EP3260030A1 - Actuation mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

Described and illustrated is an actuating mechanism (1) for locking and unlocking locking connections in telescopic vacuum cleaner suction pipes with a plurality of detent recesses (2) having inner tube (3) and with an inner tube (3) surrounding the outer tube, with at least one Having a recess (4) having base plate (5), with at least one on the latching recess (4) of the base plate (5) movably held latching element (6) and with a clamping element (7), wherein the clamping element (7) parallel to the base plate ( 5), so that the clamping element (7) from a locking position in at least one unlocking position is movable, wherein the clamping element (7) in the locking position, the locking element (6) at least partially by the latching recess (4) of the base plate (5) in Direction of the inner tube (3) moves, so that the locking element in engagement with at least one of the locking recesses (2) of the inner tube (3) ger t, and wherein the clamping element (7) in the unlocked position releases a movement of the latching element (6) away from the inner tube (3), so that a displacement of the inner tube (3) is released relative to the outer tube by the at least one latching element (6) , A Beätigungsmechanismus (1) in which a blocking risk is minimized and in which a low-noise shifting is possible when actuated, is realized in that the latching element (6) by a on the base plate (5) arranged spring element (8) is held, wherein the unlocking position of the clamping element (7) the latching element (6) of the spring element (8) by spring force far away from the inner tube (3) that the locking element (6) is not in engagement with the locking recesses (2) of the inner tube (3) arrives.

Description

The present invention relates to an actuating mechanism for locking and unlocking locking connections in telescopic vacuum cleaner suction tubes with a plurality of locking recesses having inner tube and with an outer tube surrounding the inner tube. The actuating mechanism comprises a base plate having at least one latching recess, with at least one latching element movably held over the latching recess of the baseplate. Further, a clamping element is provided, wherein the clamping element is held displaceable parallel to the base plate, so that the clamping element from a locking position in at least one unlocking position is movable. The clamping element moves in the locking position, the locking element at least partially through the recess of the base plate in the direction of the inner tube, so that the latching element gets into engagement with at least one of the locking recesses of the inner tube. In the unlocked position, the clamping element releases a movement of the latching element away from the inner tube, so that a displacement of the inner tube relative to the outer tube is released by the at least one latching element. In this case, the latching element is held by a spring element arranged on the base plate, wherein in the unlocking position of the clamping element, the latching element is moved away from the spring element by spring force far enough away from the inner tube that the latching element does not engage with the latching recesses of the inner tube.

Actuating mechanisms for locking and unlocking vacuum cleaner suction pipes and especially telescopic vacuum cleaner suction pipes are known in the prior art in a variety of configurations. Vacuum cleaner suction pipes usually comprise at least two pipes which are displaceable relative to each other, whereby the length of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe is adjustable. In this case, at least one inner tube and at least one outer tube is often present, wherein the inner tube is inserted into the outer tube. The outer contour of the inner tube substantially corresponds to the inner contour of the outer tube. The inner tube has in its surface locking recesses which cooperate with an actuating mechanism held on the outer tube, for example by clamping wedges of the actuating mechanism engage the locking recesses and thereby block movement of the inner tube relative to the outer tube. Movement of the inner tube relative to the outer tube for adjusting the length of the vacuum cleaner suction tube is then made possible when the clamping wedges so far out of engagement with the locking recesses that they are pushed out with little resistance by exerting a displacement force by a user.

In the known from the prior art operating mechanisms, it may happen more frequently that a displacement of the vacuum cleaner suction pipes is blocked relative to each other by the actuating mechanism.

In addition, the latching elements are increasingly worn when moving the tubes with a displacement force, since they initially intervene when moving in each case the nearest detent recess and are solved with the displacement force again from the detent recess. This process is repeated until the vacuum cleaner suction tube has reached the desired length. The periodic engagement of the locking element in the locking recess and the subsequent release of the locking connection thereby generates an acoustic sound, similar to a "chattering", which is perceived by the user as disturbing.

Based on the aforementioned prior art, therefore, the object of the present invention is to specify an actuating mechanism in which a blocking risk is minimized and in which a low-noise displacement upon actuation is possible.

The above object is initially and essentially solved by an actuating mechanism according to the invention by the features of claim 1.

In the release position of the clamping element, the latching element is moved away from the spring element by spring force far enough away from the inner tube that the latching element does not engage with the latching recesses of the inner tube. If the latching element is not in engagement with the latching recesses of the inner tube, then the latching element does not rub on the latching recesses when telescoping. In this way, a vacuum cleaner suction pipe with the actuating mechanism be almost silently shortened or lengthened. The clamping element is axially displaceable relative to the suction tube, whereas the base plate is arranged stationary to the outer tube. Consequently, the direction of movement of the clamping element is different from the direction of movement of the locking element. In particular, the two directions of movement are perpendicular to each other. In the locking position of the clamping element, the locking element is held by the clamping element in engagement with a detent recess on the inner tube, so that a displacement of the inner tube is blocked relative to the outer tube by the positive engagement of the locking element in the locking recesses of the inner tube. In order to ensure an advantageous guidance of the clamping element when moving from the locking position to the unlocking position, it is provided that the clamping element is guided on the base plate. For this purpose, for example, U-shaped webs may be formed on the base plate, wherein the U-back is arranged parallel to the base plate, so that a closed profile is formed, through which the clamping element can be moved.

In order to realize an even smoother extension or shortening by moving two vacuum cleaner suction pipes relative to each other is provided in an advantageous embodiment of the actuating mechanism according to the invention that the locking element in the unlocking position of the clamping element of the spring element far away from the inner tube, that the locking element the inner tube is not touched. When moving from the locking position into the unlocking position, the latching element is consequently moved away from the latching recesses and the inner tube by means of the spring force of the spring element deflected in the locking position, so that the inner tube and latching element do not rub against one another when the inner tube moves relative to the outer tube.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the actuating mechanism according to the invention it is provided that the spring element holds the latching element in the unlocking position of the clamping element so that the latching element does not pass the latching recess of the base plate in the direction of the inner tube. Conversely, the locking element passes through the locking recess in the direction of the clamping element. Due to manufacturing tolerances, it may be possible that during the relative movement of the inner tube and Outer tube to each other a certain game is possible. This means that the inner tube is movable relative to the outer tube not only in the axial direction in the longitudinal extension of the tubes, but possibly also in the axial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the tubes. A rotational movement of the inner tube within the outer tube would be conceivable. In this case, a locking element, which passes through a minimum of the recess of the base plate and thus protrudes from the inner diameter of the outer tube, could hinder movement of the inner tube.

In order to realize the simplest possible construction of the latching element or the actuating mechanism in general, it is provided in one embodiment of the invention that the spring element is configured as an elongate spring tongue. The elongated spring tongue has two ends and is attached at one end to the base plate so that it extends, similar to a plank, over the cross section of the latching recess. At the other, not attached to the base plate end of the locking element is arranged. In this way, as long as possible in its longitudinal extension spring arm is realized in a simple manner. Due to the deflection of the spring tongue, the latching element arranged above the latching recess passes through the latching recess and, in the latching position, can engage in a latching recess of the inner tube.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the locking element is a rotatably mounted on the spring element roller. The design of the locking element as a roller causes the locking element can slide easily over the inner tube. If the clamping element spent, for example, from the unlocking position to the locking position, when the locking element is located exactly between two locking recesses, then the locking element rests on the inner tube. By moving the inner tube with moderate force in one direction, axially to the longitudinal extent of the vacuum cleaner suction tube, the locking element can roll on the inner tube until it engages, due to the spring tension in a locking recess and the relative movement of the inner tube is locked to the outer tube by the actuating mechanism ,

To spend the locking element by means of clamping element from the locking position to the unlocking position, the invention provides that at least three projections are formed on the clamping element. A projection acts in the locking position on the locking element. The locking element slides during the removal of the clamping element from the locking position to the unlocking position on the projection, so that the locking element is no longer in engagement with the locking recesses of the inner tube. Due to the structurally simple design of the clamping element, the linear movement of the clamping element induces a direction of movement of the clamping element substantially perpendicular movement of the locking element. When moving the clamping element in the locking position, the projection is pushed laterally over the locking element. Since the latching element is not movable in the direction of movement of the clamping element, the latching element remains only one degree of freedom in the direction of the latching recess. The latching element is thus moved with the spring arm of the spring tongue in the direction of the latching recess, wherein the spring tongue is deflected and thus a force acts as a spring force in the direction of the projection of the clamping element. In the unlocked position, the spring element can return to its original state, since the projection formed on the clamping element no longer blocks the path. The clamping element is without the operation by a user in a locking position, wherein the clamping element is preferably in the longitudinal direction of the vacuum cleaner suction tube, that is movable in two directions, in each case an unlocking position. For handling the actuating mechanism, the vacuum cleaner suction tube is gripped, for example, by a user on the inner tube and operated with the other hand, the clamping element, the inner tube after moving the handle shell from the locking position both in the outer tube inserted and pulled out of the outer tube. Advantageously, a displacement takes place in the opposite direction to the direction in which a displacement of the clamping element has taken place.

Preferably, the projection on the clamping element is designed such that the projection has a trapezoidal longitudinal section in the longitudinal direction of the clamping element. A trapezoidal longitudinal section causes the projection in the direction of the locking element has an inclined surface with a predetermined pitch, so that the locking element on this slope can slide off. Thus, there is no need to jump from the lock position to the unlock position. The inclined surfaces, so the legs of the trapezoid lead to a plateau, which is formed by the top of the trapezoid, ie the surface on which the locking element acts in the locking position. The upper side of the trapezoidal projection is designed substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension of the clamping element. It goes without saying that a trapezoidal longitudinal section is to be understood as an example of many possible geometric shapes. Shapes such as a flattened at the top of a semicircle, or similar constructions are also conceivable. In particular, forms are available in which two defined positions, that is to say the locking position and the unlocking position, can be achieved in a simple manner. By a symmetrical arrangement of inclined planes on both sides of the projection can be ensured that both unlocking, so by moving the clamping member in both directions in the longitudinal direction of the vacuum cleaner suction tube, can be achieved equally.

In the actuating mechanism according to the invention two locking elements are provided. In each case, a latching element is arranged in each case at one end of the base plate arranged on the spring element. At least two projections are formed on the clamping element, wherein in each case a projection in the locking position acts on a respective latching element, so that both latching elements can be moved simultaneously by a movement of the clamping element. The spring element is held in the middle of its longitudinal extent on the base plate, so that two spring arms are formed in both directions of its longitudinal extent, at the ends of which in each case a detent element is located. The two spring arms are theoretically independently movable. It is advantageous, however, that the clamping element is positively connected to the latching elements, so that when a movement of the clamping element always the locking elements, a first latching element and a second latching element are always moved simultaneously. Both locking elements follow a movement of the clamping element. For example, two latching recesses may be provided on the base plate for the arrangement of the spring element, wherein then a web is formed between the two latching recesses, on which the spring element can be mounted such that in each case one spring arm extends over a respective latching recess. The spring element but can also be arranged at a different location on the base plate, so that an enlarged recess is sufficient to bring both locking elements through the locking recess into engagement with the locking recesses of the inner tube. Similar to the aforementioned embodiment with only one locking element, the two locking elements are moved together with the clamping element by the movement of the clamping element in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner suction tube, namely lifted simultaneously from the engagement with the locking recesses, whereby a displaceability of the inner tube relative is released to the outer tube. In this case, the positive engagement of the locking elements is released with the locking recesses when the clamping element is in an unlocked position. The locking elements are thereby moved away from the longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner suction tube.

According to the invention it is provided that at least three projections are formed on the clamping element. A projection is arranged in the locking position between the two locking elements. If a projection is arranged between the two latching elements, the two remaining projections thus each act on a latching element in the latching position. This creates three "mountains" and two "valleys". In the unlocking position, in each case a latching element slides in one of the formed valleys, wherein the other latching element is arranged next to one of the outer protrusions. The third projection gives the user a clear feedback when the clamping element has been moved to the unlocked position. If the clamping element were to be moved further, the resistance and according to the force required to move the clamping element, increase sharply, since the middle projection begins to act on the catch element located in one of the valleys. The third projection forms a stop, which impedes further movement of the clamping element.

It is advantageous to design the central projection so that it does not differ from the other two projections, since in this way the installation of the clamping element is facilitated. A projection, which is formed as an actual stop and prevents movement of the clamping element, could damage the locking elements or the spring element during installation. Another advantage of the third stop is that in this way a simplified construction of the actuating mechanism can be realized. The base plate may have two latching recesses, wherein the spring element rests on the resulting web, which is formed between the two latching recesses. If the clamping element spent in the locking position, then the two outer projections act on the locking elements, wherein the spring element is under tension. This tension is at the center of the longitudinal extent, ie at the attachment of the spring element strongest. Frequent actuation of the actuation mechanism may cause the attached spring member to become detached or damaged over time. If the third projection is in the locking position between the two locking elements, then it acts on the supposed attachment point of the spring element, ie the point at which the tension of the spring element is greatest. The central projection acts by design as a support at this point. In the unlocking position, the spring element is no longer under tension, since the two locking elements are spent in one of the valleys or next to one of the outer projections. The spring element is no longer deflected. Due to the symmetrical arrangement of the spring element with the two locking elements, the spring element lies with its center of gravity on the web between the two locking recesses. In the non-deflected state, ie in the unlocking position, a fastening, for example, by an adhesive, solder or screw connection is therefore not necessary. When mounting the actuating mechanism, therefore, only the spring element must be aligned with the two locking elements on the recesses and inserted. Subsequently, the clamping element is inserted through the guide on the base plate.

For a better handling of the actuating mechanism, a grip shell is provided in a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, wherein the clamping element is in communication with the grip shell, so that a displacement of the grip shell leads to a displacement of the clamping element. The grip can be designed so that it can be placed in a form-fitting manner on the clamping element. The handle shell can be operated by the user with one hand, wherein they, according to the clamping element, slidably held on the outer tube in the longitudinal direction of the vacuum cleaner suction tube is. The handle shell is thus also without the operation by a user in the locking position, wherein the handle shell is also movable in two directions, in each case an unlocking position. For handling the actuating mechanism, the vacuum cleaner suction tube is gripped, for example, by a user with one hand on the outer tube on the handle shell and the other hand on the inner tube, the inner tube after moving the handle shell from the locking position both in the outer tube inserted and out of the Outer tube is pulled out. Advantageously, a displacement in the opposite direction to the direction in which a displacement of the handle shell takes place.

In order to avoid detachment of the grip, it is provided in a further embodiment of the invention that on the handle shell latching hook and on the base plate to corresponding receptacles are formed, so that the grip on the base plate can be latched. Thus, the grip can be attached to the base plate. The latching hooks are preferably designed as elongated rails and accordingly also the recordings on the base plate. By this configuration, the grip is attached to the base plate and can not be removed perpendicular to the direction of movement of the clamping element. At the same time, however, a displacement of the grip in the direction of movement of the clamping element is possible. The elongate locking rails, so the elongated locking hooks, and the corresponding receptacles on the base plate prevent it, that the locking connection between the base plate and the handle shell is released, even if the handle moves relative to the base plate. A part of the locking rail is always in engagement with the receptacle on the base plate.

For easier operation of the actuating mechanism according to the invention a return means is provided, wherein the return means exerts a restoring force for returning the clamping element in the locking position in a deflection of the clamping element from the locking position. Advantageously, the restoring means is arranged in a recess on the upper side, that is, the side remote from the vacuum cleaner suction pipe, of the clamping element. The U-shaped webs for guiding the clamping element on the base plate can serve as stops. If the return means only half positive fit in the recess of the clamping element The other half protrudes from the top of the clamping element. The upper part, ie the part which protrudes from the upper side, can rest against the stops, that is to say the U-shaped webs. When moving the clamping element in a direction to move to the unlocking position, the return means is then moved automatically, due to the positive connection, with the clamping element. At the same time prevent the U-shaped webs that the return means is moved in the same direction, so that a force counter to the direction of movement of the clamping member acts on the clamping element. As a result, the clamping element endeavors to return to the locking position. The provided stops can also be designed as separate stops and are not necessarily formed by the guide webs.

In a further embodiment of the actuating mechanism with a return means is provided that the return means is designed as a compression spring. In this way, the spring can be upset to some extent, the force acting on the clamping element is increasing, the stronger the compression spring is compressed. In the locking position, the compression spring is not under tension, so that no force is exerted on the clamping element.

Fig. 1

ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Betätigungsmechanismus in einer Entriegelungsposition in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 2

das Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Fig. 2 in der Verriegelungsposition,

Fig. 3

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines Betätigungsmechanismus in einer Entriegelungsposition in einer schematischer Darstellung,

Fig. 4

das Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Fig. 4 in der Verriegelungsposition,

Fig. 5

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines Betätigungsmechanismus in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 6

das Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Fig. 5 in der Verriegelungsposition in einer schematischen Darstellung,

Fig. 7

ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Betätigungsmechanismus mit einer Griffschale in einer schematischen Darstellung und

Fig. 8

ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Betätigungsmechanismus in perspektivischer Ansicht.

In particular, there are now a variety of ways to design and further develop the actuating mechanism. Reference is made to both the claims subordinate to claim 1 and to the following description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. In the drawing show:

Fig. 1

An embodiment of an actuating mechanism in an unlocked position in a schematic representation,

Fig. 2

the embodiment according to Fig. 2 in the locking position,

Fig. 3

a further embodiment of an actuating mechanism in an unlocking position in a schematic representation,

Fig. 4

the embodiment according to Fig. 4 in the locking position,

Fig. 5

a further embodiment of an actuating mechanism in a schematic representation,

Fig. 6

the embodiment according to Fig. 5 in the locking position in a schematic representation,

Fig. 7

an embodiment of an actuating mechanism with a handle shell in a schematic representation and

Fig. 8

an embodiment of an actuating mechanism in a perspective view.

Fig. 1 shows an actuating mechanism 1, which acts on locking recesses 2 of a vacuum cleaner inner tube 3. In this case, the actuating mechanism 1 has a latching recess 4, which is formed in a base plate 5. In order to block the movement of the inner tube 3 relative to an outer tube, not shown in the figure, a latching element 6 is provided which can engage in the latching depressions 2.

In Fig. 1 the actuating mechanism 1 is shown in an unlocked position. The locking element 6 does not engage in the locking recesses 2. On the base plate 5, a clamping element 7 is arranged, which is parallel to the longitudinal extension of the base plate 5, in the direction of movement B, movable. The latching element 6 is mounted on the latching recess 4 on a spring element 8. The spring element 8, in this embodiment a spring tongue, is fastened at one end to the base plate 5. At the other end of the spring element 8 designed as a roller locking element 6 is arranged so that the locking element 6 is held by the spring element 8 via the recess 4. On the clamping element, two trapezoidal projections 9 are formed, which can act on the locking element 6 when moving the clamping element 7.

In Fig. 2 the operating principle of the actuating mechanism 1 becomes clear. The clamping element 7 is in a locking position. When moving from the unlocked position into the locking position, the trapezoidal projection 9 slides laterally in the direction of the latching element 6. The latching element 6 can roll on the inclined plane, which is formed on the trapezoidal projection 9 due to its geometry, until the lowest point, So the plateau of the trapezoid is reached. During this process, the spring element 8 is deflected, so that the latching element 6 is moved in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement B of the clamping element 7. In order to produce a latching connection, the latching element 6 engages positively in one of the latching recesses 2 and blocks the relative displaceability of the inner tube 3 to the outer tube, not shown in the figure. Since the user can not see from the outside, whether the locking element 6 already engages in a locking recess 2, or whether the locking element 6 is located between two locking recesses 2, an embodiment of the locking element 6 is advantageous as a role. In this way, the locking element can roll on the surface of the inner tube 3 with little resistance. Due to the force that is exerted by the projection 9 on the locking element 6, the locking element 6 automatically engages in a locking recess 2, as soon as it is reached.

Fig. 3 shows an actuating mechanism 1, similar to that in the preceding Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 However, in this embodiment, two locking elements 6 are provided, which are each arranged at the ends of an elongate spring tongue 8. The base plate 5 has correspondingly two latching recesses 4 with an identical cross section through which a latching element 6 can pass. The spring tongue 8 and the locking elements 6 are arranged symmetrically, so that the spring tongue with the center of gravity S is mounted on a web 10, which is necessarily formed between the two locking recesses 4. In the in the Fig. 3 shown actuating mechanism 1 is the clamping element 7 in the unlocked position. On the clamping element further three trapezoidal projections 9 are configured. In the unlocked position, the central projection 9 is located between the two identical latching elements 6. The two outer projections 9 "frame" the arrangement of the two locking elements. 6

Fig. 4 shows the actuating mechanism 1 according to Fig. 3 in which the clamping element 7 is in a locking position. The Indian Fig. 4 shown, outer, left projection 9 and the central projection 9 act in the locking position on the two locking elements 6. When moving the clamping element 7 both locking elements 6 are simultaneously moved through the projections 9 through the locking recesses 4, so that both locking elements 6 simultaneously the locking recesses 2 of the inner tube 3 engage. The spring tongue 8 is deflected at both ends, with the largest voltage that occurs at the spring tongue 8, arises at its center of gravity S. By the third projection 9, it is possible that the clamping element 7 can also be moved in the opposite direction for a movement in the locking position. There are therefore two locking positions possible.

Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment of an actuating mechanism 1, in which the clamping element 7 has three projections 9. The middle projection 9 is, unlike in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 shown embodiment, not in the unlocking position between the two locking elements 6, but it is arranged in the locking position between the two locking elements 6 (as in Fig. 5 shown). Through this constructively simple solution, the arrangement of the spring tongue 8 and the locking elements 6 is not attached to the web 10, but rests only on the web. In the unlocking position ( Fig. 6 If the spring tongue 8 is deflected by the projections 9, then the central projection 9 is located above the center of gravity S of the arrangement of spring tongue 8 and locking elements 6. The central projection 9 serves as a support for the spring tongue 8, so that the spring tongue 8 is held in place in the locking position and especially when moving from the unlocking position to the locking position. In addition, a return means 11 in the form of a compression spring is arranged on the clamping element 7. The compression spring is in the relaxed state in a recess 12 which is arranged on the upper side of the clamping element 7. The clamping element 7 is above U-shaped Webs 13 guided on the base plate 5. The webs 13, together with the base plate 5, a gate-shaped recess through which the clamping element 7 is inserted therethrough. In this way, a displacement of the clamping elements 7 only in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the base plate is possible.

Fig. 6 shows the embodiment according to Fig. 5 , wherein the clamping element 7 is in the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the spring tongue 8 is no longer deflected. The locking elements 6 are located within the portion formed by the base plate 5 and the clamping element 7. The locking elements 6 no longer occur in the direction of the locking recesses 2 (in Fig. 6 not shown) through the locking recesses 4 therethrough. In the unlocking position there is a locking element 6 between an outer projection 9 and the central projection 9. The other locking element is arranged in the unlocking position adjacent to an outer projection. Since the locking element 6 is arranged between two projections 9, further movement of the clamping element 7 is only made possible with difficulty because the central projection 9 acts as a kind of stop. The user is thus able to recognize by a haptic feedback that the clamping element 7 is in the unlocked position. When the clamping element is moved from the locking position into the unlocking position, the webs 13 serve as a stop for the compression spring 12. The compression spring 12 is arranged in the recess 12 to one half of its cross-section with respect to the longitudinal extension of the clamping element 7. However, the compression spring 11 protrudes from the upper side of the clamping element 7 to the other half. The protruding half of the compression spring 11 is in the unlocked position on the two webs 13. The distance of the webs 13 to each other corresponds to the longitudinal extent of the recess 12 and corresponding to the longitudinal extent of the compression spring 11. If the clamping element 7 relative to the webs 13, that is also moved relative to the base plate 5, then the webs 13 remain correspondingly stationary. The clamping element 7 slides under the upper side of the webs 13, while the compression spring 11 abuts against one of the webs 13. At the same time, however, the compression spring 11 continues to abut the recess 12 on its opposite side. During the movement of the clamping element 7, the compression spring 11 is thus compressed; in Fig. 6 schematically indicated by the smaller Windungsabstände compared to the representation in Fig. 5 , In this case, a force acts on the web 13 and on the clamping element. 7

If the user releases the clamping element 7 again, no force acts against the built-up spring force of the compressed compression spring 11 and the clamping element is returned to the locking position.

Fig. 7 shows an actuating mechanism 1 according to the Fig. 5 and the Fig. 6 , In addition, a handle shell 14 is arranged on the base plate 5. The grip 14 is positively connected to the clamping element 7, so that a movement of the grip 14 also leads to a movement of the clamping element 7. The grip 14 is used for simplified operation of the actuating mechanism 1 and at the same time for protecting the components of the actuating mechanism 1. The grip 13 is connected by a latching connection with the base plate 5, which allows that the grip 14 according to the clamping element 7 in the axial direction the inner tube 3, not shown here, can be moved, however, the latching connection blocks a movement of the clamping element perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the vacuum cleaner suction tube.

Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an actuating mechanism 1. In this embodiment, the base plate 5 has housing-shaped configured webs 13. In this case, the clamping element 7 is guided by a channel 15 which is closed on two sides. In the top of the channel 15 is a cross-shaped recess 16, wherein the extension of the recess 16 in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the length of the compression spring 11 in the relaxed state. In this way, the edge measurements of the cross-shaped recess 16 in the longitudinal direction can serve as a stop for the compression spring 11. In their extension perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the cross-shaped recess 16, the recesses facilitate the installation of the compression spring 11 during assembly.

The clamping element 7 has a peripheral edge 17, so that it is designed cuboid. In this way, the clamping element 7 has the same height on each side and can be easily guided through the channel 15. Otherwise, it is possible that the projections 9 of the clamping member 7 interfere with the removal of the clamping member 7 from the locking position to the unlocked position. In addition, it may be that when the clamping element 7 is moved from the locking position into the unlocking position, not the locking elements 6 are moved in the direction of the inner tube 3, but only the clamping element 7 is bent, for example, or in the opposite direction, away from the inner tube 3, is moved. The clamping element 7 is thus arranged in a form-fitting manner in the channel 15. In order to ensure a simple installation of the clamping element 7, the peripheral edge 17 at an end face of the clamping element 7 has an interruption 18. The clamping element 7 can thus be inserted into the channel 15, without the peripheral edge 17 acts as a projection, or in the worst case as a stop, on one of the locking elements 6, whereby a movement of the clamping element 7 would be blocked.

Claims (11)

Operating mechanism (1) for locking and unlocking locking connections in telescopic vacuum cleaner suction tubes with a plurality of detent recesses (2) having inner tube (3) and with an inner tube (3) surrounding the outer tube, having at least one latching recess (4) Base plate (5), with at least one latching element (6) movably held above the latching recess (4) of the base plate (5) and with a clamping element (7), wherein the clamping element (7) is held displaceable parallel to the base plate (5), such that the clamping element (7) can be moved from a locking position into at least one unlocking position, wherein the clamping element (7) in the locking position at least partially by the latching recess (4) of the base plate (5) towards the inner tube (6). 3), so that the latching element comes into engagement with at least one of the latching recesses (2) of the inner tube (3), and wherein the clamping element (7) i n the release position, a movement of the locking element (6) away from the inner tube (3) releases, so that a displacement of the inner tube (3) relative to the outer tube by the at least one locking element (6) is released, wherein the locking element (6) of a on the base plate (5) arranged spring element (8) is held, wherein in the unlocking position of the clamping element (7) the locking element (6) of the spring element (8) by spring force far away from the inner tube (3) that the locking element ( 6) does not come into engagement with the locking recesses (2) of the inner tube (3),
characterized,
that is formed of at least three projections (9) on the clamping element (7), wherein a projection (9) in the locking position on the locking element (6) acts, and that the latching element (6) when bringing the clamping member (7) from the locking position to the Unlocking position on the projection (9) slides off, so that the locking element (6) is no longer in engagement with the locking recesses (2) of the inner tube, wherein a projection (9) in the locking position between the two locking elements (6) is arranged. Actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the latching element (6) in the unlocking position of the clamping element (7) from the spring element (8) far away from the inner tube (3), that the latching element (6) does not touch the inner tube (3). Actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spring element (8) holds the latching element (6) in the unlocking position of the clamping element (7) so that the latching element (6) the latching recess (4) of the base plate (5 ) does not pass in the direction of the inner tube (3). Actuating mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the spring element (8) is designed as an elongate spring tongue. Operating mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the latching element (6) is a spring element (8) rotatably mounted roller. Actuating mechanism (1), according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the projection in the longitudinal direction of the clamping element (7) has a trapezoidal longitudinal section. Actuating mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that two latching elements (6) are provided, wherein in each case one latching element (6) is arranged at each end of the base plate (5) arranged spring element (8) and in that at least two projections (9) are formed on the clamping element (7), one projection (9) in each case acting on a latching element (6) in the locking position, so that both latching elements (6) are moved simultaneously by a movement of the clamping element (7 ) are movable. Actuating mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a grip shell (14) is provided, wherein the clamping element (7) with the handle shell (14) is in communication, so that a displacement of the handle shell (14) a displacement of the clamping element (7) leads. Actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that on the grip shell (14) latching hook and the base plate (5) to corresponding receptacles are formed so that the handle shell (14) on the base plate (5) can be latched. Actuating mechanism (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a return means (11) is provided, wherein the return means (11) upon a deflection of the clamping element (7) from the locking position, a restoring force for returning the clamping element (7) exerts in the locking position. Actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the return means (11) is designed as a compression spring.

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