Accessory for canister vacuum cleaner

Abstract

The accessory comprises a suction tube; a gripping handle (11) provided with a gripping handle (110); and a locking mechanism (13) comprising a latch (14) movable between a locking position in which the latch (14) locks the gripping handle (11) relative to the suction tube, and a release position in which the latch (14) allows pivoting of the gripping handle (11) relative to the suction tube. The locking mechanism (13) comprises a manual actuating member (21) located proximate the gripping handle (110) and movable between a rest position and an unlocking position, the locking mechanism (13) being configured such that a movement of the manual actuating member (21) from the rest position to the unlocking position causes a movement of the latch (14) from the locking position to the release position. Figure 13

Description

Title of the invention: Accessory for a canister vacuum cleaner Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates more particularly to domestic vacuum cleaners of the sled type for vacuuming up dust and waste present on a surface to be cleaned, which may for example be tiles, parquet, laminate, carpet or a rug.

[0002] In the present description, the term “sled vacuum cleaner” refers to a vacuum cleaner that can move by rolling on the floor, for example using wheels or casters when the vacuum cleaner is in use. In a sled vacuum cleaner, a suction nozzle is generally connected to a vacuum cleaner housing via an accessory comprising a suction tube that is rigid and a suction hose that is flexible. During a cleaning operation, the user of a sled vacuum cleaner holds the suction nozzle via a gripping handle attached to the suction tube. A vacuum cleaner housing of a sled vacuum cleaner is generally pulled by the user via the gripping handle and the suction hose; this method of movement is the origin of the name “sled vacuum cleaner”.The term sled vacuum cleaner also covers vacuum cleaners with motorized wheels or casters capable of following the movements of the suction nozzle, the handle or the user. State of the art

[0003] Document FR3123553 discloses an accessory for a sled-type vacuum cleaner, comprising:

[0004] - a suction tube comprising a first end portion to which is intended to be fixed to a floor cleaning element, and a second end portion opposite the first end portion and intended to be fluidically connected to a suction nozzle provided on a vacuum cleaner housing,

[0005] - a grip handle comprising a main handle portion which is elongated and which is mechanically connected to the suction tube, and a gripping handle which is fixed to a free end of the main handle portion and which is configured to be grasped by a user, the gripping handle being mounted articulated relative to the suction tube about a pivot axis and between a first handle position and a second handle position, and

[0006] - a locking mechanism configured to lock the grip handle in the first sleeve position.

[0007] The locking mechanism includes a latch movably mounted on the grip handle between a locking position in which the latch is configured to cooperating with a locking member provided on the suction tube so as to lock the gripping handle in the first handle position, and a release position in which the lock is configured to release the locking member so as to allow pivoting of the gripping handle between the first and second handle positions.

[0008] The locking mechanism further comprises a manual actuating member which is configured to be actuated by a user and which is mounted movably on the gripping handle between a rest position and an unlocking position, the locking mechanism being configured such that a movement of the manual actuating member from the rest position to the unlocking position causes a movement of the lock from the locking position to the release position.

[0009] According to document FR3123553, the lock and the manual actuating member are made in a single piece and are arranged close to the pivot axis, and therefore at a distance from the grip handle.

[0010] Thus, when a user, holding the gripping handle by the gripping handle with one of his hands, wishes to move the gripping handle into a position in which the gripping handle is inclined relative to the suction tube, for example in order to vacuum waste located under a low piece of furniture, the user must then use his second hand to move the manual actuating member into the unlocking position and therefore unlock the gripping handle.

[0011] Such an unlocking operation may prove difficult for some users. Summary of the invention

[0012] The present invention aims to remedy this drawback.

[0013] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in providing an accessory for a sled-type vacuum cleaner which is of simple, economical and ergonomic structure.

[0014] To this end, the invention relates to an accessory for a sled-type vacuum cleaner, comprising:

[0015] - a suction tube comprising a first end portion to which is intended to be fixed to a floor cleaning element, and a second end portion opposite the first end portion and intended to be fluidically connected to a suction nozzle provided on a vacuum cleaner housing,

[0016] - a grip handle comprising a main handle portion which has a longitudinal axis and which is mechanically connected to the suction tube, and a a gripping handle which is attached to a free end of the main handle portion and which is configured to be grasped by a user, the gripping handle being mounted hinged relative to the suction tube about a pivot axis and between a first handle position and a second handle position, and

[0017] - a locking mechanism configured to lock the grip handle in the first handle position, the locking mechanism comprising a lock mounted movably on the gripping handle between a locking position in which the lock is configured to cooperate with a locking element provided on the suction tube so as to lock the gripping handle in the first handle position, and a release position in which the lock is configured to release the locking element so as to allow pivoting of the gripping handle between the first and second handle positions, the locking mechanism further comprising a manual actuating member which is configured to be actuated by a user and which is mounted movably on the gripping handle between a rest position and an unlocking position,the locking mechanism being configured such that a movement of the manual actuating member from the rest position to the unlocking position causes a movement of the lock from the locking position to the release position.

[0018] The manual actuating member is located near the grip handle and in that the locking mechanism comprises at least one connecting member configured to mechanically connect the manual actuating member to the lock.

[0019] Such a configuration of the locking mechanism, and in particular such an arrangement of the manual actuating member, allows a user to hold the gripping handle and actuate the manual actuating member with a single hand, which greatly simplifies the unlocking of the gripping handle and therefore provides increased ergonomics to the accessory according to the present invention.

[0020] The accessory may further have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the manual actuating member is configured so as to be able to be actuated by a finger, for example the index finger, of a hand of a user when the user holds the gripping handle with said hand. Such a configuration of the manual actuating member gives even greater ergonomics to the accessory according to the present invention.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the manual actuating member is configured to be actuated by a user by pulling the manual actuating member towards the grip handle.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the manual actuating member is a actuating trigger.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the manual actuating member is configured to be actuated by a user by moving the manual actuating member away from the grip handle, and for example by exerting pressure on the manual actuating member. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the manual actuating member may for example be an actuating button, such as a push button.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the manual actuating member is located substantially in the median longitudinal plane of the gripping handle.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the manual actuating member is manually actuable by a user from a lower surface of the main handle portion. Such a configuration of the manual actuating member ensures easy actuation of the manual actuating member with the index finger of an operator holding the grip handle in his hand.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the manual actuating member is arranged at least partly opposite the grip handle.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping handle comprises a median longitudinal axis which is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the main handle portion.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the manual actuating member comprises a fixing part arranged in the gripping handle and to which the at least one connecting member is fixed, and an actuating part projecting outside the gripping handle and configured to be actuated by a user.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping handle comprises a passage opening through which the actuating portion projects outwards. Advantageously, the manual actuating member comprises a closing portion, such as a closing tab, configured to at least partially close the passage opening when the manual actuating member occupies the rest position.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating portion is arranged under the main sleeve portion and opposite the grip handle. Such a configuration of the manual actuating member ensures easy actuation of the manual actuating member with the index finger of an operator holding the grip handle in his hand.

[0032] According to another embodiment of the invention, the actuating part is arranged at least partly above the main handle part or behind the grip handle.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one connecting member is elongated and extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main part of the handle.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one connecting member is arranged in the gripping handle.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one connecting member comprises a first end portion fixed, for example by screwing, to the manual actuating member and a second end portion fixed, for example by screwing, to the lock.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one connecting member is a connecting rod.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism comprises two connecting members extending on either side of the median longitudinal plane of the gripping handle.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two connecting members extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second end portions of the two connecting members are connected to each other by a transverse connecting part.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two connecting members are mechanically connected to the lock via the transverse connecting part. Such a configuration of the locking mechanism ensures better distribution of the forces applied to the lock, and therefore reliable locking of the gripping handle in the first handle position.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lock is slidably mounted on the main part of the handle in a sliding direction which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main part of the handle.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the manual actuating member is slidably mounted on the gripping handle in a direction of movement which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main part of the handle.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism comprises a guide device configured to guide the manual actuating member in the direction of movement during its movements between the rest position and the unlocking position.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide device comprises two guide walls arranged on either side of the manual actuating member and configured to laterally guide the manual actuating member. Advantageously, the two guide walls are substantially parallel.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide device comprises two guide slots provided on the gripping handle, and for example respectively on the two guide walls, and two lateral guide lugs provided on the manual actuating member and extending opposite one another, each lateral guide lug being slidably mounted in a respective guide slot.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide device comprises a lower bearing surface which is substantially planar and against which a lower part of the manual actuating member is able to slide when the manual actuating member is moved between the rest position and the unlocking position, and an upper bearing surface which is substantially planar and against which an upper part of the manual actuating member is able to slide when the manual actuating member is moved between the rest position and the unlocking position.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lower bearing surface and the upper bearing surface are substantially parallel.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the manual actuating member comprises two upper support lugs configured to slide against the upper support surface when the manual actuating member is moved between the rest position and the unlocking position.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lock comprises two lateral locking members arranged on either side of the median longitudinal plane of the gripping handle. Such a configuration of the lock makes it possible to ensure reliable locking of the gripping handle in the first handle position, and therefore to guarantee a stable position of the gripping handle when it occupies the first handle position. In addition, such a configuration of the lock does not require oversizing the gripping handle, which limits the mass and bulk of the gripping handle according to the present invention.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two lateral locking members are arranged symmetrically with respect to the median longitudinal plane of the gripping handle. Such an arrangement of the lateral locking members ensures better distribution of the forces for holding the gripping handle in the first handle position.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two lateral locking members are arranged respectively near two lateral edges of the gripping handle.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking element comprises two lateral locking housings configured to cooperate respectively with the two lateral locking members when the gripping handle occupies the first sleeve position.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking element comprises two lateral locking arms each extending from the second end portion of the suction tube, each lateral locking housing being provided on a respective lateral locking arm.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, each lateral locking arm comprises a free end provided with an end face, each lateral locking housing being provided on a respective end face.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main handle portion comprises two lateral notches configured to respectively receive the lateral locking arms when the gripping handle occupies the first handle position.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, each lateral locking member is configured to protrude into a respective lateral notch when the lock occupies the locking position.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, each lateral locking member comprises an inclined actuating surface, for example formed by an actuating ramp, each inclined actuating surface being configured to cooperate with a respective lateral locking arm, during a pivoting of the grip handle towards the first handle position, so as to urge the lock towards the release position.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the lateral locking members is a lateral locking lug.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism comprises a biasing element, such as a compression spring, configured to bias the lock into the locking position.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lock comprises a bearing portion, such as a bearing finger, which is configured to exert a compressive force on the biasing element when the lock is moved towards the release position.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the gripping handle occupies the first handle position, the main handle portion extends substantially parallel to the suction tube.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, when the gripping handle occupies the second handle position, the main handle portion is folded along the suction tube or against the suction tube.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping handle is configured to occupy a plurality of intermediate positions located between the first handle position and the second handle position and in each of which the main part of the handle is inclined relative to a longitudinal axis of the suction tube.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the accessory further comprises a suction pipe which is flexible and which is fluidically connected to the second end portion of the suction tube, the suction pipe being intended to be connected to a suction nozzle provided on a vacuum cleaner housing.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction pipe is removably connected to the second end portion of the suction tube.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main handle part is mechanically connected to the second end portion of the suction tube.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the gripping handle is mounted articulated on the suction tube by means of a pivot connection which defines the pivot axis. Advantageously, the pivot connection is located in the vicinity of one end of the main part of the handle.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second end portion of the suction tube comprises a connecting end piece which is tubular and to which the suction pipe is connected. Advantageously, the pivot connection is offset laterally relative to the connecting end piece.

[0069] The present invention further relates to a sled-type vacuum cleaner comprising:

[0070] - a vacuum cleaner housing,

[0071] - a suction nozzle arranged on the vacuum cleaner housing and through which air carrying waste can be sucked into the vacuum cleaner housing,

[0072] - a suction motor which is arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing and which is configured to generate an airflow through the suction tip, and

[0073] - an accessory according to the present invention.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner further comprises a floor cleaning element, such as a suction nozzle, which is fixed, for example removably, to the first end portion of the suction tube. Brief description of the figures

[0075] The aims, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the description given below of several embodiments of the invention presented as non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0076] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0077] [Fig.2] is a longitudinal sectional view of a suction assembly belonging to the vacuum cleaner of [Fig.l];

[0078] [Fig.3] is a top view of an accessory belonging to the vacuum cleaner of [Fig.l];

[0079] [Fig.4] is a partial side view of the accessory of [Fig.3] showing a grip handle in the unfolded position;

[0080] [Fig.5] is a partial side view of the accessory of [Fig.3] showing the grip handle in the storage position;

[0081] [Fig.6] is a partial side view of the accessory of [Fig.3] showing the gripping handle in an intermediate position;

[0082] [Fig.7] is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the accessory of [Fig.3] showing the gripping handle in the unfolded position;

[0083] [Fig.8] is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the accessory of [Fig.3] showing the gripping handle in an intermediate position;

[0084] [Fig.9] is a partial perspective view in section of the accessory of [Fig.3];

[0085] [Fig. 10] is a partial rear perspective view of the accessory of [Fig. 3];

[0086] [Fig. 11] is a perspective view from above of a lock belonging to a locking mechanism of the accessory of [Fig.3];

[0087] [Fig. 12] is a perspective view from below of the lock of [Fig. 1 1];

[0088] [Fig. 13] is a partial perspective view from below of the accessory of the [Fig.3] ;

[0089] [Fig. 14] is a partial perspective view from below of the accessory of [Fig. 3];

[0090] [Fig. 15] is a partial rear perspective view of the accessory of [Fig.3];

[0091] [Fig. 16] is a perspective view from above of a manual actuating member belonging to the locking mechanism of the accessory of [Fig.3];

[0092] [Fig. 17] is a perspective view from below of the manual actuator of [Fig. 16];

[0093] [Fig. 18] is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the accessory of [Fig. 3];

[0094] [Fig. 19] is a partial rear perspective view of an accessory according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0095] [Fig.20] is a partial rear perspective view of an accessory according to a third embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0096] Only the elements necessary for understanding the invention are shown. To facilitate reading of the drawings, the same elements bear the same references from one figure to another.

[0097] Figures 1 to 18 represent a vacuum cleaner 1 of the sled type according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0098] The vacuum cleaner 1 comprises in particular a vacuum cleaner housing 2, and a suction nozzle 3 arranged on the vacuum cleaner housing 2 and through which air carrying waste can be sucked into the vacuum cleaner housing 2.

[0099] The vacuum cleaner 1 further comprises a suction motor 4 which is arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing 2. The suction motor 4 comprises an electric motor and a fan which is coupled to the electric motor and which is configured to generate an air flow through the suction nozzle 3.

[0100] The vacuum cleaner 1 also comprises a floor cleaning element 5, such as a suction nozzle, also known as a suction head.

[0101] The vacuum cleaner 1 further comprises an accessory 6 comprising a suction tube 7 comprising a first end portion 7.1 to which the floor cleaning element 5 is fixed, for example removably, and a second end portion 7.2 opposite the first end portion 7.1. Advantageously, the suction tube 7 is rigid, and may for example be telescopic.

[0102] The accessory 6 further comprises a suction pipe 8 which is flexible. The suction pipe 8 has a first end which is connected, for example in a removable manner, to the suction nozzle 3, and a second end which is connected, for example in a removable manner, to the second end portion 7.2 of the suction tube 7. The second end portion 7.2 of the suction tube 7 advantageously comprises a connecting nozzle 9 which is tubular and to which the second end of the suction pipe 8 is intended to be connected. The suction pipe 8 may for example be provided with a cleaning brush 10 located near the second end of the suction pipe 8.

[0103] The accessory 6 also comprises a gripping handle 11 comprising a main handle portion 12 which is elongated and which is mechanically connected to the second end portion 7.2 of the suction tube 7. The gripping handle 11 further comprises a gripping handle 110 which is provided at an upper end of the main handle portion 12 and which is configured to be grasped by a user so as to allow the latter to manipulate the gripping handle 11 and therefore the suction tube 7. Advantageously, the gripping handle 110 comprises a median longitudinal axis which is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the main handle portion 12.

[0104] The gripping handle 11 is mounted articulated on the suction tube 7 by means of a pivot connection P which defines a pivot axis A and which is located in the vicinity of one end of the main handle part 12. Advantageously, the pivot axis A is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the suction tube 7, and also to the longitudinal axis of the main handle part 12.

[0105] The gripping handle 11 is mounted to move relative to the suction tube 7 between a first handle position (see Figures 1 and 7), also called the unfolded position, in which the main handle portion 12 extends substantially parallel to the suction tube 7, and a second handle position (see [Fig. 5]), also called the storage position, in which the main handle portion 12 is folded, for example at approximately 175°, along the suction tube or against the suction tube 7.

[0106] The gripping handle 11 is also configured to occupy a plurality of intermediate positions (see Figures 6 and 8) located between the first handle position and the second handle position and in each of which the main handle portion 12 is inclined relative to the suction tube 7, for example by an angle of inclination of between 90 and 135°. A user can for example move the gripping handle 11 into one of the intermediate positions in order to be able to easily vacuum waste located under a low piece of furniture or a bed.

[0107] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 18, the pivot connection P is offset laterally relative to the connecting end piece 9.

[0108] The accessory 6 further comprises a locking mechanism 13 configured to lock the gripping handle 11 in the first handle position.

[0109] The locking mechanism 13 comprises a lock 14 slidably mounted on the main handle portion 12 between a locking position in which the lock 14 is configured to cooperate with a locking element 15 provided on the suction tube 7 so as to lock the gripping handle 11 in the first handle position, and a release position in which the lock 14 is configured to release the locking element 15 so as to allow pivoting of the gripping handle 11 between the first and second handle positions. Advantageously, the lock 14 is slidably mounted on the main handle portion 12 in a sliding direction D which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main handle portion 12.

[0110] The lock 14 more particularly comprises two lateral locking members 16, such as lateral locking lugs, arranged respectively near two lateral edges of the main handle part 12, and the locking element 15 more particularly comprises two lateral locking housings 17, such as locking recesses or locking notches, configured to cooperate respectively with the two lateral locking members 16 when the gripping handle 11 occupies the first handle position and the lock 14 occupies the locking position. Advantageously, the two lateral locking members 16 are arranged on either side of the median longitudinal plane of the gripping handle 11 and symmetrically with respect to the median longitudinal plane of the gripping handle 11.

[0111] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 18, the locking element 15 comprises two lateral locking arms 18 each extending from the second end portion 7.2 of the suction tube 7, and each lateral locking housing 17 is provided on a respective lateral locking arm 18 and more particularly on an end face of a free end of the respective lateral locking arm 18.

[0112] Advantageously, the main handle portion 12 comprises two lateral notches 19 configured to respectively receive the two lateral locking arms 18 when the gripping handle 11 occupies the first handle position. As shown in particular in [Fig. 10], each lateral locking member 16 is configured to project into a respective lateral notch 19 when the lock 14 occupies the locking position.

[0113] The pivot connection P can for example be formed by an articulation pin 20 whose ends are received respectively in receiving housings provided on the lateral locking arms 18.

[0114] The locking mechanism 13 further comprises a manual actuating member 21 which is located near the gripping handle 110 and which is configured to be actuated by a user, and two connecting members 22, such as connecting rods, configured to mechanically connect the manual actuating member 21 to the lock 14. Advantageously, the two connecting members 22 are arranged in the gripping handle 11, and extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main handle portion 12.

[0115] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 18, the manual actuating member 21 is slidably mounted on the main handle part 12 in a direction of movement which is substantially parallel to the sliding direction D and between a rest position and an unlocking position. The locking mechanism 13 is more particularly configured such that a movement of the manual actuating member 21 from the rest position to the unlocking position causes a movement of the lock 14 from the locking position to the release position.

[0116] The manual actuating member 21 is more particularly configured so as to be able to be actuated by a finger of a hand of a user when the user holds the gripping handle 110 with said hand. Advantageously, the manual actuating member 21 is located substantially in the median longitudinal plane of the gripping handle 11.

[0117] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 18, the manual actuating member 21 is an actuating trigger and comprises a fixing part 23 arranged in the gripping handle 11 and to which the connecting members 22, and an actuating portion 24 projecting outside the gripping handle 11, via a passage opening 25 provided on the gripping handle 11, and configured to be actuated by a user. Thus, the manual actuating member 21 is configured to be actuated by a user by pulling the manual actuating member 21 towards the gripping handle 110.

[0118] Advantageously, the actuating portion 24 is arranged under the main handle portion 12 and opposite the grip handle 110. Thus, the manual actuating member 21 can be manually actuated by a user from a lower surface of the main handle portion 12.

[0119] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 18, the gripping handle 11 comprises a protective portion 26 which extends substantially parallel to the gripping handle 110 and opposite the gripping handle 110, and which comprises a first end portion fixed to the main handle portion 12 and a second end portion fixed to a free end of the gripping handle 110. Advantageously, the protective portion 26 and the gripping handle 110 delimit a receiving housing 27 configured to receive the fingers of a user having grasped the gripping handle 110, and the manual actuating member 21 is arranged at least partly in the receiving housing 27.

[0120] The manual actuating member 21 may further comprise a closing portion 28, such as a closing tab, configured to at least partially close the passage opening 25 when the manual actuating member 21 occupies the rest position.

[0121] As shown in [Fig. 13], the gripping handle 11 is hollow and delimits an internal housing in which the two connecting members 22 and the lock 14 are arranged. Each connecting member 22 comprises a first end portion fixed, for example by screwing, to the manual actuating member 21 and a second end portion which is opposite the respective first end portion. According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 18, the second end portions of the two connecting members 22 are connected to each other by a transverse connecting part which is fixed, for example by screwing, to the lock 14.

[0122] The locking mechanism 13 also comprises a guide device configured to guide the manual actuating member 21 in the direction of movement during its movements between the rest position and the unlocking position.

[0123] The guide device comprises two guide walls 29 (see [Fig. 14]) which are substantially parallel and which are arranged on either side of the manual actuating member 21. The two guide walls 29 are more particularly configured to laterally guide the manual actuating member 21.

[0124] The guide device further comprises two guide slots 31 (see [Fig. 14]) provided respectively on the two guide walls 29 and extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main handle part 12, and two lateral guide lugs 32 provided on the manual actuating member 21 and extending opposite one another, each lateral guide lug 32 being slidably mounted in a respective guide slot 31.

[0125] As shown in [Fig. 18], the guide device further comprises a lower bearing surface 33 which is substantially planar and against which a lower portion of the manual actuating member 21 is capable of sliding when the manual actuating member 21 is moved between the rest position and the unlocking position, and an upper bearing surface 34 which is substantially planar and against which an upper portion of the manual actuating member 21 is capable of sliding when the manual actuating member 21 is moved between the rest position and the unlocking position. Advantageously, the lower bearing surface 33 and the upper bearing surface 34 are substantially parallel.

[0126] According to the first embodiment of the invention, the manual actuating member 21 comprises two upper support lugs 35 arranged on either side of the median longitudinal plane of the gripping handle 11 and configured to slide against the upper support surface 34 when the manual actuating member 21 is moved between the rest position and the unlocking position, and a lower sliding surface 36 configured to rest and slide on the lower support surface 33.

[0127] The locking mechanism 13 further comprises a biasing element 37, such as a compression spring, configured to bias the latch 14 into the locking position. Advantageously, the biasing element 37 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main handle portion 12. According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 18, the latch 14 comprises a bearing portion 38, such as a bearing finger, which is configured to exert a compressive force on the biasing element 37 when the latch 14 is moved to the release position.

[0128] When a user wishes to pivot the gripping handle 11 into a handle position in which the main handle portion 12 is inclined relative to the suction tube 7, for example in order to be able to easily vacuum up waste located for example under a low piece of furniture or a bed, the user unlocks the gripping handle 11 by moving the manual actuating member 21 into the unlocking position against the restoring force exerted by the biasing element 37. Such a movement of the manual actuating member 21 causes a movement of the lock 14 into the release position, and therefore a movement of the two members of side locking devices 16 out of the side locking housings 17. The user can then freely pivot the gripping handle 11 relative to the suction tube 7 so that the main handle part 12 is inclined relative to the suction tube 7.

[0129] In order for a user to be able to easily lock the gripping handle 11 in the first handle position, i.e. without necessarily having to actuate the manual actuating member 21 to move it into the unlocking position, each lateral locking member 16 advantageously comprises an inclined actuating surface 39, for example formed by an actuating ramp. Each inclined actuating surface 39 is more particularly configured to cooperate with the respective lateral locking arm 18, when the gripping handle 11 pivots towards the first handle position, so as to urge the lock 14 towards the release position, and thus allow the gripping handle 11 to move into the first handle position.When the two lateral locking members 16 are located opposite the lateral locking housings 17, the biasing element 37 biases the lock 14 into the locking position and the lateral locking members 16 are then automatically moved into the lateral locking housings 17.

[0130] [Fig. 19] shows an accessory 6 according to a second embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the actuating part 24 is arranged at least partly above the main handle part 12. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the manual actuating member 21 can be manually actuated by a user from an upper surface of the main handle part 12.

[0131] [Fig. 20] represents an accessory 6 according to a third embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment essentially in that the manual actuating member 21 is configured to be actuated by a user by moving the manual actuating member 21 away from the gripping handle 110, and for example by exerting pressure on the manual actuating member 21. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the manual actuating member 21 may for example be an actuating button, such as a push button.

[0132] Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which have been given only as examples. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. Claims Accessory (6) for sled-type vacuum cleaner, including: - a suction tube (7) comprising a first end portion (7.1) to which a floor cleaning element (5) is intended to be fixed, and a second end portion (7.2) opposite the first end portion (7.1) and intended to be fluidically connected to a suction nozzle (3) provided on a vacuum cleaner housing (2), - a gripping handle (11) comprising a main handle portion (12) which has a longitudinal axis and which is mechanically connected to the suction tube (7), and a gripping handle (110) which is fixed to a free end of the main handle portion (12) and which is configured to be grasped by a user, the gripping handle (11) being mounted articulated relative to the suction tube (7) about a pivot axis and between a first handle position and a second handle position, and - a locking mechanism (13) configured to lock the gripping handle (11) in the first handle position, the locking mechanism (13) comprising a lock (14) mounted movably on the gripping handle (11) between a locking position in which the lock (14) is configured to cooperate with a locking element (15) provided on the suction tube (7) so as to lock the gripping handle (11) in the first handle position, and a release position in which the lock (14) is configured to release the locking element (15) so as to allow pivoting of the gripping handle (11) between the first and second handle positions, the locking mechanism (13) further comprising a manual actuating member (21) which is configured to be actuated by a user and which is mounted movably on the gripping handle (11) between a rest position and an unlocking position,the locking mechanism (13) being configured such that a movement of the manual actuating member (21) from the rest position to the unlocking position causes a movement of the lock (14) from the locking position to the release position, characterized in that the manual actuating member (21) is located near the gripping handle (110) and in that the locking mechanism (13) comprises at least one connecting member (22) configured to mechanically connect the manual actuating member (21) to the lock (14).

2. An accessory (6) according to claim 1, wherein the manual actuating member (21) is configured so as to be operable by a finger of a hand of a user when the user holds the gripping handle (110) with said hand.

3. An accessory (6) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the manual actuating member (21) is configured to be actuated by a user by pulling the manual actuating member (21) towards the gripping handle (110).

4. Accessory (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the manual actuating member (21) comprises a fixing part (23) arranged in the gripping handle (11) and to which the at least one connecting member (22) is fixed, and an actuating part (24) projecting outside the gripping handle (11) and configured to be actuated by a user.

5. Accessory (6) according to claim 4, in which the actuating part (24) is arranged under the main handle part (12) and opposite the grip handle (110).

6. Accessory (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one connecting member (22) is elongated and extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main handle portion (12).

7. Accessory (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one connecting member (22) is arranged in the gripping handle (11).

8. Accessory (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the at least one connecting member (22) is a connecting tie rod.

9. Accessory (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the locking mechanism (13) comprises two connecting members (22) extending on either side of the median longitudinal plane of the gripping handle (11).

10. Accessory (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the lock (14) is slidably mounted on the main handle part (12) in a sliding direction (D) which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main handle part (12).

11. Accessory (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in wherein the manual actuating member (21) is slidably mounted on the gripping handle (11) in a direction of movement which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main handle part (12).

12. Accessory (6) according to claim 11, wherein the locking mechanism (13) comprises a guide device configured to guide the manual actuating member (21) in the direction of movement during its movements between the rest position and the unlocking position.

13. Accessory (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, in which the lock (14) comprises two lateral locking members (16) arranged on either side of the median longitudinal plane of the gripping handle (11).

14. An accessory (6) according to claim 13, wherein each of the side locking members (16) is a side locking lug.

15. An accessory (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the locking mechanism (13) comprises a biasing element (37) configured to bias the latch (14) into the locking position.

16. An accessory (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, when the gripping handle (11) occupies the first handle position, the main handle portion (12) extends substantially parallel to the suction tube (7).

17. Accessory (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, which further comprises a suction hose (8) which is flexible and which is fluidically connected to the second end portion (7.2) of the suction tube (7), the suction hose (8) being intended to be connected to a suction nozzle (3) provided on a vacuum cleaner housing (2).

18. A sled-type vacuum cleaner (1) comprising: - a vacuum cleaner housing (2), - a suction nozzle (3) arranged on the vacuum cleaner housing (2) and through which air carrying waste can be sucked into the vacuum cleaner housing (2), - a suction motor (4) which is arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing (2) and which is configured to generate an air flow through the suction nozzle (3), and - an accessory (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

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