Accessory of tank type dust collector

Abstract

The present invention relates to an attachment comprising: a suction tube; a grip (11) provided with a grip (110); and a locking mechanism (13) comprising a latch (14) movable between a locking position, in which the latch (14) locks the handle (11) relative to the suction tube, and a release position, in which the latch (14) locks the handle (11) relative to the suction tube; in the release position, the latch (14) allows the handle (11) to pivot relative to the suction tube. The locking mechanism (13) comprises a manual actuation member (21) located in the vicinity of the grip (110) and movable between a rest position and an unlocking position, the locking mechanism (13) is configured such that displacement of the manual actuation member (21) from the rest position to the unlocked position causes displacement of the latch (14) from the locked position to the released position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention more particularly relates to a canister household vacuum cleaner which allows the suction of dust and debris present on a surface to be cleaned, which surface to be cleaned can be, for example, tiles, parquet floors, laminates, carpets or rugs.

[0002] In the present specification, a canister vacuum cleaner means a vacuum cleaner which, when in use, can be displaced on the ground, for example by means of wheels or casters. In a canister vacuum cleaner, the suction nozzle is generally connected to the vacuum cleaner housing via an accessory including a rigid suction tube and a flexible suction line. During a cleaning operation, the user of the canister vacuum cleaner grasps the suction nozzle via a handle fastened to the suction tube. The vacuum cleaner housing of the canister vacuum cleaner is generally pulled by the user via the handle and the suction line, and this displacement mode is the origin of the name "canister vacuum cleaner". The name "canister vacuum cleaner" also encompasses vacuum cleaners with motorized wheels or casters capable of following the displacement of the suction nozzle, the handle or the user. Background Art

[0003] Document FR3123553 discloses an accessory for a canister vacuum cleaner, which comprises:

[0004] A suction tube which includes a first end and a second end, the floor cleaning element being designed to be fastened to the first end, the second end being opposite the first end and being designed to be fluidly connected to a suction opening provided on the vacuum cleaner housing,

[0005] A handle which includes an elongated main handle portion and a grip, the main handle portion being mechanically connected to the suction tube, the grip being fastened to the free end of the main handle portion and being configured to be grasped by the user, the handle being mounted to be articulated with the suction tube and to pivot between a first handle position and a second handle position about a pivot axis, and

[0006] A locking mechanism which is configured to lock the handle in the first handle position.

[0007] The locking mechanism includes a latch mounted to be movable on the handle between a locked position and a released position, in the locked position, the latch being configured to cooperate with a locking element provided on the suction tube so as to lock the handle in the first handle position; in the released position, the latch being configured to release the locking element so as to allow the handle to pivot between the first handle position and the second handle position.

[0008] The locking mechanism further includes a manual actuation member which is configured to be actuated by the user and is mounted to be movable on the handle between a rest position and an unlocked position, the locking mechanism being configured such that the displacement of the manual actuation member from the rest position to the unlocked position causes the displacement of the latch from the locked position to the released position.

[0009] According to document FR3123553, the latch and the manual actuation member are made as one piece and are provided near the pivot axis, thus being at a distance from the grip.

[0010] Therefore, when the user grasps the handle via the grip with one hand and wants to displace the handle to a position where the handle is inclined with respect to the suction pipe, for example in order to suck up the garbage located under low furniture, the user then has to displace the manual actuation member to the unlocking position with the second hand, thus unlocking the handle.

[0011] It has been found that this unlocking operation may not be very convenient for some users. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention aims to overcome this drawback.

[0013] The basic technical problem of the present invention is in particular to provide an accessory for a canister vacuum cleaner that is simple in structure, economical and ergonomic.

[0014] To this end, the subject of the present invention is an accessory for a canister vacuum cleaner, comprising:

[0015] A suction pipe, which includes a first end and a second end, a floor cleaning element being designed to be fastened to the first end, the second end being opposite to the first end and being designed to be fluidly connected to a suction interface provided on the vacuum cleaner housing,

[0016] A handle, which includes a main handle portion and a grip, the main handle portion having a longitudinal axis and being mechanically connected to the suction pipe, the grip being fastened to the free end of the main handle portion and being configured to be grasped by the user, the handle being mounted to be hinged to the suction pipe and rotatable between a first handle position and a second handle position about a pivot axis, and

[0017] A locking mechanism, which is configured to lock the handle in the first handle position, the locking mechanism including a latch, the latch being mounted to be movable on the handle between a locking position and a release position, in the locking position, the latch being configured to cooperate with a locking element provided on the suction pipe so as to lock the handle in the first handle position; in the release position, the latch being configured to release the locking element so as to allow the handle to pivot between the first handle position and the second handle position, the locking mechanism further including a manual actuation member, the manual actuation member being configured to be actuated by the user and being mounted to be movable on the handle between a rest position and an unlocking position, the locking mechanism being configured such that the displacement of the manual actuation member from the rest position to the unlocking position causes the displacement of the latch from the locking position to the release position.

[0018] The manual actuation member is located near the grip, and the locking mechanism includes at least one coupling member, which is configured to mechanically connect the manual actuation member to the latch.

[0019] This configuration of the locking mechanism, and in particular this arrangement of the manual actuation member, allows the user to grasp the handle with one hand and actuate the manual actuation member, which greatly simplifies the unlocking of the handle and thus improves the ergonomics of the attachment according to the invention.

[0020] The attachment may also have one or more of the following features, either individually or in combination.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the invention, the manual actuation member is configured to be actuated by a finger (e.g., the index finger) of the hand when the user holds the grip with one hand. This configuration of the manual actuation member further improves the ergonomics of the attachment according to the invention.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the invention, the manual actuation member is configured to be actuated by the user by pulling the manual actuation member towards the grip.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the invention, the manual actuation member is an actuation trigger.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the invention, the manual actuation member is configured to be actuated by the user by displacing the manual actuation member a distance away from the grip and, for example, by applying pressure on the manual actuation member. In such an embodiment of the invention, the manual actuation member may be, for example, an actuation button, such as a push button.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the invention, the manual actuation member is substantially located within the middle longitudinal plane of the handle.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the invention, the manual actuation member can be manually actuated by the user from the lower surface of the main handle portion. This configuration of the manual actuation member ensures that the operator can easily actuate the manual actuation member with the index finger while holding the grip with the hand.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the invention, the manual actuation member is at least partially disposed facing the grip.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the invention, the grip includes an intermediate longitudinal axis that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the main handle portion.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the invention, the manual actuation member includes a fastening portion and an actuation portion. The fastening portion is disposed within the handle, and at least one coupling member is fastened to the fastening portion. The actuation portion projects outside the handle and is configured to be actuated by the user.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the handle grip includes a channel opening through which the actuating part projects outwards. Advantageously, the manual actuating member includes a closing part, such as a closing tongue, which is configured to at least partially close the channel opening when the manual actuating member is in the rest position.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the actuating part is arranged below the main handle part and faces the grip. This configuration of the manual actuating member ensures that the operator can easily actuate the manual actuating member with the index finger when grasping the grip with the hand.

[0032] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the actuating part is at least partially arranged above the main handle part or behind the grip.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one coupling member is elongate and extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main handle part.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one coupling member is arranged in the handle grip.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one coupling member includes a first end and a second end, the first end being fastened to the manual actuating member, for example, by a threaded connection, and the second end being fastened to the latch, for example, by a threaded connection.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one coupling member is a coupling tie rod.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the locking mechanism includes two coupling members extending on both sides of the middle longitudinal plane of the handle grip.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the two coupling members extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second ends of the two coupling members are connected to each other by a transverse coupling part.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the two coupling members are mechanically connected to the latch by a transverse coupling part. This configuration of the locking mechanism ensures a better distribution of the force applied to the latch and thus ensures a reliable locking of the handle grip in the first handle position.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the latch is mounted to be slidable on the main handle part in a sliding direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main handle part.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the manual actuating member is mounted to be slidable on the handle grip in a displacement direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main handle part.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the locking mechanism includes a guiding device configured to guide a manual actuating member along a displacement direction during displacement of the manual actuating member between a rest position and an unlocking position.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the guiding device includes two guiding walls disposed on both sides of the manual actuating member and configured to laterally guide the manual actuating member. Advantageously, the two guiding walls are substantially parallel.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the guiding device includes two guiding grooves and two lateral guiding lugs. The two guiding grooves are disposed on the handle, and are respectively disposed on the two guiding walls for example. The two lateral guiding lugs are disposed on the manual actuating member and extend opposite to each other. Each lateral guiding lug is mounted to be slidable in a corresponding guiding groove.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the guiding device includes a substantially planar lower supporting surface and a substantially planar upper supporting surface. When the manual actuating member is displaced between the rest position and the unlocking position, the lower part of the manual actuating member is adapted to slide against the lower supporting surface, and when the manual actuating member is displaced between the rest position and the unlocking position, the upper part of the manual actuating member is adapted to slide against the upper supporting surface.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lower supporting surface and the upper supporting surface are substantially parallel.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the manual actuating member includes two upper supporting lugs configured to slide against the upper supporting surface when the manual actuating member is displaced between the rest position and the unlocking position.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the latch includes two lateral locking members disposed on both sides of the intermediate longitudinal plane of the handle. This configuration of the latch allows for ensuring reliable locking of the handle in the first handle position, thereby ensuring stable position of the handle when in the first handle position. In addition, this latch configuration does not require increasing the size of the handle, thus limiting the mass and volume of the handle according to the present invention.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the two lateral locking members are symmetrically disposed with respect to the intermediate longitudinal plane of the handle. This arrangement of the lateral locking members ensures better distribution of the force for holding the handle in the first handle position.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the two lateral locking members are respectively disposed near the two lateral edges of the handle.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the locking element includes two lateral locking recesses configured to cooperate with two lateral locking members respectively when the grip is in the first handle position.

[0053] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the locking element includes two lateral locking arms, each lateral locking arm extending from the second end of the suction pipe, and each lateral locking recess is provided on the corresponding lateral locking arm.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each lateral locking arm includes a free end provided with an end face, and each lateral locking recess is provided on the corresponding end face.

[0055] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the main handle portion includes two lateral depressions configured to receive the lateral locking arms respectively when the grip is in the first handle position.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each lateral locking member is configured to project into the corresponding lateral depression when the latch is in the locked position.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each lateral locking member includes an inclined actuation surface, such as an inclined actuation surface formed by an actuation bevel, and each inclined actuation surface is configured to cooperate with the corresponding lateral locking arm when the grip pivots towards the first handle position, thereby biasing the latch towards the release position.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each lateral locking member is a lateral locking lug.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the locking mechanism includes a biasing element, such as a compression spring, configured to bias the latch to the locked position.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the latch includes a support portion, such as a support finger, configured to apply a compressive force on the biasing element when the latch is displaced towards the release position.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the grip is in the first handle position, the main handle portion extends substantially parallel to the suction pipe.

[0062] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the grip is in the second handle position, the main handle portion folds along or against the suction pipe.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the grip is configured to be in a plurality of intermediate positions between the first handle position and the second handle position, and at each intermediate position, the main handle portion is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the suction pipe.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the accessory further includes a suction pipeline, which is flexible and fluidly connected to the second end of the suction pipe, and the suction pipeline is designed to be connected to a suction interface provided on the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the suction pipeline is removably connected to the second end of the suction pipe.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the main handle portion is mechanically connected to the second end of the suction pipe.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the handle is mounted to be hinged to the suction pipe through a pivot coupling defining a pivot axis. Advantageously, the pivot coupling is located near one end of the main handle portion.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second end of the suction pipe includes a tubular connection interface to which the suction pipeline is connected. Advantageously, the pivot coupling is laterally offset with respect to the connection interface.

[0069] The present invention also relates to a canister vacuum cleaner, comprising:

[0070] A vacuum cleaner housing,

[0071] A suction interface provided on the vacuum cleaner housing through which air carrying debris can be drawn into the vacuum cleaner housing,

[0072] A suction motor provided in the vacuum cleaner housing and configured to generate an air flow through the suction interface, and

[0073] An accessory according to the present invention.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum cleaner further includes a floor cleaning element, such as a suction nozzle, which is removably fastened to the first end of the suction pipe, for example. Description of the Drawings

[0075] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention can be better understood through the following description of multiple embodiments of the present invention, which are presented in the form of non-limiting examples, in the drawings:

[0076] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0077] Figure 2 belongs to Figure 1 a longitudinal sectional view of the suction assembly of the vacuum cleaner;

[0078] Figure 3 belongs to Figure 1 a top view of the accessory of the vacuum cleaner;

[0079] Figure 4 is Figure 3 A partial side view of an accessory of , showing the grip in the deployed position;

[0080] Figure 5 is Figure 3 A partial side view of an accessory of , showing the grip in the stowed position;

[0081] Figure 6 is Figure 3 A partial side view of an accessory of , showing the grip in the intermediate position;

[0082] Figure 7 is Figure 3 A partial longitudinal sectional view of an accessory of , showing the grip in the deployed position;

[0083] Figure 8 is Figure 3 A partial longitudinal sectional view of an accessory of , showing the grip in the intermediate position;

[0084] Figure 9 is Figure 3 A partial perspective sectional view of an accessory of ;

[0085] Figure 10 is Figure 3 A partial perspective rear view of an accessory of ;

[0086] Figure 11 belongs to Figure 3 A perspective top view of the latch of the locking mechanism of an accessory of ;

[0087] Figure 12 is Figure 11 A perspective bottom view of the latch of ;

[0088] Figure 13 is Figure 3 A partial perspective bottom view of an accessory of ;

[0089] Figure 14 is Figure 3 A partial perspective bottom view of an accessory of ;

[0090] Figure 15 is Figure 3 A partial perspective rear view of an accessory of ;

[0091] Figure 16 belongs to Figure 3 A perspective top view of the manual actuating mechanism of the locking mechanism of an accessory of ;

[0092] Figure 17 is Figure 16 A perspective bottom view of the manual actuating mechanism of ;

[0093] Figure 18 is Figure 3 a partial longitudinal sectional view of an accessory;

[0094] Figure 19 is a partial perspective rear view of an accessory according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0095] Figure 20 is a partial perspective rear view of an accessory according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0096] Only those elements necessary for understanding the present invention are shown. For ease of reading the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements in different figures.

[0097] Figures 1 to 18 shows a canister vacuum cleaner 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] The vacuum cleaner 1 particularly includes a vacuum cleaner housing 2 and a suction interface 3, the suction interface 3 being provided on the vacuum cleaner housing 2, through which air carrying garbage can be sucked into the vacuum cleaner housing 2.

[0099] The vacuum cleaner 1 further includes a suction motor 4 provided within the vacuum cleaner housing 2. The suction motor 4 includes an electric motor and a blower, the blower being coupled to the electric motor and configured to generate an air flow through the suction interface 3.

[0100] The vacuum cleaner 1 further includes a floor cleaning element 5, such as a suction nozzle, also referred to as a suction head.

[0101] The vacuum cleaner 1 further includes an accessory 6, the accessory 6 including a suction tube 7, the suction tube 7 including a first end 7.1 and a second end 7.2 opposite the first end 7.1, and the floor cleaning element 5 being removably fastened to the first end 7.1, for example. Advantageously, the suction tube 7 is rigid and can be telescopic, for example.

[0102] The accessory 6 further includes a flexible suction line 8. The suction line 8 includes a first end and a second end, the first end being removably connected to the suction interface 3, for example; the second end being removably connected to the second end 7.2 of the suction tube 7, for example. The second end 7.2 of the suction tube 7 advantageously includes a tubular connection interface 9, and the second end of the suction line 8 is designed to be connected to the connection interface 9. The suction line 8 can be provided with a cleaning brush 10, for example, which is located near the second end of the suction line 8.

[0103] Attachment 6 further includes a handle 11, which includes a main handle portion 12. The main handle portion 12 is elongated and is mechanically connected to the second end 7.2 of the suction pipe 7. The handle 11 further includes a grip 110, which is provided at the upper end of the main handle portion 12 and is configured to be held by a user so as to allow the user to manipulate the handle 11 and thus manipulate the suction pipe 7. Advantageously, the grip 110 includes an intermediate longitudinal axis that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the main handle portion 12.

[0104] The handle 11 is mounted to be hinged to the suction pipe 7 by a pivot coupling P that defines a pivot axis A and is located near one end of the main handle portion 12. Advantageously, the pivot axis A is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the suction pipe 7 and is also perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main handle portion 12.

[0105] The handle 11 is mounted to be movable relative to the suction pipe 7 between a first handle position (see Figure 1 and Figure 7 ) and a second handle position (see Figure 5 ). The first handle position is also referred to as the deployed position, in which the main handle portion 12 extends substantially parallel to the suction pipe 7; the second handle position is also referred to as the storage position, in which the main handle portion 12 is folded along or against the suction pipe 7, for example, folded by about 175°.

[0106] The handle 11 is further configured to be in a plurality of intermediate positions (see Figure 6 and Figure 8 ) located between the first handle position and the second handle position. In each intermediate position, the main handle portion 12 is inclined with respect to the suction pipe 7, for example, at an inclination angle between 90° and 135°. The user can, for example, displace the handle 11 to one of the intermediate positions in order to be able to easily suck up the garbage located under low furniture or a bed.

[0107] According to Figures 1 to 18 the illustrated embodiment, the pivot coupling P is laterally offset with respect to the connection interface 9.

[0108] Attachment 6 further includes a locking mechanism 13, which is configured to lock the handle 11 in the first handle position.

[0109] The locking mechanism 13 includes a latch 14 mounted to be slidable on the main handle portion 12 between a locked position and a released position. In the locked position, the latch 14 is configured to cooperate with a locking element 15 provided on the suction pipe 7 so as to lock the grip 11 in the first handle position; in the released position, the latch 14 is configured to release the locking element 15 so as to allow the grip 11 to pivot between the first handle position and the second handle position. Advantageously, the latch 14 is mounted to be slidable on the main handle portion 12 along a sliding direction D which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main handle portion 12.

[0110] The latch 14 more specifically includes two lateral locking members 16, such as lateral locking lugs, respectively disposed near two lateral edges of the main handle portion 12. The locking element 15 more specifically includes two lateral locking recesses 17, such as locking grooves or locking notches. The two lateral locking recesses 17 are configured to cooperate with the two lateral locking members 16 respectively when the grip 11 is in the first handle position and the latch 14 is in the locked position. Advantageously, the two lateral locking members 16 are symmetrically disposed on both sides of the intermediate longitudinal plane of the grip 11 with respect to the intermediate longitudinal plane of the grip 11.

[0111] According to Figures 1 to 18 the embodiment shown in

[0112] the locking element 15 includes two lateral locking arms 18, each lateral locking arm extending from the second end 7.2 of the suction pipe 7, and each lateral locking recess 17 is provided on the corresponding lateral locking arm 18, more specifically, on the end face of the free end of the corresponding lateral locking arm 18. Figure 10 Advantageously, the main handle portion 12 includes two lateral recesses 19 which are configured to respectively receive the two lateral locking arms 18 when the grip 11 is in the first handle position. Specifically as

[0113] shown, each lateral locking member 16 is configured to project into the corresponding lateral recess 19 when the latch 14 is in the locked position.

[0114] The pivot coupling P can be formed, for example, by a hinge pin 20, and the ends of the hinge pin 20 are respectively received in receiving recesses provided on the lateral locking arms 18.

[0115] According to Figures 1 to 18In the illustrated embodiment, the manual actuation member 21 is mounted on the main handle portion 12 so as to be slidable along a displacement direction substantially parallel to the sliding direction D and between a rest position and an unlocking position. The locking mechanism 13 is more specifically configured such that displacement of the manual actuation member 21 from the rest position to the unlocking position causes displacement of the latch 14 from the locking position to the releasing position.

[0116] The manual actuation member 21 is more specifically configured such that it can be actuated by the fingers of the user's hand when the user holds the grip 110 with one hand. Advantageously, the manual actuation member 21 is substantially located within the middle longitudinal plane of the grip 11.

[0117] According to Figures 1 to 18 In the illustrated embodiment, the manual actuation member 21 is an actuation trigger and includes a fastening portion 23 and an actuation portion 24. The fastening portion 23 is disposed within the grip 11, and the coupling member 22 is fastened to the fastening portion 23. The actuation portion 24 projects outside the grip 11 via a channel opening 25 provided on the grip 11 and is configured to be actuated by the user. Thus, the manual actuation member 21 is configured to be actuated by the user by pulling the manual actuation member 21 towards the grip 110.

[0118] Advantageously, the actuation portion 24 is disposed below the main handle portion 12 and faces the grip 110. In this way, the user can manually actuate the manual actuation member 21 from the lower surface of the main handle portion 12.

[0119] According to Figures 1 to 18 In the illustrated embodiment, the grip 11 includes a protection portion 26 that extends substantially parallel to the grip 110 and faces the grip 110, and includes a first end fastened to the main handle portion 12 and a second end fastened to the free end of the grip 110. Advantageously, the protection portion 26 and the grip 110 define a receiving recess 27 that is configured to receive the fingers of the user who has already grasped the grip 110, and the manual actuation member 21 is at least partially disposed within the receiving recess 27.

[0120] The manual actuation member 21 may further include a closing portion 28, such as a closing tongue, which is configured to at least partially close the channel opening 25 when the manual actuation member 21 is in the rest position.

[0121] As Figure 13 shown, the grip 11 is hollow and defines an internal recess within which the two coupling members 22 and the latch 14 are disposed. Each coupling member 22 includes a first end fastened to the manual actuation member 21, for example, by a threaded connection, and a second end opposite the respective first end. According to Figures 1 to 18In the illustrated embodiment, the second ends of the two coupling members 22 are connected to each other by a transverse coupling portion which is fastened to the latch 14, for example, by a threaded connection.

[0122] The locking mechanism 13 further includes a guiding device configured to guide the manual actuating member 21 in the displacement direction during the displacement of the manual actuating member 21 between the rest position and the unlocking position.

[0123] The guiding device includes two guiding walls 29 (see Figure 14 ), the two guiding walls 29 being substantially parallel and provided on both sides of the manual actuating member 21. The two guiding walls 29 are more specifically configured to guide the manual actuating member 21 laterally.

[0124] The guiding device further includes two guiding grooves 31 (see Figure 14 ), and two lateral guiding lugs 32. The two guiding grooves 31 are respectively provided on the two guiding walls 29 and extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main handle portion 12. The two lateral guiding lugs 32 are provided on the manual actuating member 21 and extend opposite to each other. Each lateral guiding lug 32 is mounted to be slidable in the corresponding guiding groove 31.

[0125] As Figure 18 shown, the guiding device further includes a substantially planar lower supporting surface 33 and a substantially planar upper supporting surface 34. When the manual actuating member 21 is displaced between the rest position and the unlocking position, the lower part of the manual actuating member 21 is adapted to slide against the lower supporting surface, and when the manual actuating member 21 is displaced between the rest position and the unlocking position, the upper part of the manual actuating member 21 is adapted to slide against the upper supporting surface. Advantageously, the lower supporting surface 33 and the upper supporting surface 34 are substantially parallel.

[0126] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the manual actuating member 21 includes two upper supporting lugs 35 and a lower sliding surface 36. The two upper supporting lugs 35 are provided on both sides of the middle longitudinal plane of the grip 11 and are configured to slide against the upper supporting surface 34 when the manual actuating member 21 is displaced between the rest position and the unlocking position. The lower sliding surface 36 is configured to rest and slide on the lower supporting surface 33.

[0127] The locking mechanism 13 further includes a biasing element 37, such as a compression spring, which is configured to bias the latch 14 to the locking position. Advantageously, the biasing element 37 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main handle portion 12. According to Figures 1 to 18 the illustrated embodiment, the latch 14 includes a supporting portion 38, such as a supporting finger, which is configured to apply a compressive force on the biasing element 37 when the latch 14 is displaced towards the release position.

[0128] When the user wants to pivot the handle 11 to a handle position where the main handle portion 12 is inclined relative to the suction pipe 7 (for example, in order to be able to easily suck up the garbage under low furniture or under the bed), the user unlocks the handle 11 by displacing the manual actuation member 21 to the unlocking position against the restoring force applied by the biasing element 37. This displacement of the manual actuation member 21 causes the latch 14 to be displaced to the release position, and thus the two lateral locking members 16 are displaced out of the lateral locking recesses 17. Then, the user can freely pivot the handle 11 relative to the suction pipe 7 so that the main handle portion 12 is inclined relative to the suction pipe 7.

[0129] To enable the user to easily lock the handle 11 in the first handle position, i.e., without actuating the manual actuation member 21 to displace it to the unlocking position, each lateral locking member 16 advantageously includes an inclined actuation surface 39 formed, for example, by an actuation bevel. Each inclined actuation surface 39 is more specifically configured to cooperate with the corresponding lateral locking arm 18 when the handle 11 is pivoted towards the first handle position, so as to bias the latch 14 towards the release position, and thus allow the handle 11 to be displaced to the first handle position. When the two lateral locking members 16 are positioned to face the lateral locking recesses 17, the biasing element 37 biases the latch 14 to the locking position, and then the lateral locking members 16 automatically displace into the lateral locking recesses 17.

[0130] Figure 19 An accessory 6 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is mainly different from the first embodiment in that the actuation portion 24 is at least partially provided above the main handle portion 12. According to this embodiment of the present invention, the manual actuation member 21 can be manually actuated by the user from the lower surface of the main handle portion 12.

[0131] Figure 20 An accessory 6 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is mainly different from the first embodiment in that the manual actuation member 21 is configured to be actuated by the user by displacing the manual actuation member 21 a distance away from the grip 110, for example, by applying pressure on the manual actuation member 21. According to this embodiment of the present invention, the manual actuation member 21 can be, for example, an actuation button, such as a push button.

[0132] Of course, the present invention is by no means limited to the described and shown embodiments, which are provided only as examples. In particular, there can still be some modifications in terms of the constitution of various elements or by the substitution of equivalent techniques, which do not depart from the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An accessory (6) for a canister vacuum cleaner, comprising: A suction pipe (7) comprising a first end (7.1) and a second end (7.2), the first end (7.1) to which the floor cleaning element (5) is designed to be fastened, the second end (7.2) being opposite to the first end (7.1) and being designed to be fluidically connected to a suction interface (3) provided on a cleaner housing (2), A handle (11) comprising a main handle portion (12) having a longitudinal axis and mechanically connected to the suction tube (7), and a grip (110) fastened to the free end of the main handle portion (12) and configured to be grasped by a user, the handle (11) being mounted to be hinged to the suction tube (7) and rotating about a pivot axis between a first handle position and a second handle position, and A locking mechanism (13) configured to lock the handle (11) in the first handle position, the locking mechanism (13) comprising a lock buckle (14) mounted on the handle (11) to be movable between a locking position and a release position, wherein in the locking position, the lock buckle (14) is configured to cooperate with a locking element (15) provided on the suction tube (7) so as to lock the handle (11) in the first handle position; in the release position, the lock buckle (14) is configured to release the locking element (15) so as to allow the handle (11) to pivot between the first handle position and the second handle position, the locking mechanism (13) further comprising a manually actuated member (21) configured to be actuated by a user and mounted on the handle (11) to be movable between a rest position and an unlocked position, the locking mechanism (13) being configured such that displacement of the manually actuated member (21) from the rest position to the unlocked position causes displacement of the lock catch (14) from the locked position to the released position, Characterized in that the manual actuation member (21) is located near the handle (110), and the locking mechanism (13) includes at least one coupling member (22) configured to mechanically connect the manual actuation member (21) to the lock buckle (14).

2. The accessory (6) according to claim 1, wherein: The manual actuation member (21) is configured to be actuated by a finger of the user's hand when the user holds the grip (110) with one hand.

3. An accessory (6) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The manual actuation member (21) is configured to be actuated by a user by pulling the manual actuation member (21) toward the handle (110).

4. The accessory (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The manual actuation member (21) comprises a fastening portion (23) provided in the handle (11) and to which the at least one coupling member (22) is fastened, and an actuation portion (24) protruding outside the handle (11) and configured to be actuated by a user.

5. The accessory (6) according to claim 4, wherein: The actuating portion (24) is disposed below the main handle portion (12) and faces the grip (110).

6. The accessory (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The at least one coupling member (22) is elongated and extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main handle portion (12).

7. An accessory (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The at least one coupling member (22) is arranged in the handle (11).

8. The accessory (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The at least one coupling member (22) is a coupling tie rod.

9. The accessory (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The locking mechanism (13) comprises two coupling members (22) extending on either side of the median longitudinal plane of the handle (11).

10. The accessory (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The lock buckle (14) is mounted to be slidable on the main handle portion (12) along a sliding direction (D) substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main handle portion (12).

11. The accessory (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The manual actuation member (21) is mounted to be slidable on the grip (11) along a displacement direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main handle portion (12).

12. The accessory (6) according to claim 11, wherein The locking mechanism (13) comprises a guide device configured to guide the manual actuation member (21) along a displacement direction during displacement of the manual actuation member (21) between the rest position and the unlocked position.

13. The accessory (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The lock buckle (14) comprises two lateral locking members (16) arranged on both sides of the middle longitudinal plane of the handle (11).

14. The accessory (6) according to claim 13, wherein: Each of the lateral locking members (16) is a lateral locking lug.

15. The accessory (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The locking mechanism (13) includes a biasing element (37) configured to bias the lock catch (14) into the locked position.

16. The accessory (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: When the grip (11) is in the first handle position, the main handle portion (12) extends substantially parallel to the suction tube (7).

17. An accessory (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a suction line (8) which is flexible and fluidically connected to the second end (7.2) of the suction pipe (7), the suction line (8) being designed to be connected to a suction interface (3) arranged on a vacuum cleaner housing (2).

18. A canister vacuum cleaner (1), comprising: A vacuum cleaner housing (2), A suction interface (3) is provided on the vacuum cleaner housing (2), through which air carrying garbage can be sucked into the vacuum cleaner housing (2). a suction motor (4) disposed in the vacuum cleaner housing (2) and configured to generate an air flow through the suction interface (3); and An accessory (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

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