COUPLING SYSTEM FOR A SUCTION DEVICE HAVING GUIDE CONTOURS, COUPLING ELEMENTS, A SUCTION-AIR-GUIDING COMPONENT AND SUCTION DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, of German Patent Application DE 10 2024 203 011.2, filed Mar. 28, 2024; the prior application is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a suction device, in particular to a cordless and/or handheld vacuum cleaner, containing a coupling system for attaching an accessory.

A suction device, in particular a handheld vacuum cleaner, typically contains a suction unit which can be held and controlled by a user's hand. The suction unit has a fan which is powered by electrical energy from an electrical energy accumulator of the suction unit. The fan is constructed so as to generate a suction air flow in order to draw impurities through the suction mouth of the suction unit into a collection container of the suction unit. The suction mouth of the suction unit is typically in the form of a coupling element, by means of which in each case one accessory from a number of different accessories can be connected to the suction unit. Examples of accessories include a suction pipe, a floor suction nozzle, a brush suction nozzle, a gap suction nozzle, a mop suction nozzle, etc.

U.S. patent publication No. 2020/0069131 A1 describes a vacuum cleaner containing a suction pipe. German utility model DE 20 2023 104 457 U1 describes an adapter for a vacuum cleaner. International patent disclosure WO 2011/132 366 A1 describes a vacuum cleaner containing a suction pipe and an electrical connector.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present document addresses the technical problem of providing a particularly sturdy, robust and convenient coupling system for a suction device.

This problem is solved by the subject matter of each of the individual independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined in particular in the dependent claims, described in the following description, or illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a coupling system for connecting to different suction-air-guiding components of a suction device. The coupling system contains a first coupling element having a housing, a bearing surface and a tubular connecting piece protruding along a longitudinal axis relative to the bearing surface of the first coupling element and a second coupling element having a housing, a bearing surface and a tubular receiving region for receiving the tubular connecting piece of the first coupling element. The tubular receiving region extends starting from the bearing surface of the second coupling element along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the second coupling element. The first coupling element further has at least a first plug-in unit which is disposed next to the tubular connecting piece along a transverse axis. The first plug-in unit has a wall with a depression, the wall extends starting from the bearing surface of the first coupling element along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the first coupling element. The second coupling element has at least a second plug-in unit which is disposed next to the tubular receiving region along the transverse axis. The second plug-in unit is configured so as to form an electrically conductive plug-in connection together with the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element. The tubular connecting piece of the first coupling element has a guide contour. The guide contour on the tubular connecting piece of the first coupling element extends along the longitudinal axis into the depression. The second coupling element has a guide contour which is complementary thereto. The guide contours of the first and second coupling elements are configured so as to interact with one another such that a twisting of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis is blocked by the guide contours.

According to one aspect, a coupling system for connecting different suction-air-guiding components of a suction device (in particular of a handheld and/or cordless vacuum cleaner) is described. The coupling system contains a first coupling element and a second coupling element which can be interconnected in order to interconnect two components of the suction device. The first coupling element can be arranged on a first component, and the second coupling element can be arranged on, in particular fixed to, a second component. By connecting, in particular by plugging together, the first and second coupling elements, the first and second components can be interconnected. Examples of components include a suction unit (containing a fan and a separation unit, a suction pipe, a floor nozzle, a mop nozzle, etc.).

The first coupling element contains a tubular connecting piece which protrudes (e.g. by 5 cm or more, or by 7 cm or more) along a longitudinal axis of the coupling system relative to the bearing surface of the first coupling element.

The second coupling element contains a tubular receiving region (having a complementary form) for the connecting piece of the first coupling element, which extends starting from the bearing surface of the second coupling element along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the second coupling element. The connecting piece can be plugged into the receiving region along the longitudinal axis in order to interconnect the first and second coupling elements. In this case, the bearing surfaces of the two coupling elements lie against one another when the two coupling elements are interconnected. Suction air can then be conveyed through the receiving region and through the connecting piece. By means of the connecting piece of the first coupling element and the receiving region of the second coupling element, the tubular channel for the suction air flow of the suction device can thus be extended.

The suction unit of the suction device can have an electrical energy accumulator for providing electrical energy to power the fan of the suction device. Furthermore, a component coupled to the suction unit can comprise an electrically powered actuator (e.g. an electric motor) which is powered by electrical energy from the energy accumulator. Alternatively or additionally, the coupled component can comprise a sensor for collecting sensor data. The coupling system can be configured to transmit electrical energy to power the actuator and/or the sensor and/or to transmit data for controlling the actuator and/or to transmit sensor data from the sensor.

The first coupling element contains at least a first plug-in unit which is arranged next to the connecting piece along the transverse axis. The first plug-in unit can be in the form of a socket.

The transverse axis of the coupling system is preferably arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. The coupling system can further have a vertical axis which is arranged perpendicularly to the transverse axis and to the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis, the transverse axis and the vertical axis can correspond to the axes of a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. The origin point of the coordinate system can be arranged at a central point of the coupling system.

The second coupling element comprises at least a second plug-in unit which is arranged next to the receiving region along the transverse axis, and which is constructed so as to form an electrically conductive plug-in connection together with the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element. When the first and the second coupling element are guided toward one another along the longitudinal axis in order to plug the connecting piece into the receiving region, the plug-in connection between the first and the second plug-in unit can be produced by means of the same movement. The second plug-in unit can be in the form of a plug connector.

The second plug-in unit has a protective wall which protrudes (e.g. by 5 mm or more, in particular by 7 mm or more, in particular by 10 mm or more) along the longitudinal axis relative to the bearing surface of the second coupling element. The protective wall can thus extend starting from the bearing surface of the second coupling element toward the bearing surface of the first coupling element. The electrically conductive plug-in connection can be configured to transmit electrical energy or to transmit data.

The connecting piece of the first coupling element has a guide contour. The guide contour can extend along the longitudinal axis on the outer wall of the connecting piece (and can thus be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis). Furthermore, the guide contour on the connecting piece of the first coupling element preferably faces the first plug-in unit. The connecting piece can be divided into two halves, in particular into an upper half and a lower half, for example by a bisecting plane which corresponds to the plane spanned by the longitudinal axis and by the transverse axis. The guide contour of the connecting piece can be arranged (completely) within the bisecting plane.

The second coupling element comprises a guide contour which is constructed so as to be complementary to the guide contour of the connecting piece, which guide contour extends, beginning at the protective wall of the second plug-in unit, along the longitudinal axis into the receiving region. The guide contour of the second coupling element can be arranged (completely) within the bisecting plane of the receiving region. The guide contour of the second coupling element can extend in particular starting from the end face, which faces away from the bearing surface of the second coupling element of the protective wall of the second plug-in unit, along the longitudinal axis into the receiving region. The guide contour can extend into the receiving region for example by 2 cm or more, in particular by 5 cm or more.

The guide contour of the second coupling element can thus begin right at the protruding protective wall, in particular at the end face of the protruding protective wall, of the second plug-in unit. Furthermore, the guide contour can extend along (and parallel to) the longitudinal axis into the receiving region of the second coupling element. A relatively long guide contour can thus be provided.

The guide contours can be constructed so as to interact with one another in such a way that a twisting of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis (as an axis of rotation) is blocked by the guide contours. Alternatively or additionally, the interaction of the guide contours can guide the plugging-together of the two coupling elements along the longitudinal axis.

A coupling system is thus described which has guide contours which have a particularly long length along the longitudinal axis. A relative movement of the coupling elements of the coupling system which are coupled to one another can thus be reliably prevented. Forces and/or (bending) moments can thus be transmitted in a particularly reliable manner by means of the coupling system.

The guide contours can each have an edge region which faces the edge region of the other guide contour in each case in a plug-in process along the longitudinal axis (for plugging together the two coupling elements). The edge regions can correspond in each case to a start of each guide contour. The edge region of at least one guide contour can have a reduced width (e.g. in the case of a rib) or an increased width (e.g. in the case of a groove) transverse to the longitudinal axis and/or transverse to the transverse axis and/or along the vertical axis, by means of which a threading of the guide contours is supported in the plug-in process along the longitudinal axis. The width can be changed for example by 10% or more, in particular by 20% or more, relative to the width outside the edge region. The width can be changed smoothly along the longitudinal axis. The two coupling elements can thus be plugged together in a particularly convenient and reliable manner.

The guide contours of the first coupling element and the second coupling element can form a tongue-and-groove connection which extends along the longitudinal axis from the protective wall, in particular from the end face of the protective wall, of the second plug-in unit along (and parallel to) the longitudinal axis into the receiving region. In particular, the guide contour of the first coupling element can include a guide rib which is arranged on the outer wall of the connecting piece and which extends along (and parallel to) the longitudinal axis. Secondly, the guide contour of the second coupling element can comprise a guide groove which runs in the protective wall of the second plug-in unit and in the inner wall of the receiving region and which extends along (and parallel to) the longitudinal axis. In an alternative example, the guide contour of the first coupling element is in the form of a guide groove, and the guide contour of the second coupling element is in the form of a guide rib.

By providing a tongue-and-groove connection, a particularly reliable and robust connection of the two coupling elements can be produced.

The first plug-in unit of the first coupling element can extend, starting from the bearing surface of the first coupling element, into the housing of the first coupling element (e.g. by 5 mm or more, or by 7 mm or more). Alternatively or additionally, the first plug-in unit can have a depression having a wall which extends starting from the bearing surface of the first coupling element along the longitudinal axis, and with which the protective wall of the second plug-in unit is in contact when there is an electrically conductive plug-in connection between the first and the second plug-in unit.

The first plug-in unit can be in particular in the form of a recessed tank, which is counter-sunk into the housing of the first coupling element, starting from the bearing surface of the first coupling element. The protective wall of the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element can lie against the wall surrounding the tank when the electrically conductive plug-in connection is present.

The guide contour of the first coupling element preferably extends along the longitudinal axis into the depression, in particular into the depression by at least 2 mm. The length of the guide contour along the longitudinal axis can thus be further increased, by means of which the robustness and the sturdiness of the connection between the coupling units is further increased.

The first plug-in unit of the first coupling unit can have two studs which are arranged one after the other or one above the other along the vertical direction. In a corresponding manner, the second plug-in unit of the second coupling unit can have two contact pins for contacting the two studs of the first plug-in unit which are arranged one after the other or one above the other along the vertical axis. Electrical energy and/or data can thus be transmitted in a particularly reliable manner.

The second plug-in unit can have a dividing wall arranged between the two contact pins. The dividing wall can protrude (analogously to the protective wall) relative to the bearing surface of the second coupling element. The end face of the dividing wall can be arranged flush with the end face of the protective wall. In other words, the dividing wall and the protective wall can have the same length along the longitudinal axis.

By means of the dividing wall and the protective wall, each of the two contact pins can thus be individually surrounded.

The guide contour of the second coupling element and the dividing wall can be arranged at the same height in relation to the vertical axis. In this case, the dividing wall can act as a mechanical support for a sub-portion of the guide contour. A particularly sturdy guide contour of the second coupling element can thus be provided.

The first plug-in unit of the first coupling element can have one or more clamping elements on the bottom of the depression (in particular of the tank), which elements are constructed so as to clamp the dividing wall (e.g. between two clamping elements) when there is an electrically conductive plug-in connection between the first plug-in unit and the second plug-in unit. By clamping the dividing wall, the sturdiness of the connection between the two coupling elements can be further improved.

The connecting piece has an end face which faces the receiving region of the second coupling element. The end face of the connecting piece is preferably constructed so as to be oblique in relation to the longitudinal axis so that the end face of the connecting piece is at a different distance from the bearing surface of the first coupling element at different points. The end face of the connecting piece can be arranged for example in a plane which runs parallel to the transverse axis, but which is tilted about the transverse axis so as to produce an oblique suction mouth which is typically advantageous for the operation of the suction device.

The guide contour of the first coupling element preferably does not extend as far as the end face of the connecting piece, but rather ends at a specific distance along the longitudinal axis before the end face of the connecting piece. The two coupling elements can thus be plugged together in a particularly convenient and reliable manner.

The guide contour of the first coupling element can in particular be at a distance from the end face of the connecting piece in such a way that, in a plug-in process (for plugging together the two coupling elements), at substantially the same time, the end face of the connecting piece begins to dip into the receiving region of the second coupling element; and the guide contours of the first coupling element and of the second coupling element begin to mechanically interact, in particular in order to block a twisting of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis.

Alternatively or additionally, the protective wall of the second plug-in unit can have a specific length starting from the bearing surface of the second coupling element. The specific distance of the guide contour of the first coupling element from the end face of the connecting piece, in particular from the point on the end face of the connecting piece which is at the greatest distance from the bearing surface of the first coupling element, and the specific length of the protective wall of the second plug-in unit (starting from the bearing surface of the second coupling element) differ from one another preferably by at most 20%, in particular by at most 10%.

By means of a guide contour constructed in such a way, and by means of a connecting piece constructed in such a way, it is possible to plug together the two coupling elements in a particularly reliable and convenient manner.

As already set out, the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element can comprise at least one electrically conductive contact pin. The protective wall of the second plug-in unit preferably extends along the longitudinal axis beyond the contact pin, in particular by 2 mm or more. The contact pin can protrude for example with a first length relative to the bearing surface of the second coupling element, and the protective wall of the second plug-in unit can protrude with a second length relative to the bearing surface of the second coupling element. The second length can be greater than the first length. The second length can be greater than the first length in particular by 2 mm or more. A particularly robust coupling system can thus be provided.

The first coupling unit can have a first plug-in unit along the transverse axis on each of the two sides of the connecting piece. In a corresponding manner, the second coupling unit can have a second plug-in unit along the transverse axis on each of the two sides of the receiving region. The two first plug-in units and the two second plug-in units can each form in pairs an electrically conductive plug-in connection. One of the two electrically conductive plug-in connections can be configured to transmit electrical energy to power an actuator (e.g. an electric motor) and/or a sensor. The other electrically conductive plug-in connection can be configured to transmit data, in particular to transmit control data to control the actuator and/or to transmit sensor data. A coupling system for a suction device having an expanded range of functions can thus be provided. Furthermore, by means of the spatial separation of data transfer and energy transfer (on opposite sides of the connecting piece or of the receiving region) error-free operation of the suction device can be achieved.

The two electrically conductive plug-in connections can be mechanically configured and/or coded differently so as to prevent the first coupling element and the second coupling element from being plugged together incorrectly, in particular when rotated by 180°. By way of example, on the protective wall of (precisely) one of the two second plug-in units, a connecting portion can be arranged which is inserted into a corresponding groove in the wall of the depression of the corresponding first plug-in unit when the electrically conductive plug-in connection is formed. The other second plug-in unit does not have this connecting portion, and the other first plug-in unit does not have this groove. A particularly convenient and reliable coupling system can thus be provided.

The connecting piece of the first coupling element can have a guide contour along the transverse axis on each of the two sides of the connecting piece. The two guide contours can each be arranged in the bisecting plane of the connecting piece.

In a corresponding manner, the second coupling element can have a guide contour which is complementary thereto along the transverse axis on each of the two sides of the receiving region, which each extend, beginning at the protective wall (in particular beginning at the end face of the protective wall) of each second plug-in unit along the longitudinal axis, into the receiving region. The two guide contours can each be arranged in the bisecting plane of the receiving region.

The guide contours can each be constructed in pairs so as to interact with one another in such a way that a twisting of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis is blocked by the guide contours.

By providing pairs of guide contours on the two (opposite) sides of the connecting piece and of the receiving region respectively, a particularly robust and sturdy connection can be produced between the coupling elements.

According to another aspect, a first coupling element is described for the coupling system described in this document. In particular, a first coupling element is described which comprises a tubular connecting piece which protrudes along the longitudinal axis relative to the bearing surface of the first coupling element, and which is constructed so as to be inserted into a tubular receiving region of the second coupling element of the coupling system, wherein the receiving region extends, starting from the bearing surface of the second coupling element, along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the second coupling element.

The first coupling element can comprise at least a first plug-in unit which is arranged next to the connecting piece along the transverse axis, and which is constructed so as to form an electrically conductive plug-in connection together with the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element. The second plug-in unit of the second coupling element is arranged next to the receiving region along the transverse axis, and the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element has a protective wall which protrudes along the longitudinal axis relative to the bearing surface of the second coupling element.

The connecting piece of the first coupling element has a guide contour which is arranged on the outer wall of the connecting piece and which faces the first plug-in unit. The guide contour of the first coupling element can be constructed so as to interact with the complementary guide contour of the second coupling element in such a way that a twisting of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis is blocked by the guide contours. In this arrangement, the guide contour of the second coupling element extends, beginning at the protective wall of the second plug-in unit, along the longitudinal axis into the receiving region.

According to another aspect, a second coupling element is described for the coupling system described in this document. In particular, a second coupling element is described which comprises a tubular receiving region for the connecting piece of the first coupling element of the coupling system. The receiving region extends, starting from the bearing surface of the second coupling element, along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the second coupling element. The tubular connecting piece of the first coupling element protrudes along the longitudinal axis relative to the bearing surface of the first coupling element.

The second coupling element can comprise a second plug-in unit which is arranged next to the receiving region along the transverse axis and which is constructed so as to form an electrically conductive plug-in connection together with the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element, and which has a protective wall which protrudes along the longitudinal axis relative to the bearing surface of the second coupling element. The first plug-in unit of the first coupling element can be arranged next to the connecting piece along the transverse axis.

The second coupling element has a guide contour which is constructed so as to be complementary to the guide contour on the connecting piece of the first coupling element, and which extends, beginning at the protective wall of the second plug-in unit, along the longitudinal axis into the receiving region. The guide contour of the second coupling element can be constructed so as to interact with the guide contour of the first coupling element in such a way that a twisting of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis is blocked by the guide contours.

According to another aspect, another coupling system is described for connecting different suction-air-guiding components of a suction device. It should be noted that the features described in this document (in particular the above-described features) of a coupling system can also be applied to this coupling system individually or in combination.

As already set out, the coupling system contains a first coupling element having a tubular connecting piece which protrudes along the longitudinal axis relative to the bearing surface of the first coupling element. Furthermore, the coupling system contains a second coupling element having a tubular receiving region for the connecting piece of the first coupling element, which extends starting from the bearing surface of the second coupling element along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the second coupling element.

The first coupling element contains at least a first plug-in unit which is arranged next to the connecting piece along the transverse axis, and the second coupling element contains at least a second plug-in unit which is arranged next to the receiving region along the transverse axis, and which is constructed so as to form an electrically conductive plug-in connection together with the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element. The first coupling unit preferably comprises a first plug-in unit on each of the two sides of the connecting piece along the transverse axis, and the second coupling unit preferably comprises a second plug-in unit on each of the two sides of the receiving region along the transverse axis.

The connecting piece of the first coupling element has a guide contour which faces the first plug-in unit (along the transverse axis). The second coupling element has a guide contour which is complementary thereto and which faces the second plug-in unit (along the transverse axis). The connecting piece of the first coupling element preferably has a guide contour on each of the two sides of the connecting piece along the transverse axis. Furthermore, the second coupling element preferably has a guide contour which is complementary thereto on each of the two sides of the receiving region along the transverse axis.

As already set out, the guide contours are preferably constructed so as to interact with one another in such a way that a twisting of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis is blocked by the guide contours.

A coupling system is thus described in which the complementary plug-in units and the complementary guide contours face one another along the transverse axis and are preferably arranged within a common plane. By means of such an arrangement, a particularly compact and sturdy coupling system for a suction device can be provided.

The first plug-in unit of the first coupling element and the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element preferably intersect the horizontal plane spanned by the transverse axis and by the longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the guide contours of the first coupling element and the second coupling element preferably intersect this horizontal plane. The guide contours of the first coupling element and the second coupling element can in particular each run along the longitudinal axis and be arranged substantially within the horizontal plane.

The plug-in units and the guide contours can thus be oriented (in particular symmetrically) in relation to a common horizontal plane. The compactness and the sturdiness of the coupling system can thus be further improved.

The first plug-in unit of the first coupling element and the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element are preferably each constructed so as to be mirror-symmetrical in relation to the horizontal plane. Furthermore, the guide contours of the first coupling element and the second coupling element are preferably each constructed so as to be mirror-symmetrical in relation to the horizontal plane.

In particular, the first plug-in units of the first coupling element and the second plug-in units of the second coupling element can each intersect the horizontal plane and can each be constructed so as to be mirror-symmetrical in relation to the horizontal plane. Furthermore, the guide contours of the first coupling element on both sides of the connecting piece and of the second coupling element on both sides of the receiving region can intersect the horizontal plane and can each be constructed so as to be mirror-symmetrical in relation to the horizontal plane.

By means of such a mirror-symmetrical construction, a particularly compact and sturdy coupling system for a suction device can be provided.

As already set out, a first plug-in unit can have two studs in each case, which are arranged one after the other along the vertical axis, wherein the vertical axis is preferably perpendicular to the horizontal plane. In a corresponding manner, a second plug-in unit can have two contact pins in each case for contacting the two studs of the first plug-in unit which are arranged one after the other along the vertical axis.

A stud of the first plug-in unit and a corresponding contact pin of the second plug-in unit can be arranged on a first side, in particular on the upper side, of the horizontal plane, and the other stud in each case of the first plug-in unit and the corresponding contact pin of the second plug-in unit can be arranged on the opposite, second side, in particular on the lower side, of the horizontal plane. The horizontal plane can thus run between the contact pins or studs of the plug-in units in order to provide a particularly compact and sturdy coupling system for a suction device.

The first plug-in unit of the first coupling element and the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element can each have a specific total height along the vertical axis. The guide contours of the first coupling element and the second coupling element are preferably arranged in relation to the vertical axis centrally along the transverse axis next to the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element and next to the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element respectively, in particular in such a way that in each case the same proportion of the total height of the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element and of the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element respectively is arranged above and below the guide contours of the first coupling element and the second coupling element in relation to the vertical axis. As already set out, by means of such a symmetrical construction, the compactness and the sturdiness of the coupling system can be further increased.

As already set out, the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element can have a protective wall which protrudes along the longitudinal axis relative to the bearing surface of the second coupling element. The guide contour of the second coupling element can comprise a guide groove which runs in the protective wall of the second plug-in unit, and which extends along the longitudinal axis. The guide groove is preferably arranged centrally on the protective wall along the vertical axis.

The second plug-in unit of the second coupling element can further have a dividing wall which is arranged within the horizontal plane which is spanned by the transverse axis and by the longitudinal axis. The dividing wall can divide the region bordered by the protective wall (in which region the one or more contact pins are arranged) into two parts, in particular into two halves of equal size. Furthermore, the dividing wall can be connected to the protective wall in the region of the guide groove, in particular in such a way that the guide groove formed by the protective wall is supported by the dividing wall along the transverse axis. The sturdiness of the coupling system can thus be further increased.

According to another aspect, another first coupling element for a coupling system is described. The features of a first coupling element which are described in this document can each also be applied to this first coupling element individually or in combination.

The first coupling element contains a tubular connecting piece which protrudes along the longitudinal axis relative to the bearing surface of the first coupling element, and which is constructed so as to be inserted into the tubular receiving region of the second coupling element of the coupling system, which receiving region extends, starting from the bearing surface of the second coupling element, along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the second coupling element.

The first coupling element contains at least a first plug-in unit which is arranged next to the connecting piece along the transverse axis, and which is constructed so as to form an electrically conductive plug-in connection together with the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element, wherein the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element is arranged next to the receiving region along the transverse axis.

The connecting piece of the first coupling element has a guide contour which is arranged on the outer wall of the connecting piece and which faces the first plug-in unit. The guide contour of the first coupling element is constructed so as to interact with the complementary guide contour of the second coupling element in such a way that a twisting of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis is blocked by the guide contours.

According to another aspect, a second coupling element for a coupling system is described. The features of a second coupling element which are described in this document can each also be applied to this second coupling element individually or in combination.

The second coupling element contains a tubular receiving region for a connecting piece of the first coupling element of the coupling system which extends, starting from the bearing surface of the second coupling element, along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the second coupling element, wherein the tubular connecting piece of the first coupling element protrudes along the longitudinal axis relative to a bearing surface of the first coupling element.

The second coupling element further contains a second plug-in unit which is arranged next to the receiving region along the transverse axis, and which is constructed so as to form an electrically conductive plug-in connection together with the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element, wherein the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element is arranged next to the connecting piece along the transverse axis.

In addition, the second coupling element has a guide contour which is constructed so as to be complementary to the guide contour on the connecting piece of the first coupling element, and which faces the second plug-in unit. The guide contour of the second coupling element is constructed so as to interact with the guide contour of the first coupling element in such a way that a twisting of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis is blocked by the guide contours.

According to another aspect, another coupling system for connecting different vacuum-air-guiding components of a vacuum device is described. It should be noted that the features of a coupling system which are described in this document (in particular the above-described features) can each also be applied to this coupling system individually or in combination.

As already set out, the coupling system contains a first coupling element having a tubular connecting piece which protrudes along the longitudinal axis relative to the bearing surface of the first coupling element, and a second coupling element having a tubular receiving region for the connecting piece of the first coupling element, which receiving region extends, starting from the bearing surface of the second coupling element, along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the second coupling element.

The first coupling element contains at least a first plug-in unit which is arranged next to the connecting piece along the transverse axis. The first plug-in unit has a depression having a wall which extends starting from the bearing surface of the first coupling element along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the first coupling element.

The second coupling element contains at least a second plug-in unit which is arranged next to the receiving region along the transverse axis, and which is constructed so as to form an electrically conductive plug-in connection together with the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element.

The first coupling unit preferably has a first plug-in unit on each of the two sides of the connecting piece along the transverse axis, and the second coupling unit preferably has a second plug-in unit on each of the two sides of the receiving region along the transverse axis.

The connecting piece of the first coupling element has a guide contour, wherein the guide contour on the connecting piece of the first coupling element extends along the longitudinal axis into the depression. The guide contour on the connecting piece of the first coupling element can extend along the longitudinal axis starting from the bearing surface of the first coupling element by 1 mm or more, in particular by 2 mm or more, into the depression of the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element. The guide contour on the connecting piece of the first coupling element can have a total length (e.g. of 6 cm or more) along the longitudinal axis. The guide contour on the connecting piece of the first coupling element can extend along the longitudinal axis starting from the bearing surface of the first coupling element by 1% or more, in particular by 2% or more, into the depression of the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element.

The second coupling element has a guide contour which is complementary to the guide contour on the connecting piece of the first coupling element.

The connecting piece of the first coupling element preferably has a guide contour on each of the two sides of the connecting piece along the transverse axis, wherein the guide contours on the connecting piece of the first coupling element each extend along the longitudinal axis into the depression of each first plug-in unit of the first coupling element. The second coupling element can have a guide contour which is complementary thereto on each of the two sides of the receiving region along the transverse axis.

The guide contours are preferably constructed so as to interact with one another in such a way that a twisting of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis is blocked by the guide contours.

A coupling system is thus described which contains a first coupling element having a first plug-in unit which has a depression, wherein the depression can be used to provide a plug-in connection together with the corresponding second plug-in unit of the second coupling element, and wherein the depression is further used to provide a particularly long guide contour, in particular a particularly long guide rib. A particularly sturdy and compact coupling system can thus be provided.

As already set out, the guide contour of the first coupling element can comprise a guide rib which is arranged on the outer wall of the connecting piece and which extends along the longitudinal axis into the depression of the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element. The guide contour of the second coupling element can comprise a guide groove which is complementary thereto and extends along the longitudinal axis.

The second plug-in unit of the second coupling element can have a protective wall which protrudes along the longitudinal axis relative to the bearing surface of the second coupling element (and which can preferably be inserted into the depression of the first plug-in unit). The guide contour, in particular the guide groove, of the second coupling element, can extend, beginning at the protective wall of the second plug-in unit, along the longitudinal axis into the receiving region. The region in which the guide contours interact along the longitudinal axis can thus be further extended in order to further increase the sturdiness and the compactness of the coupling system.

The first plug-in unit of the first coupling element and the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element can preferably each intersect the horizontal plane spanned by the transverse axis and by the longitudinal axis (and be mirror-symmetrical to the horizontal plane). Furthermore, the guide contours of the first coupling element and the second coupling element can each intersect the horizontal plane (and be mirror-symmetrical thereto). The sturdiness and the compactness of the coupling system can thus be further improved.

According to another aspect, a first coupling element for a coupling system is described. The features of a first coupling element which are described in this document can each also be applied to this first coupling element individually or in combination.

The first coupling element contains a tubular connecting piece which protrudes along the longitudinal axis relative to the bearing surface of the first coupling element, and which is constructed so as to be inserted into a tubular receiving region of the second coupling element of the coupling system, which receiving region extends, starting from the bearing surface of the second coupling element, along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the second coupling element.

The first coupling element contains at least a first plug-in unit which is arranged next to the connecting piece along the transverse axis, and which is constructed so as to form an electrically conductive plug-in connection together with the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element, wherein the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element is arranged next to the receiving region along the transverse axis. The first plug-in unit has a depression having a wall which extends starting from the bearing surface of the first coupling element along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the first coupling element.

The connecting piece of the first coupling element has a guide contour which is arranged on the outer wall of the connecting piece and which faces the first plug-in unit. The guide contour on the connecting piece of the first coupling element extends along the longitudinal axis into the depression of the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element.

According to another aspect, a second coupling element for a coupling system is described. The features of a second coupling element which are described in this document can each also be applied to this second coupling element individually or in combination.

The second coupling element contains a tubular receiving region for the connecting piece of the first coupling element of the coupling system which extends, starting from the bearing surface of the second coupling element, along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the second coupling element, wherein the tubular connecting piece of the first coupling element protrudes along the longitudinal axis relative to the bearing surface of the first coupling element.

The second coupling element comprises a second plug-in unit which is arranged next to the receiving region along the transverse axis, and which is constructed so as to form an electrically conductive plug-in connection together with the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element, wherein the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element is arranged next to the connecting piece along the transverse axis, and wherein the first plug-in unit has a depression having a wall which extends starting from the bearing surface of the first coupling element along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the first coupling element.

The second coupling element has a guide contour which is constructed so as to be complementary to the guide contour on the connecting piece of the first coupling element, wherein the guide contour on the connecting piece of the first coupling element extends along the longitudinal axis into the depression of the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element.

According to another aspect, a suction-air-guiding component (e.g. a suction unit, a suction pipe and/or a nozzle) for a suction device is described, wherein the component contains a first coupling element and/or a second coupling element.

According to another aspect, a suction device, in particular a handheld vacuum cleaner, is described, which comprises the coupling system described in this document.

It should be noted that any aspects of the coupling system described in this document and of the suction device described in this document can be combined with one another in many different ways. In particular, the features of the claims can be combined with one another in many different ways.

Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a coupling system for a suction device having guide contours, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.

The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A is a diagrammatic, side view of an example of a suction device having a suction unit, a suction pipe and a nozzle;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing further details of a coupling system for a suction device;

FIGS. 2A to 2B are a top view and a perspective view showing different views of the coupling system for the suction device;

FIGS. 3A to 3E are illustrations showing different views of a first coupling unit of the coupling system;

FIGS. 4A to 4D are illustrations showing different views of a second coupling unit of a coupling system; and

FIGS. 5A to 5D are illustrations showing different states of the coupling system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As set out above, the present document relates to producing a sturdy, reliable and convenient mechanical and electrical connection between different components of a suction device. In this context, FIG. 1 shows an example of a (handheld) vacuum cleaner 100 (as an example of a suction device) which has a suction unit 110 having an electrical energy accumulator 111. The suction unit 110 has a handle 112 which can be gripped in the user's hand in order to hold the suction unit 110. A fan of the suction unit 110 produces a suction air flow through a suction mouth 114 of the suction unit 110, via a separation unit 113 of the suction unit 110 as far as the fan. The suction unit 110 can be configured to be used independently as a suction device.

An accessory 120, 130 can be connected to the suction unit 110 by means of a coupling system 140. In the example shown, the suction unit 110 is connected by means of the coupling system 140 to a suction pipe 120, which in turn is connected by means of a coupling system 140 to a floor nozzle 130.

As can be seen from FIG. 1B, the coupling system 140 contains a first coupling element 141, which is arranged on a first component of the suction device 100, and a second coupling element 142, which is arranged on a second component of the suction device 100. The first coupling element 141 follows the second coupling element 142 with respect to the direction of the suction air flow. The suction air flow thus firstly passes the second coupling element 142 and then the first coupling element 141. The first coupling element 141 and the second coupling element 142 are preferably constructed so as to be complementary in such a way that the two coupling elements 141, 142 form a plug-in system, and thus can be plugged together.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show different views of the coupling system 140. Furthermore, FIG. 2A shows a Cartesian coordinate system which defines different axes of the coupling system 140. The coupling system 140 has a longitudinal axis (i.e. the x-axis illustrated in FIG. 2A), which runs parallel to the direction of the suction air flow. In addition, the coupling system 140 has a transverse axis (i.e. the y-axis illustrated in FIG. 2A), which runs between the left-hand side and the right-hand side of the coupling system 140. Moreover, the coupling system 140 comprises a vertical axis (i.e. the z-axis illustrated in FIG. 2A) which runs between the lower side and the upper side of the coupling system 140. It should be noted that the terms “left”, “right”, “bottom” and “top” relate to each axis, and that, when using the terms, it is assumed that the coupling system 140 is oriented in such a way that the transverse axis runs horizontally, that the vertical axis runs vertically, and/or that the direction of flow runs away from the viewer.

The first coupling element 141 comprises a connecting piece 214 which is constructed as a male plug part of a pipe connection. The second coupling element 142 comprises a receiving region 224 which is constructed in a complementary manner as a female plug part of the pipe connection. On the upper side of the outer wall of the connecting piece 214, an indentation 213 can be arranged, in which the hook of a fixing element 223 of the second coupling element 142 can engage in order to form a snap connection between the two plug parts, i.e. the connecting piece 214 of the first coupling element 141 and the receiving region 224 of the second coupling element 142. A relative movement of the first coupling element 141 and the second coupling element 142 along the longitudinal axis can thus be prevented.

The first coupling element 141 further has a socket 211 which is constructed so as to form an electrically conductive plug-in connection together with a plug connector 221 of the second coupling element 142. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the first coupling element 141 has another socket 212 which is constructed so as to form an electrically conductive plug-in connection together with another plug connector 222 of the second coupling element 142. The coupling system 140 can thus be configured so as to provide two electrically conductive plug-in connections. In this system, one plug-in connection can be constructed and/or used to transmit electrical energy to power one or more electrical actuators, in particular motors. The other plug-in connection can be constructed and/or used to transmit data to control the one or more actuators. The first electrically conductive plug-in connection (with the socket 211 and the plug connector 221) is arranged on the right next to the pipe connection (with the connecting piece 214 and the recess region 224). The second electrically conductive plug-in connection (with the socket 212 and the plug connector 222) is arranged on the left next to the pipe connection (with the connecting piece 214 and the recess region 224).

It should be noted that the socket 211 is an example of a first plug-in unit of the first coupling element 141, and that the plug connector 211 is an example of a second plug-in unit of the second coupling element 142.

FIGS. 3A to 3E show additional details of the first coupling element 141, and FIGS. 4A to 4D show additional details of the second coupling element 142. The first coupling element 141 has a planar bearing surface 300 which is oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, and which preferably runs within the plane spanned by the transverse axis and the vertical axis. When the coupling system 140 is in the coupled state, the bearing surface 300 lies against a corresponding bearing surface 400 of the second coupling element 142, which impedes a wobbling movement (perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis and/or about the transverse axis).

The one or more sockets 211, 212 (i.e. the one or more first plug-in units) of the first coupling element 141 each have a depression 310 starting from the bearing surface 300, which depression is bordered by a wall 313. The depression 310 forms a tank which is delimited by the wall 313. Starting from the bottom 314 of the depression 310, one or more, in particular two, hollow-cylindrical studs 311 extend, into which in each case a contact pin 422, which is constructed in a complementary manner, of a plug connector 221, 222 (i.e. of a second plug-in unit) of the second contact element 142 can be plugged in order to provide an electrically conductive connection in each case. For this purpose, the individual studs 311 each have an electrically conductive (hollow-cylindrical) contact surface 312.

In the example shown, a socket 211, 212 (i.e. a first plug-in unit) has in each case a first stud 311 and a second stud 311, which are arranged one after the other or one above the other along the vertical axis (e.g. for a positive and for a negative electrical potential).

The depression 310 of a socket 211, 212 (i.e. of a first plug-in unit) preferably has a depth along the longitudinal axis of 0.5 cm or more, in particular of 1 cm or more.

The one or more plug connectors 221, 222 (i.e. the one or more second plug-in units) are constructed in a complementary manner to the corresponding one or more sockets 211, 212 (i.e. to the one or more first plug-in units). A plug connector 221, 222 (i.e. a second plug-in unit) has a protective wall 410 which extends along the longitudinal axis away from the bearing surface 400 of the second coupling element 142. The protective wall 410 preferably has a length along the longitudinal axis which is constructed in such a way that the end face of the protective wall 410 which faces the first coupling element 141 is (at least almost) in contact with the bottom 314 of the corresponding socket 211, 212 (i.e. of the corresponding first plug-in unit) when the bearing surfaces 300, 400 of the two coupling elements 141, 142 are in contact.

A plug connector 211, 212 (i.e. a second plug-in unit) further has in each case one or more electrically conductive contact pins 422 which each extend away from the bearing surface 400 of the second coupling element 142 along the longitudinal axis within the space surrounded by the protective wall 410. In the example shown, a plug connector 211, 212 (i.e. a second plug-in unit) has in each case two contact pins 422 which are arranged one after the other or one above the other along the vertical axis. The individual contact pins 422 preferably have a length along the longitudinal axis which is smaller than the length of the protective wall 410. The individual contact pins 422 can thus be reliably protected against mechanical impacts.

Between the two contact pins 422 runs a dividing wall 412 which is preferably arranged perpendicularly to the vertical axis and/or within the plane spanned by the longitudinal axis and by the transverse axis. The protective wall 410 surrounding the contact pins 422 can be mechanically supported and thus stabilized by the dividing wall 412.

On the bottom 314 of the depression 310, a socket 211, 212 (i.e. a first plug-in unit) preferably has two clamping elements 321 which each extend parallel to the transverse axis and which are arranged between the two studs 311 of the socket 211, 212. A receiving portion 322 for receiving the end face of the dividing wall 412 is formed between the two clamping elements 321. The dividing wall 412 is thus clamped between the two clamping elements 321 when the two coupling elements 141, 142 are plugged together. A particularly sturdy mechanical connection can thus be formed between the two coupling elements 141, 142.

In FIG. 3A, the hook 423 of the fixing element 223 of the second coupling element 142 can be seen, wherein the hook 423 is constructed so as to engage in the indentation 213 in the connecting piece 214 of the first coupling element 141 in order to fix the plug-in connection between the two coupling elements 141, 142 along the longitudinal axis.

Starting from the bearing surface 400 of the second coupling element 142, the recess region 224 of the second coupling element 142 preferably has a depth along the longitudinal axis which corresponds to the length of the connecting piece 214 (starting from the bearing surface 300 of the first coupling element 141). Furthermore, the recess region 224 preferably has a contact ring 421, on which the end face of the connecting piece 214 which faces the second coupling element 142 rests when the two coupling elements 141, 142 are interconnected (i.e. plugged together). Turbulence of the suction air flow inside the coupling system 140 can thus be reliably avoided.

As can be seen in particular in FIG. 4A, the second coupling element 142 has a guide groove 431 (generally a guide contour), which extends along the longitudinal axis on the inner wall of the recess region 224 into the recess region 224. The guide groove 431 begins on the end face of the protective wall 410 of a plug connector 221, 222 (i.e. of a second plug-in unit) of the second coupling element 142. This makes it possible to correctly orient the two coupling elements 141, 142 relative to one another at the very beginning of a plug-in process.

The guide groove 431 is preferably arranged in a plane with the dividing wall 412 between the two contact pins 411 of a plug connector 221, 222 (i.e. of a second plug-in unit). The dividing wall 412 can thus be used to stabilize the guide groove 431 in the region of the plug connector 221, 222 (i.e. of the second plug-in unit). A deformation of the guide groove 431 at the beginning of a plug-in process can thus be reliably avoided.

The guide groove 431 can have a threading region 432 on the input side (i.e. on the protective wall 410 of the plug connector 221, 222), in which the guide groove 431 is widened (along the vertical axis). The corresponding guide rib 331 (generally the corresponding guide contour) on the outer wall of the connecting piece 214 of the first coupling element 141 can thus be inserted into the guide groove 431 in a particularly reliable and convenient manner at the beginning of a plug-in process.

The second coupling element 142 preferably has a first guide groove 221 on the first plug connector 221 and a second guide groove 222 on the second plug connector 222. A guide groove 431 can thus be arranged in each case on the left and on the right side of the recess region 224. In a corresponding manner, the first coupling element 141 can have a first (left) guide rib 331 and a second (right) guide rib 331, which are each arranged on the outer wall of the connecting piece 214, and which each extend along the longitudinal axis away from the bearing surface 300. In a plug-in process, the two guide ribs 331 can be inserted along the longitudinal axis into the corresponding guide groove 431 in each case. The two coupling elements 141, 142 can thus be interconnected in a defined manner from the very beginning of the plug-in process.

As a result of the fact that the one or more guide grooves 431 begin right on the end face of the protective wall 410 of the one or more plug connectors 221, 222 (i.e. of the one or more second plug-in units) (and preferably extend as far as the contact ring 421 in the recess region 224 of the second coupling element 142), the length of the individual guide grooves 431 can be increased, which has a positive effect on the sturdiness and in particular on the rigidity of the mechanical connection between the two coupling elements 141, 142. In particular, wobbling movements about the transverse axis can thus be reliably impeded and in particular prevented.

It should be noted that a guide groove 431 and a guide rib 331 are examples of mechanically interacting guide contours.

FIG. 5A shows by way of example how, at the beginning of a plug-in process, a guide rib 331 of the first coupling element 141 is threaded into the guide groove 431 on the protective wall 410 of a plug connector 221, 222 of the second coupling element 142.

In FIGS. 5B to 5D, different states of a plug-in process are illustrated. In particular, in FIGS. 5B to 5D, it can be seen how the contact pins 422 are gradually moved along the longitudinal axis toward the corresponding studs 311, and eventually form an electrically conductive connection in each case.

The protective wall 410 of the one or more plug connectors 221, 222 is preferably formed in one piece with the bearing surface 400 and/or the housing of the second coupling element 142, wherein the recess region 224 for the connecting piece 214 of the first coupling element 141 is formed through the housing of the second coupling element 142.

The two guide grooves 431 and/or the two guide ribs 331 can be constructed with different geometries in order to provide mechanical coding by means of which a twisting of the plug-in connection, e.g. a twisting by 180° about the longitudinal axis, is reliably avoided. A guide rib 331 can thus be constructed as a coding rib.

Alternatively or additionally, the two plug connectors 221, 222 and sockets 211, 212 can be constructed with different geometries (in particular in relation to the protective wall 410 and the wall 313 respectively) in order to avoid twisting the plug-in connection.

The one or more guide ribs 331 can be set back with respect to the end face of the connecting piece 214 along the longitudinal axis. In this case, the one or more guide ribs 331 can be set back with respect to the end face of the connecting piece 214 along the longitudinal axis by a distance which corresponds (approximately) to the length of the protective wall 410 of the one or more plug connectors 221, 222. The end face of the connecting piece 214 can thus be arranged on the bearing surface 400 of the second coupling element 142 when the start of the guide rib 331 is arranged on the threading region 432 of the corresponding guide groove 431. The coupling elements 141, 142 can thus be plugged together in a particularly convenient and reliable manner.

A guide rib 331 and a corresponding guide groove 431 are preferably constructed so as to form a tongue-and-groove connection. In this case, the tongue-and-groove connection does not end at the stop surface 300, 400 of the coupling elements 141, 142, bur rather is extended (along the longitudinal axis) over the depth of the one or more plug connectors 221, 222. A particularly sturdy mechanical connection can thus be produced between the coupling elements 141, 142. In particular, the forces and torsional moments introduced into the connection between the connecting piece 214 and the receiving region 224 can be better absorbed by the extended tongue-and-groove connection.

By providing a plurality of sockets 211, 212 and plug connectors 221, 222, energy and data lines can be spatially separated from one another, as a result of which the resistance to interference is increased.

By providing mechanical coding, incorrect assembly of the coupling system 140 can be eliminated.

A pipe connection (i.e. a coupling system 140 for different suction-air-guiding components 110, 120, 130 of a suction device 100) is thus described. The second (optionally female) plug part 142 (i.e. the second coupling element) comprises a pipe-shaped receiving region 224 for a first (optionally male) plug part 141 (i.e. for the connecting piece 214 of the first coupling element 141). The front face of the receiving region 224 can have a stop and/or bearing surface 400 for the first plug part 141 (i.e. for the first coupling element 141).

The second plug part 142 (i.e. the second coupling element 142) comprises at least one electric contact (in particular at least one contact pin 422), wherein the electric contact is surrounded by a protective wall 410 which is annularly closed at least in some portions and is at a distance.

The second plug part 142 has a interlocking guide contour 431 (for a tongue-and-groove connection) in the pipe-shaped receiving region 224 for receiving a corresponding guide contour 331 on the first plug part 141, wherein the guide contour 431 is constructed so as to absorb forces and/or moments.

The protective wall 410 of the at least one electric contact can have at least one portion which protrudes relative to the stop and/or bearing surface 400 of the second plug part 142. This portion can represent an extension of the pipe-shaped receiving region 224. Furthermore, the contour 431 can extend as far as the portion which protrudes relative to the stop and/or bearing surface 400 of the second plug part 142.

The at least one electric contact (i.e. the contact pin 422) is preferably set back with respect to the front face (i.e. the end face) of the protective wall 410 in order to provide particularly reliable mechanical protection.

On the protective wall 410, (mechanical) coding can be arranged, which prevents incorrect plugging together of the two plug parts 141, 142 (i.e. of the two coupling elements), in particular a plugging together of the two plug parts 141, 142 which is twisted by 180° about the longitudinal axis. The reliability of the coupling system 140 can thus be further increased.

As already set out, the contour 431 can have an insertion bevel 432 in order to make plugging together as reliable and convenient as possible.

In particular in the case of a plurality of electric contacts (i.e. contact pins 422), the protective wall 410 preferably has a dividing wall 412, by means of which the mechanical sturdiness of the protective wall 410 and/or the contour 431 can be further increased.

The second plug part 142 (i.e. the second coupling element) preferably has two mutually opposite protective walls 410 on both sides, protruding in each case. The mechanical sturdiness of the coupling system 140 can thus be further increased.

The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown. In particular, it should be noted that the description and the drawings are intended to illustrate only the principle of the coupling system 140 and/or of the suction device 100.

The following is a summary list of reference numerals and the corresponding structure used in the above description of the invention:

• • 100 suction device (vacuum mop)
  • 110 suction unit
  • 111 electrical energy accumulator
  • 112 handle
  • 113 separation unit
  • 114 suction mouth
  • 120 accessory (suction pipe)
  • 130 accessory (nozzle)
  • 140 contact system
  • 141 first contact element
  • 142 second contact element
  • 211, 212 socket (first plug-in unit)
  • 213 indentation
  • 214 (pipe) connecting piece
  • 221,222 plug connector (second plug-in unit)
  • 223 fixing element
  • 224 (pipe-shaped) receiving region
  • 300 bearing surface
  • 310 depression (tank)
  • 311 stud
  • 312 contact surface
  • 313 wall (depression)
  • 314 bottom (depression)
  • 321 clamping element
  • 322 receiving portion (dividing wall)
  • 331 (guide) rib (guide contour)
  • 400 bearing surface
  • 410 protective wall
  • 412 dividing wall
  • 421 contact ring (connecting piece)
  • 422 contact pin
  • 423 hook
  • 431 (guide) groove (guide contour)
  • 432 threading region