CN106859503B

CN106859503B - Operating mechanism

Info

Publication number: CN106859503B
Application number: CN201610897017.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M.科德斯; S.科德斯
Original assignee: Fischer Rohrtechnik GmbH
Current assignee: Fischer Rohrtechnik GmbH
Priority date: 2015-10-16
Filing date: 2016-10-14
Publication date: 2020-03-10
Anticipated expiration: 2036-10-14
Also published as: EP3260030B1; EP3155948A3; HUE040465T2; SI3260030T1; EP3155948A2; DE102015117710A1; DE102015117710B4; CN106859503A; EP3155948B1; EP3260030A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuating mechanism with a clamping element, a base plate with a latching recess, and a latching element which is held displaceably on the latching recess of the base plate, wherein the clamping element is held displaceably parallel to the base plate such that the clamping element can be moved from a locked position, in which the clamping element moves the latching element via the latching recess of the base plate in the direction of the inner tube such that the latching element is in engagement with the latching recess, into an unlocked position, in which the clamping element releases the movement of the latching element away from the inner tube such that the movement of the inner tube relative to the outer tube is released by the latching element. The actuating mechanism, in which the risk of jamming is minimized and low-noise movement in the event of actuation is possible, is achieved in that the latching element is held by a spring element arranged at the base plate, wherein in the unlocking position of the clamping element the latching element is moved away from the inner tube by the spring element by the spring force such that the latching element does not come into engagement with the latching recess of the inner tube.

Description

Operating mechanism

Technical Field

The invention relates to an actuating mechanism for locking and unlocking a snap-lock connection in the case of a retractable vacuum cleaner suction pipe having an inner pipe with a plurality of snap-lock recesses and having an outer pipe surrounding the inner pipe. The actuating mechanism comprises a base plate having at least one latching recess, with at least one latching element which is held displaceably on the latching recess of the base plate. Furthermore, a clamping element is provided, wherein the clamping element is held in a parallel displaceable manner relative to the base plate, so that the clamping element can be displaced from a locking position into at least one unlocking position. In the locked position, the clamping element moves the latching element at least partially through the groove of the base plate in the direction of the inner tube, so that the latching element is in engagement with at least one of the latching recesses of the inner tube. In the unlocking position, the clamping element releases the movement of the latching element away from the inner tube, so that the movement of the inner tube relative to the outer tube is released by the at least one latching element.

Background

Actuating devices for locking and unlocking a vacuum cleaner suction tube, and in particular also retractable vacuum cleaner suction tubes, are known from the prior art in a variety of embodiments. The suction pipe of a vacuum cleaner usually comprises at least two pipes which can be moved relative to each other, whereby the length of the suction pipe of the vacuum cleaner can be adjusted. In this case, there are often at least one inner tube and at least one outer tube, the inner tube being pushed into the outer tube. The outer contour of the inner tube substantially corresponds to the inner contour of the outer tube. The inner tube has a latching recess on its surface, which cooperates with an actuating means held on the outer tube, for example, in such a way that a clamping wedge of the actuating means engages with the latching recess and thereby blocks the movement of the inner tube relative to the outer tube. The movement of the inner tube relative to the outer tube for adjusting the length of the vacuum cleaner suction tube is then possible when the clamping wedge is moved out of engagement with the latching recess such that it is removed with only little resistance by the application of a displacement force by the user.

In the case of the actuating devices known from the prior art, it can occur more frequently that the movement of the suction pipes of the vacuum cleaner relative to one another is blocked by the actuating device.

Furthermore, the detent elements wear is increased in the case of a displacement of the tube with a displacement force, since they first engage in the respectively nearest detent recess in the case of a displacement and then disengage again from the detent recess with the displacement force. The process is repeated as often as this, until the suction pipe of the vacuum cleaner has reached the desired length. The periodic engagement of the detent element into the detent recess and the subsequent release of the detent connection produce a sound here, similar to a "chatter", which is perceived by the user as a disturbance.

Disclosure of Invention

Starting from the prior art described above, the object of the invention is therefore to specify an actuating mechanism in which the risk of jamming is minimized and in which a low-noise displacement during actuation is possible.

The above object is achieved firstly and generally in the case of the actuating mechanism according to the invention in that the latching element is held by a spring element arranged at the base plate. In the release position of the clamping element, the latching element is moved away from the inner tube by the spring element by the spring force such that the latching element is not brought into engagement with the latching recess of the inner tube. If the latching element is not in engagement with the latching recess of the inner tube, the latching element does not rub on the latching recess in the case of telescoping. In this way, the suction tube of a vacuum cleaner with the actuating mechanism according to the invention can be shortened or lengthened with little noise. The clamping element can be moved axially relative to the suction pipe, whereas the base plate is arranged in a positionally fixed manner relative to the outer pipe. The direction of movement of the clamping element is therefore different from the direction of movement of the latching element. In particular, the two directions of movement run perpendicular to one another. In the locked position of the clamping element, the latching element is held by the clamping element in engagement with the latching recess at the inner tube, so that a movement of the inner tube relative to the outer tube is latched by the positive engagement of the latching element into the latching recess of the inner tube. In order to ensure an advantageous guidance of the clamping element in the event of being brought from the locking position into the unlocking position, it is provided that the clamping element is guided at the base plate. For this purpose, a U-shaped web can be formed on the base plate, for example, wherein the U-shaped back is arranged parallel to the base plate, so that a closed contour is formed, through which the clamping element can be moved.

In order to achieve a more smooth lengthening or shortening by a displacement of the two vacuum cleaner suction pipes relative to one another, it is provided in an advantageous embodiment of the actuating mechanism according to the invention that the latching element is moved away from the inner tube by the spring element in the unlocking position of the clamping element to such an extent that the latching element does not contact the inner tube. In the case of bringing the locking position into the unlocking position, the latching element is thus moved away from the latching recess and the inner tube by means of the spring force of the spring element which is offset in the locking position, such that the inner tube and the latching element do not rub against one another in the case of a movement of the inner tube relative to the outer tube.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the actuating mechanism according to the invention, it is provided that the spring element holds the latching element in the unlocked position of the clamping element in such a way that the latching element does not pass through the latching recess of the base plate in the direction toward the inner tube. The latching element, on the other hand, passes through the latching recess in the direction of the clamping element. Due to manufacturing tolerances, it may be possible to achieve a certain play in the case of a relative movement of the inner tube and the outer tube with respect to one another. This means that the inner tube can be moved relative to the outer tube not only in the axial direction in the longitudinal extension of the tube, but also possibly in an axial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the tube. Rotational movement of the inner tube within the outer tube is also contemplated. In this case, the latch elements that pass minimally through the latch grooves of the bottom plate and thus protrude from the inner diameter of the outer tube may impede the movement of the inner tube.

In order to generally achieve the simplest possible configuration of the catch element or of the actuating element, it is provided in one embodiment of the invention that the spring element is designed as a slightly elongated tongue spring. The elongated tongue spring has two ends and is fixed with one end at the base plate in such a way that it extends like a panel (Planke) in the cross section of the latching recess. At the other end, which is not fixed to the base plate, a latching element is arranged. In this way, a spring arm which is as long as possible in its longitudinal extension is achieved in a simple manner. By means of the bias of the tongue spring, the latching elements arranged on the latching recesses pass through the latching recesses and can engage in the latching recesses of the inner tube in the locked position.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the latching element is a roller which is rotatably mounted on the spring element. The design of the detent element as a roller results in the detent element being able to slide more easily on the inner tube. If the clamping element is brought, for example, from the unlocking position into the locking position, the latching element rests on the inner tube when the latching element is located directly between the two latching recesses. By displacing the inner tube with a moderate force consumption in the direction axially to the longitudinal extent of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe, the latching element can be rolled on the inner tube until it engages into the latching recess due to the spring tension and the relative movement of the inner tube with respect to the outer tube is locked by the actuating mechanism.

In order to bring the latching element from the locking position into the unlocking position by means of the clamping element, it is provided that at least one projection is formed on the clamping element. The projection acts on the latching element in the locked position. In the case of bringing the clamping element from the locking position into the unlocking position, the latching element slides at the projection, so that the latching element is no longer in engagement with the latching recess of the inner tube. By means of a structurally simple embodiment of the clamping element, the linear movement of the clamping element induces a movement of the latching element which is approximately perpendicular to the direction of movement of the clamping element. In the case of bringing the clamping element into the locking position, the projection is pushed laterally onto the latching element. Since the latching element cannot be moved in the direction of movement of the clamping element, the latching element retains only the freedom in the direction of the latching recess. The latching element is thus moved by the spring arm of the tongue spring in the direction of the latching recess, wherein the tongue spring is deflected and thus acts as a spring force in the direction of the projection of the clamping element. In the unlocking position, the spring element can again return into its initial state, since the projection formed at the clamping element no longer blocks the path. The clamping element is in the locked position without being actuated by the user, wherein the clamping element can be moved into one unlocked position in each case, preferably in the longitudinal direction of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe, i.e. in both directions. For the manual actuation of the actuating mechanism, the vacuum cleaner suction tube is gripped by the user, for example, on the inner tube, and the clamping element is actuated with the other hand, wherein the inner tube can be moved into and out of the outer tube after the handle shell has been moved out of the locked position. A movement in the opposite direction to the direction in which the movement of the clamping element is effected is advantageously achieved.

The projection at the clamping element is preferably designed here such that it has a trapezoidal longitudinal cross section in the longitudinal direction of the clamping element. The trapezoidal longitudinal section results in the projection having an inclined surface with a defined gradient in the direction of the latching element, so that the latching element can slide on this gradient. Therefore, a sudden introduction from the locking position into the unlocking position is not necessary. The inclined surface, i.e. the waist of the trapezoid, guides a platform (Plateau) formed by the top side of the trapezoid, i.e. the surface on which the latching element acts in the locking position. The top side of the trapezoidal projection is designed here to run approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the clamping element. It is obvious that a longitudinal section in the shape of a trapezoid is to be understood as an example of many possible geometrical shapes. A semicircular shape, for example flattened at the top side, or a similar design is likewise conceivable. In particular, shapes are provided in which two defined positions (i.e. a locking position and an unlocking position) can be realized in a simple manner. The symmetrical arrangement of the inclined planes on both sides of the projection ensures that the two unlocking positions, i.e. the displacement of the clamping element in both directions in the longitudinal direction of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe, can be realized in the same way.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the actuating mechanism according to the invention, two latching elements are provided. In this case, in each case one latching element is arranged at each end of a spring element arranged at the base plate. At least two projections are formed on the clamping element, wherein in the locking position one projection acts on each latching element, so that both latching elements can be moved simultaneously by a movement of the clamping element. The spring element is held in the middle of its longitudinal extent at the base plate, so that two spring arms are formed in both directions of its longitudinal extent, which spring arms each have a latching element at their ends. The two spring arms can theoretically move independently of each other. However, it is advantageous if the clamping element is connected to the latching element in a form-fitting manner, so that the latching element (first latching element and second latching element) is always moved simultaneously in the event of a movement of the clamping element. The two latching elements follow the movement of the clamping element. For example, two latching recesses can be provided at the base plate for the arrangement of the spring element, wherein a web is formed between the two latching recesses, at which the spring element can be mounted in such a way that in each case one spring arm extends over in each case one latching recess. However, the spring element may also be arranged at another location at the bottom plate, so that the enlarged latching groove is sufficient to bring the two latching elements through the latching groove into engagement with the latching recess of the inner tube. In a similar manner to the above-described embodiment with only one latching element, both latching elements are moved together with the clamping element by a movement of the clamping element in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner suction tube, i.e. are simultaneously lifted out of engagement with the latching recesses, as a result of which the displaceability of the inner tube relative to the outer tube is released. In this case, the positive engagement of the detent element with the detent recess is cancelled when the clamping element is in the unlocked position. In this case, the locking element is moved away from the longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe.

In a further embodiment of the invention, provision is made here for at least three projections to be formed on the clamping element. In this case, the projection is arranged between the two latching elements in the locked position. If a projection is arranged between two latching elements, in the locked position, the two remaining projections accordingly act on one latching element. Thereby forming three "mountains" and two "valleys". In the unlocked position, in each case one latching element slides into one of the formed valleys, wherein the other latching element is arranged next to one of the outer projections. When the clamping element is brought into the unlocked position, the user gets a clear feedback via the third projection. If the clamping element is moved further, the resistance and accordingly the force consumption required for moving the clamping element increases strongly, since the central projection initially acts on the latching element located in one of the valleys. The third projection forms a stop which makes further movement of the clamping element difficult.

It is advantageous to design the middle projection so that it is identical to the other two projections, since in this way the mounting of the clamping element is made easy. The projection, which is designed as a physical stop and prevents the displacement of the clamping element, can damage the latching element or the spring element in the case of installation. A further advantage of the third stop is that in this way a simplified design of the actuating mechanism can be achieved. The base plate can have two latching recesses, wherein the spring element rests on a web formed between the two latching recesses. If the clamping element is brought into the locking position, the two outer projections act on the latching element, wherein the spring element is under tension. The tension is strongest in the middle point of the longitudinal extension, i.e. at the fixation of the spring element. In the case of more frequent actuation of the actuating mechanism, it can be caused that the fixed spring element loosens over time or is damaged. When the third projection is located between the two latching elements in the locked position, it then acts on the imaginary fastening point of the spring element, i.e. the point at which the tension of the spring element is greatest. The intermediate lug structure acts as a bearing at this point as a result. In the unlocking position, the spring element is no longer under tension, since the two latching elements are brought into one of the valleys or by one of the outer projections. The spring element is no longer biased. Due to the symmetrical arrangement of the spring element and the two latching elements, the spring element is located with its center of gravity on the web between the two latching recesses. In the undeflected state, i.e. in the unlocked position, a fixing, for example by means of a glue connection, a welded connection or a screw connection, is therefore not necessary. In the case of the assembly of the actuating mechanism, only the spring element must therefore be oriented with two latching elements at the latching recess and inserted. Subsequently, the clamping element is inserted through the guide at the base plate.

For better manual actuation of the actuating mechanism, in a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a grip shell is provided, wherein the clamping element is connected to the grip shell such that a displacement of the grip shell causes a displacement of the clamping element. The grip shell can be designed such that it can be placed onto the clamping element in a form-fitting manner. The grip shell can be operated by the user with his hand, wherein it is held on the outer tube in a manner that is movable in the longitudinal direction of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe in accordance with the clamping element. The grip shell is therefore also in the locked position without actuation by the user, wherein the grip shell can also be moved in both directions into one unlocked position each. For the manual actuation of the actuating element, the vacuum cleaner suction pipe is gripped, for example, by the user with one hand at the outer pipe and with the other hand at the inner pipe at the handle shell, wherein the inner pipe can be pushed into the outer pipe and pulled out of the outer pipe after the handle shell has been moved from the locked position. Movement in the opposite direction relative to the direction in which movement of the grip shell is effected is advantageously effected.

In order to prevent the grip shell from falling off, it is provided in a further embodiment of the invention that a latching hook is formed on the grip shell and a corresponding receptacle is formed on the base plate, so that the grip shell can be latched to the base plate. Thus, the handle shell may be fixed at the base plate. The latching hook is preferably designed as a slightly elongated rail and the receptacle at the base plate is correspondingly designed as such. With this embodiment, the handle shell is fixed to the base plate and can be removed not perpendicular to the direction of movement of the clamping element. At the same time, a displacement of the grip shell in the direction of movement of the clamping element is nevertheless possible. The slightly oblong latching rail, i.e. the slightly oblong latching hook and the corresponding receptacle at the base plate prevent the latching connection between the base plate and the grip shell from being released even when the grip shell is moved relative to the base plate. A part of the latching rail always engages with the receptacle at the base plate.

For easier handling of the actuating mechanism according to the invention, a resetting device is provided, wherein the resetting device exerts a resetting force for resetting the clamping element into the locking position in the event of a displacement of the clamping element from the locking position. Advantageously, the restoring means are arranged in a recess on the top side of the clamping element, i.e. the side facing away from the suction tube of the vacuum cleaner. A U-shaped tab for guiding the clamping element at the base plate can serve as a stop. When only half of the resetting means is positively located in the recess of the clamping element, the other half projects from the top side of the clamping element. The upper part (i.e. the part projecting from the top side) can rest against the stop, i.e. the U-shaped web. In the case of a movement of the clamping element in the direction for bringing into the unlocking position, the resetting means is then automatically moved along with the clamping element due to the form-fitting connection. At the same time, the U-shaped webs prevent the reset device from being moved in the same direction, so that a force acts on the clamping element counter to the direction of movement of the clamping element. The clamping element thereby strives to return into the locking position. The stop provided can also be designed as a separate stop and is optionally formed by a guide web.

In a further embodiment of the actuating mechanism with the return means, it is provided that the return means is embodied as a compression spring. In this way, the spring can be compressed to a certain extent, wherein the pressure spring is compressed more and more, and the force acting on the clamping element becomes greater and greater. In the locked position, the pressure spring is not under tension, so that no force is exerted on the clamping element.

Drawings

In particular, there are several possibilities for designing and improving the actuating mechanism. For this purpose, reference is made not only to the patent claims following patent claim 1 but also to the following description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

figure 1 shows in schematic representation an embodiment of the operating mechanism in the unlocked position,

figure 2 shows the embodiment according to figure 2 in a locked position,

figure 3 shows a further embodiment of the operating mechanism in a schematic view in the unlocked position,

figure 4 shows the embodiment according to figure 4 in a locked position,

figure 5 shows a further embodiment of the steering mechanism in a schematic view,

figure 6 shows the embodiment according to figure 5 in a schematic view in the locked position,

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the actuating mechanism with a grip shell in a schematic representation and

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a steering mechanism in perspective view.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an actuating element 1 acting on a latching recess 2 of a vacuum cleaner inner tube 3. The actuating element 1 has a latching recess 4, which is formed in a base plate 5. For locking the movement of the inner tube 3 relative to the outer tube, which is not shown in the figures, a locking element 6 is provided, which can engage in the locking recess 2.

Fig. 1 shows the actuating mechanism 1 in the unlocked position. The detent element 6 does not engage into the detent recess 2. At the base plate 5, a clamping element 7 is arranged, which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base plate 5 and is movable in the direction of movement B. The latching element 6 is mounted on the latching recess 4 at the spring element 8. A spring element 8 (in this embodiment a tongue spring) is fixed at one end at the bottom plate 5. At the other end of the spring element 8, a latching element 6 is arranged, which is designed as a roller, so that the latching element 6 is held on the latching recess 4 by the spring element 8. Two trapezoidal projections 9 are formed on the clamping element, which projections can act on the latching element 6 when the clamping element 7 is moved.

In fig. 2, the working principle of the operating mechanism 1 becomes clear. The clamping element 7 is in the locking position. In the case of being brought from the unlocking position into the locking position, the trapezoidal projection 9 is laterally displaced in the direction of the catch element 6. The locking element 6 can roll on the inclined plane, which is formed by its geometry on the trapezoidal projection 9, until the deepest point, i.e. the trapezoidal plateau, is reached. During this process, the spring element 8 is deflected, so that the latching element 6 is moved in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement B of the clamping element 7. The latching element 6 passes through the latching recess 4 in the direction of the inner tube 3. In order to establish the latching connection, the latching element 6 engages in a form-fitting manner in one of the latching recesses 2 and latches the relative displaceability of the inner tube 3 relative to the outer tube, which is not shown in the drawing. The design of the detent elements 6 as rollers is advantageous because the user cannot see from the outside whether the detent elements 6 have engaged into the detent recesses 2 or whether the detent elements 6 are located between two detent recesses 2. In this way, the latching element can roll with little resistance on the surface of the inner tube 3. As a result of the force exerted by the projection 9 on the latching element 6, the latching element 6 automatically engages into the latching recess 2 as soon as it is reached.

Fig. 3 shows an actuating mechanism 1, similar to the actuating mechanism 1 shown in the previous fig. 1 and 2. In this embodiment, however, two latching elements 6 are provided, which are respectively arranged at the ends of a slightly elongated tongue spring 8. The base plate 5 accordingly has two latching recesses 4 with the same cross section, through which one latching element 6 can pass. The tongue spring 8 and the latching element 6 are arranged symmetrically, so that the tongue spring is fixed with its center of gravity S on a web 10, which is formed positively between the two latching recesses 4. In the actuating mechanism 1 shown in fig. 3, the clamping element 7 is in the unlocked position. At the clamping element, three trapezoidal projections 9 are also provided. In the unlocking position, the central projection 9 is located between two identical latching elements 6. The two outer projections 9 "frame" the arrangement of the two latching elements 6.

Fig. 4 shows the actuating mechanism 1 according to fig. 3, in which the clamping element 7 is in the locking position. The outer, left-hand projection 9 and the central projection 9 shown in fig. 4 act on the two latching elements 6 in the locked position. In the case of a displacement of the clamping element 7, both latching elements 6 are simultaneously displaced by the projection 9 through the latching recess 4, so that both latching elements 6 engage simultaneously in the latching recess 2 of the inner tube 3. The tongue spring 8 is here offset at both ends, wherein the greatest tensile force occurring at the tongue spring 8 is formed at its center of gravity S. It is possible by means of the third projection 9 that the clamping element 7 is likewise moved in the opposite direction for the purpose of being brought into the locking position. Two locking positions can thus be achieved.

Fig. 5 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the actuating mechanism 1, in which the clamping element 7 has three projections 9. The central projection 9 differs from the embodiment shown in fig. 4 and 5 in that it is not arranged between two latching elements 6 in the unlocking position, but rather it is arranged between two latching elements 6 in the locking position (as shown in fig. 5). With this structurally simple solution, the arrangement of the tongue spring 8 and the catch element 6 is not fixed to the lug 10, but merely rests on the lug. In the unlocked position (fig. 6), no force acts on the tongue spring 8. Which is located with its centre of gravity S on the tab 10. If the tongue spring 8 is deflected by the projection 9, the central projection 9 is located at the center of gravity S of the arrangement of the tongue spring 8 and the catch element 6. The central projection 9 serves here as a support for the tongue spring 8, so that the tongue spring 8 is held immediately in the locked position and in particular when being brought from the unlocked position into the locked position. Additionally, a restoring means 11 in the form of a compression spring is arranged at the clamping element 7. In this case, the compression spring is located in a relaxed state in a recess 12, which is arranged on the top side of the clamping element 7. The clamping element 7 is guided via a U-shaped web 13 at the base plate 5. The webs 13 form, together with the base plate 5, a portal-shaped recess through which the clamping element 7 is inserted. In this way, a movement of the clamping element 7 only in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the base plate is possible.

Fig. 6 shows the embodiment according to fig. 5, wherein the clamping element 7 is in the unlocked position. In the unlocking position, the tongue spring 8 is no longer biased. The latching element 6 is located in the section formed by the base plate 5 and the clamping element 7. The detent element 6 no longer passes through the detent groove 4 in the direction of the detent recess 2 (not shown in fig. 6). In the unlocking position, the latching element 6 is located between the outer projection 9 and the central projection 9. The further latching element is arranged next to the outer projection in the unlocked position. Since the latching element 6 is arranged between the two projections 9, further displacement of the clamping element 7 is more difficult to achieve, since the middle projection 9 acts as a type of stop. It is thus possible for the user to recognize that the clamping element 7 is in the unlocked position by tactile feedback. In the case of bringing the clamping element from the locking position into the unlocking position, the web 13 acts as a stop for the pressure spring 12. The compression spring 12 is arranged with half of its cross section in the groove 12 with respect to the longitudinal extension of the clamping element 7. However, the pressure spring 11 projects with the other half from the top side of the clamping element 7. The projecting half of the pressure spring 11 rests against the two webs 13 in the unlocking position. The distance of the webs 13 from one another corresponds to the longitudinal extent of the recess 12 and correspondingly of the pressure spring 11. If the clamping element 7 is moved relative to the web 13, i.e. also relative to the base plate 5, the web 13 accordingly remains fixed in position. The clamping element 7 slides through under the top side of the tabs 13, while the pressure spring 11 rests against one of the tabs 13. At the same time, however, the pressure spring 11 also bears against the groove 12 on its opposite side. In the event of a movement of the clamping element 7, the pressure spring 11 is thus compressed; this is schematically illustrated in fig. 6 by a smaller spring spacing than in fig. 5. In this case, a force acts on the web 13 and on the clamping element 7. If the user releases the clamping element 7 again, the force no longer acts against the built-up spring force of the compressed pressure spring 11 and the clamping element is again brought into the locking position.

Fig. 7 shows the actuating mechanism 1 according to fig. 5 and 6. Additionally, a grip shell 14 is arranged on the base plate 5. The grip shell 14 is connected to the clamping element 7 in a form-fitting manner, so that a movement of the grip shell 14 also causes a movement of the clamping element 7. The grip shell 14 serves for simplified handling of the actuating mechanism 1 and at the same time protects the structural elements of the actuating mechanism 1. The grip shell 13 is connected to the base plate 5 by means of a latching connection which, although allowing the grip shell 14 to be axially displaceable relative to the clamping element 7 onto the inner tube 3, not shown here, captures the movement of the clamping element perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe.

Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a design of the actuating mechanism 1. In this exemplary embodiment, the base plate 5 has a web 13 of a housing-shaped design. The clamping element 7 is guided through a channel 15 closed on both sides. In the top side of the channel 15 is a cross-shaped recess 16, wherein the longitudinal extent of the recess 16 corresponds to the length of the compression spring 11 in the relaxed state. In this way, the edge measurement of the cross-shaped recess 16 in the longitudinal direction can serve as a stop for the pressure spring 11. In its extension perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the cruciform recess 16, the clearance makes it easier to mount the compression spring 11 in the assembled state.

The clamping element 7 has a circumferential edge 17, so that it is designed as a square. In this way, the clamping element 7 has the same height on each side and can be guided through the channel 15 more simply. Otherwise, it is possible for the projection 9 of the clamping element 7 to interfere in the event of the clamping element 7 being brought from the locked position into the unlocked position. It is furthermore possible that, when the clamping element 7 is brought from the locked position into the unlocked position, the detent element 6 is not moved in the direction toward the inner tube 3, but rather only the clamping element 7 is bent, for example, or moved away from the inner tube 3 in the opposite direction. The clamping element 7 is therefore arranged in the channel 15 in a form-fitting manner. In order to ensure easy mounting of the clamping element 7, the circumferential edge 17 has an interruption 18 at one end face of the clamping element 7. The clamping element 7 can thus be introduced into the channel 15, without the circumferential edge 17 acting as a projection or in the worst case as a stop on one of the latching elements 6, as a result of which the displacement of the clamping element 7 can be blocked.

Claims

1. An actuating mechanism (1) for locking and unlocking a snap-in connection in a retractable vacuum cleaner suction tube with an inner tube (3) having a plurality of snap-in recesses (2) and with an outer tube surrounding the inner tube (3), with a base plate (5) having at least one snap-in groove (4), with at least one snap-in element (6) which is held so as to be movable on the snap-in groove (4) of the base plate (5), and with a clamping element (7), wherein the clamping element (7) is held so as to be displaceable parallel to the base plate (5) such that the clamping element (7) can be moved from a locked position into at least one unlocked position, wherein the clamping element (7) in the locked position moves the snap-in element (6) in the direction of the inner tube (3) at least partially via the snap-in groove (4) of the base plate (5), so that the latching element comes into engagement with at least one of the latching recesses (2) of the inner tube (3), and wherein the clamping element (7) releases the movement of the latching element (6) away from the inner tube (3) in the unlocked position, so that the displacement of the inner tube (3) relative to the outer tube is released by means of at least one latching element (6), characterized in that the latching element (6) is held by a spring element (8) arranged at the base plate (5), wherein in the unlocked position of the clamping element (7) the latching element (6) is moved away from the inner tube (3) by the spring element (8) by the spring force to such an extent that the latching element (6) does not come into engagement with the latching recess (2) of the inner tube (3), wherein the latching element (6) is a roller which is mounted so as to be rotatable on the spring element (8).

2. The actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the latching element (6) is moved away from the inner tube (3) by the spring element (8) in the unlocked position of the clamping element (7) such that the latching element (6) does not contact the inner tube (3).

3. Operating mechanism (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spring element (8) holds the latching element (6) in the unlocked position of the clamping element (7) in such a way that the latching element (6) does not pass through the latching recess (4) of the base plate (5) in the direction towards the inner tube (3).

4. Operating mechanism (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring element (8) is designed as a somewhat elongated tongue spring.

5. Actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one projection (9) is formed at the clamping element (7), wherein the projection (9) acts on the latching element (6) in the locking position and the latching element (6) is guided away at the projection (9) when the clamping element (7) is brought from the locking position into the unlocking position, so that the latching element (6) is no longer in engagement with the latching recess (2) of the inner tube.

6. Operating mechanism (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the projection has a trapezoidal longitudinal cross section in the longitudinal direction of the clamping element (7).

7. Actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that two latching elements (6) are provided, wherein in each case one latching element (6) is arranged at in each case one end of a spring element (8) arranged at the base plate (5) and at least two projections (9) are formed at the clamping element (7), wherein in the locking position in each case one projection (9) acts on in each case one latching element (6), so that both latching elements (6) can be moved simultaneously by a movement of the clamping element (7).

8. Actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that at least three projections (9) are formed at the clamping element (7), wherein one projection (9) is arranged between the two latching elements (6) in the locking position.

9. Operating mechanism (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a grip shell (14) is provided, wherein the clamping element (7) is in connection with the grip shell (14) such that a displacement of the grip shell (14) causes a displacement of the clamping element (7).

10. The actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that a latching hook is formed on the grip shell (14) and a receptacle corresponding thereto is formed on the base plate (5), so that the grip shell (14) can be latched to the base plate (5).

11. The actuating mechanism (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that a resetting means (11) is provided, wherein the resetting means (11) exerts a resetting force for resetting the clamping element (7) into the locking position in the event of a deviation of the clamping element (7) from the locking position.

12. The operating mechanism (1) according to claim 11, characterised in that the return means (11) are configured as a pressure spring.