Vacuum duct equipped with an articulation device

Abstract

The vacuum duct (5) comprises first and second rigid duct portions (7, 8); a hinge device (9) configured to allow pivoting of the first and second rigid duct portions (7, 8) between unfolded and folded configurations; a locking member configured to lock the first and second rigid duct portions (7, 8) in the unfolded configuration; an actuating member (34) configured to move the locking member from a locking position to a release position; and a covering hood (39) configured to cover at least a distal end portion of the locking member and to extend at least partly under said distal end portion. Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Vacuum cleaner duct equipped with an articulation device Technical field

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

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

[0003] In order to facilitate storage of the vacuum cleaner or cleaning with the vacuum cleaner under furniture, the vacuum cleaner duct advantageously comprises:

[0004] - a first rigid conduit part and a second rigid conduit part,

[0005] - a hinge device connecting the first and second rigid parts between them and configured to allow pivoting of the first rigid conduit portion relative to the second rigid conduit portion about a hinge axis and between an unfolded configuration in which the first and second rigid conduit portions are substantially aligned with each other and a folded configuration in which the first and second rigid conduit portions define between them an angle of less than 180°,

[0006] - a locking member configured to lock the first and second rigid conduit portions in the unfolded configuration, the locking member being pivotally mounted on one of the first and second rigid conduit portions about a pivot axis and between a locking position in which the locking member is configured to cooperate with the other of the first and second rigid conduit portions so as to lock the first and second rigid conduit portions in the unfolded configuration, and a release position in which the locking member is configured to release the other of the first and second rigid conduit portions so as to allow pivoting of the first and second rigid conduit portions in the folded configuration, and

[0007] - an actuating member integral in movement with the locking member and pivotally mounted about the pivot axis and between a rest position and an unlocked position, the actuating member being diametrically opposite the articulation device (and therefore located in a lower part of the vacuum duct) and the vacuum duct being configured such that a movement of the actuating member from the rest position to the unlocked position causes a movement of the locking member from the locked position to the released position.

[0008] Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner duct allows a user, with the same hand, to move the locking member into the release position by exerting pressure on the actuating member, then to initiate a pivoting of the first rigid duct portion relative to the second rigid duct portion toward the folded configuration in which the first and second rigid duct portions define between them an angle of less than 180°. The action of exerting pressure on the actuating portion, to move the locking member toward the release position, can be done for example with the index finger. The action of pushing the first or second rigid duct portion, to initiate a pivoting of the first rigid duct portion relative to the second rigid duct portion toward the folded configuration, can be done for example with the palm of the same hand.

[0009] However, since the locking member is exposed, the risks of pinching a user's fingers when the locking member 32 pivots between the locking position and the release position are high.

[0010] Furthermore, when using the vacuum cleaner duct in the unfolded configuration, the locking member is likely to catch on external elements, which can lead to deterioration of the locking member, or even seizure of the locking member. Summary of the invention

[0011] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0012] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in providing a vacuum cleaner duct which is of simple, reliable and ergonomic structure, while allowing safe handling of the vacuum cleaner duct.

[0013] To this end, the present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner duct defining an air flow passage and comprising:

[0014] - a first rigid conduit part and a second rigid conduit part,

[0015] - a hinge device connecting the first and second conduit parts rigid with respect to each other, the articulation device comprising a hinge axis and being configured to allow pivoting of the first rigid conduit part relative to the second rigid conduit part around the hinge axis and between an unfolded configuration in which the first and second rigid conduit parts are substantially aligned with respect to each other and a folded configuration in which the first and second rigid conduit parts define between them an angle of less than 180°,

[0016] - a locking member configured to lock the first and second rigid conduit portions in the unfolded configuration, the locking member being pivotally mounted on one of the first and second rigid conduit portions about a pivot axis which is substantially parallel to the hinge axis and being configured to pivot between a locking position in which the locking member is configured to cooperate with the other of the first and second rigid conduit portions so as to lock the first and second rigid conduit portions in the unfolded configuration, and a release position in which the locking member is configured to release the other of the first and second rigid conduit portions so as to allow pivoting of the first and second rigid conduit portions in the folded configuration, and

[0017] - an actuating member integral in movement with the locking member and comprising an actuating portion configured to be manually actuated by a user, the locking member and the actuating portion being substantially diametrically opposed to the articulation device relative to a central longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner duct when the first and second rigid duct portions are in the unfolded configuration, the actuating member being pivotally mounted about the pivot axis between a rest position and an unlocked position, the vacuum cleaner duct being configured such that a movement of the actuating member from the rest position to the unlocked position causes a movement of the locking member from the locked position to the released position,

[0018] The vacuum duct comprises a covering hood configured to cover at least a distal end portion, also called a free end portion, of the locking member, the covering hood comprising a main covering wall which is configured such that, when the first and second rigid duct parts are in the unfolded configuration, the distal end portion of the locking member is disposed between the main covering wall and the other of the first and second rigid duct parts.

[0019] The presence of such a covering hood considerably limits on the one hand the risks of the locking member catching on external elements when using the vacuum cleaner duct in the unfolded configuration, and therefore the risks of the locking member seizing, and on the other hand the risks of pinching the fingers of a user when pivoting the locking member between the locking position and the release position.

[0020] Thus, the vacuum cleaner duct according to the present invention has increased safety of use and increased reliability compared to the vacuum cleaner ducts of the prior art.

[0021] The vacuum duct may further have one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the first and second rigid conduit portions are in the unfolded configuration, the radial distance between an inner surface of the main covering wall and an outer surface of the other of the first and second rigid conduit portions is sufficient to allow movement of the distal end portion of the locking member when the locking member is moved from the locking position to the release position.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main covering wall is configured to extend under the locking member when the vacuum duct is in a normal usage configuration.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating portion comprises a rear transverse edge which defines the rear transverse edge of the actuating member.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating portion has a first longitudinal dimension, measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner duct in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid duct parts, and the locking member has a second longitudinal dimension, measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner duct in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid duct parts, which is less than the first longitudinal dimension.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating portion has a longitudinal dimension, measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner duct in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid duct parts, and the locking member has a transverse dimension, measured perpendicular to a median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner duct in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid duct parts, which is less than the longitudinal dimension of the actuating portion.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating portion is configured to be located entirely set back from a plane which is parallel to the hinge axis and which contains the central longitudinal axis of the vacuum duct when the first and second rigid duct portions are in the unfolded configuration.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating member extends substantially in the extension of the locking member.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating portion and the locking member are substantially aligned in a longitudinal direction. In other words, the actuating portion has a first median longitudinal plane and the locking member has a second median longitudinal plane which is merged with the first median longitudinal plane.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating member extends longitudinally beyond the covering hood.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating part is located entirely outside the covering hood. In other words, the actuating part is not covered by the covering hood. These arrangements ensure easy handling of the actuating part by a user.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating portion extends opposite the locking member relative to the pivot axis.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating member is configured to be moved into the unlocking position when a user exerts pressure on the actuating portion.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating portion comprises a bearing surface against which a user is able to exert a bearing force so as to move the actuating member into the unlocking position, the bearing surface being set back or being substantially flush with an outer surface of the main covering wall when the actuating member occupies the rest position. Such a configuration of the actuating portion limits the risks of the actuating portion catching on external elements when using the vacuum cleaner duct in the unfolded configuration, and therefore the risks of the actuating member being accidentally moved towards the unlocking position.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the covering hood is further configured to laterally cover the locking member.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating portion comprises two outer lateral surfaces which are substantially flush respectively with two outer lateral surfaces of the covering hood. Such a configuration of the actuating portion further limits the risks of the actuating portion catching on external elements when using the vacuum cleaner duct in the unfolded configuration, and therefore the risks of untimely movement of the actuating member towards the unlocking position, and also limits the risks of pinching the fingers of a user when pivoting the actuating member between the rest position and the unlocking position.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, each outer lateral surface of the actuating portion is substantially parallel to the respective outer lateral surface of the covering hood. Such a configuration of the actuating portion further limits the risks of untimely movement of the member. actuation to the unlock position.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating portion comprises an inner face which is located opposite one of the first and second rigid conduit parts, the inner face of the actuating portion being concave and rounded. Such a configuration of the actuating member makes it possible to increase the displacement travel, namely the clearance, of the actuating member during its movements between the rest and unlocked positions, while limiting the size of the actuating member. Indeed, if the lower face of the actuating portion were flat, the actuating portion would come into abutment against an external wall of one of the first and second rigid conduit parts after only a short displacement travel of the actuating member.However, a significant displacement stroke for the actuating member makes it possible to increase, for example, the dimensions of a locking finger provided on the locking member, and therefore to ensure better locking of the first and second rigid conduit parts in the unfolded configuration.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the inner face of the actuating part has a curvature substantially complementary to the outer curvature of the rigid conduit part opposite which it is located.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the bearing surface is convex and rounded.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating portion is curved and extends around a portion of the outer periphery of one of the first and second rigid conduit portions. Such an embodiment makes it possible to limit the size of the unlocking member and, consequently, of the vacuum cleaner conduit.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating member and the locking member are pivotally mounted on the first rigid conduit portion, the covering cap being fixed to the first rigid conduit portion. Thus, when the first and second rigid conduit portions are in the unfolded configuration, the distal end portion of the locking member is arranged between the main covering wall and the second rigid conduit portion, and is more particularly arranged radially, relative to a central axis of the second rigid conduit portion, between the main covering wall and the second rigid conduit portion.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main covering wall extends parallel to a central axis of the first rigid conduit part.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second rigid conduit part and the covering hood delimit, when the first and second parts of rigid conduit are in the unfolded configuration, an internal housing in which is housed, and for example fully housed, the locking member. Such a configuration of the covering cap further limits the risks of the locking member seizing and of pinching the fingers of a user during movements of the locking member between the locking position and the release position. Advantageously, the internal housing extends radially, relative to a central axis of the second rigid conduit part, between the covering cap and the second rigid conduit part, and the distal end portion of the locking member is configured to move in said internal housing.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the covering hood is configured to completely cover a lower face of the locking member.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the covering hood extends longitudinally beyond the pivot axis of the locking member.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the covering hood is configured to make the locking member inaccessible when the first and second rigid conduit parts occupy the unfolded configuration.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating member comprises a connecting part connecting the actuating part to the locking member.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating member comprises a transverse shoulder which separates the connecting part and the actuating part and which is configured such that a lower surface of the connecting part is raised relative to the bearing surface, i.e. is offset upwards relative to the bearing surface.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating part has a longitudinal dimension greater than the longitudinal dimension of the connecting part.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member and the actuating member are made in a single piece. Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner duct facilitates the assembly of the vacuum cleaner duct, and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the articulation device is configured to be located above a portion of the airflow passage that extends near the articulation device, when the vacuum cleaner duct is in normal conditions of use. In other words, the articulation device is configured to be oriented upwards, i.e. to be directly visible to a user, when the vacuum cleaner duct is in normal conditions of use.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum duct comprises at least one biasing element, such as a biasing spring, configured to bias the actuating member into the rest position and / or the locking member. rusting in the locked position.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first rigid conduit portion is configured to be fluidly connected to a vacuum cleaner housing equipped with a suction unit, and the second rigid conduit portion is configured to be fluidly connected to a nozzle configured to be in contact with a floor to be cleaned.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum duct comprises a flexible duct connecting the first and second rigid duct parts and at least partially defining the air flow passage.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the articulation device is configured to be located above the flexible conduit when the vacuum cleaner conduit is in normal conditions of use. Advantageously, the articulation axis is not intersecting with the flexible conduit.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the flexible conduit comprises a flexible tubular part, a first fixing ring which is fixed to a first end portion of the flexible tubular part and which is configured to be removably fixed to the first rigid conduit part, and a second fixing ring which is fixed to a second end portion of the flexible tubular part and which is configured to be removably fixed to the second rigid conduit part. Such a configuration of the flexible conduit allows the latter to be dismantled, in particular for the purpose of cleaning it, removing large waste stuck in the flexible conduit or even replacing it in the event of damage.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first fixing ring comprises a first locking device configured to reversibly lock the first fixing ring onto the first rigid conduit portion, and the second fixing ring comprises a second locking device configured to reversibly lock the second fixing ring onto the second rigid conduit portion.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum duct comprises a first suction tube fluidly and mechanically connected to the first rigid duct part, and a second suction tube fluidly and mechanically connected to the second rigid duct part.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first suction tube is configured to be fluidly and mechanically connected to the vacuum cleaner housing, and the second suction tube is configured to be fluidly and mechanically connected to the nozzle.

[0061] The present invention further relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising:

[0062] - a vacuum cleaner housing equipped with a suction unit,

[0063] - a nozzle configured to be in contact with a floor to be cleaned, and

[0064] - a vacuum cleaner duct according to the present invention, the vacuum cleaner duct connecting mechanically and fluidly connects the vacuum cleaner housing to the nozzle.

[0065] The vacuum cleaner can, for example, be a stick vacuum cleaner or a cylinder vacuum cleaner.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner further comprises a gripping handle and a flexible suction duct which are arranged between the vacuum cleaner duct and the vacuum cleaner housing and which are configured to mechanically and fluidically connect the vacuum cleaner housing to the nozzle. Brief description of the figures

[0067] In any case, the invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows with reference to the appended schematic drawings representing, by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of this vacuum cleaner duct.

[0068] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to the invention.

[0069] [Fig.2] is a partial perspective side view of a vacuum cleaner duct ap going to the vacuum cleaner of [Fig.l], showing the vacuum cleaner duct in the unfolded configuration.

[0070] [Fig.3] is a partial bottom view of the vacuum duct of [Fig.2].

[0071] [Fig.4] is a partial top view of the vacuum duct of [Fig.2].

[0072] [Fig.5] is a partial side perspective view of the vacuum duct of the [Fig.2], showing the vacuum duct in the unfolded configuration.

[0073] [Fig.6] is a partial perspective view from below of the vacuum duct of the [Fig.2], showing the vacuum duct in the unfolded configuration.

[0074] [Fig.7] is a partial perspective view from above of the vacuum duct of the [Fig.2],

[0075] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of a locking member, an actuating member and a covering hood belonging to the vacuum duct of [Fig.2],

[0076] [Fig.9] is a top view of the locking member, the actuating member and the cover cap of [Fig.8].

[0077] [Fig. 10] is a rear perspective view of the locking member, the actuating member and the covering hood of [Fig.8].

[0078] [Fig. 11] is a perspective view of the vacuum duct of [Fig.2], showing the vacuum duct in an unfolded configuration and a flexible duct being withdrawn from first and second rigid duct portions belonging to the vacuum duct.

[0079] [Fig. 12] is a longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum duct of [Fig.2], showing the locking member in the locking position.

[0080] [Fig. 13] is a longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum duct of [Fig.2], showing the vacuum duct in a folded configuration. Detailed description

[0081] In this document, the term “substantially flush” means two surfaces which are flush or which have an offset of less than 3 mm, and for example less than 1 mm.

[0082] Figures 1 to 13 represent a vacuum cleaner 2, and more particularly a sled vacuum cleaner, which comprises a vacuum cleaner housing 3, a nozzle 4 configured to be in contact with a floor to be cleaned, and a vacuum cleaner duct 5 fluidly and mechanically connecting the vacuum cleaner housing 3 to the nozzle 4. The vacuum cleaner housing 3 is equipped, in a known manner, in particular with a suction unit 6 which may for example comprise an electric motor-fan, and with a waste separation and storage device.

[0083] As shown in [Fig.2], the vacuum duct 5 comprises a first rigid duct portion 7, a second rigid duct portion 8, and a hinge device 9 connecting the first and second rigid duct portions 7, 8 together.

[0084] The articulation device 9 is configured to allow pivoting of the first rigid conduit portion 7 relative to the second rigid conduit portion 8 about an articulation axis A and between an unfolded configuration (see [Fig.2]) in which the first and second rigid conduit portions 7, 8 are aligned with each other and a folded configuration (see [Fig.5]) in which the first and second rigid conduit portions 7, 8 define between them an angle of less than 180°. Advantageously, the articulation device 9 is configured to be oriented upwards, i.e. to face a user, when the vacuum cleaner conduit 5 is in normal conditions of use, and is also configured such that the articulation axis A is not intersecting with the first and second rigid conduit portions 7, 8.

[0085] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the articulation device 9 comprises a first hinge part 9.1 fixed to an external surface of the first rigid conduit part 7, and a second hinge part 9.2 fixed to an external surface of the second rigid conduit part 8. Advantageously, the second rigid conduit part 8 comprises two lateral protective ribs 10 which are located respectively on either side of the second hinge part 9.2 (see figures 4 and 5) and which are configured to prevent external objects from being pinched or jammed at the articulation device 9.

[0086] The vacuum duct 5 further comprises a first suction tube 11 comprising a proximal end portion 11.1 fluidly and mechanically connected to the first rigid duct part 7, and a distal end portion 11.2 configured to be fluidly and mechanically connected to the vacuum cleaner housing 3, for example directly in the case of a stick vacuum cleaner, or via a gripping handle and a flexible suction duct in the case of a sled vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner duct 5 also comprises a second suction tube 12 comprising a proximal end portion 12.1 fluidly and mechanically connected to the second rigid duct part 8, and a distal end portion 12.2 configured to be fluidly and mechanically connected to the nozzle 4.

[0087] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first rigid conduit part 7 comprises a first connection portion 13 which is tubular and which is fluidically and mechanically connected to the proximal end portion 11.1 of the first suction tube 11, and the second rigid conduit part 8 comprises a second connection portion 14 which is tubular and which is fluidically and mechanically connected to the proximal end portion 12.1 of the second suction tube 12.

[0088] As shown more particularly in Figures 5 and 11, the vacuum cleaner duct 5 further comprises a flexible duct 15 delimiting an internal flow passage and connecting the first and second rigid duct parts 7, 8. The flexible duct 15 is more particularly configured to fluidly connect the first and second connection portions 13, 14, such that the first connection portion 13, the second connection portion 14, the first and second suction tubes 11, 12 and the flexible duct 15 define an air flow passage connected on the one hand to the suction unit 6 and on the other hand to the nozzle 4.

[0089] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second rigid conduit parts 7, 8 respectively comprise first and second mounting portions 16, 17 which are tubular, and the first and second mounting portions 16, 17 delimit a receiving housing 18 in which the flexible conduit 15 is mounted. Advantageously, the first mounting portion 16 comprises a first insertion opening and the second mounting portion 17 comprises a second insertion opening which is configured to be located opposite the first insertion opening when the first and second rigid conduit parts 7, 8 occupy the unfolded configuration.

[0090] The flexible conduit 15 more particularly comprises a flexible tubular part 19, a first fixing ring 21 which is fixed to a first end portion of the flexible tubular part 19 and which is configured to be fixed in a removable manner to the first mounting portion 16, and a second fixing ring 22 which is fixed to a second end portion of the flexible tubular part 19 and which is configured to be fixed in a removable manner to the second mounting portion. 17. The first fixing ring 21 is more particularly configured to be inserted into the first mounting portion 16 via the first insertion opening, and the second fixing ring 22 is more particularly configured to be inserted into the second mounting portion 17 via the second insertion opening.

[0091] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first fixing ring 21 comprises a first locking device 23 configured to reversibly lock the first fixing ring 21 onto the first mounting portion 16, and the second fixing ring 22 comprises a second locking device 24 configured to reversibly lock the second fixing ring 22 onto the second mounting portion 17.

[0092] The first locking device 23 more particularly comprises two first locking elements 25, such as first locking arms or first locking tabs, which are diametrically opposed relative to a central axis of the flexible conduit 15 and which are movable, and advantageously elastically deformable, between a locking configuration in which the two first locking elements 25 are spaced apart from each other and are configured to cooperate with the first mounting portion 16 so as to lock the first fixing ring 21 onto the first mounting portion 16, and an unlocking configuration in which the two first locking elements 25 are brought together and are configured to release the first mounting portion 16 so as to allow removal of the first fixing ring 21 from the first mounting portion 16.One of the first two locking elements 25 is notably visible in [Fig. 1 1], while the other of the first two locking elements 25 is notably visible in [Fig. 4].

[0093] Similarly, the second locking device 24 comprises two second locking elements 26, such as second locking arms or second locking tabs, which are diametrically opposed relative to the central axis of the flexible conduit 15 and which are movable, and advantageously elastically deformable, between a locking configuration in which the two second locking elements 26 are spaced apart from each other and are configured to cooperate with the second mounting portion 17 so as to lock the second fixing ring 22 onto the second mounting portion 17, and an unlocking configuration in which the two second locking elements 26 are brought together and are configured to release the second mounting portion 17 so as to allow removal of the second fixing ring 22 from the second mounting portion 17.One of the two second locking elements 26 is notably visible in [Fig. 1 1], while the other of the two second locking elements 26 is notably visible in [Fig. 4].

[0094] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first fixing ring 21 comprises a first annular ring body 21.1 and each of the first locking elements 25 extends from the first annular ring body 21.1 in an extension direction which is substantially parallel to the central axis of the flexible conduit 15 when said first locking element 25 occupies the locking configuration, and the second fixing ring 22 comprises a second annular ring body 22.1 and each of the second locking elements 26 extends from the second annular ring body 22.1 in an extension direction which is also substantially parallel to the central axis of the flexible conduit 15 when said second locking element 26 occupies the locking configuration.

[0095] Advantageously, each of the first locking elements 25 and the second locking elements 26 is configured to be accessible from the outside of the vacuum cleaner duct 5. Each first locking element 25 is more particularly configured to be accessible from a respective lateral side of the first rigid duct part 7, and each second locking element 26 is more particularly configured to be accessible from a respective lateral side of the second rigid duct part 8.

[0096] When the first and second rigid conduit parts 7, 8 are in the unfolded configuration, each of the first and second locking elements 25, 26 is arranged on a lateral side of the vacuum cleaner conduit 5 between, on the one hand, the articulation device 9 and, on the other hand, the locking member 32. Such a configuration allows easy access to the first two and the second two locking elements 25, 26 without being hindered by the articulation device 9 or the locking member 32.

[0097] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first locking device 23 comprises two first locking orifices 27 which are provided on the first mounting portion 16, and more particularly on two respective lateral portions of the first mounting portion 16, and which are configured to cooperate respectively with the two first locking elements 25 when the latter are in the locking configuration. Similarly, the second locking device 24 comprises two second locking orifices 28 which are provided on the second mounting portion 17, and more particularly on two respective lateral portions of the second mounting portion 17, and which are configured to cooperate respectively with the two second locking elements 26 when the latter are in the locking configuration.

[0098] Each first locking orifice 27 is more particularly through and opens into an external surface of the first mounting portion 16, so as to allow access to the respective first locking element 25 from the outside. of the vacuum cleaner duct 5 and to allow movement of the respective first locking element 25 in the unlocking configuration, and each second locking hole 28 is more particularly through and opens into an external surface of the second mounting portion 17, so as to allow access to the respective second locking element 26 from outside the vacuum cleaner duct 5 and to allow movement of the respective second locking element 26 in the unlocking configuration. Each of the first locking holes 27 and the second locking holes may for example be oblong.Advantageously, each first locking orifice 27 is configured to be located opposite a first locking finger equipping the respective first locking element 25, when the first fixing ring 21 is fixed to the first rigid conduit part 7, and each second locking orifice 28 is configured to be located opposite a second locking finger equipping the respective second locking element 26, when the second fixing ring 22 is fixed to the second rigid conduit part 8.

[0099] As shown in [Fig.l 1], the flexible conduit 15 further comprises a first annular seal 29 fixed to the first fixing ring 21 and configured to cooperate in a sealed manner with the first rigid conduit part 7, and a second annular seal 31 fixed to the second fixing ring 22 and configured to cooperate in a sealed manner with the second rigid conduit part 8.

[0100] The vacuum cleaner duct 5 also comprises a locking member 32, such as a locking tab or a locking latch equipped with a locking finger, configured to lock the first and second rigid duct parts 7, 8 in the unfolded configuration. Advantageously, the locking member 32 and the articulation device 9 are substantially diametrically opposed relative to a central longitudinal axis B of the vacuum cleaner duct 5 in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid duct parts 7, 8.

[0101] The locking member 32 is pivotally mounted on the first rigid conduit portion 7 about a pivot axis C which is parallel to the articulation axis A and between a locking position in which the locking member 32 is configured to cooperate with a locking element 33 (visible in [Fig.l 1]), such as a locking orifice capable of receiving at least partially the aforementioned locking finger, provided on the second rigid conduit portion 8 so as to lock the first and second rigid portions 8, 9 in the unfolded configuration, and a release position in which the locking member 32 is configured to release the locking element 33 so as to allow pivoting of the first and second rigid conduit portions 7, 8 in the folded configuration.

[0102] The vacuum duct 5 further comprises an actuating member 34 configured to move the locking member 32 into the release position. Advantageously, the locking member 32 and the actuating member 34 are made in a single piece, and the actuating member 34 extends in the extension of the locking member 32.

[0103] The actuating member 34 is integral in movement with the locking member 32, and is therefore pivotally mounted around the pivot axis C and between a rest position (see [Fig.2]) and an unlocking position. The vacuum duct 5 is more particularly configured such that a movement of the actuating member 34 from the rest position to the unlocking position causes a movement of the locking member 32 from the locking position to the release position.

[0104] The actuating member 34 comprises an actuating portion 35 configured to be manually actuated by a user, and a connecting portion 36 connecting the actuating portion 35 to the locking member 32.

[0105] The actuating portion 35 more particularly comprises a bearing surface 37 against which a user is able to exert a bearing force, i.e. pressure, so as to move the actuating member 34 into the unlocking position. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the actuating portion 35 comprises a rear transverse edge which defines the rear transverse edge of the actuating member 34.

[0106] Advantageously, the actuating part 35 and the locking member 32 are located on the same side of the vacuum duct 5 which is diametrically opposite the side of the vacuum duct 5 where the articulation device 9 is located, and the actuating part 35 and the locking member 32 are substantially aligned in a longitudinal direction.

[0107] As shown in [Fig. 10], the actuating portion 35 is curved and extends around a portion of the outer periphery of the first rigid conduit portion 7. Thus, the inner face 35.1 of the actuating portion 35, which is located opposite the first rigid conduit portion 7, is concave and rounded, and the bearing surface 37 is convex and rounded. Advantageously, the inner face 35.1 of the actuating portion 35 has a curvature substantially complementary to the outer curvature of the first rigid conduit portion 7. Such a configuration of the actuating member 34 makes it possible to increase the displacement travel, namely the clearance, of the actuating member 34 during its movements between the rest and unlocked positions, while limiting the size of the actuating member 34.

[0108] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the connecting part 36 is elongated and extends parallel to the central longitudinal axis B of the vacuum cleaner duct 5 when the first and second rigid duct parts 7, 8 are in the unfolded configuration, and the actuating part 35 extends from a rear transverse edge of the connecting part 36 and is therefore located opposite the locking member 32 with respect to the pivot axis C. Advantageously, the actuating part 35 is configured to be located entirely set back from a plane which is parallel to the articulation axis A and which contains the central longitudinal axis B of the vacuum cleaner duct 5 when the first and second rigid duct parts 7, 8 are in the unfolded configuration.

[0109] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the actuating portion 35 has a first longitudinal dimension, measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis B of the vacuum cleaner duct 5 in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid duct parts 7, 8, and the locking member 32 has a second longitudinal dimension, measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis B of the vacuum cleaner duct 5 in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid duct parts 7, 8, which is less than the first longitudinal dimension. Advantageously, the locking member 32 has a transverse dimension, measured perpendicular to a median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner duct 5 in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid duct parts 7, 8, which is less than the first longitudinal dimension of the actuating portion 35.

[0110] The vacuum duct 5 further comprises a biasing element 38, such as a biasing spring, configured to bias the actuating member 34 into the rest position. Such a biasing element 38 makes it possible to define a stable rest position for the actuating member 34.

[0111] The vacuum duct 5 also comprises a covering hood 39 which is fixed to the first rigid duct part 7 and which is configured to extend under the locking member 32 and to completely cover the lower face of the locking member 32, that is to say the face of the locking member 32 which is located opposite the first rigid duct part 7.

[0112] The covering cap 39 is in particular configured to cover a distal end portion of the locking member 32. Advantageously, the covering cap 39 is also configured to completely cover the lateral edges of the locking member 32, and to make the locking member 32 inaccessible when the first and second rigid conduit parts 7, 8 occupy the unfolded configuration. Such a covering cap 39 considerably limits the risks of the locking member 32 seizing and also the risks of pinching the fingers of a user when the locking member 32 pivots between the locking position and the release position.

[0113] The covering hood 39 more particularly comprises a main covering wall 39.1 which extends parallel to a central axis of the first rigid conduit portion 7 and which is configured such that, when the first and second rigid conduit portions 7, 8 are in the unfolded configuration, the distal end portion of the locking member 32 is arranged between the main covering wall 39.1 and the second rigid conduit portion 8. The main covering wall 39.1 is configured to extend under the locking member 32 when the vacuum cleaner conduit 5 is in a normal usage configuration.

[0114] When the first and second rigid conduit portions 7, 8 are in the unfolded configuration, the radial distance between an inner surface of the main covering wall 39.1 and an outer surface of the second rigid conduit portion 8 is sufficient to allow movement of the distal end portion of the locking member 32 when the locking member 32 is moved from the locking position to the release position.

[0115] The covering hood 39 further comprises two side walls 39.2 extending on either side of the locking member 32 and an end wall 39.3 located opposite the actuating part 35.

[0116] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the second rigid conduit part 8 and the covering cap 39 delimit, when the first and second rigid conduit parts 7, 8 are in the unfolded configuration, an internal housing in which the locking member 32 is housed.

[0117] Advantageously, the covering hood 39 extends longitudinally beyond the pivot axis C of the locking member 32, but the actuating member 34 extends longitudinally beyond the covering hood 39 such that the actuating portion 35 is not covered by the covering hood 39, in order to allow easy actuation of the actuating portion 35 by a user.

[0118] As shown more particularly in Figures 2, the bearing surface 37 is substantially flush with an outer surface 41 of the covering hood 39 when the actuating member 34 occupies the rest position. For this purpose, the actuating member 34 may for example comprise a transverse shoulder 42 which separates the connecting part 36 and the actuating part 35 and which is configured such that a lower surface of the connecting part 36 is raised relative to the bearing surface 37, i.e. is offset upwards relative to the bearing surface 37, by a distance corresponding substantially to the thickness of the main covering wall 39.1 of the covering hood 39.

[0119] Advantageously, the actuating part 35 comprises two external lateral surfaces 43 which are also substantially flush respectively with two outer side surfaces 44 of the cover cap 39 (see [Fig.3]). Each outer side surface 43 of the actuating portion 35 may advantageously be parallel to the respective outer side surface 44 of the cover cap 39.

[0120] 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

Claims

1. A vacuum duct (5) defining an air flow passage and comprising: - a first rigid conduit part (7) and a second rigid conduit part (8), - a hinge device (9) connecting the first and second rigid conduit parts (7, 8) together, the hinge device (9) comprising a hinge axis (A) and being configured to allow pivoting of the first rigid conduit part (7) relative to the second rigid conduit part (8) about the hinge axis (A) and between an unfolded configuration in which the first and second rigid conduit parts (7, 8) are substantially aligned with each other and a folded configuration in which the first and second rigid conduit parts (7, 8) define between them an angle of less than 180°, - a locking member (32) configured to lock the first and second rigid conduit portions (7, 8) in the unfolded configuration, the locking member (32) being pivotally mounted on one of the first and second rigid conduit portions (7, 8) about a pivot axis (C) which is substantially parallel to the articulation axis (A) and being configured to pivot between a locking position in which the locking member (32) is configured to cooperate with the other of the first and second rigid conduit portions (7, 8) so as to lock the first and second rigid conduit portions (7, 8) in the unfolded configuration, and a release position in which the locking member (32) is configured to release the other of the first and second rigid conduit portions (7, 8) so as to allow pivoting of the first and second rigid conduit portions (7, 8) in the folded configuration, and - an actuating member (34) integral in movement with the locking member (32) and comprising an actuating part (35) configured to be actuated manually by a user, the locking member (32) and the actuating part (35) being substantially diametrically opposed to the articulation device (9) relative to a central longitudinal axis (B) of the vacuum cleaner duct (5) when the first and second rigid duct parts (7, 8) are in the unfolded configuration, the actuating member (34) being pivotally mounted around the pivot axis (C) between a rest position and an unlocked position, the vacuum duct (5) being configured such that a movement of the actuating member (34) from the rest position to the unlocked position causes a movement of the locking member (32) from the locked position to the released position, characterized in that the vacuum duct (5) comprises a covering hood (39) configured to cover at least a distal end portion of the locking member (32), the covering hood (39) comprising a main covering wall (39.1) which is configured such that, when the first and second rigid duct parts (7, 8) are in the unfolded configuration, the distal end portion of the locking member (32) is arranged between the main covering wall (39.1) and the other of the first and second rigid duct parts (7, 8).

2. A vacuum duct (5) according to claim 1, wherein when the first and second rigid duct portions (7, 8) are in the unfolded configuration, the radial distance between an inner surface of the main covering wall (39.1) and an outer surface of the other of the first and second rigid duct portions (7, 8) is sufficient to allow movement of the distal end portion of the locking member (32) when the locking member (32) is moved from the locking position to the release position.

3. Vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuating portion (35) comprises a bearing surface (37) against which a user is able to exert a bearing force so as to move the actuating member (34) into the unlocked position, the bearing surface (37) is located set back or is substantially flush with an outer surface (41) of the main covering wall when the actuating member (34) occupies the rest position.

4. A vacuum duct (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the covering hood (39) is configured to laterally cover the locking member (32).

5. A vacuum duct (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the actuating portion (35) has two outer side surfaces which are substantially flush respectively with two outer side surfaces of the covering hood (39).

6. A vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to claim 5, wherein each outer side surface of the actuating portion (35) is substantially parallel to the respective outer side surface of the cover hood (39).

7. A vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the actuating portion (35) comprises an inner face (35.1) which is located opposite one of the first and second rigid duct portions (7, 8), the inner face (35.1) of the actuating portion (35) being concave and rounded.

8. A vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the actuating member (34) and the locking member (32) are pivotally mounted on the first rigid duct portion (7), the covering hood (39) being fixed to the first rigid duct portion (7).

9. Vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to claim 8, wherein the second rigid duct part (8) and the covering hood (39) delimit, when the first and second rigid duct parts (7, 8) are in the unfolded configuration, an internal housing in which the locking member (32) is housed.

10. A vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the covering hood (39) is configured to make the locking member (32) inaccessible when the first and second rigid duct parts (7, 8) occupy the unfolded configuration.

11. A vacuum duct (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the covering hood (39) extends longitudinally beyond the pivot axis (C) of the locking member (32).

12. A vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the locking member (32) and the actuating member (34) are made in one piece.

13. A vacuum duct (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the articulating device (9) is configured to be located above a portion of the airflow passage which extends proximate the articulating device (9), when the vacuum duct (5) is in normal use.

14. A vacuum duct (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first rigid duct portion (7) is configured to be fluidically connected to a vacuum housing (3) equipped with a suction unit (6), and the second rigid conduit part (8) is configured to be fluidically connected to a suction nozzle (4) configured to be in contact with a floor to be cleaned.

15. A vacuum duct (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which comprises at least one biasing element (38) configured to bias the actuating member (34) into the rest position and / or the locking member (32) into the locking position.

16. A vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, which comprises a flexible duct (15) connecting the first and second rigid duct parts (7, 8) and at least partially defining the air flow passage.

17. A vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to claim 16, wherein the flexible duct (15) comprises a flexible tubular portion (19), a first attachment ring (21) which is attached to a first end portion of the flexible tubular portion (19) and which is configured to be removably attached to the first rigid duct portion (7), and a second attachment ring (22) which is attached to a second end portion of the flexible tubular portion (19) and which is configured to be removably attached to the second rigid duct portion (8).

18. A vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to claim 17, wherein the first fixing ring (21) comprises a first locking device (23) configured to reversibly lock the first fixing ring (21) onto the first rigid duct portion (7), and the second fixing ring (22) comprises a second locking device (24) configured to reversibly lock the second fixing ring (22) onto the second rigid duct portion (8).

19. Vacuum cleaner (2) comprising: - a vacuum cleaner housing (3) equipped with a suction unit, - a nozzle (4) configured to be in contact with a floor to be cleaned, and - a vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, the vacuum cleaner duct (5) mechanically and fluidically connecting the vacuum cleaner housing (3) to the nozzle (4).

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