Vacuum cleaner nozzle provided with a pivoting blocking device

Abstract

The vacuum nozzle (2) includes a main body (3) having a suction nozzle; a connecting sleeve (7) fluidly connected to the suction nozzle; a hinge device (13) mechanically connecting the connecting sleeve (7) to the main body (3) and configured to allow the connecting sleeve (7) to pivot forward and backward and about a first pivot axis and to pivot left and right and about a second pivot axis; and a pivot locking device configured to block pivoting of the connecting sleeve (7) about the second pivot axis at least when the connecting sleeve (7) occupies a predetermined sleeve position.

Description

Domaine technique

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaners equipped with a vacuum cleaner nozzle, also called a suction head, for vacuuming up dust and waste present on a surface to be cleaned, which may for example be tiles, parquet or laminate. Etat de la technique

[0002] A vacuum cleaner nozzle is known to include: a main body comprising a sole provided with a lower face configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned, and a suction inlet opening into the lower face of the sole, a connecting sleeve to which a suction tube of a vacuum cleaner is intended to be fixed, the connecting sleeve being fluidically connected to the suction inlet, and an articulation device mechanically connecting the connecting sleeve to the main body, the articulation device comprising a first pivot connection which defines a first pivot axis extending transversely to a main direction of movement of the vacuum cleaner nozzle and which is configured to allow the connecting sleeve to tilt forwards and backwards relative to the main body and around the transverse pivot axis,and a second pivot link that defines a second pivot axis and is configured to allow tilting of the connecting sleeve left and right relative to the main body and about the second pivot axis.

[0003] Such a vacuum cleaner nozzle may for example be connected to an accessory comprising a suction tube which is configured to be connected to the connecting sleeve; a flexible suction pipe which is connected to a connecting end piece provided on the suction tube; and a gripping handle mounted articulated on the suction tube around a hinge axis which is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the suction tube and between an unfolded configuration in which the gripping handle extends substantially parallel to the suction tube, and a folded configuration in which the gripping handle and the suction tube define between them an angle for example of approximately 90°.

[0004] When the aforementioned vacuum cleaner nozzle is connected to such an accessory and the latter is in the folded configuration, the connecting sleeve and the suction tube extend substantially horizontally and a user can thus move the vacuum cleaner nozzle under furniture (without the suction tube hindering such movement), and for example under a sofa, in order to clean areas located under this furniture.

[0005] However, when a user moves the vacuum cleaner nozzle while the accessory is in the folded configuration, the vacuum cleaner nozzle is difficult to maneuver due to relative movements between the main body and the connecting sleeve about the second hinge axis which are likely to cause uncontrolled lateral movements of the vacuum cleaner nozzle. In addition, such articulation about the second hinge axis is likely to cause, when the accessory is in the folded configuration, unwanted lifting of the vacuum cleaner body which may impair the cleaning efficiency of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0006] Document WO2019 / 114989 discloses a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the preamble of claim 1. Résumé de l'invention

[0007] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.

[0008] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in providing a vacuum cleaner nozzle which is of simple and economical structure, while being ergonomic and having increased cleaning performance and maneuverability.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a vacuum cleaner nozzle comprising: a main body comprising a sole provided with a lower face configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned, and a suction inlet opening into the lower face of the sole, a connecting sleeve to which a suction tube of a vacuum cleaner is intended to be fixed, the connecting sleeve being fluidically connected to the suction inlet, an articulation device mechanically and articulatedly connecting the connecting sleeve to the main body, the articulation device comprising a first pivot connection which defines a first pivot axis extending transversely to a main direction of movement of the vacuum cleaner nozzle and which is configured to allow the connecting sleeve to tilt forwards and backwards relative to the main body and around the first pivot axis,and comprising a second pivot connection which defines a second pivot axis and which is configured to allow tilting of the connecting sleeve left and right relative to the main body and about the second pivot axis.

[0010] The vacuum cleaner nozzle comprises a pivot locking device provided in a rear portion of the main body, the pivot locking device comprising a locking portion partly defining a locking zone and configured to lock a pivoting of the connecting sleeve about the second pivot axis at least when the connecting sleeve occupies a predetermined sleeve position in which, when the vacuum cleaner nozzle rests on a horizontal surface, a central longitudinal axis of the connecting sleeve extends substantially horizontally.

[0011] The presence of such a pivot locking device makes it possible to prevent any relative movement between the main body and the connecting sleeve when the connecting sleeve extends substantially horizontally, and therefore when the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the invention is connected to an accessory and the latter occupies a folded configuration. Thus, the pivot locking device provides increased maneuverability and increased cleaning performance to the vacuum cleaner nozzle of the present invention.

[0012] The vacuum cleaner nozzle may further have one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first pivot axis extends substantially perpendicular to the main direction of movement of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first pivot axis extends perpendicular to the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first pivot axis extends substantially horizontally when the vacuum cleaner nozzle rests on a horizontal surface.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second pivot axis is located in the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle. Such an arrangement of the second pivot axis provides increased ergonomics to the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the present invention.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second pivot axis is configured to extend substantially horizontally or to be inclined, relative to the horizontal, by an angle of inclination of less than 10°, and for example less than 5°, when the central longitudinal axis of the connecting sleeve extends vertically and the vacuum cleaner nozzle rests on a horizontal surface.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the blocking zone is centered relative to the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot locking device comprises a guide portion configured to guide the connecting sleeve towards the locking area when the connecting sleeve is pivoted backwards and towards the predetermined sleeve position. The presence of the guide portion ensures easy and automatic locking of the connecting sleeve by simply moving the connecting sleeve into the predetermined sleeve position, which provides increased ergonomics to the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the present invention.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide part is located at least partly above the blocking part.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide part extends in the extension of the blocking part.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the connecting sleeve occupies the predetermined sleeve position and the vacuum cleaner nozzle rests on a horizontal surface, the central longitudinal axis of the connecting sleeve extends horizontally or is inclined relative to the horizontal by an angle of inclination of less than 10°, and for example less than 5°.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking portion and the connecting sleeve are configured such that, when the connecting sleeve occupies the predetermined sleeve position, the central longitudinal axis of the connecting sleeve is located in the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the central longitudinal axis of the connecting sleeve is inclined laterally relative to the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle and the connecting sleeve is pivoted backwards and towards the predetermined sleeve position, the guide portion is configured to cooperate with the connecting sleeve so as to pivot it about the second pivot axis and towards the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first pivot connection is configured such that the connecting sleeve is able to occupy, relative to the main body, a first sleeve position in which, when the main body rests on a horizontal surface, the central longitudinal axis of the connecting sleeve extends substantially vertically and in the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, and a second sleeve position in which, when the main body rests on a horizontal surface, the central longitudinal axis of the connecting sleeve extends substantially horizontally and in the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, the second sleeve position corresponding to the predetermined sleeve position.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the articulation device comprises a connecting member mounted articulated on the main body via the first pivot connection, the connecting sleeve being mounted articulated on the connecting member via the second pivot connection.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body, the articulation device and the second pivot connection are configured to allow pivoting of the connecting sleeve, around the second pivot axis and from the first sleeve position, to the left and at a first maximum pivot angle of at least 45°, and for example at least 60°, relative to the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, and to allow pivoting of the connecting sleeve, around the second pivot axis and from the first sleeve position, to the right and at a second maximum pivot angle of at least 45°, and for example at least 60°, relative to the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner nozzle is configured such that the second pivot axis is located above an upper edge of the main body when the connecting sleeve occupies the first sleeve position and the vacuum cleaner nozzle is resting on a horizontal surface.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body delimits a receiving housing which is open upwards and backwards, the connecting member being received at least partially in the receiving housing.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting sleeve comprises a stop portion configured to cooperate with the locking portion when the connecting sleeve occupies the predetermined sleeve position, so as to prevent pivoting of the connecting sleeve around the second pivot axis.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide part has a general V shape.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide portion comprises a first guide surface and a second guide surface which are arranged on either side of the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, the first and second guide surfaces converging in the direction of the locking portion.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second guide surfaces extend in the direction of the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle and are inclined such that, as they extend in the direction of the underside of the soleplate, they gradually move closer to each other.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second guide surfaces are arranged opposite each other.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second guide surfaces are arranged symmetrically with respect to the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking portion comprises a first locking surface and a second locking surface which are arranged on either side of the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle and which extend substantially vertically when the vacuum cleaner nozzle rests on a horizontal surface.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second locking surfaces are spaced apart from each other by a spacing distance corresponding substantially to the width of the stop portion.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second locking surfaces are arranged symmetrically with respect to the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second locking surfaces is planar.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first guide surface extends in the extension of the first blocking surface, and the second guide surface extends in the extension of the second blocking surface.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the pivot locking device comprises a first side wall and a second side wall located on either side of the median longitudinal plane, the first side wall comprising the first locking surface and the first guide surface, and the second side wall comprising the second locking surface and the second guide surface.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second locking surfaces are arranged opposite each other.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body comprises an upper cover fixed to the sole and configured to at least partially cover the sole, the pivot locking device being provided on the upper cover.

[0044] According to another embodiment of the invention, the pivot locking device is provided on the sole.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner nozzle comprises a rear anti-tilt stop provided on the main body, the rear anti-tilt stop being located at the rear of the suction mouth and at least partly at the rear of the first pivot axis.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear anti-tilt stop is located vertically below a rear part of the sole.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear anti-tilt stop is attached to and fixed to the main body, and for example to the sole.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear anti-tilt stop projects from the underside of the sole.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear anti-tilt stop is deformable. The use of a rear anti-tilt stop that is deformable makes it possible to significantly reduce the noise generated by the friction of the rear anti-tilt stop when a user moves the vacuum cleaner nozzle backward. In addition, such a configuration of the rear anti-tilt stop makes it possible to significantly reduce the risk of scratching the floors to be cleaned, since the rear anti-tilt stop is able to deform upon contact with the floor to be cleaned, which avoids rigid contact between the rear anti-tilt stop and the latter.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear anti-tilt stop comprises a first row of bristles and a second row of bristles which are located on either side of a median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, each of the first and second rows of bristles extending substantially parallel to the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle. Such a configuration of the rear anti-tilt stop limits the drag generated by the rear anti-tilt stop, and therefore the friction generated by the latter during movements of the vacuum cleaner nozzle over the surface to be cleaned. In addition, such a configuration of the rear anti-tilt stop makes it possible to limit the manufacturing costs of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second rows of bristles extend parallel to the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0052] According to another embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second rows of bristles is inclined relative to the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle by an angle of inclination of less than 10°, and for example less than 5°.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second rows of bristles are arranged symmetrically relative to the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body comprises an air outlet nozzle having a central axis which is configured to be inclined, relative to the horizontal, by an angle of inclination of between 40° and 60°, when the vacuum cleaner nozzle rests on a horizontal surface. Such a configuration of the suction air outlet nozzle limits the deformations undergone by the flexible connecting conduit during use of the vacuum cleaner nozzle. Indeed, under normal conditions of use (namely in the unfolded configuration of the gripping handle), the connecting sleeve is generally inclined relative to the horizontal by an angle of inclination which varies between 40° and 60°.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air outlet nozzle is located at least partly above the suction mouth.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting member comprises: a first connecting part comprising a pair of first fixing lugs which are spaced from each other and located opposite each other, the first fixing lugs being mounted in an articulated manner on the main body via the pivot connection, a second connecting part comprising a pair of second fixing lugs which are spaced from each other and located opposite each other, the connecting sleeve being mounted in an articulated manner on the second fixing lugs via the additional pivot connection.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first fixing lugs and the second fixing lugs are angularly offset, along a central axis of the connecting member, by an offset angle of approximately 90°.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner nozzle comprises a flexible connecting conduit fluidly connecting the suction mouth to the connecting sleeve.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting member delimits an internal passage in which the flexible connecting conduit extends.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the flexible connecting conduit extends between the first fixing lugs and between the second fixing lugs.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction mouth is elongated and extends in an extension direction which is transverse to the main direction of movement of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, and for example perpendicular to the main direction of movement.

[0062] The present invention further relates to a vacuum cleaner, such as a cylinder vacuum cleaner or a stick vacuum cleaner, comprising a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the present invention. Brève description des figures

[0063] The aims, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the description given below of a particular embodiment of the invention presented by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings in which: There figure 1 is a perspective view of an accessory equipped with a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the present invention, showing the accessory in an unfolded configuration; The figure 2 is a perspective view of the accessory of the figure 1 , showing the accessory in folded configuration; The figure 3 is a partial rear perspective view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of the figure 1 ; There figure 4 is a partial rear view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of the figure 1 ; There figure 5 is a partial top view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of the figure 1 ; There figure 6 is a partial side view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of the figure 1 ; There figure 7 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of the figure 1 ; There figure 8 is a front view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of the figure 1 ; There figure 9 is a rear perspective view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of the figure 1 ; There figure 10 is a top view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of the figure 1 ; There figure 11 is a perspective view from below of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of the figure 1 ; There figure 12 is a side view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of the figure 1 ; There figure 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of the figure 1 ; There figure 14 is a partial top view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of the figure 1 ; There figure 15 is a bottom view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of the figure 1 ; There figure 16 is a rear view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of the figure 1 ; There figure 17 is a side view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of the figure 1 . Description détaillée

[0064] In this document, the terms "tilting forward" mean a tilting of the connecting sleeve towards the main body of the vacuum cleaner nozzle and therefore away from a user handling a vacuum cleaner equipped with the vacuum cleaner nozzle in front of him and under normal usage conditions, and the terms "tilting backward" mean a tilting of the connecting sleeve away from the main body of the vacuum cleaner nozzle and therefore towards a user handling the vacuum cleaner in front of him under normal usage conditions.

[0065] In this document, the terms "left tilting" mean a tilting of the connecting sleeve to the left when a user handles a vacuum cleaner equipped with the vacuum cleaner nozzle in front of him and under normal usage conditions, and the terms "right tilting" mean a tilting of the connecting sleeve to the right when a user handles a vacuum cleaner equipped with the vacuum cleaner nozzle in front of him and under normal usage conditions.

[0066] In this document, the term "length" associated with the suction mouth corresponds to a dimension of said suction mouth measured in a direction transverse to the main direction of movement of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0067] In this document, the term "main direction of movement" means a direction of movement of the vacuum cleaner nozzle which is parallel to the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0068] THE figures 1 à 17 represent a vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 comprising a main body 3 configured to be moved over a surface to be cleaned.

[0069] The main body 3 comprises a sole 4, for example made of plastic, provided with a lower face 5 configured to be oriented towards the surface to be cleaned, and a suction mouth 6 opening into the lower face 5 of the sole 4. As shown in the figure 15 , the suction mouth 6 is elongated and extends in an extension direction D1 which is perpendicular to a main movement direction D2 of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2.

[0070] The sole 4 further comprises a suction chamber 41 into which the suction mouth 6 opens, and an air outlet nozzle 42 which also opens into the suction chamber 41. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the air outlet nozzle 42 is located at least partly above the suction mouth 6 (see in particular the figures 7 And 13 ), and is oriented towards the rear of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2. Advantageously, the air outlet nozzle 42 has a central axis which is configured to be inclined, relative to the horizontal, by an angle of inclination of between 40° and 60°, when the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0071] The main body 3 also comprises an upper cover 10 attached to the sole 4 and configured to at least partially cover the sole 4.

[0072] The vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 further comprises a connecting sleeve 7 fluidly connected to the suction mouth 6, and more particularly to the air outlet nozzle 42. The connecting sleeve 7 is intended to be connected to an accessory 8, itself connected to a suction system of a vacuum cleaner (not illustrated). Various variants of vacuum cleaners already exist on the market and may be used with the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 according to the invention; these variants being known to those skilled in the art, they are not detailed in this document.

[0073] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the accessory 8 comprises: a suction tube 9 comprising a first end 9.1 which is connected, for example removably, to the connecting sleeve 7, and a second end 9.2 which is opposite the first end portion 9.1 and which is advantageously provided with a connecting tip, a suction pipe 11 which is at least partly flexible and which is connected, for example removably, to the second end 9.2 of the suction tube 9, and a gripping handle 12 comprising a main handle portion 12.1 which is elongated and a gripping handle 12.2 configured to be grasped by a user so as to allow the latter to manipulate the gripping handle 12 and therefore the suction tube 9.

[0074] The main handle part 12.1 is hingedly mounted on the second end portion 9.2 of the suction tube 9 around a hinge axis which is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the suction tube 9 and between an unfolded configuration (see figure 1 ) in which the main handle portion 12.1 extends substantially parallel to the suction tube 9, and a folded configuration (see figure 2 ), in which the main part of the handle 12.1 and the suction tube 9 define between them an angle of less than 180°, and for example of approximately 90°.

[0075] The vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 further comprises an articulation device 13 mechanically and articulately connecting the connection sleeve 7 to the main body 3, and more particularly to the upper cover 10.

[0076] The articulation device 13 comprises a first pivot connection P1, also called a transverse pivot connection, defining a first pivot axis X1, also called a transverse pivot axis, extending transversely to the main direction of movement D2 of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2. The first pivot connection P1 is configured to allow the connecting sleeve 7 to tilt forwards and backwards relative to the main body 3 about the first pivot axis X1. Advantageously, the first pivot axis X1 extends perpendicular to a median longitudinal plane P of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2, and therefore perpendicular to the main direction of movement D2 of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2, and extends horizontally when the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0077] The first pivot connection P1 is more particularly configured such that the connecting sleeve 7 can occupy, relative to the main body 3, in particular a first sleeve position (see figure 17 ) in which, when the main body 3 rests on a horizontal surface, a central longitudinal axis B of the connecting sleeve 7 extends vertically and in the median longitudinal plane P of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2, and a second sleeve position (see in particular the figures 2 And 13) in which, when the main body 3 rests on a horizontal surface, the central longitudinal axis B of the connecting sleeve 7 extends horizontally and in the median longitudinal plane P of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, when the connecting sleeve 7 occupies the second sleeve position and the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 rests on a horizontal surface, the central longitudinal axis B of the connecting sleeve 7 could be inclined relative to the horizontal by an angle of inclination of less than 10°, and for example less than 5°. According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, when the connecting sleeve 7 occupies the first sleeve position and the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 rests on a horizontal surface, the central longitudinal axis B of the connecting sleeve 7 could be inclined relative to the vertical by an angle of inclination of less than 45°, and advantageously less than 20°.

[0078] The first sleeve position, in which the central longitudinal axis B of the connecting sleeve 7 extends vertically or substantially vertically with an angle of inclination relative to the vertical that is less than 20°, may for example correspond to a storage position of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2, also called parking position. The second sleeve position, in which the central longitudinal axis B of the connecting sleeve 7 extends horizontally or substantially horizontally with an angle of inclination relative to the horizontal that is less than 10°, may for example correspond to a cleaning position under a low piece of furniture.

[0079] The first pivot connection P1 is also configured such that the connecting sleeve 7 is able to occupy, with respect to the main body 3, a plurality of intermediate sleeve positions located between the first and second sleeve positions and in each of which the central longitudinal axis B of the connecting sleeve 7 extends in the median longitudinal plane P of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 and is inclined with respect to the vertical and with respect to the horizontal (see in particular the figure 1 ).

[0080] The articulation device 13 further comprises a second pivot connection P2, also called a longitudinal pivot connection, defining a second pivot axis X2, also called a longitudinal pivot axis, and configured to allow the connecting sleeve 7 to tilt to the left and to the right relative to the main body 3 and around the second pivot axis X2, in particular from the first sleeve position. Advantageously, the second pivot axis X2 is located in the median longitudinal plane P of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2, and the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 is configured such that the second pivot axis X2 is located above an upper edge of the main body 3, and more particularly of the upper cover 10, when the connecting sleeve 7 occupies the first sleeve position and the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0081] The second pivot connection P2 is more particularly configured to allow pivoting of the connecting sleeve 7, around the second pivot axis X2 and from the first sleeve position, to the left and according to a first maximum pivot angle of at least 45°, and for example at least 60°, relative to the median longitudinal plane P of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2, and to allow pivoting of the connecting sleeve 7, around the second pivot axis X2 and from the first sleeve position, to the right and according to a second maximum pivot angle of at least 45°, and for example at least 60°, relative to the median longitudinal plane P of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2.

[0082] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the second pivot axis X2 extends horizontally when the central longitudinal axis B of the connecting sleeve 7 extends vertically and the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 rests on a horizontal surface. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the second pivot axis X2 could be inclined relative to the horizontal, and for example be inclined forwards and upwards by an angle of inclination of less than 10°, and for example less than 5°, when the central longitudinal axis B of the connecting sleeve 7 extends vertically and the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0083] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the articulation device 13 comprises a connecting member 14 mechanically connecting the connecting sleeve 7 to the main body 3. The connecting member 14 is mounted articulated on the main body 3, and more particularly on the upper cover 10, by means of the first pivot connection P1, and the connecting sleeve 7 is mounted articulated on the connecting member 14 by means of the second pivot connection P2.

[0084] The upper cover 10 more particularly delimits a receiving housing 10.1 which is open upwards and towards the rear and in which the connecting member 14 is partially received. Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 makes it possible to limit the height requirement of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2, while allowing a significant pivoting amplitude of the connecting sleeve 7 around the second positioning axis X2.

[0085] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the connecting member 14 comprises: a first connecting part 15 comprising a pair of first fixing tabs 15.1 (see figure 10 ) which are spaced from each other and located opposite each other, the first fixing lugs 15.1 being mounted articulated on the main body 3 by means of the first pivot connection P1, and a second connecting part 16 comprising a pair of second fixing lugs 16.1 which are spaced from each other and located opposite each other, the connecting sleeve 7 being mounted articulated on the second fixing lugs 16.1 by means of the second pivot connection P2.

[0086] Advantageously, the first fixing lugs 15.1 and the second fixing lugs 16.1 are angularly offset, along a central axis of the connecting member 14, by an offset angle of approximately 90°.

[0087] The vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 also includes a flexible connecting pipe 17 (see figure 9 And 13 ) fluidly connecting the air outlet nozzle 42 to the connecting sleeve 7. Advantageously, the connecting member 14 delimits an internal passage in which the flexible connecting conduit 17 extends. Thus, the flexible connecting conduit 17 extends between the first fixing lugs 15.1 and between the second fixing lugs 16.1.

[0088] The vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 further comprises a rear anti-tilt stop 18 which is deformable and which is located at the rear of the suction mouth 6 and below a rear part of the sole 4. The rear anti-tilt stop 18 is more particularly located at least partly at the rear of the first pivot axis X1 (see in particular the figure 7 ). In other words, when the nozzle rests on a horizontal surface, the rear anti-tilt stop 18 is located at least partly to the rear of a vertical plane containing the first pivot axis X1.

[0089] Advantageously, the rear anti-tilt stop 18 is offset rearwardly relative to the transverse pivot axis X1, and is therefore located entirely to the rear of the first pivot axis X1.

[0090] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the rear anti-tilt stop 18 comprises a first row of bristles 19 and a second row of bristles 21 which are located on either side of the median longitudinal plane P of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 and which each extend transversely relative to the first pivot axis X1. Thus, the first and second rows of bristles 19, 21 are distinct from one another and are separated from one another. Advantageously, each of the first and second rows of bristles 19, 21 extends in a rectilinear manner.

[0091] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second rows of bristles 19, 21 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the median longitudinal plane P of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2, and extend parallel to the median longitudinal plane P of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second rows of bristles 19, 21 could be inclined laterally with respect to the median longitudinal plane P of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 by an angle of inclination of less than 10°, and for example less than 5°. In other words, the first and second rows of bristles 19, 21 could be inclined with respect to each other by an angle of inclination of less than 20°.

[0092] Advantageously, the first and second rows of bristles 19, 21 are spaced from each other by a separation distance Ds1 which is less than the length of the suction mouth 6. The separation distance Ds1 may be between 50 and 150 mm, advantageously between 60 and 100 mm, and for example approximately 82 mm.

[0093] The bristles of each of the first and second rows of bristles 21 are configured to interact with a surface to be cleaned, in particular to scrub said surface to be cleaned, when the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 is moved over said surface to be cleaned. Advantageously, the bristles of each of the first and second rows of bristles 19, 21 project from a plane containing a front edge of the suction mouth 6 and a rear edge of the suction mouth 6 by a projection distance Ds2 which is between 2 and 6 mm, and for example approximately 4 mm. Advantageously, said plane is substantially horizontal when the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 rests on the surface to be cleaned.

[0094] The vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 further comprises a pivot locking device provided in a rear part of the main body 3, and more particularly of the upper cover 10. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the pivot locking device could also be provided on the sole 4.

[0095] The pivot locking device comprises a locking portion 23 which partly delimits a locking zone 24 and which is configured to lock a pivoting of the connecting sleeve 7 about the second pivot axis X2 in particular when the connecting sleeve 7 occupies the second sleeve position, namely when the central longitudinal axis B of the connecting sleeve 7 extends substantially horizontally and the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0096] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking portion 23 comprises a first locking surface 25 and a second locking surface 26 which are arranged on either side of the median longitudinal plane P of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 and symmetrically with respect to the median longitudinal plane P of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2. Advantageously, the first and second locking surfaces 25, 26 are flat and arranged opposite one another, and extend vertically when the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0097] The connecting sleeve 7 more particularly comprises a stop portion 27 configured to cooperate with the first and second locking surfaces 25, 26 when the connecting sleeve 7 occupies the second sleeve position, so as to prevent pivoting of the connecting sleeve 7 around the second pivot axis X2. Advantageously, the first and second locking surfaces 25, 26 are spaced from each other by a spacing distance De (see figure 4 ) corresponding substantially to the width of the stop portion 27. The ratio of the spacing distance De to the width of the stop portion 27 may for example be between 1 and 1.1, and for example between 1 and 1.05.

[0098] The pivot locking device further comprises a guide portion 28 which is located above the locking portion 23 and which is configured to guide the connecting sleeve 7 towards the locking area 24 when the connecting sleeve 7 is pivoted backwards and towards the second sleeve position.

[0099] The guide portion 28 comprises a first guide surface 29 and a second guide surface 31 which are arranged on either side of the median longitudinal plane P of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 and opposite each other. Advantageously, the first and second guide surfaces 29, 31 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the median longitudinal plane P of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2.

[0100] As shown more particularly on the figure 3, the first guide surface 29 extends in the extension of the first blocking surface 25, and the second guide surface 31 extends in the extension of the second blocking surface 26.

[0101] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the guide portion 28 has a general V-shape, and the first and second guide surfaces 29, 31 converge in the direction of the blocking portion 23. Advantageously, the first and second guide surfaces 29, 31 extend in the direction of the median longitudinal plane P of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2, and are inclined such that, by extending in the direction of the lower face 5 of the sole 4, they gradually move closer to each other.

[0102] Thus, when the central longitudinal axis B of the connecting sleeve 7 is inclined laterally relative to the median longitudinal plane P of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 and the connecting sleeve 7 is pivoted backwards and towards the second sleeve position, the guide portion 28 is configured to cooperate with the connecting sleeve 7, and more particularly with the stop portion 27, so as to pivot the connecting sleeve 7 around the second pivot axis X2 and in the direction of the median longitudinal plane P of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2.

[0103] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the upper cover 10 comprises a first side wall 32 and a second side wall 33 which are located on either side of the median longitudinal plane P of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2. The first side wall 32 more particularly comprises the first blocking surface 25 and the first guide surface 29, while the second side wall 33 comprises the second blocking surface 26 and the second guide surface 31.

[0104] 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.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) comprising: - a main body (3) including a sole (4) provided with a lower face (5) configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned, and a suction mouth (6) emerging into the lower face (5) of the sole (4), - a connecting sleeve (7) to which a suction tube (9) of a vacuum cleaner is intended to be fastened, the connecting sleeve (7) being fluidly connected to the suction mouth (6), - a hinge device (13) mechanically and hingedly connecting the connecting sleeve (7) to the main body (3), the hinge device (13) comprising a first pivot connection (P1) which defines a first pivot axis (X1) extending transversely to a main movement direction (D2) of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) and which is configured to allow a tilting of the connecting sleeve (7) forwards and backwards relative to the main body (3) and about the first pivot axis (X1), and comprising a second pivot connection (P2) which defines a second pivot axis (X2) and which is configured to allow a tilting of the connecting sleeve (7) leftwards and rightwards relative to the main body (3) and about the second pivot axis (X2), characterized in that the vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) includes a pivot blocking device provided in a rear part of the main body (3), the pivot blocking device including a blocking part (23) partly delimiting a blocking area (24) and configured to block a pivoting of the connecting sleeve (7) about the second pivot axis (X2) at least when the connecting sleeve (7) occupies a predetermined sleeve position in which, when the vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) rests on a horizontal surface, a central longitudinal axis (B) of the connecting sleeve (7) extends substantially horizontally.

2. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 1, wherein the blocking part (23) and the connecting sleeve (7) are configured such that, when the connecting sleeve (7) occupies the predetermined sleeve position, the central longitudinal axis (B) of the connecting sleeve (7) is located in the median longitudinal plane (P) of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (2).

3. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting sleeve (7) includes an abutment part (27) configured to cooperate with the blocking part (23) when the connecting sleeve (7) occupies the predetermined sleeve position, so as to prevent a pivoting of the connecting sleeve (7) about the second pivot axis (X2).

4. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pivot blocking device includes a guide part (28) configured to guide the connecting sleeve (7) towards the blocking area (24) when the connecting sleeve (7) is pivoted backwards and towards the predetermined sleeve position.

5. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 4, wherein, when the central longitudinal axis (B) of the connecting sleeve (7) is inclined laterally relative to the median longitudinal plane (P) of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) and the connecting sleeve (7) is pivoted backwards and towards the predetermined sleeve position, the guide part (28) is configured to cooperate with the connecting sleeve (7) so as to pivot it about the second pivot axis (X2) and towards the median longitudinal plane (P) of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (2).

6. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the guide part (28) has a general V shape.

7. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the guide part (28) includes a first guide surface (29) and a second guide surface (31) which are disposed on either side of the median longitudinal plane (P) of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (2), the first and second guide surfaces (29, 31) converging towards the blocking part (23).

8. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the blocking part (23) includes a first blocking surface (25) and a second blocking surface (26) which are disposed on either side of the median longitudinal plane (P) of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) and which extend substantially vertically when the vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) rests on a horizontal surface.

9. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claims 3 and 8, wherein the first and second blocking surfaces (25, 26) are spaced apart from each other by a spacing distance (De) corresponding substantially to the width of the abutment part (27).

10. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 8 or 9 in combination with claim 7, wherein the pivot blocking device includes a first lateral wall (32) and a second lateral wall (33) located on either side of the median longitudinal plane (P), the first lateral wall (32) including the first blocking surface (25) and the first guide surface (29), and the second lateral wall (33) including the second blocking surface (26) and the second guide surface (31).

11. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the hinge device (13) includes a connecting member (14) hingedly mounted on the main body (3) through the first pivot connection (P1), the connecting sleeve (7) being hingedly mounted on the connecting member (14) through the second pivot connection (P2).

12. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the main body (3) includes an upper cover (10) fastened to the sole (4) and configured to cover at least partly the sole (4), the pivot blocking device being provided on the upper cover (10).

13. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which includes a rear anti-tilt abutment (18) provided on the main body (3), the rear anti-tilt abutment (18) being located behind the suction mouth (6) and at least partly behind the first pivot axis (X1).

14. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 13, wherein the rear anti-tilt abutment (18) is deformable.

15. The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the main body (3) includes an air outlet endpiece (42) having a central axis which is configured to be inclined, relative to the horizontal, at an angle of inclination comprised between 40° and 60°, when the vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) rests on a horizontal surface.

16. A vacuum cleaner comprising a vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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