Vacuum Cleaner Conduit Equipped With a Hinge Device

Abstract

The vacuum cleaner conduit includes first and second rigid conduit parts; a hinge device configured to allow a pivoting of the first and second rigid conduit parts between unfolded and folded configurations; a locking member configured to lock the first and second rigid conduit parts in the unfolded configuration, the locking member being movably mounted between locking and release positions; and an unlocking button slidably mounted between a rest position and an unlocking position, and configured to displace the locking member into the release position. The unlocking button and the hinge device are located on the same side of the vacuum cleaner conduit which is substantially diametrically opposite to the side of the vacuum cleaner conduit where the locking member is located.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention concerns the field of vacuum cleaner conduits, and in particular to upright vacuum cleaners equipped with such vacuum cleaner conduits.

STATE OF THE ART

An upright vacuum cleaner comprises, in known manner, a vacuum cleaner body equipped with a suction unit and a handling interface, a nozzle configured to be in contact with a floor to be cleaned, and a vacuum cleaner conduit fluidically and mechanically connecting the vacuum body to the nozzle and defining an air flow passage.

In order to facilitate the storage of the upright vacuum cleaner or a cleaning with the upright vacuum cleaner under furniture, the vacuum cleaner conduit advantageously comprises:

• • a first rigid conduit part and a second rigid conduit part,
  • a hinge device connecting the first and second rigid parts together and configured to allow a pivoting of the first rigid conduit part relative to the second rigid conduit part about a hinge axis and between an unfolded configuration in which the first and second rigid conduit parts are substantially aligned with each other and a folded configuration in which the first and second rigid conduit parts define between them an angle less than 180°,
  • a locking member configured to lock the first and second rigid conduit parts in the unfolded configuration, the locking member being movably mounted on one of the first and second rigid conduit parts between a locking position in which the locking member is configured to cooperate with the other of the first and second rigid conduit parts so as to lock the first and second rigid conduit parts 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 parts so as to allow a pivoting of the first and second rigid conduit parts in the folded configuration, and
  • an unlocking button movably mounted between a rest position and an unlocking position, the vacuum cleaner conduit being configured such that a displacement of the unlocking button from the rest position to the unlocking position causes a displacement of the locking member from the locking position to the release position.

The document EP3656268 describes a vacuum cleaner conduit in which the unlocking button and the locking member are located on the same side of the vacuum cleaner conduit which is diametrically opposite to the side of the vacuum cleaner conduit where the hinge device is located.

Therefore, in order to be able to displace the first and second rigid conduit parts in the folded configuration, it is necessary on the one hand to exert a pressure on the unlocking button which is oriented in a first direction, and more particularly upwards, and on the other hand to exert a pressure on one of the first and second rigid conduit parts which is oriented in a second direction, and more particularly downwards, which is opposite to the first direction. However, such handling can prove complex for some users. In addition, the unlocking button being located opposite the hinge device, and therefore in a lower part of the vacuum cleaner conduit, the accessibility to the unlocking button may also prove difficult for certain users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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

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

To this end, the present invention concerns a vacuum cleaner conduit defining an air flow passage and comprising:

• • a first rigid conduit part and a second rigid conduit part,
  • a hinge device connecting the first and second rigid conduit parts together, the hinge device including a hinge axis and being configured to allow a pivoting of the first rigid conduit part relative to the second rigid conduit part about the hinge axis and between an unfolded configuration in which the first and second rigid conduit parts are substantially aligned with each other and a folded configuration in which the first and second rigid conduit parts define between them an angle less than 180°,
  • a locking member configured to lock the first and second rigid conduit parts in the unfolded configuration, the locking member and the hinge device being substantially diametrically opposed relative to a central longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner conduit in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid conduit parts, the locking member being movably mounted on one of the first and second rigid conduit parts between a locking position in which the locking member is configured to cooperate with the other of first and second rigid conduit parts so as to lock the first and second rigid conduit parts 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 parts so as to allow a pivoting of the first and second rigid conduit parts in the folded configuration, and
  • an unlocking button movably mounted between a rest position and an unlocking position, the vacuum cleaner conduit being configured such that a displacement of the unlocking button from the rest position to the unlocking position results in a displacement of the locking member from the locking position to the release position,
  • The unlocking button is slidably mounted in a sliding direction and between the rest position and the unlocking position, and the unlocking button and the locking member are substantially diametrically opposed relative to the central longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner conduit in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid conduit parts.

In other words, the unlocking button and the hinge device are located on the same side of the vacuum cleaner conduit which is substantially diametrically opposite to the side of the vacuum cleaner conduit where the locking member is located.

Such positioning of the unlocking button and the locking member relative to the hinge device allows a user to easily displace the first and second rigid conduit parts in the unfolded configuration, simply by exerting a pressure on the unlocking button, which is located on the side of the hinge device, and by exerting, on at least one of the first and second rigid conduit parts, a bearing force which is oriented in the same direction as the pressure exerted on the unlocking button. Such an arrangement of the unlocking button therefore gives increased ergonomics to the vacuum cleaner conduit according to the present invention.

Furthermore, the fact that the unlocking button and the hinge device are located on the same side of the vacuum cleaner conduit allows a user to be able to view, and therefore operate, the unlocking button more easily.

Additionally, the sliding mounting of the release button provides a simpler, less bulky solution than with an unlocking button mounted on a pivot.

Indeed, with an unlocking button mounted on a pivot and located opposite the locking member, it is necessary to provide complex return means, such as links or hinged bars, to transmit a movement from the unlocking button to the locking member.

Furthermore, the sliding mounting of the unlocking button makes it possible to reduce the longitudinal bulk of the hinge area of the vacuum cleaner conduit.

The vacuum cleaner conduit may further have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the sliding direction extends substantially perpendicular to the hinge axis. Such a configuration of the unlocking button makes it possible to further simplify the design of the vacuum cleaner conduit according to the present invention, and to further reduce the bulk of the latter.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the sliding direction extends substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner conduit in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid conduit parts.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the unlocking button is located near the hinge axis. Advantageously, the unlocking button is placed less than 5 cm from the hinge axis.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the hinge device is located in an upper part of a connection area connecting the first and second rigid conduit parts.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the hinge device is configured to be located above a portion of the air flow passage which extends close to the hinge device, when the conduit vacuum cleaner is under normal conditions of use. In other words, the hinge 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.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the hinge device is configured such that the hinge axis is offset laterally relative to the first and second rigid conduit parts. In other words, the hinge device is configured such that the hinge axis does not intersect with the first and second rigid conduit parts.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the hinge device includes a first hinge part fixed to an outer surface of the first rigid conduit part, and a second hinge part fixed to an outer surface of the second rigid conduit part.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the unlocking button is configured to be displaced into the unlocking position when a user exerts a bearing force on the unlocking button which is oriented towards the inside of the vacuum cleaner conduit.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the locking member is pivotally mounted, for example on the second rigid conduit part, about a pivot axis which is substantially parallel to the hinge axis.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the locking member could be elastically deformable between the locking and release positions.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner conduit further includes a transmission member, also called a return member or movement transmission member, configured to transmit a movement of the unlocking button to the locking member, the transmission member being configured such that a displacement of the unlocking button from the rest position to the unlocking position causes a displacement of the locking member from the locking position to the release position.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the transmission member is mechanically connected to the unlocking button.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the transmission member is secured in movement to the unlocking button.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the transmission member is slidably mounted on one of the first and second rigid conduit parts, and for example on the first rigid conduit part.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the transmission member is housed in one of the first and second rigid conduit parts. Such an arrangement of the transmission member makes it possible to dispense with covering elements, such as hoods or covers, to hide the return means, which further reduces the bulk of the vacuum cleaner conduit according to the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the transmission member is configured to push the locking member towards the release position when the unlocking button is displaced to the unlocking position.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the transmission member is a transmission ring. The transmission ring can for example be closed or split. The use of a split transmission ring makes it possible to simplify the mounting of the vacuum cleaner conduit according to the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first rigid conduit part is configured to be fluidically connected to a vacuum cleaner body equipped with a suction unit, and the second rigid conduit part is configured to be fluidically connected to a nozzle configured to be in contact with a floor to be cleaned.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner conduit includes a flexible conduit connecting the first and second rigid conduit parts and defining at least partially the air flow passage.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the hinge device is configured to be located above the flexible conduit when the vacuum cleaner conduit is in normal conditions of use. Advantageously, the hinge axis does not intersect with the flexible conduit.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first rigid conduit part includes a first mounting portion which is tubular and the second rigid conduit part includes a second mounting portion which is tubular, the first and second mounting portions delimiting an inner housing in which the flexible conduit is mounted.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first mounting portion includes a first insertion opening and the second mounting portion includes a second insertion opening which is configured to be located opposite the first insertion opening when the first and second rigid conduit parts occupy the unfolded configuration.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the transmission member extends at least partly about the flexible conduit. Such a configuration of the transmission member makes it possible to significantly reduce the lateral bulk of the vacuum cleaner conduit, in particular at the level of the hinge area of the latter.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the flexible conduit includes a first end ring which is fixed, for example by clipping, to the first rigid conduit part, and a second end ring which is fixed, for example by clipping, to the second rigid conduit part.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first end ring is housed in and is fixed to the first mounting portion, and the second end ring is housed in and is fixed to the second mounting portion.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the transmission member is housed at least partly in the inner housing.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner conduit includes two electric wires, each of the electric wires including a first wire part, a second wire part and an intermediate part which is located between the first and second parts of respective wires, the intermediate parts of the electrical wires extending in at least one wire guiding passage delimited by the flexible conduit. Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner conduit makes it possible to eliminate the tension and pinching forces in each electrical wire when folding the vacuum cleaner conduit. Thus, when the vacuum cleaner conduit according to the present invention equips an upright vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner conduit guarantees electrical conductivity between a vacuum cleaner body and a nozzle belonging to the upright vacuum cleaner throughout the life of the latter. Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner conduit also makes it possible to simplify the assembly of the vacuum cleaner conduit.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one wire guide passage extends helically about an inner flow passage delimited by the flexible conduit.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the flexible conduit includes a tubular part delimiting the inner flow passage, the at least one wire guide passage extending helically about an outer surface of the tubular part.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one wire guide passage includes a first wire guide passage and a second wire guide passage in which the intermediate parts of the two electric wires respectively extend.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner conduit includes a first suction tube fluidically and mechanically connected to the first rigid conduit part, and a second suction tube fluidically and mechanically connected to the second rigid conduit part.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first rigid conduit part includes a first connection portion fluidically and mechanically connected to the first suction tube, and the second rigid conduit part includes a second connection portion fluidically and mechanically connected to the second suction tube.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second connection portions is tubular.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first suction tube is configured to be fluidically and mechanically connected to the vacuum cleaner body, and the second suction tube is configured to be fluidically and mechanically connected to the nozzle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first connection portion, the second connection portion, the first and second suction tubes and the flexible conduit define the air flow passage.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first suction tube includes a first longitudinal receiving passage extending along the first suction tube, and the second suction tube includes a second longitudinal receiving passage extending along the second suction tube, the first wire parts of the two electric wires extending at least partially into the first longitudinal receiving passage and the second wire parts of the two electric wires extending at least partially into the second longitudinal receiving passage.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first end ring includes a first wire passage configured to be located opposite the first longitudinal receiving passage, and the second end ring comprises a second wire passage configured to be located opposite the second longitudinal receiving passage, the first wire parts of the two electric wires extending at least partially in the first wire passage and the second wire parts of the two electric wires extending at least partially in the second wire passage.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner conduit includes two electrical contacts which are each electrically connected to the first wire part of a respective electric wire, and which are configured to be electrically connected to the positive and negative terminals of a rechargeable battery housed in the vacuum cleaner body when the first rigid conduit part is fluidically connected to the vacuum cleaner body.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner conduit includes two electrical connectors which are each electrically connected to the second wire part of a respective electrical wire and which are configured to be electrically connected to an electrical device (such as a drive motor configured to rotatably drive a rotating brush provided in the nozzle) belonging to the nozzle when the second rigid conduit part is fluidically connected to the nozzle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the flexible conduit fluidically connects the first and second connection portions.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner conduit includes a biasing element, such as a biasing spring, configured to bias the locking member into the locking position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner conduit includes a biasing member, such as a biasing spring, configured to bias the unlocking button in the rest position.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the unlocking button is movably mounted on the first rigid conduit part.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner conduit includes a locking element provided on the other of the first and second rigid conduit parts, the locking member being movable between the locking position in which the locking member is able to cooperate with the locking element so as to lock the first and second rigid conduit parts in the unfolded configuration, and the release position in which the locking member is able to release the locking element so as to allow a pivoting of the first and second rigid conduit parts in the folded configuration.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the locking member is a locking tab or a locking arm equipped with a locking finger, and the locking element is a locking orifice capable of receiving at least partially the locking finger when the first and second rigid conduit parts are in the unfolded configuration.

The present invention further concerns an upright vacuum cleaner including:

• • a vacuum cleaner body equipped with a suction unit and a handling interface,
  • a nozzle configured to be in contact with a floor to be cleaned, and
  • a vacuum cleaner conduit according to the present invention, the vacuum cleaner conduit mechanically and fluidically connecting the vacuum cleaner body to the nozzle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In any case, the invention will be clearly 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 conduit.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an upright vacuum cleaner according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a vacuum cleaner conduit belonging to the upright vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1, showing the vacuum cleaner conduit in the unfolded configuration.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the vacuum conduit of FIG. 2, showing the vacuum conduit in a folded configuration.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum cleaner conduit of FIG. 2, showing a locking member in the locking position.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum cleaner conduit of FIG. 2, showing the locking member in the release position.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum conduit of FIG. 2, showing the vacuum conduit in a folded configuration.

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the vacuum cleaner conduit of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 to 7 represent an upright vacuum cleaner 2 which includes a vacuum cleaner body 3, a nozzle 4 configured to be in contact with a floor to be cleaned, and a vacuum cleaner conduit 5 fluidically and mechanically connecting the vacuum cleaner body 3 to the nozzle 4.

As shown more particularly in FIG. 1, the vacuum cleaner body 3 includes in particular a suction unit 6 and a handling interface 7. The suction unit 6 can for example include an electric motor fan, a rechargeable battery configured to electrically power the electric motor fan and a waste separation and storage device, and the handling interface 7 can for example include a gripping handle.

The vacuum cleaner conduit 5 comprises a first rigid conduit part 8, a second rigid conduit part 9, and a hinge device 10 connecting the first and second rigid conduit parts 8, 9 to each other.

The hinge device 10 is configured to allow a pivoting of the first rigid conduit part 8 relative to the second rigid conduit part 9 about a hinge axis A and between an unfolded configuration in which the first and second rigid conduit parts 8, 9 are aligned with each other and a folded configuration in which the first and second rigid conduit parts 8, 9 define between them an angle less than 180°.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the hinge device 10 includes a first hinge part 10.1 fixed to an outer surface of the first rigid conduit part 8, and a second hinge part 10.2 fixed to an outer surface of the second rigid conduit part 9. Thus, the hinge device 10 is configured such that the hinge axis A is offset laterally relative to the first and second rigid conduit parts 8, 9. In other terms, the hinge device 10 is configured such that the hinge axis A does not intersect with the first and second rigid conduit parts 8, 9. Advantageously, the hinge device 10 is configured to be oriented upwards, that is to say to face a user, when the vacuum cleaner conduit 5 is in normal conditions of use.

The vacuum cleaner conduit 5 further includes a first suction tube 11 comprising a proximal end portion 11.1 fluidically and mechanically connected to the first rigid conduit part 8, and a distal end portion 11.2 configured to be fluidically and mechanically connected to the vacuum cleaner body 3. The vacuum cleaner conduit 5 also includes a second suction tube 12 comprising a proximal end portion 12.1 fluidically and mechanically connected to the second rigid conduit part 9, and a distal end portion 12.2 configured to be fluidically and mechanically connected to the nozzle 4.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first rigid conduit part 8 includes a first connection portion 13 which is tubular and which is fluidically and mechanically connected to the proximal end portion 11.1 of the first suction tube 11, and the second rigid conduit part 9 includes a second connection portion 14 which is tubular and which is fluidically and mechanically connected to the proximal end portion 12.1 of the second suction tube 12.

As shown more particularly in FIGS. 3 and 6, the vacuum cleaner conduit 5 further includes a flexible conduit 15 delimiting an inner flow passage and connecting the first and second rigid conduit parts 8, 9. The flexible conduit 15 is more particularly configured to fluidically 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 conduit 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.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second rigid conduit parts 8, 9 respectively include first and second mounting portions 16, 17 which are tubular, and the first and second mounting portions 16, 17 delimit an inner housing 18 in which the flexible conduit 15 is mounted. Advantageously, the first mounting portion 16 includes a first insertion opening and the second mounting portion 17 includes a second insertion opening which is configured to be located in view of the first insertion opening when the first and second rigid conduit parts 8, 9 occupy the unfolded configuration.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the flexible conduit 15 includes a first end ring 19 which is fixed, for example by clipping, to the first mounting portion 16, and a second end ring 21 which is fixed, for example by clipping, to the second mounting portion 17.

The vacuum cleaner conduit 5 also includes a locking member 22, such as a locking tab or a locking arm equipped with a locking finger, configured to lock the first and second rigid conduit parts 8, 9 in the unfolded configuration.

The locking member 22 and the hinge device 10 are substantially diametrically opposed relative to a central longitudinal axis B of the vacuum cleaner conduit 5 in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid conduit parts 8, 9.

The locking member 22 is movably mounted, for example on the second rigid conduit part 9, between a locking position (see FIG. 4) in which the locking member 22 is configured to cooperate with a locking element 23, such as a locking orifice capable of receiving at least partially the aforementioned locking finger, provided on the first rigid conduit part 8 so as to lock the first and second rigid parts 8, 9 in the unfolded configuration, and a release position (see FIG. 5) in which the locking member 22 is configured to release the locking element 23 so as to allow a pivoting of the first and second rigid conduit parts 8, 9 in the folded configuration. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking member 22 is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis C which is substantially parallel to the hinge axis A.

The vacuum cleaner conduit 5 further includes a biasing element 24, such as a biasing spring, configured to bias the locking member 22 into the locking position.

The vacuum cleaner conduit 5 further includes an unlocking button 25 configured to cause a displacement of the locking member 22 into the release position. The unlocking button 25 and the locking member 22 are diametrically opposed relative to the central longitudinal axis B of the vacuum cleaner conduit 5 in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid conduit parts 8, 9. Advantageously, the unlocking button 25 is located near the hinge axis A.

The unlocking button 25 is slidably mounted on the first rigid conduit part 8 in a sliding direction D which extends perpendicular to the hinge axis A and between a rest position (see FIG. 4) and an unlocking position (see FIG. 5). Advantageously, the sliding direction D extends perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis B of the vacuum cleaner conduit 5 in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid conduit parts 8, 9.

The vacuum cleaner conduit 5 is more particularly configured such that a displacement of the unlocking button 25 from the rest position to the unlocking position causes a displacement of the locking member 22 from the locking position to the release position. The unlocking button 25 can for example be displaced to the unlocking position by a simple pressure exerted by the user on the unlocking button 25.

Advantageously, the vacuum cleaner conduit 5 includes a biasing member 26, such as a biasing spring, configured to bias the unlocking button 25 in the rest position.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the vacuum cleaner conduit 5 further includes a transmission member 27, also called a return member or movement transmission member, which is movably mounted on the first rigid conduit part 8 and which is configured to transmit a movement from the unlocking button 25 to the locking member 22. Advantageously, the transmission member 27 is mechanically connected to the unlocking button 25, and is more particularly secured in movement to the unlocking button 25. As a result, the transmission member 27 is slidably mounted on the first rigid conduit part 8.

The transmission member 27 is more particularly configured such that a sliding of the unlocking button 25 from the rest position to the unlocking position causes a pivoting of the locking member 22 from the locking position to the release position. Advantageously, the transmission member 27 is configured to push the locking member 22 towards the release position when the unlocking button 25 is displaced to the unlocking position. For this purpose, the transmission member 27 is advantageously provided with a support part 27.1, such as a support finger or a support tab, configured to exert a bearing force against the locking member 22 when the unlocking button 25 is displaced to the unlocking position.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the transmission member 27 is housed at least partly in the inner housing 18, and is formed by a transmission ring which can for example be closed or split and which extends about the flexible conduit 15.

The vacuum cleaner conduit 5 further includes two electric wires 28. Each of the electric wires 28 includes a first wire part 28.1, a second wire part 28.2, and an intermediate part 28.3 which is located between the first and second wire parts 28.1, 28.2 respectively.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first suction tube 11 includes a first longitudinal receiving passage 29 extending along an inner wall of the first suction tube 11, and the second suction tube 12 includes a second longitudinal receiving passage 31 extending along an inner wall of the second suction tube 12. The first wire parts 28.1 of the two electrical wires 28 extend in the first longitudinal receiving passage 29 and the second wire parts 28.2 of the two electric wires 28 extend into the second longitudinal receiving passage 31.

Advantageously, the first end ring 19 includes a first wire passage 32 configured to be located opposite the first longitudinal receiving passage 29, and the second end ring 21 includes a second wire passage 33 configured to be located opposite the second longitudinal receiving passage 31. The first wire parts 28.1 of the two electric wires 28 also extend partly into the first wire passage 32 and the second wire parts 28.2 of the two electric wires 28 extend also partly in the second wire passage 33.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the flexible conduit 15 includes a tubular part 15.1 delimiting the inner flow passage, and also a first wire guide passage 15.2 extending helically about an outer surface of the tubular part 15.1 and a second wire guide passage 15.3 extending helically about the tubular part 15.1. Advantageously, the intermediate parts 28.3 of the two electrical wires 28 extend respectively in the first and second wire passages 15.2, 15.3, and therefore extend helically about the tubular part 15.1.

The vacuum cleaner conduit 5 further includes two electrical contacts (not shown in the figures) which are each electrically connected to the first wire part 28.1 of a respective electric wire 28 and which are configured to be electrically connected to the positive and negative terminals of the rechargeable battery housed in the vacuum cleaner body 3 when the first rigid conduit part 8 is fluidically and mechanically connected to the vacuum cleaner body 3.

The vacuum cleaner conduit 5 further includes two electrical connectors (not shown in the figures) which are each electrically connected to the second wire part 28.2 of a respective electrical wire 28 and which are configured to be electrically connected to an electrical device, such as a drive motor configured to rotatably drive a rotating brush provided in the nozzle 4, belonging to the nozzle 4 when the second rigid conduit part 9 is fluidically and mechanically connected to the nozzle 4.

Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated which has only been given by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly 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. A vacuum cleaner conduit defining an air flow passage and comprising:

a first rigid conduit part and a second rigid conduit part,

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

a locking member configured to lock the first and second rigid conduit parts in the unfolded configuration, the locking member and the hinge device substantially diametrically opposed relative to a central longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner conduit in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid conduit parts, the locking member movably mounted on one of the first and second rigid conduit parts between a locking position in which the locking member is configured to cooperate with the other of the first and second rigid conduit parts so as to lock the first and second rigid conduit parts in the unfolded configuration, and a release position in which the locking member is configured to release the other of the first and second conduit parts rigid so as to allow a pivoting of the first and second rigid conduit parts in the folded configuration, and

an unlocking button movably mounted between a rest position and an unlocking position, the vacuum cleaner conduit configured such that a displacement of the unlocking button from the rest position to the unlocking position causes a displacement of the locking member from the locking position to the release position,

wherein the unlocking button is slidably mounted in a sliding direction and between the rest position and the unlocking position, and wherein the unlocking button and the release member locking are substantially diametrically opposed relative to the central longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner conduit in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid conduit parts.

2. The vacuum cleaner conduit according to claim 1, wherein the sliding direction extends substantially perpendicular to the hinge axis.

3. The vacuum cleaner conduit according to claim 1, wherein the sliding direction extends substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the vacuum conduit in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid conduit parts.

4. The vacuum cleaner conduit according to claim 1, wherein the unlocking button is located near the hinge axis.

5. The vacuum cleaner conduit according to claim 1, wherein the hinge device is configured to be located above a portion of the air flow passage extending near the hinge device, when the vacuum cleaner conduit is in normal conditions of use.

6. The vacuum cleaner conduit according to claim 1, wherein the locking member is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis which is substantially parallel to the hinge axis.

7. The vacuum cleaner conduit according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission member configured to transmit a movement of the unlocking button to the locking member, the transmission member configured such that a movement of the unlocking button from the rest position to the unlocking position causes a displacement of the locking member from the locking position to the release position.

8. The vacuum cleaner conduit according to claim 7, wherein the transmission member is mechanically connected to the unlocking button.

9. The vacuum cleaner conduit according to claim 7, wherein the transmission member is housed in one of the first and second rigid conduit parts.

10. The vacuum cleaner conduit according to claim 1, wherein the first rigid conduit part is configured to be fluidically connected to a vacuum cleaner body equipped with a suction unit, and the second rigid conduit part is configured to be fluidically connected to a nozzle configured to be in contact with a floor to be cleaned.

11. The vacuum cleaner conduit according to claim 1, further comprising a flexible conduit connecting the first and second rigid conduit parts and at least partially defining the air flow passage.

12. The vacuum cleaner conduit according to claim 11, further comprising a transmission member configured to transmit a movement of the unlocking button to the locking member, the transmission member configured such that a movement of the unlocking button from the rest position to the unlocking position causes a displacement of the locking member from the locking position to the release position,

wherein the transmission member extends at least partly about the flexible conduit.

13. The vacuum cleaner conduit according to claim 11, wherein the flexible conduit includes a first end ring fixed to the first rigid conduit part, and a second end ring fixed to the second rigid conduit part.

14. The vacuum cleaner conduit according to claim 11, further comprising first and second electric wires, each of the first and second electric wires including a first wire part, a second wire part and an intermediate part located between the respective first and second wire parts, the intermediate parts of the first and second electric wires extending in at least one wire guide passage delimited by the flexible conduit.

15. The vacuum cleaner conduit according to claim 1, further comprising a first suction tube fluidically and mechanically connected to the first rigid conduit part, and a second tube suction fluidically and mechanically connected to the second rigid conduit part.

16. An upright vacuum cleaner including:

a vacuum cleaner body equipped with a suction unit and a handling interface,

a nozzle configured to be in contact with a floor to be cleaned, and

a vacuum cleaner conduit according to claim 1, the vacuum cleaner conduit mechanically and fluidically connecting the vacuum cleaner body to the nozzle.