Flexible pipeline with locking convex pin

Abstract

The flexible duct (15) is configured to connect first and second rigid duct portions (7, 8) of the vacuum cleaner duct (5) and comprises a first fixing ring (21) comprising first locking means (23) configured to reversibly lock the first fixing ring to the first rigid duct portion (7) and a second fixing ring (22) comprising second locking means (24) configured to reversibly lock the second fixing ring to the second rigid duct portion (8). The second fixing ring (22) comprises a second locking device (24) configured to reversibly lock the second fixing ring on the second rigid pipe portion (8). The first locking means (23) comprise a first locking lug (26) extending from the flexible conduit (15) and provided with a first gripping surface (26.1), and the second locking means (24) comprise a second locking lug (28) extending to the outside of the flexible conduit (15) and provided with a second gripping surface (28.1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of flexible tubing for vacuum cleaners, and particularly to vacuum cleaners equipped with such flexible tubing. Background Technology

[0002] Vacuum cleaners are known to include a vacuum cleaner housing equipped with a suction unit, a nozzle configured to contact the floor to be cleaned, and a vacuum cleaner tube that fluidly and mechanically connects the vacuum cleaner housing to the nozzle and defines an airflow passage.

[0003] To facilitate the storage of the vacuum cleaner or the use of the vacuum cleaner to clean under furniture, the vacuum cleaner tubing advantageously includes: - First rigid pipe section and second rigid pipe section - A flexible conduit connecting the first and second rigid conduit portions and at least partially defining the airflow passage, the flexible conduit including a flexible tubular portion, a first retaining ring fixed to a first end of the flexible tubular portion and non-removably fixed to the first rigid conduit portion, and a second retaining ring fixed to a second end of the flexible tubular portion and non-removably fixed to the second rigid conduit portion. - A hinged device connecting first and second rigid pipe sections to each other, the hinged device including a hinge axis and configured to allow the first rigid pipe section to pivot relative to the second rigid pipe section about the hinge axis, and to pivot between an unfolded configuration in which the first and second rigid pipe sections are substantially aligned with each other and a folded configuration in which the first and second rigid pipe sections define an angle of less than 180° between each other, and - A locking member configured to reversibly lock the first and second rigid pipe sections in the deployed configuration.

[0004] When using this type of vacuum cleaner tubing, waste sucked in through the nozzle connected to the flexible tubing may accumulate in or even become stuck in the flexible tubing section, potentially causing partial or complete blockage. However, because the flexible tubing section is difficult to access from both the end of the vacuum cleaner tubing connected to the nozzle and the end connected to the vacuum cleaner housing, blockage of the flexible tubing section can render the vacuum cleaner tubing completely inoperable.

[0005] Similarly, in the event of damage to the flexible tubular portion, such as partial breakage due to repeated movement of the first and second rigid tubular portions between the unfolded and folded configurations, the cleaning performance of the vacuum cleaner tubing is significantly reduced. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to overcome all or some of these disadvantages.

[0007] The technical problem upon which this invention is based is particularly to provide a flexible duct with a simple structure, while allowing for improved reliability and ergonomics in vacuum cleaner ducts equipped with such a flexible duct.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention relates to a flexible conduit that at least partially defines an airflow passage and is configured to connect a first rigid conduit portion and a second rigid conduit portion of a vacuum cleaner conduit, the flexible conduit comprising: - Flexible tubular portion, - A first retaining ring, which is fixed to a first end of the flexible tubular portion and configured to be detachably fixed to the first rigid tubular portion. - A second retaining ring, which is fixed to the second end of the flexible tubular portion and configured to be detachably fixed to the second rigid pipe portion. The first retaining ring includes a first locking device configured to reversibly lock the first retaining ring to the first rigid pipe portion, and the second retaining ring includes a second locking device configured to reversibly lock the second retaining ring to the second rigid pipe portion. The first locking device includes at least one first locking protrusion extending toward the outside of the flexible tube and having a first gripping surface accessible to a user's fingers, and the second locking device includes at least one second locking protrusion extending toward the outside of the flexible tube and having a second gripping surface accessible to a user's fingers.

[0009] This configuration of the flexible duct allows for easy disassembly of the flexible duct relative to the first and second rigid duct sections of the vacuum cleaner duct equipped with such a flexible duct, particularly for cleaning the flexible duct, removing large debris stuck in the flexible duct, or replacing the flexible duct in case of damage.

[0010] Therefore, the flexible duct according to the invention allows for improved reliability and ergonomics in vacuum cleaner ducts equipped with such flexible ducts.

[0011] Flexible pipes may also have one or more of the following characteristics, either individually or in combination.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one first locking pin extends radially outward relative to the central axis of the flexible pipe, and the at least one second locking pin extends radially outward relative to the central axis of the flexible pipe.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of at least one first locking pin and at least one second locking pin is located on the side of the flexible conduit. In other words, the at least one first locking pin is a first lateral locking pin, and the at least one second locking pin is a second lateral locking pin.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second gripping surfaces is oriented outward toward the flexible tube.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the area of ​​each of the first and second gripping surfaces is 25 mm. 2 and 600 mm 2 Between, preferably 50 mm 2 and 200 mm 2 between.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first fixing ring includes a first annular ring body, and the first locking device includes at least one first resiliently deformable lug extending from the first annular ring body toward the second fixing ring, and the second fixing ring includes a second annular ring body, and the second locking device includes at least one second resiliently deformable lug extending from the second annular ring body toward the first fixing ring, wherein the at least one first locking pin extends from the free end of the at least one first resiliently deformable lug, and the at least one second locking pin extends from the free end of the at least one second resiliently deformable lug.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of at least one first elastically deformable lug and at least one second elastically deformable tab extends along an extension direction substantially parallel to the central axis of the flexible conduit.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first locking device includes two first elastically deformable lugs extending from a first annular ring body and two first locking pins extending from the free ends of the two first elastically deformable lugs respectively, and the second locking device includes two second elastically deformable lugs extending from a second annular ring body and two second locking pins extending from the free ends of the two second elastically deformable lugs respectively.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, two first locking protrusions are radially opposed to the central axis of the flexible conduit, and two second locking protrusions are radially opposed to the central axis of the flexible conduit. Advantageously, the first gripping surfaces of the two radially opposed first locking protrusions form gripping elements, for example, that can be held between the user's index finger and thumb, and the second gripping surfaces of the two radially opposed second locking protrusions form gripping elements, for example, that can be held between the user's index finger and thumb.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second locking protrusions is arranged along the outer surface of the flexible tubular portion.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the flexible conduit includes a first annular seal fixed to a first retaining ring and configured to seal against a first rigid conduit portion, and a second annular seal fixed to a second retaining ring and configured to seal against a second rigid conduit portion.

[0022] The present invention also relates to a vacuum cleaner duct that defines an airflow passage and includes: - First rigid pipe section and second rigid pipe section - The flexible conduit according to the present invention, - A hinged device connecting the first and second rigid pipe sections to each other, the hinged device including a hinge axis and configured to allow the first rigid pipe section to pivot about the hinge axis relative to the second rigid pipe section, and to pivot between an unfolded configuration in which the first and second rigid pipe sections are substantially aligned with each other and a folded configuration in which the first and second rigid pipe sections (7, 8) define an angle of less than 180° between each other. - A locking member configured to reversibly lock the first and second rigid pipe sections into the deployed configuration. The first fixing ring is configured to be detachably fixed to the first rigid pipe portion, and the second fixing ring is configured to be detachably fixed to the second rigid pipe portion.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one first locking pin is movable between a locking configuration and an unlocking configuration, wherein in the locking configuration the at least one first locking pin is configured to cooperate with the first rigid pipe portion to lock the first retaining ring onto the first rigid pipe portion, and in the unlocking configuration the at least one first locking pin is configured to release the first rigid pipe portion to allow the first retaining ring to exit from the first rigid pipe portion, and wherein the at least one second locking pin is movable between the locking configuration and the unlocking configuration, wherein in the locking configuration the at least one second locking pin is configured to cooperate with the second rigid pipe portion to lock the second retaining ring onto the second rigid pipe portion, and in the unlocking configuration the at least one second locking pin is configured to release the second rigid pipe portion to allow the second retaining ring to exit from the second rigid pipe portion.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, two first locking protrusions are configured to be close to each other when they are in the unlocked configuration and far apart when they are in the locked configuration, and two second locking protrusions are configured to be close to each other when they are in the unlocked configuration and far apart when they are in the locked configuration.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one first locking pin is configured to release the first rigid pipe portion when a user applies a force toward the central axis of the flexible pipe on the first gripping surface of the at least one first locking pin, i.e., when the at least one first locking pin is pushed toward the central axis of the flexible pipe, and wherein the at least one second locking pin is configured to release the second rigid pipe portion when a user applies a force toward the central axis of the flexible pipe on the second gripping surface of the at least one second locking pin, i.e., when the at least one second locking pin is pushed toward the central axis of the flexible pipe.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the at least one first locking pin and at least one second locking pin is accessible from the outside of the vacuum cleaner pipe.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first rigid conduit portion includes at least one first locking hole configured to cooperate with the at least one first locking protrusion when the at least one first locking protrusion is in a locked configuration, and the second rigid conduit portion includes at least one second locking hole configured to cooperate with the at least one second locking protrusion when the at least one second locking protrusion is in a locked configuration.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one first locking hole opens into the outer surface of the first rigid pipe portion and is configured to allow access to the at least one first locking protrusion from the outside of the vacuum cleaner pipe and allow the at least one first locking protrusion to move into the unlocking configuration, and the at least one second locking hole opens into the outer surface of the second rigid pipe portion and is configured to allow access to the at least one second locking protrusion from the outside of the vacuum cleaner pipe and allow the at least one second locking protrusion to move into the unlocking configuration.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one first locking hole is configured to face the at least one first locking protrusion when the first retaining ring is fixed to the first rigid pipe portion, and the at least one second locking hole is configured to face the second locking protrusion when the second retaining ring is fixed to the second rigid pipe portion.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the at least one first locking hole and the at least one second locking hole is oblong.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one first locking hole is provided on the lateral portion of the first rigid pipe portion, and at least one second locking hole is provided on the lateral portion of the second rigid pipe portion.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one first locking pin is configured to be accessible from the side of the first rigid conduit portion, and at least one second locking pin is configured to be accessible from the side of the second rigid conduit portion.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a first rigid conduit portion includes a tubular first mounting portion having a first insertion opening, and a second rigid conduit portion includes a tubular second mounting portion having a second insertion opening, a first retaining ring being configured to be inserted into the first mounting portion via the first insertion opening, and a second retaining ring being configured to be inserted into the second mounting portion via the second insertion opening.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one first locking hole is provided on the first mounting portion, and at least one second locking hole is provided on the first mounting portion.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, a first rigid tube portion is configured to be fluidly connected to a vacuum cleaner housing equipped with a suction unit, and a second rigid tube portion is configured to be fluidly connected to a nozzle configured to contact the floor to be cleaned.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner pipe includes a first suction tube fluidly and mechanically connected to a first rigid pipe portion and a second suction tube fluidly and mechanically connected to a second rigid pipe portion.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, a first suction tube is configured to be fluidly and mechanically connected to a vacuum cleaner housing, and a second suction tube is configured to be fluidly and mechanically connected to a nozzle.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the hinge is configured to be located above the flexible duct when the vacuum cleaner duct is in normal use. In other words, the hinge is configured to be oriented upwards, meaning it is directly visible to the user when the vacuum cleaner duct is in normal use. Advantageously, the hinge axis does not intersect with the flexible duct.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, a locking member is pivotally mounted on one of the first and second rigid pipe portions about a pivot axis substantially parallel to the hinge axis, and is configured to pivot 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 and second rigid pipe portions to lock the first and second rigid pipe portions in an unfolded configuration, and in the released position, the locking member is configured to release the other of the first and second rigid pipe portions to allow the first and second rigid pipe portions to pivot in a folded configuration.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner duct includes an actuating member that is linked to a locking member, and includes an actuating portion configured to be manually actuated by a user. The actuating member is mounted to pivot about a pivot axis between a rest position and an unlocked position. The vacuum cleaner duct is configured such that movement of the actuating member from the rest position to the unlocked position causes movement of the locking member from a locked position to a released position.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the first and second rigid pipe sections are in an deployed configuration, the locking member and the hinge device are substantially radially opposite each other relative to the central longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner pipe. According to this embodiment of the invention, the actuating portion may be located on the same side as the hinge device.

[0042] According to another embodiment of the invention, when the first and second rigid pipe sections are in the deployed configuration, the locking member and the actuating portion are substantially radially opposite to the hinge device relative to the central longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner pipe.

[0043] In a configuration where the first locking device includes two first locking protrusions and the second locking device includes two second locking protrusions—the two first locking protrusions are radially opposite each other relative to the central axis of the flexible pipe, and the two second locking protrusions are radially opposite each other relative to the central axis of the flexible pipe—when the first and second rigid pipe sections are in an extended configuration, each of the first and second locking protrusions is positioned on a side of the vacuum cleaner pipe between a hinge on one side and a locking member on the other. This configuration allows easy access to both the first and second locking protrusions without obstruction by the hinge or locking member.

[0044] This configuration of the first and second locking devices allows for easy disassembly of the flexible pipe by applying pressure to the two first locking elements in succession with the thumb and forefinger of the same hand to move them into the unlocking configuration, and enables the first retaining ring to be disengaged from the first rigid pipe section. Then, pressure is applied to the two second locking elements to move them into the unlocking configuration, and the second retaining ring to be disengaged from the second rigid pipe section.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member and the actuating member are made as a single piece. This configuration of the vacuum cleaner tubing facilitates assembly and reduces its manufacturing cost.

[0046] The present invention also relates to a vacuum cleaner, comprising: - Vacuum cleaner housing equipped with a suction unit. - A nozzle configured to contact the floor being cleaned, and - According to the invention, the vacuum cleaner tubing mechanically and fluidly connects the vacuum cleaner housing to the nozzle. Attached Figure Description

[0047] In any way, the invention will be clearly understood by means of the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate one embodiment of the vacuum cleaner duct by way of non-limiting example.

[0048] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.

[0049] Figure 2 It belongs to Figure 1 A partial perspective side view of the vacuum cleaner duct, showing the vacuum cleaner duct in an unfolded configuration.

[0050] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A partial bottom view of the vacuum cleaner's ductwork.

[0051] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A partial top view of the vacuum cleaner's ductwork.

[0052] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A partial perspective side view of a vacuum cleaner duct, showing the vacuum cleaner duct in an unfolded configuration.

[0053] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A partial perspective bottom view of a vacuum cleaner duct, showing the vacuum cleaner duct in its unfolded configuration.

[0054] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A partial 3D top view of the vacuum cleaner's ductwork.

[0055] Figure 8 It belongs to Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the locking component, actuating component, and cover cap of a vacuum cleaner duct.

[0056] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Top view of the locking component, actuating component, and cover cap.

[0057] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 A three-dimensional rear view of the locking component, actuating component, and cover cap.

[0058] Figure 11 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of a vacuum cleaner duct, showing the vacuum cleaner duct in an unfolded configuration and the flexible duct exiting from the first and second rigid duct sections belonging to the vacuum cleaner duct.

[0059] Figure 12 yes Figure 2 A longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum cleaner duct, showing the locking member in the locked position.

[0060] Figure 13 yes Figure 2 A longitudinal sectional view of a vacuum cleaner duct, showing the vacuum cleaner duct in a folded configuration. Detailed Implementation

[0061] Figures 1 to 13 A vacuum cleaner 2 is shown, and more specifically a sled vacuum cleaner, which includes a vacuum cleaner housing 3, a nozzle 4 configured to contact the floor to be cleaned, and a vacuum cleaner tube 5 fluidly and mechanically connecting the vacuum cleaner housing 2 to the nozzle 4. The vacuum cleaner housing 3 is specifically equipped with a suction unit 6 in a known manner, which may include, for example, an electric motor fan, and waste separation and storage devices.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, the vacuum cleaner pipe 5 includes a first rigid pipe section 7, a second rigid pipe section 8, and a hinge device 9 that connects the first and second rigid pipe sections 7 and 8 to each other.

[0063] The hinge device 9 is configured to allow the first rigid pipe portion 7 to pivot relative to the second rigid pipe portion 8 about the hinge axis A, and wherein the first and second rigid pipe portions 7, 8 are in an unfolded configuration aligned with each other (see...). Figure 2 ) and the folded configuration in which the first and second rigid pipe sections 7 and 8 mutually define an angle of less than 180° (see Figure 5 The hinge device 9 is pivoting between the first and second rigid pipe sections 7 and 8. Advantageously, the hinge device 9 is configured to face upward when the vacuum cleaner pipe 5 is in normal use, i.e., facing the user, and is also configured such that the hinge axis A does not intersect with the first and second rigid pipe sections 7 and 8.

[0064] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the hinge device 9 includes a first hinge portion 9.1 fixed to the outer surface of the first rigid pipe portion 7 and a second hinge portion 9.2 fixed to the outer surface of the second rigid pipe portion 8. Advantageously, the second rigid pipe portion 8 includes two lateral protective ribs 10, which are respectively located on both sides of the second hinge portion 9.2 (see figure). Figure 4 and Figure 5 It is configured to prevent external objects from being clamped or stuck at the hinge 9.

[0065] The vacuum cleaner pipe 5 also includes a first suction tube 11, which includes a proximal portion 11.1 fluidly and mechanically connected to a first rigid pipe portion 7, and a distal portion 11.2 configured to fluidly and mechanically connect to the vacuum cleaner housing 3. The vacuum cleaner pipe 5 also includes a second suction tube 12, which includes a proximal portion 12.1 fluidly and mechanically connected to a second rigid pipe portion 8, and a distal portion 12.2 configured to fluidly and mechanically connect to a nozzle 4.

[0066] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the first rigid tube portion 7 includes a first connecting portion 13, which is tubular and fluidly and mechanically connected to the proximal portion 11.1 of the first straw 11, and the second rigid tube portion 8 includes a second connecting portion 14, which is tubular and fluidly and mechanically connected to the proximal portion 12.1 of the second straw 12.

[0067] like Figure 5 and Figure 11 As shown more specifically, the vacuum cleaner duct 5 also includes a flexible duct 15 that 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 fluidly connect the first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 14, such that the first connecting portion 14, the second connecting portion 14, the first and second suction tubes 11, 12, and the flexible duct 15 define an airflow channel that connects to the suction unit 6 on one side and to the nozzle 4 on the other.

[0068] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the first and second rigid pipe portions 7 and 8 each include tubular first and second mounting portions 16 and 17, and the first and second mounting portions 16 and 17 define a receiving compartment 18 in which the flexible pipe 15 is mounted. Advantageously, the first mounting portion 16 includes a first insertion opening, and the second mounting portion 17 includes a second insertion opening configured to face the first insertion opening when the first and second rigid pipe portions 7 and 8 are in an deployed configuration.

[0069] The flexible conduit 15 more specifically includes a flexible tubular portion 19, a first retaining ring 21 fixed to a first end of the flexible tubular portion 19 and configured to be detachably fixed to a first mounting portion 16, and a second retaining ring 22 fixed to a second end of the flexible tubular portion 19 and configured to be detachably fixed to a second mounting portion 17. The first retaining ring 21 is more specifically configured to be inserted into the first mounting portion 16 via a first insertion opening, and the second retaining ring 22 is more specifically configured to be inserted into the second mounting portion 17 via a second insertion opening. The first retaining ring 21 includes a first annular ring body 21.1, and the second retaining ring 22 includes a second annular ring body 22.1.

[0070] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the first fixing ring 21 includes a first locking device 23 configured to reversibly lock the first fixing ring 21 onto 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 onto the second mounting portion 17.

[0071] The first locking device 23 includes two first resiliently deformable lugs 25 extending from the first annular ring 21.1 toward the second retaining ring 22. Advantageously, each of the two first resiliently deformable lugs 25 extends along a direction substantially parallel to the central axis of the flexible conduit 15 and is radially opposite to the central axis of the flexible conduit 15. Each first resiliently deformable lug 25 is arranged along the outer surface of the flexible tubular portion 19.

[0072] The first locking device 23 also includes two first locking protrusions 26, which extend from the free ends of the two first resiliently deformable lugs 25 and are therefore radially opposed. One of the two first locking protrusions 26 is particularly located in... Figure 11 As can be seen, another one of the two first locking convex pins 26 is particularly in Figure 4 As can be seen in the image. Advantageously, each first locking protrusion 26 extends radially outward relative to the central axis of the flexible conduit 15 and is provided with a first gripping surface 26.1 oriented toward the outside of the flexible conduit 15 and accessible to the user's fingers.

[0073] Two first locking protrusions 26 are movable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration, the two first locking protrusions 26 are spaced apart from each other and configured to cooperate with the first mounting portion 16 to lock the first retaining ring 21 onto the first mounting portion 15. In the unlocked configuration, the two first locking protrusions 26 are close together from each other and configured to release the first mounting portion 16 so as to allow the first retaining ring 21 to exit from the first mounting portion 16.

[0074] Similarly, the second locking device 24 includes two second resiliently deformable lugs T1 extending from the second annular ring 22.1 along the direction of the first retaining ring 21. Advantageously, each of the two second resiliently deformable lugs T1 extends in an extension direction substantially parallel to the central axis of the flexible conduit 15 and is radially opposite to the central axis of the flexible conduit 15. Each second resiliently deformable lug T1 is arranged along the outer surface of the flexible tubular portion 19.

[0075] The second locking device 24 also includes two second locking protrusions 28, which extend from the free ends of the two second resiliently deformable lugs T1 respectively, and are therefore radially opposite. One of the two second locking protrusions 28 is particularly located in... Figure 11 As can be seen, another one of the two second locking convex pins 28 is particularly in Figure 4 As can be seen in the image. Advantageously, each of the second locking protrusions 28 extends radially outward relative to the central axis of the flexible conduit 15 and is provided with a second gripping surface 28.1 oriented toward the outside of the flexible conduit 15 and accessible to the user's fingers.

[0076] The two second locking protrusions 28 are movable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration, the two second locking protrusions 28 are spaced apart from each other and configured to cooperate with the second mounting portion 17 to lock the second retaining ring 22 onto the second mounting portion 17. In the unlocked configuration, the two second locking protrusions 28 are close together from each other and configured to release the second mounting portion 17 so as to allow the second retaining ring 22 to exit from the second mounting portion 17.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second gripping surfaces 26.1, 28.1 has a diameter of 25 mm. 2 and 600 mm 2 The area between them is preferably 50 mm. 2 and 200 mm 2 between.

[0078] Each of the first locking protrusion 26 and the second locking protrusion 28 is configured to be accessible from the outside of the vacuum cleaner pipe 5. Each first locking protrusion 26 is more specifically configured to be accessible from a corresponding side of the first rigid pipe portion 7, and each second locking protrusion 28 is more specifically configured to be accessible from a corresponding side of the second rigid pipe portion 8.

[0079] Advantageously, the first gripping surfaces 26.1 of the two radially opposing first locking protrusions 26 form a gripping element, for example, between the user's index finger and thumb, and the second gripping surfaces 28.1 of the two radially opposing second locking protrusions 28 form a gripping element, for example, between the user's index finger and thumb.

[0080] Therefore, each first locking pin 26 is configured to release the first rigid pipe portion 7 when the user applies a force toward the central axis of the flexible pipe 15 on the corresponding first gripping surface 26.1, i.e. when the first locking pin 26 is pushed toward the central axis of the flexible pipe 15, and each second locking pin 28 is configured to release the second rigid pipe portion 8 when the user applies a force toward the central axis of the flexible pipe 15 on the corresponding second gripping surface 28.1, i.e. when the second locking pin 28 is pushed toward the central axis of the flexible pipe 15.

[0081] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the first rigid pipe portion 7 includes two first locking holes 29, which are disposed on two corresponding lateral portions of the first mounting portion 16 and configured to cooperate with the first locking protrusions 26 respectively when the two first locking protrusions 26 are in the locked configuration. Similarly, the second rigid pipe portion 8 includes two second locking holes 31, which are disposed on two corresponding lateral portions of the second mounting portion 17 and configured to cooperate with the two second locking protrusions 28 respectively when the two second locking protrusions 28 are in the locked configuration.

[0082] Each first locking hole 29 more specifically passes through and leads to the outer surface of the first mounting portion 16 to allow access to the corresponding first locking protrusion 26 from the outside of the vacuum cleaner pipe 5 and to allow the corresponding first locking protrusion 26 to move to the unlocked configuration, and each second locking hole 31 more specifically passes through and leads to the outer surface of the second mounting portion 17 to allow access to the corresponding second locking protrusion 28 from the outside of the vacuum cleaner pipe 5 and to allow the corresponding second locking protrusion 28 to move to the unlocked configuration.

[0083] Each first locking hole 29 is configured to face a corresponding first locking protrusion 26 when the first retaining ring 21 is secured to the first rigid pipe portion 7, and each second locking hole 31 is configured to face a corresponding second locking protrusion 28 when the second retaining ring 22 is secured to the second rigid pipe portion 8. Each of the first locking holes 29 and the second locking holes 31 may, for example, be oblong.

[0084] like Figure 11 As shown, the flexible pipe 15 also includes a first annular seal 32 fixed to the first fixing ring 21 and configured to seal with the first rigid pipe portion 7, and a second annular seal 33 fixed to the second fixing ring 22 and configured to seal with the second rigid pipe portion 8.

[0085] The vacuum cleaner pipe 5 also includes a locking member 34, such as a locking lug or locking latch equipped with locking fingers, configured to lock the first and second rigid pipe portions 7, 8 in the deployed configuration. Advantageously, in the deployed configuration of the first and second rigid pipe portions 7, 8, the locking member 34 and the hinge device 9 are substantially radially opposite to the central longitudinal axis B of the suction pipe 5.

[0086] The locking member 34 is pivotally mounted on the first rigid pipe section 7 about a pivot axis C parallel to the hinge axis A, between a locked position and a released position. In the locked position, the locking member 34 is configured to engage with the locking element 35 disposed on the second rigid pipe section 8. Figure 11 (As can be seen), for example, the locking hole cooperation that can at least partially receive the aforementioned locking finger so as to lock the first and second rigid portions 8, 9 in the unfolded configuration, and in the released position, the locking member 34 is configured to release the locking element 35 so as to allow the first and second rigid pipe portions 7, 8 to pivot into the folded configuration.

[0087] The vacuum cleaner duct 5 also includes an actuating member 36 configured to move the locking member 34 to a released position. Advantageously, the locking member 34 and the actuating member 36 are made as a single piece, and the actuating member 36 extends in an extension of the locking member 34.

[0088] The actuating member 36 is linked with the locking member 34, and is therefore mounted in a stationary position about the pivot axis C (see...). Figure 2 The vacuum cleaner duct 5 is more specifically configured such that movement of the actuating member 36 from the rest position to the unlocked position causes movement of the locking member 34 from the locked position to the released position.

[0089] The actuating member 36 includes an actuating portion 37 configured to be manually actuated by a user and a connecting portion 38 connecting the actuating portion to the locking member 34. Advantageously, the actuating portion 37 and the locking member 34 are located on the same side of the suction pipe 5, which is radially opposite to the side where the hinge device 9 is located in the suction pipe 5, and the actuating portion 37 and the locking member 34 are substantially aligned longitudinally.

[0090] When the first and second rigid pipe sections 7 and 8 are in the deployed configuration, each of the first and second locking protrusions 26 and 28 is disposed on the side of the vacuum cleaner pipe 5 between a hinge 9 on one side and a locking member 34 on the other side. This configuration allows easy access to the two first locking elements 25 and the two second locking elements 26 without obstruction by the hinge 9 or the locking member 34.

[0091] The vacuum cleaner duct 5 also includes a biasing element 39, such as a biasing spring, configured to bias the actuating member 36 to a rest position. This biasing element 39 allows for defining a stable rest position for the actuating member 36.

[0092] The vacuum cleaner pipe 5 also includes a cover cap 40, which is secured to the first rigid pipe portion 7 and configured to extend below the locking member 34 and substantially cover the lower surface of the locking member 34, i.e., the surface of the locking member 34 positioned opposite the first rigid pipe portion 7. The cover cap 40 is specifically configured to cover the distal portion of the locking member 34. Advantageously, the cover cap 40 is also configured to substantially cover the side edges of the locking member 34 and render the locking member 34 inaccessible when the first and second rigid pipe portions 7, 8 are in the deployed configuration. This cover cap 40 significantly limits the risk of the locking member 34 getting stuck and also limits the risk of the user's fingers being pinched when the locking member 34 pivots between the locked and released positions.

[0093] Of course, the present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described and shown, which are given by way of example only. Modifications are still possible without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, particularly from the perspective of the construction of various elements or by substitution with technical equivalents.

Claims

1. A flexible conduit (15) that at least partially defines an airflow passage and is configured to connect a first rigid conduit portion (7) and a second rigid conduit portion (8) of a vacuum cleaner conduit (5), said flexible conduit (15) comprising: - Flexible tubular portion (19). - A first retaining ring (21) is fixed to the first end of the flexible tubular portion (19) and configured to be detachably fixed to the first rigid pipe portion (7). - A second retaining ring (22) is fixed to the second end of the flexible tubular portion (19) and configured to be detachably fixed to the second rigid pipe portion (8). The first retaining ring (21) includes a first locking device (23) configured to reversibly lock the first retaining ring (21) onto the first rigid pipe portion (7), and the second retaining ring (22) includes a second locking device (24) configured to reversibly lock the second retaining ring (22) onto the second rigid pipe portion (8). The first locking device (23) includes at least one first locking protrusion (26) extending toward the outside of the flexible pipe (15) and having a first gripping surface (26.1) accessible to the user's fingers, and the second locking device (24) includes at least one second locking protrusion (28) extending toward the outside of the flexible pipe (15) and having a second gripping surface (28.1) accessible to the user's fingers.

2. The flexible conduit (15) according to claim 1, wherein, Each of at least one first locking pin (26) and at least one second locking pin (28) is located on the side of the flexible conduit (15).

3. The flexible conduit (15) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each of the first and second gripping surfaces faces outward of the flexible conduit (15).

4. The flexible conduit (15) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The area of ​​each of the first and second gripping surfaces is 25 mm. 2 and 600 mm 2 between.

5. The flexible conduit (15) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first fixing ring (21) includes a first annular ring body (21.1), and the first locking device (23) includes at least one first elastically deformable lug (25) extending from the first annular ring body (21.1) toward the second fixing ring (22), and the second fixing ring (22) includes a second annular ring body (22.1), and the second locking device (24) includes at least one second elastically deformable lug (27) extending from the second annular ring body (22.1) toward the first fixing ring (21), wherein at least one first locking pin (26) extends from the free end of at least one first elastically deformable lug (25), and at least one second locking pin (28) extends from the free end of at least one second elastically deformable lug (27).

6. The flexible conduit (15) according to claim 5, wherein, The first locking device (23) includes two first elastically deformable lugs (25) extending from the first annular ring (21.1) and two first locking pins (26) extending from the free ends of the two first elastically deformable lugs (25), and the second locking device (24) includes two second elastically deformable lugs (27) extending from the second annular ring (22.1) and two second locking pins (28) extending from the free ends of the two second elastically deformable lugs (27).

7. The flexible conduit (15) according to claim 6, wherein, Two first locking protrusions (26) are radially opposite to the central axis of the flexible conduit (15), and two second locking protrusions (28) are radially opposite to the central axis of the flexible conduit (15).

8. The flexible conduit (15) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a first annular seal (32) fixed to the first retaining ring (21) and configured to seal with the first rigid conduit portion (7), and a second annular seal (33) fixed to the second retaining ring (22) and configured to seal with the second rigid conduit portion (8).

9. A vacuum cleaner duct (5) defining an airflow passage and comprising: - First rigid pipe section (7) and second rigid pipe section (8). - Flexible conduit (15) according to any one of the preceding claims. - A hinge device (9) connecting the first and second rigid pipe portions (7, 8) to each other, the hinge device (9) including a hinge axis (A) and configured to allow the first rigid pipe portion (7) to pivot relative to the second rigid pipe portion (8) about the hinge axis (A) between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration, in which the first and second rigid pipe portions (7, 8) are substantially aligned with each other, and in which the first and second rigid pipe portions (7, 8) define an angle of less than 180° with each other in the folded configuration. - A locking member (34) configured to reversibly lock the first and second rigid pipe portions (7, 8) in the deployed configuration. The first fixing ring (21) is configured to be detachably fixed to the first rigid pipe portion (7), and the second fixing ring (22) is configured to be detachably fixed to the second rigid pipe portion (8).

10. The vacuum cleaner pipe (5) according to claim 9, wherein, At least one first locking pin (26) is movable between a locking configuration and an unlocking configuration, wherein in the locking configuration at least one first locking pin (26) is configured to cooperate with the first rigid pipe portion (7) to lock the first retaining ring (21) onto the first rigid pipe portion (7), and in the unlocking configuration at least one first locking pin (26) is configured to release the first rigid pipe portion (7) to allow the first retaining ring (21) to exit from the first rigid pipe portion (7), and wherein at least one second locking pin (28) is movable between a locking configuration and an unlocking configuration, wherein in the locking configuration at least one second locking pin (28) is configured to cooperate with the second rigid pipe portion (8) to lock the second retaining ring (22) onto the second rigid pipe portion (8), and in the unlocking configuration at least one second locking pin (28) is configured to release the second rigid pipe portion (8) to allow the second retaining ring (22) to exit from the second rigid pipe portion (8).

11. The vacuum cleaner pipe (5) according to claim 10, wherein, At least one first locking pin (26) is configured to release the first rigid pipe portion (7) when a user applies a thrust toward the central axis of the flexible pipe (15) on the first gripping surface (26.1) of the at least one first locking pin (26), and wherein at least one second locking pin (28) is configured to release the second rigid pipe portion (8) when a user applies a thrust toward the central axis of the flexible pipe (15) on the second gripping surface (28.1) of the at least one second locking pin (28).

12. The vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The first rigid conduit portion (7) includes at least one first locking hole (29) configured to cooperate with at least one first locking protrusion (26) when the first locking protrusion (26) is in a locked configuration, and the second rigid conduit portion (8) includes at least one second locking hole (31) configured to cooperate with at least one second locking protrusion (28) when the first locking protrusion (28) is in a locked configuration.

13. The vacuum cleaner pipe (5) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein at least one first locking pin (26) is configured to be accessible from the side of the first rigid pipe portion (7), and at least one second locking pin (28) is configured to be accessible from the side of the second rigid pipe portion (8).

14. A vacuum cleaner (2), comprising: - Vacuum cleaner housing (3) equipped with suction unit. - A suction nozzle (4), the suction nozzle being configured to contact the floor to be cleaned, and - The vacuum cleaner pipe (5) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the vacuum cleaner pipe (5) mechanically and fluidly connects the vacuum cleaner housing (3) to the nozzle (4).

Images