EP3054827A1 - Steam cleaner with a flow diversion mechanism - Google Patents

Steam cleaner with a flow diversion mechanism

Info

Publication number
EP3054827A1
EP3054827A1 EP14790222.5A EP14790222A EP3054827A1 EP 3054827 A1 EP3054827 A1 EP 3054827A1 EP 14790222 A EP14790222 A EP 14790222A EP 3054827 A1 EP3054827 A1 EP 3054827A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
nozzle
suction channel
suction
steam cleaner
mechanical stop
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP14790222.5A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3054827B1 (en
Inventor
Lucien CHARMETTAN
Frédéric Tanguy
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
SEB SA
Original Assignee
SEB SA
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by SEB SA filed Critical SEB SA
Publication of EP3054827A1 publication Critical patent/EP3054827A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3054827B1 publication Critical patent/EP3054827B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/34Machines for treating carpets in position by liquid, foam, or vapour, e.g. by steam
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/4036Parts or details of the surface treating tools
    • A47L11/4044Vacuuming or pick-up tools; Squeegees
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L13/00Implements for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L13/10Scrubbing; Scouring; Cleaning; Polishing
    • A47L13/20Mops
    • A47L13/22Mops with liquid-feeding devices
    • A47L13/225Steam mops
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2601/00Washing methods characterised by the use of a particular treatment
    • A47L2601/04Steam
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08CLEANING
    • B08BCLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B2230/00Other cleaning aspects applicable to all B08B range
    • B08B2230/01Cleaning with steam

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to a steam cleaner, and in particular a steam cleaner equipped with a suction circuit.
  • Such a cleaner may have a nozzle with a sole comprising a steam diffuser positioned between a front suction channel and a rear suction channel.
  • the cleaner may also include a mechanism connected to the nozzle wheels to plug one or the other of the suction channels so that the channel in the direction of movement concentrates the entire suction flow.
  • this system has the disadvantage of not being in configuration when it moves, because the mechanism is driven by the wheels. Consequently, during a reversal of the direction of movement, the previously opened channel will gradually be closed by the mechanism, whereas the channel which was hitherto closed will only be progressively opened, which leads to a lower efficiency in the beginning. movement in the new direction of movement.
  • An object of the present invention is to meet the disadvantages of the documents of the prior art mentioned above and in particular to propose a steam cleaner with suction means and a nozzle comprising two channels surrounding the vapor diffuser, and which has an optimal cleaning efficiency, even when reversing the direction of movement.
  • a first aspect of the invention relates to a steam cleaner comprising:
  • a main suction duct connected to the suction means
  • a nozzle with a sole comprising an arranged steam diffuser between a front suction channel and a rear suction channel;
  • a flow diversion mechanism arranged to connect one of the front suction channel and the rear suction channel to the main suction duct;
  • a control stick connected to the nozzle to allow a user to impose a cleaning movement in a direction forward or back to the nozzle;
  • the flow diversion mechanism is arranged between the control stick and the nozzle, so that:
  • the nozzle of the steam cleaner according to the present invention is automatically set to optimal cleaning configuration when changing the cleaning direction, with the communication of the main suction pipe with the suction channel front or rear depending on the direction moving, and before starting the move.
  • the flow diversion mechanism is between the control stick and the nozzle, so that it is first controlled by the control stick to be configured and then transmit the motion to the nozzle.
  • Placing the main suction duct in communication with one of the front or rear suction ducts makes it possible to concentrate the suction flow towards the duct that will suck up the dusts, before the passage of the steam diffuser.
  • the suction is maximum, and this from the beginning of the displacement of the nozzle.
  • the flow derivation mechanism comprises: a three-branch connection with a first branch connected to the main suction duct, a second branch connected to the front suction duct and a third branch connected to the rear suction duct,
  • At least one hinge part connected to the control sleeve and movable relative to the nozzle between a rear mechanical stop and a mechanical stop before,
  • a shutter controlled by the articulation piece and arranged to close the second branch when the said at least one articulation piece is in abutment with the rear mechanical stop, and to close off the third branch when the said at least one articulation piece is in abutment on the front mechanical stop.
  • said at least one articulation piece transmits a force to the nozzle forward only when it is in abutment with the mechanical stop before, and said at least one articulation piece transmits a force to the nozzle at the rear only when it is in abutment with the rear mechanical stop.
  • said at least one articulation piece transmits a force to the nozzle forward that is greater than a friction force of the nozzle on the floor to be cleaned than when it is in abutment with the mechanical stop before, and said at least one hinge piece transmits a force to the nozzle backwards greater than a frictional force of the nozzle on the floor to be cleaned than when it abuts with the rear mechanical stop.
  • the flow bypass mechanism is arranged to have lower internal friction forces than the friction of the nozzle on the floor to be cleaned: it is therefore the flow bypass mechanism that will be operated first, that is, say as long as the articulation piece will not stop. It is conceivable to use low friction materials such as teflon or use low friction bonds such as pivot links.
  • the shutter is pivotally mounted relative to the nozzle.
  • the shutter is a rotary piston in the three-branch connection.
  • a rotary piston comprising internal conduits for connecting or communicating the main suction duct with one or the other of the front or rear suction channel is similar to a cylinder, which allows to integrate it completely. inside the three-branch connection, to protect it and to reduce the size of the system.
  • the shutter is a sliding piston in the three-branch connection.
  • a sliding piston comprising internal ducts for communicating the main suction duct with one or the other of the front or rear suction duct is similar to a dispenser drawer, which allows to integrate it completely into the interior of the three-branch connection, to protect it and limit the size of the system.
  • said at least one articulation piece is at least one lever pivoting about a first axis of rotation integral with the nozzle. This assembly limits the internal friction of the flow diversion mechanism.
  • said at least one lever is connected to the control stick by a first connection point defining a first lever arm with the first axis of rotation, and said at least one lever is connected to the shutter by a second connection point defining with the first axis of rotation a second lever arm greater than the first lever arm.
  • the first connection point defines a pivot connection and the second connection point defines a slide connection between a range and an axis.
  • the first connection point defines a pivot connection and the second connection point defines a rack-type connection.
  • the first connection point defines a pivot connection and the second connection point defines a gear type connection.
  • the flow diversion mechanism comprises a hinge part connected to the control sleeve and movable relative to the nozzle between a rear mechanical stop and a front mechanical stop, the hinge piece comprising a conduit with a first end connected to the main suction duct and a second end arranged:
  • the flow diversion mechanism comprises only one moving part: the articulation part. This includes the flow distribution ducts. The functions are accumulated on this single part, which reduces the number of components.
  • said at least one articulation piece is mounted in sliding connection on the nozzle.
  • the suction means are arranged to generate a suction flow, and the communication of the main suction duct with one of the front suction channel or the The rear suction channel has the effect of passing the entire suction flow into the front or rear suction channel in communication. Aspiration is therefore optimal in this implementation.
  • placing the main suction duct in communication with one of the front suction channel or the rear suction channel is an exclusive communication. All suction is concentrated on the suction channel placed in communication.
  • placing the main suction duct in communication with one of the front suction channel or the rear suction channel causes the other of the duct to be closed off. front suction or rear suction channel.
  • the flow diversion mechanism is arranged to constantly leave the main suction duct in communication with an air passage, when placing the main suction duct in communication with one of the ducts. front or rear suction channel,
  • the main suction pipe is always in communication with the open air, which avoids putting the ventilation means in depression and zero flow.
  • the closure of the canal to be closed is concomitant with the opening of the canal to be communication with the main suction duct, that is the nozzle comprises a bypass opening (the venting) with which the main suction duct is in communication while being put in communication with the duct; adequate suction. Once this communication is done, the venting is blocked.
  • the nozzle comprises at least one rear support on a floor to be cleaned and at least one front support on the floor to be cleaned, and the forward mechanical stop and the rear mechanical stop each have a vertical projection on the ground to clean between the rear support and the front support.
  • This implementation offers good stability to the nozzle: the forces applied on the mechanical stops are between the ground support points to clean the nozzle.
  • the front mechanical stop is arranged at a predetermined height less than a distance between its vertical projection on the floor to be cleaned and the front support.
  • the stability is increased because the force applied to the mechanical stop creates only a limited reversal torque by the weak vertical lever arm.
  • the rear mechanical stop is arranged at a predetermined height less than a distance between its vertical projection on the floor to be cleaned and the rear support. The stability is increased because the force applied to the mechanical stop creates only a limited reversal torque by the weak vertical lever arm.
  • a second aspect of the invention relates to a steam cleaner nozzle, comprising:
  • a main suction duct arranged to be connected to suction means of the steam cleaner
  • an insole comprising a steam diffuser arranged between a front suction channel and a rear suction channel;
  • a flow diversion mechanism arranged to connect one of the front suction channel and the rear suction channel to the main duct suction device, and arranged to be connected to a control stick allowing a user to impose on the nozzle a cleaning movement in a forward or reverse direction;
  • the flow diversion mechanism is arranged to be between the control stick and the nozzle, so that:
  • the nozzle comprises hooking means for hanging a wipe on the steam diffuser.
  • the nozzle comprises a removable wipe attached to the attachment means for cleaning the floor.
  • FIG. 1 represents an isometric view of constituent elements of a first variant of a nozzle of a steam cleaner according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 represents an exploded view of the elements of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 shows a side view of the nozzle of Figure 1, during a rearward cleaning movement
  • FIG. 4 shows a partial section of the nozzle of Figure 3, during a cleaning movement forward;
  • FIG. 5 represents a median section of the nozzle of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 6 represents a second variant of a nozzle according to the invention, in a forward cleaning configuration;
  • FIG. 8 represents the nozzle of FIG. 6 in rearward cleaning configuration
  • FIG. 9 represents a third variant of a nozzle according to the invention, in a forward cleaning configuration
  • Figure 10 shows the nozzle of Figure 9 in rear cleaning configuration.
  • FIG. 1 represents an isometric view of elements constituting a nozzle of a steam cleaner according to the invention.
  • the nozzle includes a sole that will be in contact with a floor to be cleaned.
  • the sole comprises a steam diffuser 1 10 arranged to moisten the soil to be cleaned.
  • the steam diffuser 1 10 is arranged between a front suction channel 20 and a rear suction channel 30 whose function is to suck dust that would be on the floor to be cleaned.
  • the steam cleaner comprises suction means connected to the front suction channel 20 and the rear suction channel 30 via a main suction line 10 visible in FIG. 1.
  • the suction of the particles resting on the ground before the passage of the steam diffuser 1 10 improves the cleaning efficiency of the steam diffuser 1 10, because it is covered with a wipe that would be quickly clogged if the dust was not previously aspirated.
  • the invention proposes to concentrate the entire suction flow on that of the front suction channel 20 or the rear suction channel 30, which will pass to the floor to be cleaned. before the passage of the steam diffuser 1 10, depending on the displacement of the nozzle. There is therefore a configuration of the nozzle to be implemented at each change of direction of cleaning, in a forward direction or a rear direction.
  • the entire suction flow means that substantially all the flow is concentrated on one of the front or rear channels, near leaks. These leaks are usually due to imperfections in dimensions related to the manufacture of components used for the construction of domestic steam cleaners.
  • the invention proposes to carry out this configuration during the change of direction of the cleaning, before the beginning of the movement in the new direction.
  • the nozzle comprises a flow diversion mechanism 50 arranged to put the main suction pipe 10 in communication with that of the front suction channel 20 or the rear suction channel 30 which will pass to the floor to be cleaned. before the steam diffuser 1 10.
  • the nozzle if the nozzle is pushed forward, it will be the front suction channel 20 which will be in communication with the main suction pipe 10, and if on the contrary , the nozzle is pulled back, it is the rear suction channel 30 which will be placed in communication with the main suction duct 10.
  • the steam cleaner comprises a control sleeve arranged to be taken in hand by a user to impose a front or rear cleaning movement to the nozzle.
  • the flow bypass mechanism 50 is arranged between the control stick and the nozzle.
  • the flow bypass mechanism 50 receives the pulse of the control stick to set the nozzle configuration, and can then transmit the cleaning motion to the nozzle.
  • the flow bypass mechanism 50 comprises two levers 51 which are each mounted in pivot connection compared to the nozzle. They are connected on the one hand to a lower part 40 of a control stick, and on the other hand connected to a shutter 52 pivotally mounted on the nozzle.
  • the shutter 52 comprises a valve which can close the front suction channel 20 or the rear suction channel 30, depending on its angular position relative to the nozzle.
  • the shutter valve 52 will be rotated clockwise to occupy the dotted position and close the rear suction channel 30 to thus put the front suction channel 20 in communication with the main suction duct 10.
  • the architecture of the flux bypass mechanism 50 is visible in FIG. 1.
  • the levers 51, pivoted relative to the nozzle, are connected to the lower portion 40 of the control sleeve. It is this lower part 40 which causes the rotation of the levers 51 during a cleaning direction change. Accordingly, the shutter 52, pivoted relative to the nozzle, will be rotated, since each lever 51 comprises a finger which slides in a range of the shutter 52.
  • Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the components of Figure 1 described above.
  • the levers 51 are arranged on either side of the central part where the front suction channel 20 and the rear suction channel 30 meet and are each mounted on the nozzle by means of a first axis of rotation 51a (visible in Figure 3).
  • the levers 51 are also connected to the lower portion 40 of the control sleeve by rotation axes, and instead control the movement of the shutter 52 by sliding a finger in a fork which form a slide connection.
  • Figure 3 shows the nozzle in side view, and set to perform a rearward cleaning movement.
  • the levers 51 via the rear mechanical stops 55, will transmit the movement towards the rear of the lower portion 40 of the control stick to the rest of the nozzle, which will be moved backwards.
  • Figure 4 shows a partial section of the nozzle of Figure 3, but this time in configuration for forward cleaning.
  • the lower portion 40 pushed the levers 51 counterclockwise, and the shutter fork 52 was pivoted downwardly, so that the shutter valve 52 obstructed the rear suction channel 30.
  • the tube which defines the main suction duct 10 has been deformed, which is made possible by the use of a deformable material or construction.
  • the levers 51 have both come into contact with a mechanical stop before 54, and any forward movement and / or thrust force of the control stick will cause forward movement of the nozzle.
  • each lever 51 is connected by a first axis of rotation 51a to the nozzle and the lower part 40 is connected to each lever 51 by a second axis of rotation 51b, which defines with respect to the first axis of rotation 51 has a first lever arm length R1.
  • the levers 51 control the movement of the shutter 52 by an axis 51c, which defines with the axis of rotation 51a a second lever arm length R2.
  • the first lever arm is smaller than the second lever arm, which has the effect that the angular movement of the lever 51 is less than the angular movement of the shutter 52: a small control movement generates a large shutter movement, which limits the movement of the lower portion 40 of the control handle when changing the direction of cleaning and improves the comfort of the user.
  • FIG. 6 represents a second variant of a nozzle according to the invention.
  • the shutter 52 of the first variant of Figures 1 to 5 is replaced by a shutter 52a which is a rotary piston.
  • the latter is in a position that communicates the front suction channel 20 with the main suction line 10.
  • the rear suction channel 30 is closed, and during a forward movement, the dust of the soil will be sucked up with maximum efficiency, before the passage of the steam diffuser 1 10.
  • the remainder of the flux bypass mechanism 50 may be identical to the first variant, but may be modified to incorporate gear or rack connections for example.
  • Figure 7 shows the nozzle of Figure 6 being set back cleaning configuration. Indeed, during the change of cleaning direction, the flow bypass mechanism 50 first controls the movement of the shutter 52a, before imposing movement to the nozzle.
  • the front suction channel 20 is gradually closed by the rotation of the shutter 52a.
  • an opening 56 is formed in the nozzle to ensure a permanent air passage to the main suction duct 10, as shown by the arrows.
  • the shutter 52a will finish closing the front suction channel 20 and begin to open the rear suction channel 30.
  • FIG. 8 shows the nozzle of FIG. 6 in rearward cleaning configuration, with the main suction duct 10 in communication with the rear suction channel 30.
  • FIG. 9 represents a third variant of a nozzle according to the invention, in the cleaning configuration towards the front.
  • the shutter 52 of the first variant of Figures 1 to 5 is replaced by a shutter 52b which is a sliding drawer, directly connected to the control sleeve (not shown).
  • the nozzle is in the forward cleaning configuration, with communication between the front suction channel 20 and the main suction line 10.
  • FIG. 10 shows the nozzle of FIG. 9 in rearward cleaning configuration, with the main suction duct 10 in communication with the rear suction channel 30.
  • the shutter 52b is in contact with a rear mechanical stop not shown to transmit the movement to the rear of the control stick.
  • the main suction duct 10 is always in permanent communication with a free air passage, to avoid imposing operating conditions of the suction means with a zero flow .

Landscapes

  • Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)

Abstract

A steam cleaner comprising: suction means, a main suction pipe (10); a nozzle with a base comprising a front suction channel (20) and a rear suction channel (30); a flow diversion mechanism (50), arranged to connect either the front suction channel (20) or the rear suction channel (30) to the main suction pipe (10); a control handle; of which the flow diversion mechanism (50) is arranged between the control handle and the nozzle, in such a way as: to be controlled by a rearward movement of the control handle, to connect the main suction pipe (10) to the rear suction channel (30); to be controlled by a forward movement of the control handle, to connect the main suction pipe (10) to the front suction channel (20).

Description

NETTOYEUR VAPEUR AVEC MÉCANISME DE DÉRIVATION DE FLUX  STEAM CLEANER WITH FLOW BYPASS MECHANISM
La présente invention concerne de manière générale un nettoyeur vapeur, et en particulier un nettoyeur vapeur équipé d'un circuit d'aspiration. The present invention generally relates to a steam cleaner, and in particular a steam cleaner equipped with a suction circuit.
Il est connu dans l'art antérieur des nettoyeurs vapeur avec un circuit d'aspiration. Un tel nettoyeur peut avoir un suceur avec une semelle comprenant un diffuseur de vapeur positionné entre un canal d'aspiration avant et un canal d'aspiration arrière. Le nettoyeur peut également comprendre un mécanisme relié aux roues du suceur pour boucher l'un ou l'autre des canaux d'aspiration, afin que le canal situé dans le sens de déplacement concentre tout le flux d'aspiration. En contrepartie, ce système a pour inconvénient de ne se mettre en configuration que lors de son mouvement, car le mécanisme est entraîné par les roues. En conséquence, lors d'une inversion du sens de déplacement, le canal précédemment ouvert va progressivement être obturé par le mécanisme, alors que le canal qui était jusqu'alors obturé ne sera que progressivement ouvert, ce qui conduit à une efficacité moindre en début du mouvement dans le nouveau sens de déplacement. It is known in the prior art steam cleaners with a suction circuit. Such a cleaner may have a nozzle with a sole comprising a steam diffuser positioned between a front suction channel and a rear suction channel. The cleaner may also include a mechanism connected to the nozzle wheels to plug one or the other of the suction channels so that the channel in the direction of movement concentrates the entire suction flow. In return, this system has the disadvantage of not being in configuration when it moves, because the mechanism is driven by the wheels. Consequently, during a reversal of the direction of movement, the previously opened channel will gradually be closed by the mechanism, whereas the channel which was hitherto closed will only be progressively opened, which leads to a lower efficiency in the beginning. movement in the new direction of movement.
Un but de la présente invention est de répondre aux inconvénients des documents de l'art antérieur mentionnés ci-dessus et en particulier de proposer un nettoyeur vapeur avec des moyens d'aspiration et un suceur comprenant deux canaux entourant le diffuseur de vapeur, et qui présente une efficacité de nettoyage optimale, même lors d'une inversion de sens de déplacement. An object of the present invention is to meet the disadvantages of the documents of the prior art mentioned above and in particular to propose a steam cleaner with suction means and a nozzle comprising two channels surrounding the vapor diffuser, and which has an optimal cleaning efficiency, even when reversing the direction of movement.
Pour cela un premier aspect de l'invention concerne un nettoyeur vapeur comprenant : For this, a first aspect of the invention relates to a steam cleaner comprising:
- des moyens d'aspiration ;  suction means;
- un conduit principal d'aspiration relié aux moyens d'aspiration ;  a main suction duct connected to the suction means;
- un suceur avec une semelle comprenant un diffuseur de vapeur agencé entre un canal d'aspiration avant et un canal d'aspiration arrière ; - A nozzle with a sole comprising an arranged steam diffuser between a front suction channel and a rear suction channel;
- un mécanisme de dérivation de flux, agencé pour connecter l'un du canal d'aspiration avant et du canal d'aspiration arrière au conduit principal d'aspiration;  a flow diversion mechanism, arranged to connect one of the front suction channel and the rear suction channel to the main suction duct;
- un manche de commande, relié au suceur pour permettre à un utilisateur d'imposer un mouvement de nettoyage selon une direction avant ou arrière au suceur ;  - A control stick, connected to the nozzle to allow a user to impose a cleaning movement in a direction forward or back to the nozzle;
caractérisé en ce que le mécanisme de dérivation de flux est agencé entre le manche de commande et le suceur, de sorte : characterized in that the flow diversion mechanism is arranged between the control stick and the nozzle, so that:
- à être commandé par un mouvement arrière du manche de commande, pour connecter le conduit principal d'aspiration au canal d'aspiration arrière, et ensuite transmettre le mouvement arrière au suceur,  - to be controlled by a rearward movement of the control stick, to connect the main suction duct to the rear suction channel, and then transmit the rear movement to the nozzle,
- à être commandé par un mouvement avant du manche de commande, pour connecter le conduit principal d'aspiration au canal d'aspiration avant, et ensuite transmettre le mouvement avant au suceur.  - To be controlled by a forward movement of the control stick, to connect the main suction line to the front suction channel, and then transmit the forward motion to the nozzle.
Le suceur du nettoyeur vapeur selon la présente invention se met automatiquement en configuration optimale de nettoyage lors du changement de sens de nettoyage, avec la mise en communication du conduit principal d'aspiration avec le canal d'aspiration avant ou arrière en fonction de la direction de déplacement, et avant de commencer le déplacement. En effet, le mécanisme de dérivation de flux est entre le manche de commande et le suceur, ce qui fait qu'il est d'abord commandé par le manche de commande pour être configuré et ensuite transmettre le mouvement au suceur. La mise en communication du conduit principal d'aspiration avec l'un du canal d'aspiration avant ou arrière permet de concentrer le flux d'aspiration vers le canal qui aspirera les poussières, avant le passage du diffuseur de vapeur. L'aspiration est donc maximale, et ce dès le début du déplacement du suceur. The nozzle of the steam cleaner according to the present invention is automatically set to optimal cleaning configuration when changing the cleaning direction, with the communication of the main suction pipe with the suction channel front or rear depending on the direction moving, and before starting the move. Indeed, the flow diversion mechanism is between the control stick and the nozzle, so that it is first controlled by the control stick to be configured and then transmit the motion to the nozzle. Placing the main suction duct in communication with one of the front or rear suction ducts makes it possible to concentrate the suction flow towards the duct that will suck up the dusts, before the passage of the steam diffuser. The suction is maximum, and this from the beginning of the displacement of the nozzle.
Selon un mode de réalisation, le mécanisme de dérivation de flux comprend : - un raccord à trois branches avec une première branche connectée au conduit principal d'aspiration, une deuxième branche connectée au canal d'aspiration avant et une troisième branche connectée au canal d'aspiration arrière, According to one embodiment, the flow derivation mechanism comprises: a three-branch connection with a first branch connected to the main suction duct, a second branch connected to the front suction duct and a third branch connected to the rear suction duct,
- au moins une pièce d'articulation reliée au manche de commande et mobile par rapport au suceur entre une butée mécanique arrière et une butée mécanique avant,  - At least one hinge part connected to the control sleeve and movable relative to the nozzle between a rear mechanical stop and a mechanical stop before,
- un obturateur commandé par la pièce d'articulation et agencé pour obturer la deuxième branche lorsque ladite au moins une pièce d'articulation est en butée sur la butée mécanique arrière, et pour obturer la troisième branche lorsque ladite au moins une pièce d'articulation est en butée sur la butée mécanique avant. La cinématique est robuste et les positions sont bien contrôlées, car ce sont les butées mécaniques qui définissent les limites de course. Les efforts sont donc repris par les butées mécaniques, et non par l'obturateur.  a shutter controlled by the articulation piece and arranged to close the second branch when the said at least one articulation piece is in abutment with the rear mechanical stop, and to close off the third branch when the said at least one articulation piece is in abutment on the front mechanical stop. The kinematics is robust and the positions are well controlled, because it is the mechanical stops that define the limits of race. Efforts are therefore taken up by the mechanical stops, and not by the shutter.
Selon un mode de réalisation, ladite au moins une pièce d'articulation ne transmet un effort au suceur vers l'avant que lorsqu'elle est en butée avec la butée mécanique avant, et ladite au moins une pièce d'articulation ne transmet un effort au suceur vers l'arrière que lorsqu'elle est en butée avec la butée mécanique arrière. According to one embodiment, said at least one articulation piece transmits a force to the nozzle forward only when it is in abutment with the mechanical stop before, and said at least one articulation piece transmits a force to the nozzle at the rear only when it is in abutment with the rear mechanical stop.
Selon un mode de réalisation, ladite au moins une pièce d'articulation ne transmet un effort au suceur vers l'avant supérieur à un effort de frottement du suceur sur le sol à nettoyer que lorsqu'elle est en butée avec la butée mécanique avant, et ladite au moins une pièce d'articulation ne transmet un effort au suceur vers l'arrière supérieur à un effort de frottement du suceur sur le sol à nettoyer que lorsqu'elle est en butée avec la butée mécanique arrière. Le mécanisme de dérivation de flux est agencé pour présenter des forces de frottement internes inférieures à celles du frottement du suceur sur le sol à nettoyer : c'est donc le mécanisme de dérivation de flux qui sera actionné en premier, c'est-à-dire tant que la pièce d'articulation ne sera pas en butée. On peut envisager d'utiliser des matériaux à friction réduite, comme le téflon, ou employer des liaisons engendrant peu de frottement, comme des liaisons pivot. According to one embodiment, said at least one articulation piece transmits a force to the nozzle forward that is greater than a friction force of the nozzle on the floor to be cleaned than when it is in abutment with the mechanical stop before, and said at least one hinge piece transmits a force to the nozzle backwards greater than a frictional force of the nozzle on the floor to be cleaned than when it abuts with the rear mechanical stop. The flow bypass mechanism is arranged to have lower internal friction forces than the friction of the nozzle on the floor to be cleaned: it is therefore the flow bypass mechanism that will be operated first, that is, say as long as the articulation piece will not stop. It is conceivable to use low friction materials such as teflon or use low friction bonds such as pivot links.
Selon un mode de réalisation, l'obturateur est monté en pivot par rapport au suceur. According to one embodiment, the shutter is pivotally mounted relative to the nozzle.
Selon un mode de réalisation, l'obturateur est un piston rotatif dans le raccord à trois branches. Un tel piston rotatif comprenant des conduits internes pour mettre en connexion ou communication le conduit principal d'aspiration avec l'un ou l'autre du canal d'aspiration avant ou arrière est similaire à un barillet, ce qui permet de l'intégrer complètement à l'intérieur du raccord à trois branches, pour le protéger et limiter l'encombrement du système. According to one embodiment, the shutter is a rotary piston in the three-branch connection. Such a rotary piston comprising internal conduits for connecting or communicating the main suction duct with one or the other of the front or rear suction channel is similar to a cylinder, which allows to integrate it completely. inside the three-branch connection, to protect it and to reduce the size of the system.
Selon un mode de réalisation, l'obturateur est un piston coulissant dans le raccord à trois branches. Un tel piston coulissant comprenant des conduits internes pour mettre en communication le conduit principal d'aspiration avec l'un ou l'autre du canal d'aspiration avant ou arrière est similaire à un tiroir distributeur, ce qui permet de l'intégrer complètement à l'intérieur du raccord à trois branches, pour le protéger et limiter l'encombrement du système. According to one embodiment, the shutter is a sliding piston in the three-branch connection. Such a sliding piston comprising internal ducts for communicating the main suction duct with one or the other of the front or rear suction duct is similar to a dispenser drawer, which allows to integrate it completely into the interior of the three-branch connection, to protect it and limit the size of the system.
Selon un mode de réalisation, ladite au moins une pièce d'articulation est au moins un levier pivotant autour d'un premier axe de rotation solidaire du suceur. Ce montage permet de limiter les frottements internes du mécanisme de dérivation de flux. According to one embodiment, said at least one articulation piece is at least one lever pivoting about a first axis of rotation integral with the nozzle. This assembly limits the internal friction of the flow diversion mechanism.
Selon un mode de réalisation, ledit au moins un levier est relié au manche de commande par un premier point de liaison définissant un premier bras de levier avec le premier axe de rotation, et ledit au moins un levier est relié à l'obturateur par un deuxième point de liaison définissant avec le premier axe de rotation un deuxième bras de levier supérieur au premier bras de levier. Une telle cinématique permet de limiter la course du manche de commande, tout en obtenant une grande course de déplacement à l'obturateur. Avec un petit mouvement du manche de commande, on obtient un grand mouvement de l'obturateur. According to one embodiment, said at least one lever is connected to the control stick by a first connection point defining a first lever arm with the first axis of rotation, and said at least one lever is connected to the shutter by a second connection point defining with the first axis of rotation a second lever arm greater than the first lever arm. Such a kinematics makes it possible to limit the stroke of the control stick, while obtaining a great travel distance to the shutter. With a small movement of the control stick, we obtain a great movement of the shutter.
Selon un mode de réalisation, le premier point de liaison définit une liaison pivot et le deuxième point de liaison définit une liaison glissière entre une fourchette et un axe. According to one embodiment, the first connection point defines a pivot connection and the second connection point defines a slide connection between a range and an axis.
Selon un mode de réalisation, le premier point de liaison définit une liaison pivot et le deuxième point de liaison définit une liaison de type crémaillère. According to one embodiment, the first connection point defines a pivot connection and the second connection point defines a rack-type connection.
Selon un mode de réalisation, le premier point de liaison définit une liaison pivot et le deuxième point de liaison définit une liaison de type engrenage. According to one embodiment, the first connection point defines a pivot connection and the second connection point defines a gear type connection.
Selon un mode de réalisation, le mécanisme de dérivation de flux comprend une pièce d'articulation reliée au manche de commande et mobile par rapport au suceur entre une butée mécanique arrière et une butée mécanique avant, la pièce d'articulation comprenant un conduit avec une première extrémité connectée au conduit principal d'aspiration et une deuxième extrémité agencée : According to one embodiment, the flow diversion mechanism comprises a hinge part connected to the control sleeve and movable relative to the nozzle between a rear mechanical stop and a front mechanical stop, the hinge piece comprising a conduit with a first end connected to the main suction duct and a second end arranged:
- pour être en communication avec le canal d'aspiration arrière lorsque ladite au moins une pièce d'articulation est en butée sur la butée mécanique arrière, et  to be in communication with the rear suction channel when said at least one articulation piece is in abutment with the rear mechanical stop, and
- pour être en communication avec le canal d'aspiration avant lorsque ladite au moins une pièce d'articulation est en butée sur la butée mécanique avant. Selon cette mise en œuvre, le mécanisme de dérivation de flux ne comprend qu'une seule pièce mobile : la pièce d'articulation. Celle-ci comprend les conduits de distribution du flux. Les fonctions sont cumulées sur cette seule pièce, ce qui réduit le nombre de composants.  - To be in communication with the front suction channel when said at least one hinge piece is in abutment on the front mechanical stop. According to this implementation, the flow diversion mechanism comprises only one moving part: the articulation part. This includes the flow distribution ducts. The functions are accumulated on this single part, which reduces the number of components.
Selon un mode de réalisation, ladite au moins une pièce d'articulation est montée en liaison glissière sur le suceur. Selon un mode de réalisation et d'une manière générale, les moyens d'aspiration sont agencés pour générer un flux d'aspiration, et la mise en communication du conduit principal d'aspiration avec l'un du canal d'aspiration avant ou du canal d'aspiration arrière a pour effet de faire passer l'ensemble du flux d'aspiration dans le canal d'aspiration avant ou arrière mis en communication. L'aspiration est donc optimale dans cette mise en œuvre. According to one embodiment, said at least one articulation piece is mounted in sliding connection on the nozzle. According to one embodiment and in general, the suction means are arranged to generate a suction flow, and the communication of the main suction duct with one of the front suction channel or the The rear suction channel has the effect of passing the entire suction flow into the front or rear suction channel in communication. Aspiration is therefore optimal in this implementation.
Selon un mode de réalisation et d'une manière générale, la mise en communication du conduit principal d'aspiration avec l'un du canal d'aspiration avant ou du canal d'aspiration arrière est une mise en communication exclusive. Toute l'aspiration est concentrée sur le canal d'aspiration mis en communication. According to one embodiment and in general, placing the main suction duct in communication with one of the front suction channel or the rear suction channel is an exclusive communication. All suction is concentrated on the suction channel placed in communication.
Selon un mode de réalisation et d'une manière générale, la mise en communication du conduit principal d'aspiration avec l'un du canal d'aspiration avant ou du canal d'aspiration arrière provoque l'obturation de l'autre du canal d'aspiration avant ou du canal d'aspiration arrière. According to one embodiment and in a general manner, placing the main suction duct in communication with one of the front suction channel or the rear suction channel causes the other of the duct to be closed off. front suction or rear suction channel.
Selon un mode de réalisation, le mécanisme de dérivation de flux est agencé pour laisser constamment le conduit principal d'aspiration en communication avec un passage d'air, lors d'une mise en communication du conduit principal d'aspiration avec l'un du canal d'aspiration avant ou arrière,According to one embodiment, the flow diversion mechanism is arranged to constantly leave the main suction duct in communication with an air passage, when placing the main suction duct in communication with one of the ducts. front or rear suction channel,
- par compensation de la fermeture d'un du canal d'aspiration avant ou arrière par l'ouverture simultanée de l'autre du canal d'aspiration avant ou arrière, et/ou, - by compensating the closure of one of the front or rear suction channel by the simultaneous opening of the other of the front or rear suction channel, and / or,
- par une mise à l'air libre du conduit principal d'aspiration lors du passage de la communication du conduit principal d'aspiration avec l'un du canal d'aspiration avant ou arrière à la communication du conduit principal d'aspiration avec l'autre du canal d'aspiration avant ou arrière. Selon cette mise en œuvre, le conduit principal d'aspiration est toujours en communication avec l'air libre, ce qui évite de mettre les moyens de ventilation en dépression et débit nul. Pour y parvenir, soit la fermeture du canal à boucher est concomitante avec l'ouverture du canal à mettre en communication avec le conduit principal d'aspiration, soit le suceur comprend une ouverture de dérivation (la mise à l'air libre) avec laquelle le conduit principal d'aspiration est en communication pendant qu'on le met en communication avec le canal d'aspiration adéquat. Une fois cette communication réalisée, la mise à l'air libre est bouchée. by venting the main suction duct during the passage of the communication of the main suction duct with one of the front or rear suction duct to the communication of the main suction duct with the other of the front or rear suction channel. According to this implementation, the main suction pipe is always in communication with the open air, which avoids putting the ventilation means in depression and zero flow. To achieve this, the closure of the canal to be closed is concomitant with the opening of the canal to be communication with the main suction duct, that is the nozzle comprises a bypass opening (the venting) with which the main suction duct is in communication while being put in communication with the duct; adequate suction. Once this communication is done, the venting is blocked.
Selon un mode de réalisation, le suceur comprend au moins un appui arrière sur un sol à nettoyer et au moins un appui avant sur le sol à nettoyer, et la butée mécanique avant et la butée mécanique arrière ont chacune une projection verticale sur le sol à nettoyer comprise entre l'appui arrière et l'appui avant. Cette mise en œuvre offre une bonne stabilité au suceur : les efforts appliqués sur les butées mécaniques le sont entre les points d'appui au sol à nettoyer du suceur. According to one embodiment, the nozzle comprises at least one rear support on a floor to be cleaned and at least one front support on the floor to be cleaned, and the forward mechanical stop and the rear mechanical stop each have a vertical projection on the ground to clean between the rear support and the front support. This implementation offers good stability to the nozzle: the forces applied on the mechanical stops are between the ground support points to clean the nozzle.
Selon un mode de réalisation, la butée mécanique avant est agencée à une hauteur prédéterminée inférieure à une distance entre sa projection verticale sur le sol à nettoyer et l'appui avant. La stabilité est accrue, car la force appliquée sur la butée mécanique ne crée qu'un couple de renversement limité par le faible bras de levier vertical. According to one embodiment, the front mechanical stop is arranged at a predetermined height less than a distance between its vertical projection on the floor to be cleaned and the front support. The stability is increased because the force applied to the mechanical stop creates only a limited reversal torque by the weak vertical lever arm.
Selon un mode de réalisation, la butée mécanique arrière est agencée à une hauteur prédéterminée inférieure à une distance entre sa projection verticale sur le sol à nettoyer et l'appui arrière. La stabilité est accrue, car la force appliquée sur la butée mécanique ne crée qu'un couple de renversement limité par le faible bras de levier vertical. According to one embodiment, the rear mechanical stop is arranged at a predetermined height less than a distance between its vertical projection on the floor to be cleaned and the rear support. The stability is increased because the force applied to the mechanical stop creates only a limited reversal torque by the weak vertical lever arm.
Un deuxième aspect de l'invention concerne un suceur de nettoyeur vapeur, comprenant : A second aspect of the invention relates to a steam cleaner nozzle, comprising:
- un conduit principal d'aspiration agencé pour être relié à des moyens d'aspiration du nettoyeur vapeur ;  a main suction duct arranged to be connected to suction means of the steam cleaner;
- une semelle comprenant un diffuseur de vapeur agencé entre un canal d'aspiration avant et un canal d'aspiration arrière ;  an insole comprising a steam diffuser arranged between a front suction channel and a rear suction channel;
- un mécanisme de dérivation de flux, agencé pour connecter l'un du canal d'aspiration avant et du canal d'aspiration arrière au conduit principal d'aspiration, et agencé pour être relié à un manche de commande permettant à un utilisateur d'imposer au suceur un mouvement de nettoyage selon une direction avant ou arrière; a flow diversion mechanism, arranged to connect one of the front suction channel and the rear suction channel to the main duct suction device, and arranged to be connected to a control stick allowing a user to impose on the nozzle a cleaning movement in a forward or reverse direction;
caractérisé en ce que le mécanisme de dérivation de flux est agencé pour être entre le manche de commande et le suceur, de sorte : characterized in that the flow diversion mechanism is arranged to be between the control stick and the nozzle, so that:
- à être commandé par un mouvement arrière du manche de commande, pour connecter le canal d'aspiration arrière au conduit principal d'aspiration, et ensuite transmettre le mouvement arrière au suceur,  - to be controlled by a rearward movement of the control stick, to connect the rear suction channel to the main suction duct, and then transmit the rear movement to the nozzle,
- à être commandé par un mouvement avant du manche de commande, pour connecter le canal d'aspiration avant au conduit principal d'aspiration, et ensuite transmettre le mouvement avant au suceur.  - To be controlled by a forward movement of the control stick, to connect the front suction channel to the main suction line, and then transmit the forward motion to the nozzle.
Selon un mode de réalisation, le suceur comprend des moyens d'accrochage pour accrocher une lingette sur le diffuseur de vapeur. According to one embodiment, the nozzle comprises hooking means for hanging a wipe on the steam diffuser.
Selon un mode de réalisation, le suceur comprend une lingette amovible accrochée aux moyens d'accrochage, pour nettoyer le sol. According to one embodiment, the nozzle comprises a removable wipe attached to the attachment means for cleaning the floor.
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description détaillée qui suit de trois modes de réalisation de l'invention donnés à titre d'exemples nullement limitatifs et illustrés par les dessins annexés, dans lesquels : Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following detailed description of three embodiments of the invention given as non-limiting examples and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:
- la figure 1 représente une vue isométrique d'éléments constitutifs d'une première variante d'un suceur d'un nettoyeur vapeur selon l'invention ; FIG. 1 represents an isometric view of constituent elements of a first variant of a nozzle of a steam cleaner according to the invention;
- la figure 2 représente une vue éclatée des éléments de la figure 1 ; FIG. 2 represents an exploded view of the elements of FIG. 1;
- la figure 3 représente une vue de côté du suceur de la figure 1 , lors d'un mouvement de nettoyage vers l'arrière ; - Figure 3 shows a side view of the nozzle of Figure 1, during a rearward cleaning movement;
- la figure 4 représente un coupe partielle du suceur de la figure 3, lors d'un mouvement de nettoyage vers l'avant ; - Figure 4 shows a partial section of the nozzle of Figure 3, during a cleaning movement forward;
- la figure 5 représente une section médiane du suceur de la figure 1 ; - la figure 6 représente une deuxième variante d'un suceur selon l'invention, en configuration de nettoyage vers l'avant ; FIG. 5 represents a median section of the nozzle of FIG. 1; FIG. 6 represents a second variant of a nozzle according to the invention, in a forward cleaning configuration;
- la figure 7 représente le suceur de la figure 6 en cours de mise en configuration de nettoyage vers l'arrière ; - Figure 7 shows the nozzle of Figure 6 being set back cleaning configuration;
- la figure 8 représente le suceur de la figure 6 en configuration de nettoyage vers l'arrière ; FIG. 8 represents the nozzle of FIG. 6 in rearward cleaning configuration;
- la figure 9 représente une troisième variante d'un suceur selon l'invention, en configuration de nettoyage vers l'avant ; FIG. 9 represents a third variant of a nozzle according to the invention, in a forward cleaning configuration;
- la figure 10 représente le suceur de la figure 9 en configuration de nettoyage vers l'arrière. - Figure 10 shows the nozzle of Figure 9 in rear cleaning configuration.
La figure 1 représente une vue isométrique d'éléments constitutifs d'un suceur d'un nettoyeur vapeur selon l'invention. Pour des raisons de clarté, le capot externe du suceur n'est pas représenté. Le suceur comprend une semelle qui sera en contact avec un sol à nettoyer. A cet effet, la semelle comprend un diffuseur de vapeur 1 10 agencé pour humidifier le sol à nettoyer. Le diffuseur de vapeur 1 10 est agencé entre un canal d'aspiration avant 20 et un canal d'aspiration arrière 30 qui ont pour fonction d'aspirer des poussières qui seraient sur le sol à nettoyer. FIG. 1 represents an isometric view of elements constituting a nozzle of a steam cleaner according to the invention. For the sake of clarity, the outer cover of the nozzle is not shown. The nozzle includes a sole that will be in contact with a floor to be cleaned. For this purpose, the sole comprises a steam diffuser 1 10 arranged to moisten the soil to be cleaned. The steam diffuser 1 10 is arranged between a front suction channel 20 and a rear suction channel 30 whose function is to suck dust that would be on the floor to be cleaned.
A cet effet, le nettoyeur vapeur comprend des moyens d'aspiration reliés au canal d'aspiration avant 20 et au canal d'aspiration arrière 30 par l'intermédiaire d'un conduit principal d'aspiration 10 visible sur la figure 1 . For this purpose, the steam cleaner comprises suction means connected to the front suction channel 20 and the rear suction channel 30 via a main suction line 10 visible in FIG. 1.
L'aspiration des particules reposant au sol avant le passage du diffuseur de vapeur 1 10 améliore l'efficacité de nettoyage du diffuseur de vapeur 1 10, car ce dernier est recouvert d'une lingette qui serait rapidement colmatée si les poussières n'étaient pas préalablement aspirées. The suction of the particles resting on the ground before the passage of the steam diffuser 1 10 improves the cleaning efficiency of the steam diffuser 1 10, because it is covered with a wipe that would be quickly clogged if the dust was not previously aspirated.
Afin d'améliorer l'aspiration des particules libres, l'invention propose de concentrer l'ensemble du flux d'aspiration sur celui du canal d'aspiration avant 20 ou du canal d'aspiration arrière 30, qui passera sur le sol à nettoyer avant le passage du diffuseur de vapeur 1 10, en fonction du déplacement du suceur. Il y a donc une configuration du suceur à mettre en œuvre à chaque changement de sens de nettoyage, dans une direction avant ou une direction arrière. In order to improve the suction of free particles, the invention proposes to concentrate the entire suction flow on that of the front suction channel 20 or the rear suction channel 30, which will pass to the floor to be cleaned. before the passage of the steam diffuser 1 10, depending on the displacement of the nozzle. There is therefore a configuration of the nozzle to be implemented at each change of direction of cleaning, in a forward direction or a rear direction.
L'expression "l'ensemble du flux d'aspiration" signifie que substantiellement tout le flux est concentré sur l'un des canaux avant ou arrière, aux fuites près. Ces fuites sont généralement dues aux imperfections de dimensions liées à la fabrication des composants utilisés pour la construction des nettoyeurs vapeur domestiques. The expression "the entire suction flow" means that substantially all the flow is concentrated on one of the front or rear channels, near leaks. These leaks are usually due to imperfections in dimensions related to the manufacture of components used for the construction of domestic steam cleaners.
Pour garantir une efficacité optimale, l'invention propose d'effectuer cette mise en configuration lors du changement de direction du nettoyage, avant le début du déplacement dans le nouveau sens. To ensure optimum efficiency, the invention proposes to carry out this configuration during the change of direction of the cleaning, before the beginning of the movement in the new direction.
A cet effet, le suceur comprend un mécanisme de dérivation de flux 50 agencé pour mettre le conduit principal d'aspiration 10 en communication avec celui du canal d'aspiration avant 20 ou du canal d'aspiration arrière 30 qui passera sur le sol à nettoyer avant le diffuseur de vapeur 1 10. En d'autres termes, si le suceur est poussé vers l'avant, ce sera le canal d'aspiration avant 20 qui sera en communication avec le conduit principal d'aspiration 10, et si au contraire, le suceur est tiré vers l'arrière, c'est le canal d'aspiration arrière 30 qui sera mis en communication avec le conduit principal d'aspiration 10. For this purpose, the nozzle comprises a flow diversion mechanism 50 arranged to put the main suction pipe 10 in communication with that of the front suction channel 20 or the rear suction channel 30 which will pass to the floor to be cleaned. before the steam diffuser 1 10. In other words, if the nozzle is pushed forward, it will be the front suction channel 20 which will be in communication with the main suction pipe 10, and if on the contrary , the nozzle is pulled back, it is the rear suction channel 30 which will be placed in communication with the main suction duct 10.
Le nettoyeur vapeur comprend un manche de commande agencé pour être pris en main par un utilisateur pour imposer un mouvement de nettoyage avant ou arrière au suceur. Afin de mettre en configuration le suceur lors du changement de direction de nettoyage, le mécanisme de dérivation de flux 50 est agencé entre le manche de commande et le suceur. Ainsi, le mécanisme de dérivation de flux 50 reçoit l'impulsion du manche de commande pour mettre en configuration le suceur, et peut ensuite transmettre le mouvement de nettoyage au suceur. The steam cleaner comprises a control sleeve arranged to be taken in hand by a user to impose a front or rear cleaning movement to the nozzle. In order to configure the nozzle during the change of cleaning direction, the flow bypass mechanism 50 is arranged between the control stick and the nozzle. Thus, the flow bypass mechanism 50 receives the pulse of the control stick to set the nozzle configuration, and can then transmit the cleaning motion to the nozzle.
Dans le mode de réalisation de la figure 1 , le mécanisme de dérivation de flux 50 comprend deux leviers 51 qui sont chacun montés en liaison pivot par rapport au suceur. Ils sont reliés d'une part à une partie inférieure 40 d'un manche de commande, et reliés d'autre part à un obturateur 52 monté en pivot sur le suceur. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the flow bypass mechanism 50 comprises two levers 51 which are each mounted in pivot connection compared to the nozzle. They are connected on the one hand to a lower part 40 of a control stick, and on the other hand connected to a shutter 52 pivotally mounted on the nozzle.
L'obturateur 52 comprend un clapet qui peut obturer le canal d'aspiration avant 20 ou le canal d'aspiration arrière 30, en fonction de sa position angulaire par rapport au suceur. The shutter 52 comprises a valve which can close the front suction channel 20 or the rear suction channel 30, depending on its angular position relative to the nozzle.
Cela est illustré par la figure 5, où l'on voit le suceur en section. Le clapet de l'obturateur 52 obture le canal d'aspiration avant 20, et le canal d'aspiration arrière 30 est en communication avec le conduit principal d'aspiration 10. Dans cette configuration, le suceur est prêt à être tiré vers l'arrière, ainsi les poussières sur le sol seront aspirées efficacement, avant le passage du diffuseur de vapeur 1 10 et de sa lingette. This is illustrated in Figure 5, where we see the nozzle in section. The shutter valve 52 closes the front suction channel 20, and the rear suction channel 30 is in communication with the main suction line 10. In this configuration, the nozzle is ready to be pulled towards the rear, and the dust on the floor will be sucked effectively, before the passage of steam diffuser 1 10 and its wipe.
Si le suceur doit être poussé vers l'avant, alors, comme cela sera expliqué ci-dessous, le clapet de l'obturateur 52 sera pivoté dans le sens horaire pour occuper la position représentée en pointillés et obturer le canal d'aspiration arrière 30 pour ainsi mettre le canal d'aspiration avant 20 en communication avec le conduit principal d'aspiration 10. If the squeegee is to be pushed forward, then, as will be explained below, the shutter valve 52 will be rotated clockwise to occupy the dotted position and close the rear suction channel 30 to thus put the front suction channel 20 in communication with the main suction duct 10.
L'architecture du mécanisme de dérivation de flux 50 est visible à la figure 1 . Les leviers 51 , en pivot par rapport au suceur, sont liés à la partie inférieure 40 du manche de commande. C'est cette partie inférieure 40 qui provoque la rotation des leviers 51 lors d'un changement de direction de nettoyage. En conséquence, l'obturateur 52, en pivot par rapport au suceur, sera pivoté, car chaque levier 51 comprend un doigt qui coulisse dans une fourchette de l'obturateur 52. The architecture of the flux bypass mechanism 50 is visible in FIG. 1. The levers 51, pivoted relative to the nozzle, are connected to the lower portion 40 of the control sleeve. It is this lower part 40 which causes the rotation of the levers 51 during a cleaning direction change. Accordingly, the shutter 52, pivoted relative to the nozzle, will be rotated, since each lever 51 comprises a finger which slides in a range of the shutter 52.
La figure 2 représente une vue éclatée des composants de la figure 1 décrits ci-dessus. Les leviers 51 sont agencés de part et d'autre de la partie centrale où se rejoignent le canal d'aspiration avant 20 et le canal d'aspiration arrière 30 et sont chacun montés sur le suceur par l'intermédiaire d'un premier axe de rotation 51 a (visible sur la figure 3). Les leviers 51 sont également liés à la partie inférieure 40 du manche de commande par des axes de rotation, et par contre commandent le mouvement de l'obturateur 52 par un coulissement d'un doigt dans une fourchette qui forment une liaison glissière. Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the components of Figure 1 described above. The levers 51 are arranged on either side of the central part where the front suction channel 20 and the rear suction channel 30 meet and are each mounted on the nozzle by means of a first axis of rotation 51a (visible in Figure 3). The levers 51 are also connected to the lower portion 40 of the control sleeve by rotation axes, and instead control the movement of the shutter 52 by sliding a finger in a fork which form a slide connection.
La figure 3 représente le suceur en vue de côté, et mis en configuration pour effectuer un mouvement de nettoyage vers l'arrière. Figure 3 shows the nozzle in side view, and set to perform a rearward cleaning movement.
A cet effet, la partie inférieure 40 du manche de commande a tiré les leviers 51 vers l'arrière jusqu'à une butée mécanique arrière 55. Ce faisant, la fourchette de l'obturateur 52 a été pivotée vers le haut, de manière à ce que le clapet de l'obturateur 52 obture le canal d'aspiration avant 20, comme représenté figure 5 en traits pleins. For this purpose, the lower portion 40 of the control handle has pulled the levers 51 rearwardly to a rear mechanical stop 55. In doing so, the fork of the shutter 52 has been pivoted upwards, so as to the valve of the shutter 52 closes the front suction channel 20, as shown in Figure 5 in solid lines.
Une fois l'obturateur 52 en position adéquate pour mettre en communication le conduit principal d'aspiration 10 avec le canal d'aspiration arrière 30, les leviers 51 , par l'intermédiaire des butées mécaniques arrières 55, vont transmettre le mouvement vers l'arrière de la partie inférieure 40 du manche de commande au reste du suceur, qui va être mis en mouvement vers l'arrière. Once the shutter 52 is in position suitable for communicating the main suction duct 10 with the rear suction channel 30, the levers 51, via the rear mechanical stops 55, will transmit the movement towards the rear of the lower portion 40 of the control stick to the rest of the nozzle, which will be moved backwards.
La figure 4 représente une coupe partielle du suceur de la figure 3, mais cette fois en configuration pour un nettoyage vers l'avant. La partie inférieure 40 a poussé les leviers 51 dans le sens anti horaire, et la fourchette de l'obturateur 52 a été pivotée vers le bas, pour que le clapet de l'obturateur 52 obstrue le canal d'aspiration arrière 30. Lors de ce mouvement, le tube qui définit le conduit principal d'aspiration 10 a été déformé, ce qui est rendu possible par l'usage d'une matière ou d'une construction déformable. Figure 4 shows a partial section of the nozzle of Figure 3, but this time in configuration for forward cleaning. The lower portion 40 pushed the levers 51 counterclockwise, and the shutter fork 52 was pivoted downwardly, so that the shutter valve 52 obstructed the rear suction channel 30. When this movement, the tube which defines the main suction duct 10 has been deformed, which is made possible by the use of a deformable material or construction.
Les leviers 51 sont tous les deux entrés en contact avec une butée mécanique avant 54, et tout mouvement et/ou effort de poussée vers l'avant du manche de commande provoquera un mouvement vers l'avant du suceur. The levers 51 have both come into contact with a mechanical stop before 54, and any forward movement and / or thrust force of the control stick will cause forward movement of the nozzle.
Comme expliqué ci-dessus, chaque levier 51 est relié par un premier axe de rotation 51 a au suceur et la partie inférieure 40 est reliée à chaque levier 51 par un deuxième axe de rotation 51 b, qui définit par rapport au premier axe de rotation 51 a un premier bras de levier de longueur R1 . As explained above, each lever 51 is connected by a first axis of rotation 51a to the nozzle and the lower part 40 is connected to each lever 51 by a second axis of rotation 51b, which defines with respect to the first axis of rotation 51 has a first lever arm length R1.
Les leviers 51 commandent le mouvement de l'obturateur 52 par un axe 51 c, qui définit avec l'axe de rotation 51 a un deuxième bras de levier de longueur R2. The levers 51 control the movement of the shutter 52 by an axis 51c, which defines with the axis of rotation 51a a second lever arm length R2.
Comme représenté sur la figure 3, le premier bras de levier est inférieur au deuxième bras de levier, ce qui a pour effet que le mouvement angulaire du levier 51 est inférieur au mouvement angulaire de l'obturateur 52 : un petit mouvement de commande engendre un grand mouvement de l'obturateur, ce qui limite le mouvement de la partie inférieure 40 du manche de commande lors du changement de direction de nettoyage et améliore le confort de l'utilisateur. As shown in FIG. 3, the first lever arm is smaller than the second lever arm, which has the effect that the angular movement of the lever 51 is less than the angular movement of the shutter 52: a small control movement generates a large shutter movement, which limits the movement of the lower portion 40 of the control handle when changing the direction of cleaning and improves the comfort of the user.
La figure 6 représente une deuxième variante d'un suceur selon l'invention. L'obturateur 52 de la première variante des figures 1 à 5 est remplacé par un obturateur 52a qui est un piston rotatif. Ce dernier est dans une position qui met en communication le canal d'aspiration avant 20 avec le conduit principal d'aspiration 10. Le canal d'aspiration arrière 30 est obturé, et lors d'un déplacement vers l'avant, les poussières du sol seront aspirées avec un maximum d'efficacité, avant le passage du diffuseur de vapeur 1 10. FIG. 6 represents a second variant of a nozzle according to the invention. The shutter 52 of the first variant of Figures 1 to 5 is replaced by a shutter 52a which is a rotary piston. The latter is in a position that communicates the front suction channel 20 with the main suction line 10. The rear suction channel 30 is closed, and during a forward movement, the dust of the soil will be sucked up with maximum efficiency, before the passage of the steam diffuser 1 10.
Le reste du mécanisme de dérivation de flux 50 peut être identique à la première variante, mais peut être modifié pour intégrer des liaisons par engrenage ou crémaillère par exemple. The remainder of the flux bypass mechanism 50 may be identical to the first variant, but may be modified to incorporate gear or rack connections for example.
La figure 7 représente le suceur de la figure 6 en cours de mise en configuration de nettoyage vers l'arrière. En effet, lors du changement de sens de nettoyage, le mécanisme de dérivation de flux 50 commande d'abord le mouvement de l'obturateur 52a, avant d'imposer le mouvement au suceur. Figure 7 shows the nozzle of Figure 6 being set back cleaning configuration. Indeed, during the change of cleaning direction, the flow bypass mechanism 50 first controls the movement of the shutter 52a, before imposing movement to the nozzle.
Lors de la mise en configuration, le canal d'aspiration avant 20 est progressivement obturé par la rotation de l'obturateur 52a. Pour éviter de mettre les moyens d'aspiration du nettoyeur vapeur en dépression avec un débit nul, une ouverture 56 est ménagée dans le suceur pour garantir un passage d'air permanent vers le conduit principal d'aspiration 10, comme représenté par les flèches. When setting configuration, the front suction channel 20 is gradually closed by the rotation of the shutter 52a. To avoid putting the suction means of the steam cleaner in depression with a no flow, an opening 56 is formed in the nozzle to ensure a permanent air passage to the main suction duct 10, as shown by the arrows.
Ensuite, lors de la rotation, l'obturateur 52a finira d'obturer le canal d'aspiration avant 20 et commencera à ouvrir le canal d'aspiration arrière 30. Then, during rotation, the shutter 52a will finish closing the front suction channel 20 and begin to open the rear suction channel 30.
La figure 8 représente le suceur de la figure 6 en configuration de nettoyage vers l'arrière, avec le conduit d'aspiration principal 10 en communication avec le canal d'aspiration arrière 30. FIG. 8 shows the nozzle of FIG. 6 in rearward cleaning configuration, with the main suction duct 10 in communication with the rear suction channel 30.
La figure 9 représente une troisième variante d'un suceur selon l'invention, en configuration de nettoyage vers l'avant. Dans cette troisième variante, l'obturateur 52 de la première variante des figures 1 à 5 est remplacé par un obturateur 52b qui est un tiroir coulissant, directement relié au manche de commande (non représenté). Dans cette variante, il n'y a donc plus d'autres pièces mobiles, ce qui simplifie la conception. Dans la figure 9, le suceur est dans la configuration de nettoyage vers l'avant, avec une communication entre le canal d'aspiration avant 20 et le conduit principal d'aspiration 10. FIG. 9 represents a third variant of a nozzle according to the invention, in the cleaning configuration towards the front. In this third variant, the shutter 52 of the first variant of Figures 1 to 5 is replaced by a shutter 52b which is a sliding drawer, directly connected to the control sleeve (not shown). In this variant, there are no longer other moving parts, which simplifies the design. In Fig. 9, the nozzle is in the forward cleaning configuration, with communication between the front suction channel 20 and the main suction line 10.
La figure 10 représente le suceur de la figure 9 en configuration de nettoyage vers l'arrière, avec le conduit principal d'aspiration 10 en communication avec le canal d'aspiration arrière 30. L'obturateur 52b est en contact avec une butée mécanique arrière non représentée pour transmettre le mouvement vers l'arrière du manche de commande. FIG. 10 shows the nozzle of FIG. 9 in rearward cleaning configuration, with the main suction duct 10 in communication with the rear suction channel 30. The shutter 52b is in contact with a rear mechanical stop not shown to transmit the movement to the rear of the control stick.
On notera que pour les trois variantes détaillées ci-dessus, le conduit principal d'aspiration 10 est toujours en communication permanente avec un passage d'air libre, pour éviter d'imposer des conditions de fonctionnement des moyens d'aspiration avec un débit nul. Note that for the three variants detailed above, the main suction duct 10 is always in permanent communication with a free air passage, to avoid imposing operating conditions of the suction means with a zero flow .
On comprendra que diverses modifications et/ou améliorations évidentes pour l'homme du métier peuvent être apportées aux différents modes de réalisation de l'invention décrits dans la présente description sans sortir du cadre de l'invention défini par les revendications annexées. En particulier, il est fait référence à un mécanisme de dérivation de flux qui fonctionne avec un mouvement de commande, mais on peut envisager d'automatiser le fonctionnement, avec des capteurs d'effort et/ou interrupteurs qui détectent le sens de l'effort appliqué par l'utilisateur au manche de commande, pour commander électriquement le déplacement de l'obturateur. It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the various embodiments of the invention described in the present description without depart from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims. In particular, reference is made to a flow diversion mechanism that operates with a control movement, but one can consider automating the operation, with force sensors and / or switches that detect the direction of the effort applied by the user to the control stick, to electrically control the movement of the shutter.

Claims

REVE N D ICATIONS REVE ND ICATIONS
1 . Nettoyeur vapeur comprenant : 1. Steam cleaner comprising:
- des moyens d'aspiration ;  suction means;
- un conduit principal d'aspiration (10) relié aux moyens d'aspiration ;  a main suction duct (10) connected to the suction means;
- un suceur avec une semelle comprenant un diffuseur de vapeur (1 10) agencé entre un canal d'aspiration avant (20) et un canal d'aspiration arrière (30) ;  - a nozzle with a sole comprising a steam diffuser (1 10) arranged between a front suction channel (20) and a rear suction channel (30);
- un mécanisme de dérivation de flux (50), agencé pour connecter l'un du canal d'aspiration avant (20) et du canal d'aspiration arrière (30) au conduit principal d'aspiration (10);  a flow diversion mechanism (50) arranged to connect one of the front suction channel (20) and the rear suction channel (30) to the main suction line (10);
- un manche de commande, relié au suceur pour permettre à un utilisateur d'imposer un mouvement de nettoyage selon une direction avant ou arrière au suceur ;  - A control stick, connected to the nozzle to allow a user to impose a cleaning movement in a direction forward or back to the nozzle;
caractérisé en ce que le mécanisme de dérivation de flux (50) est agencé entre le manche de commande et le suceur, de sorte : characterized in that the flow diversion mechanism (50) is arranged between the control stick and the nozzle, so that:
- à être commandé par un mouvement arrière du manche de commande, pour connecter le conduit principal d'aspiration (10) au canal d'aspiration arrière (30), et ensuite transmettre le mouvement arrière au suceur,  - to be controlled by a rearward movement of the control stick, to connect the main suction duct (10) to the rear suction channel (30), and then transmit the rear movement to the nozzle,
- à être commandé par un mouvement avant du manche de commande, pour connecter le conduit principal d'aspiration (10) au canal d'aspiration avant (20), et ensuite transmettre le mouvement avant au suceur.  - To be controlled by a forward movement of the control stick, to connect the main suction line (10) to the front suction channel (20), and then transmit the forward motion to the nozzle.
2. Nettoyeur vapeur selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel le mécanisme de dérivation de flux comprend : 2. Steam cleaner according to the preceding claim, wherein the flow diversion mechanism comprises:
- un raccord à trois branches avec une première branche connectée au conduit principal d'aspiration (10), une deuxième branche connectée au canal d'aspiration avant (20) et une troisième branche connectée au canal d'aspiration arrière (30),  a three-branch connection with a first branch connected to the main suction duct (10), a second branch connected to the front suction duct (20) and a third branch connected to the rear suction duct (30),
- au moins une pièce d'articulation reliée au manche de commande et mobile par rapport au suceur entre une butée mécanique arrière (55) et une butée mécanique avant (54), at least one articulation piece connected to the control stick and movable relative to the nozzle between a rear mechanical stop (55) and a front mechanical stop (54),
- un obturateur (52) commandé par la pièce d'articulation et agencé pour obturer la deuxième branche lorsque ladite au moins une pièce d'articulation est en butée sur la butée mécanique arrière (55), et pour obturer la troisième branche lorsque ladite au moins une pièce d'articulation est en butée sur la butée mécanique avant (54).  a shutter (52) controlled by the articulation piece and arranged to close the second branch when the said at least one articulation piece is in abutment with the rear mechanical stop (55), and to close off the third branch when the said at least one articulation piece is in abutment with the front mechanical stop (54).
3. Nettoyeur vapeur selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel ladite au moins une pièce d'articulation ne transmet un effort au suceur vers l'avant que lorsqu'elle est en butée avec la butée mécanique avant (54), et dans lequel ladite au moins une pièce d'articulation ne transmet un effort au suceur vers l'arrière que lorsqu'elle est en butée avec la butée mécanique arrière (55). 3. Steam cleaner according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least one articulation piece transmits a force to the nozzle forwardly when it is in abutment with the forward mechanical stop (54), and wherein said less a hinge piece transmits a force to the nozzle backwards only when it is in abutment with the rear mechanical stop (55).
4. Nettoyeur vapeur selon l'une des revendications 2 ou 3, dans lequel l'obturateur (52) est monté en pivot par rapport au suceur. 4. Steam cleaner according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the shutter (52) is pivotally mounted relative to the nozzle.
5. Nettoyeur vapeur selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel l'obturateur (52) est un piston rotatif dans le raccord à trois branches. 5. Steam cleaner according to the preceding claim, wherein the shutter (52) is a rotary piston in the three-branch connection.
6. Nettoyeur vapeur selon l'une des revendications 2 ou 3, dans lequel l'obturateur (52) est un piston coulissant dans le raccord à trois branches. 6. Steam cleaner according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the shutter (52) is a piston sliding in the three branch connection.
7. Nettoyeur vapeur selon l'une des revendications 2 à 6, dans lequel ladite au moins une pièce d'articulation est au moins un levier (51 ) pivotant autour d'un premier axe de rotation (51 a) solidaire du suceur. 7. Steam cleaner according to one of claims 2 to 6, wherein said at least one articulation piece is at least one lever (51) pivoting about a first axis of rotation (51 a) integral with the nozzle.
8. Nettoyeur vapeur selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel ledit au moins un levier (51 ) est relié au manche de commande par un premier point de liaison définissant un premier bras de levier avec le premier axe de rotation (51 a), et dans lequel ledit au moins un levier (51 ) est relié à l'obturateur (52) par un deuxième point de liaison définissant avec le premier axe de rotation (51 a) un deuxième bras de levier supérieur au premier bras de levier. 8. Steam cleaner according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least one lever (51) is connected to the control shaft by a first connection point defining a first lever arm with the first axis of rotation (51 a), and in which said at least one lever (51) is connected to the shutter (52) by a second connection point defining with the first axis of rotation (51 a) a second lever arm greater than the first lever arm.
9. Nettoyeur vapeur selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel le premier point de liaison définit une liaison pivot et le deuxième point de liaison définit une liaison glissière entre une fourchette et un axe. 9. Steam cleaner according to the preceding claim, wherein the first connection point defines a pivot connection and the second connection point defines a slide connection between a fork and an axis.
10. Nettoyeur vapeur selon la revendication 8, dans lequel le premier point de liaison définit une liaison pivot et le deuxième point de liaison définit une liaison de type crémaillère. The steam cleaner of claim 8, wherein the first connection point defines a pivot link and the second link point defines a rack-type link.
1 1 . Nettoyeur vapeur selon la revendication 8, dans lequel le premier point de liaison définit une liaison pivot et le deuxième point de liaison définit une liaison de type engrenage. 1 1. Steam cleaner according to claim 8, wherein the first connection point defines a pivot connection and the second connection point defines a gear type connection.
12. Nettoyeur vapeur selon la revendication 1 , dans lequel le mécanisme de dérivation de flux (50) comprend une pièce d'articulation reliée au manche de commande et mobile par rapport au suceur entre une butée mécanique arrière (55) et une butée mécanique avant (54), la pièce d'articulation comprenant un conduit avec une première extrémité connectée au conduit principal d'aspiration (10) et une deuxième extrémité agencée :The steam cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the flow diversion mechanism (50) comprises a hinge part connected to the control sleeve and movable relative to the nozzle between a rear mechanical stop (55) and a front mechanical stop. (54), the hinge piece comprising a conduit with a first end connected to the main suction line (10) and a second end arranged:
- pour être en communication avec le canal d'aspiration arrière (30) lorsque ladite au moins une pièce d'articulation est en butée sur la butée mécanique arrière (55), et - to be in communication with the rear suction channel (30) when said at least one articulation piece is in abutment with the rear mechanical stop (55), and
- pour être en communication avec le canal d'aspiration avant (20) lorsque ladite au moins une pièce d'articulation est en butée sur la butée mécanique avant (54).  - To be in communication with the front suction channel (20) when said at least one hinge piece abuts on the front mechanical stop (54).
13. Nettoyeur vapeur selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel ladite au moins une pièce d'articulation est montée en liaison glissière sur le suceur. 13. Steam cleaner according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least one hinge piece is mounted in sliding connection on the nozzle.
14. Nettoyeur vapeur selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le mécanisme de dérivation de flux (50) est agencé pour laisser constamment le conduit principal d'aspiration (10) en communication avec un passage d'air, lors d'une mise en communication du conduit principal d'aspiration (10) avec l'un du canal d'aspiration avant (20) ou arrière (30),The steam cleaner according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow diversion mechanism (50) is arranged to constantly let the main suction line (10) communicate with a air passage, when placing the main suction duct (10) in communication with one of the front (20) or rear (30) suction duct,
- par compensation de la fermeture d'un du canal d'aspiration avant (20) ou arrière (30) par l'ouverture simultanée de l'autre du canal d'aspiration avant (20) ou arrière (30), et/ou, - by compensating for the closing of one of the front (20) or rear (30) suction channel by the simultaneous opening of the other of the front (20) or rear (30) suction channel, and / or ,
- par une mise à l'air libre du conduit principal d'aspiration (10) lors du passage de la communication du conduit principal d'aspiration (10) avec l'un du canal d'aspiration avant (20) ou arrière (30) à la communication du conduit principal d'aspiration (10) avec l'autre du canal d'aspiration avant (20) ou arrière (30).  by venting the main suction duct (10) during the passage of the communication of the main suction duct (10) with one of the front (20) or rear (30) suction duct (30). ) to the communication of the main suction duct (10) with the other of the front suction channel (20) or rear (30).
15. Nettoyeur vapeur selon l'une des revendications 2 à 14, dans lequel le suceur comprend au moins un appui arrière sur un sol à nettoyer et au moins un appui avant sur le sol à nettoyer, dans lequel la butée mécanique avant (54) et la butée mécanique arrière (55) ont chacune une projection verticale sur le sol comprise entre l'appui arrière et l'appui avant. 15. Steam cleaner according to one of claims 2 to 14, wherein the nozzle comprises at least one back support on a floor to be cleaned and at least one front support on the floor to be cleaned, wherein the mechanical stop before (54) and the rear mechanical stop (55) each has a vertical projection on the ground between the rear support and the front support.
16. Nettoyeur vapeur selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel la butée mécanique avant (54) est agencée à une hauteur prédéterminée inférieure à une distance entre sa projection verticale sur le sol à nettoyer et l'appui avant, et dans lequel la butée mécanique arrière (55) est agencée à une hauteur prédéterminée inférieure à une distance entre sa projection verticale sur le sol à nettoyer et l'appui arrière. 16. Steam cleaner according to the preceding claim, wherein the front mechanical stop (54) is arranged at a predetermined height less than a distance between its vertical projection on the floor to be cleaned and the front support, and wherein the rear mechanical stop (55) is arranged at a predetermined height less than a distance between its vertical projection on the floor to be cleaned and the rear support.
17. Suceur de nettoyeur vapeur, comprenant : 17. Steam cleaner nozzle, comprising:
- un conduit principal d'aspiration (10) agencé pour être relié à des moyens d'aspiration du nettoyeur vapeur ;  a main suction duct (10) arranged to be connected to suction means of the steam cleaner;
- une semelle comprenant un diffuseur de vapeur (1 10) agencé entre un canal d'aspiration avant (20) et un canal d'aspiration arrière (30) ;  - a sole comprising a steam diffuser (1 10) arranged between a front suction channel (20) and a rear suction channel (30);
- un mécanisme de dérivation de flux (50), agencé pour connecter l'un du canal d'aspiration avant (20) et du canal d'aspiration arrière (30) au conduit principal d'aspiration (10), et agencé pour être relié à un manche de commande permettant à un utilisateur d'imposer au suceur un mouvement de nettoyage selon une direction avant ou arrière; a flow diversion mechanism (50) arranged to connect one of the front suction channel (20) and the rear suction channel (30) to the main suction line (10), and arranged to be connected to a control stick allowing a user to impose on the squeegee a movement of cleaning in a forward or a reverse direction;
caractérisé en ce que le mécanisme de dérivation de flux (50) est agencé pour être entre le manche de commande et le suceur, de sorte : characterized in that the flow bypass mechanism (50) is arranged to be between the control stick and the nozzle, so that:
- à être commandé par un mouvement arrière du manche de commande, pour connecter le canal d'aspiration arrière (30) au conduit principal d'aspiration (10), et ensuite transmettre le mouvement arrière au suceur, - To be controlled by a rearward movement of the control stick, to connect the rear suction channel (30) to the main suction duct (10), and then transmit the rear movement to the nozzle,
- à être commandé par un mouvement avant du manche de commande, pour connecter le canal d'aspiration avant (20) au conduit principal d'aspiration (10), et ensuite transmettre le mouvement avant au suceur. - To be controlled by a forward movement of the control stick, to connect the front suction channel (20) to the main suction line (10), and then transmit the forward motion to the nozzle.
EP14790222.5A 2013-10-08 2014-10-06 Steam cleaner with flow deviation mechanism Active EP3054827B1 (en)

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FR1359734A FR3011455B1 (en) 2013-10-08 2013-10-08 STEAM CLEANER
PCT/FR2014/052533 WO2015052425A1 (en) 2013-10-08 2014-10-06 Steam cleaner with a flow diversion mechanism

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EP3054827A1 true EP3054827A1 (en) 2016-08-17
EP3054827B1 EP3054827B1 (en) 2023-09-06

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11896176B2 (en) 2017-12-18 2024-02-13 Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited Surface cleaning device with triggerless fluid distribution mechanism
US11944248B2 (en) 2017-12-18 2024-04-02 Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited Surface cleaning device with automated control

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WO2015052425A1 (en) 2015-04-16
FR3011455B1 (en) 2015-12-18
EP3054827B1 (en) 2023-09-06
CN204351758U (en) 2015-05-27
FR3011455A1 (en) 2015-04-10
KR20160067917A (en) 2016-06-14

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