COUPLING SYSTEM FOR A SUCTION APPARATUS, AND COMPONENT OF A SUCTION APPARATUS HAVING A COUPLING ELEMENT

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, of German Patent Application DE 10 2024 203 009.0, 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 apparatus, in particular a cordless and/or hand-guided vacuum cleaner, having a coupling system for connection of an accessory.

A suction apparatus, in particular a hand-held vacuum cleaner, typically contains a suction unit which can be carried and guided by hand by a user. The suction unit has a fan which is operated by electrical energy from an electrical energy store of the suction unit. The fan is configured to generate a suction air current in order to suck dirt through the suction nozzle of the suction unit into a collection container of the suction unit. The suction nozzle of the suction unit is typically configured as a coupling element, via which in each case an accessory consisting of a set of different accessories can be connected to the suction unit. Examples of accessories include a suction tube, a floor suction nozzle, a brush suction nozzle, a crevice suction nozzle, a wiper suction nozzle, etc.

U.S. patent publication 2020/0069131 A1 describes a vacuum cleaner having a suction tube. German utility model DE 20 2023 104 457 U1 describes an adapter for a vacuum cleaner. International patent disclosure WO 2011/132366 A1 describes a vacuum cleaner having a suction tube and an electrical connector.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present document is concerned with the technical object of providing a particularly stable, robust and convenient coupling system for a suction apparatus.

The object is achieved in each case by the subject matters of the individual independent claims. Advantageous forms of embodiment are in particular defined in the dependent claims, described in the following description, or illustrated in the appended drawing.

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 apparatus. The coupling system contains a first coupling element having a contact surface and a tubular connecting piece protruding along a longitudinal axis compared to the contact surface of the first coupling element and a second coupling element having a contact surface, a housing and a tubular receiving area for the tubular connecting piece of the first coupling element. The tubular receiving area, starts from the contact surface of the second coupling element, extends along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the second coupling element. The first coupling element further has at least one first plug-in unit disposed along a transverse axis next to the tubular connecting piece. The second coupling element further has at least one second plug-in unit disposed along the transverse axis next to the tubular receiving area. The at least one second plug-in unit is configured to form, with the at least one first plug-in unit of the first coupling element, an electrically conductive plug-in connection. The at least one second plug-in unit has a protective wall protruding along the longitudinal axis compared to the contact surface of the second coupling element. The tubular connecting piece of the first coupling element has a guide contour. The second coupling element has a guide contour complementary to the guide contour of the tubular connecting piece. The guide contour of the second coupling element begins at the protective wall of the second plug-in unit and extends along the longitudinal axis into the tubular receiving area. The guide contours of the first and second coupling elements are configured to interact, such that due to the guide contours any twisting of the first coupling element compared to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis is blocked.

In accordance with one aspect a coupling system for connecting different suction-air-guiding components of a suction apparatus (in particular of a hand-guided and/or cordless vacuum cleaner) are described. The coupling system contains a first coupling element and a second coupling element, which can be connected to one another in order to connect two components of the suction apparatus to one another. The first coupling element can be arranged on a first component and the second coupling element can be arranged on, in particular fastened to, a second component. By connecting, in particular by plugging together, the first and the second coupling elements the first and the second components can be connected to one another. Examples of components include a suction unit (having a fan and a separation unit, a suction tube, a floor nozzle, a wiper nozzle, etc.).

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

The second coupling element contains a (complementarily configured) tubular receiving area for the connecting piece of the first coupling element which, starting from the contact surface of the second coupling element, extends along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the second coupling element. The connecting piece can be plugged into the receiving area along the longitudinal axis, in order to connect the first and the second coupling element to one another. In this case the contact surfaces of both the coupling elements rest on one another if both the coupling elements are connected to one another. Suction air can then be conveyed through the receiving area and through the connecting piece. Using the connecting piece of the first coupling element and the receiving area of the second coupling element an extension of the tubular duct for the suction air current of the suction apparatus can thus be achieved.

The suction unit of the suction apparatus can have an electrical energy store for the provision of electrical energy for operation of the fan of the suction apparatus. Furthermore, a component coupled to the suction unit can comprise an electrically operated actuator (e.g. an electric motor), which is operated with electrical energy from the energy store. Alternatively or additionally, the coupled component can comprise a sensor for capturing sensor data. The coupling system can be configured to transmit electrical energy for operation of the actuator and/or of the sensor and/or data for control of the actuator and/or sensor data of the sensor.

The first coupling element contains at least one first plug-in unit, which is arranged along the transverse axis next to the connecting piece. The first plug-in unit can be configured as a jack.

The transverse axis of the coupling system is preferably arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The coupling system can further have a vertical axis which is arranged perpendicular 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 point of origin of the coordinate system can be arranged in a center point of the coupling system.

The second coupling element contains at least one second plug-in unit, which is arranged along the transverse axis next to the receiving area, and which is configured to form, with the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element, an electrically conductive plug-in connection. If the first and the second coupling element are moved toward one another along the longitudinal axis in order to plug the connecting piece into the receiving area, the plug-in connection between the first and the second plug-in unit can be achieved by the same movement. The second plug-in unit can be configured as a plug-in connector.

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

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

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

The guide contour of the second coupling element can thus start immediately 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 in parallel to) the longitudinal axis into the receiving area of the second coupling element. Thus a relatively long guide contour can be provided.

The guide contours can be configured to interact such that any twisting of the first coupling element compared to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis (as the axis of rotation) is blocked by the guide contours. Alternatively or additionally, by the interaction of the guide contours it is possible to guide the plugging together of both the coupling elements along the longitudinal axis.

Thus a coupling system is described which has guide contours which have a particularly great length along the longitudinal axis. In this way a relative movement of the coupled-together coupling elements of the coupling system can be reliably prevented. Furthermore, in this way a particularly reliable transmission of forces and/or (bending) torques via the coupling system can be achieved.

The guide contours can each have a border area which during a plug-in procedure faces the border area of the other guide contour in each case along the longitudinal axis (for plugging both the coupling elements together). The border areas can each correspond to a start of the respective guide contour. The border area 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) transversely to the longitudinal axis and/or transversely to the transverse axis and/or along the vertical axis, by which the threading of the guide contours along the longitudinal axis is supported during the plug-in procedure. The width can for example be changed by 10% or more, in particular by 20% or more, compared to the width outside the border area. The change in the width can be achieved smoothly along the longitudinal axis. In this way both the coupling elements can be plugged together particularly conveniently and reliably.

The guide contours of the first coupling element and of 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, along the second plug-in unit (and in parallel thereto) of the longitudinal axis into the receiving area. In particular, the guide contour of the first coupling element can comprise a guide rib which is arranged on the external wall of the connecting piece, and which extends along (and in parallel to) the longitudinal axis. On the other hand, 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 internal wall of the receiving area, and which extends along (and in parallel to) the longitudinal axis. In an alternative example the guide contour of the first coupling element is configured as a guide groove and the guide contour of the second coupling element as a guide rib.

By providing a tongue-and-groove connection a particularly reliable and robust connection of both the coupling elements can be achieved.

The first plug-in unit of the first coupling element can, starting from the contact surface of the first coupling element, extend 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 recess having a wall which, starting from the contact surface of the first coupling element, extends along the longitudinal axis and which touches the protective wall of the second plug-in unit if the electrically conductive plug-in connection between the first and the second plug-in unit exists.

The first plug-in unit can in particular be configured as a recessed basin which, starting from the contact surface of the first coupling element, is recessed into the housing of the first coupling element. The protective wall of the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element can rest on the wall of the first plug-in unit surrounding the basin if the electrically conductive plug-in connection exists.

The guide contour of the first coupling element extends along the longitudinal axis preferably into the recess, in particular by at least 2 mm into the recess. In this way the length of the guide contour along the longitudinal axis can be further increased, as a result of which the robustness and stability of the connection between the coupling units are further increased.

The first plug-in unit of the first coupling unit can have two contact bolts, which are arranged along the vertical axis behind or above one another. In a corresponding manner the second plug-in unit of the second coupling unit can have two contact pins for contacting the two contact bolts of the first plug-in unit, which are arranged along the vertical axis behind or above one another. In this way a particularly reliable transmission of electrical energy and/or of data can be achieved.

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

Thanks to the partition wall and thanks to the protective wall both the contact pins can thus each be encased individually.

The guide contour of the second coupling element and the partition wall can be arranged at the same height in respect of the vertical axis. In this case the partition wall can act as a mechanical support for a section of the guide contour. In this way a particularly stable guide contour of the second coupling element can be provided.

The first plug-in unit of the first coupling element can have one or more clamping elements on the floor of the recess (in particular of the basin), which are configured to clamp the partition wall (e.g. between two clamping elements) if the electrically conductive plug-in connection between the first plug-in unit and the second plug-in unit exists. By clamping the partition wall the stability of the connection between both the coupling elements can be further improved.

The connecting piece has an end face facing the receiving area of the second coupling element. The end face of the connecting piece is preferably configured to be oblique in respect of the longitudinal axis, so that at different points the end face of the connecting piece is at different distances from the contact surface of the first coupling element. The end face of the connecting piece can for example be arranged in a plane which runs in parallel to the transverse axis but which is inclined about the transverse axis, resulting in an oblique suction nozzle which is typically advantageous for operation of the suction apparatus.

The guide contour of the first coupling element preferably does not extend as far as the end face of the connecting piece, but ends at a particular distance along the longitudinal axis in front of the end face of the connecting piece. In this way a particularly convenient and reliable plugging together of both the coupling elements can be achieved.

The guide contour of the first coupling element can in particular be at a distance from the end face of the connecting piece, such that substantially simultaneously during a plug-in procedure (for plugging both the coupling elements together):

• • the end face of the connecting piece begins to dip into the receiving area of the second coupling element; and
  • the guide contours of the first coupling element and of the second coupling element begin to interact mechanically, in particular in order to block any twisting of the first coupling element compared to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis.

Alternatively or additionally, the protective wall of the second plug-in unit can, starting from the contact surface of the second coupling element, have a particular length. The particular distance of the guide contour of the first coupling element from the end face of the connecting piece, in particular from the point of the end face of the connecting piece which is furthest away from the contact surface of the first coupling element, and the particular length of the protective wall of the second plug-in unit (starting from the contact surface of the second coupling element) preferably deviate from one another by a maximum of 20%, in particular by a maximum of 10%.

Thanks to a guide contour configured in this way and thanks to a connecting piece configured in this way it is possible to plug both the coupling elements together particularly reliably and conveniently.

As already explained, 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 for example protrude by a first length compared to the contact surface of the second coupling element, and the protective wall of the second plug-in unit can protrude by a second length compared to the contact surface of the second coupling element. The second length can be greater than the first length. The second length can in particular be greater by 2 mm or more than the first length. In this way a particularly robust coupling system can be provided.

The first coupling unit can in each case have a first plug-in unit along the transverse axis on both sides of the connecting piece. In a corresponding manner, the second coupling unit along the transverse axis on both sides of the receiving area can in each case have a second plug-in unit. Both the first plug-in units and both the second plug-in units can each in pairs form an electrically conductive plug-in connection. One of the two electrically conductive plug-in connections can be configured for the transmission of electrical energy for operation of an actuator (e.g. of an electric motor) and/or of a sensor. The other electrically conductive plug-in connection can be configured for the transmission of data, in particular for the transmission of control data for controlling the actuator and/or for transmitting sensor data. In this way a coupling system for a suction apparatus having an enhanced functionality can be provided. Furthermore, thanks to the spatial separation of data transmission and energy transmission (on opposing sides of the connecting piece or of the receiving area) it is possible to achieve fault-free operation of the suction apparatus.

Both the electrically conductive plug-in connections can be configured and/or encoded mechanically differently, such that incorrect plugging together, in particular rotated by 180°, of the first coupling element and of the second coupling element is prevented. For example, on the protective wall of (exactly) one of the two second plug-in units, a web can be arranged which is pushed into a corresponding groove in the wall of the recess 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 web, and the other first plug-in unit does not have this groove. In this way, a particularly convenient and reliable coupling system can be provided.

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

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

The guide contours can in each case be configured to interact in pairs, such that thanks to the guide contours any twisting of the first coupling element compared to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis is blocked.

By providing pairs of guide contours on both (opposing) sides of the connecting piece or of the receiving area a particularly robust and stable connection between the coupling elements can be achieved.

In accordance with a further aspect a first coupling element for the coupling system described in this document is described. In particular, a first coupling element is described which contains a tubular connecting piece which protrudes along the longitudinal axis compared to the contact surface of the first coupling element, and which is configured to be plugged into a tubular receiving area of the second coupling element of the coupling system, wherein the receiving area, starting from the contact surface of the second coupling element, extends along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the second coupling element.

The first coupling element can comprise at least one first plug-in unit which is arranged along the transverse axis next to the connecting piece, and which is configured to form, with the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element, an electrically conductive plug-in connection, wherein the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element is arranged along the transverse axis next to the receiving area, and wherein the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element has a protective wall which protrudes along the longitudinal axis compared to the contact surface of the second coupling element.

The connecting piece of the first coupling element has a guide contour which is arranged on the external wall of the connecting piece, and which faces the first plug-in unit. The guide contour of the first coupling element can be configured so that it interacts with the complementary guide contour of the second coupling element, such that thanks to the guide contours any twisting of the first coupling element compared to the second coupling element about (around) the longitudinal axis is blocked. In this case 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 area.

In accordance with a further aspect a second coupling element for the coupling system described in this document is described. In particular, a second coupling element is described which contains a tubular receiving area for the connecting piece of the first coupling element of the coupling system. The receiving area extends, starting from the contact 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 compared to the contact surface of the first coupling element.

The second coupling element can comprise a second plug-in unit which is arranged along the transverse axis next to the receiving area, and which is configured to form, with the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element, an electrically conductive plug-in connection, and which has a protective wall which protrudes along the longitudinal axis compared to the contact surface of the second coupling element. The first plug-in unit of the first coupling element can be arranged along the transverse axis next to the connecting piece.

The second coupling element has a guide contour which is configured 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 area. The guide contour of the second coupling element can be configured to interact with the guide contour of the first coupling element, such that thanks to the guide contours any twisting of the first coupling element compared to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis is blocked.

In accordance with a further aspect a further coupling system for connection of different suction-air-guiding components of a suction apparatus are described. It may be noted that the features described in this document (in particular the features described above) of a coupling system can also be used individually or in combination for this coupling system.

As already explained, the coupling system contains a first coupling element having a tubular connecting piece which protrudes along the longitudinal axis compared to the contact surface of the first coupling element. Furthermore, the coupling system contains a second coupling element having a tubular receiving area for the connecting piece of the first coupling element which, starting from the contact surface of the second coupling element, extends along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the second coupling element.

The first coupling element contains at least one first plug-in unit which is arranged along the transverse axis next to the connecting piece, and the second coupling element contains at least one second plug-in unit which is arranged along the transverse axis next to the receiving area, and which is configured to form, with the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element, an electrically conductive plug-in connection. The first coupling unit preferably in each case contains, along the transverse axis on both sides of the connecting piece, a first plug-in unit, and the second coupling unit preferably in each case contains, along the transverse axis on both sides of the receiving area, a second plug-in unit.

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

As already explained, the guide contours are preferably configured to interact, such that thanks to the guide contours any twisting of the first coupling element compared to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis is blocked.

Thus a coupling system is 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. Thanks to such an arrangement a particularly compact and stable coupling system for a suction apparatus 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 of the second coupling element preferably intersect this horizontal plane. The guide contours of the first coupling element and of the second coupling element can in particular in each case run along the longitudinal axis and can be arranged substantially within the horizontal plane.

The plug-in units and the guide contours can thus be aligned (in particular symmetrically) in respect of a common horizontal plane. In this way the compactness and stability of the coupling system can 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 configured mirror-symmetrically in respect of the horizontal plane. Furthermore, the guide contours of the first coupling element and of the second coupling element are preferably each configured mirror-symmetrically in respect of 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 configured mirror-symmetrically in respect of 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 area can intersect the horizontal plane and can each be configured mirror-symmetrically in respect of the horizontal plane.

Thanks to such a mirror-symmetrical structure a particularly compact and stable coupling system for a suction apparatus can be provided.

As already explained a first plug-in unit can in each case have two contact bolts which are aligned one behind the other along the vertical axis, wherein the vertical axis preferably stands perpendicular on the horizontal plane. In a corresponding manner a second plug-in unit can in each case have two contact pins for contacting the two contact bolts of the first plug-in unit, which are aligned one behind the other along the vertical axis.

A contact bolt 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 respective other contact bolt of the first plug-in unit and the corresponding contact pin of the second plug-in unit can be arranged on the opposing second side, in particular on the underside, of the horizontal plane. The horizontal plane can thus run between the contact pins or contact bolts of the plug-in units, in order to provide a particularly compact and stable coupling system for a suction apparatus.

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 particular overall height along the vertical axis. The guide contours of the first coupling element and of the second coupling element are preferably arranged in respect of the vertical axis centrally along the transverse axis next to the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element or next to the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element, in particular such that in each case the same proportion of the overall height of the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element or of the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element is arranged in respect of the vertical axis above and below the guide contours of the first coupling element and of the second coupling element. As already explained, thanks to such a symmetrical structure the compactness and stability of the coupling system can be further increased.

As already explained, the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element can have a protective wall which protrudes along the longitudinal axis compared to the contact 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 along the vertical axis centrally on the protective wall.

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

In accordance with a further aspect a further first coupling element for a coupling system is described. The features described in this document of a first coupling element can each also be used individually or in combination for this first coupling element.

The first coupling element contains a tubular connecting piece which protrudes along the longitudinal axis compared to the contact surface of the first coupling element, and which is configured to be plugged into the tubular receiving area of the second coupling element of the coupling system which, starting from the contact surface of the second coupling element, extends along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the second coupling element.

The first coupling element contains at least one first plug-in unit which is arranged along the transverse axis next to the connecting piece, and which is configured to form, with the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element, an electrically conductive plug-in connection, wherein the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element is arranged along the transverse axis next to the receiving area.

The connecting piece of the first coupling element has a guide contour which is arranged on the external wall of the connecting piece, and which faces the first plug-in unit. The guide contour of the first coupling element is configured to interact with the complementary guide contour of the second coupling element, such that thanks to the guide contours any twisting of the first coupling element compared to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis is blocked.

In accordance with a further aspect a second coupling element for a coupling system is described. The features described in this document of a second coupling element can each also be used individually or in combination for this second coupling element.

The second coupling element contains a tubular receiving area for a connecting piece of the first coupling element of the coupling system which, starting from the contact surface of the second coupling element, extends 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 compared to a contact surface of the first coupling element.

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

Furthermore, the second coupling element has a guide contour which is configured 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 configured to interact with the guide contour of the first coupling element, such that thanks to the guide contours any twisting of the first coupling element compared to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis is blocked.

In accordance with a further aspect a further coupling system for connection of different suction-air-guiding components of a suction apparatus is described. It may be noted that the features described in this document (in particular the features described above) of a coupling system can each also be used individually or in combination for this coupling system.

As already explained, the coupling system contains a first coupling element having a tubular connecting piece which protrudes along the longitudinal axis compared to the contact surface of the first coupling element, and a second coupling element having a tubular receiving area for the connecting piece of the first coupling element which, starting from the contact surface of the second coupling element, extends along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the second coupling element.

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

The second coupling element contains at least one second plug-in unit which is arranged along the transverse axis next to the receiving area, and which is configured to form, with the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element, an electrically conductive plug-in connection.

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

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 recess. The guide contour on the connecting piece of the first coupling element can extend along the longitudinal axis, starting from the contact surface of the first coupling element, by 1 mm or more, in particular by 2 mm or more, into the recess 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 an overall 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 contact surface of the first coupling element, by 1% or more, in particular by 2% or more, of the overall length into the recess of the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element.

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

The connecting piece of the first coupling element preferably in each case has a guide contour along the transverse axis on both sides of the connecting piece, wherein the guide contours on the connecting piece of the first coupling element each extend along the longitudinal axis into the recess of the respective first plug-in unit of the first coupling element. The second coupling element can in each case have a guide contour complementary thereto along the transverse axis on both sides of the receiving area.

The guide contours are preferably configured to interact, such that thanks to the guide contours any twisting of the first coupling element compared to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis is blocked.

Thus a coupling system is described which contains a first coupling element having a first plug-in unit which has a recess, wherein the recess can be used to provide a plug-in connection to the corresponding second plug-in unit of the second coupling element, and wherein the recess is further used to provide a particularly long guide contour, in particular a particularly long guide rib. In this way, a particularly stable and compact coupling system can be provided.

As already explained, the guide contour of the first coupling element can comprise a guide rib which is arranged on the external wall of the connecting piece, and which extends along the longitudinal axis into the recess of the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element. The guide contour of the second coupling element can comprise a guide groove complementary thereto which 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 compared to the contact surface of the second coupling element (and which can preferably be plugged into the recess of the first plug-in unit). The guide contour, in particular the guide groove, of the second coupling element can, beginning at the protective wall of the second plug-in unit, extend along the longitudinal axis into the receiving area. In this way the region in which the guide contours along the longitudinal axis interact can be further extended, in order further to increase the stability and 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 each intersect the horizontal plane spanned by the transverse axis and by the longitudinal axis (and can be mirror-symmetrical to the horizontal plane). Furthermore, the guide contours of the first coupling element and of the second coupling element can each intersect the horizontal plane (and can be mirror-symmetrical thereto). In this way the stability and compactness of the coupling system can be further improved.

In accordance with a further aspect a first coupling element for a coupling system is described. The features described in this document of a first coupling element can each also be used individually or in combination for this first coupling element.

The first coupling element contains a tubular connecting piece which protrudes along the longitudinal axis compared to the contact surface of the first coupling element, and which is configured to be plugged into a tubular receiving area of the second coupling element of the coupling system which, starting from the contact surface of the second coupling element, extends along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the second coupling element.

The first coupling element contains at least one first plug-in unit which is arranged along the transverse axis next to the connecting piece, and which is configured to form, with the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element, an electrically conductive plug-in connection, wherein the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element is arranged along the transverse axis next to the receiving area. The first plug-in unit has a recess having a wall which, starting from the contact surface of the first coupling element, extends 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 external 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 recess of the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element.

In accordance with a further aspect a second coupling element for a coupling system is described. The features described in this document of a second coupling element can each also be used individually or in combination for this second coupling element.

The second coupling element contains a tubular receiving area for the connecting piece of the first coupling element of the coupling system which, starting from the contact surface of the second coupling element, extends 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 compared to the contact surface of the first coupling element.

The second coupling element contains a second plug-in unit which is arranged along the transverse axis next to the receiving area, and which is configured to form, with the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element, an electrically conductive plug-in connection. The first plug-in unit of the first coupling element is arranged along the transverse axis next to the connecting piece, and the first plug-in unit has a recess having a wall which, starting from the contact surface of the first coupling element, extends along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the first coupling element.

The second coupling element has a guide contour which is configured 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 recess of the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element.

In accordance with a further aspect a suction-air-guiding component (e.g. a suction unit, a suction tube and/or a nozzle) for a suction apparatus is described, wherein the component contains a first coupling element and/or a second coupling element.

In accordance with a further aspect a suction apparatus, in particular a hand-guided vacuum cleaner, is described, which contains 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 apparatus described in this document can be combined with one another in a variety of ways. In particular, the features of the claims can be combined with one another in a variety of 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 apparatus, and a component of a suction apparatus having a coupling element, 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 a suction apparatus having a suction unit, a suction tube and a nozzle;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a coupling system for the suction apparatus;

FIGS. 2A to 2B are a top view and a perspective view of the coupling system for the suction apparatus;

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

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

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As explained in the introduction, the present document is concerned with achieving a stable, reliable and convenient mechanical and electrical connection between different components of a suction apparatus. In this connection, FIG. 1A shows an exemplary (hand-held) vacuum cleaner 100 (as an example of a suction apparatus) which contains a suction unit 110 having an electrical energy store 111. The suction unit 110 has a (hand) grip 112 which can be gripped by a user by hand in order to hold the suction unit 110. Thanks to the fan of the suction unit 110 a suction air current is caused by the suction nozzle 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 autonomously as a suction apparatus.

An accessory 120, 130 can be connected to the suction unit 110 via a coupling system 140. In the example shown the suction unit 110 is connected via a coupling system 140 to a suction tube 120, which is turn is connected via the 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 apparatus 100, and a second coupling element 142 which is arranged on a second component of the suction apparatus 100. In respect of the direction of flow of the suction air current the first coupling element 141 follows the second coupling element 142. The suction air current thus first of all 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 configured to be complementary, such that both the 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 shown in FIG. 2A) which runs in parallel to the direction of flow of the suction air current. Furthermore, the coupling system 140 has a transverse axis (i.e. the y-axis shown in FIG. 2A) which runs between the left side and the right side of the coupling system 140. In addition, the coupling system 140 contains a vertical axis (i.e. the z-axis shown in FIG. 2a) which runs between the underside and the upper side of the coupling system 140. It may be noted that the terms “left”, “right”, “bottom” and “top” refer to the respective axis, and that when using the terms it is assumed that the coupling system 140 is aligned such that the transverse axis runs horizontally, that the vertical axis runs vertically, and/or that the direction of flow runs away from the observer.

The first coupling element 141 contains a connecting piece 214 which is configured as a male plug-in part of a pipe connection. The second coupling element 142 contains a complementarily configured receiving area 224 as a female plug-in part of the pipe connection. A notch 213 can be arranged on the upper side of the external wall of the connecting piece 214, into which the hook of a fixing element 223 of the second coupling element 142 can engage, in order to form a snap-on connection between both the plug-in parts, i.e. the connecting piece 214 of the first coupling element 141 and the receiving area 224 of the second coupling element 142. In this way a relative movement of the first coupling element 141 and of the second coupling element 142 along the longitudinal axis can be prevented.

The first coupling element 141 further has a jack 211 which is configured to form, with a plug-in connector 221 of the second coupling element 142, an electrically conductive plug-in connection. Furthermore, the first coupling element 141 in the example shown has a further jack 212 which is configured to form, with a further plug-in connector 222 of the second coupling element 142, an electrically conductive plug-in connection. The coupling system 140 can thus be configured to provide two electrically conductive plug-in connections. In this case a plug-in connection for the transmission of electrical energy for operation of one or more electrical actuators, in particular motors, can be configured and/or used. The other plug-in connection can be configured and/or used for the transmission of data for the control of the one or more actuators. The first electrically conductive plug-in connection (with the jack 211 and the plug-in connector 221) is arranged on the right next to the pipe connection (with the connecting piece 214 and the cut-out area 224). The second electrically conductive plug-in connection (with the jack 212 and the plug-in connector 222) is arranged on the left next to the pipe connection (with the connecting piece 214 and the cut-out area 224).

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

FIGS. 3A to 3E show further details of the first coupling element 141, and FIGS. 4A to 4D show further details of the second coupling element 142. The first coupling element 141 has a planar contact surface 300, which is aligned perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, and which preferably runs within the plane spanned by the transverse axis and the vertical axis. In the coupled state of the coupling system 140 the contact surface 300 rests on a corresponding contact surface 400 of the second coupling element 142, as a result of which any wobbling movement (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and/or about the transverse axis) is prevented.

The one or more jacks 211, 212 (i.e. the one or more first plug-in units) of the first coupling element 141 each have a recess 310 starting from the contact surface 300 which is bordered by a wall 313. The recess 310 forms a basin which is bounded by the wall 313. Starting from the floor 314 of the recess 310 one or more, in particular two, barrel-shaped contact bolts 311 extend, into each of which a complementarily configured contact pin 422 of a plug-in connector 221, 222 (i.e. of a second plug-in unit) of the second contact element 142 can be plugged, in order in each case to provide an electrically conductive connection. For this purpose, the individual contact bolts 311 each have an electrically conductive (barrel-shaped) contact area 312.

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

The recess 310 of the jack 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-in connectors 221, 222 (i.e. the one or more second plug-in units) are configured in a complementary manner to the corresponding one or more jacks 211, 212 (i.e. the one or more first plug-in units). A plug-in connector 221, 222 (i.e. a second plug-in unit) has a protective wall 410 which extends along the longitudinal axis away from the contact surface 400 of the second coupling element 142. The protective wall 410 preferably has a length along the longitudinal axis which is configured such that the end face of the protective wall 410 facing the first coupling element 141 touches the floor 314 of the corresponding jack 211, 212 (i.e. of the corresponding first plug-in unit) (at least almost) if the contact surfaces 300, 400 of both the coupling elements 141, 142 touch.

A plug-in connector 211, 212 (i.e. a second plug-in unit) furthermore has in each case one or more electrically conductive contact pins 422 which each extend away from the contact surface 400 of the second coupling element 142 along the longitudinal axis within the free space surrounded by the protective wall 410. In the example shown, a plug-in connector 211, 212 (i.e. a second plug-in unit) has two contact pins 422 in each case, which are arranged one behind or 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. In this way the individual contact pins 422 can be reliably protected against mechanical influences.

A partition wall 412 runs between both the contact pins 422 and is preferably arranged perpendicularly to the vertical axis and/or within the plane spanned by the longitudinal axis and by the transverse axis. Thanks to the partition wall 412 the protective wall 410 surrounding the contact pins 422 can be mechanically protected and thus stabilized.

A jack 211, 212 (i.e. a first plug-in unit) preferably has two clamping elements 321 on the floor 314 of the recess 310, which in each case extend in parallel to the transverse axis, and which are arranged between both the contact bolts 311 of the jack 211, 212. A receptacle 322 for receiving the end face of the partition wall 412 is formed between both the clamping elements 321. The partition wall 412 is thus clamped between both the clamping elements 321 if both the coupling elements 141, 142 are plugged together. In this way a particularly stable mechanical connection between both the coupling elements 141, 142 can be formed.

FIG. 4A shows the hook 423 of the fixing element 223 of the second coupling element 142, wherein the hook 423 is configured to engage into the notch 213 on the connecting piece 214 of the first coupling element 141, in order to fix the plug-in connection along the longitudinal axis between both the coupling elements 141, 142.

The cut-out area 224 of the second coupling element 142 preferably has, starting from the contact surface 400 of the second coupling element 142, a depth along the longitudinal axis which corresponds to the length of the connecting piece 214 (starting from the contact surface 300 of the first coupling element 141). Furthermore, the cut-out area 224 preferably has a stop ring 421, on which the end face of the connecting piece 214 facing the second coupling element 142 rests if both the coupling elements 141, 142 are connected to one another (i.e. plugged together). In this way turbulence of the suction air current within the coupling system 140 can be reliably prevented.

As is apparent in particular from FIG. 4a, the second coupling element 142 has a guide groove 431 (generally a guide contour) which extends along the longitudinal axis on the internal wall of the cut-out area 224 into the cut-out area 224. The guide groove 431 begins at the end face of the protective wall 410 of a plug-in connector 221, 222 (i.e. of a second plug-in unit) of the second coupling element 142. This makes it possible to align both the coupling elements 141, 142 correctly with one another immediately at the start of a plug-in procedure.

The guide groove 431 is preferably arranged in a plane with the partition wall 412 between both the contact pins 411 of a plug-in connector 221, 222 (i.e. of a second plug-in unit). The partition wall 412 can thus be used to stabilize the guide groove 431 in the region of the plug-in connector 221, 222 (i.e. of the second plug-in unit). In this way a deformation of the guide groove 431 at the beginning of a plug-in procedure can be reliably prevented.

The guide groove 431 can have a thread area 432 on the inlet side (i.e. on the protective wall 410 of the plug-in connector 221, 222), in which the guide groove 431 (along the vertical axis) is widened. In this way the corresponding guide rib 331 (generally the corresponding guide contour) on the external wall of the connecting piece 214 of the first coupling element 141 can be introduced into the guide groove 431 in a particularly reliable and convenient manner at the start of a plug-in procedure.

The second coupling element 142 preferably has a first guide groove 221 on the first plug-in connector 221 and a second guide groove 222 on the second plug-in connector 222. A guide groove 431 can thus be arranged on the left and on the right side of the cut-out area 224 in each case. 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 external wall of the connecting piece 214, and which each extend along the longitudinal axis away from the contact surface 300. Each of the two guide ribs 331 can be pushed along the longitudinal axis into the corresponding guide groove 431 during a plug-in procedure. In this way both the coupling elements 141, 142 can be connected to one another directly in a defined manner as from the beginning of the plug-in procedure.

Because the one or more guide grooves 431 already begin at the end face of the protective wall 410 of the one or more plug-in connectors 221, 222 (i.e. of the one or more second plug-in units) (and preferably extend as far as the stop ring 421 in the cut-out area 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 stability and in particular on the rigidity of the mechanical connection between both the coupling elements 141, 142. In particular, wobbling movements about the transverse axis can be reliably impeded and in particular prevented in this way.

It may 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 procedure 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-in connector 221, 222 of the second coupling element 142.

FIGS. 5b to 5d show different states of a plug-in procedure. In particular, it is apparent from FIGS. 5B to 5D how the contact pins 422 are moved little by little along the longitudinal axis onto the corresponding contact bolts 311, and finally in each case form an electrically conductive connection.

The protective wall 410 of the one or more plug-in connectors 221, 222 is preferably configured as integral with the contact surface 400 and/or the housing of the second coupling element 142, wherein the cut-out area 224 for the connecting piece 214 of the first coupling element 141 is formed by the housing of the second coupling element 142.

Both the guide grooves 431 and/or both the guide ribs 331 can be configured geometrically differently in order to provide a mechanical coding by which any twisting of the plug-in connection, e.g. any twisting by 180° about the longitudinal axis, is reliably prevented. A guide rib 331 can thus be configured as a coding rib.

Alternatively or additionally, both the plug-in connectors 221, 222 or jacks 211, 212 can be configured geometrically differently (in particular in respect of the protective wall 410 or the wall 313), in order to prevent any twisting of the plug-in connection.

The one or more guide ribs 331 can be set back along the longitudinal axis compared to the end face of the connecting piece 214. The one or more guide ribs 331 can in this case be set back along the longitudinal axis by a distance compared to the end face of the connecting piece 214, which corresponds (approximately) to the length of the protective wall 410 of the one or more plug-in connectors 221, 222. In this way it can be ensured that the end face of the connecting piece 214 is arranged on the contact surface 400 of the second coupling element 142 if the start of the guide rib 331 is arranged on the thread area 432 of the corresponding guide groove 431. In this way a particularly convenient and reliable plugging together of the coupling elements 141, 142 can be achieved.

A guide rib 331 and a corresponding guide groove 431 are preferably configured to form a tongue-and-groove connection. In this case the tongue-and-groove connection does not end at the locating surface 300, 400 of the coupling elements 141, 142, but is extended (along the longitudinal axis) over the depth of the one or more plug-in connectors 221, 222. In this way a particularly stable mechanical connection between the coupling elements 141, 142 can be achieved. In particular, forces and torques introduced into the connection between the connecting piece 214 and the receiving area 224 can be better absorbed by the extended tongue-and-groove connection.

By providing multiple jacks 211, 212 or plug-in connectors 221, 222, power and data lines can be spatially separated from one another, as a result of which the immunity to interference is increased.

By providing a mechanical coding it is possible to prevent the coupling system 140 from being incorrectly plugged together.

Thus a pipe connection (i.e. a coupling system 140 for different suction-air-guiding components 110, 120, 130 of a suction apparatus 100) is described. The second (where appropriate female) plug-in part 142 (i.e. the second coupling element) contains a tubular receiving area 224 for a first (where appropriate male) plug-in part 141 (i.e. for the connecting piece 214 of the first coupling element 141). The front side of the receiving area 224 can have a locating surface and/or contact surface 400 for the first plug-in part 141 (i.e. for the first coupling element 141).

The second plug-in part 142 (i.e. the second coupling element 142) contains at least one electrical contact (in particular at least one contact pin 422), wherein the electrical contact is surrounded by an at least partially annularly closed, spaced-apart protective wall 410.

The second plug-in part 142 has a form-fit guide contour 431 (for a tongue-and-groove connection) in the tubular receiving area 224 for the receipt of a corresponding guide contour 331 on the first plug-in part 141, wherein the guide contour 431 is configured to absorb forces and/or torques.

The protective wall 410 of the at least one electrical contact can have at least one section which protrudes compared to the locating surface and/or contact surface 400 of the second plug-in part 142. This section can represent an extension of the tubular receiving area 224. Furthermore, the contour 431 can extend as far as the section which protrudes compared to the locating surface and/or contact surface 400 of the second plug-in part 142.

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

A (mechanical) coding can be arranged on the protective wall 410, and prevents the two plug-in parts 141, 142 (i.e. the two coupling elements) from being plugged together incorrectly, in particular prevents the two plug-in parts 141, 142 from being plugged together rotated by 180° about the longitudinal axis. In this way the reliability of the coupling system 140 can be further increased.

As already explained, the contour 431 can have an insertion chamfer 432, to enable plugging together to be as reliable and convenient as possible.

In particular where there are multiple electrical contacts (i.e. contact pins 422) the protective wall 410 preferably has a partition wall 412, by which the mechanical stability of the protective wall 410 and/or of the contour 431 can be further increased.

The second plug-in part 142 (i.e. the second coupling element) preferably has two protective walls 410, each protruding, on opposing sides. In this way the mechanical stability of the coupling system 140 can be further increased.

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

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

• • 100 Suction apparatus (suction wiper)
  • 110 Suction unit
  • 111 Electrical energy store
  • 112 Grip
  • 113 Separation unit
  • 114 Suction nozzle
  • 120 Accessory (suction tube)
  • 130 Accessory (nozzle)
  • 140 Contact system
  • 141 First contact element
  • 142 Second contact element
  • 211, 212 Jack (first plug-in unit)
  • 213 Notch
  • 214 (Tubular) connecting piece
  • 221, 222 Plug-in connector (second plug-in unit)
  • 223 Fixing element
  • 224 (Tubular) receiving area
  • 300 Contact surface
  • 310 Recess (basin)
  • 311 Contact bolt
  • 312 Contact area
  • 313 Wall (recess)
  • 314 Floor (recess)
  • 321 Clamping element
  • 322 Receptacle (partition wall)
  • 331 (Guide) rib (guide contour)
  • 400 Contact surface
  • 410 Protective wall
  • 412 Partition wall
  • 421 Stop ring (connecting piece)
  • 422 Contact pin
  • 423 Hook
  • 431 (Guide) groove (guide contour)
  • 432 Thread area