Vacuum cleaner nozzle including a rear sealing element delimiting lateral passages

Abstract

The vacuum nozzle (2) comprises a soleplate (5) having a suction nozzle (7) opening into an underside of the soleplate (5), the underside comprising a front sliding surface (16) located in front of the suction nozzle (7), the vacuum nozzle (2) being configured such that, when the soleplate (5) rests on a surface to be cleaned, the front sliding surface (16) extends forward away from the surface to be cleaned; a rear sealing element (21) located at the rear of the suction nozzle (7); and two rear wheels (18) located at the rear of the rear sealing element (21). The rear sealing element (21) defines two lateral passages (26) fluidly connected to the suction nozzle (7) and located on either side of the rear sealing element (21). Figure 6

Description

Title of the invention: Vacuum cleaner nozzle comprising a rear sealing element delimiting lateral passages technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaners for vacuuming dust and waste present on a surface to be cleaned, which can for example be tile, parquet, laminate, carpet or rug. State of the art

[0002] Vacuum cleaners equipped with a suction nozzle, also called a suction head, are well known on the market; these allow surfaces to be cleaned by suction to remove dust and debris from them. The surface to be vacuumed can, for example, be tile, parquet flooring, laminate flooring, carpet, or rugs.

[0003] In a known manner, a vacuum cleaner nozzle comprises a sole having an underside configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned, and a suction mouth opening into the underside of the sole, the underside of the sole comprising a front sliding surface and a rear sliding surface located on either side of the suction mouth.

[0004] The front sliding surface is more particularly configured to guide towards the suction mouth waste, such as grains of rice or lentils, encountered by the sole during a forward movement of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, while the rear sliding surface is more particularly configured to guide towards the suction mouth waste, such as grains of rice or lentils, encountered by the sole during a rearward movement of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0005] In order to guide debris encountered by the sole towards the suction mouth, each of the front and rear sliding surfaces is generally flat and inclined with respect to the horizontal when the vacuum nozzle rests on a horizontal surface, or is rounded in such a way that the distance between said sliding surface and the surface to be cleaned decreases towards the suction mouth.

[0006] Although such a configuration of the front and rear sliding surfaces ensures easy passage of the vacuum cleaner nozzle over debris, such as grains of rice or lentils, when moving the vacuum cleaner nozzle forward or backward on a hard floor, the seal between the front sliding surface and the floor to be cleaned, or between the rear sliding surface and the floor to be cleaned, may prove insufficient, particularly when moving the vacuum cleaner nozzle on a hard floor, which may impair the suction performance of the vacuum cleaner nozzle on hard floors, or even grooved (such as a parquet floor formed by planks with longitudinal grooves between them).

[0007] To overcome this drawback, it may be envisaged to equip the underside of the sole with a rear sealing element located at the rear of the rear sliding surface and configured to cooperate with the surface to be cleaned.

[0008] However, when a vacuum cleaner nozzle equipped with such a rear sealing element is moved backwards on a hard floor, some of the debris encountered by the nozzle is pushed by the rear sealing element without being drawn into the suction inlet. Consequently, the presence of the aforementioned rear sealing element impairs the cleaning performance of a vacuum cleaner nozzle on a hard floor. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0010] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular of providing a vacuum cleaner nozzle which is of simple and reliable structure, while exhibiting increased cleaning performance regardless of the type of floor to be cleaned.

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to a vacuum cleaner nozzle comprising:

[0012] - a sole having a lower face configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned, and a suction opening in the underside of the sole, the underside of the sole comprising a front sliding surface located in front of the suction opening, the vacuum nozzle being configured such that, when the sole rests on a surface to be cleaned, the front sliding surface extends towards the front of the vacuum nozzle away from the surface to be cleaned,

[0013] - a rear sealing element located at the rear of the suction inlet and extending transversely, and for example perpendicularly, to a median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, the rear sealing element protruding from the underside of the soleplate and comprising a deformable part configured to cooperate with the surface to be cleaned, and

[0014] - two rear wheels located at the rear of the rear sealing element and intended to roll over a surface to be cleaned, the two rear wheels being mounted to rotate freely around a wheel axle which extends transversely, and for example perpendicularly, to the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle,

[0015] the rear sealing element delimiting at least in part two lateral passages which are fluidly connected to the suction mouth and which are located on either side of the rear sealing element.

[0016] In other words, each of the side passages is at least partly delimited by a respective external edge of the rear sealing element.

[0017] Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the present invention, and in particular the presence of the front sliding surface, makes it possible to guide debris, such as grains of rice or lentils, encountered by the sole during a forward movement of the vacuum cleaner nozzle towards the suction inlet. If large debris is not drawn into the suction inlet, it is then blocked by the rear sealing element and will be drawn in during a subsequent backward movement of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0018] Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the present invention, and in particular the specific configuration of the rear sealing element, allows the waste encountered by the sole, during a movement towards the rear of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, to be sucked up by the suction mouth via the lateral passages provided on each side of the rear sealing element, and this by limiting the impact on the seals in particular the rear seal, between the sole and the surface to be cleaned.

[0019] These provisions therefore give increased suction performance to the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the present invention both in forward and reverse motion, regardless of the type of floor to be cleaned.

[0020] The vacuum cleaner nozzle may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the deformable part is elastically deformable or is flexible.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner nozzle is configured such that, when the vacuum cleaner nozzle rests on a smooth floor, the rear sealing element is in contact with said smooth floor.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear sealing element is configured to deform elastically, and for example to flex, upon contact with a surface to be cleaned when the vacuum cleaner nozzle is moved over said surface to be cleaned.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two rear wheels are located at the rear of a rear edge of the sole.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the side passages have a cumulative width, measured along a measurement direction extending perpendicularly to the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum nozzle, which represents at least 25% of the length of the suction opening, measured along the measurement direction, and at most 60% of said length of the suction opening, and for example, at most 50% of said length of the suction opening. Such a configuration of the side passages ensures, when the vacuum nozzle is moved backward, optimal passage of waste towards the suction opening, limiting the impact on the seals, particularly the rear seal, between the suction opening and the surface to be cleaned.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear sealing element is located at least partially opposite, that is, facing, the tread of each of the rear wheels. Thus, any debris that is not drawn into the suction nozzle during forward movement of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, and which would theoretically be in the path of the rear wheels, is blocked by the rear sealing element and is therefore not likely to be crushed by the rear wheels. Consequently, the specific configuration of the rear sealing element limits the risk of the rear wheels becoming clogged.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear sealing element extends opposite at least 50% of the width of the rolling surface of each of the rear wheels, and for example opposite the entire width of the rolling surface of each of the rear wheels.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the rear wheels has a median longitudinal plane which is secant with the rear sealing element.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear sealing element comprises a first end portion extending laterally beyond the outer face of one of the two rear wheels, and for example beyond a first plane containing the outer face of one of the two rear wheels, and a second end portion opposite the first end portion extending beyond the outer face of the other of the two rear wheels, and for example beyond a second plane containing the outer face of the other of the two rear wheels. In other words, the outer edges of the rear sealing element are located respectively beyond the outer faces of the rear wheels. These arrangements further limit the risk of the rear wheels becoming soiled.

[0030] In this document, "external face of a rear wheel" is defined as a face intended to be oriented towards the outside of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, namely opposite a median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two side passages are offset laterally with respect to the two rear wheels.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear sealing element has a length, measured along a measurement direction extending perpendicularly to the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, which is greater than the distance between the two rear wheels, and for example greater than the distance between the median longitudinal planes of the two rear wheels.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear sealing element has a length, measured along a measurement direction extending perpendicularly to the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum nozzle, which is less than the length, measured along the measurement direction, of the suction mouth.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear sealing element is devoid of a passage opening located opposite the rear wheels. These arrangements further limit the risk of the rear wheels becoming soiled.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front sliding surface is configured to guide waste, such as grains of rice or lentils, encountered by the sole during a forward movement of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, towards the suction mouth.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front sliding surface has a front edge and a rear edge which are offset from each other along a main direction of movement of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, the front edge of the front sliding surface being raised relative to the rear edge of the front sliding surface when the vacuum cleaner nozzle rests on a horizontal surface.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front sliding surface is convex and is curved from the rear edge of the front sliding surface towards the front edge of the front sliding surface.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front sliding surface extends from the front edge of the suction opening. Thus, the rear edge of the front sliding surface is formed by the front edge of the suction opening.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the junction between the rear edge of the front sliding surface and the front edge of the suction mouth forms a front scraping edge.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front sliding surface extends to a front edge of the sole.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the underside of the sole comprises a rear sliding surface located at the rear of the suction opening. Advantageously, the rear sliding surface extends from the rear edge of the suction opening.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear sliding surface is flat and is inclined backwards and upwards.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear sliding surface is inclined with respect to the horizontal at an angle of inclination between 6 and 30° when the vacuum cleaner nozzle rests on a horizontal surface.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear sliding surface extends over the entire length of the suction opening, and for example from the first lateral edge of the sole to the second lateral edge of the sole.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear sealing element is disposed on the rear sliding surface or at the rear of said rear sliding surface.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing element extends continuously or discontinuously between its two opposite ends.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear sealing element has a height between 5 and 10 mm.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear sealing element comprises a fixing part, for example rigid, fixed, for example removably, to the sole, the deformable part extending from the fixing part.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the deformable part is formed by a plurality of hairs or by woven or non-woven fibers entangled or configured in a tuft.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing part is fixed, for example in a removable manner, in a fixing groove provided on the underside of the sole.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear sealing element is a rear brush, and in particular a rear bristle brush.

[0052] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the bristles of the rear brush are configured to interact with a surface to be cleaned when the vacuum cleaner nozzle is moved over said surface to be cleaned.

[0053] According to another embodiment of the invention, the rear sealing element is a flexible strip formed from a flexible material.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear sealing element and the rear edge of the suction nozzle are spaced from each other by a distance of between 5 mm and 20 mm, and advantageously between 5 mm and 15 mm, and for example by approximately 9 mm. Such an arrangement of the rear sealing element ensures efficient suction of debris encountered by the soleplate during rearward movement of the vacuum nozzle, while preventing certain debris, such as grains of rice, from becoming trapped between the rear edge of the suction nozzle and the rear sealing element.Indeed, positioning the rear sealing element too close to the rear edge of the suction opening could cause an excessive lifting of a rear part of the sole, thus impairing the suction performance of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, and positioning the rear sealing element too far from the rear edge of the suction opening could cause a . certain debris getting stuck between the rear edge of the suction inlet and the rear sealing element.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two lateral passages are arranged symmetrically with respect to the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum nozzle. Such an arrangement of the two lateral passages limits turbulence, and therefore pressure losses, within the suction opening.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear sealing element generally has a V-shaped form having an apex oriented towards the rear of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear sealing element comprises a first branch which is elongated and which extends along a first direction of extension, and a second branch which is elongated and which extends along a second direction of extension.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second extension directions are inclined relative to each other at an angle of inclination between 156° and 175°.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second extension directions is inclined relative to the extension direction of the suction mouth by an angle of inclination less than 15°, and for example less than 12°, and advantageously between 5° and 12°.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second branches are distinct and spaced apart from each other, the internal edges of the first and second branches delimiting at least in part a central passage fluidly connected to the suction mouth.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear sealing element extends along the rear edge of the suction mouth.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first end of the rear sealing member is located at a distance from a first lateral edge of the sole, and the second end of the rear sealing member is located at a distance from a second lateral edge of the sole.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear sealing element is rectilinear.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing element is fixed relative to the suction body.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction mouth is elongated and extends in an extension direction.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the extension direction is substantially perpendicular to the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear sealing element extends substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the suction mouth.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, the front and rear edges of the front sliding surface are substantially parallel to each other. Advantageously, the front and rear edges of the front sliding surface extend substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the suction opening.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear sealing element has a lower face which is inclined upwards and backwards when the vacuum cleaner nozzle rests on a horizontal surface.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner nozzle comprises a connecting sleeve to which a vacuum cleaner suction tube is intended to be attached, the connecting sleeve being fluidly connected to the suction mouth.

[0071] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the rear sealing element delimits a single first lateral passage and a single second lateral passage.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sole delimits a suction chamber fluidly connected to the suction mouth, the vacuum cleaner nozzle comprising a rotating cleaning brush housed in the suction chamber and mounted to rotate mobilitiously around a brush rotation axis.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, the two rear wheels are arranged on either side of the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0074] The present invention further relates to a vacuum cleaner, such as a canister vacuum cleaner, comprising a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the present invention. Brief description of the figures

[0075] The objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description of several embodiments of the invention presented by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0076] Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0077] Fig. 2 is a top perspective view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of Fig. 1;

[0078] Figure 2 is a partial top perspective view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle. [Fig.l];

[0079] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of Fig. 1 along a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to a median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle;

[0080] Fig. 4 is a view from below of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of Fig. 1;

[0081] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of Fig. 1 along a cross-sectional plane coinciding with the median longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle;

[0082] Fig. 6 is a perspective view from below of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of Fig. 1. Detailed description

[0083] Only the elements necessary for understanding the invention are shown. To facilitate reading the drawings, the same elements bear the same reference numerals from one figure to another.

[0084] It should be noted that in this document, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "lower" and "upper" used to describe the vacuum cleaner nozzle or the main body refer to the vacuum cleaner nozzle in use when it rests on its wheels on a flat and horizontal floor to be cleaned.

[0085] It should be noted that, in the present document, the term "extends transversely" means "extends across", and includes in particular the formulations "extends obliquely to" and "extends perpendicularly to".

[0086] In this document, the terms "front" and "rear" are defined with respect to a main direction of movement of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

[0087] In this document, "median longitudinal plane" means a vertical plane which divides the component to which it refers (for example, the vacuum cleaner nozzle or a rear wheel) into a left part and a right part.

[0088] In this document, the term "sealing element" refers to any element, such as a bristle brush, a flexible material strip, or a flexible blade, which, when the vacuum cleaner nozzle passes over a floor to be cleaned, makes contact with the floor to improve the seal between the nozzle and the floor and to facilitate floor cleaning. The bristle brush may be made with flexible bristles fixed at one end and free at the other. The flexible material strip may be made partly of woven or non-woven fibers that are entangled or arranged in a tuft. The flexible blade may, for example, be made of an elastomeric material.

[0089] Figures 1 to 6 show a vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 comprising a connecting sleeve 3 to which a suction tube, for example rigid or flexible, is intended to be connected, the tube itself being connected to a vacuum cleaner suction system (not shown). Various types of vacuum cleaners already exist on the market and can be used with the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 according to the invention; these types being known to those skilled in the art, they are not detailed in this patent application.

[0090] The vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 comprises a main body 4 configured to be moved over a surface to be cleaned. The connecting sleeve 3 is advantageously mounted in a pivot joint relative to the main body 4 so as to allow pivoting of the connecting sleeve 3 forwards and backwards when moving the vacuum nozzle 2 along a main direction of movement Dl.

[0091] The main body 4 includes a sole 5 having a lower face 6 configured to be oriented towards the surface to be cleaned, and a suction mouth 7 opening onto the lower face 6 of the sole 5. The suction mouth 7 may, for example, have an elongated shape and extend along an extension direction D2 which is perpendicular to the main direction of movement Dl of the vacuum nozzle 2, and therefore to the median longitudinal plane P of the vacuum nozzle 2.

[0092] The main body 4 further comprises a suction chamber 8 which opens into the lower face 6 of the sole 5 via the suction inlet 7, and which is fluidly connected to the connecting sleeve 3 by means, in particular, of a suction conduit 9, which may, for example, be formed at least in part by a flexible connecting conduit. Advantageously, the suction conduit 9 opens into a rear portion of the suction chamber 8.

[0093] The vacuum nozzle 2 also includes a rotating cleaning brush 11 mounted movably in rotation in the suction chamber 8 around a brush rotation axis which extends substantially parallel to the extension direction D2 of the suction mouth 7.

[0094] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the rotating cleaning brush 11 comprises several rows of bristles 12, for example two rows of bristles, and several cleaning strips 13, for example two cleaning strips, which are elastically deformable or rigid. Advantageously, the rows of bristles 12 and the cleaning strips 13 alternate around the periphery of the rotating cleaning brush 11. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the rotating cleaning brush 11 could, however, comprise a single row of bristles 12 and a single cleaning strip 13, or even be devoid of a row of bristles 12 or a cleaning strip 13.

[0095] The vacuum nozzle 2 also includes a rotating drive device 14 (see [Fig.3]) configured to rotate the rotating cleaning brush 11 around the brush rotation axis and at a rotation speed, for example, between 2000 and 8000 rpm.

[0096] The rotational drive device 14 more particularly includes a drive motor 15, preferably electric, coupled in rotation to the rotating cleaning brush 11. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the drive motor 15 includes an output shaft which is substantially collinear with the axis of rotation of the brush, and the drive motor 15 is housed in the rotating cleaning brush 11.

[0097] In one embodiment of the invention, the drive motor 15 could be disposed in the vacuum nozzle 2 outside the rotating cleaning brush 11. According to this embodiment, the output shaft of the drive motor 15 could be coupled to the rotating cleaning brush 11, for example, by a gear chain or by a belt which is, for example, of the toothed type.

[0098] As shown more particularly in [Fig. 6], the lower face 6 of the sole 5 comprises a front sliding surface 16 which is located at the front of the suction mouth 7, and a rear sliding surface 17 which is located at the rear of the suction mouth 7. Advantageously, the front sliding surface 16 extends from a front edge 7.1 of the suction mouth 7 towards a front edge of the sole 5 (and for example to the front edge of the sole 5), and the rear sliding surface 17 extends from a rear edge 7.2 of the suction mouth 7 towards a rear edge of the sole 5.

[0099] The front sliding surface 16 is more particularly configured to guide towards the suction mouth 7 waste, such as grains of rice or lentils, encountered by the sole 5 during a forward movement of the vacuum nozzle 2, while the rear sliding surface 17 is more particularly configured to guide towards the suction mouth 7 waste, such as grains of rice or lentils, encountered by the sole 5 during a rear movement of the vacuum nozzle 2.

[0100] Advantageously, the front sliding surface 16 extends substantially along the entire length of the suction inlet 7, and for example from a first lateral edge of the sole 5 to a second lateral edge of the sole 5 opposite the first lateral edge. Similarly, the rear sliding surface 17 extends substantially along the entire length of the suction inlet 7, and for example from the first lateral edge of the sole 5 to the second lateral edge of the sole 5.

[0101] According to the embodiment of the invention, the rear sliding surface 17 is flat and inclined with respect to the horizontal at an angle of inclination of, for example, between 6 and 30° when the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 rests on a horizontal surface. The rear sliding surface 17 is more particularly inclined backwards and upwards.

[0102] The vacuum nozzle 2 is configured such that, when the sole 5 rests on a surface to be cleaned, the front sliding surface 16 extends towards the front of the vacuum nozzle 2 away from the surface to be cleaned.

[0103] The front sliding surface 16 more particularly has a front edge 16.1 and a rear edge 16.2 which are parallel to each other and extend parallel to the extension direction D2 of the suction opening 7. Advantageously, the rear edge 16.2 of the front sliding surface 16 is formed by the front edge 7.1 of the suction mouth 7, and the junction between the rear edge of the front sliding surface 16 and the front edge 7.1 of the suction mouth 7 forms a front scraping edge.

[0104] The front and rear edges 16.1, 16.2 of the front sliding surface 16 are offset from each other, according to the main direction of movement DI of the vacuum nozzle 2, by a separation distance for example between 15 mm and 40 mm.

[0105] In addition, the front edge 16.1 of the front sliding surface 16 is raised relative to the rear edge 16.2 of the front sliding surface 16 when the vacuum nozzle 2 rests on a horizontal surface, and the front and rear edges 16.1, 16.2 of the front sliding surface 16 are vertically offset from each other by an offset distance, for example, greater than 3 mm and advantageously less than or equal to 10 mm.

[0106] Advantageously, the vacuum nozzle 2 is configured such that, when the vacuum nozzle 2 rests on a horizontal surface, the rear edge 16.2 of the front sliding surface 16 is located at a predetermined distance from said horizontal surface which is between 0.5 and 2 mm.

[0107] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the front sliding surface 16 is convex and is curved from the rear edge 16.2 of the front sliding surface 16 and towards the front edge 16.1 of the front sliding surface 16. The front sliding surface 16 has, for example, a radius of curvature between 30 and 120 mm.

[0108] The vacuum nozzle 2 also includes two rear wheels 18 located at the rear of a rear edge of the sole 5 and intended to roll on a surface to be cleaned. The two rear wheels 18 are arranged, preferably symmetrically, on either side of the median longitudinal plane P of the vacuum nozzle 2.

[0109] The two rear wheels 18 are more particularly mounted to rotate freely on the main body 4 around a wheel axle which extends transversely, and for example perpendicularly, to the median longitudinal plane P of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2.

[0110] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the vacuum nozzle 2 has additional wheels 19 mounted freely to rotate relative to the main body 4, and for example two additional wheels 19 arranged at the front of the suction mouth 7. Advantageously, the rear wheels 18 and the additional wheels 19 ensure a minimum play between the floor on which the suction nozzle 2 rests and the rear edge 16.2 of the front sliding surface 16 which is advantageously between 0.5 and 2 mm.

[0111] The vacuum nozzle 2 further comprises a rear sealing element 21 located at the rear of the suction mouth 7 and extending transversely, and for example perpendicularly, to the median longitudinal plane P of the vacuum nozzle 2.

[0112] The rear sealing element 21 is configured to be in contact with a surface to be cleaned when the soleplate 5 rests on said surface to be cleaned. Advantageously, the rear sealing element 21 is configured to deform elastically, and for example to flex, upon contact with a surface to be cleaned when the vacuum nozzle 2 is moved over said surface to be cleaned.

[0113] The rear sealing element 21 protrudes more particularly from the lower face 6 of the sole 5 by a distance greater than 1 mm, and for example greater than or equal to 2 mm.

[0114] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the rear sealing element 21 is straight and extends continuously between its two opposite ends. Advantageously, the rear sealing element 21 extends along the rear edge 7.2 of the suction opening 7 and parallel to the extension direction D2 of the suction opening 7.

[0115] The rear sealing element 21 and the rear edge 7.2 of the suction mouth 7 can, for example, be spaced from each other by a distance of between 5 mm and 15 mm, and for example by about 9 mm.

[0116] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the rear sealing member 21 is disposed on the rear sliding surface 17. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the rear sealing member 21 could be located at the rear of the rear sliding surface 17.

[0117] The rear sealing element 21 comprises a fixing part 22, for example rigid, fixed to the base 5, and a deformable part 23 which extends from the fixing part 22. The fixing part 22 can for example be fixed, possibly removably, in a fixing groove provided on the lower face 6 of the base 5.

[0118] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the deformable portion 23 is formed by a plurality of bristles or tufts of bristles, and the rear sealing member 21 thus forms a rear brush suitable for scrubbing the floor. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the rear sealing member 21 could be a flexible strip formed from a flexible material, such as an elastomer.

[0119] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the rear sealing member 21 has a lower face that is inclined upwards and backwards when the vacuum nozzle 2 rests on a horizontal surface. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the lower face of the rear sealing member 21 could extend substantially horizontally when the vacuum nozzle 2 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0120] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the rear sealing element 21 is located at least partly opposite, i.e. facing, the rolling surface 24 of each of the rear wheels 18. Advantageously, each of the rear wheels 18 has a median longitudinal plane PI which is intersecting with the rear sealing element 21.

[0121] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the rear sealing member 21 comprises a first end portion 21.1 which extends laterally beyond the outer face 25 of one of the two rear wheels 18, and for example beyond a first plane containing the outer face 25 of one of the two rear wheels 18, and a second end portion 21.2 which is opposite the first end portion 21.1 and which extends beyond the outer face 25 of the other of the two rear wheels, and for example beyond a second plane containing the outer face 25 of the other of the two rear wheels 18. In other words, the outer edges of the rear sealing member 21 are located laterally respectively beyond the outer faces of the rear wheels 18.

[0122] The rear sealing element 21 has a length, measured along a measurement direction extending perpendicularly to the median longitudinal plane P of the vacuum nozzle 2, which is greater than the distance between the two rear wheels 18, and for example greater than the distance between the median longitudinal planes PI of the two rear wheels 18, and which is less than the length, measured along the measurement direction, of the suction mouth 7.

[0123] As shown in [Fig. 6], the rear sealing element 21 delimits at least in part two lateral passages 26 which are fluidly connected to the suction mouth 7 and which are located on either side of the rear sealing element 21. Advantageously, the two lateral passages 26 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the median longitudinal plane P of the vacuum nozzle 2. The two lateral passages 26 are more particularly offset laterally, outwards, with respect to the two rear wheels 18.

[0124] Advantageously, the side passages 26 have a cumulative width, measured along a measurement direction extending perpendicularly to the median longitudinal plane P of the vacuum nozzle 2, which represents at least 25% of the length of the suction mouth 7, measured along the measurement direction, and at most 60% of said length of the suction mouth 7, and for example at most 50% of said length of the suction mouth 7.

[0125] The specific configuration of the rear sealing element 21, and in particular the presence of the two lateral passages 26, allows the debris encountered by the sole 5, during a rearward movement of the vacuum nozzle 2, to be sucked up by the suction mouth 7 via the lateral passages 26 provided on each side of the rear sealing element 21, and this while limiting the impact on the seals, in particular the rear seal, between the sole 5 and the surface to be cleaned.

[0126] According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the rear sealing member 21 could extend discontinuously between its two opposite ends.

[0127] According to another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the rear sealing member 21 could have an overall V-shaped form having an apex oriented towards the rear of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2.

[0128] According to such an embodiment of the invention, the rear sealing element 21 comprises a first arm which is elongated and extends along a first direction of extension, and a second arm which is elongated and extends along a second direction of extension. The first and second directions of extension are more particularly inclined relative to each other at an angle of inclination, for example, between 156° and 175°.

[0129] Each of the first and second extension directions can, for example, be inclined relative to the extension direction D2 of the suction mouth 7 by an angle of inclination less than 12°, and advantageously between 5° and 12°.

[0130] The first and second branches could, for example, be distinct and spaced apart from each other, so as to delimit at least in part a central passage fluidly connected to the suction mouth.

[0131] Of course, the invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which have been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) comprising: - a soleplate (5) having a lower face (6) configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned, and a suction nozzle (7) opening into the lower face (6) of the soleplate (5), the lower face (6) of the soleplate (5) comprising a front sliding surface (16) located in front of the suction nozzle (7), the vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) being configured such that, when the soleplate (5) rests on a surface to be cleaned, the front sliding surface (16) extends towards the front of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) away from the surface to be cleaned, - a rear sealing member (21) located at the rear of the suction nozzle (7) and extending transversely to a median longitudinal plane (P) of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (2),the rear sealing element (21) projecting from the underside (6) of the sole (5) and comprising a deformable portion (23) which is configured to cooperate with the surface to be cleaned, and - two rear wheels (18) located at the rear of the rear sealing element (21) and intended to roll on a surface to be cleaned, the two rear wheels (18) being mounted to rotate freely about a wheel axle which extends transversely to the median longitudinal plane (P) of the vacuum nozzle (2), the rear sealing element (21) delimiting at least in part two lateral passages (26) which are fluidly connected to the suction nozzle (7) and which are located on either side of the rear sealing element (21).

2. Vacuum nozzle (2) according to claim 1, wherein the side passages (26) have a cumulative width, measured along a measurement direction extending perpendicularly to the median longitudinal plane (P) of the vacuum nozzle (2), which represents at least 25% of the length of the suction mouth (7), measured along the measurement direction, and at most 60% of said length of the suction mouth (7).

3. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rear sealing member (21) is located at least partly opposite the rolling surface of each of the rear wheels (18).

4. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the rear wheels (18) has a median longitudinal plane that is secant with the rear sealing member (21).

5. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the rear sealing member (21) comprises a first end portion (21.1) which extends laterally beyond the outer face (25) of one of the two rear wheels (18), and a second end portion (21.2) which is opposite the first end portion (21.1) and which extends beyond the outer face (25) of the other of the two rear wheels (18).

6. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the two side passages (26) are offset laterally with respect to the two rear wheels (18).

7. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rear sealing member (21) has a length, measured along a measurement direction extending perpendicularly to the median longitudinal plane (P) of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (2), which is greater than the distance between the two rear wheels (18).

8. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the rear sealing member (21) has a length, measured along a measurement direction extending perpendicularly to the median longitudinal plane (P) of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (2), which is less than the length, measured along the measurement direction, of the suction mouth (7).

9. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the underside (6) of the sole (5) has a rear sliding surface (17) located at the rear of the suction mouth (7).

10. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 9, wherein the rear sealing member (21) is disposed on the rear sliding surface (17) or at the rear of said rear sliding surface (17).

11. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the rear sealing member (21) is a rear brush.

12. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the rear sealing member (21) and the rear edge

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18. (7.2) of the suction mouth (7) are spaced from each other by a distance of between 5 mm and 20 mm. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the two lateral passages (26) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the median longitudinal plane (P) of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (2). Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the rear sealing member (21) is straight. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the suction mouth (7) is elongated and extends along an extension direction (D2). Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 15, wherein the rear sealing member (21) extends substantially parallel to the extension direction (D2) of the suction mouth (7). Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the sole (5) delimits a suction chamber (8) fluidly connected to the suction mouth (7), the vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) comprising a rotating cleaning brush (11) housed in the suction chamber (8) and mounted to rotate movably around a brush rotation axis. Vacuum cleaner comprising a vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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