FR3134302A1 - Vacuum nozzle equipped with wet cleaning device - Google Patents

Abstract

The vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) comprises a main body (3) having a soleplate (4); a connection sleeve (8); a joint device (9) mechanically connecting the connection sleeve (8) to the main body (3); a wet cleaning device (15) comprising a mop (16) extending under the sole (4); and a rear clearance (14) located vertically above a rear part of the sole (4), the rear clearance (14) and the articulation device (9) being configured to allow pivoting of the connecting sleeve ( 8) to the left and at a first maximum pivot angle of at least 75° relative to a vertical extension plane, and pivoting of the connection sleeve (8) to the right and at a second maximum pivot angle at least 75° relative to the vertical extension plane. Figure 1

Description

Vacuum nozzle equipped with wet cleaning device

The present invention relates to the field of domestic cleaning devices comprising a cleaning head equipped with a wet cleaning device making it possible to carry out wet cleaning of a surface to be cleaned.

The present invention relates more particularly to domestic vacuum cleaners, for example of the broom or sled type, making it possible to suck up dust and waste present on a surface to be cleaned, which can for example be tiles, parquet, laminate, carpet or rug, and simultaneously carry out wet cleaning of the surface to be cleaned, in particular when the latter is a smooth floor.

State of the art

A vacuum cleaner nozzle comprises in a known manner:

- a main body comprising a sole provided with a lower face which is configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned, and a suction mouth opening into the lower face of the sole,

- a connection sleeve to which a suction tube of a vacuum cleaner is intended to be attached, the connection sleeve being fluidly connected to the suction mouth and being configured to occupy, relative to the main body, a sleeve position predetermined in which, when the main body rests on a horizontal surface, a central longitudinal axis of the connecting sleeve extends in a vertical plane of extension,

- an articulation device mechanically connecting the connection sleeve to the main body, the articulation device comprising a first pivot connection defining a first pivot axis and configured to allow tilting of the connection sleeve backwards relative to the body main from the predetermined sleeve position and around the first pivot axis, and a second pivot connection defining a second pivot axis and configured to allow tilting of the connecting sleeve to the left or to the right relative to the main body from the predetermined sleeve position and around the second pivot axis, and

- a wet cleaning device comprising a mop extending at least partly under the sole and configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned, and a cleaning liquid reservoir, for example located above the sole, configured to supply cleaning liquid to the mop.

Such a vacuum cleaner nozzle makes it possible to suck up small particle size dust and waste present on a surface to be cleaned, and to simultaneously carry out wet cleaning of the surface to be cleaned when the latter is a smooth floor.

In order to allow the connection sleeve to pivot to the left or to the right over a large amplitude of pivoting, it is known to position the articulation device at the rear of the main body of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, in order to limit the risk of conflict between the main body and the connection sleeve.

However, such an arrangement of the articulation device is likely to cause the main body to rise when the user exerts a significant pressing force on the suction tube, and therefore on the connecting sleeve, in order to clean stains. embedded in the surface to be cleaned. However, such lifting is detrimental to the cleaning performance of such a nozzle.

To avoid such lifting, it is known to equip the vacuum cleaner nozzle with anti-lifting elements arranged at the rear of the main body. Such anti-lifting elements may for example comprise casters arranged under the articulation device or under the connection sleeve and intended to roll on the surface to be cleaned when the vacuum cleaner nozzle is moved, or else one or more protrusions extending backwards and from a rear edge of the main body and provided with casters also intended to roll on the surface to be cleaned when the vacuum cleaner nozzle moves.

The presence of such anti-lift elements complicates the manufacturing and assembly of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, and significantly increases the manufacturing costs of the latter.

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

The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular of providing a vacuum cleaner nozzle which is simple and ergonomic in structure, while allowing optimal cleaning of a surface to be cleaned.

For this purpose, the present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner nozzle comprising:

- a main body comprising a sole provided with a lower face which is configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned, and a suction mouth opening into the lower face of the sole,

- a connection sleeve to which a suction tube of a vacuum cleaner is intended to be attached, the connection sleeve being fluidly connected to the suction mouth and being configured to occupy, relative to the main body, a sleeve position predetermined in which, when the main body rests on a horizontal surface, a central longitudinal axis of the connecting sleeve extends in a vertical plane of extension,

- an articulation device mechanically connecting the connection sleeve to the main body, the articulation device comprising a first pivot connection defining a first pivot axis and configured to allow tilting of the connection sleeve backwards relative to the body main from the predetermined sleeve position and around the first pivot axis, and a second pivot connection defining a second pivot axis and configured to allow tilting of the connecting sleeve to the left or to the right relative to the main body from the predetermined sleeve position and around the second pivot axis, and

- a wet cleaning device comprising a mop extending at least partly under the sole and configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned, and a cleaning liquid reservoir, for example located vertically above the sole, configured to supply cleaning liquid to the mop.

The vacuum cleaner nozzle has a rear clearance located vertically above a rear part of the sole, that is to say vertically plumb with the rear part of the sole, and the second pivot connection is located at least partly vertically above the rear part of the sole, the rear clearance and the articulation device being configured to allow pivoting of the connecting sleeve, around the second pivot axis and from the sleeve position predetermined, towards the left and according to a first maximum pivot angle of at least 75° relative to the vertical plane of extension, and advantageously of at least 85°, and for example of approximately 90°, and to authorize a pivoting of the connection sleeve, around the second pivot axis and from the predetermined sleeve position, towards the right and at a second maximum pivot angle of at least 75° relative to the vertical extension plane, and advantageously of at least 85°, and for example of approximately 90°.

When a user exerts a significant pressure force on the suction tube of a vacuum cleaner equipped with a nozzle according to the present invention, in particular to clean stains encrusted in a surface to be cleaned, the pressure force transmitted by the articulation device to the main body is applied to a rear part of the main body and therefore above the sole. Thus, the specific configuration of the nozzle according to the present invention avoids lifting of the main body (without requiring the presence of anti-lifting elements located at the rear of the vacuum cleaner nozzle) and therefore ensures effective cleaning of the surface to be cleaned. .

In addition, the presence of the rear clearance allows pivoting to the left and to the right of the connecting sleeve with a large amplitude of pivoting, which gives increased maneuverability to the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the present invention.

In addition, the location of the second pivot connection above a rear part of the main body makes it possible to reduce the horizontal dimensions of the nozzle according to the present invention, and also to have a larger mop surface.

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

According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear part of the sole is located at the rear of a vertical median transverse plane of the main body. By vertical median transverse plane, it is understood that the vertical median transverse plane is halfway between the front edge and the rear edge of the main body.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the articulation device mechanically connects the connection sleeve directly to the main body, that is to say by being fixed to a part belonging to the main body, or mechanically connects the connection sleeve connection indirectly to the main body, that is to say by being fixed to a part fixed to the main body, and for example by being fixed to the cleaning liquid tank.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the connection sleeve is configured to be housed at least partly in the rear clearance when the connection sleeve is pivoted to the left according to the first maximum pivot angle and when the connection sleeve is rotated to the right by the second maximum pivot angle. These arrangements make it possible to reduce the vertical bulk of the vacuum cleaner nozzle when the connection sleeve is pivoted according to the first maximum pivot angle or the second maximum pivot angle, and therefore to facilitate cleaning, for example under furniture.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear clearance extends over substantially the entire width of the main body. Such a configuration of the rear clearance limits the risk of conflict between the connection sleeve and the walls delimiting the rear clearance, particularly when the connection sleeve is pivoted to the left or to the right.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear clearance extends from a first side edge of the main body to a second side edge of the main body. Such a rear clearance configuration makes it possible to increase the value of each of the first and second maximum pivot angles.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear clearance delimits a rear recess in which the articulation device is at least partially received. In other words, the articulation device, and in particular the second pivot link, is arranged at least partly in the rear clearance. Such an arrangement of the second pivot connection makes it possible to reduce the vertical bulk of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second pivot connections are located vertically above the rear part of the sole, that is to say vertically plumb with the rear part of the sole.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the second pivot axis is located in a median vertical longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle. Such an arrangement of the second pivot axis gives increased ergonomics to the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the present invention.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the second pivot axis extends substantially horizontally when the main body rests on a horizontal surface.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first pivot axis extends substantially perpendicular to a direction of movement of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear clearance is delimited at least in part, and for example entirely, by the cleaning liquid reservoir. Such a configuration of the cleaning liquid tank makes it possible to optimize the volume of the cleaning liquid tank, and therefore to be able to clean a larger surface area without impacting the compactness of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning liquid reservoir extends substantially to a rear edge of the main body. Such a configuration of the cleaning liquid tank also makes it possible to optimize the volume of the cleaning liquid tank.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body comprises a central suction conduit fluidly connecting the suction mouth to the connection sleeve.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the central suction duct extends substantially in the median vertical longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the central suction duct is attached to and is fixed to the sole. However, according to a variant embodiment of the invention, the central suction conduit could be attached to and fixed to the cleaning liquid reservoir.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the central suction conduit comprises a first end portion fluidly connected to the suction mouth and a second end portion fluidly connected to the connection sleeve.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the central suction duct has a passage section which increases towards the first end portion.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning liquid tank comprises a first side tank part and a second side tank part which are arranged on either side of the central suction duct. Such a configuration of the cleaning liquid reservoir makes it possible to better distribute the contents of the cleaning liquid reservoir relative to the main body, and therefore to improve the maneuverability of the vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the present invention.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning liquid tank comprises at least one connecting portion extending between the first and second side tank parts and fluidly connecting the first and second side tank parts.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one connecting portion comprises a front connecting portion extending under the central suction duct, and advantageously between the sole and the central suction duct. Such a configuration of the cleaning liquid reservoir makes it easier for a user to fill it.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one connecting portion comprises a rear connecting portion fluidly connecting the first and second lateral tank parts. Advantageously, the rear connecting portion extends under the articulation device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first side tank portion comprises a first front tank portion, a first rear tank portion located set back from the first front tank portion, and a first connecting surface connecting the first front tank portion to the first rear tank portion so as to form a first rear lateral clearance located at the rear of the first connecting surface, and the second side tank part comprises a second front tank portion, a second portion rear tank located set back from the second front tank portion, and a second connecting surface connecting the second front tank portion to the second rear tank portion so as to form a second rear lateral clearance located at the rear of the second connecting surface, the first and second rear side clearances partly forming the rear clearance.

According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second connecting surfaces is concave seen in the median vertical longitudinal plane of the vacuum cleaner nozzle. Advantageously, each of the first and second connecting surfaces comprises at least one upper surface portion which extends substantially vertically.

According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second rear reservoir portions has an upper face which is substantially flat and which is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the vacuum cleaner nozzle rests on a horizontal surface. Advantageously, the upper faces of the first and second rear tank portions extend substantially in the same extension plane.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning liquid reservoir delimits a receiving housing configured to accommodate at least part of the central suction duct. Such a configuration of the cleaning liquid tank makes it possible to bring the cleaning liquid tank as close as possible to the central suction duct, and therefore to optimize the volume of the cleaning liquid tank.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving housing is arranged in a front part of the cleaning liquid reservoir. In other words, the receiving housing is located in front of a vertical median transverse plane of the cleaning liquid tank.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving housing and the central suction duct have shapes which are at least in part substantially complementary.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a ratio of a maximum transverse dimension, and for example a maximum width, of the receiving housing to a maximum transverse dimension, and for example a maximum width, of a section of the central suction duct housed in the receiving housing is between 1 and 1.2, and advantageously between 1 and 1.1.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning liquid reservoir comprises two boundary walls located on either side of the central suction duct and each extending at least partly along the suction duct central, the two boundary walls partially delimiting the reception accommodation.

According to one embodiment of the invention, each boundary wall has, seen from above, an external profile which is oriented towards the central suction duct and which corresponds substantially to the external profile, seen from above, of a longitudinal portion respective side of the central suction duct. Such a configuration of the cleaning liquid tank further promotes optimization of the volume of the cleaning liquid tank.

According to one embodiment of the invention, each boundary wall is spaced from the central suction duct, a minimum separation distance between each boundary wall and the central suction duct is less than 10 mm, advantageously less than or equal to to 5 mm, more advantageously between 1 and 4 mm, and for example between 1 and 3 mm. In other words, the central suction duct and each boundary wall delimit a respective longitudinal space extending along the central suction duct, each longitudinal space having a minimum width less than 10 mm, advantageously less than or equal to to 5 mm, more advantageously between 1 and 4 mm, and for example between 1 and 3 mm.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning liquid reservoir and the central suction duct are configured such that the minimum separation distance between each boundary wall and the central suction duct is substantially constant on along the central suction duct.

According to one embodiment of the invention, each boundary wall comprises an upper portion extending substantially vertically.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving housing has a width which increases towards a front edge of the main body.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning liquid reservoir delimits an additional receiving housing disposed in a rear part of the cleaning liquid reservoir and configured to accommodate at least part of the articulation device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the articulation device comprises a connecting member mechanically connecting the connection sleeve to the main body, the connection sleeve being hingedly mounted on the connecting member via the first pivot connection and the connecting member being hingedly mounted on the main body via the second pivot connection.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting member is received at least partially in the rear recess delimited by the rear clearance.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting member is of substantially cylindrical shape and has a central axis extending substantially horizontally when the vacuum cleaner nozzle rests on a horizontal surface.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting member is arranged between two vertical transverse planes respectively delimiting a front edge and a rear edge of the rear clearance.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the portion of the connecting member received in the rear recess delimited by the rear clearance has a length, measured along the central axis of the connecting member, which is less than or equal to the length (or longitudinal dimension) of the rear recess.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear recess delimited by the rear clearance has a height, measured when the vacuum cleaner nozzle rests on a horizontal surface, greater than or equal to 2/3 of the diameter of the cleaning member. connection of substantially cylindrical shape.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting member comprises a support part on which the connection sleeve is hingedly mounted, and a mounting part which is annular and which is mounted movable in rotation on the main body around of the second pivot axis.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting member is configured to fluidly connect the central suction conduit to the connection sleeve.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the mop is removably attached to the sole.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the mop is fixed to the sole by a hook-and-loop fastening system, for example a hook and loop fastening system. Such attachment of the mop to the sole ensures easy removal of the mop.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the mop comprises a fixing bead which is elastically deformable and which is configured to cooperate with the sole.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction mouth is located near a front edge of the main body or a rear edge of the main body.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the main body comprises a covering cover configured to cover the central suction duct.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the predetermined sleeve position corresponds to a storage position of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, also called parking position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning liquid reservoir at least partially delimits a liquid storage chamber. Advantageously, the cleaning liquid reservoir and the sole delimit the liquid storage chamber.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning liquid reservoir is immovable.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the cleaning liquid reservoir is removably mounted on the main body, and for example on the sole.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the wet cleaning device comprises a fluid distribution device which is configured to be fluidly connected to the cleaning liquid reservoir and to supply the mop with cleaning liquid.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the fluid distribution device comprises at least one liquid flow orifice located opposite the mop and configured to supply cleaning liquid to the mop.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning liquid reservoir comprises a liquid outlet provided in a lower part of the cleaning liquid reservoir, and the wet cleaning device comprises a closing member which is movable between a closing position in which the closing member closes the liquid outlet and a release position in which the closing member releases the liquid outlet.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the wet cleaning device comprises an actuation member, such as an actuation pedal, configured to be actuated by a user, for example with a user's foot, actuating member being mounted movably between a first actuation position and a second actuation position, the actuating member and the shutter member being configured such that a movement of the member actuation from the first actuation position to the second actuation position causes a movement of the shutter member from the release position to the shutter position and such that a movement of the shutter member Actuation from the second actuation position to the first actuation position causes the shutter member to move from the shutter position to the release position.

The present invention further relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the invention.

Brief description of the figures

The invention will be better understood with the help of the description which follows with reference to the appended schematic drawings representing, by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of this vacuum cleaner nozzle.

is a front perspective view of a vacuum cleaner nozzle according to the present invention.

is a side view of the vacuum nozzle of the .

is a longitudinal sectional view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of the .

is a rear perspective view of the vacuum nozzle of the .

is a rear view of the vacuum nozzle of the .

is a top view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of the .

is a bottom view of the vacuum nozzle of the .

is a rear perspective view of the vacuum nozzle of the , showing a connecting sleeve having been rotated 90° to the right.

is a front perspective view of the vacuum nozzle of the , in which a covering cover has been deposited.

is a partial front view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of the , in which the cover has been removed.

is a partial top view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of the , in which the cover has been removed.

is a front perspective view of a soleplate and a cleaning fluid reservoir of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of the .

is a truncated view, in front perspective, of the vacuum nozzle of the .

is a partial front view, in cross section, of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of the .

is a partial exploded view of the vacuum cleaner nozzle of the .

detailed description

In this document, the terms "forward tilting" mean a tilting of the connection sleeve towards the main body and therefore away from a user handling in front of him and normally a vacuum cleaner equipped with the vacuum cleaner nozzle, and the The term "tilting backwards" means tilting the connection sleeve away from the main body and therefore towards a user normally handling the vacuum cleaner in front of him.

In this document, the terms "tilting to the left" mean a tilting of the connection sleeve to the left when a user handles in front of him and normally a vacuum cleaner equipped with the vacuum cleaner nozzle, and the terms "tilting to the right" mean a tilting of the connection sleeve to the right when a user handles in front of him and normally a vacuum cleaner equipped with the vacuum cleaner nozzle.

Figures 1 to 15 represent a vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 comprising a main body 3 configured to be moved on a surface to be cleaned. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the main body 3 has a generally rectangular shape.

The main body 3 comprises a sole 4, for example made of plastic material, provided with a lower face 5 configured to be oriented towards the surface to be cleaned, and a suction mouth 6 opening into the lower face 5 of the sole 4. Advantageously, the suction mouth 6 extends in a direction of extension D1 which extends perpendicular to a direction of movement D2 of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the suction mouth 6 is located near a front edge 3.1 of the main body 3. However, according to a variant embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the mouth suction 6 could be located near a rear edge 3.2 of the main body 3. According to yet another alternative embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the sole 4 could be provided with a suction mouth 6 located near the front edge 3.1 of the main body 3 and a suction mouth 6 located near the rear edge 3.2 of the main body 3.

The main body 3 further comprises a central suction conduit 7 which is generally tubular and which is fluidly connected to the suction mouth 6. Advantageously, the central suction conduit 7 extends substantially in a longitudinal plane median vertical P of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2.

As shown on the , the central suction conduit 7 is attached to and is fixed to the sole 4, and comprises a first end portion 7.1 fluidly connected to the suction mouth 6 and a second end portion 7.2 opposite the first portion end 7.1. Advantageously, the central suction conduit 7 has a passage section which increases from the second end portion 7.2 and up to the first end portion 7.1.

The vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 also comprises a connection sleeve 8 to which is intended to be connected a connection end of a suction tube, for example rigid, itself connected to a suction system of a vacuum cleaner ( not shown). Various variants of vacuum cleaners already exist on the market and can be used with the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 according to the invention; these variants being known to those skilled in the art, they are not detailed in this document.

The connection sleeve 8 is fluidly connected to the second end portion 7.2 of the central suction conduit 7 and is configured to occupy, relative to the main body 3, a predetermined sleeve position (see in particular Figures 1 and 3) in which, when the main body 3 rests on a horizontal surface, a central longitudinal axis B of the connection sleeve 8 extends in a vertical plane of extension, and more particularly in the median vertical longitudinal plane P. The position of the sleeve predetermined can for example correspond to a storage position of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2, also called parking position.

The vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 further comprises a hinge device 9 mechanically connecting the connection sleeve 8 to the main body 3, and more particularly to the central suction duct 7. As shown more particularly in the , the articulation device 9 is advantageously located vertically above a rear part of the sole 4.

The articulation device 9 comprises a first pivot connection P1 defining a first pivot axis rear relative to the main body 3 from the predetermined sleeve position and around the first pivot axis X1. Advantageously, the first pivot axis X1 extends perpendicular to the direction of movement D2 of the vacuum nozzle 2, and extends horizontally when the vacuum nozzle 2 rests on a horizontal surface and the connection sleeve 8 occupies the predetermined sleeve position.

The articulation device 9 further comprises a second pivot connection P2 defining a second pivot axis predetermined and around the second pivot axis X2. Advantageously, the second pivot axis X2 is located in the median vertical longitudinal plane P of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the second pivot axis X2 extends substantially horizontally when the body main 3 rests on a horizontal surface. However, according to a variant embodiment of the invention, the second pivot axis X2 could be inclined relative to the horizontal when the main body 3 rests on a horizontal surface, and for example be inclined towards the front and towards the high when the main body 3 rests on a horizontal surface.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the articulation device 9 comprises a connecting member 11 mechanically and fluidly connecting the connection sleeve 8 to the central suction conduit 7. The connecting member 11 is of substantially cylindrical shape and has a central axis extending substantially horizontally when the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 rests on a horizontal surface. The connection sleeve 8 is hingedly mounted on the connecting member 11 via the first pivot connection P1, and the connecting member 11 is hingedly mounted on the main body 3 via the second pivot connection P2.

As shown more particularly in Figures 3 and 4, the connecting member 11 comprises a support part 12 on which the connection sleeve 8 is hingedly mounted, and a mounting part 13 which is annular and which is mounted movable in rotation on the second end portion 7.2 of the central suction duct 7 and around the second pivot axis X2.

As shown in particular in Figures 1 and 2, the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 further comprises a rear clearance 14 located vertically above a rear part of the sole 4. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the clearance rear 14 forms a rear recess which extends over the entire width of the main body 3, and therefore extends from a first lateral edge of the main body 3 to a second lateral edge of the main body 3. Advantageously, the articulation device 9, and more particularly the connecting member 11, is arranged at least partly in the rear recess formed by the rear clearance 14. Advantageously, the portion of the connecting member 11, received in the rear recess delimited by the rear clearance 14, has a length, measured along the central axis of the connecting member 11, which is greater than or equal to the length L (or longitudinal dimension) of the rear recess (see there ).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the rear recess 14 delimited by the rear clearance 14 has a height H (see the ), measured when the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 rests on a horizontal surface, greater than or equal to 2/3 of the diameter of the connecting member 11.

As shown on the , the connecting member 11 is arranged between two vertical transverse planes P3, P4 respectively delimiting a front edge and a rear edge of the rear clearance 14.

The rear clearance 14 can for example have a maximum longitudinal dimension, measured in the direction of movement D2, of between 25 and 50% of the maximum longitudinal dimension of the sole 4.

The rear clearance 14 and the articulation device 9 are more particularly configured to allow pivoting of the connection sleeve 8, around the second pivot axis X2 and from the predetermined sleeve position, towards the left and at a first angle of maximum pivoting of at least 85°, and for example of approximately 90°, and to allow pivoting of the connection sleeve 8, around the second pivot axis X2 and from the predetermined sleeve position, towards the right and according to a second maximum pivot angle of at least 85°, and for example of approximately 90°. Advantageously, the connection sleeve 8 is configured to be housed at least partly in the rear clearance 14 when the connection sleeve 8 is pivoted to the left according to the first maximum pivot angle and also when the connection sleeve 8 is rotated to the right by the second maximum pivot angle.

The vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 further comprises a wet cleaning device 15 attached to the main body 3, and more particularly to the sole 4.

The wet cleaning device 15 comprises a mop 16 which extends under the sole 4 and which is configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned. The mop 16 is removably attached to the sole 4, for example via a hook and loop fastening system. As shown on the , the mop 16 is located between the suction mouth 6 and the rear edge 3.2 of the main body 3, and can for example have a generally rectangular shape. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the mop 16 is passive.

The wet cleaning device 15 further comprises a cleaning liquid reservoir 17 which is located above the sole 4 and which is configured to supply the mop 16 with cleaning liquid. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the cleaning liquid reservoir 17 is immovable and is formed by the sole 4 and a reservoir shell 18 which is fixed to the sole 4. However, according to other alternative embodiments of the invention, the sole 4 and the cleaning liquid reservoir 17 could be made in a single piece, or the cleaning liquid reservoir 17 could be formed by a tank body separate from the sole 4 and attached to the latter, or the cleaning liquid reservoir 17 could be mounted removably on the main body 3, and for example on the sole 4.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the cleaning liquid reservoir 17 extends to the rear edge 3.2 of the main body 3 and also extends from the first side edge of the main body 3 and to the second side edge of the main body 3. Advantageously, the cleaning liquid reservoir 17 delimits the rear clearance 14.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the cleaning liquid tank 17 comprises a first side tank part 19 and a second side tank part 21 which are arranged on either side of the central suction conduit 7. The cleaning liquid reservoir 17 further comprises a front connecting portion 22 fluidly connecting the first and second side reservoir parts 19, 21, and a rear connecting portion 23 also fluidly connecting the first and second side reservoir parts 19, 21. Advantageously, the front connecting portion 22 extends under the central suction duct 7, and more particularly between the sole 4 and the central suction duct 7, and the rear connecting portion 23 extends under the articulation device 9 and therefore partly delimits the rear clearance 14.

As shown on the , the first and second lateral tank parts 19, 21 and the front connecting portion 22 delimit a receiving housing 24 configured to accommodate at least in part the central suction duct 7. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the receiving housing 24 has a width which increases towards the front edge 3.1 of the main body 3, and is arranged in a front part of the cleaning liquid tank 17.

Advantageously, the receiving housing 24 and the central suction duct 7 have shapes which are at least in part substantially complementary. A ratio of a maximum width of the receiving housing 24 to a maximum width of a section of the central suction duct 7 housed in the receiving housing 24 is between 1 and 1.2, and advantageously between 1 and 1, 1.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the cleaning liquid reservoir 17 comprises two boundary walls 25 located on either side of the central suction conduit 7 and each extending along the central suction conduit 7.

The two boundary walls 25 partially delimit the receiving housing 24, and are each spaced apart from the central suction duct 7. A minimum separation distance Dm between each boundary wall 25 and the central suction duct 7 is advantageously less to 5 mm, preferably between 1 and 4 mm, and for example between 1 and 3 mm. In other words, the central suction duct 7 and each boundary wall 25 delimit a respective longitudinal space 26 extending along the central suction duct 7, each longitudinal space 26 having a minimum width less than 5 mm , preferably between 1 and 4 mm, and for example between 1 and 3 mm.

As shown on the , each boundary wall 25 has, seen from above, an external profile which is oriented towards the central suction duct 7 and which corresponds substantially to the external profile, seen from above, of a respective lateral longitudinal portion of the suction duct central 7.

Advantageously, each boundary wall 25 comprises a curved lower portion 25.1 extending from a lateral edge of the front connecting portion 22, and an upper portion 25.2 extending substantially vertically.

As shown more particularly in Figures 4 and 8, the first side tank portion 19 comprises a first front tank portion 19.1, a first rear tank portion 19.2 located set back from the first front tank portion 19.1, and a first surface connection 19.3 connecting the first front tank portion 19.1 to the first rear tank portion 19.2 so as to form a first rear lateral clearance 14.1 (see the ) located at the rear of the first connecting surface 19.3. Similarly, the second side tank portion 21 comprises a second front tank portion 21.1, a second rear tank portion 21.2 located set back from the second front tank portion 21.1, and a second connecting surface 21.3 connecting the second portion of front tank 21.1 to the second portion of rear tank 21.2 so as to form a second rear lateral clearance 14.2 (see the ) located at the rear of the second connecting surface 21.3. The first and second rear lateral clearances 14.1, 14.2 partly form the rear clearance 14.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each of the first and second connecting surfaces 19.3, 21.3 is concave seen in the median vertical longitudinal plane P of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2, and comprises at least one upper surface portion which is extends substantially vertically.

As shown on the , each of the first and second rear tank portions 19.2, 21.2 has an upper face which is substantially flat and which is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 rests on a horizontal surface. Advantageously, the upper faces of the first and second rear tank portions 19.2, 21.2 extend in the same extension plane. Each of the first and second rear tank portions 19.2, 21.2 can for example have a height of between 10 and 30 mm, and for example between 10 and 20 mm.

The cleaning liquid reservoir 17 further delimits an additional receiving housing 30 (see the ) which is configured to partly accommodate the articulation device 9 and which partly delimits the rear clearance 14.

As shown on the , the cleaning liquid tank 17 has a liquid storage chamber 27, and a liquid filling port 28 (see the ) opening into an upper part of the liquid storage chamber 27. The liquid filling orifice 28 can for example be provided on an upper face of the cleaning liquid reservoir 17 or on a side face of the latter. Such a liquid filling port 28 makes it possible to easily fill the liquid storage chamber 27 with a cleaning liquid, such as water. The cleaning liquid reservoir 17 advantageously comprises a closing element 29 configured to removably close the liquid filling port 28.

As shown on the , the cleaning liquid tank 17 also has a liquid outlet 31 which is provided in a lower part of the cleaning liquid tank 17 and which is fluidly connected to the liquid storage chamber 27.

The wet cleaning device 15 further comprises a fluid distribution device 32 which is attached to the sole 4 and which is configured to be fluidly connected to the cleaning liquid reservoir 17 and to supply the mop 16 with cleaning liquid.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the fluid distribution device 32 comprises a distribution body 33 provided with an upper face in which the liquid outlet 31 is provided, and with a lower face in which is(are ) provided with one or more liquid flow orifice(s) 34 configured to supply cleaning liquid to the mop 16. Advantageously, the or each liquid flow orifice 34 is configured to be located next to mop 16.

In order to avoid a continuous flow of cleaning liquid towards the mop 16, the wet cleaning device 15 comprises a shutter member 35 (see the ) which is movable between a closing position in which the closing member 35 closes the liquid outlet 31 so as to fluidically isolate the liquid storage chamber 27 and the liquid flow orifice(s) 34, and a release position in which the shutter member 35 releases the liquid outlet 31 so as to fluidly connect the liquid storage chamber 27 to the liquid flow orifice(s) 34, and therefore to ensure a supply of cleaning liquid to the mop 16.

The wet cleaning device 15 also comprises an actuator member 36, such as an actuation pedal, which is configured to be actuated by a user, for example with a user's foot, and which is mounted movable, and for example pivotally mounted on an upper part of the cleaning liquid reservoir 17 between a first actuation position and a second actuation position. The actuating member 36 and the shutter member 35 are configured such that a movement of the actuating member 36 from the first actuation position to the second actuation position results in a movement of the shutter member 35 from the release position to the shutter position and such that a movement of the actuator member 36 from the second actuation position to the first actuation position results in a movement of the shutter member 35 from the shutter position to the release position.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the main body 3 also comprises a covering cover 37 fixed to the sole 4 and configured to cover the central suction duct 7 and partly the cleaning liquid reservoir 17. Such covering cover makes it possible in particular to protect the central suction duct 7 against external shocks during movements of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 on a surface to be cleaned.

Taking into account the specific configuration of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 according to the present invention, when a user exerts a significant pressing force on the suction tube of a vacuum cleaner equipped with the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2, in particular for cleaning stains encrusted in a surface to be cleaned, the support force transmitted by the articulation device 9 to the main body 3 is applied to a rear part of the main body 3 and therefore above the sole 4. As a result, the main body 3 is not likely to lift during use of the vacuum cleaner nozzle, which therefore ensures effective cleaning of the surface to be cleaned.

In addition, the presence of the rear clearance 14 allows pivoting to the left and to the right of the connection sleeve 8 with a large amplitude of pivoting, which gives increased maneuverability to the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2. In addition, the location of the first and second pivot connections P1, P2 above a rear part of the main body 3 makes it possible to reduce the horizontal bulk of the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2.

According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the mop 16 could be mounted on a mop support vibrating relative to the main body 3.

According to another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the wet cleaning device 15 could comprise a mop support which extends at least partly under the sole 4 and which is removably fixed to the sole 4, the mop 16 being fixed, for example in a removable manner, to the mop support, and the mop support being mounted movable in rotation relative to the main body 3 and around an axis of rotation substantially vertical when the main body 3 rests on a horizontal surface. According to such an embodiment of the invention, the vacuum cleaner nozzle 2 would comprise a rotational drive mechanism configured to rotate the mop support.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the cleaning liquid reservoir 17 could comprise a single connecting portion, and for example only the front connecting portion 22 or the rear connecting portion 23.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the articulation device 9 could mechanically connect the connection sleeve 8 to the cleaning liquid reservoir 17.

Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated which have been given only by way of examples. Modifications remain possible, particularly from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims (17)

Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) comprising:
- a main body (3) comprising a sole (4) provided with a lower face (5) which is configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned, and a suction mouth (6) opening into the lower face (5) ) of the sole (4),
- a connection sleeve (8) to which a suction tube of a vacuum cleaner is intended to be attached, the connection sleeve (8) being fluidly connected to the suction mouth (6) and being configured to occupy, for example relative to the main body (3), a predetermined sleeve position in which, when the main body (3) rests on a horizontal surface, a central longitudinal axis (B) of the connecting sleeve (8) extends in a plane d vertical extension,
- a hinge device (9) mechanically connecting the connection sleeve (8) to the main body (3), the hinge device (9) comprising a first pivot connection (P1) defining a first pivot axis (X1) and configured to allow tilting of the connecting sleeve (8) rearward relative to the main body (3) from the predetermined sleeve position and around the first pivot axis (X1), and a second pivot connection (P2) defining a second pivot axis (X2) and configured to allow tilting of the connecting sleeve (8) to the left or right relative to the main body (3) from the predetermined sleeve position and around the second pivot axis (X2), and
- a wet cleaning device (15) comprising a mop (16) extending at least partly under the sole (4) and configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned, and a cleaning liquid reservoir (17) configured to supply cleaning liquid to the mop (16),
characterized in that the vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) has a rear clearance (14) located vertically above a rear part of the sole (4), and in that the second pivot connection (P2) is located at the less partly vertically above the rear part of the sole (4), the rear clearance (14) and the articulation device (9) being configured to allow pivoting of the connecting sleeve (8), around the second pivot axis (X2) and from the predetermined sleeve position, towards the left and at a first maximum pivot angle of at least 75° relative to the vertical extension plane, and to allow pivoting of the sleeve connection (8), around the second pivot axis (X2) and from the predetermined sleeve position, to the right and at a second maximum pivot angle of at least 75° relative to the vertical extension plane. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 1, wherein the rear clearance (14) extends over substantially the entire width of the main body (3). Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the rear clearance (14) delimits a rear recess in which the articulation device (9) is at least partially received. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first and second pivot connections are located vertically above the rear part of the main body (3). Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the second pivot axis (X2) is located in a median vertical longitudinal plane (P) of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (2). Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the first pivot axis (X1) extends substantially perpendicular to a direction of movement (D2) of the vacuum cleaner nozzle (2). Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the rear clearance (14) is delimited at least in part by the cleaning liquid reservoir (17). Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cleaning fluid reservoir (17) extends substantially to a rear edge (3.2) of the main body (3). Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the main body (3) comprises a central suction conduit (7) fluidly connecting the suction mouth (6) to the connection sleeve (8). Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 9, wherein the cleaning liquid tank (17) comprises a first side tank part (19) and a second side tank part (21) which are arranged on either side other of the central suction duct (7). Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 10, wherein the cleaning liquid reservoir (17) comprises at least one connecting portion extending between the first and second lateral reservoir portions (19, 21) and fluidly connecting the first and second side tank parts (19, 21). Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 11, in which the at least one connecting portion comprises a front connecting portion (22) extending under the central suction duct (7). Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 11 or 12, in which the first side tank portion (19) comprises a first front tank portion (19.1), a first rear tank portion (19.2) located set back from the first front tank portion (19.1), and a first connecting surface (19.3) connecting the first front tank portion (19.1) to the first rear tank portion (19.2) so as to form a first rear lateral clearance (14.1) located at the rear of the first connecting surface (19.3), and the second side tank portion (21) comprises a second front tank portion (21.1), a second rear tank portion (21.2) located set back from the second front tank portion (21.1), and a second connecting surface (21.3) connecting the second front tank portion (21.1) to the second rear tank portion (21.2) so as to form a second rear lateral clearance (14.2) located at the rear of the second connecting surface (21.3), the first and second rear side clearances (14.1, 14.2) partly forming the rear clearance (14). Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, in which the cleaning liquid reservoir (17) defines a receiving housing (24) configured to accommodate at least part of the central suction duct (7). Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to claim 14, in which the receiving housing (24) and the central suction duct (7) have shapes which are at least in part substantially complementary. Vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, in which the articulation device (9) comprises a connecting member (11) mechanically connecting the connection sleeve (8) to the main body (3 ), the connection sleeve (8) being hingedly mounted on the connecting member (11) via the first pivot connection (P1) and the connecting member (11) being hingedly mounted on the main body ( 3) via the second pivot link (P2). Vacuum cleaner comprising a vacuum cleaner nozzle (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.