CN108024677B

CN108024677B - Connecting device for connecting suction lines and suction mechanism

Info

Publication number: CN108024677B
Application number: CN201580083389.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 海纳·库恩; 托斯滕·朗根; 海科·施特克尔; 蒂莫·舍内曼
Original assignee: Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Current assignee: Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Priority date: 2015-10-27
Filing date: 2015-10-27
Publication date: 2020-07-03
Anticipated expiration: 2035-10-27
Also published as: WO2017071740A1; CN108024677A; EP3367867A1; EP3367867B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting device for connecting a first suction line (12) to a second suction line (14), in particular a suction hose of a vacuum cleaner to a handle tube or a suction connection, the connecting device (10) comprising: a first connection piece (16) and a second connection piece (18) which is oriented coaxially to the first connection piece with respect to a connection axis (28) and on which a first suction line (12) or a second suction line (14) is or can be fixed; a carrier (20) held on a first connecting piece (16) so as to be rotatable about a connecting axis (28) and at least one first locking element (80) arranged on the carrier (20) and at least one second locking element (60) arranged on a second connecting piece (18), wherein the connecting pieces (16, 18) can be connected to one another in a connecting direction (44) and the locking elements (60, 80) are in a form-locking and/or force-locking engagement in the connected state of the connecting pieces (16, 18). In order to provide such a connecting device with improved operability, according to the invention, at least one first orientation element (76) is arranged on the carrier (20), which interacts with at least one second orientation element (54) on the second connecting piece (18) when the connecting pieces (16, 18) are connected to one another in order to orient the carrier (20) and the second connecting piece (18) to one another in a relative position in which the locking elements (60, 80) can be coupled to one another, and the at least one first locking element (80) and the at least one first orientation element (76) are arranged in succession on the carrier (20) along the connecting axis (28). The invention also relates to a suction device for cleaning purposes, comprising such a connection device.

Description

Connecting device for connecting suction lines and suction mechanism

Technical Field

The invention relates to a connecting device for connecting a first suction line to a second suction line, in particular a suction hose of a vacuum cleaner to a handle tube or a suction fitting, comprising a first connecting part and a second connecting part oriented coaxially to the first connecting part with respect to a connecting axis, on which the first suction line or the second suction line is or can be fixed, a carrier part held on the first connecting part so as to be rotatable about the connecting axis, and at least one first locking element arranged on the carrier part and at least one second locking element arranged on the second connecting part, wherein the connecting parts can be connected to one another in a connecting direction, and the locking elements are in a form-locking and/or force-locking engagement in the connected state of the connecting parts.

Background

Such a connecting device serves in particular to releasably connect the first suction line to the second suction line. The first suction line is, for example, a suction hose as a component or attachment of the vacuum cleaner. The second suction line can be, for example, a handle tube of an accessory of the vacuum cleaner. It is also conceivable for the suction line to be a suction connection. This can be, for example, a suction attachment of a vacuum cleaner or an electric tool, which is connected to the vacuum cleaner via a suction hose. In this way, the suction material which is accumulated during operation with the power tool can be sucked away via the suction connection and the suction hose. The power tool is, for example, a milling tool, a drilling tool or an abrasive tool.

The connecting device provides a user-friendly rotatable connection between the suction lines and, in normal use, prevents the connecting pieces from being released from one another by means of cooperating locking elements.

A generic connecting device is described in WO 2014/044525A 2. DE 102013217557A 1 and WO 2006/015951A 1 and DE 8914689U 1 describe further connection devices for suction lines.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is to provide a connecting device of the type mentioned at the beginning which has improved operability.

This object is achieved according to the invention in a connecting device of the type mentioned at the outset in that at least one first orientation element is arranged on the carrier, which, when the connecting pieces are connected to one another, interacts with at least one second orientation element on the second connecting piece in order to orient the carrier and the second connecting piece to one another in a relative position in which the locking elements can be coupled to one another, and in that the at least one first locking element and the at least one first orientation element are arranged one behind the other on the carrier along the connecting axis.

The coupling pieces of the coupling device according to the invention can be coupled in a simple manner so that the orientation elements are mutually oriented when the coupling pieces are moved towards each other for coupling. This ensures that the locking elements have the correct relative orientation with respect to one another, in which they can engage. Twisting of the carrier relative to the second connecting piece, which may occur undesirably, for example, in the connecting device described in WO2014/044525 a2, can thereby be avoided. The handling of the connecting device is simplified for the user. The first locking element and the first orientation element are arranged in succession along the connection axis, wherein they can preferably be spaced apart from one another in the axial direction. The locking of the connecting pieces and their orientation relative to one another can be distinguished in view of the function, optimized design and positioning of the locking elements and orientation elements.

In a corresponding manner, the at least one second locking element and the at least one second orientation element can be arranged in succession along the connection axis on the second connection piece.

In particular, a direction in which the first connecting part with the carrier part held thereon is moved onto the second connecting part, which is regarded as stationary, in order to connect the connecting parts to one another is currently regarded as a "connecting direction".

The locking element can, for example, comprise a locking projection and a locking receptacle which interacts with the locking projection in the connected state of the connecting piece. The locking projection is, for example, a locking hook or a locking projection, and the locking receptacle can be designed as a blind hole or as a through-opening of the carrier or of the second connecting part.

It has proven to be advantageous if the at least one first locking element is a locking projection and the at least one second locking element is a locking receptacle.

It can be provided, on the contrary, that the second locking element is a locking projection and the first locking element is a locking receptacle.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is conceivable for the locking element to be a cooperating clip element.

The orientation element preferably comprises an orientation projection and an orientation receptacle for receiving the orientation projection. The orientation projection is designed, for example, as a strip or a rib, and the orientation receptacle is designed as a receptacle for the strip or the rib.

In practice, it has proven to be advantageous if the at least one first orientation element is an orientation projection and the at least one second orientation element is an orientation receptacle.

In other embodiments, it is conceivable for the at least one first orientation element to be an orientation receptacle and the at least one second orientation element to be an orientation projection.

The orientation receiver preferably narrows in the connecting direction. Thereby, operability of the connection apparatus becomes easy for the user. At the beginning of the connecting process, the orientation bead can, for example, be loosely inserted into the orientation receptacle. During a further movement of the connecting pieces towards one another, the orientation elements can be brought into the correct nominal orientation relative to one another as a result of the tapering of the orientation receptacles, whereby the orientation of the locking elements relative to one another is simultaneously ensured.

Preferably, the at least one first locking element and the at least one first orientation element are arranged on the same location on the carrier in the circumferential direction of the connection axis.

In a corresponding manner, the at least one second locking element and the at least one second orientation element are advantageously arranged on the same location on the second connecting piece in the circumferential direction of the connecting axis.

The at least one first locking element is arranged on the carrier in an advantageous manner in the connecting direction in front of the at least one first orientation element.

It is advantageously provided that the at least one second locking element is arranged on the second connecting piece in such a way that it is disposed in the connecting direction ahead of the at least one second orientation element.

Advantageously, the locking elements can automatically engage with one another when the connecting pieces are connected. A somewhat "automatic" locking of the connecting device can thereby be achieved.

It can advantageously be provided that corresponding contact portions are arranged on the at least one first locking element and on the second connecting piece or on the at least one second locking element and on the carrier, which contact portions have or form an inclination relative to the connecting axis, so that the locking elements can be first displaced relative to one another when the connecting pieces are connected and can then engage one another under the action of a restoring force. The contact portions form, for example, mutually sliding contact surfaces, so that the at least one locking element can be radially displaced by a movement along the connection axis. This locking element can then be coupled with a further locking element under the influence of the restoring force.

The at least one first locking element is offset, for example, by a cooperating contact.

The reset force may be applied to the at least one locking element, for example, by a separate spring element.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the connecting device according to the invention, it is provided that the carrier is at least partially elastically deformable, in particular that a restoring force can be applied to the at least one first locking element. For example, it is provided that the carrier is deformed by the interacting contact portions and elastically returns to its original shape when the connecting pieces come closer together, as a result of which the locking elements can engage in one another.

A structurally simple embodiment of the connection device provides that the carrier has at least one projection element on which the at least one first locking element and the at least one first orientation element are arranged or are formed by the projection element, and the at least one projection element is axially oriented and projects from an annular or ring-segment-shaped retaining element of the carrier. The carrier can be held, for example, on the first connecting part by means of a holding element. The locking element and the orientation element may be coupled with corresponding elements of the second connector.

Advantageously, the locking element and/or the orientation element are configured as a torsion-resistant element in the connected state of the connecting pieces, which prevents the carrier from twisting relative to the second connecting piece. The locking element and/or the orientation element may comprise or form an effective stop in the circumferential direction of the connection axis in order to prevent the carrier from twisting on the second connection piece.

Advantageously, the locking element and/or the orientation element are arranged radially outside on the connecting device. The locking element and/or the orientation element can thus be recognized by the user in a simpler manner. The user can better recognize the correct relative orientation of the carrier and the second connecting element in this way, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the user can better recognize whether the locking elements are in engagement with one another and whether the connecting pieces are correctly connected to one another.

Advantageously, the locking element and/or the orientation element are aligned radially outwardly or substantially aligned with the wall of the connecting device. The locking element and/or the orientation element are thereby inserted into the wall of the connecting device. The tactile sensation of the wall thus obtained in this way is perceived by the user as being easier to handle. Furthermore, unevenness of the wall and adhesion of dirt on such unevenness can be avoided. The wall is for example the outer wall of the second connecting element.

It can be provided that the at least one first alignment element is aligned with an end face of the second connecting part facing the first connecting part in the connected state of the connecting parts.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the connecting device according to the invention, it is provided that the connecting device comprises two first locking elements and two second locking elements.

Advantageously, a pair of corresponding locking elements is arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to the connection axis, i.e. a pair of first and second locking elements is arranged symmetrically with respect to the other pair of first and second locking elements. A pair of corresponding locking elements is therefore positioned, in particular diametrically, relative to each other with respect to the connection axis. The handling of the connecting device is thereby simplified in that the carrier and the second connecting element can be connected to each other in two opposite orientations.

The connecting device advantageously comprises two first orientation elements and two second orientation elements.

A pair of corresponding orientation elements is preferably arranged symmetrically to each other about the connection axis. A pair of corresponding orientation elements is positioned diametrically opposite each other, in particular with respect to the connection axis. This also makes handling of the connecting device easy.

Two or more locking elements are preferably of identical design.

In a corresponding manner, two or more orientation elements are preferably identically designed.

The carrier is advantageously designed to be freely rotatable relative to the first connecting part.

Advantageously, the connecting device has at least one actuating element, by actuating which the locking elements can be disengaged from one another. This allows the connecting pieces to be released from each other. Advantageously, the at least one actuating element is aligned or substantially aligned radially on the outside with the wall of the connecting device. Unintentional unlocking of the locking element can thus be avoided to a certain extent.

It is particularly advantageous if at least one first or second orientation element comprises or forms at least one actuating element. The at least one first or second orientation element can thus perform a further function, i.e. it can be actuated by an operator in order to release the engagement of the locking element.

Advantageously, the at least one first locking element and/or the at least one second locking element can be displaced in a radial direction of the connection axis by actuating the at least one actuating element. The at least one actuating element can be loaded, for example, with a force acting radially inward in order to deflect the first and/or second locking element.

The number of actuating elements corresponds to, advantageously equals, the number of first and second locking elements, so that an actuating element is assigned to each pair of locking elements.

The first connecting part may have a receptacle in which the carrier is held. The receptacle comprises in particular a stop for the carrier element, which acts counter to the connecting direction, so that the carrier element can be supported on the first connecting element with the corresponding stop when the connecting elements are connected to one another.

The receptacle is in particular an annular groove-shaped receptacle in the circumferential direction of the connection axis.

The carrier can advantageously be plugged onto the first connecting part. The installation of the connecting device can thus be simplified. The plug-in can be effected in particular manually and/or without tools. The same applies to the release of the carrier part from the connecting part, for example for cleaning the connecting device.

The carrier can advantageously comprise or form a segmented or annular retaining element. The holding element is advantageously arranged in a corresponding receptacle of the first connecting part, for example the previously mentioned annular groove-shaped receptacle.

In an advantageous embodiment, the retaining element is ring-segment-shaped, wherein it does not extend over a full angle in the circumferential direction of the connection axis. The holding element can preferably be tightened when the holding element is loaded with a force inward in the radial direction and/or can be spread apart when the holding element is loaded with a force outward in the radial direction.

The holding element can be tightened, for example, by loading at least one actuating element. The at least one locking element can thereby be deflected radially inward in order to eliminate the engagement of the locking element.

By expanding the holding element, the possibility is created that the carrier is plugged onto the first connection part or that the carrier is released therefrom.

Advantageously, the holding element rests on the first connecting part via a support of the carrier which is configured only within a limited angular range in the circumferential direction of the connecting axis, and furthermore forms an intermediate space between the holding element and the first connecting part. The support can bridge the intermediate space between the holding element and the connecting element and can be displaced on the first connecting element when the holding element is subjected to a force acting radially inward, so that the holding element is tightened.

The support portion may be, for example, a rib extending in the axial direction.

Advantageously, the carrier is constructed in one piece.

The carrier is arranged on the first connecting piece in an advantageously retracted manner with respect to the end side of the first connecting piece, and a sealing element for sealing the connection between the connecting pieces is preferably arranged on the end side. The first connecting element may be partially embedded or extend into the second connecting element. The connection of the suction flow seal can be ensured by means of the sealing element on the end side. The sealing element can be formed by the first connecting piece, in particular in one piece.

As mentioned, the first connecting member may partially protrude into the second connecting member when the first and second connecting members are connected to each other.

The invention further relates to a suction mechanism for cleaning purposes. The suction mechanism according to the invention comprises a suction line and at least one connecting device of the aforementioned type.

The advantages that can be obtained with the connecting device according to the invention can likewise be obtained with the suction mechanism, so that in connection therewith reference can be made to the previous embodiments. A preferred embodiment of the suction means is obtained by an advantageous embodiment of the connecting device.

Drawings

The following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided to illustrate the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a connecting device according to the invention, comprising two connecting pieces and a carrier;

fig. 2 shows the connecting device from fig. 1 with a connecting piece in the unconnected state;

fig. 3 shows the connecting device when the connecting elements are connected to each other;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view along line 5-5 in FIG. 3; and

fig. 6 shows a suction mechanism according to the invention, comprising the connecting device from fig. 1.

Detailed Description

The figure shows an advantageous embodiment of a connecting device according to the invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 10. The connecting device 10 is used to connect a first suction line 12 with a second suction line 14.

The first suction line 12 is shown in fig. 3 and is currently designed as a suction hose. The second suction line 14 is a handle tube for an attachment of the suction mechanism. Fig. 6 shows a preferred embodiment of a suction mechanism according to the invention, designated by the reference numeral 100. The suction mechanism 100 is a so-called multi-function aspirator (wet dry aspirator). The suction hose, i.e. the first suction line 12, is connected to a handle tube, which is connected to a suction tube with a bottom nozzle.

The connecting device 10 comprises a first connecting member 16, a second connecting member 18 and a carrier member 20.

The first suction line 12 is fixed to the first connection piece 16. The second suction line 14 is fixed to the second connection 18. The connecting

pieces

16, 18 can be detachably connected to one another, as explained later, using the carrier 20. The suction lines 12, 14 can thus be connected to one another for the purpose of creating a suction flow.

The first connecting piece 16 is designed as a substantially cylindrical sleeve 22. The sleeve 22 comprises a first sleeve section 24, on which the first suction line 12 is fixed, and a second sleeve section 26. The second sleeve section 26 faces the second connector 18. The diameter of the second sleeve section 26 with respect to the connection axis 28 of the connection device 10 is smaller than the diameter of the first sleeve section 24.

A receiver portion 30 is formed on the second sleeve section 26. The receptacle 30 is designed as an annular groove 32 extending in the circumferential direction of the connection axis 28. In the axial direction, the annular groove 32 is delimited by a first stop 34 and a second stop 36. The first stopper 34 faces the second link 18. The second stop 36 faces away from the second link 18.

On the end side 38 facing the second connection piece 18, a sealing element 40 is arranged on the first connection piece 16. The sealing element 40 is designed as a sealing disk 42, which is formed on the end side 38 onto the sleeve 22.

When the connecting

elements

16, 18 are connected to one another, the second connecting element 18 is designed coaxially with the first connecting element 16. The first connecting part 16 can be moved axially in the connecting direction 44 onto the second connecting part 18 and connected thereto. The second connecting element 18 is here considered to be fixed in position.

The second connecting piece 18 is also designed as a substantially cylindrical sleeve 46. The sleeve 46 comprises a first sleeve section 48, to which the second suction line 14 is fastened. The sleeve 46 furthermore comprises a second sleeve section 50 facing the first connecting piece 16.

Radially on the inside, a shoulder-shaped stop 52 for the end side 38 of the first connecting part 16 is formed on the first sleeve section 48.

On the side facing the first connecting part 16, a second orientation element 54 is arranged on the second sleeve section 50. Several orientation elements 54 are identically designed, so that only one orientation element 54 will be discussed later. The same applies to the orientation elements and the locking elements on the carrier 20 of the connecting device 10, which are also mentioned subsequently.

The orientation elements 54 are diametrically opposed with respect to the connection axis 28 and are correspondingly positioned symmetrically with respect to each other on the second connection piece 18.

The orientation element 54 is designed as a recess of the sleeve 46, in particular as an orientation receptacle 56. The orientation accommodating portion 56 is tapered in the connecting direction 44. Viewed in the radial direction of the sleeve 46, the orientation receptacle 56 has a trapezoidal shape. On an end face 58 facing the first connecting part 16, the orientation receptacle 56 is open.

Two further locking elements 60 are arranged on the second sleeve section 50 on the second connecting piece 18. These locking elements 60 are identical and diametrically opposite with respect to the connection axis 28, which are therefore arranged symmetrically with respect to one another on the second connection piece 18.

In the circumferential direction of the connection axis 28, each locking element 60 is arranged at the same point as the orientation element 54 associated therewith. Along the connecting axis 28, the orientation elements 54 and the locking elements 60 are arranged in succession on the connecting piece 18. The locking element 60 is arranged in front of the orientation element 54 in the connection direction 44.

The locking element 60 is designed as a through-opening 62 (together with an edge surrounding the through-opening) and in particular as a cutout of the second sleeve section 50.

The locking element 60 and the orientation element 54 are axially spaced from each other: a web 64 is present between the through-opening 62 and the orientation receptacle 56. Radially on the inside, the webs 64 have contact portions 66 for the carrier 20. The contact portion 66 includes a contact surface that is inclined relative to the connection axis 28. The diameter of the web 24 decreases radially on the inside in the connecting direction 44 on the basis of the inclined contact surface.

The second connection 18 is formed integrally at least in the region of the sleeve 46 and preferably together with the second suction line 14.

The first connecting member 16 is preferably integrally formed.

The carrier 20 is also preferably integrally formed.

As can be seen in particular from fig. 1 and 4, the carrier 20 is designed substantially in the form of a ring. The carrier 20 includes a retaining element 68 and a raised element 70 projecting from the retaining element.

The holding element 68 is ring segment-shaped, i.e. it forms a notched ring 72. The notched ring 72 does not extend on a full circle in the circumferential direction of the connection axis 28. The ring 72 has a gap 74 that covers an angular range of, for example, about 10 deg. to 20 deg. (currently about 15 deg.).

The retaining element 68 and thus the carrier 20 can be tightened or spread apart on the basis of the recess 74. To tighten the holding element 68, the carrier 20 can be loaded with a radially inwardly directed force, for example, on the projection element 70. Upon tightening, the diameter of the holding element 68 is reduced, wherein the holding element is different from a circular shape and is an oval shape.

The holding element 68 can be expanded in such a way that it is acted upon by a radially outwardly directed force, for example, on the projection element 70. Upon expansion, the diameter of the holding element 68 increases, wherein the holding element differs from a circular shape and is an oval shape.

The projection elements 70 are of identical design and are positioned diametrically opposite one another about the connection axis 28 and thus symmetrically to one another on the carrier 20. There is an angular spacing of 90 deg. or substantially 90 deg. between the indentation 74 and each raised element 70. On each raised element 70, the already mentioned orientation element 76 and the likewise already mentioned locking element 80 of the carrier 20 are arranged.

Along the connection axis 28, the locking element 80 and the orientation element 76 are arranged in succession on the carrier 20. The locking element 80 is axially advanced in the connecting direction 44 toward the orientation element 76.

The orientation element 76 is designed as a strip 78. The slats 78 extend in the axial direction. The webs 78 taper conically in the connecting direction 44. The webs 78 form orientation cams and are therefore dimensioned in such a way that they can be inserted into the orientation receptacles 56 in a form-fitting manner.

The locking element 80 is designed as a locking cam 82, which is dimensioned in such a way that it can be inserted into the through-opening 62 in a form-fitting manner. The locking cam 82 comprises a contact portion 84 which has an inclination relative to the connection axis 28 and is designed in particular as a contact surface. Which is formed in correspondence with the contact surface of the contact portion 66 on the tab 64, so that the contact portions 66, 84 can slide onto each other.

The locking element 80 and the orientation element 76 are axially spaced apart from each other: an intermediate space 86 for the web 64 is present between the locking cam 82 and the web 78.

In the use state of the first connecting part 16, the carrier part 20 remains on the first connecting part 16. The retaining element 68 may be flared for a previous installation. This allows the carrier 20 to be plugged onto the first connecting part 16 manually and without tools. For this purpose, the carrier 20 can be moved onto the end side 38 until the retaining element 68 is positioned in the annular groove 32 (fig. 1 and 2).

For support on the sleeve 22, the holding element 68 comprises a first stop 88, which is coupled with the first stop 34 of the sleeve 22. The holding element 68 furthermore comprises a second stop 90 for coupling with the second stop 36 of the sleeve 22. The carrier 20 can thereby be supported on the sleeve 22 in the connecting direction and axially opposite thereto.

The carrier 20 is free to rotate relative to the first link 16 about the link axis 28.

As can be gathered in particular from fig. 5, the diameter of the retaining element 68 is greater than the diameter of the annular groove 32. An intermediate space 92 is thus formed between the retaining element 68 and the annular groove 32. The intermediate space 92 is partly bridged by a support 94 of the carrier 20. The support is designed as a rib extending in the axial direction. Each support 94 extends over a limited angular range (e.g., about 10 °) in the circumferential direction of the connection axis 28.

In order to connect the connecting

elements

16, 18 to one another, the connecting element 16 can be moved with the carrier element 20 held thereon in the connecting direction 44 in the direction of the connecting element 18. It is particularly advantageous here if cooperating

orientation elements

76, 54 are present on the carrier 20 and on the connecting piece 18. Although the carrier 20 is held freely rotatably on the first connecting part 16, it is particularly simple for the user to bring the carrier 20 into the correct relative position with respect to the second connecting part 18, so that the locking

elements

80, 60 can be brought into the correct nominal orientation with respect to one another.

When the first connecting part 16 is moved, the carrier part 20 held thereon is moved in the direction of the second connecting part 18, so that the webs 78 can be introduced into the orientation receptacle 56 in the axial direction. By the tapering of the webs 78 and the orientation receptacle 56, the

orientation elements

76, 54 are initially only loosely coupled to one another, which makes the orientation easier for the user. In a further connection, the orientation receiver 56 serves as a guide for the strip 78.

In the connected state, the contact portions 66, 84 can at the same time be coupled to one another via their respective contact surfaces. In this case, the locking cam 82 slides on the web 64, so that the projecting element 70 is loaded with a radially inwardly directed force when the carrier 20 is deformed. This causes the holding element 68 to tighten in such a way that the width of the gap 74 is reduced. This can take place in such a way that the holding element 68 is moved by the support 94 in the annular groove 32 with the intermediate space 92 reduced.

By means of the radial offset of the projection element 70, the locking cam 82 can slide past the web 64 in the further connection until it is positioned next to the through-opening 62. The

orientation elements

54, 76 ensure the correct relative orientation of the locking cam 82 and the through-opening 62.

The carrier 20 is designed to be elastically deformable. When the

orientation elements

54, 76 engage in one another in a form-locking manner, the carrier 20 is restored. The projecting element 70 and thus the locking cam 82 can be acted upon by a restoring force and deflected radially outward, and the locking cam 82 is locked in the through-opening 62. The webs 64 are positioned in a form-fitting manner in the intermediate spaces 86 between the locking cams 82 and the webs 78 (fig. 3 and 4).

The locking projections 82 form locking projections accordingly, and the through openings 62 (including their respective edges) form locking receptacles. In the connected state of the connecting

pieces

16, 18, the locking cams 82 and the locking receptacles are in a form-locking engagement in the axial direction and in the circumferential direction of the connecting axis 28.

In a corresponding manner, the strip 78 engages in a form-fitting manner in the alignment receptacle 56, wherein the strip bears axially against the web 64 and can be supported in the circumferential direction of the connection axis 28 on the edge of the alignment receptacle 56.

In this way, a torsion-proof element is formed by the locking

elements

60 and 80 on the one hand and the

orientation elements

54 and 76 on the other hand, which prevents the carrier 20 from twisting relative to the second connecting part 18. By the possibility of the carrier 20 freely rotating on the first connecting element 16, the connecting

elements

16, 18 are freely rotatable about the connecting axis 28 in the connected state.

In the connected state of the connecting

elements

16, 18, the second sleeve section 26 engages in the second connecting element 18. The sealing disc 42 may sealingly contact the sleeve 46 at a radially inner side and provide a sealed connection. The end sides 38 can bear against a shoulder-shaped stop 52.

Advantageously, the

orientation elements

54, 76 and the

locking elements

60, 80 are arranged radially on the outside on a connecting device, for example on an outer wall 96 of the connecting device 10 formed by the sleeve 46. Thus, the

orientation elements

54, 76 and the

locking elements

60, 80 are positioned in the field of view of the user. This significantly eases the connection of the connecting

elements

16, 18 to each other. By means of the orientation receptacle 56 and the through-opening 52 arranged radially on the outside, it is furthermore easy for the user to clean the connecting device 10 from dirt that may adhere.

To release the connecting device 10, the orientation element 54 can be loaded with a corresponding radially inwardly directed force. The orientation element 76 thus forms an actuating element 98, the engagement of the locking

elements

60, 80 being able to be cancelled by actuating it.

In the force application of the actuating element 98, the holding element 68 is tightened with a reduction of the intermediate space 92 and the locking cam 82 is guided out of the through-opening 62. By pulling on the connecting

pieces

16, 18 in the direction away from one another, the locking cams 82 can be guided past the webs 64, so that finally the sleeve section 24 can be pulled out of the connecting piece 18.

Advantageously, the orientation element 76 and thus also the actuating element 98 in its orientation receptacle 56 are aligned, in particular radially on the outside, with the outer wall 96 (fig. 4 and 5). The orientation element 76 is thus enclosed in the outer wall 96. The tactile sensation thus obtained is easy to handle. Unintentional actuation of the actuating element 98 is also largely avoided.

The connecting device according to the invention is generally characterized by a particularly simple and user-friendly operation.

The locking element 80 on the one hand and the locking element 60 on the other hand may be referred to in particular as first or second locking element. The orientation element 76 on the one hand and the orientation element 54 on the other hand may be referred to in particular as first or second orientation element. The expressions "first" and "second" locking element or orientation element are only used for the purpose of being able to distinguish them more simply. In particular, no rating of the locking element or orientation element is indicated.

List of reference numerals

10 connecting device

12 first suction line

14 second suction line

16 first connecting piece

18 second connecting piece

20 load bearing member

22 sleeve

24 first sleeve section

26 second sleeve section

28 axis of connection

30 accommodating part

32 ring groove

34 first stop part

36 second stop part

38 end side

40 sealing element

42 sealing sheet

44 direction of connection

46 sleeve

48 first sleeve section

50 second sleeve section

52 stop

54 orientation element

56 orientation receiver

58 end side

60 locking element

62 through opening

64 contact piece

66 contact part

68 holding element

70 raised element

72 notched ring

74 gap

76 orientation element

78 lath

80 locking element

82 locking lug

84 contact part

86 intermediate space

88 first stop part

90 second stop part

92 intermediate space

94 support part

96 outer wall

98 actuating element

100 suction mechanism

Claims

1. A connection device for connecting a first suction line (12) with a second suction line (14), the connection device (10) comprising: a first connection piece (16) and a second connection piece (18) which is oriented coaxially to the first connection piece with respect to a connection axis (28), a first suction line (12) being fixed or securable to the first connection piece (16) and a second suction line (14) being fixed or securable to the second connection piece (18); a carrier (20) which is held on the first connecting part (16) so as to be rotatable about a connecting axis (28), and at least one first locking element (80) which is arranged on the carrier (20) and at least one second locking element (60) which is arranged on the second connecting part (18), wherein the first connecting part (16) and the second connecting part (18) can be connected to one another in a connecting direction (44), and the first locking element (80) and the second locking element (60) are in a form-locking and/or force-locking engagement in the connected state of the first connecting part (16) and the second connecting part (18), characterized in that at least one first orientation element (76) is arranged on the carrier (20) which interacts with at least one second orientation element (54) on the second connecting part (18) when the first connecting part (16) and the second connecting part (18) are connected to one another, in order to orient the carrier (20) and the second connection (18) with respect to one another in a relative position in which the first locking element (80) and the second locking element (60) can be coupled to one another and in which at least one first locking element (80) and at least one first orientation element (76) are arranged in succession on the carrier (20) along the connection axis (28).

2. Connecting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first locking element (80) and the second locking element (60) comprise a locking projection (82) and a locking receptacle (62) which interacts with the locking projection in the connected state of the first connection piece (16) and the second connection piece (18).

3. Connecting device according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one first locking element (80) is a locking projection (82) and the at least one second locking element (60) is a locking receptacle (62).

4. The connecting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first orientation element (76) and the second orientation element (54) comprise an orientation projection (78) and an orientation receptacle (56) which receives the orientation projection.

5. The connecting device according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one first orientation element (76) is an orientation projection (78) and the at least one second orientation element (54) is an orientation receptacle.

6. Connecting device according to claim 4, characterized in that the orientation receptacle (56) tapers in the connecting direction (44).

7. The connecting apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one first locking element (80) and the at least one first orientation element (76) are arranged on the carrier (20) on the same location in the circumferential direction of the connecting axis (28).

8. The connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one first locking element (80) is arranged on the carrier (20) in front of the at least one first orientation element (76) in the connecting direction (44).

9. A connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that on the at least one first locking element (80) and on the second connecting piece (18) or on the at least one second locking element (60) and on the carrier (20) there is arranged a corresponding contact portion which has or forms an inclination relative to the connecting axis (28) so that the first locking element (80) and the second locking element (60) can first be deflected relative to one another when the first connecting piece (16) and the second connecting piece (18) are connected and can then engage one another under the influence of a restoring force.

10. Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the carrier (20) is at least partially elastically deformable designed.

11. The connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the carrier (20) has at least one projecting element (70) on which at least one first locking element (80) and at least one first orientation element (76) are arranged or from which at least one first locking element and at least one first orientation element are formed, and at least one projecting element (70) is axially oriented and projects from an annular or ring-sector-shaped retaining element (68) of the carrier (20).

12. The connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first locking element (80) and the second locking element (60) in the connected state of the first connecting piece (16) and the second connecting piece (18) form a torsion-resistant piece which prevents the carrier piece (20) from twisting relative to the second connecting piece (18); and/or

The first orientation element (76) and the second orientation element (54) form a torsion-proof element in the connected state of the first connection element (16) and the second connection element (18), which prevents the carrier element (20) from being twisted relative to the second connection element (18).

13. The connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first locking element (80) and the second locking element (60) are arranged on the connecting device (10) radially outside; and/or the like and/or,

the first orientation element (76) and the second orientation element (54) are arranged radially outside on the connecting device (10).

14. The connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first locking element (80) and the second locking element (60) are aligned or substantially aligned radially outside with a wall (96) of the connecting device (10); and/or

The first orientation element (76) and the second orientation element (54) are aligned or substantially aligned radially outward with a wall (96) of the connection device (10).

15. The connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one first orientation element (56) is aligned with an end side (58) of the second connecting piece (18) facing the first connecting piece (16) in the connected state of the first connecting piece (16) and the second connecting piece (18).

16. Connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the connecting device (10) comprises two first locking elements (80) and two second locking elements (60).

17. A connecting device according to claim 16, characterized in that a pair of corresponding first locking elements (80) and second locking elements (60) are arranged symmetrically to each other about the connecting axis (28).

18. The connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the connecting device (10) comprises two first orientation elements (76) and two second orientation elements (54).

19. The connecting apparatus according to claim 18, wherein a pair of corresponding first and second orientation elements (76, 54) are arranged symmetrically to each other about the connecting axis (28).

20. The connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the carrier (20) is designed to be freely rotatable relative to the first connecting piece (16).

21. A connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the connecting device (10) has at least one actuating element (98), by means of which the engagement of the first locking element (80) and the second locking element (60) with one another can be cancelled.

22. Connecting device according to claim 21, characterized in that at least one first orientation element (76) or second orientation element (54) comprises or constitutes at least one operating element (98).

23. Connecting device according to claim 21, characterized in that at least one first locking element (80) and/or at least one second locking element (60) is deflected in a radial direction of the connecting axis (28) by the manipulation of at least one manipulation element (98).

24. The connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first connecting piece (16) has a receptacle (30) in which the carrier (20) is held.

25. Connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the carrier (20) can be plugged onto the first connecting piece (16).

26. The connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the carrier (20) comprises or forms a segment-shaped or annular retaining element (68) which is arranged in a corresponding receptacle (30) of the first connecting piece (16).

27. Connecting device according to claim 26, characterized in that the retaining element (68) is ring-segment-shaped and can be contracted when loaded with a force inwards in the radial direction and/or can be expanded when loaded with a force outwards in the radial direction.

28. The connecting device according to claim 26, characterized in that the holding element (68) rests on the first connecting part (16) via a support (94) of the carrier (20) which is configured only within a defined angular range in the circumferential direction of the connecting axis (28) and furthermore forms an intermediate space (92) between the holding element (68) and the first connecting part (16).

29. A connecting device according to claim 28, characterised in that the support (94) is a rib extending in axial direction.

30. The connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the carrier (20) is constructed in one piece.

31. The connecting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the carrier (20) is arranged on the first connecting piece (16) in a retracted manner with respect to an end side (38) of the first connecting piece (16), and a sealing element (42) for sealing the connection between the first connecting piece (16) and the second connecting piece (18) is arranged at the end side (38).

32. A connecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the first connecting piece (16) extends partially into the second connecting piece (18) when the first and second connecting pieces are connected to each other.

33. The connecting device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting device is a connecting device for connecting a suction hose of a vacuum cleaner with a handle tube or a suction attachment.

34. Connecting device as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that a resetting force can be applied to the at least one first locking element (80).

35. The connecting apparatus according to claim 24 wherein the receptacle is loop-shaped.

36. Suction mechanism for cleaning purposes, comprising a suction line and at least one connecting device according to any one of the preceding claims.