction of displacement of the suction head.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the closing cap includes a cover that is fixed to the cap body, the cover and the cap body at least partially delimiting an internal housing in which the at least one locking member is at least partially housed. Advantageously, the cover at least partially delimits the receiving cavity in which the gripping member is received when the gripping member occupies the first position.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the cover is rotatably secured to the drive part. Advantageously, the drive part and the cover are made in one piece, that is to say are monobloc.

The present invention further concerns a suction head comprising:

• • a main body including a suction chamber emerging into a lower face of the main body which is configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned, a passage opening emerging into the suction chamber, and at least one locking element, and
  • a cleaning unit according to the invention, the rotating brush being removably mounted in the suction chamber and being able to be inserted into and removed from the suction chamber via the passage opening, the closing cap at least partially closing the passage opening and the at least one locking member cooperating with the at least one locking element.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking element includes at least one stop surface against which the at least one locking member is configured to bear when the at least one locking member occupies the locking position, the at least one stop surface being configured to prevent a displacement of the closure cap relative to the main body in a direction of withdrawal of the rotating brush from the suction chamber.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking element includes at least one locking housing, such as a locking groove, a locking notch or a circular locking hole for example, in which the at least one locking member is configured to be engaged when the at least one locking member occupies the locking position. Advantageously, the at least one locking housing extends at least partly about the passage opening.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the suction head includes a fool-proofing device configured to impose a relative angular orientation between the closure cap and the main body when inserting the cap body into the passage opening.

According to the embodiment of the invention, the passage opening is provided on a lateral face of the main body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

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

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a suction head according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the suction head of FIG. 1 showing a rotating brush of the suction head partially removed.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective sectional view of the suction head of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the suction head of FIG. 1, in which a suction head cleaning unit has been removed.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the suction head of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the closing cap, showing locking members in the locking position.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the closure cap, showing the locking members in the unlocked position.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the closure cap, showing the locking members in the locked position.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the closure cap, showing the locking members in the unlocked position.

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the closure cap, showing the locking members in the locked position.

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional perspective view of the closure cap, showing the locking members in the locked position.

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

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of the closure cap.

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of a cap body belonging to the closure cap.

FIG. 15 is a partial rear perspective view of the closure cap.

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of a cover and locking members belonging to the closure cap.

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the cover and the locking members belonging to the closure cap.

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of a gripping member belonging to the closure cap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless otherwise specified, the term «substantially» means, in this document, «exactly or at 10% or within 10°».

FIGS. 1 to 18 represent a suction head 2 comprising a connection sleeve 3 to which is intended to be connected an end piece of a rigid or flexible tube, itself connected to a vacuum system of a vacuum cleaner (not illustrated).

Various variants of vacuum cleaners already exist on the market and can be used with the suction head 2 according to the invention; these variants being known to those skilled in the art, they are not detailed in the present patent application.

The suction head 2 comprises a main body 4 configured to be displaced on a surface to be cleaned. The connection sleeve 3 is advantageously mounted in a pivot connection relative to the main body 4 so as to allow the connection sleeve 3 to pivot, relative to the main body 4, forwards and backwards when the suction head 2 is displaced in a direction of displacement D1.

The main body 4 comprises a sole 5 provided with a lower face 6 configured to be oriented towards the surface to be cleaned, and a suction mouth 7 opening onto the lower face 6. The suction mouth 7 communicates with the connection sleeve 3 in particular by means of a suction duct formed at least in part for example by a flexible connection duct. The suction mouth 7 may for example have an elongated shape and extend transversely, and for example perpendicularly, to the direction of displacement D1 of the suction head 2.

The main body 4 further comprises a suction chamber 9 which opens into the lower face 6 of the sole 5 via the suction mouth 7, and which is fluidically connected to the suction duct.

The suction head 2 also comprises a cleaning unit 11 including a rotating brush 12 which is movably mounted in rotation in the suction chamber 9 along an axis of rotation A which coincides with the central longitudinal axis of the rotating brush 12. Advantageously, the rotating brush 12 is removably mounted in the suction chamber 9, and is configured to be inserted into and removed from the suction chamber 9 along a mounting direction D2. The mounting direction D2 extends transversely, and preferably perpendicularly, to the direction of displacement D1 of the suction head 2.

As shown in FIG. 4, the main body 4 includes a passage opening 13 emerging into the suction chamber 9 and through which the rotating brush 12 can be inserted into and removed from the suction chamber 9. Advantageously, the passage opening 13 is provided on a lateral face of the main body 4.

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

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

The closing cap 16 includes a cap body 17 and locking means configured to lock the cap body 17 on the main body 4.

The locking means include at least one locking member 18, advantageously three locking members 18, which are movably mounted, relative to the cap body 17, between a locking position in which the locking members 18 cooperate with at least one locking element 19, and for example three locking elements 19, provided on the main body 4 so as to prevent removal of the rotating brush 12 from the suction chamber 9, and an unlocking position in which the locking members 18 release the locking elements 19 so as to allow removal of the rotating brush 12 from the suction chamber 9. Advantageously, each locking member 18 is movably mounted relative to the cap body 17 according to a locking/unlocking movement comprising at least one radial displacement component, that is to say which extends radially relative to the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the locking elements 19 are angularly offset from each other relative to the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12, and each locking element 19 is formed by a locking housing emerging into the passage opening 13, and each locking member 18 is configured to be engaged in the respective locking housing when the locking members 18 occupy the locking position. According to another embodiment of the invention, the locking means could include a single locking element 19, for example formed by a locking housing, such as a locking groove, extending at least partly about the passage opening 13.

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

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking members 18 are distributed about the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12, and extend in the same extension plane that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12. Advantageously, each locking member 18 has an overall S-shape, and includes a first curved portion 18.1 having a concavity that is oriented towards the inside of the closure cap 16, and a second curved portion 18.2 having a concavity that is oriented outwardly of the closure cap 16.

The locking members 18 are configured to project from the outer periphery 21 of the cap body 17 when the locking members 18 occupy the locking position (see FIGS. 6, 10 and 12), and are configured to be located set back from or substantially flush with the outer periphery 21 of the cap body 17 when the locking members 18 occupy the unlocking position (see FIG. 7). According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the cap body 17 has a plurality of passage orifices 22, provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cap body 17, and each of the locking members 18 is configured to project through a respective passage orifice 22 when the locking members 18 occupy the locking position.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking means further include a drive part 23 (see in particular FIGS. 12 and 17) movably mounted in rotation relative to the cap body 17 about a drive axis which coincides with the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12. Advantageously, the cap body 17 includes a bottom wall 24, for example circular, having a first face oriented towards the locking members 18 and a second face oriented towards the rotating brush 12, the drive part 23 bearing on the first face of the bottom wall 24.

Each locking member 18 is fixed to the drive part 23 and is configured to be displaced from the locking position to the unlocking position when the drive part 23 is rotatably driven about the drive axis and in an unlocking direction S1 (see FIG. 12). As shown more particularly in FIGS. 12 and 17, each locking member 18 extends partly around the drive part 23, and includes a connecting branch 181 which extends from the drive part 23, and for example from an outer peripheral surface of the drive part 23, and which is elongated and elastically deformable, and a locking part 182 which extends from the respective connecting branch 181 and which is configured to cooperate with the respective locking element 19 provided on the main body 4. Advantageously, each connecting branch 181 is connected to the drive part 23 at a respective connecting zone 183, and each locking part 182 and the respective connecting zone 183 are angularly offset relative to the axis of rotation A.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking part 182 of each locking member 18 is formed at a distal end of the respective locking member 18, and takes the form of a lock bolt. As shown in FIG. 12, the locking part 182 of each locking member 18 has a maximum width that is greater than the maximum width of the respective connecting branch 181.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the cap body 17 includes a plurality of deformation ramps 25 each including a deformation surface 26 configured to elastically deform the connecting branch 181 of a respective locking member 18 when the locking members 18 are displaced into the unlocking position. Advantageously, each deformation surface 26 extends transversely to the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12, and is curved. Each deformation surface 26 may for example have the shape of an arc of a circle or have a progressive radius of curvature. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each deformation surface 26 extends to a respective passage orifice 22.

The deformation surfaces 26 and the locking members 18 are more particularly configured such that, when the locking members 18 are displaced to the unlocking position, each locking member 18 is elastically compressed by the respective deformation surface 26 in a compression direction having at least one component that is oriented radially relative to the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12 and towards the inside of the closing cap 16, and such that, when the locking members 18 occupy the unlocking position, each locking member 18 is configured to elastically and automatically relax, towards the locking position, in a relaxation direction having at least one component that is oriented radially relative to the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12 and towards the outside of the closing cap 16.

The closing cap 16 also includes a gripping member 27 which is configured to displace the locking members 18 from the locking position to the unlocking position, and which is manually actuatable from outside the suction head 2 when the cap body 17 is locked on the main body 4. Advantageously, the gripping member 27 and the drive part 23 are distinct from each other, and the gripping member 27 is movable relative to the cap body 17 according to a displacement movement which is distinct and different from the locking/unlocking movement of each locking member 18.

The gripping member 27 is more particularly movably mounted relative to the cap body 17 between a first position (see FIG. 6) and a second position (see FIG. 7), and the gripping member 27 and the locking members 18 are configured such that a displacement of the gripping member 27 from the first position to the second position causes a displacement of the locking members 18 from the locking position to the unlocking position. Advantageously, the gripping member 27 is configured to be displaced from the first position to the second position when a rotation torque is applied, by a user, to the gripping member 27.

More specifically, when the gripping member 27 is displaced from the first position to the second position, the connecting branch 181 of each locking member 18 slides on the respective deformation surface 26, is elastically deformed toward the axis of rotation A and causes a displacement of the respective locking part 182 toward the unlocking position. Advantageously, when the locking members 18 occupy the unlocking position, the locking members 18 are configured to elastically bias the gripping member 27 toward the first position.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 18, the gripping member 27 includes a gripping part 28 configured to be grasped by a user, for example to allow a removal of the rotating brush 12 from the suction chamber 9, and an actuating part 29 which is rotatably coupled to the drive part 23 and which is configured to rotatably drive the drive part 23 about the drive axis and in the unlocking direction when the gripping member 27 is displaced from the first position to the second position.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the actuating part 29 includes several actuating tabs 31, for example three actuating tabs 31, distributed, for example regularly distributed, about the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12. Each actuating tab 31 extends substantially parallel to the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12 and is offset relative to the axis of rotation A. Advantageously, each actuating tab 31 extends through a respective through-orifice 32 provided on the drive part 23 and through a respective through-hole 33 provided on the bottom wall 24 of the cap body 17, and projects from the second face of the bottom wall 24.

Advantageously, the gripping member 27 is rotatably secured to the drive part 23, and is movably mounted in translation relative to the drive part 23 in a translation direction which is parallel to the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12.

Therefore, the gripping member 27 is movably mounted relative to the cap body 17 in a displacement movement comprising a translation component, also called an axial displacement component, extending along the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12, and a rotation component about the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12. Advantageously, the displacement movement of the gripping member 27 relative to the cap body 17 is substantially helical about the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12.

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

The guide device more particularly includes several guide elements 34 provided on the actuating part 29, and several guide members 35 provided on the cap body 17 and configured to cooperate respectively with the guide elements 34.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each guide element 34 is provided on a respective actuating tab 31, and for example on an external face of the respective actuating tab 31, and is formed by a guide lug extending radially outwardly of the closing cap 16 relative to the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12, and each guide member 35 is formed by a guide groove in which the respective guide lug is slidably mounted. Advantageously, each guide groove is provided on an internal face of a cylindrical portion 36 with which the cap body 17 is provided, and includes at least one groove part which extends substantially helically about the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12.

As visible in FIGS. 8 and 9, the gripping member 27 is configured to move axially away from the cap body 17 during a displacement of the gripping member 27 from the first position to the second position, and to move axially closer to the cap body 17 during a displacement of the gripping member 27 from the second position to the first position. In other words, the gripping member 27 is configured such that a separation distance between the cap body 17 and the gripping member 27, measured in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12, increases during a displacement of the gripping member 27 from the first position to the second position, and decreases during a displacement of the gripping member 27 from the second position to the first position. Such a configuration of the gripping member 27 makes it possible to promote its gripping during a displacement of the latter to the second position.

Advantageously, the closure cap 16 includes a receiving cavity 37, for example in the form of a bowl, and the gripping member 27 is configured to be received in the receiving cavity 37 when the gripping member 27 occupies the first position, and to extend axially beyond the body of the cap, that is to say to protrude out of the receiving cavity 37, when the gripping member 27 occupies the second position According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the closure cap 16 includes a cover 38, for example annular, which is fixed to the cap body 17 and which delimits, with the cap body 17, at least in part an internal housing 39, for example annular, in which the locking members 18 are housed at least in part. Advantageously, the cover 38 delimits the receiving cavity 37 in which the gripping member 27 is received when the gripping member 27 occupies the first position, and is rotatably secured to the drive part 23. The drive part 23 and the cover 38 can for example be made in a single piece, that is to say be in one piece.

The closing cap 16 also includes an angular stroke limitation device 27 configured to limit an angular stroke of the gripping member 27 relative to the cap body 17.

The angular stroke limitation device 27 includes more particularly (see in particular FIG. 13) at least one first end-of-travel stop 41 configured to prevent a rotation of the gripping member 27, in a first direction of rotation, beyond the second position, and at least one second end-of-travel stop 42 configured to prevent rotation of the gripping member 27, in a second direction of rotation, beyond the first position. Each of the first and second end-of-travel stops 41, 42 may for example be provided on the cap body 17 or on a damping element 43 fixed to the cap body 17, and for example received in the cylindrical portion 36 of the cap body 17. Advantageously, each actuating tab 31 includes a first bearing surface and a second bearing surface configured to come into abutment respectively against respective first and second end-of-travel stops 41, 42.

Advantageously, the suction head 2 includes a fool-proofing device 44, also named poka-yoke device, configured to impose a relative angular orientation between the closure cap 16 and the main body 4 when inserting the cap body 17 into the passage opening 13. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the fool-proofing device 44 includes a fool-proofing element, such as a fool-proofing rib, provided on the cap body 17, and the passage opening 13 has a non-circular shape. The suction head 2 also includes a rotation drive device 45 configured to rotatably drive the rotating brush 12 about the axis of rotation A of the latter. The rotation drive device 45 may for example comprise an electric drive motor 46 whose output axis can be substantially aligned with the axis of rotation A of the rotating brush 12. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the electric drive motor 46 is housed in the brush body 14 of the rotating brush 12.

Advantageously, the rotating brush 12 includes a first end portion 12.1 supported by a support ring which is fixed to the first end portion 12.1 and which is mounted so as to be movably mounted in rotation relative to the main body 4, and a second end portion 12.2 supported by the closing cap 16 and movably mounted in rotation relative to the closing cap 16.

In order to remove the rotating brush 12 from the suction chamber 9, for example to clean the rotating brush 12 or replace the latter, the user applies a torque to the gripping part 28 so as to displace the gripping member 27 into the second position. Such a displacement of the gripping member 27 causes a displacement the locking members 18 into the unlocking position. The user can then easily remove the rotating brush 12 from the suction chamber 9 by exerting a pulling force on the gripping part 28 in order to clean or replace the rotating brush 12.

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

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking part 182 of each locking member 18 includes a chamfer 182.1 configured to cooperate with the main body 4 when inserting the closure cap 16 into the passage opening 13, so as to urge the respective locking member 18 towards the unlocking position. Such a configuration of the locking means allows a user to insert the cleaning unit 11 into the suction chamber 9 without requiring prior displacement of the gripping member 27 into the second position, which further facilitates the locking of the closing cap 16 on the main body 4.

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

Claims

1. A cleaning unit for a suction head, comprising: a rotating brush rotatably movable about an axis of rotation and configured to be removably mounted in a suction chamber delimited by a main body of the suction head, anda closing cap configured to at least partially close a passage opening defined by the main body and through which the rotating brush is adapted to be introduced into the suction chamber and removed from the suction chamber, the rotating brush being rotatable relative to the closing cap, the closing cap including:a cap body,a lock configured to lock the cap body on the main body, the lock including at least one locking member which is movable relative to the cap body between a locking position in which the at least one locking member is configured to cooperate with at least one locking element provided on the main body so as to prevent a removal of the rotating brush from the suction chamber and an unlocking position in which the at least one locking member is configured to release the at least one locking element so as to allow a removal of the rotating brush from the suction chamber, anda gripping member configured to be grasped by a user, the gripping member being movably mounted relative to the cap body between a first position and a second position, the gripping member and the at least one locking member being configured such that a displacement of the gripping member from the first position to the second position causes a displacement of the at least one locking member from the locking position to the unlocking position,wherein the gripping member is movably mounted relative to the cap body according to a displacement movement comprising at least one displacement component extending substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush, and wherein the gripping member is configured to move axially away from the cap body during a displacement of the gripping member from the first position to the second position.

2. The cleaning unit according to claim 1, wherein the gripping member is configured to extend axially beyond the cap body when the gripping member occupies the second position.

3. The cleaning unit according to claim 1, wherein the at least one locking member is movable relative to the cap body in a locking/unlocking movement which is distinct from the displacement movement of the gripping member relative to the cap body.

4. The cleaning unit according to claim 3, wherein the locking/unlocking movement of the locking member relative to the cap body comprises at least one radial displacement component.

5. The cleaning unit according to claim 1, wherein the displacement movement of the gripping member relative to the cap body further comprises a rotation component about the axis of rotation of the rotating brush.

6. The cleaning unit according to claim 1, wherein the displacement movement of the gripping member relative to the cap body is substantially helical about the axis of rotation of the rotating brush.

7. The cleaning unit according to claim 1, wherein the closure cap includes a guide device configured to guide the gripping member relative to the cap body in a displacement movement which is substantially helical during a displacement of the gripping member between the first position and the second position, the guide device including at least one guide element provided on the gripping member and at least one guide member provided on the cap body and configured to cooperate with the at least one guide element.

8. The cleaning unit according to claim 7, wherein one of the at least one guide member and the at least one guide element is a guide groove, and the other of the at least one guide member and the at least one guide element is a guide lug slidably mounted in the guide groove.

9. The cleaning unit according to claim 1, wherein the lock includes a drive part movably mounted in rotation relative to the cap body about a drive axis which is substantially coincident with the axis of rotation of the rotating brush, the gripping member being configured to rotatably drive the drive part about the drive axis and in an unlocking direction when the gripping member is displaced from the first position to the second position, and the at least one locking member being fixed to the drive part and being configured to be displaced from the locking position to the unlocking position when the drive part is rotatably driven about the drive axis and in the unlocking direction.

10. The cleaning unit according to claim 9, wherein the gripping member includes a gripping part configured to be grasped by a user, and an actuating part which is rotatably coupled to the drive part and which is configured to rotatably drive the drive part about the drive axis when the gripping member is displaced between the first position and the second position.

11. The cleaning unit according to claim 10, wherein the closure cap includes a guide device configured to guide the gripping member relative to the cap body in a displacement movement which is substantially helical during a displacement of the gripping member between the first position and the second position, the guide device including at least one guide element provided on the gripping member and at least one guide member provided on the cap body and configured to cooperate with the at least one guide element, and wherein the at least one guide element is provided on the actuating part.

12. The cleaning unit according to claim 10, wherein the actuating part includes at least one actuating tab extending substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating brush and being offset relative to the axis of rotation, the at least one actuating tab extending through an orifice provided on the drive part.

13. The cleaning unit according to claim 1, wherein the at least one locking member and the gripping member are distinct from each other.

14. The cleaning unit according to claim 1, wherein the at least one locking member is elastically deformable.

15. The cleaning unit according to claim 14, wherein the at least one locking member is configured to be elastically compressed when the at least one locking member is displaced to the unlocking position and to elastically relax toward the locking position when the at least one locking member occupies the unlocking position.

16. The cleaning unit according to claim 15, wherein the cap body includes at least one deformation surface configured to elastically deform the at least one locking member when the at least one locking member is displaced to the unlocking position.

17. The cleaning unit according to claim 14, wherein, when the at least one locking member occupies the unlocking position, the at least one locking member is configured to elastically bias the gripping member towards the first position.

18. The cleaning unit according to claim 1, wherein the at least one locking member is configured to protrude from an external periphery of the cap body when the at least one locking member occupies the locking position.

19. The cleaning unit according to claim 1, wherein the lock includes several locking members which are distributed about the axis of rotation of the rotating brush.

20. A suction head comprising: a main body including a suction chamber extending into a lower face of the main body which is configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned, a passage opening extending into the suction chamber, and at least one locking element, anda cleaning unit according to claim 1, the rotating brush being removably mounted in the suction chamber and configured to be inserted into and removed from the suction chamber via the passage opening, the closing cap at least partially closing the passage opening and the at least one locking member cooperating with the at least one locking element.