Vacuum cleaner suction tube with a hinge device

Abstract

The vacuum duct (5) comprises first and second rigid duct sections (8, 9); a hinge (10) configured to allow pivoting of the first and second rigid duct sections (8, 9) between unfolded and folded configurations; a locking member (22) configured to lock the first and second rigid duct sections (8, 9) in the unfolded configuration, the locking member (22) being movable between locking and release positions; and a release button (25) slidably mounted between a rest position and an release position, and configured to move the locking member (22) into the release position. The release button (25) and the hinge (10) are located on the same side of the vacuum duct (5) that is substantially diametrically opposite the side of the vacuum duct (5) where the locking member (22) is located.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaner ducts, and in particular to upright vacuum cleaners equipped with such vacuum cleaner ducts. State of the art

[0002] A vacuum cleaner comprises, in a known manner, a vacuum cleaner body equipped with a suction unit and a handling interface, a nozzle configured to be in contact with a floor to be cleaned, and a vacuum cleaner duct fluidly and mechanically connecting the vacuum cleaner body to the nozzle and defining an air flow passage.

[0003] To make it easier to store the stick vacuum or clean under furniture, the vacuum duct advantageously includes: a first rigid conduit portion and a second rigid conduit portion, an articulation device connecting the first and second rigid conduit portions together and configured to allow pivoting of the first rigid conduit portion relative to the second rigid conduit portion about an articulation axis and between an unfolded configuration in which the first and second rigid conduit portions are substantially aligned with each other and a folded configuration in which the first and second rigid conduit portions define between them an angle of less than 180°, a locking member configured to lock the first and second rigid conduit portions in the unfolded configuration,the locking member being mounted movably on one of the first and second rigid conduit parts between a locking position in which the locking member is configured to cooperate with the other of the first and second rigid conduit parts so as to lock the first and second rigid conduit parts in the unfolded configuration, and a release position in which the locking member is configured to release the other of the first and second rigid conduit parts so as to allow pivoting of the first and second rigid conduit parts in the folded configuration, and an unlocking button mounted movably between a rest position and an unlocking position,the vacuum duct being configured such that a movement of the unlock button from the rest position to the unlock position causes a movement of the locking member from the locking position to the release position.

[0004] Document EP3656268 describes a vacuum cleaner duct in which the release button and the locking member are located on the same side of the vacuum cleaner duct which is diametrically opposite the side of the vacuum cleaner duct where the articulation device is located.

[0005] Therefore, in order to be able to move the first and second rigid conduit parts into the folded configuration, it is necessary on the one hand to exert pressure on the unlocking button which is oriented in a first direction, and more particularly upwards, and on the other hand to exert pressure on one of the first and second rigid conduit parts which is oriented in a second direction, and more particularly downwards, which is opposite to the first direction. However, such manipulation may prove complex for certain users. In addition, since the unlocking button is located opposite the articulation device, and therefore in a lower part of the vacuum cleaner conduit, accessibility to the unlocking button may also prove difficult for certain users. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0007] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in providing a vacuum cleaner duct which is of simple, reliable and ergonomic structure.

[0008] To this end, the present invention relates to a vacuum duct defining an air flow passage and comprising: a first rigid conduit portion and a second rigid conduit portion, a hinge device connecting the first and second rigid conduit portions together, the hinge device comprising a hinge axis and being configured to allow pivoting of the first rigid conduit portion relative to the second rigid conduit portion around the hinge axis and between an unfolded configuration in which the first and second rigid conduit portions are substantially aligned with each other and a folded configuration in which the first and second rigid conduit portions define between them an angle of less than 180°, a locking member configured to lock the first and second rigid conduit portions in the unfolded configuration,the locking member and the articulation device being substantially diametrically opposed relative to a central longitudinal axis of the vacuum duct in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid duct parts, the locking member being mounted movably on one of the first and second rigid duct parts between a locking position in which the locking member is configured to cooperate with the other of the first and second rigid duct parts so as to lock the first and second rigid duct parts in the unfolded configuration, and a release position in which the locking member is configured to release the other of the first and second rigid duct parts so as to allow pivoting of the first and second rigid duct parts in the folded configuration,and an unlocking button mounted movably between a rest position and an unlocking position, the vacuum duct being configured such that movement of the unlocking button from the rest position to the unlocking position causes movement of the locking member from the locking position to the release position, ,

[0009] The unlocking button is slidably mounted in a sliding direction and between the rest position and the unlocking position, and the unlocking button and the locking member are substantially diametrically opposed relative to the central longitudinal axis of the vacuum duct in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid duct parts.

[0010] In other words, the unlocking button and the articulation device are located on the same side of the vacuum duct which is substantially diametrically opposite the side of the vacuum duct where the locking member is located.

[0011] Such positioning of the unlocking button and the locking member relative to the articulation device allows a user to easily move the first and second rigid conduit parts into the unfolded configuration, simply by exerting pressure on the unlocking button, which is located on the side of the articulation device, and by exerting, on at least one of the first and second rigid conduit parts, a pressing force which is oriented in the same direction as the pressure exerted on the unlocking button. Such an arrangement of the unlocking button therefore provides increased ergonomics to the vacuum cleaner conduit according to the present invention.

[0012] Additionally, the fact that the release button and the articulation device are located on the same side of the vacuum duct allows a user to more easily see, and therefore operate, the release button.

[0013] Additionally, the slide-mount release button provides a simpler, less bulky solution than a pivot-mounted release button.

[0014] Indeed, with a pivot-mounted release button located opposite the locking member, it is necessary to provide complex return means, such as connecting rods or articulated bars, to transmit movement from the release button to the locking member.

[0015] In addition, the sliding mounting of the release button helps to reduce the longitudinal bulk of the vacuum duct articulation area.

[0016] The vacuum duct may further have one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sliding direction extends substantially perpendicular to the articulation axis. Such a configuration of the unlocking button makes it possible to further simplify the design of the vacuum cleaner duct according to the present invention, and to further reduce the size of the latter.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sliding direction extends substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the vacuum duct in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid duct parts.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the unlocking button is located near the hinge axis. Advantageously, the unlocking button is arranged less than 5 cm from the hinge axis.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the articulation device is located in an upper part of a connecting zone connecting the first and second rigid conduit parts.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the articulation device is configured to be located above a portion of the airflow passage that extends near the articulation device, when the vacuum cleaner duct is in normal use conditions. In other words, the articulation device is configured to be oriented upwards, i.e. to be directly visible to a user, when the vacuum cleaner duct is in normal use conditions.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the articulation device is configured such that the articulation axis is laterally offset relative to the first and second rigid conduit portions. In other words, the articulation device is configured such that the articulation axis is not intersecting with the first and second rigid conduit portions.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the articulation device comprises a first hinge portion fixed to an external surface of the first rigid conduit portion, and a second hinge portion fixed to an external surface of the second rigid conduit portion.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the unlock button is configured to be moved into the unlock position when a user exerts a pressing force on the unlock button that is oriented toward the inside of the vacuum duct.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member is pivotally mounted, for example on the second rigid conduit part, around a pivot axis which is substantially parallel to the articulation axis.

[0026] According to another embodiment of the invention, the locking member could be elastically deformable between the locking and release positions.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner duct further comprises a transmission member, also called a return member or movement transmission member, configured to transmit a movement from the unlocking button to the locking member, the transmission member being configured such that a movement of the unlocking button from the rest position to the unlocking position causes a movement of the locking member from the locking position to the release position.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the transmission member is mechanically connected to the unlocking button.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the transmission member is integral in movement with the unlocking button.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the transmission member is slidably mounted on one of the first and second rigid conduit parts, and for example on the first rigid conduit part.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the transmission member is housed in one of the first and second rigid conduit parts. Such an arrangement of the transmission member makes it possible to dispense with the need for cladding elements, such as covers or hoods, to hide the return means, which further reduces the size of the vacuum cleaner conduit according to the present invention.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the transmission member is configured to push the locking member towards the release position when the unlocking button is moved into the unlocking position.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the transmission member is a transmission ring. The transmission ring may, for example, be closed or split. The use of a split transmission ring makes it possible to simplify the assembly of the vacuum duct according to the present invention.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first rigid conduit portion is configured to be fluidically connected to a vacuum cleaner body equipped with a suction unit, and the second rigid conduit portion is configured to be fluidically connected to a nozzle configured to be in contact with a floor to be cleaned.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum duct comprises a flexible duct connecting the first and second rigid duct portions and at least partially defining the air flow passage.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the articulation device is configured to be located above the flexible conduit when the vacuum cleaner conduit is in normal use conditions. Advantageously, the articulation axis does not intersect with the flexible conduit.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first rigid conduit part comprises a first mounting portion which is tubular and the second rigid conduit part comprises a second mounting portion which is tubular, the first and second mounting portions delimiting an internal housing in which the flexible conduit is mounted.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first mounting portion comprises a first insertion opening and the second mounting portion comprises a second insertion opening which is configured to be located opposite the first insertion opening when the first and second rigid conduit parts occupy the unfolded configuration.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the transmission member extends at least partly around the flexible conduit. Such a configuration of the transmission member makes it possible to significantly reduce the lateral size of the vacuum cleaner conduit, in particular at the level of the articulation zone of the latter.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the flexible conduit comprises a first end ring which is fixed, for example by clipping, to the first rigid conduit part, and a second end ring which is fixed, for example by clipping, to the second rigid conduit part.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first end ring is housed in and is secured to the first mounting portion, and the second end ring is housed in and is secured to the second mounting portion.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the transmission member is housed at least partly in the internal housing.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner duct comprises two electrical wires, each of the electrical wires comprising a first wire portion, a second wire portion and an intermediate portion which is located between the respective first and second wire portions, the intermediate portions of the electrical wires extending in at least one wire guide passage delimited by the flexible duct. Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner duct makes it possible to eliminate tension and pinching forces in each electrical wire when bending the vacuum cleaner duct. Thus, when the vacuum cleaner duct according to the present invention equips a stick vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner duct guarantees electrical conductivity between a vacuum cleaner body and a nozzle belonging to the stick vacuum cleaner throughout the latter's lifetime. Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner duct also makes it possible to simplify the assembly of the vacuum cleaner duct.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one wire guide passage extends helically around an internal flow passage defined by the flexible conduit.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the flexible conduit comprises a tubular portion delimiting the internal flow passage, the at least one wire guide passage extending helically around an external surface of the tubular portion.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one wire guide passage comprises a first wire guide passage and a second wire guide passage in which the intermediate portions of the two electrical wires extend respectively.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum duct comprises a first suction tube fluidly and mechanically connected to the first rigid duct portion, and a second suction tube fluidly and mechanically connected to the second rigid duct portion.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first rigid conduit part comprises a first connection portion fluidly and mechanically connected to the first suction tube, and the second rigid conduit part comprises a second connection portion fluidly and mechanically connected to the second suction tube.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second connection portions is tubular.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first suction tube is configured to be fluidly and mechanically connected to the vacuum cleaner body, and the second suction tube is configured to be fluidly and mechanically connected to the nozzle.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, the first and second suction tubes and the flexible conduit define the air flow passage.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first suction tube has a first longitudinal receiving passage extending along the first suction tube, and the second suction tube has a second longitudinal receiving passage extending along the second suction tube, the first wire portions of the two electrical wires extending at least partially in the first longitudinal receiving passage and the second wire portions of the two electrical wires extending at least partially in the second longitudinal receiving passage.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first end ring comprises a first wire passage configured to be located opposite the first longitudinal receiving passage, and the second end ring comprises a second wire passage configured to be located opposite the second longitudinal receiving passage, the first wire portions of the two electrical wires extending at least partially in the first wire passage and the second wire portions of the two electrical wires extending at least partially in the second wire passage.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner duct comprises two electrical contacts which are each electrically connected to the first wire portion of a respective electrical wire and which are configured to be electrically connected to the positive and negative terminals of a rechargeable battery housed in the vacuum cleaner body when the first rigid duct portion is fluidically connected to the vacuum cleaner body.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner duct comprises two electrical connectors which are each electrically connected to the second wire portion of a respective electrical wire and which are configured to be electrically connected to an electrical device (such as a drive motor configured to rotate a rotating brush provided in the nozzle) belonging to the nozzle when the second rigid duct portion is fluidically connected to the nozzle.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the flexible conduit fluidly connects the first and second connection portions.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum duct comprises a biasing element, such as a biasing spring, configured to bias the locking member into the locking position.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum duct comprises a biasing member, such as a biasing spring, configured to bias the unlocking button into the rest position.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the unlocking button is movably mounted on the first part of the rigid conduit.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner duct comprises a locking element provided on the other of the first and second rigid duct parts, the locking member being movable between the locking position in which the locking member is able to cooperate with the locking element so as to lock the first and second rigid duct parts in the unfolded configuration, and the release position in which the locking member is able to release the locking element so as to allow pivoting of the first and second rigid duct parts in the folded configuration.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member is a locking tab or a locking arm equipped with a locking finger, and the locking element is a locking orifice capable of at least partially receiving the locking finger when the first and second rigid conduit parts are in the unfolded configuration.

[0062] The present invention further relates to a stick vacuum cleaner comprising: a vacuum cleaner body equipped with a suction unit and a handling interface, a nozzle configured to be in contact with a floor to be cleaned, and a vacuum cleaner duct according to the present invention, the vacuum cleaner duct mechanically and fluidically connecting the vacuum cleaner body to the nozzle. Brief description of the figures

[0063] In any case, the invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows with reference to the appended schematic drawings representing, by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of this vacuum cleaner duct. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to the invention. Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of a vacuum duct belonging to the upright vacuum cleaner of the Figure 1 , showing the vacuum duct in the unfolded configuration. Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of the vacuum duct of the Figure 2 , showing the vacuum duct in the folded configuration. Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum duct of the Figure 2 , showing a locking member in the locking position. Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum duct of the Figure 2 , showing the locking member in the released position. Figure 6is a longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum duct of the Figure 2 , showing the vacuum duct in the folded configuration. Figure 7 is a partial perspective view of the vacuum duct of the Figure 2 . Detailed description

[0064] THE figures 1 to 7 represent a vacuum cleaner 2 which comprises a vacuum cleaner body 3, a nozzle 4 configured to be in contact with a floor to be cleaned, and a vacuum cleaner conduit 5 fluidly and mechanically connecting the vacuum cleaner body 3 to the nozzle 4.

[0065] As shown more particularly on the Figure 1, the vacuum cleaner body 3 comprises in particular a suction unit 6 and a handling interface 7. The suction unit 6 may for example comprise an electric motor-fan, a rechargeable battery configured to electrically power the electric motor-fan and a waste separation and storage device, and the handling interface 7 may for example comprise a gripping handle.

[0066] The vacuum duct 5 comprises a first rigid duct portion 8, a second rigid duct portion 9, and a hinge device 10 connecting the first and second rigid duct portions 8, 9 together.

[0067] The articulation device 10 is configured to allow pivoting of the first rigid conduit part 8 relative to the second rigid conduit part 9 about an articulation axis A and between an unfolded configuration in which the first and second rigid conduit parts 8, 9 are aligned relative to each other and a folded configuration in which the first and second rigid conduit parts 8, 9 define between them an angle of less than 180°.

[0068] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the articulation device 10 comprises a first hinge portion 10.1 fixed to an external surface of the first rigid conduit portion 8, and a second hinge portion 10.2 fixed to an external surface of the second rigid conduit portion 9. Thus, the articulation device 10 is configured such that the articulation axis A is laterally offset relative to the first and second rigid conduit portions 8, 9. In other words, the articulation device 10 is configured such that the articulation axis A does not intersect with the first and second rigid conduit portions 8, 9. Advantageously, the articulation device 10 is configured to be oriented upwards, i.e. to face a user, when the vacuum cleaner conduit 5 is in normal conditions of use.

[0069] The vacuum cleaner duct 5 further comprises a first suction tube 11 comprising a proximal end portion 11.1 fluidly and mechanically connected to the first rigid duct part 8, and a distal end portion 11.2 configured to be fluidly and mechanically connected to the vacuum cleaner body 3. The vacuum cleaner duct 5 also comprises a second suction tube 12 comprising a proximal end portion 12.1 fluidly and mechanically connected to the second rigid duct part 9, and a distal end portion 12.2 configured to be fluidly and mechanically connected to the nozzle 4.

[0070] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first rigid conduit part 8 comprises a first connection portion 13 which is tubular and which is fluidically and mechanically connected to the proximal end portion 11.1 of the first suction tube 11, and the second rigid conduit part 9 comprises a second connection portion 14 which is tubular and which is fluidically and mechanically connected to the proximal end portion 12.1 of the second suction tube 12.

[0071] As shown more particularly on the figures 3 And 6, the vacuum cleaner duct 5 further comprises a flexible duct 15 delimiting an internal flow passage and connecting the first and second rigid duct parts 8, 9. The flexible duct 15 is more particularly configured to fluidly connect the first and second connection portions 13, 14, such that the first connection portion 13, the second connection portion 14, the first and second suction tubes 11, 12 and the flexible duct 15 define an air flow passage connected on the one hand to the suction unit 6 and on the other hand to the nozzle 4.

[0072] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second rigid conduit parts 8, 9 respectively comprise first and second mounting portions 16, 17 which are tubular, and the first and second mounting portions 16, 17 delimit an internal housing 18 in which the flexible conduit 15 is mounted. Advantageously, the first mounting portion 16 comprises a first insertion opening and the second mounting portion 17 comprises a second insertion opening which is configured to be located opposite the first insertion opening when the first and second rigid conduit parts 8, 9 occupy the unfolded configuration.

[0073] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the flexible conduit 15 comprises a first end ring 19 which is fixed, for example by clipping, to the first mounting portion 16, and a second end ring 21 which is fixed, for example by clipping, to the second mounting portion 17.

[0074] The vacuum duct 5 also comprises a locking member 22, such as a locking tab or a locking arm equipped with a locking finger, configured to lock the first and second rigid duct parts 8, 9 in the unfolded configuration.

[0075] The locking member 22 and the articulation device 10 are substantially diametrically opposed relative to a central longitudinal axis B of the vacuum duct 5 in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid duct parts 8, 9.

[0076] The locking member 22 is mounted movably, for example on the second part of rigid conduit 9, between a locking position (see Figure 4 ) in which the locking member 22 is configured to cooperate with a locking element 23, such as a locking orifice capable of receiving at least partially the aforementioned locking finger, provided on the first rigid conduit part 8 so as to lock the first and second rigid parts 8, 9 in the unfolded configuration, and a release position (see the Figure 5 ) in which the locking member 22 is configured to release the locking element 23 so as to allow pivoting of the first and second rigid conduit parts 8, 9 in the folded configuration. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking member 22 is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis C which is substantially parallel to the articulation axis A.

[0077] The vacuum duct 5 further comprises a biasing element 24, such as a biasing spring, configured to bias the locking member 22 into the locking position.

[0078] The vacuum duct 5 further comprises an unlocking button 25 configured to cause a movement of the locking member 22 into the release position. The unlocking button 25 and the locking member 22 are diametrically opposite relative to the central longitudinal axis B of the vacuum duct 5 in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid duct parts 8, 9. Advantageously, the unlocking button 25 is located close to the articulation axis A.

[0079] The unlocking button 25 is slidably mounted on the first rigid conduit part 8 in a sliding direction D which extends perpendicular to the articulation axis A and between a rest position (see Figure 4 ) and an unlocking position (see the Figure 5 ). Advantageously, the sliding direction D extends perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis B of the vacuum duct 5 in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid duct parts 8, 9.

[0080] The vacuum cleaner duct 5 is more particularly configured such that a movement of the unlocking button 25 from the rest position to the unlocking position causes a movement of the locking member 22 from the locking position to the release position. The unlocking button 25 can for example be moved into the unlocking position by simply pressing the unlocking button 25 on the user.

[0081] Advantageously, the vacuum duct 5 comprises a biasing member 26, such as a biasing spring, configured to bias the unlocking button 25 into the rest position.

[0082] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the vacuum cleaner duct 5 further comprises a transmission member 27, also called a return member or movement transmission member, which is mounted movably on the first rigid duct part 8 and which is configured to transmit a movement of the unlocking button 25 to the locking member 22. Advantageously, the transmission member 27 is mechanically connected to the unlocking button 25, and is more particularly integral in movement with the unlocking button 25. As a result, the transmission member 27 is slidably mounted on the first rigid duct part 8.

[0083] The transmission member 27 is more particularly configured such that sliding the unlocking button 25 from the rest position to the unlocking position causes the locking member 22 to pivot from the locking position to the release position. Advantageously, the transmission member 27 is configured to push the locking member 22 toward the release position when the unlocking button 25 is moved into the unlocking position. For this purpose, the transmission member 27 is advantageously provided with a bearing portion 27.1, such as a bearing finger or a bearing tab, configured to exert a bearing force against the locking member 22 when the unlocking button 25 is moved into the unlocking position.

[0084] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the transmission member 27 is housed at least partly in the internal housing 18, and is formed by a transmission ring which can for example be closed or split and which extends around the flexible conduit 15.

[0085] The vacuum cleaner duct 5 further comprises two electrical wires 28. Each of the electrical wires 28 comprises a first wire portion 28.1, a second wire portion 28.2, and an intermediate portion 28.3 which is located between the respective first and second wire portions 28.1, 28.2.

[0086] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first suction tube 11 has a first longitudinal receiving passage 29 extending along an inner wall of the first suction tube 11, and the second suction tube 12 has a second longitudinal receiving passage 31 extending along an inner wall of the second suction tube 12. The first wire portions 28.1 of the two electric wires 28 extend in the first longitudinal receiving passage 29 and the second wire portions 28.2 of the two electric wires 28 extend in the second longitudinal receiving passage 31.

[0087] Advantageously, the first end ring 19 comprises a first wire passage 32 configured to be located opposite the first longitudinal receiving passage 29, and the second end ring 21 comprises a second wire passage 33 configured to be located opposite the second longitudinal receiving passage 31. The first wire portions 28.1 of the two electrical wires 28 also extend partly into the first wire passage 32 and the second wire portions 28.2 of the two electrical wires 28 also extend partly into the second wire passage 33.

[0088] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the flexible conduit 15 comprises a tubular portion 15.1 delimiting the internal flow passage, and also a first wire guide passage 15.2 extending helically around an external surface of the tubular portion 15.1 and a second wire guide passage 15.3 extending helically around the tubular portion 15.1. Advantageously, the intermediate portions 28.3 of the two electrical wires 28 extend respectively in the first and second wire passages 15.2, 15.3, and therefore extend helically around the tubular portion 15.1.

[0089] The vacuum cleaner duct 5 further comprises two electrical contacts (not shown in the figures) which are each electrically connected to the first wire portion 28.1 of a respective electrical wire 28 and which are configured to be electrically connected to the positive and negative terminals of the rechargeable battery housed in the vacuum cleaner body 3 when the first rigid duct portion 8 is fluidically and mechanically connected to the vacuum cleaner body 3.

[0090] The vacuum cleaner duct 5 further comprises two electrical connectors (not shown in the figures) which are each electrically connected to the second wire portion 28.2 of a respective electrical wire 28 and which are configured to be electrically connected to an electrical device, such as a drive motor configured to rotate a rotating brush provided in the nozzle 4, belonging to the nozzle 4 when the second rigid duct portion 9 is fluidically and mechanically connected to the nozzle 4.

[0091] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated, which has been given only as an example. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention defined according to the claims.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner conduit (5) defining an air flow passage and comprising: - a first rigid conduit part (8) and a second rigid conduit part (9), - a hinge device (10) connecting the first and second rigid conduit parts (8, 9) to each other, the hinge device (10) including a hinge axis (A) and being configured to allow a pivoting of the first rigid conduit part (8) relative to the second rigid conduit part (9) about the hinge axis (A) and between an unfolded configuration in which the first and second rigid conduit parts (8 , 9) are substantially aligned with each other and a folded configuration in which the first and second rigid conduit parts (8, 9) define between them an angle less than 180°, - a locking member (22) configured to lock the first and second rigid conduit parts (8, 9) in the unfolded configuration, the locking member (22) and the hinge device (10) being substantially diametrically opposed relative to a central longitudinal axis (B) of the vacuum cleaner conduit (5) in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid conduit parts (8, 9), the locking member (22) being movably mounted on one of the first and second rigid conduit parts (8, 9) between a locking position in which the locking member (22) is configured to cooperate with the other of the first and second rigid conduit parts (9, 8) so as to lock the first and second rigid conduit parts (8, 9) in the unfolded configuration, and a release position in which the locking member (22) is configured to release the other of the first and second conduit parts rigid (9, 8) so as to allow a pivoting of the first and second rigid conduit parts (8, 9) in the folded configuration, and - an unlocking button (25) movably mounted between a rest position and an unlocking position, the vacuum cleaner conduit (5) being configured such that a displacement of the unlocking button (25) from the rest position to the unlocking position causes a displacement of the locking member (22) from the locking position to the release position, characterized in that the unlocking button (25) is slidably mounted in a sliding direction (D) and between the rest position and the unlocking position, and in that the unlocking button (25) and the release member locking (22) are substantially diametrically opposed relative to the central longitudinal axis (B) of the vacuum cleaner conduit (5) in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid conduit parts (8, 9).

2. The vacuum cleaner conduit (5) according to claim 1, wherein the sliding direction (D) extends substantially perpendicular to the hinge axis (A).

3. The vacuum cleaner conduit (5) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sliding direction (D) extends substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis (B) of the vacuum conduit (5) in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid conduit parts (8, 9).

4. The vacuum cleaner conduit (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the unlocking button (25) is located near the hinge axis (A).

5. The vacuum cleaner conduit (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the hinge device (10) is configured to be located above a portion of the air flow passage which extends near the hinge device (10), when the vacuum cleaner conduit (5) is in normal conditions of use.

6. The vacuum cleaner conduit (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the locking member (22) is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis (C) which is substantially parallel to the hinge axis (A).

7. The vacuum cleaner conduit (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which further includes a transmission member (27) configured to transmit a movement of the unlocking button (25) to the locking member (22), the transmission member (27) being configured such that a movement of the unlocking button (25) from the rest position to the unlocking position causes a displacement of the locking member (22) from the locking position to the release position.

8. The vacuum cleaner conduit (5) according to claim 7, wherein the transmission member (27) is mechanically connected to the unlocking button (25).

9. The vacuum cleaner conduit (5) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the transmission member (27) is housed in one of the first and second rigid conduit parts (8, 9).

10. The vacuum cleaner conduit (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first rigid conduit part (8) is configured to be fluidically connected to a vacuum cleaner body (3) equipped with a suction unit (6), and the second rigid conduit part (9) is configured to be fluidically connected to a nozzle (4) configured to be in contact with a floor to be cleaned.

11. The vacuum cleaner conduit (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which includes a flexible conduit (15) connecting the first and second rigid conduit parts (8, 9) and at least partially defining the air flow passage.

12. The vacuum cleaner conduit (5) according to claim 11 in combination with claim 7, wherein the transmission member (27) extends at least partly about the flexible conduit (15).

13. The vacuum cleaner conduit (5) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the flexible conduit (15) includes a first end ring (19) which is fixed to the first rigid conduit part (8), and a second end ring (21) which is fixed to the second rigid conduit part (9).

14. The vacuum cleaner conduit (5) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, which includes two electric wires (28), each of the electric wires (28) including a first wire part (28.1), a second wire part (28.2) and an intermediate part (28.3) which is located between the respective first and second wire parts (28.1, 28.2), the intermediate parts (28.3) of the electric wires (28) extending in at least one wire guide passage (15.2, 15.3) delimited by the flexible conduit (15).

15. The vacuum cleaner conduit (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which includes a first suction tube (11) fluidically and mechanically connected to the first rigid conduit part (8), and a second tube suction (12) fluidically and mechanically connected to the second rigid conduit part (9).

16. An upright vacuum cleaner (2) including: - a vacuum cleaner body (3) equipped with a suction unit (6) and a handling interface (7), - a nozzle (4) configured to be in contact with a floor to be cleaned, and - a vacuum cleaner conduit (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, the vacuum cleaner conduit (5) mechanically and fluidically connecting the vacuum cleaner body (3) to the nozzle (4).

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