HIGH-PRESSURE CLEANER AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING A HIGH-PRESSURE CLEANER

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a high-pressure cleaner according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for assembling a high-pressure cleaner.

[0002] From WO 2012 / 119640 A2 a high-pressure cleaning according to the preamble of claim 1 is known.

[0003] An actuating element can be rotated using the rotary knob. The rotation axes of the rotary knob and the actuating element are arranged coaxially with one another. JP S53-128850 U discloses a universal joint that connects two shafts. One of the two shafts is divided into a first section and a second section. The universal joint is arranged at one end of the first section. The second section is arranged at the other end of the first section. The second section is inserted into a receptacle in the first section and is thus displaceable in the axial direction relative to the first section.

[0004] From JP S52-89642 U a universal joint is known which connects two shafts to each other in an axial direction so that they cannot be displaced relative to each other.

[0005] From US 3,392,548 A a constant velocity joint is known which connects two shafts to each other in an axial direction so that they cannot be displaced relative to each other.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of developing a generic high-pressure cleaner in such a way that an offset arrangement of the operating element and the actuating element relative to one another is possible.

[0007] This object is achieved by a high-pressure cleaner having the features of claim 1.

[0008] A further object of the invention is to provide a method for assembling a high-pressure cleaner with an operating element and an actuating element, wherein the operating element and the actuating element are to be connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner via at least one universal joint.

[0009] This object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 17.

[0010] The invention provides that the control element and the actuating element are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner via at least one universal joint. This allows an offset arrangement of the control element and the actuating element. The axes of rotation of the control element and the actuating element do not have to be arranged coaxially to one another, but can be inclined to one another. This allows the actuating element to move relative to the control element, while still allowing actuation of the actuating element via the control element. This can be advantageous, for example, if the actuating element is attached to a vibrating component of the high-pressure cleaner, such as a pump.

[0011] The at least one universal joint allows movement of the actuating element relative to the control element in the direction of the actuating rotation axis. This allows the assembly consisting of the control element and the actuating element to bridge different distances. It is also possible to move the two end points of the control element and the actuating element relative to each other in two parallel planes while simultaneously enabling actuation of the actuating element via the control element.

[0012] In an advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that the operating element and the actuating element are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner via two universal joints. In particular, the operating element and the actuating element are arranged at a distance from one another measured in the direction of the actuating axis of rotation. By using two universal joints, the actuating axis of rotation of the actuating element and an operating axis of rotation of the operating element can be offset from one another and simultaneously arranged parallel to one another. Furthermore, it is possible to arrange the actuating element relative to the operating element, in particular in a direction perpendicular to the operating axis of rotation, without the operating element and the actuating element having to be tilted relative to one another.

[0013] A connecting piece is expediently arranged between the operating element and the actuating element. In particular, the two universal joints are a first universal joint and a second universal joint. Advantageously, the first universal joint is formed between the operating element and the connecting piece, and the second universal joint is formed between the actuating element and the connecting piece.

[0014] The connecting piece advantageously has two operating pivot pins. Advantageously, the operating element has at least one operating receiving slot for each operating pivot pin, open in the direction of the actuating rotation axis toward the actuating element, for receiving the respective operating pivot pin. This also allows the operating pivot pins to be mounted in a simple manner. This allows the first universal joint to be designed in a simple manner.

[0015] The connecting piece advantageously has two actuating pivot pins. Advantageously, the actuating element has at least one actuating receiving slot for each actuating pivot pin, open in the direction of the actuating axis of rotation toward the operating element, for receiving the respective actuating pivot pin. This allows the actuating pivot pins to be mounted in a simple manner. This allows the second universal joint to be formed in a simple manner.

[0016] In an advantageous development of the invention, the operating element and the actuating element are spaced apart from one another such that the connecting piece between the operating element and the actuating element is held by the operating pivot pins being arranged within the operating receiving slots, and the actuating pivot pins being arranged within the actuating receiving slots. This allows the connecting piece to be held between the operating element and the actuating element in a simple manner. At the same time, the distance can be selected such that the connecting piece between the operating element and the actuating element has freedom of movement.

[0017] The operating element and the connecting piece form an assembly. In an advantageous development of the invention, the assembly has an operational state in which the operating element and the connecting piece are movable relative to one another, and an assembled state in which the first universal joint is locked by means of a releasable snap-in connection between the operating element and the connecting piece. This enables convenient installation of the assembly in the high-pressure cleaner. During assembly of the high-pressure cleaner, the assembly can thus be easily connected to the actuating element in the assembled state and then transferred to the operational state. Because the releasable snap-in connection between the operating element and the connecting piece is locked in the assembled state, the connecting piece can be placed on the actuating element by being guided by the operating element.This allows the assembly to be grasped only at the control element. Due to the locking mechanism of the snap-in connection, the connecting piece follows the movement of the control element as if it were rigidly connected to the control element.

[0018] Advantageously, the assembly is locked in place in the assembled state such that the rotational axis of the control element and a longitudinal axis along which the connecting piece extends are coaxial. This allows for particularly easy guidance of the connecting piece using the control element.

[0019] The first universal joint has, in particular, two pivot axes, each of which extends through one of the two operating pivot pins. In the assembled state, the locking connection expediently prevents the connecting piece from pivoting relative to the operating element about the two pivot axes of the first universal joint. In particular, the locking connection consists of a first locking means on the operating element and a second locking means on the connecting piece. Advantageously, the first locking means are projections on the edge of the operating receiving slots, between which the second locking means of the connecting piece, designed as engagement projections, is clamped in the assembled state.

[0020] In particular, it is provided that, for receiving an operating pivot pin, two operating receiving slots are provided for each operating pivot pin, which are arranged in a wall of the operating element that extends around an operating axis of rotation. Advantageously, in the direction of rotation around the operating axis of rotation, projections are alternately provided on the edge of the operating receiving slots that prevent movement of the connecting piece in the direction of the operating axis of rotation away from the operating element and projections that prevent movement of the connecting piece in the direction of the operating axis of rotation toward the operating element.

[0021] Preferably, the locking connection is elastic enough to allow the assembly to be transferred from the assembled state to the deployed state by pressing the operating element toward the connecting piece in the direction of the operating rotation axis. This allows the assembly to be transferred from the assembled state to the deployed state quickly and easily.

[0022] In particular, the actuating element is provided for actuating a component of the high-pressure cleaner that is movable relative to the housing. The universal joint according to the invention is particularly advantageous when the actuating element is arranged on a component of the high-pressure cleaner that is movable relative to the housing. The high-pressure cleaner can thus be designed such that the operating element is immovable relative to the housing of the high-pressure cleaner, yet this operating element can still be used to actuate an actuating element arranged on the movable component of the high-pressure cleaner.

[0023] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the component is elastically mounted relative to the housing by means of a damping element. This allows movements of the component to be damped. In particular, the component can be a pump with a motor. The actuating element is expediently provided for actuating a pressure regulator of the pump. The actuating element is advantageously arranged on the pump.

[0024] The inventive method for assembling a high-pressure cleaner with an assembly having an operational state in which the operating element and the connecting piece are movable relative to one another, and an assembled state in which the first universal joint is locked by means of a releasable snap-in connection between the operating element and the connecting piece, provides that the assembly comprising the operating element and connecting piece is first inserted through an opening in the housing of the high-pressure cleaner in the assembled state. Subsequently, the connecting piece of the assembly is inserted into the actuating element while the assembly is guided over the operating element. The operating element is then pressed against the connecting piece supported on the actuating element, thereby transferring the assembly from the assembled state to the operational state. Finally, the operating element is secured to the housing of the high-pressure cleaner.This assembly method allows the connector to be connected to the control element quickly and easily. This can be done without tools. When the assembly is in use, the connector and the control element are already connected via the first universal joint. No separate assembly step is required.

[0025] An embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a high-pressure cleaner, Fig. 2 a perspective, partially sectioned view of the high-pressure cleaner according to Fig. 1 , Fig. 3 in Fig. 2 Detail marked III, Fig. 4 a top view of the control element, the connecting piece and the actuating element in Fig. 2 towards the Fig. 2 arrow marked IV, Fig. 5 in Fig. 2 detail marked V, Fig. 6 in Fig. 5 Detail marked VI, Fig. 7 in Fig. 5 Detail marked VII, Fig. 8 a perspective view of an assembly consisting of the operating element and the connecting piece in an operational state, Fig. 9 a perspective view of the assembly consisting of Fig. 8 in an assembled state, Fig. 10 and 11perspective views of the connecting piece from the Figuren 8 and 9 , Fig. 12 a perspective view of the control element, Fig. 13 a side view of the control element from Fig. 12 .

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a high-pressure cleaner 1 with a housing 2. The high-pressure cleaner 1 has wheels 43 that can rotate about a rotation axis 44. The high-pressure cleaner 1 can be pulled on the wheels 43 in a pulling direction 49. The pulling direction 49 runs perpendicular to the rotation axis 44.

[0027] As in Fig. 2 As shown, the housing 2 has an opening 6 laterally with respect to the pulling direction 49. An operating element 10 is arranged in the opening 6. The operating element 10 is rotatably mounted in the opening 6. The operating element 10 serves to operate a rotatable actuating element 20. As can be seen in the partially sectioned view, the high-pressure cleaner 1 has a component that is movable relative to the housing 2. The movable component is a pump 5. The actuating element 20 serves to actuate the pump 5. The pump 5 has a motor (not shown). The actuating element 20 serves to actuate a pressure regulator of the pump 5. The actuating element 20 is arranged on the pump 5.

[0028] As in Fig. 3 As shown, the pump 5 is elastically mounted relative to the housing 2 by means of a damping element 7. For this purpose, the pump 5 has a bearing extension 8. The bearing extension 8 protrudes from a base body 9 of the pump 5. The bearing extension 8 is supported on the housing 2 via the damping element 7. The damping element 7 is elastic. During operation of the pump 5, the damping element 7 dampens the transmission of vibrations from the pump 5 to the housing 2.

[0029] As in Fig. 4 As shown, the operating element 10 is rotatable about an operating axis of rotation 40. The operating element 10 is mounted in the housing 2. The operating element 10 and the actuating element 20 are arranged at a distance d from one another, measured in the direction of the operating axis of rotation 40. The operating element 10 has a length l measured in the direction of the operating axis of rotation 40. The distance d between the operating element 10 and the actuating element 20 is greater than the length l of the operating element 10.

[0030] During operation of the pump 5, vibrations of the pump 5 occur, which lead to a movement of the pump 5 relative to the housing 2. The actuating element 20 is rotatably mounted on the base body 9 of the pump 5. The actuating element 20 can be rotated about the actuating rotation axis 50. When the base body 9 of the pump 5 vibrates, the actuating element 20 also vibrates. During operation of the pump 5, the actuating element 20 moves relative to the operating element 10. Due to the distance between the operating element 10 and the actuating element 20 and the vibrations of the actuating element 20 during operation of the pump 5, a rigid connection between the operating element 10 and the actuating element 20 is difficult to realize. As shown in Fig. 4 As shown, the operating element 10 and the actuating element 20 are connected to each other via a connecting piece 30.

[0031] As in Fig. 5 As shown, the operating element 10 and the actuating element 20 are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner via at least one universal joint 3, 4. In the exemplary embodiment, the operating element 10 and the actuating element 20 are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner via two universal joints 3 and 4. A first universal joint 3 is formed between the operating element 10 and the connecting piece 30. A second universal joint 4 is formed between the actuating element 20 and the connecting piece 30.

[0032] The second universal joint 4 is in Fig. 6 shown in detail. The connecting piece 30 has two actuating pivot pins 33 and 34. The actuating pivot pins 33 and 34 are arranged at an end of the connecting piece 30 facing away from the operating element 10. The first actuating pivot pin 33 is oriented perpendicular to the second actuating pivot pin 34. This is also shown in Fig. 10 As shown in Fig. 6 As can be seen, the first actuating pivot pin 33 is pivotally mounted in the actuating element 20 about a first actuating pivot axis 53. The second actuating pivot pin 34 is pivotally mounted in the actuating element 20 about a second actuating pivot axis 54. The first actuating pivot pin 33 extends along the first actuating pivot axis 53. The second actuating pivot pin 34 extends along the second actuating pivot axis 54. The actuating pivot pins 33 and 34 are an integral part of the connecting piece 30. The actuating pivot pins 33 and 34 are formed integrally with a main body 38 of the connecting piece 30. The first actuating pivot axis 53 and the second actuating pivot axis 54 are always perpendicular to one another.

[0033] The actuating element 20 has at least one actuating receiving slot 21, 22, 23, 24 for each actuating pivot pin 33, 34 for receiving the respective actuating pivot pin 33, 34. The at least one actuating receiving slot 21, 22, 23, 24 is open in the direction of the actuating rotation axis 50 towards the operating element 10. The at least one actuating receiving slot 21, 22, 23, 24 is U-shaped. The longitudinal direction of the U extends in the direction of the actuating rotation axis 50. In the exemplary embodiment, the actuating element 20 has the first actuating receiving slot 21 and the second actuating receiving slot 22 (in Fig. 6 not shown). The first actuation receiving slot 21 and the second actuation receiving slot 22 extend in a common plane. In the exemplary embodiment, the common plane of the first actuation receiving slot 21 and the second actuation receiving slot 22 is a plane of symmetry of the first actuation receiving slot 21 and the second actuation receiving slot 22. The first actuation receiving slot 21 and the second actuation receiving slot 22 lie opposite one another with respect to the actuation rotation axis 50. For the second actuation pivot pin 34, the actuation element 20 has the third actuation receiving slot 23 and the fourth actuation receiving slot 24. The third actuation receiving slot 23 and the fourth actuation receiving slot 24 lie in a common plane.In the exemplary embodiment, the common plane of the third actuation receiving slot 23 and the fourth actuation receiving slot 24 is a plane of symmetry of the third actuation receiving slot 23 and the fourth actuation receiving slot 24. The plane of the first actuation receiving slot 21 and the second actuation receiving slot 22 and the plane of the third actuation receiving slot 23 and the fourth actuation receiving slot 24 are perpendicular to one another. The third actuation receiving slot 23 and the fourth actuation receiving slot 24 are opposite one another with respect to the actuation rotation axis 50.

[0034] The first actuating pivot pin 33 is inserted into the first actuating receiving slot 21 and the second actuating receiving slot 22. The first actuating pivot axis 53 lies in the plane in which the first actuating receiving slot 21 and the second actuating receiving slot 22 extend. The second actuating pivot pin 34 is inserted into the third actuating receiving slot 23 and the fourth actuating receiving slot 24. The second actuating pivot axis 54 lies in the plane in which the third actuating receiving slot 23 and the fourth actuating receiving slot 24 extend. The actuating receiving slots 21, 22, 23, and 24 are open toward the operating element 10. The second universal joint 4 comprises the actuating pivot pins 33 and 34 and the actuating receiving slots 21, 22, 23 and 24. The second universal joint 4 allows movement of the actuating element 20 relative to the operating element 10 in the direction of the actuating rotation axis 50.The second universal joint 4 allows movement of the connecting piece 30 relative to the actuating element 20 in the direction of the actuating rotation axis 50. The first actuating pivot pin 33 can be displaced in the actuating receiving slots 21 and 22 in the plane spanned by the actuating receiving slots 21 and 22. The first actuating pivot axis 53 is also displaced in the plane of the actuating receiving slots 21 and 22, or the plane spanned by the actuating receiving slots 21 and 22 and fixed with respect to the actuating receiving slots 21 and 22 is displaced relative to the first actuating pivot axis 53, so that the first actuating pivot axis 53 comes to lie at a different location in the plane spanned by the actuating receiving slots 21 and 22. Displacement of the second actuating pivot pin 34 in the actuating receiving slots 23 and 24 is also possible.In a similar manner, the second actuating pivot axis 54 is displaced in the actuating receiving slots 23 and 24. The second actuating pivot axis 54 and the plane spanned by the actuating receiving slots 23 and 24 are displaced relative to one another, with the second actuating pivot axis 54 always lying in the plane spanned by the actuating receiving slots 23 and 24. Due to these displacement options, the second universal joint 4 functions smoothly even in the event of vibrations or relative movements of the actuating element 20. As a result, the... Fig. 4 The distance shown between the control element 10 and the actuating element 20 can be increased or decreased without the possibility of operating the actuating element 20 via the control element 10 being lost.

[0035] The first universal joint 3 is in Fig. 7 shown in detail. The connecting piece 30 has two operating pivot pins 31 and 32. The operating pivot pins 31 and 32 are arranged at an end of the connecting piece 30 facing away from the actuating element 20. The first operating pivot pin 31 is oriented perpendicular to the second operating pivot pin 32. This is also shown in Fig. 11 As shown in Fig. 7 As can be seen, the first operating pivot pin 31 is mounted in the operating element 10 so as to be pivotable about a first operating pivot axis 51. The second operating pivot pin 32 is mounted in the operating element 10 so as to be pivotable about a second operating pivot axis 52. The first operating pivot pin 31 extends along the first operating pivot axis 51. The second operating pivot pin 32 extends along the second operating pivot axis 52. The operating pivot pins 31 and 32 are an integral part of the connecting piece 30. The operating pivot pins 31 and 32 are formed integrally with a main body 38 of the connecting piece 30. The first operating pivot axis 51 and the second operating pivot axis 52 are always perpendicular to one another.

[0036] The operating element 10 has at least one operating receiving slot 11, 12, 13, 14 for each operating pivot pin 31, 32 for receiving the respective operating pivot pin 31, 32. The at least one operating receiving slot 11, 12, 13, 14 is open in the direction of the operating rotation axis 40 towards the actuating element 20. The at least one operating receiving slot 11, 12, 13, 14 is U-shaped. The longitudinal direction of the U extends in the direction of the operating rotation axis 40. In the exemplary embodiment, the operating element 10 has the first operating receiving slot 11 and the second operating receiving slot 12 (in Fig. 7 not shown). The first operating receiving slot 11 and the second operating receiving slot 12 extend in a common plane. In the exemplary embodiment, the common plane of the first operating receiving slot 11 and the second operating receiving slot 12 is a plane of symmetry of the first operating receiving slot 11 and the second operating receiving slot 12. The first operating receiving slot 11 and the second operating receiving slot 12 are opposite one another with respect to the operating rotation axis 40. For the second operating pivot pin 32, the operating element 10 has the third operating receiving slot 13 and the fourth operating receiving slot 14. The third operating receiving slot 13 and the fourth operating receiving slot 14 lie in a common plane. In the exemplary embodiment, the common plane of the third operating receiving slot 13 and the fourth operating receiving slot 14 is a plane of symmetry of the third operating receiving slot 13 and the fourth operating receiving slot 14.The plane of the first control receiving slot 11 and the second control receiving slot 12 and the plane of the third control receiving slot 13 and the fourth control receiving slot 14 are perpendicular to each other. The third control receiving slot 13 and the fourth control receiving slot 14 are opposite each other with respect to the control rotation axis 40.

[0037] The first operating pivot pin 31 is inserted into the first operating receiving slot 11 and the second operating receiving slot 12. The first operating pivot axis 51 lies in the plane in which the first operating receiving slot 11 and the second operating receiving slot 12 extend. The second operating pivot pin 32 is inserted into the third operating receiving slot 13 and the fourth operating receiving slot 14. The second operating pivot axis 52 lies in the plane in which the third operating receiving slot 13 and the fourth operating receiving slot 14 extend. The operating receiving slots 11, 12, 13, and 14 are open toward the actuating element 20. The first universal joint 3 comprises the operating pivot pins 31 and 32 and the operating receiving slots 11, 12, 13 and 14. The first universal joint 2 allows a movement of the actuating element 20 relative to the operating element 10 in the direction of the operating rotation axis 40.The first universal joint 3 allows movement of the connecting piece 30 relative to the operating element 10 in the direction of the operating rotation axis 40. In this case, the first operating pivot pin 31 can be displaced in the operating receiving slots 11 and 12 in the plane spanned by the operating receiving slots 11 and 12. In this case, the first operating pivot axis 51 is also displaced in the plane of the operating receiving slots 11 and 12, or the plane spanned by the operating receiving slots 11 and 12 and fixed with respect to the operating receiving slots 11 and 12 is displaced relative to the first operating pivot axis 51, so that the first operating pivot axis 51 comes to lie at a different location in the plane spanned by the operating receiving slots 11 and 12. Displacement of the second operating pivot pin 32 in the operating receiving slots 13 and 14 is also possible. In an analogous manner, the second operating pivot axis 52 is moved in the operating receiving slots 13 and 14.The second operating pivot axis 52 and the plane spanned by the operating receiving slots 13 and 14 are displaced relative to one another, with the second operating pivot axis 52 always lying in the plane spanned by the operating receiving slots 13 and 14. Due to these displacement options, the first universal joint 3 functions smoothly even in the event of vibrations or relative movements of the actuating element 20 or the connecting piece 30. As a result, the... Fig. 4 The distance shown between the control element 10 and the actuating element 20 can be increased or decreased without the possibility of operating the actuating element 20 via the control element 10 being lost.

[0038] As in Fig. 4 As shown, the distance between the operating element 10 and the actuating element 20 is such that the connecting piece 30 is held between the operating element 10 and the actuating element 20 by the operating pivot pins 31 and 32 being arranged within the operating receiving slots 11, 12, 13 and 14, and by the actuating pivot pins 33 and 34 being arranged within the operating receiving slots 21, 22, 23 and 24. The distance d between the operating element 10 and the actuating element 20 is selected such that a relative movement of the actuating element 20 with respect to the operating element 10 in the direction of the operating axis of rotation 40 is possible within a certain range of motion, and that at the same time neither the operating pivot pins 31 and 32 can slip out of the operating receiving slots 11, 12, 13 and 14 nor the actuating pivot pins 33 and 34 can slip out of the actuating receiving slots 21, 22, 23 and 24.This makes it possible to compensate for vibrational movements of the pump 5 by the universal joints 3 and 4. At the same time, the actuating element 20 can be operated via the control element 10.

[0039] The range of motion is so large that the maximum possible distance between the operating element 10 and the actuating element 20, measured in the direction of the operating rotation axis 40, is at least 110% of the minimum possible distance between the operating element 10 and the actuating element 20, measured in the direction of the operating rotation axis 40. The range of motion is so large that the maximum possible distance between the operating element 10 and the actuating element 20 is at most 130% of the minimum possible distance between the operating element 10 and the actuating element 20.

[0040] Fig. 8 shows the control element 10 and the connecting piece 30. The connecting piece 30 is inserted into the control element 10. The connecting piece 30 is inserted with its control pivot pins 31 and 32 into the control receiving slots 11, 12, 13 and 14 of the control element 10. The control element 10 and the connecting piece 30 form an assembly 60. In Fig. 8 The assembly 60 is in an operating state 61. In the operating state 61, the operating element 10 and the connecting piece 30 are movable relative to one another. The connecting piece 30 has a longitudinal axis 39. The connecting piece 30 extends along the longitudinal axis 39. In the operating state 61, the longitudinal axis 39 of the connecting piece 30 can be tilted relative to the operating rotation axis 40 of the operating element 10. In the operating state 61, the connecting piece 30 can be pivoted about at least one of the operating pivot axes 51 and 52.

[0041] Fig. 9 shows the assembly 60 in an assembled state 62. In the assembled state 62, the first universal joint 3 is locked by means of a releasable locking connection 63. The locking connection 63 is formed between the operating element 10 and the connecting piece 30 in the assembled state 62. In the assembled state 62, the operating element 10 and the connecting piece 30 form a rigid unit. In the assembled state 62, pivoting of the connecting piece 30 relative to the operating element 10 about one of the operating pivot axes 51 or 52 is impossible. In the assembled state 62, the assembly 60 is locked in such a way that the operating rotation axis 40 of the operating element 10 and the longitudinal axis 39 of the connecting piece 30 are coaxial with one another. In the assembled state 62, the locking connection 63 prevents the connecting piece 30 from pivoting relative to the operating element 10 about the two operating pivot axes 51 and 52 of the first universal joint 3.

[0042] The locking connection 63 consists of a first locking means 15 and a second locking means 35. The first locking means 15 is a component of the operating element 10. The second locking means 35 is a component of the connecting piece 30. In the exemplary embodiment, the first locking means 15 comprises several components. The first locking means 15 are projections 16 and 18 on an edge 17, 19 of the operating device receiving slots 11, 12, 13 and 14. The first operating device receiving slot 11 and the second operating device receiving slot 12 each have an edge 17. The edges 17 of the first operating device receiving slot 11 and the second operating device receiving slot 12 are formed separately from one another. The third operating device receiving slot 13 and the fourth operating device receiving slot 14 each have an edge 19. The edges 19 of the third operating slot 13 and the fourth operating slot 14 are formed separately from each other.The edge 17 and the edge 19 are essentially U-shaped. The opening of the U-shape faces the connecting piece 30.

[0043] The projections 16 protrude in a direction perpendicular to the operating axis of rotation 40 beyond the edges 17 of the operating receiving slots 11 and 12. Each of the operating receiving slots 11 and 12 has two projections 16. The two projections 16 of an operating receiving slot 11, 12 are arranged opposite each other. This is also shown in Fig. 13 The two projections 16 of an operating receiving slot 11, 12 are at the same height with respect to the direction of the operating rotation axis 40.

[0044] As in Fig. 9 As shown, the projections 18 protrude beyond the edges 19 of the control receiving slots 13 and 14 in a direction perpendicular to the control rotation axis 40. Each of the control receiving slots 13 and 14 has two projections 18. The projections 18 are located opposite one another. The projections 18 are at the same height with respect to the direction of the control rotation axis 40.

[0045] The second locking means 35 comprises several components. The second locking means 35 are engagement projections 36. The engagement projections 36 are components of the two operating pivot pins 31 and 32. The operating pivot pins 31 and 32 each have a base body 37. The engagement projections 36 protrude beyond the base body 37 of the operating pivot pins 31 and 32 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 39 of the connecting piece 30.

[0046] In the assembled state 62, the first locking means 15 is held clamped in the second locking means 35. In the assembled state 62, the engagement projections 36 of the connecting piece 30 are held clamped between the projections 16 and 18 on the edge 17, 19 of the control receiving slots 11, 12, 13, and 14.

[0047] The operating element 10 has a wall 41 surrounding the operating axis of rotation 40. The operating receiving slots 11, 12, 13 and 14 are arranged in the wall 41. In the direction of rotation 42 around the operating axis of rotation 40, on the edge 17, 19 of the operating receiving slots 11, 12, 13, 14, projections 16 are provided alternately which, in the assembled state 62, prevent a movement of the connecting piece 30 in the direction of the operating axis of rotation 40 away from the operating element 10, and projections 18 which, in the assembled state 62, prevent a movement of the connecting piece 30 in the direction of the operating axis of rotation 40 towards the operating element 10. As in Fig. 9 As shown, the projections 16 on the edge 17 of the first control receiving slot 11 prevent movement of the engagement projections 36 of the first control pivot pin 31 in the direction away from the control element 10. The projections 18 on the edge 19 of the third control receiving slot 13 prevent movement of the engagement projections 36 of the second control pivot pin 32 in the direction towards the control element 10.

[0048] In the assembled state 62 of the assembly 60, the connecting piece 30 is held clamped between the projections 16 of the first operating receiving slot 11 and the projections 18 of the third operating receiving slot with respect to the direction of the operating rotation axis 40. The projections 16 of the first operating receiving slot 11 and the projections 18 of the third operating receiving slot 13 are arranged at a distance from one another with respect to the direction of the operating rotation axis 40, which corresponds to a width of the engagement projections 36 of the operating pivot pins 31 and 32, measured in the direction of the longitudinal axis 39 of the connecting piece 30. The same applies to the Fig. 12 shown projections 16 of the second operating slot 12 and the projections 18 of the fourth operating slot 14.

[0049] The locking connection 63 is elastic in such a way that the assembly 60 is pressed by the operating element 10 in the direction of the operating axis of rotation 40 towards the connecting piece 30 from the Fig. 9 shown assembly state 62 in the Fig. 8 shown in use state. The projections 18, which in the assembled state 62 prevent movement of the connecting piece 30 in the direction of the operating element, are rounded on their side facing the connecting piece 30 in the direction of the operating axis of rotation 40. As a result, the operating receiving slots 11 and 12 are widened in the assembled state 62 when the operating element 10 is pressed against the connecting piece 30 in the direction of the operating axis of rotation 40. The operating element 10 is thereby brought closer to the connecting piece 30, so that the operating pivot pins 31 and 32 move deeper into the operating receiving slots 11, 12, 13 and 14. In this area of ​​the operating receiving slots 11, 12, 13 and 14, the engagement projections 36 of the operating pivot pins 31 and 32 are no longer clamped between the projections 16 and 18. The locking connection 62 is released and the assembly 60 is in the operating state 61.

[0050] When assembling the high-pressure cleaner 1, the control element 10, the connecting piece 30 and the actuating element 20 must be connected to each other so that the Fig. 5 The state shown in the figure is reached. Fig. 6 The actuating pivot pins 33 and 34 shown are inserted into the actuating receiving slots 21, 22, 23 and 24 of the actuating element 20. For this purpose, the connecting piece 30 must be inserted through the comparatively small opening 6 ( Fig. 2 ) in the housing 2 of the high-pressure cleaner 1. Since the connecting piece 30 is shorter than the distance between the housing 2 and the actuating element 20, the connecting piece 30 must be guided completely through the opening 6 ( Fig. 4 ). In order to avoid the use of tools or the need for great skill, the following procedure is used: The assembly 60 comprising the operating element 10 and the connecting piece 30 is first assembled in the assembled state 62 ( Fig. 9 ) through the opening 6 in the housing 2 of the high-pressure cleaner 1. The connecting piece 30 of the assembly 60 is then inserted into the actuating element 20 while guiding the assembly 60 over the operating element 10. In this case, only the operating element 10 needs to be guided by hand. The connecting piece 30 follows the movements of the operating element 10 due to the locked locking connection 63. This ensures that the actuating receiving slots 21, 22, 23 and 24 of the actuating element 20 ( Fig. 6 ) with the actuating pivot pins 33 and 34 of the connecting piece 30 is quick, precise and easy. By placing the connecting piece 30 in the actuating element 20, the second universal joint 4 is formed. A rotary movement of the connecting piece 30 causes a rotary movement of the actuating element 20. After the connecting piece 30 is inserted into the actuating element 20, the operating element 10 is pressed against the connecting piece 30 supported on the actuating element 20, so that the assembly 60 is changed from the assembled state 62 to the used state 61 ( Fig. 8 ). This makes the first universal joint 3 ready for use. The connecting piece 30 is movable relative to the operating element 10. A rotational movement of the operating element 10 about the operating axis of rotation 40 results in a rotational movement of the connecting piece 30. Finally, the operating element 10 is fixed to the housing 2 of the high-pressure cleaner 1 ( Fig. 2 ).

Claims

1. High-pressure cleaner having an operating element (10) which is arranged in a rotatable manner on a housing (2) of the high-pressure cleaner (1) and which serves for operation of an actuating element (20) which is rotatable about an actuating axis of rotation (50), characterized in that the operating element (10) and the actuating element (20) are connected in a rotationally conjoint manner to one another via at least one universal joint (3, 4), and in that the at least one universal joint (3, 4) permits movement of the actuating element (20) relative to the operating element (10) in the direction of the actuating axis of rotation (50).

2. High-pressure cleaner according to Claim 1, characterized in that the operating element (10) and the actuating element (20) are arranged at a distance (d) from one another, said distance being measured in the direction of the operating axis of rotation (40), and in that the operating element (10) and the actuating element (20) are connected in a rotationally conjoint manner to one another via two universal joints (3, 4).

3. High-pressure cleaner according to Claim 2, characterized in that a connecting piece (30) is arranged between the operating element (10) and the actuating element (20), in that the two universal joints (3, 4) are a first universal joint (3) and a second universal joint (4), in that the first universal joint (3) is formed between the operating element (10) and the connecting piece (30), and in that the second universal joint (4) is formed between the actuating element (20) and the connecting piece (30).

4. High-pressure cleaner according to Claim 3, characterized in that the connecting piece (30) has two operating joint pins (31, 32), and in that, for each operating joint pin (31, 32), the operating element (10) has at least one operating receiving slot (11, 12, 13, 14) which is open towards the actuating element (20) in the direction of the actuating axis of rotation (50) and which serves for receiving the respective operating joint pin (31, 32).

5. High-pressure cleaner according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the connecting piece (30) has two actuating joint pins (33, 34), and in that, for each actuating joint pin (33, 34), the actuating element (20) has at least one actuating receiving slot (21, 22, 23, 24) which is open towards the operating element (10) in the direction of the actuating axis of rotation (50) and which serves for receiving the respective actuating joint pin (33, 34).

6. High-pressure cleaner according to Claim 5, characterized in that the operating element (10) and the actuating element (30) are spaced apart from one another in such a way that the connecting piece (30) is held between the operating element (10) and the actuating element (30) by virtue of the operating joint pins (31, 32) being arranged within the operating receiving slots (11, 12, 13, 14) and by virtue of the actuating joint pins (33, 34) being arranged within the actuating receiving slots (21, 22, 23, 24).

7. High-pressure cleaner according to one of Claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the operating element (10) and the connecting piece (30) form a subassembly (60), in that the subassembly (60) has a usage state (61), in which the operating element (10) and the connecting piece (30) are movable in relation to one another, in that the subassembly (60) has a fitted state (62), in which the first universal joint (3) is arrested between the operating element (10) and the connecting piece (30) by means of a releasable latching connection (63).

8. High-pressure cleaner according to Claim 7, characterized in that, in the fitted state (62), the subassembly (60) is arrested in such a way that the operating axis of rotation (40) of the operating element (10) and a longitudinal axis (39) along which the connecting piece (30) extends are coaxial with one another.

9. High-pressure cleaner according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the first universal joint (3) has two operating pivot axes (51, 52), each of which extends through one of the two operating joint pins (31, 32), and in that, in the fitted state (62), the latching connection (63) prevents the connecting piece (30) from being pivoted about the two operating pivot axes (51, 52) of the first universal joint (3) in relation to the operating element (10).

10. High-pressure cleaner according to one of Claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the latching connection (63) consists of a first arresting means (15) on the operating element (10) and a second arresting means (35) on the connecting piece (30).

11. High-pressure cleaner according to Claim 10, characterized in that the first arresting means (15) is projections (16, 18) on the edge (17, 19) of the operating receiving slots (11, 12, 13, 14), between which projections, in the fitted state (62), the second arresting means (35), in the form of engagement projections (36), of the connecting piece (30) is held in a clamped manner.

12. High-pressure cleaner according to one of Claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the latching connection (63) has such elasticity that the subassembly (60) is transferable from the fitted state (62) into the usage state (61) by virtue of the operating element (10) being pushed onto the connecting piece (30) in the direction of the operating axis of rotation (40).

13. High-pressure cleaner according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the actuating element (20) is intended for actuating a component of the high-pressure cleaner (1) that is movable relative to the housing (2).

14. High-pressure cleaner according to Claim 13, characterized in that the component is mounted elastically in relation to the housing (2) by means of a damping element (7).

15. High-pressure cleaner according to Claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the component is a pump (5) with a motor, in that the actuating element (20) is intended for actuating a pressure regulation means of the pump (5), and in that the actuating element (20) is arranged on the pump (5).

16. Method for assembling a high-pressure cleaner according to one of Claims 7 to 12 or 13 to 15, where dependent on Claim 7, wherein firstly the subassembly (60) composed of operating element (10) and connecting piece (30) is plugged in the fitted state (62) through an opening (6) in the housing (2) of the high-pressure cleaner (1), wherein subsequently the connecting piece (30) of the subassembly (60) is plugged into the actuating element (20) while guiding the subassembly (60) via the operating element (10), wherein then the operating element (10) is pushed against the connecting piece (30), which is supported on the actuating element (20), such that, in the process, the subassembly (60) is transferred from the fitted state (62) into the usage state (61), and wherein finally the operating element (10) is secured on the housing (2) of the high-pressure cleaner (1).