Vacuum Cleaner Equipped With A User Interface With Improved Sealing

Abstract

The vacuum cleaner includes an electronic control unit configured to control operation of the vacuum cleaner, and a user interface configured to allow a user to select at least one operating mode of the vacuum cleaner, the user interface including a support part including a peripheral edge; a control part supported by the support part and configured to allow a user to select the at least one operating mode, the control part having a perimeter inscribed inside and partly at a distance from the peripheral edge of the support part; and a peripheral seal extending around the peripheral edge of the support part.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention concerns the field of vacuum cleaners making it possible to vacuum up dust and waste present on a surface to be cleaned, which may for example be tiles, parquet, laminate, carpet or a rug.

STATE OF THE ART

A vacuum cleaner, and for example a portable vacuum cleaner, includes in a known manner in particular a suction duct, a waste separation and collection device, a suction motor configured to generate an air flow through the suction duct and the waste separation and collection device, an electronic control unit configured to control operation of the vacuum cleaner and a user interface configured to allow a user to select at least one operating mode of the vacuum cleaner.

Such a user interface generally includes several control buttons, such as an On/Off button and an activation button allowing activating an enhanced operating mode, and is located near a printed circuit board such that the actuation of one of the control buttons by a user can activate a respective electrical contact provided on the printed circuit board.

In order to avoid a risk of liquid penetrating inside the vacuum cleaner and towards the printed circuit board and also to avoid an evacuation of air and dust at the user's hand, the interface between each control button and the stationary part of the vacuum cleaner supporting the control buttons is equipped with a respective seal.

However, the producing of a dedicated sealing for each seal complicates the structure of the vacuum cleaner and the assembly of the latter, which increases the manufacturing costs of the vacuum cleaner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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

The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular of providing a vacuum cleaner which is simple and reliable in structure.

For this purpose, the present invention concerns a vacuum cleaner comprising:

• • an electronic control unit configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner, and
  • a user interface configured to allow a user to select at least one operating mode of the vacuum cleaner,

characterized in that the user interface includes:

• • a support part which is stationary, that is to say immobile, and which comprises a peripheral edge,
  • a control part supported by the support part and configured to allow a user to select at least one operating mode, the control part having a perimeter inscribed inside and partly at a distance from the peripheral edge of the support part, and
  • a peripheral seal extending around the peripheral edge of the support part.

In other words, the peripheral seal extends around the perimeter of an outer peripheral surface of the support part and in contact with said outer peripheral surface.

Thus, the support part and the peripheral seal are superimposed in a radial direction.

Such a configuration of the user interface makes it possible to provide a single sealing on an immobile piece of the user interface, namely the support part, which is much easier to control and produce than sealing produced on a mobile piece such as a control button.

Thus, the user interface according to the present invention makes it possible to limit the manufacturing costs of the vacuum cleaner, and to increase the reliability of the latter.

The vacuum cleaner may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

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

According to one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral seal is made of an elastically deformable material. The peripheral seal may be made of rubber or elastomer, and for example of nitrile (NBR), Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or even vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer (TPV). The peripheral seal may also be made of flexible polyvinyl chloride.

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

According to one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral seal is overmolded onto the peripheral edge of the support part. Such configuration of the user interface facilitates the manufacturing of the user interface, while improving the reliability of the sealing between the user interface and the part of the vacuum cleaner to which the user interface is fastened.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the peripheral seal is fastened to the support part for example by gluing or bonding.

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

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control part includes a touch surface, such as a touch screen.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the control part includes at least one control button which may be actuated by a user, the electronic control unit being configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner according to a predetermined operating mode when the at least one control button is actuated by a user.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one control button is overmolded onto the support part. Such configuration of the user interface further facilitates the manufacturing 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 the user interface is fastened. Indeed, according to this embodiment, the support part, the peripheral seal and the at least one control button form only one part made inseparable after overmolding of the control button and the peripheral seal onto the support part. Consequently, only a single sealing interface is required and must be managed during the assembly phase of the vacuum cleaner, namely that between the peripheral edge of the support part and the stationary part to which the user interface is fastened. This also results in a sealing between the interior and exterior of the vacuum cleaner and a reliability which are generally improved for the vacuum cleaner.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral seal and the at least one control button are made of an elastically deformable material, and for example of elastomer or any other elastically deformable plastic material suitable for overmolding. Thus, the at least one control button can deform, and therefore move, to activate, either directly or indirectly through an intermediate piece, a microswitch of a printed circuit while preserving sealing between the at least one control button and the support part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one control button is elastically deformable between a rest position and an activation position.

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

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one control button is made integrally with the peripheral seal and is overmolded onto the support part. In other words, the at least one control button and the peripheral seal are overmolded simultaneously onto the support part, that is to say during the same overmolding step.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the at least one control button and the peripheral seal are overmolded successively onto the support part, that is to say during two different overmolding steps.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the user interface includes a connecting part connecting the at least one control button to the peripheral seal. Advantageously, the connecting part is overmolded onto the support part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting part covers all or part of the lower face of the support part.

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

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one retaining portion, which is provided on the peripheral seal, is located opposite a connecting area between the connecting part and the peripheral seal.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting part includes a first end portion connected to the peripheral seal and a second end portion separated from the peripheral seal.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting part extends under the support part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral seal has a generally rectangular shape. Advantageously, the connecting part extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal part of the peripheral seal.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the support part includes a passage orifice through which the connecting part, and for example the first end portion of the connecting part, extends.

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

According to one embodiment of the invention, the support part includes at least one support surface extending under and along a portion of the 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.

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

According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner includes a printed circuit board which is disposed at least partly below the user interface, the printed circuit board being equipped with at least one electrical contact, such as a microswitch, the at least one control button being configured to activate the at least one electrical contact when the at least one control button is actuated by a user.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one control button includes a stiffening insert. Such a stiffening insert gives the at least one control button greater robustness over time, and ensures contact, with the at least one electrical contact of the printed circuit board, which is more reliable over time.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one control button, overmolded onto the support part, also overmoldes the stiffening insert. Thus, the stiffening insert is connected in a sealing manner and by a material elastically deformable to the support part thus allowing a displacement of the stiffening insert relative to the support part while guaranteeing a sealing between the at least one control button and the support part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner includes a grip handle, the user interface being disposed on the grip handle. Such an arrangement of the user interface improves the ergonomics of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the user interface includes an external surface which is flush with an external surface of the grip handle. Such an arrangement of the user interface improves the ergonomics of the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the support part is at least partly transparent to light radiation.

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

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one operating indicator includes at least one light-emitting diode configured to be visible through the support part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the support part includes at least one light guide provided on the lower face of the support part and located facing the at least one light-emitting diode, the at least one light guide being configured to transport a light signal emitted by the at least one light-emitting diode to an external surface of the user interface.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one light guide is offset laterally relative to the connecting part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the support part is rigid.

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 on a stationary part of the vacuum cleaner, so as to fasten the support part to said fastening part. Advantageously, the at least one fastening member extends from the support part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the passage orifice is provided on the at least one fastening member.

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

According to one embodiment of the invention, the rechargeable battery includes a first electrical connector which is configured to cooperate with a second electrical connector disposed in a stationary part of the vacuum cleaner, the first and second electrical connectors being configured to be disposed at least partly below the user interface. Such an arrangement of the first and second electrical connectors reduces the bulk of the vacuum cleaner.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner includes an interconnection printed circuit board, also called a battery interconnection board, which is disposed at least partly below the user interface and which is equipped with the second electrical connector.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the interconnection printed circuit board is distinct from the printed circuit board which is equipped with the at least one electrical contact.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the rechargeable battery is housed at least partly in a battery compartment delimited by the grip handle.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the grip handle includes:

• • a first handle part which is immovable relative to a main body of the vacuum cleaner, the first handle part delimiting an internal housing and comprising an access opening which emerges into the internal housing, and
  • a second handle part including a grip portion, which is provided with a grip surface configured to be grasped by a user, and an insertion portion removably mounted in the internal housing, the insertion portion being configured to be removed from the internal housing and to be introduced into the internal housing via the access opening, the grip portion and the insertion portion delimiting the battery compartment.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the portable vacuum cleaner includes a locking mechanism configured to lock the insertion portion in the first handle part. The locking mechanism may for example include a locking member, such as a locking finger, movably mounted on the first locking part between a locking position in which the locking member is configured to cooperate with a locking element, such as a locking housing, provided on the insertion portion so as to lock the insertion portion in the first handle part, and an unlocking position in which the locking member is configured to release the locking element so as to allow removal of the insertion portion from the internal housing.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first electrical connector of the rechargeable battery is provided on the insertion portion.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the second electrical connector is disposed in the internal housing.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one operating indicator includes a battery status indicator, such as a battery charge indicator, which is provided on the insertion portion and which is configured to indicate at least one status parameter of the rechargeable battery, the battery status indicator being configured to be visible through the support part when the insertion portion is housed in the internal housing.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the battery status indicator is configured to be visible through at least one viewing orifice provided on the first handle part when the insertion portion is housed in the internal housing.

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

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

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second control buttons are configured so as to be able to be actuated by the same finger of a user when the user holds the grip handle.

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

According to one embodiment of the invention, the user interface is disposed on, and more particularly fastened to, the first handle part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the user interface is provided on an upper part of the first handle part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the interconnection printed circuit board is disposed in the first handle part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one fastening element is provided on the first handle part.

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

According to one embodiment of the invention, the support part has a generally rectangular shape.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the support part is flat or curved.

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

According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit is configured to be disposed partly below the user interface.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the 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.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separation and collection device is mounted on the main body.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body includes the suction duct.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first handle part is secured to the main body.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner is a portable vacuum cleaner.

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

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

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

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

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a grip handle of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top partial perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 in which a second handle part, of the grip handle, has been deposited.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second handle part.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged scale view of a detail of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a partial truncated perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the grip handle.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a user interface of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the user interface of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a support part belonging to the user interface of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the support part of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a peripheral seal and control buttons belonging to the user interface of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the peripheral seal and control buttons of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the present document, the terms “front”, “rear” and “top” are defined in relation to use of the vacuum cleaner during which the user holds the vacuum cleaner by the grip handle and maintains it substantially horizontally, and the suction opening of the suction duct is located opposite the user.

FIGS. 1 to 14 represent a vacuum cleaner 2, and more particularly a portable vacuum cleaner, including a main body 4 including a suction duct 5 through which outside air may be sucked in by the vacuum cleaner 2. Advantageously, the suction duct 5 is disposed in a front part of the main body 4.

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

The vacuum cleaner 2 further includes a waste separation and collection device 7 removably mounted on the main body 4.

As shown in FIG. 5, the waste separation and collection device 7 includes a waste collection container 8 comprising a lateral wall of generally tubular shape. The waste separation and collection device 7 is advantageously of the cyclonic type, and further includes a tubular separation member 9, such as a tubular grid, which is disposed in the waste collection container 8 coaxially with a central axis of the waste collection container 8, and a cyclonic separation chamber 10 which is delimited externally by the lateral wall of the waste collection container 8, and internally by the tubular separation member 9.

The waste separation and collection device 7 further includes an air intake opening 11 which is fluidly connected to the suction duct 5 and which emerges into the cyclonic separation chamber 10. Advantageously, the suction duct 5 extends along an external surface of the waste separation and collection device 7.

According to the embodiment represented in the figures, the waste separation and collection device 7 includes a drain hatch 12 pivotally mounted on the waste collection container 8 between a closing position in which the drain hatch 12 closes a drain opening 13 provided on the waste collection container 8 and a release position in which the drain hatch 12 releases the drain opening 13. Advantageously, the drain opening 13 is configured to be located opposite the grip handle 6.

The vacuum cleaner 2 further includes a suction motor 14 which has a motor axis B, and which is housed in the main body 4. The suction motor 14 is configured to generate an air flow through the suction duct 5 and the waste separation and collection device 7. The suction motor 14 more particularly includes a fan and an electric motor configured to rotate the fan.

According to the embodiment represented in the figures, in particular FIG. 5, the waste separation and collection device 7 extends along an extension axis C which is substantially parallel to the motor axis B of the suction motor 14 and 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 could be parallel, but not collinear.

The vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a rechargeable battery 18 configured to electrically power the vacuum cleaner 2, and in particular the suction motor 14. The rechargeable battery 18 is located at the rear of the suction motor 14, and includes a plurality of battery cells 19 housed in a battery compartment 21 delimited by the grip handle 6. According to the embodiment represented in the figures, the battery cells 19 are disposed immovably in the battery compartment 21, and the motor axis B of the suction motor 14 is intersecting with at least one of the battery cells 19.

As shown more particularly in FIGS. 3 to 5, the grip handle 6 includes a first handle part 22 which is secured to the main body 4 and which delimits an internal housing 23, and a second handle part 24 which delimits the battery compartment 21 and which is removably mounted in the internal housing 23.

Advantageously, the second handle part 24 includes a grip portion 25 comprising a grip surface 26 configured to be grasped by a user, and an insertion portion 27 removably mounted in the internal housing 23. The insertion portion 27 is configured to be removed from the internal housing 23 and to be introduced into the internal housing 23 via an access opening 28 which is provided on the first handle part 22 and which emerges into the internal housing 23. Advantageously, the access opening 28 is provided at a rear end of the first handle part 22.

According to the embodiment represented in the figures, the battery compartment 21 is delimited by the grip portion 25 and the insertion portion 27, such that at least one battery cell 19 extends at least partly into the insertion portion 27 and that at least one battery cell 19 extends at least partly into the grip portion 25.

As shown in particular in FIG. 6, the grip portion 25 has a cross section, for example circular or oblong, substantially identical to the cross section of the first handle part 22, and the grip surface 26 of the grip portion 25 is configured to be flush with an additional grip surface 29 of the first handle part 22 when the insertion portion 27 is housed in the internal housing 23. Such a configuration of the grip portion 25 and the first handle part 22 makes it possible to extend the grip area of the vacuum cleaner 2 even on the first handle part 22, and therefore to facilitate the handling of the vacuum cleaner 2 by a user. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the grip area is advantageously delimited by a grip surface with reliefs alternating projecting reliefs and recessed reliefs. In a variant, the grip surface could be made by a smooth surface made of an elastomeric material.

As shown more particularly in FIGS. 5 to 7, the rechargeable battery 18 includes a first electrical connector 31 which is provided on the insertion portion 27 and which is configured to cooperate with a second electrical connector 32, disposed in the internal housing 23, when the insertion portion 27 is housed in the internal housing 23. Advantageously, the first electrical connector 31 is provided on a front part, and is for example located at a front end face of the insertion portion 27.

According to the embodiment represented in the figures, the vacuum cleaner 2 includes an interconnection printed circuit board 33, also called a battery interconnection board, which is disposed in the first handle part 22 and which is equipped with the second electrical connector 32. The interconnection printed circuit board 33 may for example extend perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis A.

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 disposed in the second handle part 24 and extends along the rechargeable battery 18 (see FIG. 8).

According to the embodiment represented 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 reinforced operating mode, in which the suction motor 14 is driven in rotation at a second rotation speed which is greater than the first rotation speed. Thus, according to the second operating mode, the depression generated in the suction duct 5 is greater than the depression generated in the latter when the suction motor 14 operates according to the first operating mode.

The vacuum cleaner 2 also includes a user interface 35 configured to allow a user to select an operating mode of the vacuum cleaner 2 from among the first and second operating modes.

According to the embodiment represented in the figures, the user interface 35 is disposed on, and more particularly fastened to, an upper part of the first handle part 22. Advantageously, the interconnection printed circuit board 33 and the first and second electrical connectors 31, 32 are disposed at least partly below the user interface 35 (see FIG. 7).

The user interface 35 includes a support part 36 which is fastened and which comprises a peripheral edge 37. The support part 36 is rigid, and is for example made of rigid plastic material. Advantageously, the support part 36 is at least partly, and for example entirely, transparent to light radiation.

According to the embodiment represented in the figures, the support part 36 has a generally rectangular shape, and is slightly curved. However, according to a variant of the invention, the support part 36 could be flat.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the user interface 35, and more particularly the support part 36, includes an external surface which is substantially flush with the additional grip surface 29 of the first handle part 22. Such a configuration of the user interface 35 gives better ergonomics to the vacuum cleaner 2, and significantly limits the risk of the vacuum cleaner 2 getting caught with obstacles when handling the vacuum cleaner 2.

The support part 36 is more particularly fastened to the first handle part 22. For this purpose, the user interface 35 includes a first fastening member 39, such as a fastening pin or a fastening tab, and a second fastening member 41, such as a latching finger, located respectively at two opposite edges of the support part 36, and configured to cooperate respectively 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 an upper wall portion 22.1 of the first handle part 22, so as to fasten the support part 36 to the first handle part 22.

The user interface 35 also includes a control part 44 supported by the support part 36 and configured to allow a user to select the operating mode of the vacuum cleaner 2.

As shown more particularly in FIG. 9, the control part 44 includes a first control button 45 and a second control button 46 which are overmolded onto the support part 36 and which may each be actuated by a user. Advantageously, the first and second control buttons 45, 46 are configured so as to be able to be actuated by the same finger of a user when the user holds the grip handle 6, and are each elastically deformable between a rest position and an activation position.

According to the embodiment represented in the figures, the first and second control buttons 45, 46 are located substantially in a reference plane which is defined by the motor axis B and the central longitudinal axis A of the grip handle 6, and which forms for example a median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner 2. Each of the first and second control buttons 45, 46 thus has a perimeter fitting inside and partly at a distance from the peripheral edge 37 of the support part 36.

As shown more particularly in FIGS. 11 and 12, the support part 36 includes first and second access orifices 47, 48 in which the first and second control buttons 45, 46 are overmolded and through which the latter are accessible for a user. Advantageously, the support part 36 includes, at each of the first and second access orifices 47, 48, one or more support member(s) 49 extending under and along a portion of the circumferential edge of a respective control button among the first and second control buttons 45, 46. Such support members 49 are configured to support the respective control button.

According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second control buttons 45, 46 may for example include a stiffening insert. Advantageously, each of the first and second control buttons 45, 46, overmolded onto the support part 36, also overmoldes the stiffening insert.

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

According to the embodiment represented in the figures, the vacuum cleaner 2 includes a printed circuit board 51 which is disposed at least partly below the user interface 35 and which is fastened to the first handle part 22. The board printed circuit 51 is equipped with 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 actuated by a user, and the second control button 46 is configured to activate the second electrical contact when the second control button 46 is actuated by a user. Advantageously, the upper wall portion 22.1 and the printed circuit board 51 are substantially coplanar, and the printed circuit board 51 is covered by the support part 36.

The user interface 35 further includes a peripheral seal 52 configured to form a junction interface between the support part 36 and the first handle part 22. According to the embodiment represented in the figures, the peripheral seal 52 has a generally rectangular shape and extends around the peripheral edge 37 of the support part 36. Advantageously, the first and second control buttons 45, 46 and the peripheral seal 52 are made of one same material, and for example of an elastically deformable material. Advantageously, the first and second control buttons 45, 46 and the peripheral seal 52 are made of elastomer, and for example of nitrile (NBR), Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or of vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer (TPV). However, the first and second control buttons 45, 46 and the peripheral seal 52 could also be made of flexible polyvinyl chloride.

The peripheral seal 52 is more particularly overmolded onto the peripheral edge 37 of the support part 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 simultaneously onto the support part 36, that is to say 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 could be overmolded successively onto the support part 36, that is to say during two different overmolding steps.

As shown more particularly in FIG. 13, the user interface 35 includes a connecting part 53 connecting the first and second control buttons 45, 46 to the peripheral seal 52, and extending under the support part 36. Advantageously, the connecting part 53 is integral with the peripheral seal 52, and is overmolded onto the support part 36.

According to the embodiment represented in the figures, the connecting part 53 extends between and parallel to two longitudinal parts of the peripheral seal 52. The connecting part 53 includes a first end portion 53.1 connected to the peripheral seal 52, and more particularly to a transverse part of the peripheral seal 52, and a second end portion 53.2 separated from the peripheral seal 52, that is to say which is not connected to the peripheral seal 52.

Advantageously, the support part 36 includes a passage orifice 54 (see FIG. 11), for example provided on the second fastening member 41, through which extends the first end portion 53.1 of the connecting part 53, and the peripheral seal 52 includes several retaining portions 55, such as retaining lugs, located on the side of the second end portion 53.2 of the connecting part 53 and configured to cooperate mechanically with the support part 36. Such a configuration of the user interface 35 ensures better mechanical holding of the peripheral seal 52 and the connecting part 53 on the support part 36.

As shown in particular in FIG. 4, the vacuum cleaner 2 further includes a battery status indicator 56, such as a battery charge indicator, which is provided on an upper part of the insertion portion 27 and which is configured to visually indicate to a user at least one status parameter of the rechargeable battery 18, such as a charge state parameter of the rechargeable battery 18 and/or an error state parameter, such as a state of overheating, of the rechargeable battery 18.

The battery status indicator 56 is more particularly configured for:

• • indicate a 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 disconnected from the main body 4 and the first electrical connector 31 of the rechargeable battery 18 is connected to an electrical connector of an electric charger,
  • indicate a 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 in the internal housing 23.

According to the embodiment represented in the figures, the support part 36 is configured to cover the battery status indicator 56 when the insertion portion 27 is housed in the internal housing 23. The support part 36 thus allows to protect the battery status indicator 56, while allowing easy visualization of the battery status indicator 56 by a user.

As shown in FIG. 4, the battery status indicator 56 includes several light-emitting diodes 57, for example two or more in number, provided on the upper part of the insertion portion 27.

According to the embodiment represented in the figures, the first handle part 22 includes several viewing orifices 58 which are provided on the upper part of the first handle part 22 and which emerge into the internal housing 23. Each viewing orifice 58 is more particularly provided on the upper wall portion 22.1. As shown in FIG. 1, the support part 36 extends facing the viewing orifices 58, and therefore covers said viewing orifices 58.

Each of the light-emitting diodes 57 is configured to be visible through a respective viewing orifice 58 and through the support part 36 when the insertion portion 27 is housed in the internal housing 23. However, according to a variant of the invention, the first handle part 22 could be provided with a single viewing orifice 58 through which all of the light-emitting diodes 57 could be viewed.

According to the embodiment represented in the figures, the vacuum cleaner 2 further includes a first operating indicator 59 and a second operating indicator 61 which are configured to visually indicate to a user that the suction motor 14 is operating respectively according to the first and second operating modes. The first and second operating indicators 59, 61 are disposed respectively near the first and second control buttons 45, 46, and are configured to be visible through the support part 36.

Advantageously, the first and second operating indicators 59, 61 are respectively formed by two light-emitting diodes provided on the printed circuit board 51.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the support part 36 includes several light guides 62 provided on the lower face of the support part 36 and configured to be located respectively facing the different aforementioned light-emitting diodes. Each light guide 62 is configured to guide and transport a light signal emitted by the respective light-emitting diode towards an external surface of the user interface 57, and more particularly of the support part 36. Advantageously, each light guide 62 is offset laterally relative to the connecting part 53.

Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated which has been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly 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 vacuum cleaner comprising: an electronic control unit configured to control operation of the vacuum cleaner, anda user interface configured to allow a user to select at least one operating mode of the vacuum cleaner, wherein the user interface includes:a support part which is stationary and comprises a peripheral edge,a control part supported by the support part and configured to allow a user to select the at least one operating mode, the control part having a perimeter inscribed inside and partly at a distance from the peripheral edge of the support part, anda peripheral seal extending around the peripheral edge of the support part.

2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral seal is elastically deformable.

3. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral seal is overmolded onto the peripheral edge of the support part.

4. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the control part comprises at least one control button configured to be actuated by a user, the electronic control unit configured to control the operation of the vacuum cleaner according to a predetermined operating mode when the at least one control button is actuated by a user.

5. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 4, wherein the at least one control button is overmolded onto the support part.

6. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 5, wherein the at least one control button is integral with the peripheral seal and is overmolded onto the support part.

7. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 4, wherein the user interface comprises a connecting part connecting the at least one control button to the peripheral seal.

8. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 4, wherein the at least one control button comprises a stiffening insert.

9. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising a grip handle, wherein the user interface is disposed on the grip handle.

10. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 9, wherein the user interface comprises an external surface flush with an external surface of the grip handle.

11. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 10, further comprising a printed circuit board disposed at least partly below the user interface, the printed circuit board equipped with at least one electrical contact, wherein the at least one control button is configured to activate the at least one electrical contact when the at least one control button is actuated by a user.

12. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the support part is at least partly transparent to light radiation.

13. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 12, further comprising at least one operating indicator configured to visually indicate to a user at least one operating parameter of the vacuum cleaner, the at least one operating indicator configured to be visible through the support part.

14. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the user interface includes at least one fastening member configured to cooperate with at least one fastening element provided on a stationary part of the vacuum cleaner so as to fasten the support part to said fastening part.

15. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising a rechargeable battery configured to electrically power the vacuum cleaner.

16. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 15, wherein the rechargeable battery includes a first electrical connector configured to cooperate with a second electrical connector disposed in a stationary part of the vacuum cleaner, the first and second electrical connectors configured to be disposed at least partly below the user interface.

17. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 15, wherein the rechargeable battery is housed at least partly in a battery compartment delimited by the grip handle.

18. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 17, wherein the grip handle includes: a first handle part immovable relative to a main body of the vacuum cleaner, the first handle part delimiting an internal housing and comprising an access for opening into the internal housing, anda second handle part including a grip portion configured to be grasped by a user, and an insertion portion removably mounted in the internal housing, the insertion portion configured to be removed from the internal housing and to be introduced into the internal housing via the access opening, the grip portion and the insertion portion delimiting the battery compartment.