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; and a flexible duct (15) fluidly connecting the first and second rigid duct portions (7, 8), the flexible duct (15) comprising a flexible tubular portion (19), a first attachment ring (21) attached to a first end portion of the flexible tubular portion (19) and configured to be removably attached to the first rigid duct portion (7), and a second attachment ring (22) attached to a second end portion of the flexible tubular portion (19) and configured to be removably attached to the second rigid duct portion (8). Figure 11

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 flexible conduit connecting the first and second rigid conduit parts and at least partially terminating the air flow passage, the flexible duct comprising a flexible tubular portion, a first fixing ring which is fixed to a first end portion of the flexible tubular portion and which is irremovably fixed to the first rigid duct portion, and a second fixing ring which is fixed to a second end portion of the flexible tubular portion and which is irremovably fixed to the second rigid duct portion,

[0006] - 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°, and

[0007] - a locking member configured to reversibly lock the first and second rigid conduit parts in the unfolded configuration.

[0008] When using such a vacuum cleaner duct, waste, sucked up from a nozzle connected to the flexible duct, is likely to accumulate, or even become stuck, in the flexible tubular part of the flexible duct, which can lead to partial or total obstruction of the flexible tubular part. However, the flexible tubular part being difficult to access from the end of the vacuum cleaner duct connected to the nozzle and also from the end of the vacuum duct connected to the vacuum housing, an obstruction of the flexible tubular part can render the vacuum duct completely inoperable.

[0009] Similarly, in the event of damage to the flexible tubular portion, such as partial rupture, due to repeated movement of the first and second rigid conduit portions between the unfolded and folded configurations, the cleaning performance of the vacuum conduit is significantly degraded. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0011] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in providing a vacuum cleaner duct which is of simple, reliable and ergonomic structure.

[0012] To this end, the present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner duct defining an air flow passage and comprising:

[0013] - a first rigid conduit part and a second rigid conduit part,

[0014] - a flexible conduit connecting the first and second rigid conduit parts and at least partially terminating the air flow passage, the flexible conduit comprising a flexible tubular portion, a first fixing ring which is fixed to a first end portion of the flexible tubular portion, and a second fixing ring which is fixed to a second end portion of the flexible tubular portion,

[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 reversibly lock the first and second rigid conduit parts in the unfolded configuration.

[0017] The first attachment ring is configured to be removably attached to the first rigid conduit portion, and the second attachment ring is configured to be removably attached to the second rigid conduit portion.

[0018] 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.

[0019] Thus, the vacuum cleaner duct according to the present invention has increased reliability. compared to vacuum ducts according to the prior art.

[0020] The vacuum duct may further have one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

[0021] 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.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first locking device comprises at least one first locking element, such as a first locking arm or a first locking tab, movable between a locking configuration in which the at least one first locking element is configured to cooperate with the first rigid conduit portion so as to lock the first fixing ring on the first rigid conduit portion, and an unlocking configuration in which the at least one first locking element is configured to release the first rigid conduit portion so as to allow removal of the first fixing ring from the first rigid conduit portion, and the second locking device comprises at least one second locking element, such as a second locking arm or a second locking tab,movable between a locking configuration in which the at least one second locking element is configured to cooperate with the second rigid conduit part so as to lock the second fixing ring on the second rigid conduit part, and an unlocking configuration in which the at least one second locking element is configured to release the second rigid conduit part so as to allow removal of the second fixing ring from the second rigid conduit part.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the at least one first locking element and the at least one second locking element extends in an extension direction which is substantially parallel to the central axis of the flexible conduit when it occupies the locking configuration.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first fixing ring comprises a first annular ring body and the at least one first locking element extends from the first annular ring body, and the second fixing ring comprises a second annular ring body and the at least one second locking element extends from the second annular ring body.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the at least one first locking element and the at least one second locking element is elastic- tically deformable between the locking configuration and the unlocking configuration.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the at least one first locking element and the at least one second locking element is located on a lateral side of the vacuum duct. In other words, the at least one first locking element is a first lateral locking element, and the at least one second locking element is a second lateral locking element.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the at least one first locking element and the at least one second locking element is accessible from outside the vacuum duct.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one first locking element is configured to be accessible from a lateral side of the first rigid conduit portion, and the at least one second locking element is configured to be accessible from a lateral side of the second rigid conduit portion.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first locking device comprises at least one first locking orifice which is provided on the first rigid conduit portion and which is configured to cooperate with the at least one first locking element when the at least one first locking element is in the locking configuration, and the second locking device comprises at least one second locking orifice which is provided on the second rigid conduit portion and which is configured to cooperate with the at least one second locking element when the at least one second locking element is in the locking configuration.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one first locking orifice opens into an external surface of the first rigid conduit portion and is configured to allow access to the at least one first locking element from outside the vacuum cleaner conduit and to allow movement of the at least one first locking element in the unlocking configuration, and the at least one second locking orifice opens into an external surface of the second rigid conduit portion and is configured to allow access to the at least one second locking element from outside the vacuum cleaner conduit and to allow movement of the at least one second locking element in the unlocking configuration.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one first locking orifice is configured to be located opposite the at least one first locking element, and for example opposite a first locking finger equipping the at least one first locking element, when the first fixing ring is fixed to the first rigid conduit part, and the at least one second locking orifice rusting is configured to be located opposite the at least one second locking element, and for example opposite a second locking finger equipping the at least one second locking element, when the second fixing ring is fixed to the second rigid conduit part.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the at least one first locking orifice and the at least one second locking orifice is oblong.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one first locking orifice is provided on a lateral portion of the first rigid conduit part, and the at least one second locking orifice is provided on a lateral portion of the second rigid conduit part.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first locking device comprises two first locking elements which are diametrically opposed relative to a central axis of the flexible conduit, and the second locking device comprises two second locking elements which are diametrically opposed relative to the central axis of the flexible conduit.

[0035] It results from the aforementioned configuration that, when the first and second rigid conduit parts are in the unfolded configuration, each locking element is arranged on a lateral side of the vacuum conduit and at a distance from the articulation device.

[0036] Such a configuration allows easy access to the first two and the second two locking elements without being hindered by the articulation device.

[0037] Such a configuration of the first and second locking devices allows easy disassembly of the flexible conduit simply by exerting, with the thumb and index finger of the same hand, successively pressure on the two first locking elements in order to move them into the unlocking configuration and to be able to remove the first fixing ring from the first rigid conduit part, then pressure on the two second locking elements in order to move them into the unlocking configuration and to be able to remove the second fixing ring from the second rigid conduit part.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two first locking elements are configured to be brought together when they occupy the unlocking configuration, and to be moved apart from each other when they occupy the locking configuration, and the two second locking elements are configured to be brought together when they occupy the unlocking configuration, and to be moved apart from each other when they occupy the locking configuration.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the flexible conduit comprises a first annular seal fixed to the first fixing ring and configured to sealingly cooperate with the first rigid conduit portion, and a second annular seal attached to the second fixing ring and configured to sealingly cooperate with the second rigid conduit portion.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first rigid conduit part comprises a first mounting portion which is tubular and which is provided with a first insertion opening, and the second rigid conduit part comprises a second mounting portion which is tubular and which is provided with a second insertion opening, the first fixing ring being configured to be inserted into the first mounting portion via the first insertion opening and the second fixing ring being configured to be inserted into the second mounting portion via the second insertion opening.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one first locking hole is provided on the first mounting portion, and the at least one second locking hole is provided on the first mounting portion.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first fixing ring is configured to be removably fixed to the first mounting portion, and the second fixing ring is configured to be removably fixed to the second mounting portion.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first rigid conduit part comprises a first connection portion fluidly and mechanically connected to the first suction tube, and the second rigid conduit part comprises a second connection portion fluidly and mechanically connected to the second suction tube.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, the first and second suction tubes and the flexible conduit define the air flow passage.

[0048] 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. In other words, the articulation device is configured to be oriented upwards, that is to say to be directly visible to a user, when the vacuum cleaner conduit is in normal conditions of use. Advantageously, the articulation axis is not intersecting with the flexible conduit.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member is pivotally mounted on one of the first and second rigid conduit portions about a pivot axis which is substantially parallel to the articulation axis and is 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.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner duct comprises an actuating member integral in movement with the locking member and comprising an actuating part configured to be manually actuated by a user, the actuating member being pivotally mounted around the pivot axis between a rest position and an unlocking position, the vacuum cleaner duct being configured such that a movement of the actuating member from the rest position to the unlocking position causes a movement of the locking member from the locking position to the release position.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking member and the articulation device are substantially diametrically opposed relative to a central longitudinal axis of the vacuum duct when the first and second rigid duct parts are in the unfolded configuration. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the actuating part could be located on the same side as the articulation device.

[0052] According to another embodiment of the invention, the locking member and the actuating portion are substantially diametrically opposed to the articulation device relative to a central longitudinal axis of the vacuum duct when the first and second rigid duct portions are in the unfolded configuration.

[0053] In a configuration where the first locking device comprises two first locking elements which are diametrically opposed with respect to a central axis of the flexible conduit, and the second locking device comprises two second locking elements which are diametrically opposed with respect to the central axis of the flexible duct, when the first and second rigid duct parts are in the unfolded configuration, each of the first and second locking elements is arranged on a lateral side of the vacuum duct between on the one hand the articulation device and on the other hand the locking member. Such a configuration allows easy access to the first two and the second two locking elements without being hindered by the articulation device or the locking member.

[0054] 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.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.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the covering hood is further configured to laterally cover the locking member.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] The present invention further relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising:

[0059] - a vacuum cleaner housing equipped with a suction unit,

[0060] - a nozzle configured to be in contact with a floor to be cleaned, and

[0061] - 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.

[0062] The vacuum cleaner can, for example, be a stick vacuum cleaner or a cylinder vacuum cleaner.

[0063] 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 duct and the vacuum housing and which are configured to mechanically and fluidically connect the vacuum housing to the nozzle. Brief description of the figures

[0064] 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.

[0065] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to the invention.

[0066] [Fig.2] is a partial side perspective view of a vacuum duct ap going to the vacuum cleaner of [Fig.l], showing the vacuum cleaner duct in the unfolded configuration.

[0067] [Fig.3] is a partial bottom view of the vacuum duct of [Fig.2].

[0068] [Fig.4] is a partial top view of the vacuum duct of [Fig.2].

[0069] [Fig.5] is a partial side perspective view of the vacuum duct of the [Fig.2], showing the vacuum duct in the unfolded configuration.

[0070] [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.

[0071] [Fig.7] is a partial perspective view from above of the vacuum duct of the [Fig.2],

[0072] [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],

[0073] [Fig.9] is a top view of the locking member, the actuating member and the cover cap of [Fig.8].

[0074] [Fig. 10] is a rear perspective view of the locking member, the actuating member and the covering hood of [Fig.8].

[0075] [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.

[0076] [Fig. 12] is a longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum duct of [Fig.2], showing the locking member in the locking position.

[0077] [Fig. 13] is a longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum duct of [Fig.2], showing the vacuum duct in a folded configuration. Detailed description

[0078] 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 conduit 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 a suction unit 6 which may for example include an electric motor-fan, and a waste separation and storage device.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] The vacuum cleaner duct 5 further comprises a first suction tube 11 comprising a proximal end portion 11.1 fluidly and mechanically connected to the first rigid duct part 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 bar 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.

[0083] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first conduit part rigid 7 comprises a first connecting 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 connecting 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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 removably fixed 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 removably fixed 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.

[0087] 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 on the first mounting portion 16, and the second fixing ring 22 comprises a second locking device 24 configured to reversibly lock the second ring fixing 22 on the second mounting portion 17.

[0088] 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].

[0089] 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].

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] Each first locking orifice 27 is more particularly a through hole 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 outside the vacuum cleaner duct 5 and to allow movement of the respective first locking element 25 in the unlocking configuration, and each second locking orifice 28 is more particularly a through hole 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 orifices 27 and the second locking orifices may for example be oblong.Advantageously, each first locking hole 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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 member actuating 34 from the rest position to the unlocked position causes the locking member 32 to move from the locked position to the released position.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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 stroke, 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.

[0104] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the connecting portion 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 portions 7, 8 are in the unfolded configuration, and the actuating portion 35 extends from a rear transverse edge of the connecting portion 36 and is therefore located opposite the locking member 32 with respect to the pivot axis C. Advantageously, the actuating portion 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 portions 7, 8 are in the unfolded configuration.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] When the first and second rigid conduit parts 7, 8 are in the confi 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 part 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] Advantageously, the actuating portion 35 comprises two outer lateral surfaces 43 which are also substantially flush respectively with two outer lateral surfaces 44 of the covering hood 39 (see [Fig. 3]). Each outer lateral surface 43 of the actuating portion 35 may advantageously be parallel to the respective outer lateral surface 44 of the covering hood 39.

[0116] 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 flexible duct (15) connecting the first and second rigid duct parts (7, 8) and at least partially defining the air flow passage, the flexible duct (15) comprising 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 a second fixing ring (22) which is fixed to a second end portion of the flexible tubular part (19), - 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 reversibly lock the first and second rigid conduit parts (7, 8) in the unfolded configuration, characterized in that the first fixing ring (21) is configured to be removably fixed to the first rigid conduit part (7), and the second fixing ring (22) is configured to be removably fixed to the second rigid conduit part (8).

2. A vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to claim 1, 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).

3. A vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to claim 2, wherein the first locking device (23) comprises at least one first locking element (25) movable between a locking configuration in which the at least one first locking element (25) is configured to cooperate with the first rigid duct portion (7) so as to lock the first fixing ring (21) onto the first rigid duct portion (7), and an unlocking configuration in which the at least one first locking element (25) is configured to release the first rigid duct portion (7) so as to allow removal of the first fixing ring (21) from the first rigid duct portion (7),and wherein the second locking device (24) comprises at least one second locking element (26) movable between a locking configuration in which the at least one second locking element (26) is configured to cooperate with the second rigid conduit part (8) so as to lock the second fixing ring (22) on the second rigid conduit part (8), and an unlocking configuration in which the at least one second locking element (26) is configured to release the second rigid conduit part (8) so as to allow removal of the second fixing ring (22) from the second rigid conduit part (8).,

4. A vacuum duct (5) according to claim 3, wherein each of the at least one first locking element (25) and the at least one second locking element (26) is elastically deformable between the locking configuration and the unlocking configuration.

5. A vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein each of the at least one first locking element (25) and the at least one second locking element (26) is located on a lateral side of the vacuum cleaner duct (5).

6. A vacuum duct (5) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein each of the at least one first locking element (25) and the at least one second locking element (26) is accessible from outside the vacuum duct (5).

7. A vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the at least one first locking element (25) is configured to be accessible from a lateral side of the first rigid duct portion (7), and the at least one second locking element rust (26) is configured to be accessible from a lateral side of the second rigid conduit portion (8).

8. A vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the first locking device (23) comprises at least one first locking orifice (27) which is provided on the first rigid duct portion (7) and which is configured to cooperate with the at least one first locking element (25) when the at least one first locking element is in the locking configuration, and the second locking device (24) comprises at least one second locking orifice (28) which is provided on the second rigid duct portion (8) and which is configured to cooperate with the at least one second locking element (26) when the at least one second locking element (26) is in the locking configuration.

9. A vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to claim 8, wherein the at least one first locking orifice (27) opens into an external surface of the first rigid duct portion (7) and is configured to allow access to the at least one first locking element (25) from outside the vacuum cleaner duct (5) and to allow movement of the at least one first locking element (25) into the unlocking configuration, and the at least one second locking orifice (28) opens into an external surface of the second rigid duct portion (8) and is configured to allow access to the at least one second locking element (26) from outside the vacuum cleaner duct (5) and to allow movement of the at least one second locking element (26) into the unlocking configuration.

10. A vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to claim 9, wherein the at least one first locking hole (27) is provided on a lateral portion of the first rigid duct part (7), and the at least one second locking hole (26) is provided on a lateral portion of the second rigid duct part (8).

11. A vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the first locking device (23) comprises two first locking elements (25) which are diametrically opposed with respect to a central axis of the flexible duct (15), and the second locking device (24) comprises two second locking elements (26) which are diametrically opposed with respect to the axis central part of the flexible conduit (15).

12. A vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the flexible duct (15) comprises a first annular seal (29) fixed to the first fixing ring (21) and configured to cooperate in a sealing manner with the first rigid duct portion (7), and a second annular seal (31) fixed to the second fixing ring (22) and configured to cooperate in a sealing manner with the second rigid duct portion (8).

13. A vacuum cleaner duct (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first rigid duct part (7) comprises a first mounting portion (16) which is tubular and which is provided with a first insertion opening, and the second rigid duct part (8) comprises a second mounting portion (17) which is tubular and which is provided with a second insertion opening, the first fixing ring (21) being configured to be inserted into the first mounting portion (16) via the first insertion opening and the second fixing ring (22) being configured to be inserted into the second mounting portion (17) via the second insertion opening.

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

15. 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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