Pneumatic tubes or hoses and pneumatic ports

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pneumatic tube or hose, which has a longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the pneumatic tube or hose and has two ends, each end being provided with a socket, which is suitable for being releasably and airtightly connected to a pneumatic port of a vacuum generating unit and / or a pneumatic port of a vacuum utilizing device. At least one socket of the pneumatic tube or hose comprising at least one magnetic element is suitable for interacting with at least one corresponding magnetic element arranged in the vacuum generating unit and / or the vacuum utilizing device so as to fix the socket of the pneumatic tube or hose to the pneumatic port of the vacuum generating unit or the vacuum utilizing device by means of magnetic force. In addition, the present invention relates to a pneumatic port of a vacuum generating unit and / or a pneumatic port of a vacuum utilizing device, to which the socket can be releasably attached and fixed by means of magnetic force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pneumatic tube or hose having a longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the pneumatic tube or hose and having two ends, each end being provided with a socket, which is suitable for being releasably and airtightly connected to a pneumatic port of a vacuum generating unit and / or a pneumatic port of a vacuum utilizing device, respectively.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a pneumatic port of a vacuum generating unit or a vacuum utilizing device. The pneumatic port is adapted to be releasably and airtightly connected to a socket provided at one end of a pneumatic tube or hose having a longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the pneumatic tube or hose. Background Art

[0003] Various types of vacuum generating units are known in the art, which can be connected to various types of vacuum utilizing devices by means of pneumatic tubes or hoses. The pneumatic tubes or hoses are preferably releasably connected to the vacuum generating unit and the vacuum utilizing device. In particular, it is known that the pneumatic tube or hose has a socket at its end, which is suitable for interacting with the corresponding pneumatic ports at the vacuum generating unit and the vacuum utilizing device for releasable connection. In the prior art, the socket of the pneumatic tube or hose is mechanically connected (attached and fixed) to the corresponding pneumatic ports of the vacuum generating unit and the vacuum utilizing device, for example by means of friction between the socket and the corresponding pneumatic port, a snap-lock connection or a plug-in joint.

[0004] Vacuum generating units in the form of dust removal systems, in particular mobile or stationary vacuum cleaners, are well known in the art. Dust removal systems typically comprise:

[0005] - Vacuum generating device;

[0006] - dust collection container;

[0007] a pneumatic port, which is embodied as an air inlet port for dust-laden air, is located downstream of the vacuum generating device and connects the interior of the dust collection container with the environment;

[0008] - an air outlet port for filtered air, which is located upstream of the vacuum generating device and connects the exhaust of the vacuum generating device to the environment;

[0009] - a filter element located between the dust collection container and the suction opening of the vacuum generating device; and

[0010] - Pneumatic tube or hose with spigot.

[0011] The air inlet port can be connected to an air outlet port of a vacuum utilizing device (e.g. in the form of a hand-guided power tool) by means of a pneumatic tube or hose. The dust removal system actively draws dust-laden air generated during the intended use of the power tool through the pneumatic tube or hose into a dust collection container. The dust-laden air is filtered by the filter element, and the filtered air is subsequently discharged into the environment through the air outlet port of the dust removal system.

[0012] A disadvantage of the known pneumatic tubes or hoses and the corresponding vacuum generating units and vacuum utilizing devices is the purely mechanical connection of the sockets of the pneumatic tubes or hoses to the corresponding pneumatic ports of the vacuum generating units and vacuum utilizing devices. Producing the connection mechanically can be cumbersome and time-consuming, and the connection itself can be unreliable and difficult to loosen and disconnect.

[0013] It is therefore an object of the present invention to accordingly improve the respective pneumatic connection between the sockets of pneumatic tubes or hoses and the respective pneumatic ports of vacuum generating units and vacuum utilizing devices. Summary of the invention

[0014] This object is solved by a pneumatic tube or hose having the following characteristics. In particular, starting from a pneumatic tube or hose of the above-mentioned kind, it is proposed that at least one socket of the pneumatic tube or hose comprises at least one magnetic element, which is suitable for interacting with at least one corresponding magnetic element provided in the vacuum generating unit and / or the vacuum utilizing device, so as to fix the socket of the pneumatic tube or hose to the pneumatic port of the vacuum generating unit or the vacuum utilizing device by means of magnetic forces.

[0015] According to the invention, a pneumatic tube or hose, in particular a spigot of a pneumatic tube or hose, is attached to a pneumatic port of a vacuum generating unit and / or a vacuum utilizing device, in particular to a pneumatic port of a vacuum generating unit or a vacuum utilizing device, in any possible manner (in particular magnetically or mechanically, for example by means of a mechanical guide device), and then fixed thereto by means of magnetic forces. This allows the pneumatic tube or hose to be quickly and easily connected to the vacuum generating unit and / or the vacuum utilizing device. The connection is fixed in a reliable manner and can be easily loosened and disconnected when necessary.

[0016] The pneumatic port of the vacuum generating unit or vacuum utilizing device may comprise a guide section, preferably in the form of a hollow cylinder, which is suitable for receiving a socket of a pneumatic tube or hose. The socket is inserted into the guide section, which guides the socket into its fixed position relative to the pneumatic port during insertion of the socket, in which position the socket is fixed to the pneumatic port by means of magnetic force. Optionally, the socket of the pneumatic tube or hose may comprise a guide section, preferably in the form of a hollow cylinder, which is suitable for receiving the pneumatic port of the vacuum generating unit or vacuum utilizing device. The guide section of the socket is pushed onto the pneumatic port and moves on the pneumatic port relative to the pneumatic port towards the fixed position of the socket, in which the socket is fixed to the pneumatic port by magnetic force.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is suggested that at least one magnetic element of at least one socket of a pneumatic tube or hose includes one or more permanent magnets and / or one or more ferromagnetic elements. A permanent magnet is an object made of a material that is magnetized and produces its own persistent magnetic field. Ferromagnetic elements are made of such materials: they include elements (e.g., iron, nickel, and cobalt) and their alloys, alloys of some rare earth metals, and some naturally occurring minerals (such as iron ore). In order to provide a safe fixation of the socket of a pneumatic tube or hose to a pneumatic port, the socket of a pneumatic tube or hose preferably includes more than one permanent magnet and / or more than one ferromagnetic element. A permanent magnet with a given polarity can interact with a corresponding permanent magnet of opposite polarity or with a ferromagnetic element, and the corresponding permanent magnet or ferromagnetic element of opposite polarity is arranged at a vacuum generating unit and / or a vacuum utilizing device, preferably arranged at a corresponding pneumatic port of a vacuum generating unit and / or a vacuum utilizing device, and the socket is attached and magnetically fixed thereto.

[0018] For example, the pneumatic port of the vacuum generating unit or vacuum utilizing device may include a guide section, preferably in the form of a hollow cylinder, which is suitable for receiving a socket of a pneumatic tube or hose. The socket is inserted into the guide section, which guides the socket to its fixed position relative to the pneumatic port during the insertion of the socket, in which position the socket is fixed to the pneumatic port by means of magnetic force. Similarly, the socket of the pneumatic tube or hose may include a guide section, preferably in the form of a hollow cylinder, which is suitable for receiving the pneumatic port of the vacuum generating unit or vacuum utilizing device. The guide section of the socket is positioned close to and then pushed onto the tubular protrusion of the pneumatic port and moved thereon relative to the pneumatic port towards the fixed position of the socket, in which fixed position the socket is fixed to the pneumatic port by means of magnetic force.

[0019] Depending on the position and orientation of the magnetic element at the socket and at the corresponding pneumatic port to which the socket is attached and magnetically fixed, the magnetic force generated can point to different directions. According to a preferred embodiment, the magnetic force acts in an axial direction extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pneumatic tube or hose. In this embodiment, when the socket is fixed to the pneumatic port, at least one magnetic element can be arranged on the surface of the socket facing the vacuum generating unit or vacuum utilization device. Preferably, the surface including at least one magnetic element is the end face of the socket. At least one magnetic element can have the form of an arc. Several magnetic elements can form a complete circle. When the socket is fixed to the pneumatic port, several magnetic elements can be provided on the same or separate surfaces of the socket facing the vacuum generating unit or vacuum utilization device. The corresponding magnetic element is arranged at the corresponding position of the vacuum generating unit or vacuum utilization device, preferably at or near the pneumatic port of the vacuum generating unit or vacuum utilization device. The socket of the pneumatic tube or hose can be inserted into or pushed onto the pneumatic port of the vacuum generating unit or vacuum utilization device in the axial direction. The insertion or pushing movement is continued until the socket is in its fixed position and fixed relative to the pneumatic port by means of magnetic forces. The magnetic forces can support the insertion or pushing movement of the socket relative to the pneumatic port at least at the end of the movement. Therefore, in this embodiment, the insertion or pushing movement of the socket relative to the pneumatic port is parallel to the magnetic forces generated between the magnetic elements. In order to release the connection between the socket and the pneumatic port, a force is applied to the socket, which force has at least one component directed in a direction opposite to the magnetic force, which component is directed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pneumatic tube or hose.

[0020] Alternatively, it is suggested that the magnetic force acts in a circumferential direction, which extends in a plane that is substantially inclined to, preferably perpendicular to, and extends around the longitudinal axis of the pneumatic tube or hose. In this embodiment, the socket of the pneumatic tube or hose may include a clip-shaped element that can be clamped on the corresponding pneumatic port to which the element is connected. For this purpose, the clip-shaped element has a section that can be stretched. The stretched clip-shaped element is placed around the pneumatic port in a substantially radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the pneumatic tube or hose. Then, the clip-shaped element is pressed together again into its closed form, thereby surrounding or clamping the back of the corresponding protrusions arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the pneumatic port. Therefore, the socket is attached to the pneumatic port and cannot move in the axial direction. By means of the magnetic force acting on the section of the clip-shaped element in the circumferential direction, the clip-shaped element is fixed in its closed form pressed together. For this purpose, sections of the expandable clamp-like element are provided with corresponding magnetic elements, which interact with each other to generate a magnetic field and the generated magnetic forces act in the circumferential direction, fixing the clamp-like element in its closed form and thus fixing the socket of the pneumatic tube or hose relative to the pneumatic port.

[0021] According to another optional embodiment of the present invention, it is suggested that magnetic force acts in a radial direction extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pneumatic tube or hose. In this embodiment, at least one magnetic element can be arranged on the circumferential surface of the socket, which faces the pneumatic port of the vacuum generating unit or vacuum utilizing device, and the socket is fixed to the pneumatic end. If the socket is inserted into the pneumatic port, the magnetic element is preferably arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the socket. However, if the socket surrounds the pneumatic port, the magnetic element is preferably arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the socket. Several magnetic elements can form a complete circle. Several magnetic elements can be arranged on the same or separate circumferential surfaces of the socket facing the pneumatic port, and the socket is fixed to the pneumatic port. The corresponding magnetic element is arranged at or near the corresponding position of the pneumatic port of the vacuum generating unit or vacuum utilizing device. The socket of the pneumatic tube or hose can be inserted or pushed onto the pneumatic port of the vacuum generating unit or vacuum utilizing device in the axial direction. Continue to insert or push the movement until the socket is in its fixed position and fixed relative to the pneumatic port by means of magnetic force. In this embodiment, the direction of the insertion or pushing movement of the spigot relative to the pneumatic port is inclined, preferably perpendicular, to the magnetic force generated between the magnetic elements. In order to release the connection between the spigot and the pneumatic port, a force is applied to the spigot, which force has at least one component directed in a direction inclined, preferably perpendicular, to the radial direction of the magnetic force.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is recommended that the pneumatic tube or hose is connected to the vacuum generating unit and / or the vacuum utilizing device in a manner that it can rotate freely around the longitudinal axis of the pneumatic tube or hose. This embodiment has the advantage that the pneumatic tube or hose will not be twisted or tangled due to the relative change of the position and / or orientation of the vacuum utilizing device (e.g., a hand-guided power tool) relative to the vacuum generating unit (e.g., a dust removal system). When processing complex processing surfaces (e.g., a car body), changes in relative position and / or direction may occur during the operation and intended use of the power tool. In addition, this has the advantage that the user operating the power tool can move more freely relative to the dust removal system, and the user's movement along the surface to be processed will not be impaired or restricted by the difficult and non-rotatable pneumatic tube or hose.

[0023] If the dust removal system is implemented in the form of a mobile vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner will follow the user along the processing surface with a uniform and smooth movement. The mobile vacuum cleaner is directly or indirectly provided with wheels suitable for freely moving the vacuum cleaner over a two-dimensional area, in particular on a floor. The wheels can be directly attached to the housing of the vacuum cleaner and / or they can be attached to, for example, a cart or trolley on which the (static or mobile) vacuum cleaner is located. The vacuum cleaner is preferably attached to the cart or trolley, or is automatically held thereon simply by its own weight.

[0024] The free rotation of the pneumatic tube or hose relative to the vacuum generating unit and the vacuum utilizing device is preferably achieved in the following manner: at least one socket of the pneumatic tube or hose comprising at least one magnetic element is attached to the end of the pneumatic tube or hose by means of a rotating connection element, which is provided for the free rotation of the pneumatic tube or hose relative to the at least one socket around the longitudinal axis of the pneumatic tube or hose. Theoretically, it is sufficient to attach the socket at one end of the pneumatic tube or hose to the end of the pneumatic tube or hose by means of a rotating connection element. Preferably, the sockets at both ends of the pneumatic tube or hose are attached to the corresponding ends of the pneumatic tube or hose by means of a rotating connection element. The rotating connection element provides an airtight connection of the socket to the corresponding end of the pneumatic tube or hose. Preferably, the rotating connection element has an annular circular shape to allow the free rotation of the pneumatic tube or hose relative to the socket. The free rotation is independent of the cross-sectional shape of the socket and the pneumatic tube or hose, and the free rotation can be achieved by means of the rotating connection element even if the socket and / or the pneumatic tube or hose do not have a circular cross-sectional shape. In particular, the socket and the pneumatic tube or hose may have an elliptical or any polygonal shape. However, preferably, the socket and the pneumatic tube or hose have a circular cross-sectional shape. The rotating connection element may include a friction bearing or a ball bearing to facilitate rotation.

[0025] The tube can be made of a rigid material such as metal or a hard plastic material. The tube can be designed to be extractable like a telescope to extend or reduce its length. Various extractable telescopic elements are preferably attached to each other in an airtight manner. The tube can be used, for example, to connect the various components of a dust removal system (e.g., a vacuum generating unit, a container with a dust filter element, a dust collection container, a vacuum utilization device) to each other.

[0026] Alternatively, the tube made of rigid material can also be implemented as an adapter, and the length that this adapter has is usually shorter than above-mentioned tube.The shape of tube is not limited to the straight extension with two sockets at the opposite ends of tube or hose.On the contrary, tube or hose can also have Y-shaped shape, with three sockets at the corresponding ends of Y-shaped shape.This Y-shaped tube or hose can be used as an adapter, one socket of this adapter is attached to vacuum generating unit, and the other two sockets are all connected to separate vacuum utilization device.For being attached to the other two sockets of vacuum utilization device, can be provided with removable, preferably airtight cover, for closing the opening of socket when no vacuum utilization device is attached at this time.Alternatively, the tube or hose of Y-shaped shape can be used for operating the single vacuum utilization device with two separated vacuum generating units.

[0027] Preferably, the hose is made of a flexible material (e.g., rubber, fabric and / or soft plastic material), or has a folding structure (e.g., multi-segment or foldable like an accordion) to achieve the flexibility of the hose. The flexibility of the suction hose allows the suction hose to bend transversely to its longitudinal extension, and preferably, prevents the hose from kinking at the same time. The flexible suction hose can be achieved, for example, by means of an airtight textile or metal fabric hose. Airtightness can be achieved, for example, by means of an airtight coating or plug-in at the interior of the suction hose. The coating or insert can be made of, for example, rubber or a flexible and / or elastic plastic material (e.g., an elastomer, particularly a thermoplastic elastomer). Optionally, the flexible suction hose can be made, for example, of a plastic material, such as hard and / or soft PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or PU (polyurethane). The suction hose can include an external spiral reinforcement winding for making the suction hose resistant to trampling and kinking while maintaining its flexibility. Furthermore, the flexible suction hose can also be made of metal ring segments which are movably attached to each other along the longitudinal extension of the hose in order to achieve the flexibility of the suction hose. Preferably, the metal ring segments are attached to each other in an airtight manner. Optionally, the suction hose made of metal ring segments is provided with an airtight coating or insert at the interior of the hose.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is suggested that at least one socket of a pneumatic tube or hose including at least one magnetic element has an end face, which faces the pneumatic port of a vacuum generating unit or a vacuum utilizing device when the socket is fixed to the pneumatic port, and the end face has a slope shape that rises continuously from the starting area of ​​the end face along its circumference to the end area of ​​the end face. An imaginary plane extending perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis of the pneumatic tube or hose is defined. The end face of a conventional socket of a pneumatic tube or hose will extend within this plane. In contrast, according to the end face of the socket of the pneumatic tube or hose of this embodiment, only the starting area or the end area is located in this plane, while the rest of the end face continuously moves away from the plane and has the maximum distance to the plane in its end area (where the starting area extends in the plane), or has the maximum distance to the plane at its starting area (where the end area extends in the plane). In one embodiment, the sloped end face extends along the entire circumference of 360°. In other embodiments, the end face of the spigot of the pneumatic tube or hose comprising at least one magnetic element may have more than one ramp-shaped area, each ramp-shaped area rising continuously along its circumference from the starting area of ​​the end face to the end area of ​​the end face. In this case, each ramp-shaped area of ​​the end face extends, for example, along the circumference of 180° (two ramp-shaped areas), 120° (three ramp-shaped areas), 90° (four ramp-shaped areas), etc.

[0029] The end face of the pneumatic port of the vacuum generating unit or vacuum utilizing device has a corresponding design, which has a ramp shape that rises continuously from the starting area of ​​the end face along its circumference to the end area of ​​the end face. In the magnetically fixed position of the socket relative to the pneumatic port, the two mating end faces of the socket and the pneumatic port are preferably seated on each other on the entire end face. By rotating the socket relative to the pneumatic port around the longitudinal axis of the pneumatic tube or hose, the mating end faces slide on each other, so that the corresponding magnetic elements arranged at the socket and the pneumatic port are moved apart. As the distance of the corresponding magnetic elements increases, the magnetic force interacting between them is reduced, which is conducive to the release of the connection between the socket and the pneumatic port. By rotating the socket relative to the pneumatic port around the longitudinal axis of the pneumatic tube or hose, the force in the direction opposite to the magnetic force, which must be applied to the socket to release the connection, is significantly reduced. When the socket is attached to the pneumatic port, the socket applies a relative rotation in the opposite direction relative to the pneumatic port. Alternatively, other mechanical means acting between the socket and the pneumatic element (eg, a lever mechanism, etc.) may be applied to initially space the magnetic element of the socket from the magnetic element of the pneumatic port and facilitate release of the connection between the socket and the pneumatic port.

[0030] It is suggested that the pneumatic tube or hose is suitable for being releasably and airtightly connected to the pneumatic port of the vacuum generating unit and / or the vacuum utilizing device, respectively, the vacuum generating unit being implemented as a dust removal system, in particular a mobile vacuum cleaner, and the vacuum utilizing device being implemented as a hand-guided power tool, in particular a sander or a polisher. The present invention has the above advantages particularly in terms of being combined with these units and devices, respectively. Even if dust and / or small particles (which are usually present in the environment where the power tool that generates dust is used) are captured between the socket and the pneumatic port, it is also possible to achieve magnetic fixing of the socket to the pneumatic port. In contrast, if dust or small particles are captured between the socket and the pneumatic port, the mechanical connection of the socket to the pneumatic port may be severely impaired, or even impossible to make a mechanical connection. Of course, the vacuum generating unit is not limited to a vacuum cleaner, but can be implemented as any kind of suction source.

[0031] The above objects are also solved by a pneumatic port of a vacuum generating unit or a vacuum utilizing device comprising the following features. In particular, starting from a pneumatic port of the above kind, it is proposed that the pneumatic port comprises at least one magnetic element for interacting with at least one corresponding magnetic element, which is arranged at the end of a pneumatic tube or hose, in particular at the socket of the pneumatic tube or hose, in order to fix the socket of the pneumatic tube or hose to the pneumatic port by means of magnetic forces. The at least one magnetic element does not have to form part of the pneumatic port, nor does it have to be directly attached thereto, but can also be located in the vacuum generating unit or the vacuum utilizing device, in particular in the housing of the unit or device, near or around the pneumatic port.

[0032] The socket of the pneumatic tube or hose and the pneumatic port of the vacuum generating unit or vacuum utilizing device constitute a kind of pneumatic plug and corresponding socket, which are fixed to each other by means of magnetic force to avoid accidental separation and removal of the plug and socket.

[0033] Similar to what has been described previously about the socket of the pneumatic tube or hose, at least one magnetic element of the pneumatic port may include one or more permanent magnets and / or one or more ferromagnetic elements. The type, position, size and quantity of the magnetic element of the pneumatic port depends on the type, position, size and quantity of the magnetic element of the socket of the pneumatic tube or hose. Therefore, the type, position, size and quantity of the magnetic elements of the pneumatic port and the socket are coordinated with each other so as to achieve the desired fixing effect between the socket and the pneumatic port. On the one hand, the fixing effect must be strong enough to ensure the appropriate intended use of the vacuum generating unit and / or the vacuum utilizing device. On the other hand, the fixing effect must not be too strong to allow the user to overcome the magnetic fixing effect so as to separate the socket from the pneumatic port and disassemble the pneumatic tube or hose from the vacuum generating unit and the vacuum utilizing device, respectively. The use of a mechanical device to facilitate the manual separation of the socket from the pneumatic port can allow a stronger fixing effect while still enabling the user to separate the socket from the pneumatic port with the aid of a mechanical device.

[0034] Similar to what has been described previously with respect to the spigot of the pneumatic tube or hose, the pneumatic port including at least one magnetic element may have an end face that faces the spigot of the pneumatic tube or hose when the spigot is fixed to the pneumatic port, the end face having a slope shape that rises continuously along its circumference from a starting area of ​​the end face to an end area of ​​the end face. By cooperating with the corresponding sloped end face of the spigot, the sloped end face of the pneumatic port allows the spigot to be more easily separated and disassembled from the pneumatic port simply by rotating the spigot relative to the pneumatic port about the longitudinal axis of the pneumatic tube or hose.

[0035] In particular, it is recommended that:

[0036] The pneumatic port is part of a vacuum generating unit, especially a dust removal system, which includes:

[0037] - Vacuum generating device;

[0038] - dust collection container;

[0039] a pneumatic port, which is embodied as an air inlet port for dust-laden air, which is located downstream of the vacuum generating device and connects the interior of the dust collection container to the environment;

[0040] - an air outlet port for filtered air, located upstream of the vacuum generating device and connecting the exhaust of the vacuum generating device to the environment;

[0041] - a filter element located between the dust collection container and the suction opening of the vacuum generating device; and

[0042] - a pneumatic tube or hose with a socket and at least one magnetic element, the socket being adapted to be releasably connected to the air inlet port by means of magnetic force.

[0043] In addition, it is recommended that:

[0044] The pneumatic port is part of a hand-guided power tool, especially a sander or polisher, and includes:

[0045] a working element, in particular a working element having a sanding or polishing member, wherein the power tool is suitable for machining a machining surface with the working element during the intended use of the power tool and the power tool generates dust during its intended use; and

[0046] A pneumatic port embodied as an air outlet port, which is adapted to be releasably connected by means of magnetic forces to a socket with at least one magnetic element and arranged at the end of a pneumatic tube or hose.

[0047] Power tools may be electrically operated (including electric motors) or pneumatically operated (including pneumatic motors actuated by means of compressed air). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Other features and advantages of the invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Each feature of the invention shown in the drawings and / or described below is essential to the invention not only in the illustrated / described embodiments but also on its own (without other features of the corresponding embodiment) and / or in combination with any other embodiment, even if not explicitly shown in the drawings and / or not described in the description. The drawings show:

[0049] Figure 1 is, according to a preferred embodiment, implemented as a vacuum generating unit of a dust removal system, in particular a mobile vacuum cleaner;

[0050] Figure 2 is a vacuum utilization device for a hand-guided power tool, particularly a sander, according to a preferred embodiment;

[0051] Figures 3 to 5 A vacuum generating unit according to other embodiments, which is implemented as a dust removal system, in particular a mobile vacuum cleaner, is combined with a vacuum utilization device, which is implemented as a hand-guided power tool, in particular a sanding machine;

[0052] Figure 6 A spigot of a pneumatic tube or hose and a pneumatic port of a vacuum generating unit or vacuum utilizing device according to another embodiment are in positions separated from each other;

[0053] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The socket and the pneumatic port are in a position to be connected to each other;

[0054] Figure 8 A spigot of a pneumatic tube or hose and a pneumatic port of a vacuum generating unit or vacuum utilizing device according to a further embodiment, which are in positions separated from each other;

[0055] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 The socket and the pneumatic port are in a position to be connected to each other;

[0056] Fig.10 A spigot for a pneumatic tube or hose having a specially designed end face that faces the pneumatic port of a vacuum generating unit or vacuum utilizing device when the spigot is secured to the pneumatic port;

[0057] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 A detailed view of the end face of the socket;

[0058] Fig.12 is a view partially shown in cross-section the outer peripheral surface of a pneumatic port of a vacuum generating unit or a vacuum utilizing device according to another embodiment; and

[0059] Fig.13 is a view showing, partially in cross-section, an outer peripheral surface of a pneumatic port of a vacuum generating unit or a vacuum utilizing device according to still another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Figure 1An example of a vacuum generating unit implemented as a dust removal system, in particular a mobile vacuum cleaner 2, is shown. The vacuum cleaner 2 comprises a housing of essentially two parts, the housing having an upper part 4 and a lower part 6. The lower part 6 of the housing comprises a dust collecting container 8 for receiving and storing dust and other small particles that have been filtered out from the dust-laden air sucked by the vacuum cleaner 2. The upper part 4 of the housing comprises, among others, at least one electric motor and at least one turbine for generating a low pressure or vacuum (i.e., a pressure lower than the ambient pressure) in the container 8 and for facilitating the suction of the dust-laden air. In addition, the upper part 4 of the housing comprises one or more air filter elements for filtering out dust and small particles from the dust-laden air sucked. On the outer side of the upper part 4 of the housing, a user interface 10 is provided for the operation control of the vacuum cleaner 2 and its motor. The user interface 10 comprises in particular a control switch adapted to turn the vacuum cleaner 2 on ("A" or "M") and off ("0"), to switch between automatic ("A") and manual ("M") operating modes and / or also for manually controlling the motor speed. The vacuum cleaner 2 and its motor are operated with the aid of power from a mains power supply and / or from one or more preferably rechargeable batteries. The one or more batteries may be internal batteries fixedly attached and electrically connected inside the housing 4, 6 of the vacuum cleaner 2, and / or may be removable batteries removably inserted into the housing 4, 6 from the outside of the vacuum cleaner 2 and electrically connected therein.

[0061] The upper part 4 of the housing may have a power socket 12 for receiving an electrical plug of a power cord of an electric hand-guided power tool (see Figure 2 ). The power socket 12 is preferably connected to a power source for operating the vacuum cleaner 2 and its motor. The power tool draws current from the socket 12 for operation of its electric motor. The vacuum cleaner 2 has means for sensing when the power tool draws current from the socket 12, and means for automatically turning on the vacuum cleaner 2 and its motor, respectively, when current is drawn, and for turning off the vacuum cleaner 2 and its motor, respectively, possibly after a delay, when no current is drawn.

[0062] The upper part 4 of the housing may also have an air socket 14 for connecting the pneumatic tube of a pneumatically guided power tool to the vacuum cleaner 2. The air socket 14 is preferably connected to an external compressed air source and provides compressed air for operating the power tool and its pneumatic motor. The power tool draws compressed air from the air socket 14 for its pneumatic motor operation. The vacuum cleaner 2 has means for sensing when the power tool draws compressed air from the socket 14, and means for automatically turning on the vacuum cleaner 2 and its motor, respectively, when compressed air is drawn, and for turning off the vacuum cleaner 2 and its motor, respectively, possibly after a delay, when compressed air is not drawn.

[0063] The upper part 4 of the housing is releasably attached to the bottom part 6 by means of latches 16, which are located on opposite sides of the housings 4, 6. The upper part 4 of the housing is provided with a handle 18, which is used to conveniently carry the vacuum cleaner 2 to its designated operating location. The bottom part 6 of the housing is provided with wheels 20, so that the vacuum cleaner 2 can be conveniently rolled from one position to another on a base surface, in particular a floor. Preferably, the front wheels 20 are pivotable around a substantially vertical pivot axis 22 so as to allow easy manipulation of the vacuum cleaner 2, and the front wheels 20 include locking brakes 24 for temporarily fixing the vacuum cleaner 2 in its current position. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner 2 is a mobile unit that can be easily moved to a desired operating location. Optionally, the vacuum cleaner 2 (with or without wheels 20) can also be positioned on a cart or trolley provided with wheels and manipulated on a base surface. Of course, the present invention can also be applied to fixed or stationary dust removal systems used in factories, garages, shipyards, etc.

[0064] The vacuum cleaner 2 comprises: a vacuum generating device, which comprises one or more motors and one or more turbines; a dust collecting container 8; and a pneumatic port 26, which is implemented as an air inlet port for dusty air, which is located downstream of the vacuum generating device and connects the interior of the dust collecting container 8 to the environment. In addition, the vacuum cleaner 2 comprises an air outlet port (not shown, but usually present in the upper housing 4), which is located upstream of the vacuum generating device for filtered air and connects the exhaust port of the vacuum generating device to the environment. The filter element is located between the dust collecting container 8 and the suction port of the vacuum generating device. In addition, the vacuum cleaner 2 comprises a pneumatic tube or hose 28 having a socket 30 at its end. One of the sockets 30 is suitable for releasably connecting the pneumatic tube or hose 28 to the air inlet port 26. It is suggested that the socket 30 of the pneumatic tube or hose 28 is attached to the pneumatic port 26 of the vacuum cleaner 2 and fixed thereto by means of magnetic force, which will be described in further detail below. The opposite end of the pneumatic tube or hose 28 can be connected to the pneumatic port of any vacuum utilizing device. The vacuum utilization device can be realized, for example, as a suction nozzle, a floor nozzle, a suction brush or a hand-guided power tool.

[0065] exist Figure 2 An example of a vacuum utilizing device is shown in FIG. 1 , which is in the form of a hand-guided power tool 32 , in particular a sander (or grinder). Figure 2 The power tool 32 shown in the drawing is an electric power tool, which includes an electric motor and a power cable 34, which has an electric plug 36 at its distal end. The plug 36 can be inserted into the electrical socket 12 of the vacuum cleaner 2 (see Figure 1) or any other external power socket. Of course, the power tool 32 can also be implemented as a pneumatic power tool, which includes a pneumatic motor and a compressed air pipe or hose, which can be inserted into the air socket 14 of the vacuum cleaner 2 (see Figure 1 ) or any other external compressed air inlet.

[0066] The motor of the power tool 32 drives a working element 38, for example in the form of a backing pad, directly or indirectly (for example via a gear mechanism). A sanding member can be releasably attached to the bottom surface of the backing pad 38. If the power tool 32 is implemented as a polisher, a polishing member can be releasably attached to the bottom surface of the backing pad 38. The power tool 32 is suitable for machining a machining surface with the working element 38 during the intended use of the power tool 32. The power tool 32 has a housing 40, which houses the motor, possible gear mechanisms, electrical and electronic components and other internal components of the power tool 32. The working element 38 protrudes from the housing 40. In addition, the power tool 32 includes a pneumatic port 42 implemented as an air outlet port, which is suitable for releasably connecting to the socket 30 of the pneumatic tube or hose 28. It is recommended that the socket 30 of the pneumatic tube or hose 28 is attached to the pneumatic port 42 of the power tool 32 and fixed thereto by means of magnetic force, which will be described in further detail below.

[0067] If the other end of the tube or hose 28 is connected to a vacuum generating unit, such as a vacuum cleaner 2, dust-laden air from the machining surface of the power tool 32 can be sucked into the dust collection container 8 of the vacuum cleaner 2 through the pneumatic port 42 of the power tool 32, the pneumatic tube or hose 28, and the pneumatic port 26 of the vacuum cleaner 2. Preferably, the air inlet port 26 of the vacuum cleaner 2 is connected to the air outlet port 42 of the hand-guided power tool 32 by means of the pneumatic tube or hose 28. The vacuum cleaner 2 actively sucks the dust-laden air generated by the power tool 32 during its intended use into the dust collection container 8 through the pneumatic tube or hose 28. The dust-laden air is filtered by the filter element, and then the filtered air is discharged into the environment through the air outlet port of the vacuum cleaner 2.

[0068] For simplicity, in Figure 2The on / off switch for turning the power tool 32 on or off is not shown, nor is there a rotary switch for adjusting the speed of the power tool 32 and its motor, respectively. Although not explicitly shown, the power tool 32 may have these and other details. In addition, the power tool 32 may also be implemented as a drill, a hammer drill, a planer, a milling machine, a chisel machine, or any other power tool that generates dust and small particles during its intended use. All of these power tools may be provided with a pneumatic port according to the present invention, such as the pneumatic port 42 of the power tool 32. A pneumatic tube or hose 28 or a socket 30 of a passive filter unit may be connected to the pneumatic port to inhale dusty air and / or collect dust and small particles, thereby removing them from the machining surface and the surrounding air. The power tool 32 may be provided with a switch for turning on / off and controlling the speed of the power tool 32 and the motor of the tool, respectively. The switch may be located on the outer housing of the tool 32 in an externally accessible manner.

[0069] Optionally, the pneumatic port 42 can also be connected to a passive filter unit, such as the Greentech filter unit available from RUPES SpA. This will be of particular interest if the power tool 32 is equipped with an active dust removal system, which is also operated by the motor of the power tool 32, for example, which actively blows dust-laden air from the machining surface into the environment through the pneumatic port 42. The active dust removal system can be accommodated in the housing 40, preferably near the inner opening of the pneumatic port 42. If a passive filter unit is connected to the pneumatic port 42, dust and small particles in the dust-laden air will be collected in the filter unit and will not pollute the surrounding air. The passive filter unit preferably includes a socket for releasably connecting to the pneumatic port 42. It is recommended that the socket of the passive filter unit be attached to the pneumatic port 42 of the power tool 32 and fixed thereto by means of magnetic force, which will be described in further detail below.

[0070] Figures 3 to 5 Various embodiments using passive filter units are schematically shown in FIG. Figures 3 to 5A hand-guided power tool 32 is shown. A passive filter unit is indicated by reference numeral 44, and a vacuum generating device is indicated by reference numeral 48, the vacuum generating device comprising, for example, an electric motor and a turbine, which can be attached to an air outlet port 46 of the filter unit 44. A pneumatic tube or hose for interconnecting the power tool 32, the passive filter unit 44 and the vacuum generating device 48 (if present) is indicated by reference numeral 28. A belt or strip for releasably attaching one or more components 44, 48 to the user's body (e.g., his back, his waist, his shoulders) is indicated by reference numeral 50. Such embodiments of dust removal systems are mainly known from EP application No. 19 211 438.7 filed by Dr. Guido Valentini on November 26, 2019 and are further described in detail in the EP application. The application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0071] The passive filter unit 44 comprises a housing 52 having an air inlet port 54 and an air outlet port 46. A filter element 56 is located in the housing 52 between the air inlet port 54 and the air outlet port 46, thereby dividing the interior space of the housing 52 into an air inlet chamber 58 and an air outlet chamber 60. Dust-laden air from the power tool 32 passes through the housing 52 from the air inlet port 54 to the air outlet port 46. Dust and small particles are separated from the air flow by the filter element 56 and collected in the air inlet chamber 58. The efficiency of the passive filter unit 44 can be significantly improved if an active vacuum generating device 48 is pneumatically connected to the air outlet port 46, thereby converting the entire system into an active dust removal system. For this purpose, a vacuum is generated in the housing 52 by the vacuum generating device 48. The filtered air is discharged into the environment through the air outlet port 108 of the vacuum generating device 48.

[0072] exist Figure 3In an embodiment of the invention, the air inlet port 54 of the passive filter unit 44 is directly connected to the air outlet port 42 of the power tool 32. For this purpose, one of the air outlet port 42 and the air inlet port 54 is implemented as a pneumatic port according to the present invention, such as the pneumatic port 42 described above. Therefore, the other of the air outlet port 42 and the air inlet port 54 is implemented as a socket according to the present invention, such as the socket 30 of the pneumatic tube or hose 28 described above. The passive filter unit 44 can be attached to the power tool 32 in any desired manner. Preferably, the passive filter unit 44 is fixed to the power tool 32 by means of a magnetic force acting between magnetic elements, which are arranged in the passive filter unit 44 and the power tool 32, preferably at or near the air inlet port 54 and the air outlet port 42. The magnetic element may include a permanent magnet and / or a ferromagnetic element. One or more corresponding magnetic elements are arranged in the passive filter unit 44 and the power tool 32. For example, one of them may be provided with a permanent magnet. In this case, the other of them may be provided with a (opposite polarity) permanent magnet and / or a ferromagnetic element. The opposite polarity permanent magnet or permanent magnet and ferromagnetic element are attracted by the magnetic force acting between them. The magnetic force is provided to securely and reliably fix the passive filter unit 44 to the power tool 32, avoiding accidental separation and removal of the filter unit 44 from the power tool 32, for example during the intended use of the power tool 32.

[0073] In addition, Figure 3In an embodiment of the invention, the passive filter unit 44 is connected to the active vacuum generating device 48 by means of a pneumatic tube or hose 28. For this purpose, the tube or hose 28 has two sockets 30, one at each end. The air outlet port 46 of the filter unit 44 is preferably implemented as a pneumatic port according to the invention, such as the pneumatic port 42 described above. Similarly, the air inlet port 62 of the vacuum generating device 48 is also implemented as a pneumatic port according to the invention. The pneumatic tube or hose 28 is attached to the passive filter unit 44 and the active vacuum generating device 48, respectively, in any desired manner. Preferably, the pneumatic tube or hose 28 is fixed to the passive filter unit 44 and the active vacuum generating device 48, respectively, by means of magnetic forces. Preferably, the sockets 30 of the pneumatic tube or hose 28 are fixed to the pneumatic ports 46, 62 by means of magnetic forces. For this purpose, magnetic elements are provided in the pneumatic tube or hose 28 (preferably at or near the socket 30), the passive filter unit 44 (preferably at or near the pneumatic port 46), and the vacuum generating device 48 (preferably at or near the pneumatic port 62). All of the above-mentioned magnetic elements for the connection between the air outlet port 42 of the power tool 32 and the air inlet port 54 of the filter unit 44 also apply to such magnetic elements: which are used for the connection between the air outlet port 46 and the first socket 30 of the pneumatic tube or hose 28 and the connection between the air inlet port 62 and the second socket 30 of the pneumatic tube or hose 28.

[0074] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment of the invention, the air inlet port 54 of the passive filter unit 44 is indirectly connected to the air outlet port 42 of the power tool 32 by means of the pneumatic tube or hose 28. For this purpose, both the air outlet port 42 and the air inlet port 54 are implemented as pneumatic ports according to the invention, such as the pneumatic port 42 described above. Therefore, the pneumatic tube or hose 28 has a socket 30 at both of its distal ends. The power tool 32 and the passive filter unit 44 can be attached to the pneumatic tube or hose 28 in any desired manner. Preferably, the power tool 32 and the passive filter unit 44 are fixed to the pneumatic tube or hose 28 by means of magnetic forces acting between magnetic elements, which are arranged in the power tool 32 and the passive filter unit 44 on the one hand (preferably at or near the pneumatic ports 42, 54) and in the pneumatic tube or hose 28 on the other hand (preferably at or near the socket 30). Everything described above regarding magnetic elements also applies to magnetic elements used for connection between the air outlet port 42 of the power tool 32 and the first socket 30 of the pneumatic tube or hose 28 and for connection between the air inlet port 54 of the passive filter unit 44 and the second socket 30 of the pneumatic tube or hose 28 .

[0075] In addition, Figure 4 In the embodiment, as described in detail above, Figure 3 As is the case in the embodiment of FIG. 4 , the passive filter unit 44 is connected to an active vacuum generating device 48 by means of a pneumatic tube or hose 28 .

[0076] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment of the invention, the power tool 32 is connected to the passive filter unit 44 via a pneumatic tube or hose 28, as described in detail above. Figure 4 Furthermore, the passive filter unit 44 is directly connected to the active vacuum generating device 48, similar to the embodiment of Figure 3 The passive filter unit 44 is attached to the vacuum generating device 48 in any desired manner. Preferably, the passive filter unit 44 is fixed to the vacuum generating device 48 by means of magnetic forces acting between magnetic elements, which are arranged in the passive filter unit 44 and the vacuum generating device 48, preferably at or near the air outlet port 46 and the air inlet port 62. All that has been said above about the magnetic element for connecting the passive filter unit 44 to the power tool 32 also applies to the magnetic element connecting the air outlet port 46 of the filter unit 44 to the air inlet port 62 of the vacuum generating device 48.

[0077] The magnetic force established by the magnetic field between the magnetic elements can point in any direction, including the axial direction (see Figure 6 and Figure 7 ), radial direction (see Figure 8 and Fig. 9 ) and circumferential direction (see Fig.10 and Fig.11 ).exist Figures 6 to 9 In the example of FIG. 6 , a pneumatic port 64 is shown, which may be, for example, the air inlet port 26 of the vacuum cleaner 2 , the air outlet port 42 of the power tool 32 , the air inlet port 54 of the passive filter unit 44 , the air outlet port 46 of the passive filter unit 44 , the air inlet port 62 of the vacuum generating device 48 , etc. In addition, Figures 6 to 9 A socket 66 is shown, which may be, for example, the socket 30 of the pneumatic tube or hose 28, the air outlet port 42 of the power tool 32, the air inlet port 54 of the passive filter unit 44, the air outlet port 46 of the passive filter unit 44, the air inlet port 62 of the vacuum generating device 48, or the like. Figure 6 and Figure 8 The pneumatic port 64 and the socket 66 are shown in a separated position from each other. Figure 7 and Fig. 9 , the pneumatic port 64 and the socket 66 are attached to and magnetically secured to each other.

[0078] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7 64, the spigot 66 is designed and formed so that it can be inserted into the pneumatic port 64. Both elements 64, 66 have a tubular shape, preferably with a circular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 70 of the pneumatic tube or hose 28 to which the spigot 66 is attached and the pneumatic port 64, respectively. The outer diameter of the spigot 66 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the pneumatic port 64, so as to allow the spigot 66 to be inserted into the pneumatic port 64. Of course, many other designs and forms of the pneumatic port 64 and the spigot 66 are also contemplated. In particular, the pneumatic port 64 can have an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the spigot 66, so as to allow the pneumatic port 64 to be inserted into the spigot 30.

[0079] The insertion direction is indicated by reference numeral 68 and extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 70. The pneumatic port 64 has an annular protrusion 72, which extends radially inwardly from the inner surface of the tubular pneumatic port 64 and has an abutment surface 74 facing the end face 76 of the socket 66. Preferably, the abutment surface 74 of the pneumatic port 64 and the end face 76 of the socket 66 are annular in shape. Of course, for example, the annular protrusion 72 can also be composed of a plurality of discrete protrusions, each of which extends radially inwardly and is spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. In addition, if the pneumatic port 64 is inserted into the socket 66, the annular protrusion will extend radially outward from the outer surface of the tubular pneumatic port 64.

[0080] Respective magnetic elements 78, 80 are disposed at the abutment surface 74 of the pneumatic port 64 and the end face 76 of the socket 66. The magnetic elements 78, 80 are selected and positioned relative to each other to interact with each other and generate a magnetic field when the socket 66 and the pneumatic port 64 are attached to each other, which is established by the magnetic force for securing the socket 66 to the pneumatic port 64. In the position where the socket 66 is attached to the pneumatic port 64 (see Figure 7 ), the magnetic elements 78, 80 are positioned adjacent to each other in the axial direction. Therefore, the magnetic force 82 between the magnetic elements 78, 80 acts in the axial direction, i.e. parallel to the longitudinal axis 70 of the pneumatic port 64 and the pneumatic tube or hose 28 to which the socket 66 is attached, respectively.

[0081] For example, one or more magnetic elements 78 of the pneumatic port 64 are implemented as permanent magnets. In this case, one or more magnetic elements 80 of the socket 66 can be implemented as permanent magnets with polarity opposite to the permanent magnets 78, or they can be implemented as ferromagnetic elements. Of course, it is also possible that the multiple magnetic elements 78 of the pneumatic port 64 are implemented as permanent magnets and ferromagnetic elements in an alternating manner along the circumference. In this case, the multiple magnetic elements 80 of the socket 66 can also be implemented as corresponding permanent magnets and ferromagnetic elements in an alternating manner along the circumference. The magnetic elements 78, 80 can both include a single magnetic element in an annular form extending along the entire circumference of the pneumatic port 64 and the socket 66. Optionally, the magnetic elements 78, 80 can both include a plurality of separate magnetic elements, each of which can extend only along a portion of the circumference of the pneumatic port 64 and the socket 66. The separate magnetic elements 78, 80 can have an arcuate or straight extension, or have a cylindrical shape.

[0082] The magnetic elements 78, 80 can be inserted into the pneumatic port 64 and the socket 66 during their manufacture, such as through a common molding process. Optionally, a recess can be provided in the pneumatic port 64 and the socket 66, and the magnetic elements 78, 80 are inserted and fixed in the recess after the pneumatic port 64 and the socket 66 are manufactured. The recess can be provided during the manufacture of the pneumatic port 64 and the socket 66, such as during the molding process, or they can be introduced in a separate step after the manufacture of the pneumatic port 64 and the socket 66. The magnetic elements 78, 80 can be fixed in the recess, such as by friction, adhesive, bonding, etc. After the magnetic elements 78, 80 are inserted into the recess, these recesses can be covered, closed and / or sealed by a cover element. The cover element can also be used to fix the magnetic elements 78, 80 in the recess.

[0083] from Figure 6 and Figure 7 It can be seen that the spigot 66 of the pneumatic tube or hose 28 including at least one magnetic element 80 has an end face 76 that faces the pneumatic port 64 when the spigot 66 is fixed to the pneumatic port 64. The end face 76 has a ramp shape, which Fig.10 and Fig.11 The ramp-shaped end surface 76 rises continuously from a starting area 84 of the end surface 76 to an end area 86 of the end surface 76 along its circumference.

[0084] An imaginary plane extending perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis 70 of the socket 66 or the pneumatic tube or hose 28, respectively, is defined. The end face of a conventional socket of a pneumatic tube or hose would extend in this plane. In contrast, according to the end face 76 of the socket 66 of the pneumatic tube or hose 28 of this embodiment, only the starting area 84 or the end area 86 is located in this plane, while the rest of the end face 76 continuously moves away from the plane (rising or falling) and has its maximum distance to the plane at its end area 86 (where the starting area 84 extends in the plane), or has its maximum distance to the plane at its starting area 84 (where the end area 86 extends in the plane).

[0085] In one embodiment, the ramped end surface 76 may extend along the entire circumference of 360°. Fig.10 and Fig.11 In the embodiment shown in , the end face 76 of the socket 66 of the pneumatic tube or hose 28 including at least one magnetic element 80 (two magnetic elements 80 in this embodiment) has two ramp-shaped areas 76a, 76b, which are both continuously rising in the circumferential direction from the starting area 84 of the ramp-shaped areas 76a, 76b to the end area 86. In this case, the ramp-shaped areas 76a, 76b of the end face 76 are both extended along the circumferential direction of 180°. Of course, the end face 76 can also include more than two ramp-shaped areas 76a, 76b, for example, three ramp-shaped areas extending in the circumferential direction of 120°, four ramp-shaped areas extending in the circumferential direction of 90°, and so on.

[0086] Can be Figure 6 and Figure 7 As can be further seen in the figure, the pneumatic port 64 has a correspondingly designed ramp-shaped end face 74, so that when the pneumatic port 64 and the socket 66 are attached and fixed to each other, the end faces 74, 76 rest on each other along their entire surfaces. The above description of the end face 76 of the socket 66 also applies to the end face 74 of the pneumatic port 64. In order to avoid repetition with respect to the end face 76, reference is made to the above description of the end face 74.

[0087] In the magnetic fixed position of the socket 66 relative to the pneumatic port 64, the two mating end faces 74, 76 of the socket 66 and the pneumatic port 64 preferably rest on each other along the entire surface. By rotating the socket 66 counterclockwise along the longitudinal axis 70 relative to the pneumatic port 64, the mating end faces 74, 76 slide on each other, thereby increasing the distance between the magnetic elements 78, 80 provided at the pneumatic port 64 and the socket 66. Due to the increased distance between the respective magnetic elements 78, 80, the magnetic force interacting between them is reduced, thereby facilitating the release of the connection between the socket 66 and the pneumatic port 64. Therefore, by rotating the socket 66 relative to the pneumatic port 74 about the longitudinal axis 70, the force directed in the direction opposite to the magnetic force (which must be applied to the socket 66 to release the connection) is significantly reduced. When the socket 66 is attached to the pneumatic port 64, a relative rotation of the socket 66 relative to the pneumatic port 64 in the opposite direction (i.e., clockwise) is applied. Of course, other mechanical devices acting between the socket 66 and the pneumatic element 64, such as a lever structure or the like, may be applied to initially space the magnetic element 80 of the socket 66 from the magnetic element 78 of the pneumatic port 64 and facilitate release of the connection between the socket 66 and the pneumatic port 64.

[0088] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the corresponding components have been assigned Figure 6 and Figure 7 . It can be seen that the socket 66 is attached to the end of the pneumatic tube or hose 28 as if it were an extension of the tube or hose 28. The pneumatic tube or hose 28 is connected to the pneumatic port 64 of the vacuum generating unit and / or vacuum utilizing device in a manner that it can rotate freely around the longitudinal axis 70. In this embodiment, this is achieved by the socket 66 being attached to the end of the pneumatic tube or hose 28 by a rotating connection element 88, which provides for free rotation of the pneumatic tube or hose 28 relative to the socket 66 about the longitudinal axis 70. The rotating connection element 88 provides an airtight connection of the socket 66 to the end of the pneumatic tube or hose 28. Preferably, the rotating connection element 88 has an annular circular shape so as to allow the pneumatic tube or hose 28 to rotate freely relative to the socket 66. This free rotation is independent of the cross-sectional shape of the socket 66 and the pneumatic tube or hose 28 and can be achieved by the rotating connection element 88 even if the socket 66 and / or the pneumatic tube or hose 28 do not have a circular cross-sectional shape. Preferably, the rotating connection element 88 has two separate annular members 90, 92 and a friction bearing surface or ball bearing between the two annular members 90, 92 to facilitate rotation.

[0089] exist Figure 8 and Fig. 9In the embodiment of the embodiment, the end face 76 of the socket 66 lies in an imaginary plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 70. The pneumatic port 64 and the socket 66 do not have matching ramped end faces 74, 76. However, ramped end faces 74, 76 may also be provided for this embodiment.

[0090] At the location where the socket 66 is attached to the pneumatic port 64 (see Fig. 9 ), the magnetic elements 78, 80 of the pneumatic port 64 and the socket 66 are adjacent to each other in the radial direction. Therefore, the magnetic force 94 for fixing the socket 66 to the pneumatic port 64 acts in the radial direction, i.e., obliquely, preferably perpendicularly, to the longitudinal axis 70 of the pneumatic tube or hose 28 to which the socket 66 is attached and the pneumatic port 64, respectively.

[0091] Fig.10 and Fig.11 Another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, corresponding parts have been assigned the same reference numerals as in the previous embodiment. The magnetic element 80 is located at the axial abutment surfaces 96, 98, which extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 70 and interconnect the starting area 84 of one ramp-shaped area 76b, 76a with the end area 86 of the adjacent ramp-shaped area 76a, 76b. Although not shown, the end face 74 of the pneumatic port 64 has a corresponding ramp-shaped design, which has two ramp-shaped surface areas and corresponding axial abutment surfaces. The corresponding magnetic element 78 will be located at the axial abutment surface of the pneumatic port 64. In the position where the socket 66 is attached to the pneumatic port 64, the magnetic elements 78, 80 of the pneumatic port 64 and the socket 66 will be positioned adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. Thus, the magnetic force 100 used to secure the socket 66 to the pneumatic port 64 acts in a circumferential direction about the pneumatic tube or hose 28 to which the socket 66 is attached and the longitudinal axis 70 of the pneumatic port 64 , respectively.

[0092] A further embodiment of the present invention is Fig.12 and Fig.13 . Corresponding parts have been assigned the same reference numerals as in the previous embodiments. In these embodiments, the attachment of the socket 66 to the pneumatic port 64 is not achieved solely by a linear insertion movement in the direction 68. Instead, the outer peripheral surface 102 of the pneumatic port 64 is provided with at least one guide groove 104, in which, during the attachment of the socket 66 to the pneumatic port 64, a corresponding protrusion 106 of the socket 66 is guided into a terminal position, wherein the protrusion 106 is retained by means of magnetic force, thereby fixing the socket 66 to the pneumatic port 64.

[0093] exist Fig.12In an embodiment of the present invention, the guide groove 104 includes an insertion opening 104a that opens into a first axial region 104b, which opens into a circumferential region 104c at an end opposite to the insertion opening 104a, and the circumferential region 104c opens into a second axial region 104d at an end opposite to the first axial region 104b, and the second axial region 104d has an end portion 104e opposite to the circumferential region 104c. Preferably, the first axial region 104b and the second axial region 104d extend parallel to the longitudinal axis 70 and parallel to each other. One or more magnetic elements 78 are positioned adjacent to the end portion 104e. The protrusion 106 of the socket 66 includes or is made of one or more magnetic elements 80 of the socket 66. The magnetic force 82 acting between the magnetic elements 78, 80 is directed in the axial direction and thus pulls the protrusion 106 toward the end face of the end portion 104e. In this manner, the socket 66 is secured to the pneumatic port 64 by means of the magnetic force 82 .

[0094] exist Fig.13 In an embodiment of the invention, the guide groove 104 comprises an insertion opening 104a opening into an axial region 104b, the axial region 104b opening into a circumferential region 104c at an end opposite to the insertion opening 104a, the circumferential region 104 having an end portion 104e opposite to the axial region 104b. Preferably, the axial region 104b extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 70. One or more magnetic elements 78 are positioned adjacent to the end portion 104e. The protrusion 106 of the socket 66 comprises or is made of one or more magnetic elements 80 of the socket 66. The magnetic force 94 acting between the magnetic elements 78, 80 is directed in the circumferential direction and thus pulls the protrusion 106 toward the end face of the end portion 104e. In this way, the socket 66 is fixed to the pneumatic port 64 by means of the magnetic force 94.

[0095] Of course, the guide groove 104 may have Fig.12 and Fig.13 For example, if the socket 66 is a male socket instead of a female socket, and if the pneumatic port 64 is a female socket instead of a male socket, the guide groove 104 will have to be designed differently to ensure that the connection functions properly. In addition, it is also possible that the guide groove is provided on the circumferential surface of the socket 66, preferably on the inner circumferential surface, whereby the pneumatic port 64 will include one or more protrusions, preferably on the outer circumferential surface 102.

Claims

1. A pneumatic tube or hose (28) having a longitudinal axis (70) extending in the longitudinal direction of the pneumatic tube or hose (28) and having two ends, each end being provided with a socket (30; 66), the socket (30; 66) being adapted to be releasably and airtightly connected to a pneumatic port (26; 64) of a vacuum generating unit (2; 48) and / or a pneumatic port (42; 64) of a vacuum utilizing device (32; 44), respectively; in, At least one socket (30; 66) of the pneumatic tube or hose (28) comprises at least one magnetic element (80) adapted to interact with at least one corresponding magnetic element (78) provided in the vacuum generating unit (2; 48) and / or the vacuum utilizing device (32; 44) so ​​as to fix the socket (30; 66) of the pneumatic tube or hose (28) to the pneumatic port (26; 42; 64) of the vacuum generating unit (2; 48) or the vacuum utilizing device (32; 44) by means of a magnetic force (82; 94; 100), It is characterized in that At least one socket (30; 66) of a pneumatic tube or hose (28) including at least one magnetic element (80) has an end surface (76), and when the socket (30; 66) is fixed to the pneumatic port (26; 42; 64), the end surface (76) faces the pneumatic port (26; 42; 64) of a vacuum generating unit (2; 48) or a vacuum utilizing device (32; 44), and the end surface (76) has a slope shape that continuously rises from a starting area (84) of the end surface (76) along its circumference to an end area (86) of the end surface (76).

2. A pneumatic tube or hose (28) according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one magnetic element (80) of at least one socket (30; 66) of a pneumatic tube or hose (28) comprises one or more permanent magnets and / or one or more ferromagnetic elements.

3. A pneumatic tube or hose (28) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The magnetic force (82) acts in an axial direction which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis (70) of the pneumatic tube or hose (28).

4. A pneumatic tube or hose (28) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The magnetic force (100) acts in a circumferential direction extending in a plane that is inclined to the longitudinal axis (70) of the pneumatic tube or hose (28) and extends around the longitudinal axis (70).

5. A pneumatic tube or hose (28) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The magnetic force (94) acts in a radial direction which runs obliquely to the longitudinal axis (70) of the pneumatic tube or hose (28).

6. A pneumatic tube or hose (28) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The pneumatic tube or hose (28) is connected to the vacuum generating unit (2; 48) and / or the vacuum utilizing device (32; 44) in such a way that it can rotate freely about the longitudinal axis (70) of the pneumatic tube or hose (28).

7. A pneumatic tube or hose (28) according to claim 6, characterised in that: At least one socket (30; 66) of a pneumatic tube or hose (28) comprising at least one magnetic element (80) is attached to the end of the pneumatic tube or hose (28) by means of a swivel connection element (88), the swivel connection element (88) providing free rotation of the pneumatic tube or hose (28) relative to the at least one socket (30; 66) about the longitudinal axis (70) of the pneumatic tube or hose (28).

8. A pneumatic tube or hose (28) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The tube or hose (28) is a flexible suction tube.

9. A pneumatic tube or hose (28) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The pneumatic tube or hose (28) is adapted to be releasably and airtightly connected to a pneumatic port (26; 64) of a vacuum generating unit (2; 48) implemented as a dust removal system, and / or to be releasably and airtightly connected to a pneumatic port (42; 64) of a vacuum utilizing device (32; 44) implemented as a hand-guided power tool.

10. The pneumatic tube or hose (28) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The circumferential direction extends in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (70) of the pneumatic tube or hose (28) and extending around the longitudinal axis (70).

11. The pneumatic tube or hose (28) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The radial direction extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (70) of the pneumatic tube or hose (28).

12. The pneumatic tube or hose (28) according to claim 9, characterized in that: The vacuum generating unit (2; 48) is embodied as a mobile vacuum cleaner.

13. The pneumatic tube or hose (28) according to claim 9, characterized in that: The vacuum utilizing device (32; 44) is implemented as a sanding machine or a polishing machine.

14. A pneumatic port (26; 42; 64), which is a pneumatic port (26; 42; 64) of a vacuum generating unit (2; 48) or a vacuum utilizing device (32; 44), the pneumatic port (26; 42; 64) being adapted to be releasably airtightly connected to a socket (30; 66), the socket (30; 66) being arranged at one end of a pneumatic tube or hose (28), the pneumatic tube or hose (28) having a longitudinal axis (70) extending in the longitudinal direction of the pneumatic tube or hose (28), in, The pneumatic port (26; 42; 64) comprises at least one magnetic element (78) for interacting with at least one corresponding magnetic element (80) provided at one end of the pneumatic tube or hose (28) so as to fix the socket (30; 66) of the pneumatic tube or hose (28) to the pneumatic port (26; 42; 64) by means of a magnetic force (82; 94; 100), It is characterized in that A pneumatic port (26; 42; 64) including at least one magnetic element (78) has an end face (74) which faces a socket (30; 66) of a pneumatic tube or hose (28) when the socket (30; 66) is fixed to the pneumatic port (26; 42; 64), and the end face (74) has a slope shape that rises continuously along its circumference from a starting area (84) of the end face (74) to an end area (86) of the end face (74).

15. The pneumatic port (26; 42; 64) according to claim 14, characterized in that: At least one magnetic element (78) of the pneumatic port (26; 42; 64) includes one or more permanent magnets and / or one or more ferromagnetic elements.

16. The pneumatic port (26; 64) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that: The pneumatic port (26; 64) is part of a vacuum generating unit (2; 48), which comprises: - vacuum generating device (48); - dust collection container (8; 58); a pneumatic port (26; 64) embodied as an air inlet port for dust-laden air, which is located downstream of the vacuum generating device (48) and connects the interior of the dust collection container (8; 58) to the environment; - an air outlet port (108) for filtered air, which is located upstream of the vacuum generating device (48) and connects the exhaust port of the vacuum generating device (48) to the environment; - a filter element (56) located between the dust collection container (8; 58) and the suction opening of the vacuum generating device (48); and A pneumatic tube or hose (28) with a socket (30; 66) adapted to be releasably connected to an air inlet port (26; 64) by means of magnetic forces (82; 94; 100) and at least one magnetic element (80).

17. The pneumatic port (42; 64) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that: The pneumatic port (42; 64) is part of a hand-guided power tool (32), the hand-guided power tool (32) comprising: - a working element (38), wherein the power tool (32) is adapted to machine a machining surface with the working element (38) during the intended use of the power tool (32), and the power tool (32) generates dust during its intended use; and A pneumatic port (42; 64) embodied as an air outlet port, which is adapted to be releasably connected by means of magnetic forces (82; 94; 100) to a socket (30; 66) provided with at least one magnetic element (80) and arranged at the end of a pneumatic tube or hose (28).

18. The pneumatic port (26; 42; 64) according to claim 14, characterized in that: The corresponding magnetic element (80) is arranged at a socket (30; 66) of the pneumatic tube or hose (28).

19. The pneumatic port (26; 64) according to claim 16, characterized in that: The vacuum generating unit (2; 48) is a dust removal system.

20. The pneumatic port (42; 64) according to claim 17, characterized in that: The hand-guided power tool (32) is a sanding machine or a polishing machine.

21. The pneumatic port (42; 64) according to claim 17, characterized in that: The working element (38) has a sanding or polishing component.

22. A hand-guided power tool (32), comprising: a working element (38), wherein the power tool (32) is adapted to machine a machining surface using the working element (38) during an intended use of the power tool (32), and the power tool (32) generates dust during its intended use; and a pneumatic port (42) in the form of an air outlet port adapted to be releasably connected to a socket (30; 66) provided at the end of a pneumatic tube or hose (28) of the vacuum generating unit (2; 48), It is characterized in that The pneumatic port (42) is provided with at least one magnetic element (78), The pneumatic port (42) is adapted to be releasably connected to a socket (30; 66) of a pneumatic tube or hose (28) by means of magnetic forces (82; 94; 100), said socket (30; 66) comprising at least one further magnetic element (80), At least one magnetic element (78) of the pneumatic port (42) is adapted to interact with at least another magnetic element (80) of the socket (30; 66) to secure the socket (30; 66) of the pneumatic tube or hose (28) to the pneumatic port (42) of the hand-guided power tool (32) by means of magnetic forces (82; 94; 100), and A pneumatic port (42) including at least one magnetic element (78) has an end face (74) which faces toward a socket (30; 66) of a pneumatic tube or hose (28) when the socket (30; 66) is fixed to the pneumatic port (42), and the end face (74) has a slope shape that rises continuously in the circumferential direction from a starting area (84) of the end face (74) to an end area (86) of the end face (74).

23. The hand-guided power tool (32) according to claim 22, characterized in that: The hand-guided power tool is a sander or a polisher.

24. The hand-guided power tool (32) according to claim 22, characterized in that: The working element (38) is a sanding or polishing member.

25. The hand-guided power tool (32) according to claim 22, characterized in that: The vacuum generating unit (2; 48) is a vacuum cleaning system.

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