Vacuum cleaner nozzle equipped with a wet cleaning device

Abstract

The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) comprises a main body (3) having a sole (4); a connecting sleeve (8); a hinge device (9) mechanically connecting the connecting sleeve (8) to the main body (3); a wet cleaning device (15) having a mop (16) extending under the sole (4); and a rear clearance (14) located vertically above a rear portion of the sole (4), the rear clearance (14) and the hinge device (9) being configured to allow pivoting of the connecting sleeve (8) to the left and by a first maximum pivot angle of at least 75° relative to a vertical extension plane, and pivoting of the connecting sleeve (8) to the right and by a second maximum pivot angle of at least 75° relative to the vertical extension plane. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Vacuum cleaner nozzle equipped with a wet cleaning device Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of domestic cleaning appliances comprising a cleaning head equipped with a wet cleaning device for carrying out wet cleaning of a surface to be cleaned.

[0002] The present invention relates more particularly to domestic vacuum cleaners, for example of the broom or sled type, making it possible to vacuum up dust and waste present on a surface to be cleaned, which may for example be tiles, parquet, laminate, carpet or a rug, and to simultaneously carry out wet cleaning of the surface to be cleaned, in particular when the latter is a smooth floor. State of the art

[0003] A vacuum cleaner nozzle comprises, in a known manner:

[0004] - a main body comprising a sole provided with a lower face which is configured to be directed towards a surface to be cleaned, and a suction inlet opening into the underside of the sole,

[0005] - a connecting sleeve to which a suction tube is intended to be fixed of a vacuum cleaner, the connecting sleeve being fluidly connected to the suction inlet and being configured to occupy, relative to the main body, a predetermined sleeve position in which, when the main body rests on a horizontal surface, a central longitudinal axis of the connecting sleeve extends in a vertical extension plane,

[0006] - a hinge device mechanically connecting the connecting sleeve to the main body, the articulation device comprising a first pivot link defining a first pivot axis and configured to allow the connecting sleeve to pivot backwards relative to the main body from the predetermined sleeve position and about the first pivot axis, and a second pivot link defining a second pivot axis and configured to allow the connecting sleeve to pivot left or right relative to the main body from the predetermined sleeve position and about the second pivot axis, and

[0007] - a wet cleaning device comprising a mop extending at least partly under the sole and configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned, and a cleaning liquid reservoir, for example located above the soleplate, configured to supply cleaning liquid to the mop.

[0008] Such a vacuum cleaner nozzle makes it possible to vacuum up dust and small-sized waste present on a surface to be cleaned, and to simultaneously carry out wet cleaning of the surface to be cleaned when the latter is a smooth floor.

[0009] In order to allow the connecting sleeve to pivot to the left or to the right with a large pivoting amplitude, it is known to position the articulation device at the rear of the main body of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, in order to limit the risks of conflict between the main body and the connecting sleeve.

[0010] However, such an arrangement of the articulation device is likely to cause lifting of the main body when the user exerts a significant pressing force on the suction tube, and therefore on the connecting sleeve, in order to clean stains embedded in the surface to be cleaned. However, such lifting is detrimental to the cleaning performance of such a nozzle.

[0011] To prevent such lifting, it is known to equip the vacuum cleaner nozzle with anti-lifting elements arranged at the rear of the main body. Such anti-lifting elements may, for example, comprise rollers arranged under the articulation device or under the connecting sleeve and intended to roll on the surface to be cleaned when the vacuum cleaner nozzle is moved, or one or more protrusions extending towards the rear and from a rear edge of the main body and provided with rollers also intended to roll on the surface to be cleaned when the vacuum cleaner nozzle is moved.

[0012] The presence of such anti-lifting elements complicates the manufacture and assembly of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, and significantly increases the manufacturing costs of the latter. Summary of the invention

[0013] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0014] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in providing a vacuum cleaner nozzle which is of simple and ergonomic structure, while allowing optimal cleaning of a surface to be cleaned.

[0015] To this end, the present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner nozzle comprising:

[0016] - a main body comprising a sole provided with a lower face which is configured to be directed towards a surface to be cleaned, and a suction inlet opening into the underside of the sole,

[0017] - a connecting sleeve to which a suction tube is intended to be fixed of a vacuum cleaner, the connecting sleeve being fluidly connected to the suction mouth and being configured to occupy, relative to the main body, a predetermined sleeve position in which, when the main body rests on a horizontal surface, a central longitudinal axis of the connecting sleeve extends in a vertical extension plane,

[0018] - a hinge device mechanically connecting the connecting sleeve to the main body, the articulation device comprising a first pivot link defining a first pivot axis and configured to allow the connecting sleeve to pivot backwards relative to the main body from the predetermined sleeve position and about the first pivot axis, and a second pivot link defining a second pivot axis and configured to allow the connecting sleeve to pivot left or right relative to the main body from the predetermined sleeve position and about the second pivot axis, and

[0019] - a wet cleaning device comprising a mop extending at least in part under the sole and configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned, and a cleaning liquid reservoir, for example located vertically above the sole, configured to supply cleaning liquid to the mop.

[0020] The vacuum cleaner nozzle comprises a rear clearance located vertically above a rear part of the sole, i.e. vertically plumb with the rear part of the sole, and the second pivot connection is located at least partly vertically above the rear part of the sole, the rear clearance and the articulation device being configured to allow pivoting of the connecting sleeve, around the second pivot axis and from the predetermined sleeve position, to the left and at a first maximum pivot angle of at least 75° relative to the vertical extension plane, and advantageously at least 85°, and for example approximately 90°, and to allow pivoting of the connecting sleeve, around the second pivot axis and from the predetermined sleeve position, to the right and at a second maximum pivot angle of at least 75° relative to the vertical extension plane,and advantageously at least 85°, and for example approximately 90°.

[0021] When a user exerts a significant pressure force on the suction tube of a vacuum cleaner equipped with a nozzle according to the present invention, in particular to clean stains embedded in a surface to be cleaned, the pressure force transmitted by the articulation device to the main body is applied to a rear part of the main body and therefore above the soleplate. Thus, the specific configuration of the nozzle according to the present invention prevents lifting of the main body (without requiring the presence of anti-lifting elements located at the rear of the vacuum cleaner nozzle) and therefore ensures effective cleaning of the surface to be cleaned.

[0022] In addition, the presence of the rear clearance allows the connecting sleeve to pivot left and right with a large pivoting amplitude, which provides increased maneuverability to the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the present invention.

[0023] Furthermore, the location of the second pivot connection above a rear portion of the main body makes it possible to reduce the horizontal size of the nozzle according to the present invention, and also to have a larger mop surface.

[0024] The vacuum cleaner nozzle may further have one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear portion of the sole is located at the rear of a vertical median transverse plane of the main body. By vertical median transverse plane, it is understood that the vertical median transverse plane is midway between the front edge and the rear edge of the main body.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the articulation device mechanically connects the connecting sleeve directly to the main body, i.e. by being fixed to a part belonging to the main body, or mechanically connects the connecting sleeve indirectly to the main body, i.e. by being fixed to a part fixed to the main body, and for example by being fixed to the cleaning liquid tank.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting sleeve is configured to be housed at least partly in the rear clearance when the connecting sleeve is pivoted to the left according to the first maximum pivot angle and when the connecting sleeve is pivoted to the right according to the second maximum pivot angle. These arrangements make it possible to reduce the vertical size of the vacuum cleaner nozzle when the connecting sleeve is pivoted according to the first maximum pivot angle or the second maximum pivot angle, and therefore to facilitate cleaning, for example, under a piece of furniture.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear clearance extends over substantially the entire width of the main body. Such a configuration of the rear clearance limits the risks of conflict between the connecting sleeve and the walls delimiting the rear clearance, in particular when the connecting sleeve is pivoted to the left or to the right.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear clearance extends from a first lateral edge of the main body to a second lateral edge of the main body. Such a configuration of the rear clearance makes it possible to increase the value of each of the first and second maximum pivot angles.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear clearance delimits a rear recess in which the articulation device is at least partially received. In other words, the articulation device, and in particular the second pivot connection, is arranged at least partly in the rear clearance. Such an arrangement of the second pivot connection makes it possible to reduce the vertical size of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second pivot connections are located vertically above the rear part of the sole, that is to say vertically above the rear part of the sole.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second pivot axis is located in a median vertical 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.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second pivot axis extends substantially horizontally when the main body rests on a horizontal surface.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first pivot axis extends substantially perpendicular to a direction of movement of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear clearance is delimited at least in part, and for example entirely, by the cleaning liquid reservoir. Such a configuration of the cleaning liquid reservoir makes it possible to optimize the volume of the cleaning liquid reservoir, and therefore to be able to clean a larger surface without impacting the compactness of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning liquid reservoir extends substantially to a rear edge of the main body. Such a configuration of the cleaning liquid reservoir also makes it possible to optimize the volume of the cleaning liquid reservoir.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body comprises a central suction duct fluidly connecting the suction mouth to the connecting sleeve.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central suction duct extends substantially in the median vertical longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central suction duct is attached to and fixed to the soleplate. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the central suction duct could be attached to and fixed to the cleaning liquid tank.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central suction duct comprises a first end portion fluidly connected to the suction mouth and a second end portion fluidly connected to the connection sleeve.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central suction duct has a passage section which increases towards the first end portion.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning liquid tank comprises a first lateral tank part and a second lateral tank part which are arranged on either side of the central suction duct. Such a configuration of the cleaning liquid tank makes it possible to better distribute the contents of the cleaning liquid tank relative to the main body, and therefore to improve the maneuverability of the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the present invention.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning liquid reservoir comprises at least one connecting portion extending between the first and second lateral reservoir parts and fluidically connecting the first and second lateral reservoir parts.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one connecting portion comprises a front connecting portion extending under the central suction duct, and advantageously between the soleplate and the central suction duct. Such a configuration of the cleaning liquid reservoir makes it easier for a user to fill it.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one connecting portion comprises a rear connecting portion fluidly connecting the first and second lateral reservoir parts. Advantageously, the rear connecting portion extends under the articulation device.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first lateral tank part comprises a first front tank portion, a first rear tank portion set back from the first front tank portion, and a first connecting surface connecting the first front tank portion to the first rear tank portion so as to form a first rear lateral clearance located to the rear of the first connecting surface, and the second lateral tank part comprises a second front tank portion, a second rear tank portion set back from the second front tank portion, and a second connecting surface connecting the second front tank portion to the second rear tank portion so as to form a second rear lateral clearance located to the rear of the second connecting surface,the first and second rear side clearances partly forming the rear clearance.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second connecting surfaces is concave when viewed in the median vertical longitudinal plane of the nozzle. vacuum cleaner. Advantageously, each of the first and second connecting surfaces comprises at least one upper surface portion which extends substantially vertically.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second rear reservoir portions has an upper face which is substantially planar and which is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the vacuum cleaner nozzle rests on a horizontal surface. Advantageously, the upper faces of the first and second rear reservoir portions extend substantially in the same extension plane.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning liquid reservoir delimits a receiving housing configured to house at least part of the central suction duct. Such a configuration of the cleaning liquid reservoir makes it possible to bring the cleaning liquid reservoir as close as possible to the central suction duct, and therefore to optimize the volume of the cleaning liquid reservoir.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving housing is arranged in a front part of the cleaning liquid tank. In other words, the receiving housing is located at the front of a vertical median transverse plane of the cleaning liquid tank.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving housing and the central suction duct have shapes which are at least partly substantially complementary.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, a ratio of a maximum transverse dimension, and for example of a maximum width, of the receiving housing to a maximum transverse dimension, and for example of a maximum width, of a section of the central suction duct housed in the receiving housing is between 1 and 1.2, and advantageously between 1 and 1.1.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning liquid reservoir comprises two delimiting walls located on either side of the central suction duct and each extending at least partly along the central suction duct, the two delimiting walls partly delimiting the receiving housing.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, each delimiting wall has, seen from above, an external profile which is oriented towards the central suction duct and which corresponds substantially to the external profile, seen from above, of a respective lateral longitudinal portion of the central suction duct. Such a configuration of the cleaning liquid tank further promotes the optimization of the volume of the cleaning liquid tank.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, each delimiting wall is spaced from the central suction duct, a minimum separation distance between each delimiting wall and the central suction duct is less than 10 mm, advantageously less than or equal to 5 mm, further advantageously between 1 and 4 mm, and for example between 1 and 3 mm. In other words, the central suction duct and each delimiting wall delimit a respective longitudinal space extending along the central suction duct, each longitudinal space having a minimum width less than 10 mm, advantageously less than or equal to 5 mm, further advantageously between 1 and 4 mm, and for example between 1 and 3 mm.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning liquid reservoir and the central suction duct are configured such that the minimum separation distance between each boundary wall and the central suction duct is substantially constant along the central suction duct.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, each delimiting wall comprises an upper portion extending substantially vertically.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving housing has a width which increases towards a front edge of the main body.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning liquid reservoir delimits an additional receiving housing arranged in a rear part of the cleaning liquid reservoir and configured to house at least part of the articulation device.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the articulation device comprises a connecting member mechanically connecting the connecting sleeve to the main body, the connecting sleeve being mounted articulated on the connecting member via the first pivot connection and the connecting member being mounted articulated on the main body via the second pivot connection.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting member is received at least partially in the rear recess delimited by the rear clearance.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting member is of substantially cylindrical shape and has a central axis extending substantially horizontally when the vacuum cleaner nozzle rests on a horizontal surface.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting member is arranged between two vertical transverse planes delimiting respectively a front edge and a rear edge of the rear clearance.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the portion of the connecting member received in the rear recess delimited by the rear clearance has a length, measured along the central axis of the connecting member, which is less than or equal to the length (or longitudinal dimension) of the rear recess.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear recess delimited by the rear clearance has a height, measured when the vacuum cleaner nozzle rests on a horizontal surface, greater than or equal to 2 / 3 of the diameter of the connecting member of substantially cylindrical shape.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting member comprises a support part on which the connecting sleeve is articulated, and a mounting part which is annular and which is mounted to be able to rotate on the main body around the second pivot axis.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting member is configured to fluidically connect the central suction duct to the connecting sleeve.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, the mop is removably attached to the sole.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, the mop is attached to the sole by a self-gripping fastening system, for example a hook and loop fastening system. Such attachment of the mop to the sole ensures easy removal of the mop.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the mop comprises a fixing bead which is elastically deformable and which is configured to cooperate with the sole.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction mouth is located near a front edge of the main body or a rear edge of the main body.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body comprises a covering hood configured to cover the central suction duct.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, the predetermined sleeve position corresponds to a storage position of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, also called parking position.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning liquid reservoir at least partially delimits a liquid storage chamber. Advantageously, the cleaning liquid reservoir and the sole delimit the liquid storage chamber.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning liquid reservoir is irremovable.

[0076] According to another embodiment of the invention, the cleaning liquid reservoir is removably mounted on the main body, and for example on the sole.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wet cleaning device comprises a fluid dispensing device which is configured to be connected fluidly to the cleaning liquid tank and to supply the mop with cleaning liquid.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluid distribution device comprises at least one liquid flow orifice located opposite the mop and configured to supply the mop with cleaning liquid.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning liquid reservoir comprises a liquid outlet provided in a lower portion of the cleaning liquid reservoir, and the wet cleaning device comprises a closure member which is movable between a closure position in which the closure member closes the liquid outlet and a release position in which the closure member releases the liquid outlet.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wet cleaning device comprises an actuating member, such as an actuating pedal, configured to be actuated by a user, for example with a foot of the user, the actuating member being mounted to move between a first actuating position and a second actuating position, the actuating member and the closing member being configured such that a movement of the actuating member from the first actuating position to the second actuating position causes a movement of the closing member from the release position to the closing position and such that a movement of the actuating member from the second actuating position to the first actuating position causes a movement of the closing member from the closing position to the release position.

[0081] The present invention further relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the invention. Brief description of the figures

[0082] 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 nozzle.

[0083] [Fig-1] is a front perspective view of a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the present invention.

[0084] [Fig.2] is a side view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of [Fig.l].

[0085] [Fig.3] is a longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of [Fig.l].

[0086] [Fig.4] is a rear perspective view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of [Fig.l].

[0087] [Fig.5] is a rear view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of [Fig.l].

[0088] [Fig.6] is a top view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of [Fig.l].

[0089] [Fig.7] is a bottom view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of [Fig.l].

[0090] [Fig.8] is a rear perspective view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of [Fig.l], showing a connecting sleeve having been pivoted 90° to the right.

[0091] [Fig.9] is a front perspective view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of [Fig.l], in which a cover hood has been removed.

[0092] [Fig.10] is a partial front view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of [Fig.l], in which the cover hood has been removed.

[0093] [Fig. 11] is a partial top view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of [Fig.l], in which the cover hood has been removed.

[0094] [Fig. 12] is a front perspective view of a soleplate and a cleaning fluid reservoir of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of [Fig.l].

[0095] [Fig. 13] is a truncated, front perspective view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of [Fig.l].

[0096] [Fig. 14] is a partial front view, in cross-section, of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of [Fig.l].

[0097] [Fig. 15] is a partial exploded view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of [Fig.l]. Detailed description

[0098] In this document, the terms "tilting forward" mean a tilting of the connecting sleeve towards the main body and therefore away from a user normally handling a vacuum cleaner equipped with the vacuum cleaner nozzle in front of him, and the terms "tilting backward" mean a tilting of the connecting sleeve away from the main body and therefore towards a user normally handling the vacuum cleaner in front of him.

[0099] In this document, the terms "tilting to the left" mean a tilting of the connecting sleeve to the left when a user handles in front of him and normally a vacuum cleaner equipped with the vacuum cleaner nozzle, and the terms "tilting to the right" mean a tilting of the connecting sleeve to the right when a user handles in front of him and normally a vacuum cleaner equipped with the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0100] Figures 1 to 15 show a vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 comprising a main body 3 configured to be moved over a surface to be cleaned. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the main body 3 has a generally rectangular shape.

[0101] 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. Advantageously, the suction mouth 6 extends in a direction of extension DI which extends perpendicular to a direction of movement D2 of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2.

[0102] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the suction mouth 6 is located near a front edge 3.1 of the main body 3. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the suction mouth 6 could be located near a rear edge 3.2 of the main body 3. According to yet another alternative embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the sole 4 could be provided with a suction mouth 6 located near the front edge 3.1 of the main body 3 and a suction mouth 6 located near the rear edge 3.2 of the main body 3.

[0103] The main body 3 further comprises a central suction duct 7 which is generally tubular and which is fluidically connected to the suction mouth 6. Advantageously, the central suction duct 7 extends substantially in a median vertical longitudinal plane P of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2.

[0104] As shown in [Fig.15], the central suction duct 7 is attached to and fixed to the sole 4, and comprises a first end portion 7.1 fluidly connected to the suction mouth 6 and a second end portion 7.2 opposite the first end portion 7.1. Advantageously, the central suction duct 7 has a passage section which increases from the second end portion 7.2 to the first end portion 7.1.

[0105] The vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 also comprises a connection sleeve 8 to which is intended to be connected a connection tip of a suction tube, for example rigid, itself connected to a suction system of a vacuum cleaner (not illustrated). Various variants of vacuum cleaners already exist on the market and can 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.

[0106] The connecting sleeve 8 is fluidically connected to the second end portion 7.2 of the central suction duct 7 and is configured to occupy, relative to the main body 3, a predetermined sleeve position (see in particular FIGS. 1 and 3) in which, when the main body 3 rests on a horizontal surface, a central longitudinal axis B of the connecting sleeve 8 extends in a vertical extension plane, and more particularly in the median vertical longitudinal plane P. The predetermined sleeve position may, for example, correspond to a storage position of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2, also called the parking position.

[0107] The vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 further comprises an articulation device 9 mechanically connecting the connection sleeve 8 to the main body 3, and more particularly to the central suction duct 7. As shown more particularly in [Fig.3], the articulation device 9 is advantageously located vertically above a rear part of the sole 4.

[0108] The articulation device 9 comprises a first pivot connection PI defining a first pivot axis XI and configured to allow the connecting sleeve 8 to tilt forwards or backwards relative to the main body 3, and more particularly backwards relative to the main body 3 from the predetermined sleeve position and around the first pivot axis XL. Advantageously, the first pivot axis XI extends perpendicular to the direction of movement D2 of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2, and extends horizontally when the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 rests on a horizontal surface and the connecting sleeve 8 occupies the predetermined sleeve position.

[0109] The articulation device 9 further comprises a second pivot connection P2 defining a second pivot axis X2 and configured to allow the connecting sleeve 8 to tilt to the left or to the right relative to the main body 3 from the predetermined sleeve position and around the second pivot axis X2. Advantageously, the second pivot axis X2 is located in the median vertical longitudinal plane P of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the second pivot axis X2 extends substantially horizontally when the main body 3 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 when the main body 3 rests on a horizontal surface, and for example be inclined forwards and upwards when the main body 3 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0110] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the articulation device 9 comprises a connecting member 11 mechanically and fluidically connecting the connecting sleeve 8 to the central suction duct 7. The connecting member 11 is of substantially cylindrical shape and has a central axis extending substantially horizontally when the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 rests on a horizontal surface. The connecting sleeve 8 is mounted articulated on the connecting member 11 via the first pivot connection PI, and the connecting member 11 is mounted articulated on the main body 3 via the second pivot connection P2.

[0111] As shown more particularly in Figures 3 and 4, the connecting member 11 comprises a support part 12 on which the connecting sleeve 8 is articulated, and a mounting part 13 which is annular and which is mounted to move in rotation on the second end portion 7.2 of the central suction duct 7 and around the second pivot axis X2.

[0112] As shown in particular in Figures 1 and 2, the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 further comprises a rear clearance 14 located vertically above a rear portion of the sole 4. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the rear clearance 14 forms a rear recess which extends over the entire width of the main body 3, and therefore extends from a first lateral edge of the main body 3 to a second lateral edge of the main body 3. Advantageously, the articulation device 9, and more particularly the connecting member 11, is arranged at least partly in the rear recess formed by the rear clearance 14. Advantageously, the portion of the connecting member 11, received in the rear recess delimited by the rear clearance 14, has a length, measured along the central axis of the connecting member 11, which is greater than or equal to the length L (or longitudinal dimension) of the rear recess (see [Fig. 11]).

[0113] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear recess 14 delimited by the rear clearance 14 has a height H (see [Fig.2]), measured when the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 rests on a horizontal surface, greater than or equal to 2 / 3 of the diameter of the connecting member 11.

[0114] As shown in [Fig.l 1], the connecting member 11 is arranged between two vertical transverse planes P3, P4 delimiting respectively a front edge and a rear edge of the rear clearance 14.

[0115] The rear clearance 14 may for example have a maximum longitudinal dimension, measured in the direction of movement D2, of between 25 and 50% of the maximum longitudinal dimension of the sole 4.

[0116] The rear clearance 14 and the articulation device 9 are more particularly configured to allow a pivoting of the connecting sleeve 8, around the second pivot axis X2 and from the predetermined sleeve position, to the left and according to a first maximum pivot angle of at least 85°, and for example of approximately 90°, and to allow a pivoting of the connecting sleeve 8, around the second pivot axis X2 and from the predetermined sleeve position, to the right and according to a second maximum pivot angle of at least 85°, and for example of approximately 90°. Advantageously, the connecting sleeve 8 is configured to be housed at least partly in the rear clearance 14 when the connecting sleeve 8 is pivoted to the left according to the first maximum pivot angle and also when the connecting sleeve 8 is pivoted to the right according to the second maximum pivot angle.

[0117] The vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 further comprises a wet cleaning device 15 fixed to the main body 3, and more particularly to the sole 4.

[0118] The wet cleaning device 15 comprises a mop 16 which extends under the sole 4 and which is configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned. The mop 16 is removably attached to the sole 4, for example by means of a hook and loop fastening system. As shown in [Fig. 3], the mop 16 is located between the suction mouth 6 and the rear edge 3.2 of the main body 3, and may for example have a generally rectangular shape. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the mop 16 is passive.

[0119] The wet cleaning device 15 further comprises a cleaning liquid reservoir 17 which is located above the sole 4 and which is configured to supply the mop 16 with cleaning liquid. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the cleaning liquid reservoir 17 is irremovable and is formed by the sole 4 and a reservoir shell 18 which is fixed to the sole 4. However, according to other alternative embodiments of the invention, the sole 4 and the cleaning liquid reservoir 17 could be made in a single piece, or the cleaning liquid reservoir 17 could be formed by a reservoir body separate from the sole 4 and attached to the latter, or the cleaning liquid reservoir 17 could be removably mounted on the main body 3, and for example on the sole 4.

[0120] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the cleaning liquid reservoir 17 extends to the rear edge 3.2 of the main body 3 and also extends from the first lateral edge of the main body 3 and to the second lateral edge of the main body 3. Advantageously, the cleaning liquid reservoir 17 delimits the rear clearance 14.

[0121] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the cleaning liquid reservoir 17 comprises a first lateral reservoir part 19 and a second lateral reservoir part 21 which are arranged on either side of the central suction duct 7. The cleaning liquid reservoir 17 further comprises a front connecting portion 22 fluidly connecting the first and second lateral reservoir parts 19, 21, and a rear connecting portion 23 also fluidly connecting the first and second lateral reservoir parts 19, 21. Advantageously, the front connecting portion 22 extends under the central suction duct 7, and more particularly between the sole 4 and the central suction duct 7, and the rear connecting portion 23 extends under the articulation device 9 and therefore partly delimits the rear clearance 14.

[0122] As shown in [Fig.15], the first and second lateral reservoir parts 19, 21 and the front connecting portion 22 delimit a receiving housing 24 configured to at least partially house the central suction duct 7. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the receiving housing 24 has a width which increases towards the front edge 3.1 of the main body 3, and is arranged in a front part of the cleaning liquid tank 17.

[0123] Advantageously, the receiving housing 24 and the central suction duct 7 have shapes which are at least in part substantially complementary. A ratio of a maximum width of the receiving housing 24 to a maximum width of a section of the central suction duct 7 housed in the receiving housing 24 is between 1 and 1.2, and advantageously between 1 and 1.1.

[0124] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the cleaning liquid reservoir 17 comprises two delimiting walls 25 located on either side of the central suction duct 7 and each extending along the central suction duct 7.

[0125] The two delimiting walls 25 partly delimit the receiving housing 24, and are each spaced from the central suction duct 7. A minimum separation distance Dm between each delimiting wall 25 and the central suction duct 7 is advantageously less than 5 mm, preferably between 1 and 4 mm, and for example between 1 and 3 mm. In other words, the central suction duct 7 and each delimiting wall 25 delimit a respective longitudinal space 26 extending along the central suction duct 7, each longitudinal space 26 having a minimum width of less than 5 mm, preferably between 1 and 4 mm, and for example between 1 and 3 mm.

[0126] As shown in [Fig.l 1], each delimiting wall 25 has, seen from above, an external profile which is oriented towards the central suction duct 7 and which corresponds substantially to the external profile, seen from above, of a respective lateral longitudinal portion of the central suction duct 7.

[0127] Advantageously, each delimiting wall 25 comprises a curved lower portion 25.1 extending from a lateral edge of the front connecting portion 22, and an upper portion 25.2 extending substantially vertically.

[0128] As shown more particularly in Figures 4 and 8, the first lateral tank portion 19 comprises a first front tank portion 19.1, a first rear tank portion 19.2 set back from the first front tank portion 19.1, and a first connecting surface 19.3 connecting the first front tank portion 19.1 to the first rear tank portion 19.2 so as to form a first rear lateral clearance 14.1 (see [Fig. 15]) located to the rear of the first connecting surface 19.3. Similarly, the second lateral tank portion 21 comprises a second front tank portion 21.1, a second rear tank portion 21.2 set back from the second front tank portion 21.1, and a second connecting surface 21.3 connecting the second front tank portion 21.1 to the second rear tank portion 21.2 so as to form a second rear lateral clearance 14.2 (see [Fig.15]) located at the rear of the second connecting surface 21.3. The first and second rear lateral clearances 14.1, 14.2 partly form the rear clearance 14.

[0129] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each of the first and second connecting surfaces 19.3, 21.3 is concave when viewed in the median vertical longitudinal plane P of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2, and comprises at least one upper surface portion which extends substantially vertically.

[0130] As shown in [Fig.4], each of the first and second rear reservoir portions 19.2, 21.2 has an upper face which is substantially planar and which is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 rests on a horizontal surface. Advantageously, the upper faces of the first and second rear reservoir portions 19.2, 21.2 extend in the same extension plane. Each of the first and second rear reservoir portions 19.2, 21.2 may for example have a height of between 10 and 30 mm, and for example between 10 and 20 mm.

[0131] The cleaning liquid reservoir 17 further delimits an additional receiving housing 30 (see [Fig. 15]) which is configured to partly house the articulation device 9 and which partly delimits the rear clearance 14.

[0132] As shown in [Fig. 13], the cleaning liquid reservoir 17 comprises a liquid storage chamber 27, and a liquid filling orifice 28 (see [Fig. 15]) opening into an upper portion of the liquid storage chamber 27. The liquid filling orifice 28 may for example be provided on an upper face of the cleaning liquid reservoir 17 or on a side face thereof. Such a liquid filling orifice 28 makes it possible to easily fill the liquid storage chamber 27 with a cleaning liquid, such as water. The cleaning liquid reservoir 17 advantageously comprises a closure element 29 configured to removably close the liquid filling orifice 28.

[0133] As shown in [Fig.15], the cleaning liquid reservoir 17 also has a liquid outlet 31 which is provided in a lower portion of the cleaning liquid reservoir 17 and which is fluidically connected to the liquid storage chamber 27.

[0134] The wet cleaning device 15 further comprises a fluid dispensing device 32 which is attached to the sole 4 and which is configured to be fluidically connected to the cleaning liquid reservoir 17 and to supply the mop 16 with cleaning liquid.

[0135] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the fluid distribution device 32 comprises a distribution body 33 provided with an upper face in in which the liquid outlet 31 is provided, and a lower face in which one or more liquid flow orifice(s) 34 are provided, configured to supply cleaning liquid to the mop 16. Advantageously, the or each liquid flow orifice 34 is configured to be located opposite the mop 16.

[0136] In order to prevent a continuous flow of cleaning liquid to the mop 16, the wet cleaning device 15 comprises a closure member 35 (see [Fig. 13]) which is movable between a closure position in which the closure member 35 closes the liquid outlet 31 so as to fluidly isolate the liquid storage chamber 27 and the liquid flow orifice(s) 34, and a release position in which the closure member 35 releases the liquid outlet 31 so as to fluidly connect the liquid storage chamber 27 to the liquid flow orifice(s) 34, and thus to ensure a supply of cleaning liquid to the mop 16.

[0137] The wet cleaning device 15 also comprises an actuating member 36, such as an actuating pedal, which is configured to be actuated by a user, for example with a foot of the user, and which is movably mounted, and for example pivotally mounted, on an upper part of the cleaning liquid reservoir 17 between a first actuating position and a second actuating position.The actuating member 36 and the closing member 35 are configured such that a movement of the actuating member 36 from the first actuating position to the second actuating position causes a movement of the closing member 35 from the release position to the closing position and such that a movement of the actuating member 36 from the second actuating position to the first actuating position causes a movement of the closing member 35 from the closing position to the release position.

[0138] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the main body 3 also comprises a covering hood 37 fixed to the sole 4 and configured to cover the central suction duct 7 and partly the cleaning liquid reservoir 17. Such a covering hood makes it possible in particular to protect the central suction duct 7 against external impacts when the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 moves over a surface to be cleaned.

[0139] Considering the specific configuration of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 according to the present invention, when a user exerts a significant pressing force on the suction tube of a vacuum cleaner equipped with the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2, in particular to clean stains embedded in a surface to be cleaned, the pressing force transmitted by the articulation device 9 to the main body 3 is applied to a rear part of the main body 3 and therefore above the sole 4. As a result, the main body 3 is not likely to lift during use of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, which therefore ensures effective cleaning of the surface to be cleaned.

[0140] In addition, the presence of the rear clearance 14 allows the connection sleeve 8 to pivot to the left and to the right with a large pivoting amplitude, which gives increased maneuverability to the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2. In addition, the location of the first and second pivot connections PI, P2 above a rear part of the main body 3 makes it possible to reduce the horizontal size of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2.

[0141] According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the mop 16 could be mounted on a mop support vibrating relative to the main body 3.

[0142] According to another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the wet cleaning device 15 could comprise a mop support which extends at least partly under the sole 4 and which is removably attached to the sole 4, the mop 16 being attached, for example removably, to the mop support, and the mop support being mounted to rotate relative to the main body 3 and around a substantially vertical axis of rotation when the main body 3 rests on a horizontal surface. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 would comprise a rotation drive mechanism configured to rotate the mop support.

[0143] According to yet another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the cleaning liquid reservoir 17 could comprise a single connecting portion, and for example only the front connecting portion 22 or the rear connecting portion 23.

[0144] According to yet another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the articulation device 9 could mechanically connect the connection sleeve 8 to the cleaning liquid reservoir 17.

[0145] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated which have been given only as examples. 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. Claims Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) including: - a main body (3) comprising a sole (4) provided with a lower face (5) which is configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned, and a suction mouth (6) opening into the lower face (5) of the sole (4), - a connecting sleeve (8) to which a suction tube of a vacuum cleaner is intended to be fixed, the connecting sleeve (8) being fluidically connected to the suction mouth (6) and being configured to occupy, relative to the main body (3), a predetermined sleeve position in which, when the main body (3) rests on a horizontal surface, a central longitudinal axis (B) of the connecting sleeve (8) extends in a vertical extension plane, - a hinge device (9) mechanically connecting the connecting sleeve (8) to the main body (3), the hinge device (9) comprising a first pivot connection (PI) defining a first pivot axis (XI) and configured to allow the connecting sleeve (8) to tilt backwards relative to the main body (3) from the predetermined sleeve position and around the first pivot axis (XI), and a second pivot connection (P2) defining a second pivot axis (X2) and configured to allow the connecting sleeve (8) to tilt left or right relative to the main body (3) from the predetermined sleeve position and around the second pivot axis (X2), and - a wet cleaning device (15) comprising a mop (16) extending at least partly under the sole (4) and configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned,and a cleaning liquid reservoir (17) configured to supply cleaning liquid to the mop (16), characterized in that the vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) has a rear clearance (14) located vertically above a rear part of the sole (4), in that the rear clearance (14) extends over substantially the entire width of the main body (3), and in that the second pivot connection (P2) is located at least partly vertically above the rear part of the sole, (4), the rear clearance (14) and the articulation device (9) being configured to allow a pivoting of the connecting sleeve (8), around the second pivot axis (X2) and from the predetermined sleeve position, to the left and according to a first maximum pivot angle of at least 75° relative to the vertical extension plane, and to allow a pivoting of the connecting sleeve (8), around the second pivot axis (X2) and from the predetermined sleeve position, to the right and according to a second maximum pivot angle of at least 75° relative to the vertical extension plane.

2. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 1, wherein the rear clearance (14) delimits a rear recess in which the articulation device (9) is at least partially received.

3. A vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and second pivot links are located vertically above the rear portion of the main body (3).

4. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second pivot axis (X2) is located in a median vertical longitudinal plane (P) of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (2).

5. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first pivot axis (XI) extends substantially perpendicular to a direction of movement (D2) of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (2).

6. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the rear clearance (14) is delimited at least in part by the cleaning liquid reservoir (17).

7. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cleaning liquid reservoir (17) extends substantially to a rear edge (3.2) of the main body (3).

8. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the main body (3) comprises a central suction duct (7) fluidly connecting the suction mouth (6) to the connecting sleeve (8).

9. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 8, wherein the cleaning liquid reservoir (17) comprises a first side reservoir part (19) and a second side reservoir part (21) which are arranged on either side of the central suction duct (7).

10. A vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 9, wherein the cleaning liquid reservoir (17) comprises at least one connecting portion extending between the first and second side reservoir parts (19, 21) and fluidly connecting the first and second side reservoir parts (19, 21).

11. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 10, wherein the at least one connecting portion comprises a front connecting portion (22) extending under the central suction duct (7).

12. A vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the first lateral reservoir portion (19) comprises a first front reservoir portion (19.1), a first rear reservoir portion (19.2) set back from the first front reservoir portion (19.1), and a first connecting surface (19.3) connecting the first front reservoir portion (19.1) to the first rear reservoir portion (19.2) so as to form a first rear lateral clearance (14.1) located to the rear of the first connecting surface (19.3), and the second lateral reservoir portion (21) comprises a second front reservoir portion (21.1), a second rear reservoir portion (21.2) set back from the second front reservoir portion (21.1), and a second connecting surface (21.3) connecting the second front reservoir portion (21.1) to the second rear reservoir portion (21.2) so as to form a second rear lateral clearance (14.2) located at the rear of the second connecting surface (21.3), the first and second rear lateral clearances (14.1, 14.2) partly forming the rear clearance (14).

13. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the cleaning liquid reservoir (17) delimits a receiving housing (24) configured to house at least in part the central suction duct (7).

14. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 13, wherein the receiving housing (24) and the central suction duct (7) have shapes which are at least in part substantially complementary.

15. A vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the articulation device (9) comprises a connecting member (11) mechanically connecting the connecting sleeve (8) to the main body (3), the connecting sleeve (8) being mounted 23 articulated on the connecting member (11) via the first pivot connection (PI) and the connecting member (11) being mounted articulated on the main body (3) via the second pivot connection (P2).

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

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