Vacuum cleaner duct equipped with hinge device

Abstract

The vacuum cleaner duct (5) comprises: first and second hard duct portions (7, 8); a hinge device (9) configured to allow the first and second rigid duct portions (7, 8) to pivot between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration; a locking member configured to lock the first and second rigid duct portions (7, 8) in the deployed configuration; an actuating member (34) configured to move the locking member from the locked position to the released position; and a cap (39) configured to cover at least the distal end portion of the locking member and to extend at least partially below the distal end portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaner pipes, in particular to a vacuum cleaner equipped with the vacuum cleaner pipe. Background Art

[0002] In a known manner, a vacuum cleaner comprises a vacuum cleaner housing equipped with a suction unit, a suction nozzle arranged to come into contact with a floor to be cleaned, and a vacuum cleaner duct fluidically and mechanically connecting the vacuum cleaner housing with the suction nozzle and defining an air flow channel.

[0003] In order to facilitate storage of the vacuum cleaner or vacuum cleaning under furniture, the vacuum cleaner duct advantageously comprises:

[0004] - a first rigid pipe section and a second rigid pipe section;

[0005] - an articulation device connecting the first rigid section and the second rigid section to each other and configured to allow the first rigid conduit section to pivot relative to the second rigid conduit section about an articulation axis and to pivot between an unfolded configuration in which the first rigid conduit section and the second rigid conduit section are substantially aligned relative to each other and a folded configuration in which the first rigid conduit section and the second rigid conduit section define an angle of less than 180° with respect to each other;

[0006] - a locking member configured to lock the first hard pipe section and the second hard pipe section in the unfolded configuration, the locking member being mounted to pivot about a pivot axis on one of the first hard pipe section and the second hard pipe section between a locked position and a released position; in the locked position, the locking member is configured to cooperate with the other of the first hard pipe section and the second hard pipe section so as to lock the first hard pipe section and the second hard pipe section in the unfolded configuration; in the released position, the locking member is configured to release the other of the first hard pipe section and the second hard pipe section so as to allow the first hard pipe section and the second hard pipe section to pivot to the folded configuration; and

[0007] - an actuating member which moves as one with the locking member and is mounted to pivot about a pivot axis between a rest position and an unlocked position, the actuating member being diametrically opposed to the articulation device (and therefore situated in the lower part of the cleaner duct), and the cleaner duct being configured so that movement of the actuating member from the rest position to the unlocked position causes the locking member to move from the locked position to the released position.

[0008] This configuration of the cleaner duct allows the user to move the locking member to the release position with the same hand by applying pressure to the actuating member and then initiate pivoting of the first hard duct part relative to the second hard duct part to a folded configuration in which the first hard duct part and the second hard duct part define an angle of less than 180° with respect to each other. For example, pressure may be applied on the actuating member with an index finger to move the locking member towards the release position. The action of pushing the first hard duct part or the second hard duct part to initiate pivoting of the first hard duct part relative to the second hard duct part to the folded configuration may be performed, for example, with the palm of the same hand.

[0009] However, since the locking member is exposed, there is a high risk that the user's fingers may be pinched when the locking member 32 is pivoted between the locking position and the release position.

[0010] Furthermore, when the cleaner duct is used in the unfolded configuration, the locking member can easily get caught on external elements, which can lead to damage of the locking member or even jamming of the locking member. Summary of the invention

[0011] The present invention is intended to overcome all or part of these disadvantages.

[0012] The technical problem on which the invention is based is, in particular, to provide a vacuum cleaner duct which is structurally simple, reliable and ergonomic and which at the same time allows safe handling of the vacuum cleaner duct.

[0013] To this end, the present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner duct defining an air flow channel, comprising:

[0014] - a first rigid pipe section and a second rigid pipe section,

[0015] - an articulation device connecting the first rigid pipe section and the second rigid pipe section to each other, the articulation device comprising an articulation axis and being configured to allow the first rigid pipe section to pivot relative to the second rigid pipe section about the articulation axis between an unfolded configuration in which the first rigid pipe section and the second rigid pipe section are substantially aligned relative to each other and a folded configuration in which the first rigid pipe section and the second rigid pipe section define an angle of less than 180° with respect to each other,

[0016] - a locking member configured to lock the first hard pipe section and the second hard pipe section in the unfolded configuration, the locking member being mounted to pivot on one of the first hard pipe section and the second hard pipe section about a pivot axis substantially parallel to the hinge axis, and the locking member being configured to pivot between a locked position and a released position, in which the locking member is configured to cooperate with the other of the first hard pipe section and the second hard pipe section so as to lock the first hard pipe section and the second hard pipe section in the unfolded configuration, and in which the locking member is configured to release the other of the first hard pipe section and the second hard pipe section so as to allow the first hard pipe section and the second hard pipe section to pivot to the folded configuration, and

[0017] an actuating member which moves integrally with the locking member and comprises an actuating portion which is configured to be manually actuated by a user, the locking member and the actuating portion being substantially diametrically opposed to the hinge means relative to a central longitudinal axis of the cleaner duct when the first and second hard duct portions are in the unfolded configuration, the actuating member being mounted to pivot about the pivot axis between a rest position and an unlocked position, and the cleaner duct being configured such that movement of the actuating member from the rest position to the unlocked position causes the locking member to move from the locked position to the released position,

[0018] The vacuum cleaner duct includes a cover cap, which is configured to cover at least a distal portion of the locking member, also called a free end portion, and the cover cap includes a main cover wall, which is configured so that when the first hard duct portion and the second hard duct portion are in the expanded configuration, the distal portion of the locking member is located between the main cover wall and the other of the first hard duct portion and the second hard duct portion.

[0019] The presence of such a cap significantly limits, on the one hand, the risk of the locking member hooking on external elements and thus getting stuck when the vacuum cleaner duct is used in the unfolded configuration, and, on the other hand, the risk of the locking member pinching the user's fingers when pivoting between the locking position and the release position.

[0020] Therefore, compared with the vacuum cleaner duct in the prior art, the vacuum cleaner duct according to the present invention has improved use safety and improved reliability.

[0021] The vacuum cleaner duct may also have one or more of the following features, alone or in combination.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the first hard pipe portion and the second hard pipe portion are in the expanded configuration, the radial distance between the inner surface of the main cover wall and the outer surface of the other of the first hard pipe portion and the second hard pipe portion is sufficient to allow the distal portion of the locking member to deflect when the locking member moves from the locked position to the released position.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the invention, the main cover wall is configured to extend below the locking member when the cleaner duct is in the normal use configuration.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation portion comprises a rear lateral edge defining a rear lateral edge of the actuation member.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the actuating portion has a first longitudinal dimension, which is measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner duct when the first hard duct portion and the second hard duct portion are in the expanded configuration, and the locking member has a second longitudinal dimension smaller than the first longitudinal dimension, which is measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner duct when the first hard duct portion and the second hard duct portion are in the expanded configuration.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the actuating portion has a longitudinal dimension, which is measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner duct when the first hard pipe part and the second hard pipe part are in the expanded configuration, and the locking member has a transverse dimension smaller than the longitudinal dimension of the actuating portion, which is measured perpendicular to the middle longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner duct when the first hard pipe part and the second hard pipe part are in the expanded configuration.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the invention, the actuation portion is arranged to be located generally behind a plane parallel to the articulation axis and containing a central longitudinal axis of the cleaner duct when the first and second rigid duct portions are in the deployed configuration.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation member extends substantially in the extension of the locking member.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation portion and the locking member are substantially aligned along the longitudinal direction. In other words, the actuation portion has a first median longitudinal plane and the locking member has a second median longitudinal plane coinciding with the first median longitudinal plane.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating member extends longitudinally outside the cap.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the actuation part is located outside the cap as a whole. In other words, the actuation part is not covered by the cap. These arrangements ensure that the actuation part is conveniently operated by the user.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the invention, the actuation portion extends away from the locking member relative to the pivot axis.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the invention, the actuation member is configured to move to the unlocked position when a user applies pressure to the actuation portion.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation portion comprises a bearing surface to which a user can apply a bearing force in order to move the actuation member into the unlocked position, the bearing surface being set back relative to or substantially flush with the outer surface of the main cover wall when the actuation member occupies the rest position. This configuration of the actuation portion limits the risk of the actuation portion catching on external elements when the cleaner duct is used in the unfolded configuration, and thus limits the risk of the actuation member being inadvertently moved into the unlocked position.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the invention, the cover cap is further configured to laterally cover the locking member.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating portion comprises two outer side surfaces, which are substantially flush with the two outer side surfaces of the cap, respectively. This configuration of the actuating portion further limits the risk of the actuating portion hooking on external elements when the cleaner duct is used in the unfolded configuration, thereby limiting the risk of the actuating member being inadvertently moved to the unlocked position, and also limiting the risk of the actuating member pinching the user's fingers when pivoting between the rest position and the unlocked position.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, each outer side surface of the actuation portion is substantially parallel to a respective outer side surface of the cap.Such a configuration of the actuation portion further limits the risk of the actuation member being inadvertently moved to the unlocked position.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating portion comprises an inner surface which is located opposite one of the first hard pipe part and the second hard pipe part, the inner surface of the actuating portion being concave and circular. This configuration of the actuating member allows increasing the travel, i.e. the deflection, of the actuating member when it moves between the rest position and the unlocked position, while limiting the volume of the actuating member. In fact, if the lower surface of the actuating portion is flat, the actuating portion will come into contact with the outer wall of one of the first hard pipe part and the second hard pipe part after only a short travel of the actuating member. However, the long displacement travel of the actuating member allows increasing the size of the locking fingers, for example, provided on the locking member, thereby ensuring better locking of the first hard pipe part and the second hard pipe part in the deployed configuration.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the inner surface of the actuation portion has a curvature that is substantially complementary to the outer curvature of the rigid pipe portion it faces.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bearing surface is convex and circular.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation portion is curved and extends around a portion of the circumference of one of the first and second rigid duct portions. Such an embodiment allows limiting the volume of the unlocking member and thus the volume of the cleaner duct.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating member and the locking member are mounted to pivot on the first rigid pipe section, and the cover cap is fixed to the first rigid pipe section. Thus, when the first rigid pipe section and the second rigid pipe section are in the deployed configuration, the distal end portion of the locking member is located between the main cover wall and the second rigid pipe section, in particular radially relative to the central axis of the second rigid pipe section.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main cover wall extends parallel to the central axis of the first rigid pipe portion.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the first and second rigid pipe parts are in the deployed configuration, the second rigid pipe part and the cap define an inner compartment in which the locking member is accommodated, for example integrally accommodated. This configuration of the cap further limits the risk of the locking member getting stuck and of pinching a user's fingers when the locking member moves between the locked position and the released position. Advantageously, the inner compartment extends radially between the cap and the second rigid pipe part relative to the central axis of the second rigid pipe part, and the distal end portion of the locking member is configured to move in said inner compartment.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the cap is configured to entirely cover the lower surface of the locking member.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover cap extends longitudinally beyond the pivot axis of the locking member.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover cap is configured to render the locking member inaccessible when the first rigid pipe portion and the second rigid pipe portion occupy the deployed configuration.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the invention, the actuation member comprises a connecting portion connecting the actuation portion with the locking member.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation member comprises a transverse shoulder separating the connection portion and the actuation portion from each other and configured such that the lower surface of the connection portion is raised relative to the support surface, ie offset upwardly relative to the support surface.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuation portion has a longitudinal dimension which is greater than a longitudinal dimension of the connection portion.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member and the actuating member are made into a single component. Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner duct facilitates the assembly of the vacuum cleaner duct and reduces its manufacturing cost.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the articulation device is arranged so that when the cleaner duct is in a normal use condition, the articulation device is located above a portion of the airflow channel extending near the articulation device. In other words, the articulation device is arranged so that when the cleaner duct is in a normal use condition, it is oriented upwards, i.e. it is directly visible to the user.

[0053] According to an embodiment of the invention, the cleaner duct comprises at least one biasing element, such as a biasing spring, which is configured to bias the actuating member into the rest position and / or to bias the locking member into the locking position.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first rigid duct section is configured to be fluidly connected to a cleaner housing equipped with a suction unit, and the second rigid duct section is configured to be fluidly connected to a suction nozzle configured to be in contact with a floor to be cleaned.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, a cleaner duct comprises a flexible duct connecting a first rigid duct section and a second rigid duct section and at least partially defining an air flow channel.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hinge means is arranged to be located above the flexible duct when the cleaner duct is in normal use conditions. Advantageously, the hinge axis does not intersect the flexible duct.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the flexible pipe comprises a flexible tubular portion, a first fixing ring fixed to a first end of the flexible tubular portion and configured to be detachably fixed to a first rigid pipe portion, and a second fixing ring fixed to a second end of the flexible tubular portion and configured to be detachably fixed to a second rigid pipe portion. This configuration of the flexible pipe makes it possible to disassemble it, in particular for cleaning purposes, to remove large pieces of waste caught in the flexible pipe, or to replace it in the event of damage.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first fixing ring includes a first locking device, which is configured to reversibly lock the first fixing ring on the first hard pipe part, and the second fixing ring includes a second locking device, which is configured to reversibly lock the second fixing ring on the second hard pipe part.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, a vacuum cleaner duct comprises a first suction pipe fluidically and mechanically connected to a first rigid duct portion, and a second suction pipe fluidically and mechanically connected to a second rigid duct portion.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first suction pipe is configured to be fluidically and mechanically connected to the cleaner housing, and the second suction pipe is configured to be fluidically and mechanically connected to the suction nozzle.

[0061] The present invention also relates to a vacuum cleaner, comprising:

[0062] - a vacuum cleaner housing, which is equipped with a suction unit,

[0063] - a suction nozzle arranged to come into contact with the floor to be cleaned, and

[0064] - A vacuum cleaner duct according to the invention, which mechanically and fluidically connects the vacuum cleaner housing to the suction nozzle.

[0065] For example, the vacuum cleaner may be a brush-type vacuum cleaner or a canister vacuum cleaner.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner further comprises a handle and a flexible suction duct, which are arranged between the vacuum cleaner duct and the vacuum cleaner housing and are configured to mechanically and fluidically connect the vacuum cleaner housing with the suction nozzle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] In any case, the invention will be best understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the attached schematic diagram which represents, by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of the vacuum cleaner duct.

[0068] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.

[0069] Figure 2 Belongs to Figure 1 A partial side perspective view of a vacuum cleaner duct of a vacuum cleaner, showing the vacuum cleaner duct in an expanded configuration.

[0070] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A partial bottom view of the vacuum cleaner duct.

[0071] Figure 4 yes Figure 2A partial top view of the vacuum cleaner duct.

[0072] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A partial side perspective view of a vacuum cleaner duct of , showing the vacuum cleaner duct in an expanded configuration.

[0073] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A partial bottom perspective view of a vacuum cleaner duct of is shown, showing the vacuum cleaner duct in an expanded configuration.

[0074] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A partial top view of a vacuum cleaner pipe.

[0075] Figure 8 Belongs to Figure 2 A perspective view of the locking member, the actuating member and the cap of a vacuum cleaner duct.

[0076] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A top view of the locking member, actuating member and cover cap.

[0077] Fig.10 yes Figure 8 A rear perspective view of the locking member, the actuating member and the cover cap.

[0078] Fig.11 yes Figure 2 A stereoscopic view of a vacuum cleaner duct is shown, showing the vacuum cleaner duct in an unfolded configuration and a flexible duct extracted from a first hard duct portion and a second hard duct portion to which the vacuum cleaner duct belongs.

[0079] Fig.12 yes Figure 2 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner duct showing a locking member in a locked position.

[0080] Fig.13 yes Figure 2 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a vacuum cleaner duct of FIG. 1 , showing the vacuum cleaner duct in a folded configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] In this document, "substantially flush" means that the two surfaces are flush or offset by less than 3 mm, such as less than 1 mm.

[0082] Figures 1 to 13A vacuum cleaner 2, in particular a canister vacuum cleaner, is shown, comprising a vacuum cleaner housing 3, a suction nozzle 4 arranged to come into contact with a floor to be cleaned, and a vacuum cleaner duct 5 fluidically and mechanically connecting the vacuum cleaner housing 3 to the suction nozzle 4. In a known manner, the vacuum cleaner housing 3 is equipped in particular with a suction unit 6, which can include, for example, an electric fan, and a waste separation and storage device.

[0083] like Figure 2 As shown, the vacuum cleaner duct 5 comprises a first rigid duct portion 7, a second rigid duct portion 8 and a hinge device 9 connecting the first rigid duct portion 7 and the second rigid duct portion 8 to each other.

[0084] The hinge means 9 are configured to allow the first rigid pipe section 7 to pivot relative to the second rigid pipe section 8 about the hinge axis A between the deployed configuration (see FIG. Figure 2 ) and folded configuration (see Figure 5 ) between the first and second rigid duct parts 7, 8; in the unfolded configuration, the first and second rigid duct parts 7, 8 are aligned relative to each other; in the folded configuration, the first and second rigid duct parts 7, 8 define an angle of less than 180° with respect to each other. Advantageously, the hinge device 9 is configured to be oriented upwards, i.e. facing the user, when the cleaner duct 5 is in a normal use condition, and is also configured so that the hinge axis A does not intersect the first and second rigid duct parts 7, 8.

[0085] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the hinge device 9 comprises a first hinge part 9.1 fixed to the outer surface of the first rigid pipe part 7 and a second hinge part 9.2 fixed to the outer surface of the second rigid pipe part 8. Advantageously, the second rigid pipe part 8 comprises two side protection ribs 10, which are respectively located on both sides of the second hinge part 9.2 (see FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) and is configured to prevent external objects from being clamped or stuck at the hinge device 9.

[0086] The vacuum cleaner duct 5 further comprises a first suction duct 11, comprising a proximal portion 11.1 fluidically and mechanically connected to the first rigid duct portion 7, and a distal portion 11.2 configured to be fluidically and mechanically connected to the vacuum cleaner housing 3, for example directly in the case of a brush vacuum cleaner, or via a handle and a flexible suction duct in the case of a canister vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner duct 5 further comprises a second suction duct 12, comprising a proximal portion 12.1 fluidically and mechanically connected to the second rigid duct portion 8, and a distal portion 12.2 fluidically and mechanically connected to the suction nozzle 4.

[0087] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the first hard pipe part 7 includes a first connecting part 13, which is tubular and fluidically and mechanically connected to the proximal part 11.1 of the first suction tube 11, and the second hard pipe part 8 includes a second connecting part 14, which is tubular and fluidically and mechanically connected to the proximal part 12.1 of the second suction tube 12.

[0088] More specifically Figure 5 and Fig.11 As shown, the suction duct 5 further comprises a flexible duct 15 which defines an internal flow channel and connects the first and second rigid duct portions 7, 8. The flexible duct 15 is more specifically configured to fluidically connect the first connection portion 13 and the second connection portion 14, so that the first connection portion 13, the second connection portion 14, the first and second suction tubes 11, 12 and the flexible duct 15 define an airflow channel which is connected to the suction unit 6 on the one hand and to the suction nozzle 4 on the other hand.

[0089] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second rigid duct sections 7, 8 respectively comprise a first mounting section 16 and a second mounting section 17 which are tubular and which delimit a receiving compartment 18 in which the flexible duct 15 is accommodated. Advantageously, the first mounting section 16 comprises a first insertion opening and the second mounting section 17 comprises a second insertion opening which is arranged to face the first insertion opening when the first and second rigid duct sections 7, 8 occupy the deployed configuration.

[0090] The flexible pipe 15 more specifically includes a flexible tubular portion 19, a first fixing ring 21, and a second fixing ring 22; the first fixing ring 21 is fixed to a first end of the flexible tubular portion 19 and is configured to be detachably fixed to the first mounting portion 16; the second fixing ring 22 is fixed to a second end of the flexible tubular portion 19 and is configured to be detachably fixed to the second mounting portion 17. The first fixing ring 21 is more specifically configured to be inserted into the first mounting portion 16 through the first insertion port, and the second fixing ring 22 is more specifically configured to be inserted into the second mounting portion 17 through the second insertion port.

[0091] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first fixing ring 21 includes a first locking device 23 configured to reversibly lock the first fixing ring 21 on the first mounting portion 16, and the second fixing ring 22 includes a second locking device 24 configured to reversibly lock the second fixing ring 22 on the second mounting portion 17.

[0092] The first locking device 23 more specifically comprises two first locking elements 25, such as first locking arms or first locking tongues, which are diametrically opposed relative to the central axis of the flexible pipe 15 and are movable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, advantageously elastically deformable; in the locked configuration, the two first locking elements 25 are away from each other and are configured to cooperate with the first mounting portion 16 to lock the first fixing ring 21 on the first mounting portion 16; in the unlocked configuration, the two first locking elements 25 are close to each other and are configured to release the first mounting portion 16 to allow the first fixing ring 21 to withdraw from the first mounting portion 16. One of the two first locking elements 25 is Fig.11 The other of the two first locking elements 25 is particularly evident in Figure 4 Especially obvious in.

[0093] Similarly, the second locking device 24 includes two second locking elements 26, such as second locking arms or second locking tongues, which are diametrically opposed relative to the central axis of the flexible pipe 15 and are movable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, advantageously elastically deformable; in the locked configuration, the two second locking elements 26 are away from each other and are configured to cooperate with the second mounting portion 17 to lock the second fixing ring 22 on the second mounting portion 17; in the unlocked configuration, the two second locking elements 26 are close to each other and are configured to release the second mounting portion 17 to allow the second fixing ring 22 to withdraw from the second mounting portion 17. One of the two second locking elements 26 is Fig.11 The other of the two second locking elements 26 is particularly evident in Figure 4 Especially obvious in.

[0094] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the first fixing ring 21 includes a first annular ring body 21.1, and each first locking element 25 extends from the first annular ring body 21.1 along an extension direction, and when the first locking element 25 occupies a locking configuration, the extension direction is basically parallel to the central axis of the flexible pipe 15; the second fixing ring 22 includes a second annular ring body 22.1, and each second locking element 26 extends from the second annular ring body 22.1 along an extension direction, and when the second locking element 26 occupies a locking configuration, the extension direction is also basically parallel to the central axis of the flexible pipe 15.

[0095] Advantageously, each first locking element 25 and each second locking element 26 is configured to be accessible from the outside of the cleaner duct 5. Each first locking element 25 is more specifically configured to be accessible from a respective side of the first hard duct portion 7, and each second locking element 26 is more specifically configured to be accessible from a respective side of the second hard duct portion 8.

[0096] When the first and second rigid duct parts 7, 8 are in the unfolded configuration, each of the first locking element 25 and the second locking element 26 is located on one side of the cleaner duct 5 between the hinge means 9 on the one hand and the locking member 32 on the other hand. This configuration allows easy access to the two first locking elements 25 and the two second locking elements 26 without being hindered by the hinge means 9 or the locking member 32.

[0097] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the first locking device 23 includes two first locking holes 27, which are arranged on the first mounting portion 16, more specifically, on two corresponding sides of the first mounting portion 16, and are configured to respectively cooperate with the two first locking elements 25 when the two first locking elements 25 are in the locked configuration. Similarly, the second locking device 24 includes two second locking holes 28, which are arranged on the second mounting portion 17, more specifically, on two corresponding sides of the second mounting portion 17, and are configured to respectively cooperate with the two second locking elements 26 when the two second locking elements 26 are in the locked state.

[0098] Each first locking hole 27 more specifically passes through and opens into the outer surface of the first mounting portion 16 to allow access to the respective first locking element 25 from the outside of the cleaner duct 5 and to allow the respective first locking element 25 to be moved into the unlocked configuration; and each second locking hole 28 more specifically passes through and opens into the outer surface of the second mounting portion 17 to allow access to the respective second locking element 26 from the outside of the cleaner duct 5 and to allow the respective second locking element 26 to be moved into the unlocked configuration. Each first locking hole 27 and second locking hole can be, for example, elongated. Advantageously, each first locking hole 27 is configured to face the first locking finger mounted on the respective first locking element 25 when the first fixing ring 21 is fixed to the first rigid duct portion 7; and each second locking hole 28 is configured to face the second locking finger mounted on the respective second locking element 26 when the second fixing ring 22 is fixed to the second rigid duct portion 8.

[0099] like Fig.11 As shown, the flexible pipe 15 further includes a first annular seal 29 fixed to the first fixing ring 21 and configured to seal with the first hard pipe portion 7 , and a second annular seal 31 fixed to the second fixing ring 22 and configured to seal with the second hard pipe portion 8 .

[0100] The cleaner duct 5 further comprises a locking member 32, such as a locking tab or a locking buckle equipped with locking fingers, which is configured to lock the first and second rigid duct parts 7, 8 in the unfolded configuration. Advantageously, the locking member 32 and the hinge device 9 are substantially diametrically opposed relative to the central longitudinal axis B of the cleaner duct 5 in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid duct parts 7, 8.

[0101] The locking member 32 is mounted to pivot on the first hard pipe part 7 about a pivot axis C parallel to the hinge axis A between a locking position and a release position; in the locked position, the locking member 32 is configured to engage with the locking element 33 (in Fig.11 The locking element 33 is matched with the first hard pipe part 8 and the second ...

[0102] The cleaner duct 5 further comprises an actuation member 34 configured to move the locking member 32 into the release position. Advantageously, the locking member 32 and the actuation member 34 are made as a single piece and the actuation member 34 extends in the extension of the locking member 32.

[0103] The actuating member 34 moves integrally with the locking member 32 and is therefore mounted about the pivot axis C in a rest position (see Figure 2 The cleaner duct 5 is more specifically configured such that movement of the actuating member 34 from the rest position to the unlocked position causes the locking member 32 to move from the locked position to the released position.

[0104] The actuation member 34 includes an actuation portion 35 configured to be manually actuated by a user and a connection portion 36 connecting the actuation portion 35 with the locking member 32 .

[0105] The actuation portion 35 more specifically comprises a bearing surface 37 to which a user can apply a bearing force (i.e. pressure) to move the actuation member 34 to the unlocked position. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the actuation portion 35 comprises a rear lateral edge which defines the rear lateral edge of the actuation member 34.

[0106] Advantageously, the actuating portion 35 and the locking member 32 are located on the same side of the cleaner duct 5 diametrically opposite to the side of the cleaner duct 5 where the hinge means 9 is located and are substantially longitudinally aligned.

[0107] like Fig.10As shown, the actuation portion 35 is curved and extends around a portion of the outer circumference of the first hard pipe portion 7. Thus, the inner surface 35.1 of the actuation portion 35 facing the first hard pipe portion 7 is concave and rounded, and the bearing surface 37 is convex and rounded. Advantageously, the inner surface 35.1 of the actuation portion 35 has a curvature that is substantially complementary to the outer curvature of the first hard pipe portion 7. Such a configuration of the actuation member 34 allows increasing the travel of the actuation member 34 when it moves (i.e. deflects) between the rest position and the unlocked position, while limiting the bulk of the actuation member 34.

[0108] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the connecting portion 36 is elongated and extends parallel to the central longitudinal axis B of the cleaner duct 5 when the first and second rigid duct portions 7, 8 are in the unfolded configuration, and the actuating portion 35 extends from the rear transverse edge of the connecting portion 36 and is therefore located opposite the locking member 32 with respect to the pivot axis C. Advantageously, the actuating portion 35 is configured to be located overall behind a plane parallel to the articulation axis A and containing the central longitudinal axis B of the cleaner duct 5 when the first and second rigid duct portions 7, 8 are in the unfolded configuration.

[0109] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the actuation portion 35 has a first longitudinal dimension, measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis B of the cleaner duct 5 in the deployed configuration of the first and second rigid duct portions 7, 8, and the locking member 32 has a second longitudinal dimension, smaller than the first longitudinal dimension, measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis B of the cleaner duct 5 in the deployed configuration of the first and second rigid duct portions 7, 8. Advantageously, the locking member 32 has a transverse dimension, measured perpendicularly to the median longitudinal plane of the cleaner duct 5 in the deployed configuration of the first and second rigid duct portions 7, 8, which is smaller than the first longitudinal dimension of the actuation portion 35.

[0110] The cleaner duct 5 further comprises a biasing element 38 , such as a biasing spring, which is configured to bias the actuating member 34 into a rest position. Such a biasing element 38 allows a stable rest position to be defined for the actuating member 34 .

[0111] The cleaner duct 5 further comprises a cover cap 39 which is fixed to the first hard duct part 7 and is configured to extend below the locking member 32 and completely cover a lower surface of the locking member 32 , ie a surface of the locking member 32 opposite to the first hard duct part 7 .

[0112] In particular, the cover cap 39 is configured to cover the distal end portion of the locking member 32. Advantageously, the cover cap 39 is also configured to completely cover the side edges of the locking member 32 and to render the locking member 32 inaccessible when the first and second hard pipe parts 7, 8 occupy the deployed configuration. Such a cover cap 39 significantly limits the risk of the locking member 32 getting stuck and also the risk of the locking member 32 pinching a user's fingers when pivoting between the locked position and the released position.

[0113] The cap 39 more specifically comprises a main cover wall 39.1 extending parallel to the central axis of the first hard duct part 7 and configured such that when the first and second hard duct parts 7, 8 are in the unfolded configuration, the distal end portion of the locking member 32 is located between the main cover wall 39.1 and the second hard duct part 8. The main cover wall 39.1 is configured to extend below the locking member 32 when the cleaner duct 5 is in the normal use configuration.

[0114] When the first and second hard pipe sections 7, 8 are in the expanded configuration, the radial distance between the inner surface of the main cover wall 39.1 and the outer surface of the second hard pipe section 8 is sufficient to allow the distal portion of the locking member 32 to deflect when the locking member 32 moves from the locked position to the released position.

[0115] The cap 39 further comprises two side walls 39 . 2 extending on either side of the locking member 32 and an end wall 39 . 3 located opposite the actuating portion 35 .

[0116] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, when the first and second rigid duct parts 7, 8 are in the deployed configuration, the second rigid duct part 8 and the cover cap 39 delimit an inner compartment in which the locking member 32 is accommodated.

[0117] Advantageously, the cap 39 extends longitudinally outside the pivot axis C of the locking member 32 , but the actuation member 34 extends longitudinally outside the cap 39 , so that the actuation portion 35 is not covered by the cap 39 to allow a user to easily actuate the actuation portion 35 .

[0118] More specifically Figure 2 As shown, when the actuating member 34 occupies the rest position, the support surface 37 is substantially flush with the outer surface 41 of the cap 39. To this end, the actuating member 34 may include, for example, a transverse shoulder 42, which separates the connecting portion 36 and the actuating portion 35 and is configured so that the lower surface of the connecting portion 36 is raised relative to the support surface 37, that is, offset upward relative to the support surface 37, and the offset distance is substantially equivalent to the thickness of the main cover wall 39.1 of the cap 39.

[0119] Advantageously, the actuating portion 35 comprises two outer side surfaces 43, which are also substantially flush with the two outer side surfaces 44 of the cap 39 (see Figure 3 Each outer side surface 43 of the actuation portion 35 may advantageously be parallel to a corresponding outer side surface 44 of the cap 39 .

[0120] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which are merely illustrative. Modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, particularly in the constitution of the various elements, or by substitution of technical equivalents.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner duct (5) defining an air flow channel and comprising: - a first rigid pipe section (7) and a second rigid pipe section (8), - an articulation device (9) connecting the first rigid pipe section and the second rigid pipe section (7, 8) to each other, the articulation device (9) comprising an articulation axis (A) and being configured to allow the first rigid pipe section (7) to pivot relative to the second rigid pipe section (8) about the articulation axis (A) between an unfolded configuration, in which the first rigid pipe section and the second rigid pipe section (7, 8) are substantially aligned relative to each other, and a folded configuration, in which the first rigid pipe section and the second rigid pipe section (7, 8) define an angle of less than 180° with respect to each other; - a locking member (32) configured to lock the first and second hard pipe sections (7, 8) in the unfolded configuration, the locking member (32) being mounted to pivot on one of the first and second hard pipe sections (7, 8) about a pivot axis (C) substantially parallel to the hinge axis (A), and the locking member being configured to pivot between a locked position and a released position, in which the locking member (32) is configured to cooperate with the other of the first and second hard pipe sections (7, 8) so as to lock the first and second hard pipe sections (7, 8) in the unfolded configuration, and in which the locking member (32) is configured to release the other of the first and second hard pipe sections (7, 8) so as to allow the first and second hard pipe sections (7, 8) to pivot to the folded configuration, and an actuating member (34) which moves in one piece with the locking member (32) and comprises an actuating portion (35) which is configured to be manually actuated by a user, the locking member (32) and the actuating portion (35) being substantially diametrically opposed to the hinge means (9) relative to a central longitudinal axis (B) of the cleaner duct (5) when the first and second hard duct parts (7, 8) are in the unfolded configuration, the actuating member (34) being mounted to pivot about a pivot axis (C) between a rest position and an unlocked position, and the cleaner duct (5) being configured such that movement of the actuating member (34) from the rest position to the unlocked position causes the locking member (32) to move from the locked position to the released position, It is characterized in that the vacuum cleaner pipe (5) includes a cover cap (39), which is configured to cover at least the distal portion of the locking member (32), and the cover cap (39) includes a main cover wall (39.1), and the main cover wall is configured so that when the first hard pipe part and the second hard pipe part (7, 8) are in the expanded configuration, the distal portion of the locking member (32) is located between the main cover wall (39.1) and the other of the first hard pipe part and the second hard pipe part (7, 8).

2. The vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to claim 1, wherein: When the first and second rigid pipe sections (7, 8) are in the expanded configuration, the radial distance between the inner surface of the main cover wall (39.1) and the outer surface of the other of the first and second rigid pipe sections (7, 8) is sufficient to allow the distal portion of the locking member (32) to deflect when the locking member (32) moves from the locked position to the released position.

3. A vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuating portion (35) comprises a bearing surface (37), to which a user can apply a bearing force in order to move the actuating member (34) to the release position, and when the actuating member (34) occupies the rest position, the bearing surface (37) is set back relative to the outer surface (41) of the main cover wall or is substantially flush with the outer surface.

4. The vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cover cap (39) is configured to laterally cover the locking member (32).

5. The vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the actuating portion (35) comprises two outer side surfaces, and the two outer side surfaces are respectively substantially flush with two outer side surfaces of the cap (39).

6. The vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to claim 5, wherein each outer side surface of the actuating portion (35) is substantially parallel to a corresponding outer side surface of the cap (39).

7. The vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the actuating portion (35) has an inner surface (35.1) facing one of the first and second hard duct portions (7, 8), and the inner surface (35.1) of the actuating portion (35) is concave and circular.

8. A vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the actuating member (34) and the locking member (32) are mounted to pivot on a first hard duct part (7), the cap (39) being fixed to the first hard duct part (7).

9. A vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to claim 8, wherein when the first and second hard duct parts (7, 8) are in the unfolded configuration, the second hard duct part (8) and the cover cap (39) define an inner compartment, and the locking member (32) is accommodated in the inner compartment.

10. The vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cover cap (39) is configured to render the locking member (32) inaccessible when the first and second rigid duct parts (7, 8) are in the unfolded configuration.

11. The vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cover cap (39) extends longitudinally beyond the pivot axis (C) of the locking member (32).

12. A vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the locking member (32) and the actuating member (34) are made as a single-piece component.

13. The vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the hinge device (9) is configured so that when the vacuum cleaner duct (5) is in normal use condition, the hinge device (9) is located above a portion of the air flow channel extending near the hinge device (9).

14. A vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first rigid duct section (7) is configured to be fluidically connected to a vacuum cleaner housing (3) equipped with a suction unit (6), and the second rigid duct section (8) is configured to be fluidically connected to a suction nozzle (4), the suction nozzle being configured to contact a floor to be cleaned.

15. The vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising at least one biasing element (38), which is configured to bias the actuating member (34) into a rest position and / or to bias the locking member (32) into a locking position.

16. A vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising a flexible duct (15) connecting the first and second rigid duct parts (7, 8) and at least partially defining an air flow channel.

17. The vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to claim 16, wherein the flexible duct (15) comprises a flexible tubular portion (19), a first fixing ring (21) and a second fixing ring (22); the first fixing ring (21) is fixed to the first end of the flexible tubular portion (19) and is configured to be detachably fixed to the first hard duct portion (7), and the second fixing ring (22) is fixed to the second end of the flexible tubular portion (19) and is configured to be detachably fixed to the second hard duct portion (8).

18. A vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to claim 17, wherein the first fixing ring (21) includes a first locking device (23), which is configured to reversibly lock the first fixing ring (21) on the first hard pipe part (7), and the second fixing ring (22) includes a second locking device (24), which is configured to reversibly lock the second fixing ring (22) on the second hard pipe part (8).

19. A vacuum cleaner (2), comprising: - a vacuum cleaner housing (3) which is equipped with a suction unit, - a suction nozzle (4) configured to come into contact with the floor to be cleaned, and - A vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, which mechanically and fluidically connects the vacuum cleaner housing (3) with the suction nozzle (4).

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