EP0882421B1 - Connection device between a vacuum cleaner and a suction hose - Google Patents

Connection device between a vacuum cleaner and a suction hose Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0882421B1
EP0882421B1 EP19980420082 EP98420082A EP0882421B1 EP 0882421 B1 EP0882421 B1 EP 0882421B1 EP 19980420082 EP19980420082 EP 19980420082 EP 98420082 A EP98420082 A EP 98420082A EP 0882421 B1 EP0882421 B1 EP 0882421B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
connector
rod
face
helical
skirt
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP19980420082
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0882421A1 (en
Inventor
Alain Soen
Pierre Kerboas
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SEB SA
Original Assignee
SEB SA
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP0882421A1 publication Critical patent/EP0882421A1/en
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Publication of EP0882421B1 publication Critical patent/EP0882421B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/24Hoses or pipes; Hose or pipe couplings
    • A47L9/242Hose or pipe couplings

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a connector for a flexible suction hose to a vacuum cleaner, this connector comprising on the one hand a male connector secured to the end of the hose and on the other hand a female connector secured to the wall of the vacuum cleaner in front of the dust collection bag entrance.
  • this male connector is locked in the female connector, the central tubular plug of the male connector engages in the inlet of the recovery bag.
  • the invention relates more particularly to a vacuum cleaner, the inlet of the dust-collecting bag comprises a valve movable between a closed position and an open position, the movement of which is preferably controlled automatically by the introduction and then the extraction of the male connector in and out of the female connector.
  • Document WO-95/15109 describes a connection device between a suction pipe and the frame of the vacuum cleaner making it possible to control the opening and closing of the recovery bag with respectively the locking and unlocking of the pipe on the frame .
  • the configuration of the closure means actuated using the hose connector does not allow simultaneous or automatic control of other members.
  • WO-A-97/43939 (state of the art according to article 54 (3) (BE) describes two variants of connectors allowing, by actions only on the male connector, to open the entry of the recovery bag, insert the nozzle or tubular plug of the male connector into the inlet of the bag and lock this connector.
  • the female connector has a cylindrical body integral with the frame and in the internal face of which are formed opposite grooves in staircases each having two descents and two interposed bearings.
  • this circular body pivots a bushing having from its upper edge two diametrically opposite vertical slots and being provided in its lower part with a radial external drive finger cooperating with a V-shaped cam arranged opposite.
  • This cam is integral with a rod movable in rotation about an axis parallel to that of the female connector and whose lower end in a cross is engaged in the closing / opening valve of the inlet of the bag.
  • the nozzle of the male connector has a pair of spurs that engage simultaneously in the slots of the socket and the staircase grooves of the body during a first insertion movement downward.
  • a skirt coaxially bordering the nozzle of the male connector has transverse serrations.
  • This serration is provided to engage, during a first descent insertion, in a semicircular rack emerging through a window inside the cylindrical body of the female connector, this rack being integral with the rod valve control.
  • a rotation of the male connector guided by its spur traversing an intermediate groove bearing of the cylindrical body of female connector causes a rotation of the rod therefore an opening of the valve by meshing between the serration and the rack.
  • a second downward insertion always guided by the grooves, allows the nozzle to enter the bag entrance.
  • the object of the present invention is a connector for connecting a flexible suction pipe to a vacuum cleaner which, in addition to the firm connection function between the pipe and the vacuum cleaner, makes it possible to provide additional functions, in particular of opening the d 'a valve for closing the bag and locking the movable cover for accessing the bag, and this in the simplest possible connection movement, in particular by a single translation along the longitudinal axis of the female connector.
  • the locking mechanisms and the mechanisms of the complementary functions must be as simple as possible in order to increase the reliability thereof and to reduce the manufacturing and assembly costs.
  • the rod drive member is a cam, the helical rear face of which passes through the window and protrudes into the cylindrical body, the face against which acts either directly a portion of the front edge of the skirt as a drive element of the male connector, a small helical front face for contacting a notch formed in this front edge of the skirt.
  • rear face is meant a face oriented in the direction of extraction of the male connector from the female connector, therefore mainly oriented towards the flexible suction tube, in particular the helical actuating face formed at the periphery of the cam. rod.
  • a rear part of a part is the part closest to the suction tube.
  • front face means a face acting in the direction of introduction of the male connector into the female connector, therefore mainly oriented towards the waste recovery bag. This is in particular the thickness of the front edge portion of the skirt acting directly on the cam, or the small helical face of a notch formed in this skirt edge, this helical face forming a restricted contact face sliding only better with the rear face of the rod cam.
  • control mechanism for closing the rotary valve during the extraction of the male connector from the female connector is then a return means acting against the rotary movement of the rod in the direction of opening of the valve of the bag.
  • This closing mechanism is simple in that it is reduced to a spring accumulating mechanical energy during the introduction of the male connector into the female connector in a manner transparent to the user, this mechanism acting automatically and always so transparent when opening the connector.
  • the helical rear face of the cam is also oblique towards the inside of the female connector.
  • This slope reduces the risk of jamming during the progression of the descent from the male connector into the female connector.
  • the passage from the small front face of contact of the male connector from the rear end to the front end of the helical face of the cam of the rod prints a rotation of the order of a quarter of a turn on this rod, this passage corresponding to a translation of the skirt in the cylindrical body of about a quarter of the height of this skirt, the cam of the rod disappearing finally in the window.
  • the possible notch formed to create a small helical contact face having a low height one also ensures an effective solidity of the connector against bending forces, in particular when one pulls on the suction pipe to advance a vacuum cleaner. mounted on caster. In fact, most of the height of the skirt, the periphery of which is not altered, is then in firm contact with the cylindrical body of the female connector body.
  • the front end of the helical face of the cam opens onto a vertical cylindrical surface which fits into the internal cylindrical periphery of the female connector when the cam disappears in the window.
  • the drive element of the male connector is a perpendicular lug of the skirt passing through a longitudinal window of the cylindrical body to act on the drive member of the rod in the form of a face helical rear of a groove or notch formed from the rear edge in the periphery of a cylinder or cylinder sector whose axis of rotation is common to that of the rod, this helical rear face starting and ending preferably vertically.
  • the term “rear face” always means the face oriented towards the suction tube and formed throughout the thickness of a hollow cylinder or hollow cylindrical sector integral with the rod in the case of an open groove or a notch; or formed only partially within the radius of a cylinder or full cylinder sector in the case of a closed groove or notch, then also called helical projection.
  • This cylinder or cylinder sector then forms a sort of cam body but which is entirely outside the female connector.
  • the window formed in the cylindrical body for placing the drive element of the male connector in communication with the rod drive member is then rather a vertical window, that is to say parallel to the longitudinal axis of the female connector, a window whose width is reduced to that of the lug of the male connector.
  • the thickness of the cylindrical body must however be such that this vertical section does not alter its rigidity too much.
  • the rod drive member is a finger passing through a transverse window of the cylindrical body and against which a drive element for the male connector acts in the form of a helical front face of a notch or an open groove made in the outer skirt from its front edge.
  • the "front face” is the rather long helical edge of the skirt defining either the contour of the notch or the upper line of the groove acting on the finger.
  • the window formed in the cylindrical body for placing the drive element of the male connector in communication with the rod drive member is then rather a horizontal window, that is to say formed in the periphery of the cylindrical body perpendicular to its median longitudinal axis, a window whose height is reduced to that of the crossing finger.
  • the valve closing mechanism during the extraction of the male connector from the female connector is a return means acting against the rotary movement of the rod in the direction of opening of the valve of the bag.
  • This embodiment has the advantage that if, for one reason or another, the valve or the rod has friction or jamming during the return-to-close movement, it is always possible to extract the male connector, which allows access to the valve for cleaning and removal of any obstruction.
  • the valve closing mechanism when the male connector is extracted from the female connector is the helical front face of this groove substantially parallel to the rear face.
  • the rod drive member is a finger and the helical front face of the skirt also belongs to a helical groove, then the valve closing mechanism when the male connector is extracted from the female connector is the helical rear face of this groove substantially parallel to the front face.
  • valve actuation mechanism proves to be particularly simple in this configuration since it is reduced to interaction in both directions of a finger or of a lug engaged in a helical groove.
  • a bag access cover locking arm is formed in the rear part of the rod diametrically opposite to its rotation drive member.
  • the structure of the drive member whether in the form of a cam, a cylindrical sector or a finger, always allows the additional arrangement. of this useful hood locking arm.
  • the rod drive member and / or the skirt drive member is made or covered with a material having a low coefficient of friction, for example is made or coated with Teflon or polished metal.
  • the means for guiding the male connector in the female connector is a tongue protruding from the skirt along a radial plane passing through the longitudinal median axis of the male connector, coming to engage in a groove formed at the internal periphery of the body.
  • This guide device has the advantage of preserving the integrity of the skirt, in particular of its rear part involved in the sealing of the connector.
  • the rear end of the rod is connected to an operating button accessible from the outside of the frame. This makes it possible to actuate, if necessary the valve for closing the bag manually, for example to check its correct operation.
  • FIG. 1 In FIG. 1 is illustrated a connector connecting a suction tube 8 to a frame 5 of a vacuum cleaner so that the interior of this hose is in communication with the interior of a bag 60 for collecting dust.
  • the flexible dust collection bag 60 has a rigid plate for fixing in supports 69 inside the vacuum cleaner 5, this rigid substantially rectangular plate having an inlet opening 66 capable of being closed by a valve 64.
  • This rigid plate is notably constituted by the stacking of several assembled cardboard or plastic plates. More precisely, this stack comprises a first rigid internal plate 61 having only a circular central inlet orifice 66 which is covered by a sealing membrane 62 having an opening coaxial with the inlet orifice 66. On this membrane sealing 62 is applied a guide plate 63 having a bean-shaped opening of which one of the lobes is coaxial with the inlet orifice 66.
  • This opening contains a rotary inlet valve 64 whose shape corresponds substantially to a lobe of the bean-shaped opening of the guide plate 63, this valve further having a cross orifice receiving a key 52 of a rotary control rod.
  • This valve 64 can thus be turned in a lobe and then in the other of the bean-shaped opening of the guide plate 63 to respectively close and open the orifice 66.
  • This guide plate 63 is itself surmounted by an external rigid plate 65 having, like the internal rigid plate 61, only a central inlet orifice.
  • the inlet valve 64 is held, movable in sliding, in the plane of its guide plate 63 by the two rigid internal plates 61 and external 65.
  • the edges of this rigid bag entry plate 60 are inserted into grooves at the end of bars or bags support plates 69 arranged opposite.
  • the connector of the suction tube 8 to the frame 5 of the vacuum cleaner comprises on the one hand a female connector 30 mounted in the frame 5 of the vacuum cleaner little above the bag 60 and on the other hand, a male connector 10 fixed to the end of the suction tube 8 and designed to be inserted and locked in the female connector 30.
  • the female connector 30 mainly has a cylindrical body 32 passing through the frame 5 of the vacuum cleaner and completed at its outer end by a radial flange 33 bearing on this frame.
  • the median longitudinal axis of this cylindrical body 32 is located in alignment with the central axis of the circular inlet orifice 66 of the rigid area of the bag 60.
  • the male connector 10 has a sleeve 16 for attachment to the vacuum tube narrowing downstream in a central plug 12 whose external diameter is equal to, or even slightly less than, the diameter of the inlet orifice 66 through from which this sheet is intended to be inserted.
  • the lower part of the sleeve 16, the restriction zone and the upper part of the central plug 12 are surrounded by an outer skirt 14 substantially cylindrical coaxial with the central plug 12 and with an external diameter equal to, or even slightly less than, the internal diameter of the body cylindrical 32 of the female connector 30 into which it is intended to fit.
  • the upper part of this external skirt 14, as illustrated in this FIG. 1, has a conical peripheral rim 17 ending in a circular lower projection 15.
  • the outer skirt 14 has two pairs of diametrically opposite vertical slots to define, in this skirt, two flexible arms 70 each carrying at their lower end a hook 74 provided to snap into a notch 34 formed in correspondence in the lower edge of the cylindrical body 32 when the male connector 10 is completely inserted in the female connector 30.
  • the upper part of these arms 70 has pressure buttons 72 appearing in the windows of the conical rim 17 allowing, by pressing these buttons, to release the hooks 74 out of the notches 34 to unlock the connector.
  • the male connector 10 is intended to be installed in its female connector 30 by a single translational movement along their common median longitudinal axis.
  • the skirt 14 of the male connector 10 has an external radial guide tongue 18, better visible in FIGS. 1 and 2, designed to be inserted in a groove 38 formed in the internal periphery of the cylindrical body 32, also arranged in a radial plane passing through the median longitudinal axis.
  • the mechanism for controlling the inlet valve 64 of the bag 60 then comprises a rod 50 supported by holding members, not illustrated, of the frame 5 of the vacuum cleaner so as to be movable around its central longitudinal axis oriented parallel to that of the cylindrical body 32.
  • This rod 50 has a cruciform lower end 52 constituting the key penetrating the also cruciform orifice for controlling the rotation of the inlet valve 64 of the bag 60.
  • the reduced upper end of this rod 50 has two diametrically opposite drive fingers 59.
  • These fingers 59 are provided to snap into two oblong openings 44 also formed diametrically opposite in a socket 42 for holding an external button 40 allowing manual actuation of the inlet valve 64 from the bag 60.
  • this sleeve 42 rotates within a cylindrical chimney 7 of the frame 5 of the vacuum cleaner where it is held in position by lower hooks 46 which engage under the lower edges of this chimney.
  • this rod 50 is also provided with an arm 53 making it possible to lock a command to open a movable cover of the frame 5 of the vacuum cleaner allowing access to the bag 60 for replacement.
  • this cover integrates the female connector 30 and the bag supports 69, or is completely independent by being adjacent to it.
  • the member for rotating the rod 50 is in the form of a circular sector plate 54 orthogonal to the rod and diametrically opposite to the locking arm 53, this plate supporting at its radial end a cam 55 protruding inside the cylindrical body 32 passing through a window 36 of this body.
  • this cam 55 has a helical portion face 56 facing rearward, that is to say towards the male connector 10 and simultaneously slightly oblique towards the inside of the cylindrical body 32.
  • This helical face 56 does not, however, have a track in the portion of a circular crown, but narrows at its lower end, that is to say its front edge closest to the bag.
  • recovery 60 by a thinning due to the presence of a vertical surface in cylinder portion 57 of radius of curvature identical to the internal radius of the cylindrical body 32.
  • the angle at the top of this helical face as seen in FIG. 4b is between 60 ° and 90 °, of the order of 80 °.
  • a return means 80 for example a helical spring coaxial with the rod 50, is attached on the one hand to the frame 5, for example in one of the bag support arms 69 and on the other hand to the rod 50, for example to the locking arm 53 or to the circular sector plate 54, so as to oppose a rotation of this rod out of its rest position as illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • the front end of the skirt 14 of the male connector 10 may have a notch 13, one of the edges of which is oblique, that is to say which also has a helical line.
  • the interaction between the guide tab 18 of the male connector in the guide groove 38 of the female connector requires a forward movement in pure translation of the male connector excluding any rotation about its median longitudinal axis.
  • the front edge of the skirt 14 comes into contact with the rear end of the helical face 56 of the rod 50, that is to say the left end of the cam as seen from above in FIG. 4b. Because the contact portion of the front edge of the outer skirt 14 can only advance in translation, the interaction of this contact portion with the helical face 56 forces rotation of the rod 50.
  • the external skirt 14 can continue to progress, in particular by sliding along the vertical surface in cylinder portion 57 of the cam 55 so that the central plug 12 can now penetrate through the orifice 66, in particular by pushing aside the flexible sealing membrane 62. It will be noted that the external skirt 14 completely closes the window 36 thus protecting the rod 55 from any dust.
  • a notch in the front edge of the skirt 14 makes it possible to give the contact portion of the front edge an oblique orientation, or even helical, in correspondence with the rear of the cam for better sliding, therefore easier rotation of the rod.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a variant of the connector according to the invention in which the cam 100 of the rod 50 remains entirely outside the cylindrical body of the female connector, a transverse lug 90 of the skirt 14 then passing through a vertical window 96 of this body 32.
  • the cam 100 is in the form of a block in a cylindrical sector at the periphery of which is formed a groove 110.
  • this groove has a departure greater than the vertical, a pronounced intermediate helical ramp inducing a rapid rotation of the rod 50, and ending in a vertical lower part corresponding to the penetration of the central plug 12 of the male connector into the inlet opening of the bag.
  • this groove 110 is active during the rotation of the cam 50 for opening the inlet valve while the opposite face, known as the front face, automatically closes this valve when the male connector 10 is extracted. outside the female connector 30. If desired, it is then possible to dispense with the return spring 80 of the rod 50.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a third inverted variant in which the helical face causing the rotation of the rod 50 is now formed in the form of a groove 114 crossing the thickness of the skirt 14 of the connector 10. Then, the member rod drive 50 is reduced to a finger 112 orthogonal to its rod and passing through a horizontal window 118 of the cylindrical body 32 of the female connector in order to engage in this helical groove 114.
  • the front part of this groove 114 can start vertically , then become helical with a pronounced slope to induce a rapid rotation of the rod, and end with a rear portion again vertical corresponding to the penetration of the central plug 12 into the inlet opening of the bag.
  • At least the member for rotating the rod can be made of a material having a low coefficient of friction with the control element of the male connector, for example being made or coated with plastic such as that sold under the name Teflon, or even a polished metallic coating.

Description

La présente invention est relative à un connecteur de tuyau flexible d'aspiration à un aspirateur, ce connecteur comprenant d'une part un connecteur mâle solidaire de l'extrémité du tuyau et d'autre part un connecteur femelle solidaire de la paroi de l'aspirateur devant l'entrée du sac de récupération de poussières. Ainsi, lorsque ce connecteur mâle est verrouillé dans le connecteur femelle, la fiche tubulaire centrale du connecteur mâle vient s'engager dans l'entrée du sac de récupération.The present invention relates to a connector for a flexible suction hose to a vacuum cleaner, this connector comprising on the one hand a male connector secured to the end of the hose and on the other hand a female connector secured to the wall of the vacuum cleaner in front of the dust collection bag entrance. Thus, when this male connector is locked in the female connector, the central tubular plug of the male connector engages in the inlet of the recovery bag.

L'invention concerne plus particulièrement un aspirateur dont l'entrée du sac récupérateur de poussière comprend un clapet mobile entre une position d'obturation et une position d'ouverture dont le déplacement est de préférence commandé automatiquement par l'introduction puis l'extraction du connecteur mâle dans puis hors du connecteur femelle.The invention relates more particularly to a vacuum cleaner, the inlet of the dust-collecting bag comprises a valve movable between a closed position and an open position, the movement of which is preferably controlled automatically by the introduction and then the extraction of the male connector in and out of the female connector.

Le document WO-95/15109 décrit un dispositif de connexion entre un tuyau d'aspiration et le bâti de l'aspirateur permettant de commander l'ouverture et la fermeture du sac de récupération avec respectivement le verrouillage et le déverrouillage du tuyau sur le bâti. Toutefois, la configuration du moyen d'obturation actionné à l'aide du connecteur du tuyau ne permet pas la commande simultanée ou automatique d'autres organes. Notamment, il n'est pas possible de bloquer l'ouverture d'un couvercle d'accès au sac tant que le tuyau d'aspiration est connecté à l'aspirateur. Ceci constitue un désavantage non négligeable dans la mesure où l'utilisateur risque de détériorer le sac et/ou les organes de fermeture de l'aspirateur.Document WO-95/15109 describes a connection device between a suction pipe and the frame of the vacuum cleaner making it possible to control the opening and closing of the recovery bag with respectively the locking and unlocking of the pipe on the frame . However, the configuration of the closure means actuated using the hose connector does not allow simultaneous or automatic control of other members. In particular, it is not possible to block the opening of a bag access cover as long as the suction hose is connected to the vacuum cleaner. This constitutes a significant disadvantage insofar as the user risks damaging the bag and / or the closing members of the vacuum cleaner.

WO-A-97/43939 (état de la technique selon l'article 54(3) (BE) décrit deux variantes de connecteurs permettant, par des actions seulement sur le connecteur mâle, d'ouvrir l'entrée du sac de récupération, d'insérer la buse ou fiche tubulaire du connecteur mâle dans l'entrée du sac et de verrouiller ce connecteur.WO-A-97/43939 (state of the art according to article 54 (3) (BE) describes two variants of connectors allowing, by actions only on the male connector, to open the entry of the recovery bag, insert the nozzle or tubular plug of the male connector into the inlet of the bag and lock this connector.

Selon la première variante, le connecteur femelle présente un corps cylindrique solidaire du bâti et dans la face interne duquel sont ménagées des rainures opposées en escaliers présentant chacune deux descentes et deux paliers intercalés. Dans ce corps circulaire pivote une douille présentant à partir de son bord supérieur deux fentes verticales diamétralement opposées et étant munie en sa partie inférieure d'un doigt d'entraînement externe radial coopérant avec une came en forme de V agencée en vis-à-vis. Cette came est solidaire d'une tige mobile en rotation autour d'un axe parallèle à celui du connecteur femelle et dont l'extrémité inférieure en croix est engagée dans le clapet de fermeture/ouverture de l'entrée du sac. La buse du connecteur mâle présente une paire d'éperons venant s'engager simultanément dans les fentes de la douille et les rainures en escalier du corps lors d'un premier mouvement d'insertion en descente. La rotation suivante de la buse telle que guidée par les éperons parcourant les premiers paliers de rainures entraîne une rotation du doigt, donc de la came, de la tige et du clapet ouvrant l'entrée du sac. Une seconde descente permet de faire pénétrer la buse dans l'entrée du sac. Une troisième rotation de la buse au niveau du second palier permet de verrouiller le connecteur.According to the first variant, the female connector has a cylindrical body integral with the frame and in the internal face of which are formed opposite grooves in staircases each having two descents and two interposed bearings. In this circular body pivots a bushing having from its upper edge two diametrically opposite vertical slots and being provided in its lower part with a radial external drive finger cooperating with a V-shaped cam arranged opposite. . This cam is integral with a rod movable in rotation about an axis parallel to that of the female connector and whose lower end in a cross is engaged in the closing / opening valve of the inlet of the bag. The nozzle of the male connector has a pair of spurs that engage simultaneously in the slots of the socket and the staircase grooves of the body during a first insertion movement downward. The next rotation of the nozzle as guided by the spurs traversing the first groove bearings causes a rotation of the finger, therefore of the cam, of the rod and of the valve opening the inlet of the bag. A second descent allows the nozzle to enter the inlet of the bag. A third rotation of the nozzle at the second bearing makes it possible to lock the connector.

Selon la seconde variante, une jupe bordant coaxialement la buse du connecteur mâle présente une dentelure transversale. Cette dentelure est prévue pour venir s'engager, lors d'une première insertion en descente, dans une crémaillère en arc-de-cercle émergeant par une fenêtre à l'intérieur du corps cylindrique du connecteur femelle, cette crémaillère étant solidaire de la tige de commande de clapet. Une rotation du connecteur mâle guidée par son éperon parcourant un palier intermédiaire de rainure du corps cylindrique de connecteur femelle entraîne une rotation de la tige donc une ouverture du clapet par engrènement entre la dentelure et la crémaillère. Une seconde insertion en descente toujours guidée par les rainures permet de faire pénétrer la buse dans l'entrée du sac. Cette seconde insertion est arrêtée par un ressaut circulaire de l'enveloppe externe du connecteur mâle venant en butée contre le bord externe du corps cylindrique, deux crochets à l'extrémité de deux bras flexible verticaux diamétralement opposés et intégrés dans l'enveloppe externe venant alors s'accrocher sous les bords internes du corps cylindrique pour verrouiller le connecteur mâle en place. Après la rotation de la tige, un bras opposé à celui supportant la crémaillère se retrouve alors en position pour s'opposer à la levée d'un crochet de verrouillage du capot d'accès au sac de récupération.According to the second variant, a skirt coaxially bordering the nozzle of the male connector has transverse serrations. This serration is provided to engage, during a first descent insertion, in a semicircular rack emerging through a window inside the cylindrical body of the female connector, this rack being integral with the rod valve control. A rotation of the male connector guided by its spur traversing an intermediate groove bearing of the cylindrical body of female connector causes a rotation of the rod therefore an opening of the valve by meshing between the serration and the rack. A second downward insertion, always guided by the grooves, allows the nozzle to enter the bag entrance. This second insertion is stopped by a circular projection of the external envelope of the male connector abutting against the external edge of the cylindrical body, two hooks at the end of two vertical flexible arms diametrically opposite and integrated in the external envelope then coming to hang under the internal edges of the cylindrical body to lock the male connector in place. After the rotation of the rod, an arm opposite to that supporting the rack then finds itself in position to oppose the lifting of a locking hook of the access cover to the recovery bag.

Toutefois, dans les deux variantes, il convient d'effectuer avec le connecteur mâle au moins une première insertion par translation selon l'axe central du connecteur femelle, puis une rotation autour de cet axe suivi d'une seconde insertion. Or, il s'avère que malgré tous les diagrammes explicatifs imprimés sur le bâti à proximité du connecteur, cette séquence de mouvements reste trop complexe pour de nombreux usagers qui sont alors incapables d'assembler ou de défaire le tuyau de l'aspirateur, et qui, en conséquence, sont également empêchés d'accéder au sac pour le vider et/ou le remplacer.However, in both variants, it is advisable to carry out with the male connector at least a first insertion by translation along the central axis of the female connector, then a rotation about this axis followed by a second insertion. However, it turns out that despite all the explanatory diagrams printed on the frame near the connector, this sequence of movements remains too complex for many users who are then unable to assemble or undo the hose of the vacuum cleaner, and which, as a result, are also prevented from accessing the bag to empty and / or replace it.

Le but de la présente Invention est un connecteur pour relier un tuyau flexible d'aspiration à un aspirateur qui, outre la fonction de liaison ferme entre le tuyau et l'aspirateur, permet d'assurer des fonctions complémentaires, notamment d'ouverture préalable d'un clapet de fermeture du sac et de verrouillage du capot mobile d'accès au sac, et ceci selon un mouvement de connexion le plus simple possible, en particulier par une seule translation selon l'axe longitudinal du connecteur femelle.The object of the present invention is a connector for connecting a flexible suction pipe to a vacuum cleaner which, in addition to the firm connection function between the pipe and the vacuum cleaner, makes it possible to provide additional functions, in particular of opening the d 'a valve for closing the bag and locking the movable cover for accessing the bag, and this in the simplest possible connection movement, in particular by a single translation along the longitudinal axis of the female connector.

De préférence, les mécanismes de verrouillage et les mécanismes des fonctions complémentaires doivent être aussi simples que possible pour en accroître la fiabilité et pour en réduire les coûts de fabrication et d'assemblage.Preferably, the locking mechanisms and the mechanisms of the complementary functions must be as simple as possible in order to increase the reliability thereof and to reduce the manufacturing and assembly costs.

Ces buts sont réalisés par un connecteur comprenant

  • un connecteur femelle sous la forme d'un corps cylindrique solidaire du bâti de l'aspirateur,
  • un connecteur mâle solidaire de l'extrémité du tuyau d'aspiration comprenant une fiche tubulaire centrale entourée coaxialement par une jupe externe principalement cylindrique coulissant dans le corps du connecteur femelle,
  • un dispositif de guidage du déplacement et un dispositif de verrouillage du connecteur mâle dans le connecteur femelle
  • un mécanisme de commande de l'ouverture du clapet rotatif de l'entrée du sac comprenant une tige montée mobile en rotation autour d'un axe parallèle à celui du connecteur femelle auquel elle est adjacente, l'extrémité frontale de cette tige constituant une clé d'actionnement du clapet, la partie arrière de cette tige comprenant un organe d'entraînement en rotation communiquant avec l'intérieur du connecteur femelle au travers d'une fenêtre latérale de son corps cylindrique pour pouvoir coopérer avec un élément d'entraînement du connecteur mâle , caractérisée en ce que,
  • le dispositif de guidage impose un déplacement essentiellement de translation du connecteur mâle selon l'axe central du connecteur femelle, et
  • en ce que l'organe d'entraînement de la tige est une came présentant une face arrière hélicoïdale contre laquelle vient en contact et agir l'élément d'entraînement du connecteur mâle sous la forme d'une petite face frontale solidaire de la jupe, ou réciproquement l'organe d'entraînement de la tige présentant une petite face arrière de contact contre laquelle vient agir une face frontale hélicoïdale de la jupe.
These goals are achieved by a connector comprising
  • a female connector in the form of a cylindrical body secured to the frame of the vacuum cleaner,
  • a male connector secured to the end of the suction pipe comprising a central tubular plug coaxially surrounded by a mainly cylindrical external skirt sliding in the body of the female connector,
  • a movement guiding device and a locking device for the male connector in the female connector
  • a mechanism for controlling the opening of the rotary valve at the inlet of the bag, comprising a rod mounted to move in rotation about an axis parallel to that of the female connector to which it is adjacent, the front end of this rod constituting a key actuating the valve, the rear part of this rod comprising a rotating drive member communicating with the interior of the female connector through a side window of its cylindrical body so as to be able to cooperate with a connector driving element male, characterized in that,
  • the guide device requires an essentially translational movement of the male connector along the central axis of the female connector, and
  • in that the rod drive member is a cam having a helical rear face against which comes into contact and act the drive element of the male connector in the form of a small front face integral with the skirt, or vice versa, the rod drive member having a small rear contact face against which a helical front face of the skirt acts.

Selon un premier mode de réalisation préféré, l'organe d'entraînement de la tige est une came dont la face arrière hélicoïdale traverse la fenêtre et protubère dans le corps cylindrique, face contre laquelle vient agir soit directement une portion du bord frontal de la jupe en tant qu'élément d'entraînement du connecteur mâle, soit une petite face hélicoïdale frontale de contact d'une encoche ménagée dans ce bord frontal de la jupe.According to a first preferred embodiment, the rod drive member is a cam, the helical rear face of which passes through the window and protrudes into the cylindrical body, the face against which acts either directly a portion of the front edge of the skirt as a drive element of the male connector, a small helical front face for contacting a notch formed in this front edge of the skirt.

Par face "arrière" on entend une face orientée dans le sens d'extraction du connecteur mâle hors du connecteur femelle, donc principalement orientée vers le tube flexible d'aspiration, notamment la face hélicoïdale d'actionnement ménagée à la périphérie de la came de tige. De même, une partie arrière d'une pièce est la partie la plus proche du tube d'aspiration. A l'inverse, par face "frontale", on entend une face agissant dans le sens d'introduction du connecteur mâle dans le connecteur femelle, donc principalement orientée vers le sac de récupération des déchets. Il s'agit notamment de l'épaisseur de la portion de bord frontal de la jupe agissant directement sur la came, ou de la petite face hélicoïdale d'une encoche ménagée dans ce bord de jupe, cette face hélicoïdale formant une face de contact restreinte glissant que de mieux avec la face arrière de la came de tige.By "rear" face is meant a face oriented in the direction of extraction of the male connector from the female connector, therefore mainly oriented towards the flexible suction tube, in particular the helical actuating face formed at the periphery of the cam. rod. Likewise, a rear part of a part is the part closest to the suction tube. Conversely, by "front" face means a face acting in the direction of introduction of the male connector into the female connector, therefore mainly oriented towards the waste recovery bag. This is in particular the thickness of the front edge portion of the skirt acting directly on the cam, or the small helical face of a notch formed in this skirt edge, this helical face forming a restricted contact face sliding only better with the rear face of the rod cam.

Grâce à un tel mécanisme ne mettant en oeuvre que le glissement l'un par rapport à l'autre d'une face hélicoïdale et d'une petite face de contact mobile en avant, donc des éléments mécaniquement simples, le déplacement d'insertion du connecteur mâle par pure translation selon l'axe médian longitudinal du connecteur femelle est mis à profit pour provoquer automatiquement une rotation de la tige de. commande du clapet d'ouverture de sac, cette action étant alors parfaitement transparente pour l'utilisateur.Thanks to such a mechanism implementing only the sliding with respect to each other of a helical face and a small movable contact face in front, therefore mechanically simple elements, the insertion displacement of the male connector by pure translation along the longitudinal median axis of the female connector is used to automatically cause rotation of the rod. control of the bag opening valve, this action then being perfectly transparent for the user.

Avantageusement, le mécanisme de commande de fermeture du clapet rotatif lors de l'extraction du connecteur mâle hors du connecteur femelle est alors un moyen de rappel agissant contre le mouvement en rotation de la tige dans le sens de l'ouverture du clapet du sac.Advantageously, the control mechanism for closing the rotary valve during the extraction of the male connector from the female connector is then a return means acting against the rotary movement of the rod in the direction of opening of the valve of the bag.

Ce mécanisme de fermeture est simple dans la mesure où il se réduit à un ressort accumulant de l'énergie mécanique lors de l'introduction du connecteur mâle dans le connecteur femelle de manière transparente pour l'utilisateur, ce mécanisme agissant automatiquement et toujours de manière transparente lors de l'ouverture du connecteur.This closing mechanism is simple in that it is reduced to a spring accumulating mechanical energy during the introduction of the male connector into the female connector in a manner transparent to the user, this mechanism acting automatically and always so transparent when opening the connector.

Avantageusement, la face arrière hélicoïdale de la came est également oblique vers l'intérieur du connecteur femelle.Advantageously, the helical rear face of the cam is also oblique towards the inside of the female connector.

Cette pente diminue les risques de coincement lors de la progression de la descente du connecteur mâle dans le connecteur femelle.This slope reduces the risk of jamming during the progression of the descent from the male connector into the female connector.

De préférence, lors de la commande de l'ouverture du clapet rotatif de l'entrée du sac, le passage de la petite face frontale de contact du connecteur mâle de l'extrémité arrière à l'extrémité frontale de la face hélicoïdale de la came de la tige imprime une rotation de l'ordre de un quart de tour à cette tige, ce passage correspondant à une translation de la jupe dans le corps cylindrique d'environ un quart de la hauteur de cette jupe, la came de la tige s'effaçant finalement dans la fenêtre.Preferably, when controlling the opening of the rotary valve of the bag inlet, the passage from the small front face of contact of the male connector from the rear end to the front end of the helical face of the cam of the rod prints a rotation of the order of a quarter of a turn on this rod, this passage corresponding to a translation of the skirt in the cylindrical body of about a quarter of the height of this skirt, the cam of the rod disappearing finally in the window.

On assure ainsi que le clapet du sac est bien ouvert avant l'arrivée de la fiche tubulaire dans l'entrée du sac. La partie arrière de la jupe peut ensuite venir recouvrir la fenêtre ce qui assure l'étanchéité de l'intérieur de l'aspirateur.This ensures that the bag valve is fully open before the arrival of the tubular plug in the bag entrance. The rear part of the skirt can then cover the window which ensures the sealing of the interior of the vacuum cleaner.

L'éventuelle encoche ménagée pour créer une petite face de contact hélicoïdale ayant une faible hauteur, on assure de plus une solidité effective du connecteur contre des efforts de flexion, notamment lorsque l'on tire sur le tuyau d'aspiration pour faire avancer un aspirateur monté sur roulette. En effet, la majeure partie de la hauteur de la jupe, dont la périphérie n'est pas altérée, est alors en contact ferme avec le corps cylindrique du corps de connecteur femelle.The possible notch formed to create a small helical contact face having a low height, one also ensures an effective solidity of the connector against bending forces, in particular when one pulls on the suction pipe to advance a vacuum cleaner. mounted on caster. In fact, most of the height of the skirt, the periphery of which is not altered, is then in firm contact with the cylindrical body of the female connector body.

De préférence, l'extrémité frontale de la face hélicoïdale de la came débouche sur une surface verticale cylindrique s'intégrant dans la périphérie cylindrique interne du connecteur femelle lorsque la came s'efface dans la fenêtre.Preferably, the front end of the helical face of the cam opens onto a vertical cylindrical surface which fits into the internal cylindrical periphery of the female connector when the cam disappears in the window.

Ceci améliore encore le maintien de la périphérie cylindrique de la jupe du connecteur mâle dans le corps cylindrique du connecteur femelle.This further improves the retention of the cylindrical periphery of the skirt of the male connector in the cylindrical body of the female connector.

Selon un second mode de réalisation, l'élément d'entraînement du connecteur mâle est un ergot perpendiculaire de la jupe traversant une fenêtre longitudinale du corps cylindrique pour venir agir sur l'organe d'entraînement de la tige sous la forme d'une face arrière hélicoïdale d'une rainure ou d'une encoche ménagée à partir du bord arrière dans la périphérie d'un cylindre ou secteur de cylindre dont l'axe de rotation est commun à celui de la tige, cette face arrière hélicoïdale commençant et finissant de préférence verticalement.According to a second embodiment, the drive element of the male connector is a perpendicular lug of the skirt passing through a longitudinal window of the cylindrical body to act on the drive member of the rod in the form of a face helical rear of a groove or notch formed from the rear edge in the periphery of a cylinder or cylinder sector whose axis of rotation is common to that of the rod, this helical rear face starting and ending preferably vertically.

Dans cette seconde variante, on entend toujours par "face arrière" la face orientée vers le tube d'aspiration et ménagée dans toute l'épaisseur d'un cylindre creux ou secteur cylindrique creux solidaire de la tige dans le cas d'une rainure ouverte ou d'une encoche ; ou ménagée seulement partiellement dans le rayon d'un cylindre ou secteur de cylindre plein dans le cas d'une rainure fermée ou encoche, alors également appelé ressaut hélicoïdal. Ce cylindre ou secteur de cylindre forme alors une sorte de corps de came mais qui est entièrement à l'extérieur du connecteur femelle.In this second variant, the term “rear face” always means the face oriented towards the suction tube and formed throughout the thickness of a hollow cylinder or hollow cylindrical sector integral with the rod in the case of an open groove or a notch; or formed only partially within the radius of a cylinder or full cylinder sector in the case of a closed groove or notch, then also called helical projection. This cylinder or cylinder sector then forms a sort of cam body but which is entirely outside the female connector.

Dans cette variante, la fenêtre ménagée dans le corps cylindrique pour mettre en communication l'élément d'entraînement du connecteur mâle avec l'organe d'entraînement de la tige est alors plutôt une fenêtre verticale, c'est-à-dire parallèle à l'axe longitudinal du connecteur femelle, fenêtre dont la largeur est réduite à celle de l'ergot du connecteur mâle. L'épaisseur du corps cylindrique doit toutefois être telle que cette coupe verticale n'altère pas trop sa rigidité.In this variant, the window formed in the cylindrical body for placing the drive element of the male connector in communication with the rod drive member is then rather a vertical window, that is to say parallel to the longitudinal axis of the female connector, a window whose width is reduced to that of the lug of the male connector. The thickness of the cylindrical body must however be such that this vertical section does not alter its rigidity too much.

Selon un troisième mode de réalisation, l'organe d'entraînement de la tige est un doigt traversant une fenêtre transversale du corps cylindrique et contre lequel vient agir un élément d'entraînement du connecteur mâle sous la forme d'une face frontale hélicoïdale d'une encoche ou d'une rainure ouverte ménagée dans la jupe externe à partir de son bord frontal.According to a third embodiment, the rod drive member is a finger passing through a transverse window of the cylindrical body and against which a drive element for the male connector acts in the form of a helical front face of a notch or an open groove made in the outer skirt from its front edge.

Dans cette troisième variante, la "face frontale" est la tranche hélicoïdale plutôt longue de la jupe définissant soit le contour de l'encoche soit la ligne supérieure de la rainure agissant sur le doigt. Dans cette variante, la fenêtre ménagée dans le corps cylindrique pour mettre en communication l'élément d'entraînement du connecteur mâle avec l'organe d'entraînement de la tige est alors plutôt une fenêtre horizontale, c'est-à-dire ménagée dans la périphérie du corps cylindrique perpendiculairement à son axe longitudinal médian, fenêtre dont la hauteur est réduite à celle du doigt traversant.In this third variant, the "front face" is the rather long helical edge of the skirt defining either the contour of the notch or the upper line of the groove acting on the finger. In this variant, the window formed in the cylindrical body for placing the drive element of the male connector in communication with the rod drive member is then rather a horizontal window, that is to say formed in the periphery of the cylindrical body perpendicular to its median longitudinal axis, a window whose height is reduced to that of the crossing finger.

Lorsque l'élément d'entraînement du connecteur mâle est un ergot et que la face arrière appartient à une encoche ouverte vers la face arrière du cylindre ou du bloc cylindrique, ou lorsque l'organe d'entraînement de la tige est un doigt et que la face frontale hélicoïdale appartient à une encoche ouverte vers le bord frontal de la jupe, le mécanisme de fermeture du clapet lors de l'extraction du connecteur mâle hors du connecteur femelle est un moyen de rappel agissant contre le mouvement en rotation de la tige dans le sens de l'ouverture du clapet du sac.When the drive element of the male connector is a lug and the rear face belongs to a notch open towards the rear face of the cylinder or of the cylindrical block, or when the drive member of the rod is a finger and that the helical front face belongs to a notch open towards the front edge of the skirt, the valve closing mechanism during the extraction of the male connector from the female connector is a return means acting against the rotary movement of the rod in the direction of opening of the valve of the bag.

Ce mode de réalisation présente l'avantage que si, pour une raison ou pour une autre, le clapet ou la tige présente une friction ou un coincement lors du déplacement retour en fermeture, il est toujours possible d'extraire le connecteur mâle, ce qui permet l'accès au clapet pour nettoyage et enlèvement d'une éventuelle obstruction.This embodiment has the advantage that if, for one reason or another, the valve or the rod has friction or jamming during the return-to-close movement, it is always possible to extract the male connector, which allows access to the valve for cleaning and removal of any obstruction.

Lorsque l'élément d'entraînement du connecteur mâle est un ergot et que la face arrière hélicoïdale du cylindre ou du bloc cylindrique appartient à une rainure hélicoïdale, alors le mécanisme de fermeture du clapet lors de l'extraction du connecteur mâle hors du connecteur femelle est la face frontale hélicoïdale de cette rainure sensiblement parallèle à la face arrière. De manière analogue, lorsque l'organe d'entraînement de la tige est un doigt et que la face frontale hélicoïdale de la jupe appartient également à une rainure hélicoïdale, alors le mécanisme de fermeture du clapet lors de l'extraction du connecteur mâle hors du connecteur femelle est la face arrière hélicoïdale de cette rainure sensiblement parallèle à la face frontale.When the drive element of the male connector is a lug and the helical rear face of the cylinder or the cylindrical block belongs to a helical groove, then the valve closing mechanism when the male connector is extracted from the female connector is the helical front face of this groove substantially parallel to the rear face. Similarly, when the rod drive member is a finger and the helical front face of the skirt also belongs to a helical groove, then the valve closing mechanism when the male connector is extracted from the female connector is the helical rear face of this groove substantially parallel to the front face.

Le mécanisme d'actionnement du clapet s'avère dans cette configuration particulièrement simple puisqu'il se réduit à l'interaction dans les deux sens d'un doigt ou d'un ergot engagé dans une rainure hélicoïdale.The valve actuation mechanism proves to be particularly simple in this configuration since it is reduced to interaction in both directions of a finger or of a lug engaged in a helical groove.

Utilement, un bras de verrouillage de capot d'accès au sac est ménagé dans la partie arrière de la tige diamétralement opposée à son organe d'entraînement en rotation.Usefully, a bag access cover locking arm is formed in the rear part of the rod diametrically opposite to its rotation drive member.

Grâce à la simplicité du mécanisme selon l'invention, la structure de l'organe d'entraînement, que ce soit sous la forme, d'une came, d'un secteur cylindrique ou d'un doigt, autorise toujours l'agencement supplémentaire de ce bras utile de verrouillage de capot.Thanks to the simplicity of the mechanism according to the invention, the structure of the drive member, whether in the form of a cam, a cylindrical sector or a finger, always allows the additional arrangement. of this useful hood locking arm.

De préférence, l'organe d'entraînement de tige et/ou l'élément d'entraînement de la jupe est réalisé ou recouvert en un matériau présentant un faible coefficient de friction, par exemple est réalisé ou revêtu en Téflon ou en métal poli.Preferably, the rod drive member and / or the skirt drive member is made or covered with a material having a low coefficient of friction, for example is made or coated with Teflon or polished metal.

On minimise ainsi grandement la force à appliquer sur le connecteur mâle pour ouvrir le sac lors de son insertion dans le connecteur femelle.This greatly minimizes the force to be applied to the male connector to open the bag when it is inserted into the female connector.

De préférence, le moyen de guidage du connecteur mâle dans le connecteur femelle est une languette protubérant de la jupe selon un plan radial passant par l'axe médian longitudinal du connecteur mâle, venant s'engager dans une rainure ménagée à la périphérie interne du corps cylindrique selon un plan radial passant par l'axe médian longitudinal du connecteur femelle.Preferably, the means for guiding the male connector in the female connector is a tongue protruding from the skirt along a radial plane passing through the longitudinal median axis of the male connector, coming to engage in a groove formed at the internal periphery of the body. cylindrical along a radial plane passing through the longitudinal median axis of the female connector.

Ce dispositif de guidage a l'avantage de préserver l'intégrité de la jupe, notamment de sa partie arrière intervenant dans l'étanchéité du connecteur.This guide device has the advantage of preserving the integrity of the skirt, in particular of its rear part involved in the sealing of the connector.

Si désiré, l'extrémité arrière de la tige est connectée à un bouton de manoeuvre accessible de l'extérieur du bâti. Ceci permet d'actionner, le cas échéant le clapet de fermeture du sac manuellement, par exemple pour vérifier son bon fonctionnement.If desired, the rear end of the rod is connected to an operating button accessible from the outside of the frame. This makes it possible to actuate, if necessary the valve for closing the bag manually, for example to check its correct operation.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à l'étude d'un mode de réalisation pris à titre nullement limitatif et illustré dans les figures annexées dans lesquelles :

  • les figures 1 et 2 sont des vues en coupe longitudinale d'un connecteur de tuyau d'aspiration à un aspirateur selon l'invention, respectivement désassemblé et assemblé
  • la figure 3 est une vue en perspective des pièces principales composant le connecteur de la figure 1,
  • les figures 4a à 4e sont des vues de la tige de commande d'ouverture du clapet d'entrée de sac du connecteur de la figure 1, respectivement du coté droit, de devant, du coté gauche, en perspective vue de gauche et en perspective vue de droite,
  • la figure 5 est une vue de côté du connecteur mâle de la figure 1.
  • la figure 6 est une vue partiellement en perspective d'un second mode de réalisation d'un connecteur selon l'invention, et
  • la figure 7 est une vue de côté d'un troisième mode de réalisation d'un connecteur selon l'invention.
The invention will be better understood from the study of an embodiment taken without any limitation being implied and illustrated in the appended figures in which:
  • Figures 1 and 2 are views in longitudinal section of a suction hose connector to a vacuum cleaner according to the invention, disassembled and assembled respectively
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the main parts making up the connector of FIG. 1,
  • Figures 4a to 4e are views of the opening control rod of the bag inlet valve of the connector of Figure 1, respectively from the right side, from the front, from the left side, in perspective view from the left and in perspective right view,
  • FIG. 5 is a side view of the male connector of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 6 is a partially perspective view of a second embodiment of a connector according to the invention, and
  • Figure 7 is a side view of a third embodiment of a connector according to the invention.

Sur la figure 1 est illustré un connecteur reliant un tube d'aspiration 8 à un bâti 5 d'un aspirateur de telle sorte que l'intérieur de ce tuyau soit en communication avec l'intérieur d'un sac 60 de récupération de poussière.In FIG. 1 is illustrated a connector connecting a suction tube 8 to a frame 5 of a vacuum cleaner so that the interior of this hose is in communication with the interior of a bag 60 for collecting dust.

Le sac souple de récupération de poussière 60 présente une plaque rigide de fixation dans des supports 69 à l'intérieur de l'aspirateur 5, cette plaque rigide sensiblement rectangulaire présentant une ouverture d'entrée 66 susceptible d'être fermée par un clapet 64. Cette plaque rigide est notamment constituée par l'empilage de plusieurs plaques en carton ou en plastique assemblées. Plus précisément, cet empilage comprend une première plaque interne rigide 61 ne présentant qu'un orifice central circulaire d'entrée 66 qui est recouvert par une membrane d'étanchéité 62 présentant une ouverture coaxiale à l'orifice d'entrée 66. Sur cette membrane d'étanchéité 62 est appliquée une plaque de guidage 63 présentant une ouverture en forme de haricot dont l'un des lobes est coaxial à l'orifice d'entrée 66. Cette ouverture contient un clapet d'entrée rotatif 64 dont la forme correspond sensiblement à un lobe de l'ouverture en forme de haricot de la plaque de guidage 63, ce clapet présentant en outre un orifice en croix recevant une clé 52 d'une tige de commande en rotation. Ce clapet 64 peut ainsi être tourné dans un lobe puis dans l'autre de l'ouverture en forme de haricot de la plaque de guidage 63 pour respectivement venir fermer et ouvrir l'orifice 66. Cette plaque de guidage 63 est elle même surmontée d'une plaque rigide externe 65 présentant, comme la plaque rigide interne 61, seulement un orifice central d'entrée.The flexible dust collection bag 60 has a rigid plate for fixing in supports 69 inside the vacuum cleaner 5, this rigid substantially rectangular plate having an inlet opening 66 capable of being closed by a valve 64. This rigid plate is notably constituted by the stacking of several assembled cardboard or plastic plates. More precisely, this stack comprises a first rigid internal plate 61 having only a circular central inlet orifice 66 which is covered by a sealing membrane 62 having an opening coaxial with the inlet orifice 66. On this membrane sealing 62 is applied a guide plate 63 having a bean-shaped opening of which one of the lobes is coaxial with the inlet orifice 66. This opening contains a rotary inlet valve 64 whose shape corresponds substantially to a lobe of the bean-shaped opening of the guide plate 63, this valve further having a cross orifice receiving a key 52 of a rotary control rod. This valve 64 can thus be turned in a lobe and then in the other of the bean-shaped opening of the guide plate 63 to respectively close and open the orifice 66. This guide plate 63 is itself surmounted by an external rigid plate 65 having, like the internal rigid plate 61, only a central inlet orifice.

Ainsi, le clapet d'entrée 64 est maintenu, mobile en glissement, dans le plan de sa plaque de guidage 63 par les deux plaques rigides interne 61 et externe 65. Les tranches de cette plaque rigide d'entrée de sac 60 sont insérées dans des rainures ménagées à l'extrémité de barres ou de plaques de support de sac 69 agencées en vis-à-vis.Thus, the inlet valve 64 is held, movable in sliding, in the plane of its guide plate 63 by the two rigid internal plates 61 and external 65. The edges of this rigid bag entry plate 60 are inserted into grooves at the end of bars or bags support plates 69 arranged opposite.

Comme mieux visible sur les figures 1 à 3, le connecteur du tube d'aspiration 8 au bâti 5 d'aspirateur comprend d'une part un connecteur femelle 30 monté dans le bâti 5 de l'aspirateur peu au-dessus du sac 60 et d'autre part un connecteur mâle 10 fixé à l'extrémité du tube d'aspiration 8 et prévu pour être inséré et verrouillé dans le connecteur femelle 30.As best seen in FIGS. 1 to 3, the connector of the suction tube 8 to the frame 5 of the vacuum cleaner comprises on the one hand a female connector 30 mounted in the frame 5 of the vacuum cleaner little above the bag 60 and on the other hand, a male connector 10 fixed to the end of the suction tube 8 and designed to be inserted and locked in the female connector 30.

Le connecteur femelle 30 présente principalement un corps cylindrique 32 traversant le bâti 5 de l'aspirateur et complété en son extrémité externe par un rebord radial 33 venant en appui sur ce bâti. Notamment, l'axe longitudinal médian de ce corps cylindrique 32 se situe dans l'alignement de l'axe central de l'orifice d'entrée circulaire 66 de la zone rigide du sac 60.The female connector 30 mainly has a cylindrical body 32 passing through the frame 5 of the vacuum cleaner and completed at its outer end by a radial flange 33 bearing on this frame. In particular, the median longitudinal axis of this cylindrical body 32 is located in alignment with the central axis of the circular inlet orifice 66 of the rigid area of the bag 60.

Le connecteur mâle 10 présente un manchon 16 d'attache au tube d'aspirateur se rétrécissant vers l'aval en une fiche centrale 12 dont le diamètre externe est égal, voire légèrement inférieur, au diamètre de l'orifice d'entrée 66 au travers duquel cette fiche est prévue d'être insérée. La partie inférieure du manchon 16, la zone de restriction et la partie supérieure de la fiche centrale 12 sont entourées par une jupe externe 14 sensiblement cylindrique coaxiale à la fiche centrale 12 et de diamètre externe égal, voire légèrement inférieur, au diamètre interne du corps cylindrique 32 du connecteur femelle 30 dans lequel elle est prévue de s'insérer. La partie supérieure de cette jupe externe 14, tel qu'illustré sur cette figure 1, présente un rebord périphérique conique 17 se terminant en un ressaut inférieur circulaire 15.The male connector 10 has a sleeve 16 for attachment to the vacuum tube narrowing downstream in a central plug 12 whose external diameter is equal to, or even slightly less than, the diameter of the inlet orifice 66 through from which this sheet is intended to be inserted. The lower part of the sleeve 16, the restriction zone and the upper part of the central plug 12 are surrounded by an outer skirt 14 substantially cylindrical coaxial with the central plug 12 and with an external diameter equal to, or even slightly less than, the internal diameter of the body cylindrical 32 of the female connector 30 into which it is intended to fit. The upper part of this external skirt 14, as illustrated in this FIG. 1, has a conical peripheral rim 17 ending in a circular lower projection 15.

Comme mieux visible sur les figures 3 et 5, la jupe externe 14 présente deux paires de fentes verticales diamétralement opposées pour définir, dans cette jupe, deux bras flexibles 70 portant chacun en leur extrémité inférieure un crochet 74 prévu pour venir s'encliqueter dans une échancrure 34 ménagée en correspondance dans le bord inférieur du corps cylindrique 32 lorsque le connecteur mâle 10 est complètement inséré dans le connecteur femelle 30. La partie supérieure de ces bras 70 présente des boutons de pression 72 apparaissant dans les fenêtres du rebord conique 17 permettant, par appui sur ces boutons, de dégager les crochets 74 hors des échancrures 34 pour déverrouiller le connecteur.As best seen in Figures 3 and 5, the outer skirt 14 has two pairs of diametrically opposite vertical slots to define, in this skirt, two flexible arms 70 each carrying at their lower end a hook 74 provided to snap into a notch 34 formed in correspondence in the lower edge of the cylindrical body 32 when the male connector 10 is completely inserted in the female connector 30. The upper part of these arms 70 has pressure buttons 72 appearing in the windows of the conical rim 17 allowing, by pressing these buttons, to release the hooks 74 out of the notches 34 to unlock the connector.

Plus particulièrement selon l'invention, le connecteur mâle 10 est prévu d'être installé dans son connecteur femelle 30 par un seul mouvement de translation le long de leur axe longitudinal médian commun. A cet effet, la jupe 14 du connecteur mâle 10 présente une languette radiale externe 18 de guidage, mieux visible sur les figures 1 et 2, prévue pour venir s'insérer dans une rainure 38 ménagée dans la périphérie interne du corps cylindrique 32, également agencée selon un plan radial passant par l'axe longitudinal médian.More particularly according to the invention, the male connector 10 is intended to be installed in its female connector 30 by a single translational movement along their common median longitudinal axis. To this end, the skirt 14 of the male connector 10 has an external radial guide tongue 18, better visible in FIGS. 1 and 2, designed to be inserted in a groove 38 formed in the internal periphery of the cylindrical body 32, also arranged in a radial plane passing through the median longitudinal axis.

Comme illustré sur les figures 1 à 3, le mécanisme de commande du clapet d'entrée 64 du sac 60 comprend alors une tige 50 supportée par des organes de maintien non illustrés du bâti 5 de l'aspirateur de telle sorte à être mobile autour de son axe longitudinal central orienté parallèlement à celui du corps cylindrique 32. Cette tige 50 présente une extrémité inférieure cruciforme 52 constituant la clé pénétrant dans l'orifice également cruciforme de commande de mise en rotation du clapet d'entrée 64 du sac 60. Comme mieux visible sur les figures 3 et 4, l'extrémité supérieure réduite de cette tige 50 présente deux doigts d'entraînement 59 diamétralement opposés. Ces doigts 59 sont prévus pour venir s'enclencher dans deux ouvertures oblongues 44 ménagées également de manière diamétralement opposée dans une douille 42 de maintien d'un bouton externe 40 permettant d'actionner de l'extérieur manuellement le clapet d'entrée 64 du sac 60. Notamment, cette douille 42 tourne au sein d'une cheminée cylindrique 7 du bâti 5 de l'aspirateur où elle est maintenue en position par des crochets inférieurs 46 s'enclenchant sous les bords inférieurs de cette cheminée.As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the mechanism for controlling the inlet valve 64 of the bag 60 then comprises a rod 50 supported by holding members, not illustrated, of the frame 5 of the vacuum cleaner so as to be movable around its central longitudinal axis oriented parallel to that of the cylindrical body 32. This rod 50 has a cruciform lower end 52 constituting the key penetrating the also cruciform orifice for controlling the rotation of the inlet valve 64 of the bag 60. As best visible in Figures 3 and 4, the reduced upper end of this rod 50 has two diametrically opposite drive fingers 59. These fingers 59 are provided to snap into two oblong openings 44 also formed diametrically opposite in a socket 42 for holding an external button 40 allowing manual actuation of the inlet valve 64 from the bag 60. In particular, this sleeve 42 rotates within a cylindrical chimney 7 of the frame 5 of the vacuum cleaner where it is held in position by lower hooks 46 which engage under the lower edges of this chimney.

Outre la clé 52 d'actionnement du clapet d'entrée 64, cette tige 50 est également munie d'un bras 53 permettant de verrouiller une commande d'ouverture d'un capot mobile du bâti 5 de l'aspirateur permettant l'accès au sac 60 pour remplacement. Selon le modèle d'aspirateur, ce capot intègre le connecteur femelle 30 et les supports de sac 69, ou en est totalement indépendant en y étant adjacent.In addition to the key 52 for actuating the inlet valve 64, this rod 50 is also provided with an arm 53 making it possible to lock a command to open a movable cover of the frame 5 of the vacuum cleaner allowing access to the bag 60 for replacement. Depending on the model of vacuum cleaner, this cover integrates the female connector 30 and the bag supports 69, or is completely independent by being adjacent to it.

Plus particulièrement selon l'invention, et comme mieux visible sur les figures 1, 3 et 4, l'organe d'entraînement en rotation de la tige 50 se présente sous la forme d'une plaque en secteur circulaire 54 orthogonale à la tige et diamétralement opposée au bras de verrouillage 53, cette plaque supportant en son extrémité radiale une came 55 protubérante à l'intérieur du corps cylindrique 32 en passant au travers d'une fenêtre 36 de ce corps.More particularly according to the invention, and as best seen in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the member for rotating the rod 50 is in the form of a circular sector plate 54 orthogonal to the rod and diametrically opposite to the locking arm 53, this plate supporting at its radial end a cam 55 protruding inside the cylindrical body 32 passing through a window 36 of this body.

Comme mieux visible sur les figures 4, cette came 55 présente une face en portion hélicoïdale 56 orientée vers l'arrière, c'est-à-dire vers le connecteur mâle 10 et simultanément légèrement oblique vers l'intérieur du corps cylindrique 32. Cette face hélicoïdale 56, telle que vue du dessus selon la figure 4b, ne présente toutefois pas une piste en portion de couronne circulaire, mais se rétrécit en son extrémité inférieure, c'est-à-dire son bord frontal le plus proche du sac de récupération 60, par un amincissement dû à la présence d'une surface verticale en portion de cylindre 57 de rayon de courbure identique au rayon interne du corps cylindrique 32. L'angle au sommet de cette face hélicoïdale telle que vue sur la figure 4b est compris entre 60° et 90°, de l'ordre de 80°.As best seen in Figures 4, this cam 55 has a helical portion face 56 facing rearward, that is to say towards the male connector 10 and simultaneously slightly oblique towards the inside of the cylindrical body 32. This helical face 56, as seen from above according to FIG. 4b, does not, however, have a track in the portion of a circular crown, but narrows at its lower end, that is to say its front edge closest to the bag. recovery 60, by a thinning due to the presence of a vertical surface in cylinder portion 57 of radius of curvature identical to the internal radius of the cylindrical body 32. The angle at the top of this helical face as seen in FIG. 4b is between 60 ° and 90 °, of the order of 80 °.

Par ailleurs, un moyen de rappel 80, par exemple un ressort hélicoïdal coaxial à la tige 50, est attaché d'une part au bâti 5, par exemple en l'un des bras de support 69 de sac et d'autre part à la tige 50, par exemple au bras de verrouillage 53 ou à la plaque de secteur circulaire 54, de telle sorte à s'opposer à une rotation de cette tige hors de sa position de repos tel qu'illustré sur la figure 1.Furthermore, a return means 80, for example a helical spring coaxial with the rod 50, is attached on the one hand to the frame 5, for example in one of the bag support arms 69 and on the other hand to the rod 50, for example to the locking arm 53 or to the circular sector plate 54, so as to oppose a rotation of this rod out of its rest position as illustrated in FIG. 1.

En correspondance, et comme mieux visible sur les figures 3 et 5, l'extrémité frontale de la jupe 14 du connecteur mâle 10 peut présenter une encoche 13 dont l'un des bords est oblique, c'est-à-dire qui présente également une ligne hélicoïdale.Correspondingly, and as best seen in Figures 3 and 5, the front end of the skirt 14 of the male connector 10 may have a notch 13, one of the edges of which is oblique, that is to say which also has a helical line.

Le fonctionnement du connecteur selon l'invention décrit précédemment va maintenant être expliqué en comparant les figures 1 et 2.The operation of the connector according to the invention described above will now be explained by comparing Figures 1 and 2.

Lorsque l'on commence à insérer le connecteur mâle 10 dans le connecteur femelle 30, l'interaction entre la languette de guidage 18 du connecteur mâle dans la rainure 38 de guidage du connecteur femelle impose un mouvement d'avance en pure translation du connecteur mâle à l'exclusion de toute rotation autour de son axe longitudinal médian. Bien avant que l'extrémité de la fiche centrale 12 ne parvienne à hauteur de l'orifice d'entrée 66 du sac 60, le bord frontal de la jupe 14 vient en contact avec l'extrémité arrière de la face hélicoïdale 56 de la tige 50, c'est-à-dire l'extrémité gauche de la came telle que vue du dessus sur la figure 4b. Du fait que la portion de contact du bord frontal de la jupe externe 14 ne peut qu'avancer en translation, l'interaction de cette portion de contact avec la face hélicoïdale 56 force une rotation de la tige 50. Au cours de cette rotation, cette portion de bord frontal glisse le long de la piste hélicoïdale 56 à un niveau de plus en plus profond jusqu'à atteindre l'extrémité frontale, c'est-à-dire l'extrémité droite de la figure 4b de cette face hélicoïdale 56. La surface en portion de cylindre 57 apparaît alors dans la fenêtre 36 du corps cylindrique 32, cette surface 57 s'intégrant alors dans la périphérie interne cylindrique du connecteur femelle 30. Cette rotation de la tige 50 a ainsi provoqué la rotation du clapet d'entrée 64 ouvrant alors l'orifice d'entrée 66 du sac 60 et a amené le bras 53 en position de verrouillage du dispositif d'ouverture du capot d'accès au sac.When one begins to insert the male connector 10 into the female connector 30, the interaction between the guide tab 18 of the male connector in the guide groove 38 of the female connector requires a forward movement in pure translation of the male connector excluding any rotation about its median longitudinal axis. Long before the end of the central plug 12 reaches the level of the inlet orifice 66 of the bag 60, the front edge of the skirt 14 comes into contact with the rear end of the helical face 56 of the rod 50, that is to say the left end of the cam as seen from above in FIG. 4b. Because the contact portion of the front edge of the outer skirt 14 can only advance in translation, the interaction of this contact portion with the helical face 56 forces rotation of the rod 50. During this rotation, this portion of the front edge slides along the helical track 56 at an increasingly deep level until it reaches the front end, that is to say the right end of FIG. 4b of this helical face 56 The cylinder portion surface 57 then appears in the window 36 of the cylindrical body 32, this surface 57 then integrating into the cylindrical internal periphery of the female connector 30. This rotation of the rod 50 has thus caused the rotation of the valve d 'inlet 64 then opening the inlet orifice 66 of the bag 60 and brought the arm 53 in the locked position of the device for opening the access cover to the bag.

Dans cette position, la jupe externe 14 peut continuer sa progression, notamment en glissant le long de la surface verticale en portion de cylindre 57 de la came 55 de telle sorte que la fiche centrale 12 puisse maintenant pénétrer au travers de l'orifice 66, notamment en repoussant de côté la membrane flexible d'étanchéité 62. On notera que la jupe externe 14 vient obturer complètement la fenêtre 36 protégeant ainsi la tige 55 de toute poussière.In this position, the external skirt 14 can continue to progress, in particular by sliding along the vertical surface in cylinder portion 57 of the cam 55 so that the central plug 12 can now penetrate through the orifice 66, in particular by pushing aside the flexible sealing membrane 62. It will be noted that the external skirt 14 completely closes the window 36 thus protecting the rod 55 from any dust.

L'aménagement d'une encoche dans le bord frontal de la jupe 14 permet de donner à la portion de contact du bord frontal une orientation oblique, voire hélicoïdale, en correspondance avec celle arrière de la came pour un meilleur glissement, donc une rotation facilitée de la tige.The arrangement of a notch in the front edge of the skirt 14 makes it possible to give the contact portion of the front edge an oblique orientation, or even helical, in correspondence with the rear of the cam for better sliding, therefore easier rotation of the rod.

La figure 6 illustre une variante du connecteur selon l'invention dans laquelle la came 100 de la tige 50 reste entièrement à l'extérieur du corps cylindrique du connecteur femelle, un ergot transversal 90 de la jupe 14 traversant alors une fenêtre verticale 96 de ce corps 32. Plus précisément, la came 100 se présente sous la forme d'un bloc en secteur cylindrique à la périphérie duquel est ménagée une rainure 110. Notamment, cette rainure présente un départ supérieur à la verticale, une rampe intermédiaire hélicoïdale prononcée induisant une rotation rapide de la tige 50, et se terminant en une partie inférieure verticale correspondant à la pénétration de la fiche centrale 12 du connecteur mâle dans l'orifice d'entrée du sac.FIG. 6 illustrates a variant of the connector according to the invention in which the cam 100 of the rod 50 remains entirely outside the cylindrical body of the female connector, a transverse lug 90 of the skirt 14 then passing through a vertical window 96 of this body 32. More specifically, the cam 100 is in the form of a block in a cylindrical sector at the periphery of which is formed a groove 110. In particular, this groove has a departure greater than the vertical, a pronounced intermediate helical ramp inducing a rapid rotation of the rod 50, and ending in a vertical lower part corresponding to the penetration of the central plug 12 of the male connector into the inlet opening of the bag.

Dans cette version, la face arrière de cette rainure 110 est active lors de la rotation de la came 50 pour ouverture du clapet d'entrée alors que la face opposée, dite frontale, referme automatiquement ce clapet lors de l'extraction du connecteur mâle 10 hors du connecteur femelle 30. Si désiré, on peut alors s'affranchir du ressort de renvoi 80 de la tige 50.In this version, the rear face of this groove 110 is active during the rotation of the cam 50 for opening the inlet valve while the opposite face, known as the front face, automatically closes this valve when the male connector 10 is extracted. outside the female connector 30. If desired, it is then possible to dispense with the return spring 80 of the rod 50.

La figure 7 illustre une troisième variante inversée dans laquelle la face hélicoïdale provoquant la rotation de la tige 50 est maintenant ménagée sous la forme d'une rainure 114 traversant l'épaisseur de la jupe 14 du connecteur 10. Alors, l'organe d'entraînement de la tige 50 est réduite à un doigt 112 orthogonal à sa tige et traversant une fenêtre 118 horizontale du corps cylindrique 32 du connecteur femelle pour s'engager dans cette rainure hélicoïdale 114. La partie frontale de cette rainure 114 peut commencer à la verticale, puis devenir hélicoïdale de pente prononcée pour induire une rotation rapide de la tige, et se terminer par une portion arrière à nouveau verticale correspondant à la pénétration de la fiche centrale 12 dans l'orifice d'entrée du sac. Si désiré, on peut également envisager de supprimer un ressort de rappel de la tige 50. Toutefois, un tel ressort présentant une faible élasticité peut s'avérer utile pour amener systématiquement, lorsque le clapet d'obturation est en position d'obturation du sac, le doigt 112 à une même position de repos en butée contre un repère.FIG. 7 illustrates a third inverted variant in which the helical face causing the rotation of the rod 50 is now formed in the form of a groove 114 crossing the thickness of the skirt 14 of the connector 10. Then, the member rod drive 50 is reduced to a finger 112 orthogonal to its rod and passing through a horizontal window 118 of the cylindrical body 32 of the female connector in order to engage in this helical groove 114. The front part of this groove 114 can start vertically , then become helical with a pronounced slope to induce a rapid rotation of the rod, and end with a rear portion again vertical corresponding to the penetration of the central plug 12 into the inlet opening of the bag. If desired, it is also possible to envisage removing a return spring from the rod 50. However, such a spring having low elasticity may prove useful for bringing systematically, when the shutter valve is in the bag closing position, the finger 112 in the same rest position in abutment against a mark.

De nombreuses améliorations peuvent être apportées à ce connecteur dans l'étendue des revendications. Notamment, au moins l'organe d'entraînement en rotation de la tige peut être réalisé en un matériau présentant un faible coefficient de friction avec l'élément de commande du connecteur mâle, par exemple être réalisé ou revêtu de plastique tel que celui commercialisé sous la dénomination Téflon, voire d'un revêtement métallique poli.Many improvements can be made to this connector within the scope of the claims. In particular, at least the member for rotating the rod can be made of a material having a low coefficient of friction with the control element of the male connector, for example being made or coated with plastic such as that sold under the name Teflon, or even a polished metallic coating.

On peut également envisager de prévoir dans le connecteur mâle des embases 19 entre la jupe 14 et la fiche centrale 12 pour installer des fiches métalliques de connexion électrique permettant de commander le moteur de l'aspirateur à partir d'une poignée située sur le tuyau d'aspiration, comme illustré sur la figure 1.It is also possible to envisage providing in the male connector bases 19 between the skirt 14 and the central plug 12 for installing metal plugs for electrical connection making it possible to control the motor of the vacuum cleaner from a handle situated on the pipe d suction, as illustrated in figure 1.

Claims (10)

  1. A connector for connecting a flexible suction hose (8) to a vacuum cleaner (5), said connector comprising:
    a female connector (30) in the form of a cylindrical body (32) secured to the housing (5) of the vacuum cleaner;
    a male connector (10) secured to the end of the suction hose (8) and comprising a central tubular plug (12) surrounded coaxially by an outer skirt (14) that is mainly cylindrical and that slides in the body (32) of the female connector;
    a guide device (18/38) for guiding the movement of the male connector in the female connector, and a locking device (70-74/34) for locking said male connector in said female connector;
    a control mechanism for opening the rotary flap (64) of the inlet of the bag of the vacuum cleaner, which mechanism comprises a rod (50) mounted to turn about an axis parallel to the axis of the female connector (30) to which it is adjacent, the front end (52) of said rod constituting a key for actuating the flap, the back portion of said rod (50) being provided with a rotary drive member (55) communicating with the inside of the female connector (30) via a side window (36) in its cylindrical body (32) so as to be capable of cooperating with a drive element (13) for driving the male connector (10), said connector being characterized:
    in that the guide device (18/38) constrains the male connector (10) to move essentially in translation along the central axis of the female connector (30); and
    in that the drive member for driving the rod (50) is a cam (55) having a helical back face (56) against which the drive element (13) for driving the male connector comes into contact and can act, said drive element being in the form of a small front face (13) integral with the skirt (14), or conversely, the drive member for driving the rod has a small back contact face (112) against which a front helical face (114) of the skirt comes to act.
  2. A connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive member for driving the rod (50) is a cam (55) whose helical back face (56) passes through the window (36) and projects into the cylindrical body (32), against which face either a portion of the front edge of the skirt (14) comes to act directly as a drive element for driving the male connector, or a small front helical contact face of a notch (13) provided in said front edge of the skirt comes to act as said drive element.
  3. A connector according to claim 2, characterized in that the control mechanism for closing the rotary flap (64) when the male connector (10) is extracted from the female connector (30) is constituted by return means (80) acting against the rod turning in the direction in which the flap of the bag is opened.
  4. A connector according to claim 2, characterized in that the helical back face (56) of the cam (55) also slants towards the inside of the female connector (30).
  5. A connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, when the rotary flap of the inlet of the bag is caused to open, the small front contact face (13) of the male connector (10) going from the back end to the front end of the helical face (56) of the cam (55) of the rod (50) causes said rod to turn through about one fourth of a turn, this corresponding to the skirt (14) moving in translation in the cylindrical body (32) over about one fourth of the height of said skirt, the cam (55) of the rod finally retracting into the window (36).
  6. A connector according to claim 5, characterized in that the front end of the helical face (56) of the cam (55) opens out onto a cylindrical vertical surface (57) that is part of the inner cylindrical periphery of the female connector (30) when the cam retracts into the window.
  7. A connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive element for driving the male connector (10) is a lug (90) that is perpendicular to the skirt (14) and that passes through a longitudinal window (96) of the cylindrical body (32) to come to act on the drive member for driving the rod, which member is in the form of a helical back face of a groove (110) or of a notch provided starting from the back edge in the periphery of a cylinder or a cylinder sector (100) whose axis of rotation coincides with the axis of the rod, said helical back face preferably starting and finishing vertically.
  8. A connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive member for driving the rod (50) is a finger (112) passing through a transverse window (118) in the cylindrical body (32) and against which a drive element for driving the male connector comes to act, which drive element is in the form of a helical front face of an open groove or notch (114) provided in the outer skirt (14) starting from its front edge.
  9. A connector according to any preceding claim, characterized in that a locking arm (53) for locking the cover giving access to the bag (60) is provided in the back portion of the rod (50) diametrically opposite from its drive member (55) for turning it.
  10. A connector according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the drive member of the rod and/or the drive member of the skirt is/are made of or coated with a material having a very low coefficient of friction, e.g. made of or coated with Teflon or polished metal.
EP19980420082 1997-06-06 1998-05-15 Connection device between a vacuum cleaner and a suction hose Expired - Lifetime EP0882421B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9707265 1997-06-06
FR9707265A FR2764180B1 (en) 1997-06-06 1997-06-06 SUCTION HOSE CONNECTOR TO A VACUUM

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0882421A1 EP0882421A1 (en) 1998-12-09
EP0882421B1 true EP0882421B1 (en) 2003-01-29

Family

ID=9507876

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19980420082 Expired - Lifetime EP0882421B1 (en) 1997-06-06 1998-05-15 Connection device between a vacuum cleaner and a suction hose

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0882421B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69810991D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2764180B1 (en)
PL (1) PL326620A1 (en)
SK (1) SK68198A3 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2346076B (en) * 1999-01-28 2003-01-08 Numatic Int Ltd Vacuum cleaner nozzle
DE102009035604A1 (en) * 2009-07-31 2011-02-10 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Vacuum cleaner with nozzle
DE102021204831A1 (en) * 2021-05-12 2022-11-17 Festool Gmbh vacuum cleaner and method

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3643498A1 (en) * 1986-12-19 1988-06-30 Vorwerk Co Interholding Latching connection for vacuum cleaners and their accessories
US5111841A (en) * 1990-11-26 1992-05-12 The Hoover Company Central vacuum system wall valve
FR2713077B1 (en) * 1993-12-03 1996-01-12 Seb Sa Automatic closure device for vacuum cleaner bag.
FR2748925B1 (en) * 1996-05-23 1998-07-31 Seb Sa VACUUM CLEANER WITH IMPROVED CONNECTION WITH SUCTION HOSE

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69810991D1 (en) 2003-03-06
SK68198A3 (en) 2000-03-13
PL326620A1 (en) 1998-12-07
EP0882421A1 (en) 1998-12-09
FR2764180A1 (en) 1998-12-11
FR2764180B1 (en) 1999-08-20

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