Cleaning device hose, cleaning device and method for producing a cleaning device hose

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning device hose, in particular in the form of a suction and / or spray hose for a cleaning device comprising a suction device and / or a cleaning fluid dispensing device, wherein the cleaning device hose has at least one hose with a first hose end and a second hose end, wherein at least one of the two hose ends is connected to a coupling element, wherein the coupling element comprises a nipple with an external thread and the nipple is screwed into one of the two hose ends. Furthermore, an improved cleaning device and an improved method for producing a cleaning device hose are proposed.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning device hose, in particular in the form of a suction and / or spray hose for a cleaning device comprising a suction device and / or a cleaning agent dispensing device, wherein the cleaning device hose has at least one hose with a first hose end and a second hose end, wherein at least one of the two hose ends is connected to a coupling element.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a cleaning device comprising a suction device for generating a suction flow and / or a cleaning agent dispensing device for dispensing a cleaning agent, wherein the cleaning device comprises a cleaning device hose, wherein the cleaning device comprises a suction flow inlet which is or can be connected in a fluid-effective manner to a suction channel defined by the cleaning device hose, and / or a cleaning agent outlet which is or can be connected in a fluid-effective manner to a spray channel of the cleaning device hose.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a cleaning device hose, in which method at least one hose with a first hose end and a second hose end and at least one coupling element for connecting to one of the two hose ends is provided.

[0004] Cleaning device hoses are used primarily with cleaning devices such as suction devices, spray devices, such as high- or low-pressure cleaning devices, or spray extraction devices. Spray extraction devices are designed to apply a cleaning agent, such as water, to a surface to be cleaned and to vacuum up the resulting dirty water. The dispensing of cleaning agent and the vacuuming up of the dirty water can occur simultaneously or sequentially.

[0005] One particular problem is the manufacture of the cleaning device hose. It is common practice to connect coupling elements in the form of sleeves to the end of a hose. Conventional sleeves have an internal thread. The hose end to be connected to the coupling element is inserted into the sleeve, in particular by screwing it in. This assembly is practically only possible if a lubricant is used to insert the hose end into the sleeve. Furthermore, the known connection technology is not permanently stable. If the connection between the hose end and sleeve is subjected to tensile stress, the hose end can be pulled out of the sleeve. Therefore, an additional material connection is created between the sleeve and hose end.It is easy to understand that the combination of a lubricant when screwing the hose into the sleeve on the one hand and the use of, for example, an adhesive for the material-locking connection of the sleeve and the hose end on the other hand is critical, because the lubricant can impair the adhesive's adhesive effect, namely reduce it or even eliminate it completely.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve a cleaning device hose, a cleaning device and a method for producing a cleaning device hose in such a way that, in particular, a simple and stable connection between the at least one hose and the coupling element is made possible.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention in a cleaning device hose of the type described above in that the coupling element comprises a nipple with an external thread and that the nipple is screwed into one of the two hose ends.

[0008] Using a nipple with an external thread instead of a sleeve with an internal thread is particularly advantageous when connecting the hose end and the coupling element. Assembly is significantly simplified because the hose end is slightly compressed when screwed onto the nipple and thus expands slightly, which reduces the screwing force required for screwing. In contrast, when screwing a hose end into a sleeve with an internal thread, the screwing force is increased because the outer diameter of the hose increases during compression. Furthermore, the proposed design has the advantage that when an attempt is made to unscrew the hose end from the nipple of the coupling element, the hose is stretched slightly and its diameter decreases, which leads to an increase in the clamping force between the hose end and the nipple when an attempt is made to unscrew it.In contrast, the holding force is reduced when unscrewing a hose end from a socket with an internal thread, as the hose end is also stretched in the process, which leads to a reduction in diameter. The proposed design eliminates the need for a lubricant when assembling the cleaning device hose, i.e. when connecting the hose end and nipple. Due to the increasing holding or clamping effect when attempting to unscrew the hose end from the nipple of the coupling element, an additional material connection between the hose end and the coupling element is also not absolutely necessary. A nipple within the meaning of this application is a sleeve-shaped connecting piece, in particular with a cylindrical outer contour or one that tapers conically towards a free end of the nipple.A conically tapered outer contour of the nipple facilitates its insertion and screwing into a hose end of the at least one hose. The at least one hose is preferably made of a plastic, in particular a flexible and deformable plastic. Furthermore, a coupling element can be screwed into both hose ends. If two coupling elements are provided, they can in particular be of identical design. However, they can also be different in order to be brought into engagement with a special coupling element on a cleaning device or with a special coupling element on a handpiece in a coupling position.

[0009] Preferably, a nipple of a coupling element is screwed into both hose ends. This makes it possible, in particular, to connect the cleaning device hose to a cleaning device on the one hand and to a handpiece for guiding the cleaning device hose on the other. Both hose ends can also be permanently connected to a handpiece or a cleaning device if the respective coupling element is permanently and non-detachably connected to the cleaning device or the handpiece, as intended.

[0010] The production of the cleaning device hose can be simplified in particular by designing the at least one hose without an internal thread at least in the area of ​​one of the two hose ends. If the at least one hose is flexible and deformable, the external thread of the nipple can slightly deform the hose in the area of ​​the hose end, so that a corresponding internal thread is essentially formed or created there by the action of the external thread of the nipple. In particular, an inner surface of the at least one hose is neither damaged nor cut.

[0011] The cleaning device hose can be designed in a simple and cost-effective manner if at least one hose is completely free of internal threads. In other words, it can be completely identical from one end to the other. This makes it possible, in particular, to design the at least one hose as a continuous product and to provide it for the production of the cleaning device hose.

[0012] It is advantageous if the inner diameter of the hose in the area of ​​the first or second hose end corresponds to, or substantially corresponds to, the outer diameter of the nipple. In particular, the inner diameter of the hose is not larger than the outer diameter of the nipple. For a particularly secure and permanent connection, it is advantageous if the inner diameter of the hose is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the nipple. The outer diameter of the nipple is understood here in particular to be the outer diameter of a sleeve-shaped connecting piece defined by the nipple, excluding the external thread arranged or formed on it.

[0013] It is advantageous if the coupling element is designed to be detachably connectable to a cleaning device or is encompassed by a cleaning device. In particular, the coupling element can be arranged or formed on the cleaning device. This configuration makes it possible, in particular, to arrange the cleaning device hose temporarily or permanently on a cleaning device or to connect it to it. Depending on the configuration of the cleaning device and the correspondingly configured cleaning device hose, a dirty water solution can be conveyed through the cleaning device hose to the cleaning device and / or a cleaning agent can be applied from the cleaning device through the cleaning device hose onto a surface to be cleaned.

[0014] The cleaning device hose can be designed particularly simply and cost-effectively if the nipple is connected to the at least one hose without a material bond. In particular, the nipple can be connected to the at least one hose without adhesive. As already explained, this prevents unwanted interaction even when using a lubricant. Furthermore, no adhesive is required.

[0015] For a secure connection between the at least one hose end and the coupling element, it is advantageous if the external thread comprises at least one turn, in particular two turns. Furthermore, it can comprise at least three or four turns.

[0016] For a reliable connection, particularly without damaging the at least one hose when connecting to the coupling element, it is advantageous if the external thread is designed in the form of a flat or round thread. In particular, the width of a thread flank of the external thread can be constant or gradually increase starting from a free end of the nipple. In particular, an increasing width of the thread flank facilitates screwing the nipple into a hose end of the at least one hose.

[0017] To prevent the external thread from damaging at least one hose, it is advantageous for the external thread to be designed without any edges. In particular, it can be designed with rounded thread flanks.

[0018] In order to simplify production of the cleaning device hose, it is advantageous if it is designed in such a way that a diameter, in particular an inner diameter, of the at least one hose expands slightly when the nipple is screwed into one of the two hose ends and decreases slightly when the nipple is unscrewed. As already explained, the screw-in force required when screwing in the nipple is significantly reduced compared to screwing a hose into a sleeve provided with an internal thread, thereby simplifying the connection of the hose end to the coupling element. Furthermore, removing the hose end from the coupling element is made more difficult because the diameter of the at least one hose decreases slightly, so that when attempting to unscrew the hose end from the nipple, a clamping and holding force between the hose end and the nipple is increased.It is therefore practically impossible to unscrew at least one hose from the nipple, even if the coupling element and the hose end are not additionally glued together.

[0019] In order to be able to use the cleaning device hose as a suction hose, it is advantageous if at least one hose is stable under negative pressure, in particular up to a negative pressure of approximately 0.5 bar.

[0020] To ensure that the cleaning device hose can also be used to dispense a cleaning agent, it is advantageous if at least one hose is designed as a low-pressure hose, particularly up to a maximum pressure of approximately 20 bar. It can thus be used particularly in conjunction with low-pressure spray devices.

[0021] To achieve dimensional stability of the cleaning device hose, it is advantageous if it comprises at least one hose reinforcement element for reinforcing the at least one hose. The at least one hose reinforcement element serves, in particular, to maintain a free cross-section of the at least one hose so that it cannot collapse, which is generally possible, in particular, if the cleaning device hose is designed in the form of a suction hose. To achieve dimensional stability, several, in particular a plurality, of annular, self-contained hose reinforcement elements can be used, for example.

[0022] It is advantageous if the at least one hose reinforcement element is designed in the form of a spiral or helix or in the form of a self-contained ring. Both a spiral or helix on the one hand and a self-contained ring on the other can be easily attached or molded onto a hose, for example, on its outer side. The at least one hose reinforcement element can, for example, be integrally connected to the at least one hose or, in particular, formed integrally, in particular monolithically, with it, for example by extrusion.

[0023] Preferably, the at least one hose reinforcement element is arranged or formed on an outer side of the at least one hose. This has the particular advantage that an inner wall of the at least one hose can be formed smooth, in particular macroscopically smooth. Furthermore, the at least one hose reinforcement element can also be used for secure handling of the cleaning device hose by a user, as it thus forms grip areas that make it virtually impossible for the cleaning device hose to accidentally slip through the user's hand.

[0024] The cleaning device hose can be formed simply and cost-effectively if the at least one hose reinforcement element is formed integrally, in particular monolithically, with the at least one hose. This allows it to be formed with the at least one hose in a single operation.

[0025] It is advantageous if the at least one hose reinforcement element is made of a plastic, in particular a hard plastic, or a metallic material. Such hose reinforcement elements are particularly suitable for achieving the desired dimensional stability of the at least one hose.

[0026] Advantageously, the cleaning hose, in particular the at least one hose, is flexibly deformable, particularly elastically deformable. Such a cleaning device hose can be used for a variety of cleaning purposes and is easy for the user to handle and deform as needed.

[0027] In order to be able to clean the cleaning device hose well and in particular to prevent it from becoming clogged as far as possible, it is advantageous if at least one hose has a macroscopically smooth inner wall.

[0028] Advantageously, the cleaning device hose is designed as a suction hose defining a suction channel or as a spray hose defining a spray channel. Such cleaning device hoses are particularly optimized for use either for vacuuming or for applying a cleaning agent to a surface to be cleaned.

[0029] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the cleaning device hose comprises two independent, fluidically separated hoses, in particular in the form of a suction hose defining a suction channel and in the form of a spray hose defining a spray channel. Such a cleaning device hose can be used in particular in conjunction with a spray extraction device. One of the two hoses then serves as the suction hose and the other of the two hoses as the spray hose. This means that the cleaning agent and the dirty water absorbed by the surface to be cleaned never come into direct contact with each other before being applied. In particular, the suction hose can be arranged surrounding the spray hose. The spray hose then runs inside the suction channel. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to arrange the spray hose on the outside of the suction hose, for example by detachably connecting it to it with clamps or clips.

[0030] The object stated at the outset is further achieved according to the invention in a cleaning device of the type described at the outset in that the cleaning device hose is designed in the form of one of the preferred embodiments of cleaning device hoses described above.

[0031] Developing a cleaning device in the proposed manner, namely in particular with a cleaning device hose as described above in various preferred embodiments, has the particular advantages also explained above. Regardless of whether the cleaning device hose is permanently and intended to be inseparable from the cleaning device or detachably connectable to it, for example via a coupling element, is irrelevant. The special feature lies in particular in the connection of the nipple of the coupling element, which is provided with an external thread, to one of the two hose ends of the at least one hose of the cleaning device hose.

[0032] Conveniently, the cleaning device is designed as a suction device, a spray device, or a spray extraction device. Such cleaning devices can, in particular, suck up dirty water, such as suction devices, or apply cleaning agents, such as spray devices, or combine both functions, such as spray extraction devices.

[0033] It is advantageous if the cleaning device comprises a dirt collection container for receiving a dirty solution sucked in through the suction channel of the cleaning device hose by the suction device and / or a cleaning agent container for receiving a cleaning agent, which can be dispensed by the cleaning agent dispensing device through the cleaning agent outlet into the spray channel of the cleaning device hose. Depending on the design of the cleaning device, it can comprise a dirt collection container and / or a cleaning agent container. Thus, the cleaning device can be designed as a suction device, a spray device, or a spray extraction device.

[0034] Advantageously, the cleaning device is designed to operate independently of the mains supply using at least one rechargeable battery. This makes it particularly suitable for use in locations where no mains connection is available.

[0035] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the cleaning device can be operated in a mains-powered manner and includes a power cable for connection to a power grid. Such cleaning devices can be designed with higher cleaning performance. Mains-independent battery operation generally limits the power consumption of the cleaning device.

[0036] The object stated at the outset is further achieved according to the invention in a method of the type described at the outset in that the at least one coupling element comprising a nipple with an external thread is provided and is inserted into one of the two hose ends with a screwing movement in order to connect the at least one hose to the at least one coupling element.

[0037] The proposed method for manufacturing a cleaning device hose requires neither great manual skill on the part of the installer nor special tools. When screwing the nipple into one end of the at least one hose, the hose end is slightly compressed, reducing the screw-in force. The cleaning device hose can thus be installed quickly, easily, and without tools.

[0038] Preferably, the coupling element's nipple is screwed into one of the two hose ends without any additional tools, especially without lubricant. This saves lubricant. Furthermore, the cleaning device hose can be manufactured completely cleanly, as no excess lubricant needs to be removed, either at the installation site or from the cleaning device hose itself.

[0039] The cleaning device hose is particularly easy to manufacture if the nipple is screwed into one of the two hose ends in the thread direction.

[0040] The above description therefore includes in particular the embodiments of cleaning device hoses, cleaning devices and methods for producing a cleaning device hose defined below in the form of numbered sentences: 1. Cleaning device hose (28), in particular in the form of a suction and / or spray hose (48) for a cleaning device comprising a suction device (12) and / or a cleaning agent dispensing device (20), wherein the cleaning device hose (28) has at least one hose (50, 52) with a first hose end (58) and a second hose end (60), wherein at least one of the two hose ends (58, 60) is connected to a coupling element (64, 74), characterized in that the coupling element (64, 74) comprises a nipple (78) with an external thread (80) and that the nipple (78) is screwed into one of the two hose ends (58, 60). 2. Cleaning device hose according to sentence 1, characterized in that a nipple (78) of a coupling element (64, 74) is screwed into both hose ends (58, 60). 3. Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the at least one hose (50) is designed without an internal thread at least in the region of one of the two hose ends (58, 60). 4. Cleaning device hose according to sentence 3, characterized in that the at least one hose (50) is designed completely free of internal threads. 5. Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that an inner diameter of the hose (50) in the region of the first or second hose end (58, 60) corresponds or substantially corresponds to an outer diameter of the nipple (78), in particular is not larger than the outer diameter of the nipple (78). 6. Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the coupling element (64) is designed to be detachably connectable to a cleaning device (10) or is comprised by a cleaning device (10), in particular is arranged or formed on the latter. 7. Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the nipple (78) is connected to the at least one hose (50) without any material bond, in particular without adhesive. 8. Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the external thread (80) comprises at least one turn, in particular two turns, further in particular at least three or four turns. 9. Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the external thread (80) is designed in the form of a flat or round thread. 10. Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the external thread (80) is designed without edges, in particular with rounded thread flanks (88). 11. Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the cleaning device hose (28) is designed such that a diameter, in particular an inner diameter, of the at least one hose (50) expands slightly when the nipple (78) is screwed into one of the two hose ends (58, 60) and decreases slightly when the nipple (78) is unscrewed. 12. Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the at least one hose (50) is stable under negative pressure, in particular up to a negative pressure of approximately 0.5 bar. 13. Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the at least one hose (50) is designed in the form of a low-pressure hose, in particular up to a maximum pressure of approximately 20 bar. 14. Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the cleaning device hose (28) comprises at least one hose reinforcement element (100) for reinforcing the at least one hose (50). 15. Cleaning device hose according to sentence 14, characterized in that the at least one hose reinforcement element (100) is designed in the form of a spiral or helix (102) or in the form of a closed ring. 16. Cleaning device hose according to sentence 14 or 15, characterized in that the at least one hose reinforcement element (100) is arranged or formed on an outer side (104) of the at least one hose (50). 17. Cleaning device hose according to one of sentences 14 to 16, characterized in that the at least one hose reinforcement element (100) is formed integrally, in particular monolithically, with the at least one hose (50). 18. Cleaning device hose according to one of sentences 14 to 17, characterized in that the at least one hose reinforcement element (100) is formed from a plastic, in particular a hard plastic, or a metallic material. 19. Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the cleaning device hose (28), in particular the at least one hose (50, 52), is flexibly deformable, in particular elastically deformable. 20. Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the at least one hose (50, 52) has a macroscopically smooth inner wall (82, 84). 21. Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the cleaning device hose (28) is designed as a suction hose (54) defining a suction channel (38) or as a spray hose (56) defining a spray channel (40). 22. Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding sentences, characterized in that the cleaning device hose (28) comprises two independent, fluidically separated hoses (50, 52), in particular in the form of a suction hose (54) defining a suction channel (38) and in the form of a spray hose (56) defining a spray channel (40). 23. Cleaning device (10) comprising a suction device (12) for generating a suction flow and / or a cleaning agent dispensing device (14) for dispensing a cleaning agent (22), wherein the cleaning device (10) comprises a cleaning device hose (28), wherein the cleaning device (10) comprises a suction flow inlet (30) which is or can be connected in a fluid-effective manner to a suction channel (38) defined by the cleaning device hose (28), and / or a cleaning agent outlet (24) which is or can be connected in a fluid-effective manner to a spray channel (40) of the cleaning device hose (28), characterized in that the cleaning device hose (28) is designed in the form of a cleaning device hose (28) according to one of the preceding sentences. 24. Cleaning device according to sentence 23, characterized in that the cleaning device (10) is designed in the form of a suction device, a spray device or a spray extraction device (16). 25. Cleaning device according to sentence 23 or 24, characterized in that the cleaning device (10) comprises a dirt receiving container (18) for receiving a dirty water (34) sucked in through the suction channel (38) of the cleaning device hose (28) with the suction device (12) and / or a cleaning agent container (20) for receiving a cleaning agent (22) which can be dispensed with the cleaning agent dispensing device (14) through the cleaning agent outlet (24) into the spray channel (40) of the cleaning device hose (28). 26. Cleaning device according to one of sentences 23 to 25, characterized in that the cleaning device (10) is designed to be operable independently of the mains with at least one rechargeable battery (46). 27. Cleaning device according to one of sentences 23 to 26, characterized in that the cleaning device (10) can be operated in a mains-dependent manner and comprises a mains connection cable (42) for connection to a power network. 28. A method for producing a cleaning device hose (28), in which method at least one hose (50) with a first hose end (58) and a second hose end (60) and at least one coupling element (64, 74) for connecting to one of the two hose ends (58, 60) is provided, characterized in that the at least one coupling element (64, 74) comprising a nipple (78) with an external thread (80) is provided and is inserted into one of the two hose ends (58, 60) with a screwing-in movement for connecting the at least one hose (50) to the at least one coupling element (64, 74). 29. Method according to sentence 28, characterized in that the nipple (78) of the coupling element (64, 74) is screwed into one of the two hose ends (58, 60) without any aids, in particular without any lubricant. 30. Method according to sentence 28 or 29, characterized in that the nipple (78) is screwed in the thread direction into one of the two hose ends (58, 60).

[0041] The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention serves to explain it in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. They show: Fig. 1: a schematic perspective overall view of an embodiment of a cleaning device with a cleaning device hose; Fig. 2: a schematic view of the arrangement of Fig. 1 in the direction of arrow A; Fig. 3: a sectional view along line 3-3 in Fig. 2; Fig. 4: a schematic enlarged partial view of the arrangement of Fig. 3; Fig. 5: a view similar Fig. 5 with a further embodiment of a coupling element; Fig. 6: a schematic, partially sectioned view of a cleaning device hose in the transition area to a handpiece; Fig. 7: a schematic perspective, partially sectioned view of a coupling element when connecting to a hose end of a hose; Fig. 8: a schematic, partially sectioned view of a cleaning device hose before coupling with a handpiece; Fig. 9: a schematic sectional view of a cleaning device hose with two identical coupling elements; Fig. 10: a schematic, partially sectional view of a cleaning device hose permanently connected to a cleaning device; Fig. 11: a schematic, partially sectioned view of a cleaning device hose permanently connected to a handpiece; and Fig. 12: a schematic, partially sectioned view of a cleaning device hose when connected to a cleaning device.

[0042] A first embodiment of a cleaning device 10 is shown schematically in the Fig. 1 to 4. It comprises a suction device 12 for generating a suction flow and a cleaning agent dispensing device 14, which is shown schematically in Fig. 3 is shown.

[0043] The cleaning device 10 is designed in the form of a spray extraction device 16.

[0044] The cleaning device 10 comprises a dirt collection container 18 for collecting a sucked-in dirty water.

[0045] The cleaning device 10 further comprises a cleaning agent container 20 for holding a cleaning agent 22, which can be dispensed by the cleaning agent dispensing device 14 through a cleaning agent outlet 24. The cleaning agent container 20 is fluidly connected to the cleaning agent dispensing device 14, which is designed in the form of a pump 26. The pump 26, in turn, is fluidly connected to the cleaning agent outlet 24.

[0046] The cleaning device 10 further comprises a cleaning device hose 28.

[0047] The cleaning device 10 further comprises a suction flow inlet 30, which is fluidly connected to a separation device 32. The separation device 32 serves to separate the liquid and solid components of a vacuumed-up dirty water, on the one hand, from the gaseous components of the same, on the other. Solid and liquid components of the dirty water remain in the dirt collection container 18. Gaseous components flow through the dirt collection container 18, are sucked in by the suction device 12, and released into the environment 36 of the cleaning device 10 through corresponding openings (not shown in detail).

[0048] The cleaning device hose 28 defines a suction channel 38 which is fluidly connected or connectable to the suction flow inlet 30.

[0049] Furthermore, the cleaning device hose 28 of the cleaning device 10 in the form of the spray extraction device 16 comprises a spray channel 40 which is or can be fluidly connected to the cleaning agent outlet 24.

[0050] As explained, the dirt collection container 18 collects the dirty water 34, namely solid and liquid components thereof, which are sucked in through the suction channel 38 of the cleaning device hose 28 with the suction device 12.

[0051] The cleaning agent dispensing device 14 enables the dispensing of cleaning agent 22 through the cleaning agent outlet 24 into the spray channel 40 of the cleaning device hose 28.

[0052] The Fig. The embodiment of the cleaning device 10 illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 is mains-operable and includes a power cable for connection to a power grid. The power cable 42 is electrically connected, in a manner not shown in detail, to a control and / or regulating device 44 of the cleaning device 10. The control and / or regulating device 44 serves to control and / or regulate the electrically driven suction device 12 and the electrically driven cleaning agent dispensing device 14.

[0053] In an alternative embodiment, a rechargeable battery 46 is used to supply the cleaning device 10 with electrical energy, as shown schematically and by way of example in Fig. 10. It goes without saying that the cleaning device 10 can optionally be equipped with both a mains connection cable 42 and a rechargeable battery 46 in order to operate the cleaning device 10 either with a cable connection via a mains connection or via a rechargeable battery 46.

[0054] The cleaning device hose 28 is in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 to 4 in the form of a suction and spray hose 48, because this cleaning device 10 comprises, as explained, as a spray extraction device 16, both a suction device 12 and a cleaning agent dispensing device 20 for dispensing a cleaning agent 22. The cleaning agent 22 can in particular be pure water or water with natural or chemical cleaning additives contained therein.

[0055] The cleaning device hose 28 comprises two hoses 50 and 52, namely a suction hose 54, which defines the suction channel 38, and a spray hose 56, which defines the spray channel 40. The two hoses 50 and 52 are independent of each other and fluidically separated.

[0056] The suction hose 54 comprises a first hose end 58 and a second hose end 60. The first hose end 58 is fluidly connected or connectable to the suction flow inlet 30 via a connector 62 comprising a coupling element 64. The second hose end 60 is connected to a handle 66 for guiding the cleaning device hose 28, with or without optional accessories 68, over a surface to be cleaned.

[0057] The spray hose 56 also has a first hose end 70 and a second hose end 72, which are fluidly connected on the one hand to the cleaning agent outlet 24 and on the other hand to the handpiece 66.

[0058] The two hose ends 58 and 60 of the suction hose 54 are connected on the one hand to the coupling element 64 and on the other hand to the coupling element 74 in a manner described in more detail below.

[0059] The coupling element 64 is designed to detachably connect the cleaning device hose 28 to the cleaning device 10. The coupling element 74 is permanently connected to the handpiece 66 and enables rotation of the second hose end 60 about a longitudinal axis 76 defined by the coupling element 64 relative to the handpiece 66.

[0060] The coupling elements 64 and 74 each comprise a nipple 78. The nipples 78 are identically designed for both coupling elements 64 and 74. They can optionally also be designed differently; in particular, they can differ with respect to a length parallel to the respective longitudinal axis 76.

[0061] Furthermore, in the described embodiment, the diameters of the two nipples 78 are identical. Here, too, it is optionally possible to provide nipples 78 with different outer diameters in order to temporarily or permanently connect the cleaning device hose 28 to the cleaning device 10 on the one hand and the handpiece 66 on the other.

[0062] The nipples 78 are provided with an external thread 80. The two nipples 78 of the coupling elements 64 and 74 are screwed into the two hose ends 58 and 60. The external threads 80 are right-hand threads.

[0063] Therefore, in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 to 4, a nipple 78 of the two coupling elements 64 and 74 is screwed into each of the hose ends 58 and 60.

[0064] The hose 50 is designed to be free of internal threads in the area of ​​both hose ends 58 and 60. Furthermore, the hose 50 is designed to be completely free of internal threads.

[0065] Both the hose 50 and the hose 52 each have a macroscopically smooth inner wall 82 and 84, respectively.

[0066] Both hoses 50 and 52 of the cleaning device hose 28 are flexibly deformable, particularly elastically deformable. They are made of a plastic material.

[0067] The material from which the tubes 50 and 52 are formed is flexibly expandable. This results in, in particular, that the external thread 80 deforms the inner wall 82 of the tube 50 as shown schematically in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 6 shows that a corresponding internal thread 86 is formed on the hose 50 due to the deformation caused by the external thread 80. This is achieved by the hose 50 conforming to the thread flank 88 of the external thread 80.

[0068] To ensure a good holding or clamping effect of the hose 50 on the nipple 78, an inner diameter of the hose 50 in the region of its two hose ends 58 and 60 is designed to correspond to an outer diameter of the nipple 78. Preferably, the inner diameter is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the nipple 78.

[0069] The nipple 78 comprises a sleeve portion 90, which extends from an annular flange 92 extending radially relative to the longitudinal axis 76 to a free end 94 of the nipple. The annular flanges 92 form stops for the hose ends 58 and 60.

[0070] To connect the coupling elements 64 and 74 to the hose 50, the nipples 78 are screwed into the respective hose ends 58 and 60 in the thread direction of the external thread 80. Such a screwing movement is in Fig. 7 is schematically represented by the arrow 96.

[0071] In order to facilitate the screwing of the nipple 78 into the hose ends 58 and 60, a thread start 98 of the external thread 80 is slightly set back from the free end 94, as shown schematically in Fig. 7 shown.

[0072] The nipple 78 is connected to the hose 50 without a material bond. In particular, the nipple 78 and the hose 50 are not glued together, thus the nipple 78 and the hose 50 are connected without adhesive.

[0073] In alternative embodiments, the nipple 78 and the hose 50 can of course also be glued.

[0074] The external thread 80 comprises at least approximately 1.5 turns, i.e. 1.5 revolutions around the nipple 78 relative to the longitudinal axis 76. However, there may also be two, three, four or more turns.

[0075] The external thread 80 is designed in the form of a flat or round thread. It is edge-free. In particular, as in the case of the Fig. 1 to 4, has rounded thread flanks 88.

[0076] The cleaning device hose 28 is further designed such that a diameter, in particular an inner diameter of the hose 50, expands slightly when the nipple 78 is screwed into the hose ends 58 and 60. This is easily seen from Fig. 7. For example, if a technician holds the hose 50 with his left hand and screws the coupling element 64 with his right hand, with the nipple 68 first, into the first hose end 58, the hose 50 is slightly compressed. This leads to a widening and thus an increase in the inner diameter of the hose 50. The hose 50 can then be easily screwed onto the nipple 78.

[0077] Conversely, when attempting to unscrew the nipple 78, the exact opposite occurs. The hose 50 is stretched slightly in the longitudinal direction, thereby slightly reducing its diameter. This increases the clamping or holding force of the hose end 58 on the nipple 78. This makes removing the hose 50 from the nipple 78 more difficult. As explained at the beginning, this effect is exactly the opposite, i.e., the opposite effect, to that of cleaning device hoses known from the prior art, where the hose 50 is not screwed onto a nipple 78 as suggested, but rather screwed into a sleeve provided with an internal thread.

[0078] The hose 50 is designed to withstand negative pressure. In particular, it can withstand a negative pressure of up to approximately 0.5 bar.

[0079] Hose 52, and thus spray hose 56, is designed as a low-pressure hose. It can withstand a maximum pressure of approximately 20 bar.

[0080] The cleaning device hose 28 comprises one or more hose reinforcement elements 100 for reinforcing the hose 50. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the hose reinforcement element 100 is designed in the form of a spiral or helix 102, which is arranged or formed on an outer side 104 of the hose 50 and surrounds it in a spiral shape.

[0081] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the hose reinforcement element 100 is formed integrally, namely monolithically, with the hose 50.

[0082] Alternatively, the hose reinforcement element 100 can also be designed in the form of a self-contained ring. The hose 50 can then have a plurality of correspondingly self-contained rings on its outer side 104.

[0083] The hose reinforcement element 100 is preferably made of a plastic, in particular a hard plastic. Alternatively, it can also be made of a metallic material. For example, a wire can be used as a helix or as a closed ring to reinforce the hose 50.

[0084] In the embodiment of the Fig. 1 to 4, the coupling device 64 is designed to be detachably connectable to the cleaning device 10.

[0085] Fig. 10 schematically shows an embodiment in which the coupling element 64 is permanently connected to the cleaning device 10. In this embodiment, too, the hose end 58 is screwed onto the nipple 78 of the coupling element 64, which is provided with an external thread 80. Thus, in this embodiment, the coupling element 64 is encompassed by the cleaning device 10, namely, arranged or formed thereon.

[0086] Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a cleaning device 10, which in its construction is essentially the same as the cleaning device 10 shown in the Fig. 1 to 4 and 6 and 7. To designate identical or functionally comparable elements and components, both in the embodiment of the Fig. 5 as well as in the following described embodiments of the Fig. 8 to 12 the same reference numerals are used as in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 to 4.

[0087] In the embodiment of the Fig. 5, the nipple 78 is also sleeve-shaped, but its outer surface tapers conically toward the free end 94. An external thread 80 is again formed on the outer surface 106. A cone angle 108 relative to the longitudinal axis 76 lies in a range of approximately 0.5° to approximately 5°.

[0088] The as described and in Fig. 5, the conically shaped nipple 78 facilitates insertion into the hose end 58 of the hose 50.

[0089] Fig. Figure 8 schematically shows a coupling element 74 which can be detachably connected to a handpiece 66. The coupling element 74 is designed identically to the coupling element 64 in the embodiments of the Fig. 1 to 5. A movably mounted retaining element on the handle 66 serves for locking and locking, which is configured to correspond to an annular groove 110 on a coupling portion 112 of the coupling element 74. The coupling portion 112 extends from the annular flange 92 to a free end 114, which points in the opposite direction to the free end 94 of the nipple 78.

[0090] Fig. 9 shows a cleaning device hose 28 in which the coupling elements 64 and 74 are identical. The cleaning device hose 28 according to the embodiment of Fig. 9 can be detachably connected to a handpiece 66 (not shown) as well as to a cleaning device 10 (not shown).

[0091] Fig. Figure 11 schematically shows an embodiment of a cleaning device hose 28 whose second end 60 is connected to a coupling element 74. The coupling element 74 is permanently and non-releasably coupled to a handpiece 66.

[0092] Fig. 12 shows a further embodiment of a cleaning device hose 28, which comprises a coupling element 64 which is designed to be detachably connectable to the cleaning device 10.

[0093] In the examples of the Fig. 8 to 12, a hose 50 is schematically shown as a suction hose 54. Of course, for these embodiments, the Fig. 8 to 12, the hose 52 can also be used as a spray hose 56.

[0094] As already explained, the special feature of the cleaning device hose 28 is that at least one of its two hose ends 58 and 60 is screwed onto a nipple 78 with an external thread 80 by a relative screwing movement to connect the hose 50 to a coupling element 64 or 74. The screwing occurs in the thread direction. No tools are required for this. In particular, no lubricant is needed.

[0095] The described connection between hose 50 and coupling elements 64 and 74 is easy to implement, requiring little force. Furthermore, the connection is highly resistant to pull-off, making it virtually impossible to remove hose 50 from nipple 78 of coupling element 64 or 74 without damaging it. The clamping force alone securely and permanently holds hose 50 on nipple 78, which has an external thread 80. List of reference symbols 10 Cleaning device 12 Suction device 14 Detergent dispenser 16 Spray extraction device 18 dirt containers 20 cleaning agent containers 22 cleaning products 24 Detergent outlet 26 Pump 28 Cleaning device hose 30 Suction flow inlet 32 Separation device 34 Dirty Fleet 36 Surroundings 38 suction channel 40 spray channel 42 power cables 44 Tax and / or regulatory filing 46 Battery 48 Suction and spray hose 50 hose 52 hose 54 suction hose 56 spray hose 58 first hose end 60 second hose end 62 connector 64 coupling element 66 Handpiece 68 Accessory 70 first hose end 72 second hose end 74 coupling element 76 Longitudinal axis 78 nipples 80 external thread 82 interior wall 84 interior wall 86 internal thread 88 thread flank(s) 90 sleeve section 92 ring flange 94 free end 96 Arrow 98 Thread start 100 hose reinforcement element 102 Helix 104 Outside 106 exterior area 108 cone angle 110 ring groove 112 Coupling section 114 free end

Claims

[1] Cleaning device hose (28), in particular in the form of a suction and / or spray hose (48) for a cleaning device comprising a suction device (12) and / or a cleaning agent dispensing device (20), wherein the cleaning device hose (28) has at least one hose (50, 52) with a first hose end (58) and a second hose end (60), wherein at least one of the two hose ends (58, 60) is connected to a coupling element (64, 74), characterized by that the coupling element (64, 74) comprises a nipple (78) with an external thread (80) and that the nipple (78) is screwed into one of the two hose ends (58, 60). [2] Cleaning device hose according to claim 1, characterized by that a nipple (78) of a coupling element (64, 74) is screwed into both hose ends (58, 60). [3] Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the at least one hose (50) is designed without an internal thread at least in the region of one of the two hose ends (58, 60). In particular, the at least one hose (50) is designed completely without an internal thread. [4] Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an inner diameter of the hose (50) in the region of the first or second hose end (58, 60) corresponds or substantially corresponds to an outer diameter of the nipple (78), in particular is not larger than the outer diameter of the nipple (78). [5] Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the coupling element (64) is designed to be detachably connectable to a cleaning device (10) or is comprised by a cleaning device (10), in particular is arranged or formed on the latter. [6] Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the nipple (78) is connected to the at least one hose (50) without any material bond, in particular without adhesive. [7] Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the external thread (80) comprises at least one turn, in particular two turns, further in particular at least three or four turns. [8] Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the external thread (80) is designed in the form of a flat or round thread. [9] Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the external thread (80) is formed without edges, in particular with rounded thread flanks (88). [10] Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the cleaning device hose (28) is designed such that a diameter, in particular an inner diameter, of the at least one hose (50) expands slightly when the nipple (78) is screwed into one of the two hose ends (58, 60) and decreases slightly when the nipple (78) is unscrewed. [11] Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one hose (50) a) is stable under negative pressure, in particular up to a negative pressure of approximately 0.5 bar, and / or b) is designed in the form of a low-pressure hose, in particular up to a maximum pressure of approximately 20 bar. [12] Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cleaning device hose (28) comprises at least one hose reinforcement element (100) for reinforcing the at least one hose (50), wherein in particular the at least one hose reinforcement element (100) a) is designed in the form of a spiral or helix (102) or in the form of a closed ring and / or b) is arranged or formed on an outer side (104) of the at least one hose (50) and / or c) is formed in one piece, in particular monolithically, with the at least one hose (50) and / or d) is made of a plastic, in particular a hard plastic, or a metallic material. [13] Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cleaning device hose (28), in particular the at least one hose (50, 52), is flexibly deformable, in particular elastically deformable. [14] Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one tube (50, 52) has a macroscopically smooth inner wall (82, 84). [15] Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cleaning device hose (28) is designed as a suction hose (54) defining a suction channel (38) or as a spray hose (56) defining a spray channel (40). [16] Cleaning device hose according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the cleaning device hose (28) comprises two independent, fluidically separated hoses (50, 52), in particular in the form of a suction hose (54) defining a suction channel (38) and in the form of a spray hose (56) defining a spray channel (40). [17] Cleaning device (10) comprising a suction device (12) for generating a suction flow and / or a cleaning agent dispensing device (14) for dispensing a cleaning agent (22), wherein the cleaning device (10) comprises a cleaning device hose (28), wherein the cleaning device (10) comprises a suction flow inlet (30) which is or can be connected in a fluid-effective manner to a suction channel (38) defined by the cleaning device hose (28), and / or a cleaning agent outlet (24) which is or can be connected in a fluid-effective manner to a spray channel (40) of the cleaning device hose (28), characterized by that the cleaning device hose (28) is designed in the form of a cleaning device hose (28) according to one of the preceding claims. [18] Cleaning device according to claim 17, characterized by that the cleaning device (10) a) is designed in the form of a suction device, a spray device or a spray extraction device (16) and / or b) comprises a dirt collection container (18) for receiving a dirty water (34) sucked in through the suction channel (38) of the cleaning device hose (28) with the suction device (12) and / or a cleaning agent container (20) for receiving a cleaning agent (22) which can be dispensed with the cleaning agent dispensing device (14) through the cleaning agent outlet (24) into the spray channel (40) of the cleaning device hose (28). [19] Cleaning device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized by that the cleaning device (10) a) is designed to be operated independently of the mains with at least one rechargeable battery (46) and / or b) is mains-dependent and comprises a mains connection cable (42) for connection to a power network. [20] Method for producing a cleaning device hose (28), in which method at least one hose (50) with a first hose end (58) and a second hose end (60) and at least one coupling element (64, 74) for connecting to one of the two hose ends (58, 60) is provided, characterized by that the at least one coupling element (64, 74) comprising a nipple (78) with an external thread (80) is provided and is inserted into one of the two hose ends (58, 60) with a screwing movement for connecting the at least one hose (50) to the at least one coupling element (64, 74). [21] Method according to claim 20, characterized by that the nipple (78) of the coupling element (64, 74) is screwed into one of the two hose ends (58, 60) without any aids, in particular without any lubricant. [22] Method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized bythat the nipple (78) is screwed into one of the two hose ends (58, 60) in the thread direction.

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