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 about a hinge axis and between unfolded and folded configurations; a locking member configured to lock the first and second rigid conduit parts the unfolded configuration; and an unlocking member including two lateral gripping parts located on either side of one of the first and second rigid conduit parts, each of the lateral gripping parts being intersected by a plane parallel to the hinge axis and containing a central longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner conduit in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid conduit parts.

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 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 pivotally mounted on one of the first and second rigid conduit parts about a pivot axis and between a locking position in which the locking member is configured to cooperate with the other of the first and second rigid conduit parts so as to lock the first and second rigid conduit parts in the unfolded configuration, and a release position wherein 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 member secured in movement to the locking member and pivotally mounted about the pivot axis and between a rest position and an unlocking position, the vacuum cleaner conduit being configured such that a displacement of the unlocking member from the rest position to the unlocking position causes a displacement of the locking member from the locking position to the release position.

Such an unlocking member is generally located opposite the hinge device, and therefore in a lower part of the vacuum cleaner conduit. As a result, the unlocking member is barely visible to a user handling the vacuum cleaner conduit, which may make it difficult for certain users to manipulate the unlocking member and therefore cause a displacement of the first and second rigid conduit parts in the folded configuration.

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 pivotally mounted on one of the first and second rigid conduit parts about a pivot axis which is substantially parallel to the hinge axis and is configured to pivot between a locking position in which the locking member is configured to cooperate with the other of the first and second rigid conduit 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 pivoting of the first and second rigid conduit parts in the folded configuration, and
  • an unlocking member secured in movement with the locking member and pivotally mounted about the pivot axis and between a rest position and an unlocking position, the vacuum cleaner conduit being configured such that a displacement of the unlocking member from the rest position to the unlocking position causes a displacement of the locking member from the locking position to the release position.

The unlocking member includes two lateral gripping parts, such as lateral gripping tabs for example, which are located on either side of one of the first and second rigid conduit parts and which comprise each at least one gripping surface, each of the lateral gripping parts being intersected by a plane which is parallel to the hinge axis and which contains 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 two lateral gripping parts extend beyond a plane which is parallel to the hinge axis, and which contains the central longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner conduit in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid conduit parts.

Such a configuration of the two lateral gripping parts allows a user to be able to view, and therefore operate, the unlocking member more easily.

In addition, such a configuration of the unlocking member allows a user to displace the unlocking member into the unlocking position either by exerting pressure on a central part of the unlocking member which is diametrically opposite to the hinge device, or by pulling on at least one of the two lateral gripping parts. The action of pulling simultaneously on the two lateral gripping parts is advantageously done with the fingers of one hand, for example the thumb and index finger or the thumb and middle finger.

Thus, the unlocking member according to the present invention allows a user to easily displace the first and second rigid conduit parts in the folded configuration, and therefore gives increased ergonomics to the vacuum cleaner conduit according to the present invention.

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

According to an embodiment of the invention, the unlocking member and the locking member 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 hinge device is located.

Such an embodiment of the invention makes it possible to displace the unlocking member into the unlocking position by pulling at least one of the two lateral gripping parts towards the hinge axis. Thus, with the same hand the user can displace the locking member towards the release position by pulling on at least one of the two lateral gripping parts. Then with the same hand, the user can initiate a pivoting of the first rigid conduit part relative to the second rigid conduit part towards the folded configuration in which the first and second rigid conduit parts define between them an angle less than 180°. To initiate a pivoting of the first rigid conduit part relative to the second rigid conduit part towards the folded configuration, the user can push the first or second rigid conduit part for example by bearing on an external surface of the first or second rigid conduit part located on the same side of the vacuum cleaner conduit as the hinge device.

The action of pulling the two lateral gripping parts towards the hinge axis, to displace the locking member towards the release position, can be done for example with the thumb and the index finger. The action of pushing the first or the second rigid conduit part, to initiate a pivoting of the first rigid conduit part relative to the second rigid conduit part towards the folded configuration, can be done for example with the palm of the same hand.

Thus, the unlocking member according to the present embodiment of the invention allows a user to easily displace the first and second rigid conduit parts in the folded configuration, and therefore gives even increased ergonomics to the vacuum cleaner conduit according to the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the unlocking member comprises a connection part connecting the lateral gripping parts to each other, the two lateral gripping parts extending respectively on either side of the connection part.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each lateral gripping part extends longitudinally beyond the connection part.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the connection part includes a first transverse edge, and for example a front transverse edge, located at a first separation distance relative to the pivot axis, and a second transverse edge, and for example a rear transverse edge, located at a second separation distance relative to the pivot axis which is greater than the first separation distance, each of the lateral gripping parts extending beyond a transverse plane which passes through the second transverse edge of the connection part and which extends perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner conduit in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid conduit parts. Such a configuration of the unlocking member further promotes the handling of the unlocking member, while conferring a greater displacement stroke, namely a greater travel, of the unlocking member during its displacements between the rest and unlocking positions. Indeed, if the connection part extended to the end of each of the lateral gripping parts located opposite the locking member, the connection part would abut against an outer wall of one of the first and second rigid conduit parts after only a short displacement stroke of the unlocking member. Yet, a significant displacement stroke for the unlocking member makes it possible, for example, to increase the dimensions of a locking finger provided on the locking member, and therefore to ensure better locking of the first and second rigid conduit parts in the unfolded configuration.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each lateral gripping part extends beyond the transverse plane by an overhang distance, also called projection distance, greater than 30%, and for example greater than 50%, of the maximum width of the respective lateral gripping part.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each lateral gripping part includes a first gripping portion, and for example a front gripping portion, located at a first longitudinal distance relative to the pivot axis and a second gripping portion, and for example a rear gripping portion, located at a second longitudinal distance relative to the pivot axis which is greater than the first longitudinal distance, each lateral gripping portion being connected to the connection part only at the first respective gripping portion.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the lateral gripping parts are curved and extend around one of the first and second rigid conduit parts. Such an embodiment makes it possible to limit the bulk of the unlocking member and, consequently, of the vacuum cleaner conduit.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the unlocking member includes a central notch extending between the two lateral gripping parts, the central notch extending from an end of the unlocking member which is located opposite the locking member and towards the pivot axis. Such a configuration of the unlocking member makes it possible to further increase the displacement stroke of the unlocking member during its displacements between the rest and unlocking positions.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the connection part has a first longitudinal dimension, measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner conduit in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid conduit parts, and each of the lateral gripping parts has a second longitudinal dimension, measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner conduit in unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid conduit parts, which is greater than the first longitudinal dimension.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the connection part has an arcuate shape.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the connection part is elongated and extends substantially parallel to the pivot axis.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each lateral gripping part comprises a gripping rib extending over at least part of the periphery of said lateral gripping part.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the lateral gripping parts extends opposite the locking member relative to the pivot axis.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the lateral gripping parts is elongated and extends in an extension direction which is substantially parallel 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, each of the lateral gripping parts is elongated and extends in an extension direction which is 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 at least one gripping surface of each lateral gripping part is substantially planar.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one gripping surface of each lateral gripping part comprises a concave surface portion.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one gripping surface of each lateral gripping part includes a surface roughness, formed for example by gripping reliefs, such as gripping ridges or ribs, and/or gripping grooves, so as to allow better gripping of the lateral gripping parts by a user.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the locking member and the unlocking member are made in a single piece. Such a configuration of the vacuum cleaner conduit facilitates the assembly of the vacuum cleaner conduit, and reduces the manufacturing costs.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner conduit includes a covering part, such as a covering hood, configured to cover at least partly the locking member.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the covering part is configured to cover at least partly the unlocking member.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the covering part is fixed to the first rigid conduit part.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the hinge device is located in an upper part of a hinge zone defined by the hinge device and 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 member is configured to be displaced into the unlocking position when a user exerts traction or pressure on at least one of the two lateral gripping parts which is oriented to the top.

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 unlocking member and the locking member are pivotally mounted on the first rigid conduit part.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the two lateral gripping parts are located on either side of the first rigid conduit part.

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 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 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 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, 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 vacuum cleaner conduit includes at least one biasing element, such as a biasing spring, configured to bias the locking member in the locking position and/or the unlocking member in the rest position.

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 top 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 bottom perspective view of the vacuum cleaner conduit of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a partial side view of the vacuum cleaner conduit of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a partial bottom view of the vacuum cleaner conduit of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a partial top view of the vacuum cleaner conduit of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a partial bottom perspective view of the vacuum conduit of FIG. 2, showing the vacuum conduit in the unfolded configuration.

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the vacuum cleaner conduit of FIG. 2, showing the vacuum cleaner conduit in the folded configuration and a locking member in the release position.

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the vacuum cleaner conduit of FIG. 2, showing the vacuum cleaner conduit in the folded configuration and the locking member in the locking position.

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum cleaner conduit of FIG. 2, showing the locking member in the locking position.

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum conduit of FIG. 2, showing the vacuum conduit in a folded configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 to 11 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 words, 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 portion 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 portion 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. 9 and 10, 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 comprises 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 latch 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 pivotally mounted on the first rigid conduit part 8 about a pivot axis C which is parallel to the hinge axis A and between a locking position (see FIG. 10) 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 second rigid conduit part 9 so as to lock the first and second rigid parts 8, 9 in the unfolded configuration, and a release position (see FIG. 8) 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.

The vacuum cleaner conduit 5 further includes an unlocking member 25 configured to displace the locking member 22 into the release position. The unlocking member 25 and the locking member 22 are located on the same side of the vacuum cleaner conduit 5 which is diametrically opposite to the side of the vacuum cleaner conduit 5 where the hinge device 10 is located.

The unlocking member 25 is secured in movement to the locking member 22 and is pivotally mounted about the pivot axis C and between a rest position (see FIG. 9) and an unlocking position (see FIG. 8). Advantageously, the locking member 22 and the unlocking member 25 are made in a single piece.

The vacuum cleaner conduit 5 is more particularly configured such that a displacement of the unlocking member 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 member 25 includes two lateral gripping parts 26, such as lateral gripping tabs, which are located on either side of the first rigid conduit part 8, and a connection part 27 connecting the two lateral gripping parts 26 to each other.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the connection part 27 is elongated and extends parallel to the pivot axis C, and the two lateral gripping parts 26 advantageously extend from two opposite ends of the connection part 27.

As shown more particularly in FIG. 3, the connection part 27 includes a first transverse edge 27.1, and more particularly a front transverse edge, located at a first separation distance relative to the pivot axis C, and a second transverse edge 27.2, and more particularly a rear transverse edge, located at a second separation distance relative to the pivot axis C which is greater than the first separation distance.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each lateral gripping part 26 extends longitudinally beyond the connection part 27, and therefore longitudinally beyond the second transverse edge 27.2 of the connection part 27. More particularly, each of the lateral gripping parts 26 extends beyond a transverse plane P1 (see FIG. 4) which passes through the second transverse edge 27.2 of the connection part 27 and which extends perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis B of the vacuum cleaner conduit 5 in unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid conduit parts 8, 9. Each lateral gripping part 26 can for example extend beyond the transverse plane P1 by a greater overhang distance at 50% of the maximum width of the respective lateral gripping part 26.

As shown more particularly in FIG. 4, each lateral gripping portion 26 includes a first gripping portion 26.1, and for example a front gripping portion, located at a first longitudinal distance relative to the pivot axis C and a second gripping portion 26.2, and for example a rear gripping portion, located at a second longitudinal distance relative to the pivot axis C which is greater than the first longitudinal distance. Advantageously, each lateral gripping portion 26 is connected to the connection part 27 only at the respective first gripping portion 26.1.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the unlocking member 25 includes a central notch 28 extending between the two lateral gripping parts 26. The central notch 28 extends from one end of the unlocking member 25 which is located opposite the locking member 22 and extends in the direction of the pivot axis C.

Furthermore, each lateral gripping part 26 is intersected by a plane P2 which is parallel to the hinge axis A and which contains 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. In other words, the two lateral gripping parts 26 extend beyond the plane P2 which is parallel to the hinge axis A and which contains the central longitudinal axis B of the conduit vacuum cleaner 5 in an unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid conduit parts 8, 9.

Such a configuration of the two lateral gripping parts 26 allows a user to be able to view, and therefore operate, the unlocking member 25 more easily. In addition, such a configuration of the unlocking member 25 allows a user to displace the unlocking member 25 in the unlocking position either by exerting pressure on a central part of the unlocking member 25, and for example on the connection part 27, which is diametrically opposite the hinge device 10, or by pulling on at least one of the two lateral gripping parts 26. Thus, the unlocking member 25 allows a user to easily displace the first and second rigid conduit parts 8, 9 in the folded configuration, and therefore provides increased ergonomics to the vacuum cleaner conduit 5.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each lateral gripping part 26 includes a gripping surface 29 which is substantially flat, and comprises a gripping rib 31 extending over at least part of the periphery of said lateral gripping part 26. The presence of such a gripping rib 31 allows better gripping of the respective lateral gripping part 26 by a user, when the latter wishes to displace the unlocking member 25 into the unlocking position by exerting traction on the respective lateral gripping part 26.

Nonetheless, according to a variant of the invention, the gripping surface 29 of each lateral gripping part 26 could for example include a portion of concave surface, or present a surface roughness, for example formed by gripping reliefs, such as gripping ridges or ribs, and/or gripping grooves, so as to allow better gripping of the lateral gripping parts 26 by a user.

The vacuum cleaner conduit 5 further includes a biasing element 32, such as a biasing spring, configured to bias the unlocking member 25 into the rest position. Such a biasing element 32 makes it possible to define a stable rest position for the unlocking member 25.

The vacuum cleaner conduit 5 also includes a covering part 33, such as a covering hood, which is fixed to the first rigid conduit part 8 and which is configured to cover the locking member 22. Such a covering part 33 considerably limits the risk of seizing of the locking member 22 and also the risk of a user's fingers being pinched when the locking member 22 pivots between the locking position and the release position.

According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the connection part 27 could have an arcuate shape, and the lateral gripping parts 26 could be curved and extend about the first rigid conduit part 8.

According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, each of the lateral gripping parts 26 could be elongated and extend opposite the locking member 22 relative to the pivot axis C and in an extension direction which is substantially parallel 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.

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 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 pivotally mounted on one of the first and second rigid conduit parts about a pivot axis substantially parallel to the hinge axis and configured to pivot between a locking position in which the locking member is configured to cooperate with the other of the first and second rigid conduit 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 member secured in movement to the locking member and pivotally mounted about the pivot axis and between a rest position and an unlocking position, the vacuum cleaner conduit configured such that a movement of the unlocking member 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 member includes first and second lateral gripping parts located on either side of one of the first and second rigid conduit parts, each of the first and second lateral gripping parts comprising at least one gripping surface, each of the first and second lateral gripping parts being intersected by a plane parallel to the hinge axis and containing 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 unlocking member comprises a connection part connecting the first and second lateral gripping parts to each other, the first and second lateral gripping parts extending respectively on either side of the connection part.

3. The vacuum cleaner conduit according to claim 2, wherein each of the first and second lateral gripping parts extends longitudinally beyond the connection part.

4. The vacuum cleaner conduit according to claim 2, wherein the connection part includes a first transverse edge located at a first separation distance relative to the pivot axis, and a second transverse edge located at a second separation distance relative to the pivot axis, is the second separation distance being greater than the first separation distance, each of the first and second lateral gripping parts extending beyond a transverse plane passing through the second transverse edge of the connection part and extending perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner conduit in the unfolded configuration of the first and second rigid conduit parts.

5. The vacuum cleaner conduit according to claim 2, wherein each of the first and second lateral gripping parts includes a first gripping portion located at a first longitudinal distance relative to the pivot axis and a second gripping portion located at a second longitudinal distance relative to the pivot axis, the second longitudinal distance being greater than the first longitudinal distance, each of the first and second lateral gripping parts connected to the connection part only at the respective first gripping portion.

6. The vacuum cleaner conduit according to claim 1, wherein the unlocking member includes a central notch extending between the first and second lateral gripping parts, the central notch extending from an end of the unlocking member located opposite the locking member and towards the pivot axis.

7. The vacuum cleaner conduit according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second lateral gripping parts comprises a gripping rib extending over at least part of the periphery of the corresponding lateral gripping part.

8. The vacuum cleaner conduit according to claim 1, wherein the locking member and the unlocking member are made in a single piece.

9. The vacuum cleaner conduit according to claim 1, further comprising a covering part configured to cover at least partly the locking member.

10. 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.

11. The vacuum cleaner conduit according to claim 1, wherein the first rigid conduit portion 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.

12. 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.

13. The vacuum cleaner conduit according to claim 1, further comprising at least one biasing element configured to bias the unlocking member in the rest position and/or the locking member in the locking position.

14. An upright vacuum cleaner comprising:

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.