ADAPTER FOR CONNECTING A HOLLOW OBJECT TO A DEVICE FOR INTERNAL FLUSHING OF HOLLOW OBJECTS

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an adapter for connecting a hollow body object to a device for internally flushing hollow body objects according to the preamble of claim 1, an adapter arrangement with such an adapter according to the preamble of claim 14 and a method for connecting a hollow body object to a device for internally flushing hollow body objects and for detaching the hollow body object from the device according to the preamble of claim 15.

[0002] In dentistry, in particular, instruments with difficult-to-access cavities are used. Examples of such instruments include handpieces, contra-angles, and turbines. Because microorganisms tend to accumulate in such difficult-to-access cavities, such as crevices, grooves, or pores, where they also find sufficient nutrients, such cavities pose a particular challenge with regard to cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and drying.

[0003] Washer-disinfectors typically perform internal rinsing of medical and dental instruments to kill microorganisms in hard-to-reach cavities and remove contamination from within the instruments. Adapters are often provided for this purpose, allowing the respective instruments to be connected to the washer-disinfectors.

[0004] Transmission instruments such as handpieces and contra-angles also have a drive located inside the transmission instrument that requires separate maintenance. Manufacturers of transmission instruments therefore typically recommend maintenance with a specially designed dental oil at least once a day after cleaning and disinfection (but before sterilization). This dental oil is usually only applied to one drive channel of the transmission instrument, as the drive channel contains only moving parts that require maintenance with dental oil. In contrast, so-called spray channels in transmission instruments are only cleaned and disinfected, but not supplied with dental oil. The separation of spray and drive channels enables the moving drive elements to be supplied with dental oil in isolation.

[0005] The adapters used to connect the transmission instruments to a cleaning and disinfection device typically also have different channels for separate contacting of the spray and drive channels in the transmission instruments.

[0006] The adapters used to connect instruments to a washer-disinfector must provide sufficient holding force to reliably withstand the rinsing pressure applied by the washer-disinfector. Furthermore, they should enable quick and user-friendly connection and disconnection of the instrument to / from the washer-disinfector. Furthermore, a reliable supply of the instrument's channels with the intended medium (in particular, only rinsing fluid or rinsing fluid and dental oil) and, if necessary, sealing from the environment should be ensured. Finally, rinsing shadows should be minimized to prevent uncleaned areas of the transfer instruments or other instruments.

[0007] The adapters' media channels are also used to direct drying air into previously cleaned and disinfected objects. This drying air serves to accelerate the drying process or reduce residual moisture. A basic distinction is made between internal and external drying of the objects to be dried.

[0008] During internal drying, the drying air is passed through the internal lumen of an instrument to be dried. Drying is achieved by the inherent heat of the instruments resulting from thermal disinfection and is accelerated by the drying air passing through the instruments.

[0009] DE 296 24 425 U1 describes a rinsing device for internally rinsing and holding dental handpieces and contra-angles, which is arranged in an instrument insert, a tool cart, or the like. The instrument insert can be inserted separately in the rinsing chamber of a cleaning device, such as a program-controlled dishwasher, and is supplied with pre-filtered rinsing and cleaning fluid. The rinsing device in the instrument insert is designed as a multi-part holder with a removable microfilter for the rinsing and cleaning fluid.

[0010] DE 10 2014 111 237 A1 relates to a spray device for internally rinsing dental items, in particular turbines and handpieces and contra-angles. The spray device has a coupling section that connects the items to a connection piece of a pipeline. Furthermore, a nozzle is provided that has a conically tapered nozzle neck. Furthermore, the spray device has a sleeve that accommodates the nozzle neck with a longitudinally slotted end section. The sleeve is arranged on the nozzle in such a way that it is movable relative to the nozzle in the nozzle height direction.

[0011] EP 2 946 749 A1 also describes a device for internally rinsing dental equipment, such as turbines, handpieces, and contra-angles. This device also comprises a coupling device for connecting the equipment to a connecting piece connected to a connecting device of a pipeline. The coupling device comprises a clamping device for securing the position of the equipment connected to the coupling device. The coupling device is designed to be movable relative to the connecting piece for actuating the clamping device.

[0012] DE 10 2021 119 351 A1 describes an adapter device for receiving medical cleaning items. This adapter device comprises a sleeve unit in which a cavity is formed. The sleeve unit has a connecting section for fluid-mechanically connecting the cavity to a feed device of a rinsing basket of a cleaning device and a sleeve opening opposite the connecting section. Furthermore, the adapter device has a holder device that serves to hold the medical cleaning items in a position coupled to the carrier device. In addition, the adapter device comprises an elastic means that is arranged in the cavity of the sleeve unit and serves to pretension the carrier device in the direction of the sleeve opening.

[0013] DE 10 2016 102 907 A1 describes a holding device for a head of a medical instrument in a washer-disinfector. The holding device has an outlet nozzle and a clamping bracket pivotably mounted in the area of ​​the outlet nozzle. The clamping bracket interacts with a torque wrench into which the head is inserted to fix the head relative to the outlet nozzle.

[0014] EP 3 248 571 A1 describes a connection adapter for the fluidic connection of a dental rinsing item to a connection piece of a pipeline. The connection adapter has a base body with a rinsing chamber for receiving the rinsing item. A loading opening formed in the base body can be closed by a closure part movably arranged on the base body.

[0015] EP 0 937 441 A1 describes a device for cleaning dental objects. This device comprises a cassette for holding the objects to be cleaned and a pressure-tight, sealable chamber into which the cassette is inserted. Adapters are provided in the cassette to hold the objects to be cleaned.

[0016] The solutions known from the state of the art have various disadvantages. In some cases, the adapters only provide a force-locking connection with the items to be cleaned. If the flushing pressure of the washer-disinfector counteracts the spring force of the adapter, the spring force must be sufficiently strong to ensure a secure connection of the items to be cleaned to the adapter, even at high flushing pressure. However, this high spring force must then also be overcome in order to attach the items to or detach them from the adapter. High flushing pressures are desired to meet increased demands on instrument cleaning and to reprocess more complex instruments. This is because, in principle, complex internal geometries can be flushed more effectively the higher the flushing pressure.

[0017] Depending on the geometry of a groove formed in the item being rinsed, which is designed to engage a lever of the adapter, a positive connection can also be achieved. In this case, the rinsing pressure does not counteract the corresponding spring force. However, the geometry of the adapter and the instrument to be connected to it must be precisely matched.

[0018] In many of the state-of-the-art solutions, the adapters also cover part of the surfaces to be cleaned on the instrument connected to the adapter, creating a rinsing shadow.

[0019] Sometimes additional tools such as a torque wrench are required to create a connection between the adapter and the instrument to be cleaned.

[0020] Other solutions known from the state of the art require a large installation space and, due to the intended design, cannot ensure that the instruments to be cleaned are securely held on the adapter.

[0021] The present invention is based on the object of providing an adapter for connecting a hollow object (e.g., a medical instrument) to a device for flushing the interior of the hollow object, wherein the adapter overcomes the disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, the adapter should be universally applicable, enable cleaning of the hollow object without creating a flushing shadow, and be easy to handle for a user.

[0022] This object is achieved by an adapter for connecting a hollow body object to a device for internally flushing hollow bodies, which adapter has the features of claim 1. Such an adapter has an inner part and an outer part that surrounds the inner part at least in sections. The inner part and the outer part extend along a longitudinal axis and are movable relative to one another. The outer part has an outer part wall with at least one locking device.

[0023] According to the invention, the locking device comprises an opening in the outer part wall, a body movably mounted in the opening, and a movement-limiting device for the body. The opening has a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is realized in an inner side of the outer part wall, which is oriented toward the inner part of the adapter. The second opening is realized in an outer side of the outer part wall, which is oriented away from the inner part. A radial direction of the adapter runs from the first opening to the second opening.

[0024] The movement-limiting device limits the body's movement in the radial direction toward the second opening. The movement-limiting device prevents the body from completely passing outward through the second opening. In other words, the movement-limiting device prevents the body from completely exiting the opening through the second opening, but allows it to move in the radial direction within the opening.

[0025] The first opening has a diameter that is larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the body. Therefore, it is fundamentally possible for the body to exit through the first opening and thus at least partially exit the opening.

[0026] The locking mechanism can be adjusted between a release position and a locking position. This is achieved by a relative movement between the outer and inner parts of the adapter.

[0027] In the locking position, the body is positioned radially further outward in the opening than in the release position. Finally, in the release position, an outer side of the locking device does not protrude beyond an outer envelope of the outer part wall. In contrast, in the locking position, the outer side of the locking device protrudes beyond the outer envelope of the outer part wall. By protruding beyond the outer envelope of the outer part wall, the locking device can perform a locking function in the locking position.

[0028] Such an adapter can be used to create a positive connection to a hollow body object with a radially inner groove (i.e., on an inner side of the hollow body object, which faces an outer side of the adapter after the hollow body object is connected to the adapter). The outer geometry of the adapter outer part is independent of the locking function provided by the locking device. Thus, adapters with a wide variety of outer geometries can be realized, enabling a precise adaptation of a wide variety of hollow body objects.

[0029] The adapter requires only a small amount of space in a washer-disinfector. This is advantageous in terms of the equipment options on a carrier system of the washer-disinfector. When using the adapter claimed here, numerous different hollow objects can be cleaned simultaneously in a small space, each of which is connected to its own adapter.

[0030] The release force required to release a hollow object coupled to the adapter is independent of the retention force. This ensures ease of use for the user. Furthermore, a hollow object remains securely connected to the adapter, even when high flushing pressure is applied by a washer-disinfector and acts on the hollow object during internal flushing.

[0031] An insufficient connection between the cavity body object to be cleaned and the adapter, as well as insufficient cleaning of the cavity body object, is reliably avoided in contrast to the universal adapter concepts known from the prior art. In addition, the adapter does not form a rinsing shadow on the cavity body object to be cleaned, so that a uniform and thorough cleaning of the cavity body object becomes possible.

[0032] Channels can be formed in any way in the adapter, so that the different media channels within the cavity body object can be cleaned separately from each other. Thus, it is possible - as is already the case with solutions known from the prior art - to clean the spray channels and the drive channels separately from each other and optionally supply them with dental oil.

[0033] In one embodiment, the hollow body object is a medical instrument, in particular a dental instrument. In particular, the hollow body object is a medical or dental transmission instrument, such as a handpiece or contra-angle. A turbine is another medical or dental instrument suitable as a hollow body object. All of these instruments have media channels inside them, such as spray and drive channels, which are cleaned and optionally maintained during internal rinsing of the instruments. Due to these channels, the instruments can also be referred to as hollow body objects.

[0034] The body movably mounted in the opening of the locking device can, in principle, have any desired design. In one variant, the body is a cylindrical pin with rounded tips, a shaped spring, or a ball. The design of the body as a ball is particularly suitable for the function of the locking device. If the movably mounted body is designed as a ball, the locking device is a ball locking device. The ball can assume the function of a locking element within this ball locking device, or it can transfer a locking element separate from the ball from the release position to the locking position and from the locking position to the release position.

[0035] In one embodiment, the movement-limiting device is formed by a snap ring. This snap ring is arranged in the opening in the radial direction outside around the body. When the body moves radially outwards, the snap ring is pressed outwards. The locking device then projects beyond an outer envelope of the outer part wall. If, however, the body is moved radially inwards, the snap ring returns to its original position in which it does not project beyond the outer envelope of the outer part wall. The locking device is then in the release position. In this embodiment, the snap ring serving as a movement-limiting device thus also assumes the function of a locking element of the locking device and, in the locking position, comes into direct contact with the hollow body object to be fixed.

[0036] In order to enable the adapter to be used as universally as possible, the snap ring in one variant does not have a special outer contour, but is designed as a classic ring with a circular cross-section.

[0037] In another embodiment, the snap ring has a cross-section that deviates from a circular shape. This allows for the outer surface of the snap ring to be specifically adapted to the hollow body objects to be contacted, and can be precisely inserted into an internal groove in the hollow body object. This allows for particularly secure contact with a hollow body object. However, a snap ring designed in this way cannot be used as universally as a snap ring with a conventional outer contour, such as a standardized or circular outer contour.

[0038] In one embodiment, the outer part wall in the area of ​​the locking device has a wall thickness that is smaller than the radial extension of the body and the snap ring. This makes it particularly easy for a locking element of the locking device, formed jointly from the body and the snap ring, to protrude beyond the outer envelope of the outer part wall of the adapter. If, on the other hand, the body protrudes radially inwards partially through the first opening out of the breakthrough, it is easily possible for the snap ring to have its outer circumference aligned with the outer part wall, so that the locking device no longer protrudes beyond the outer envelope of the outer part wall. Thus, with this variant, it is easily possible for a radial movement of the body to transfer the locking device from the release position to the locking position and from the locking position to the release position.

[0039] In one embodiment, the movement-limiting device is formed by a diameter of the second opening that is smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the body. In this embodiment, the body acts directly as a locking element relative to the hollow body object to be fixed. This means that no additional snap ring is required in this variant. Since the diameter of the second opening is also smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the body, the body cannot escape from the opening in the locking device. Rather, it can only partially pass through the outer part wall and thus protrude beyond the outer envelope of the outer part wall. However, if the body moves inwards in the radial direction (i.e., towards the first opening of the locking device or at least partially through the first opening), an outer side of the locking device is aligned with the outer envelope in the outer part wall.Thus, in this embodiment, the locking device is also transferred from the release position to the locking position and from the locking position to the release position by a radial movement of the body in the opening.

[0040] In one embodiment, particularly in an embodiment in which the body functions as a locking element, the outer part wall in the region of the locking device has a wall thickness that is smaller than an extension of the body in the radial direction. The body then necessarily projects inwards through the first opening or outwards through the second opening, since the opening of the locking device does not offer sufficient space to accommodate the entire body. If the body, in this variant, projects outwards through the second opening, the locking device is in its locking position, since it projects beyond the outer casing of the outer part wall. If, on the other hand, the body projects through the first opening to the inner part of the adapter, the locking device is in its release position, since it then no longer projects beyond the outer casing of the outer part wall.

[0041] In one embodiment, the relative movement between the outer part and the inner part of the adapter, by which the adapter is transferred from the release position to the locking position or from the locking position to the release position, comprises a movement along the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the relative movement between the outer part and the inner part is exclusively a movement along the longitudinal axis. In both cases, the movement along the longitudinal axis results in the body being positively guided in the opening of the locking device and the locking device being transferred from the locking position to the release position or from the release position to the locking position. This means that the longitudinal movement between the outer part and the inner part along the longitudinal axis is converted into a radial movement of the body of the locking device by the specific design of the outer part and the inner part.

[0042] In one embodiment, the adapter has a locking element that is movable relative to the outer part and the inner part between an unlocking position and a locking position. In the unlocking position, the locking element allows relative movement between the outer part and the inner part. In contrast, the locking element prevents this relative movement between the outer part and the inner part in the locking position. The locking element can therefore be used to control whether the locking device can be transferred from the release position to the locking position or from the locking position to the release position. This is because the relative movement between the outer part and the inner part of the adapter required to transfer the locking device from one position to the other can only be carried out when the locking element is in its unlocking position.

[0043] The locking element can, for example, be designed as a locking clip.

[0044] In one embodiment, the locking element is movable transversely to the longitudinal axis between the unlocking position and the locking position. In this embodiment, movement of the locking element is particularly simple and independent of any flushing pressure exerted on the adapter or on the adapter with the connected hollow object. This is because such a flushing pressure usually acts along the longitudinal direction of the adapter. However, if movement of the adapter in the longitudinal direction is prevented by a movement of the locking element running transversely thereto, even a high flushing pressure cannot lead to unintentional release of the hollow object from the adapter, since the flushing pressure has no influence on movement of the locking element transversely to the longitudinal direction of the adapter.

[0045] In one embodiment, the locking element is preloaded into the locking position by a first preload element. This means that the locking element is automatically moved into the locking position by the first preload element if no force is exerted on the locking element that counteracts a preload force generated by the first preload element. In this way, a particularly secure and permanent connection between the adapter and a hollow body object connected to it can be ensured. In order to release a hollow body object connected to the adapter in this way from the adapter, the locking element must first be moved into the unlocking position against the preload force applied by the first preload element.Subsequently, a relative movement between the outer part and the inner part of the adapter can be followed, by which the locking device is transferred from the locking position to the release position and the hollow body object can be removed from the adapter.

[0046] In one variant, the first preload element is designed as a compression spring. In another variant, the first preload element is designed as a tension spring.

[0047] In one embodiment, the relative movement between the outer part and the inner part, which is required to transfer the locking device from the release position to the locking position or from the locking position to the release position, comprises a movement radially around the longitudinal axis of the adapter. In a further variant, the relative movement between the outer part and the inner part is exclusively a movement radially around the longitudinal axis. In one variant, the relative movement between the outer part and the inner part comprises a movement that includes components radially around the longitudinal axis as well as components along the longitudinal axis. The only relevant factor is that a relative movement actually occurs between the outer part and the inner part of the adapter in order to transfer the locking device from the release position to the locking position or from the locking position to the release position.

[0048] In one variant, the inner part has a cross-sectional taper oriented towards the outer part. This cross-sectional taper is aligned with the opening in the release position of the locking device. The body can then protrude into the cross-sectional taper. The cross-sectional taper can, for example, be a recess on the outside of the inner part. Such a cross-sectional taper or recess creates a space into which the body can protrude when the opening is aligned with the cross-sectional taper. If, however, the opening and the cross-sectional taper of the inner part are in different positions, such protrusion of the body into the cross-sectional taper is not possible. The body can then apply a locking force between the adapter and a hollow body object connected to it, so that the locking device is in the locking position.

[0049] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional taper is always not aligned with the opening in the locking position. This ensures that the body cannot enter the cross-sectional taper in the locking position.

[0050] It is not necessary for the body to be mounted in the opening under preload in the release position. Rather, it is conceivable and provided in one embodiment for the body to be mounted in the opening without preload in the release position. It is therefore not necessary to hold the body in a certain position in the opening by specific preload elements such as springs when the locking device of the adapter is in the release position. This simplifies the design of the adapter and extends its service life, since it is not necessary to maintain a defined preload of the body in the opening over a long period of time.

[0051] In one embodiment, the movement-limiting device, designed as a snap ring, is mounted in the opening without preload in the release position of the locking device. Thus, in this variant, preload is only exerted on the snap ring when the locking device is in the locking position. This is because the body then presses the snap ring radially outward, allowing it to protrude into a groove of a hollow body object to be contacted and secure this hollow body object to the adapter by means of a positive fit.

[0052] In principle, it is conceivable to mount any number of bodies in the opening. However, one variant provides for exactly a single body to be mounted in the opening. This reduces the effort required to manufacture the adapter. If more than one body is to be mounted in the opening, care must be taken during assembly to ensure that the bodies located in the opening interact with each other in the intended manner. If, on the other hand, only a single body is mounted in the opening, such interaction is not important. Instead, this single body can then itself serve as a locking element or press a snap ring outwards so that it functions as a locking element together with the snap ring. Sometimes, when using multiple bodies in the opening, it is even necessary to provide certain geometries or dimensions for the different bodies mounted in one and the same opening.This is naturally not necessary if only a single body is mounted in the opening and interacts with the movement limiting device to transfer the locking device from the release position to the locking position or from the locking position to the release position.

[0053] The adapter can ensure secure fixation of a hollow body object to the adapter with just a single locking device. For particularly secure and permanent fastening of a hollow body object to the adapter, it is advantageous if the adapter has at least two locking devices, as provided in one embodiment. These two or more locking devices can, in principle, be implemented irregularly along a circumferential direction of the adapter. In one variant, however, it is provided that the two or more locking devices are arranged evenly along a circumferential direction of the outer part. If, for example, exactly two locking devices are provided, it is advantageous if they are opposite one another, i.e. arranged at an angle of 180° to one another.If three locking devices are provided, it is advantageous if they are arranged at an angle of 120° to each other, i.e., evenly spaced along the circumferential direction of the outer part. With four locking devices, an angular spacing of 90° would preferably be provided between the individual locking devices. In principle, it is therefore envisaged to arrange n locking devices (where n is greater than or equal to 2) at an angle of 360° / n to each other.

[0054] In order to ensure that the outer part and the inner part can be moved relative to one another particularly easily and that the locking device can be moved particularly easily from the locking position to the release position or from the release position to the locking position, the outer part and the inner part are, in one variant, pre-tensioned against one another by a second pre-tensioning element into a relative position in which the locking device of the adapter is in the release position. If movement between the outer part and the inner part of the adapter is generally possible (for example, because the locking element is in its unlocking position), the second pre-tensioning element then ensures that the outer part and the inner part are moved towards one another in such a way that the locking device is moved into the release position. A hollow body object can then be removed from the adapter or placed onto the adapter particularly easily.For secure contact of a hollow body object to the adapter, it is only necessary to exert a force counter to the preload force exerted by the second preload element so that a relative movement between the outer part and the inner part occurs counter to this preload force, whereby the locking device of the adapter is then transferred from the release position to the locking position.

[0055] One aspect of the presently claimed invention relates to an adapter arrangement comprising an adapter according to the preceding explanations and a hollow body object arranged on an outer side of the outer part of the adapter. This hollow body object is detachably connected to the adapter in the release position of the locking device and is connected to the adapter in a form-fitting manner, or in the locking position of the locking device, i) positively or ii) positively and non-positively, or iii) non-positively. In this way, in the locking position of the locking device, a secure connection is realized between the adapter and the hollow body object, which connection can only be released when the locking device is moved into the release position. In the release position, the hollow body object can then be easily removed from the adapter.

[0056] In one embodiment, the hollow body object has a radially inner groove. This radially inner groove serves to ensure that the locking device (in particular by means of the body of the locking device or by means of the movement-limiting device designed as a snap ring) engages in the groove of the hollow body object, thus realizing the i) positive-locking or ii) positive-locking and non-positive-locking or iii) non-positive connection between the adapter and the hollow body object.

[0057] One aspect of the presently claimed invention relates to a method for connecting a hollow body object to a device for internally flushing hollow body objects and for detaching the hollow body object from the device. This method is characterized by the steps explained below.

[0058] First, a hollow object is placed on the outer side of an adapter as described above. The outer and inner parts of the adapter are then moved relative to each other. This moves the locking mechanism of the adapter from its release position to its locking position.

[0059] At a later point, the outer and inner parts of the adapter are again moved relative to each other (but in exactly the opposite direction as before) to move the locking device from the locking position back to the release position. In this release position, the hollow object can then be removed from the outside of the adapter.

[0060] Typically, the hollow body object is cleaned and / or disinfected while it is positioned on the adapter and securely locked to the adapter by means of the locking device in its locking position. For this purpose, a suitable rinsing medium is passed through an internal lumen of the hollow body object. The rinsing medium is guided through a channel formed in the adapter to the hollow body object to be cleaned. In addition, a care agent such as dental oil can be supplied to the hollow body object via a separate media channel, which is also formed in the adapter. This is particularly useful if the hollow body object has a drive channel that requires maintenance and contains moving parts that need to be regularly maintained using oil.

[0061] The locking device is usually moved from the locking position to the release position once cleaning and / or disinfection is fully completed. Typically, cleaning and / or disinfection also includes drying the hollow object, during which hot, dry air and / or compressed air is directed through the hollow object and / or onto an exterior surface of the hollow object. These cleaning and / or disinfection steps are generally well known to those skilled in the art.

[0062] All variants and configurations of the adapter can be combined with one another in any way and can be applied to the adapter arrangement and the method, either individually or in any combination. Likewise, all variants and configurations of the adapter arrangement can be combined with one another in any way and can be applied to the adapter or the method, either individually or in any combination. Finally, all variants and configurations of the method can be combined with one another in any way and can be applied to the adapter or the adapter arrangement, either individually or in any combination.

[0063] Further details of aspects of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and figures. They show: Figure 1A shows a longitudinal section through a first embodiment of an adapter arrangement in its release position; Figure 1B shows an enlarged detailed view of the adapter arrangement of the Figure 1A ; Figure 1C a cross-sectional view along the line C in the Figure 1B ; Figure 1A longitudinal section through the adapter arrangement of the Figure 1A in its locking position; Figure 1E an enlarged detailed view of the adapter arrangement of the Figure 1D ; Figure 1Fine cross-sectional view along line F in the Figure 1E ; Figure 1G A cross-sectional view along the line G in the Figure 1B ; Figure 2A shows a longitudinal section through a second embodiment of an adapter arrangement in its release position; Figure 2B shows an enlarged detailed view of the adapter arrangement of the Figure 2A ; Figure 2C a cross-sectional view along the line C in the Figure 2B ; Figure 2A longitudinal section through the adapter arrangement of the Figure 2Ain its locking position; Figure 2E an enlarged detailed view of the adapter arrangement of the Figure 2D ; Figure 2Fine cross-sectional view along line F in the Figure 2E ; Figure 3A shows a detailed view through a longitudinal section of a third embodiment of an adapter arrangement in its release position; Figure 3B shows a cross-sectional view along the line B in the Figure 3A ; Figure 3C a cross-sectional view along the line C in the Figure 3A in the release position of the adapter assembly; Figure 3D the cross-sectional view of the Figure 3C in the locking position of the adapter arrangement; Figure 4A a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an adapter in its release position; Figure 4B a perspective view of the adapter of the Figure 4A in its locking position; Figure 4C the adapter of the Figure 4A in a side view; Figure 4D the adapter of the Figure 4C in a longitudinal section; Figure 4E a cross-sectional view through the adapter of the Figure 4C along the line E; Figure 4Fine cross-sectional view through the adapter of the Figure 4C along the line F; Figure 4G the adapter of the Figure 4B in a side view; Figure 4H the adapter of the Figure 4G in a longitudinal section; Figure 4I a cross-sectional view through the adapter of the Figure 4G along the line I; Figure 4J a cross-sectional view through the adapter of the Figure 4G along the line J; and Figure 5 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a fifth embodiment of an adapter arrangement in its locking position.

[0064] The Figure 1 A shows a longitudinal section through an adapter assembly 1 consisting of an adapter 2 and a hollow body instrument 3 attached to the adapter 2, which serves as a hollow body object. The hollow body instrument 3 is in the Figure 1AIn the illustrated state, the adapter assembly 1 is not firmly connected to the adapter 2. Rather, the adapter 2 is in its decoupled or release position. The exact structure of the adapter 2 is described with reference to Figure 1B explained in more detail. Comparable elements in all figures are provided with the same reference numerals. Furthermore, please note that the figures are not drawn to scale, and not all technical details of the objects described are reproduced with the same level of detail. Where a technical detail is of particular importance for the object described, this will be specifically noted in the figure description and / or the corresponding detail will be enlarged or shown separately.

[0065] The Figure 1B shows a detailed view of the longitudinal section of the Figure 1AThe adapter 2 has an outer part 4 and an inner part 5, which are movably mounted relative to each other. The outer part 4 is pressed by a compression spring 6 relative to the inner part 5 into the Figure 1Bshown release position pretensioned. Along a longitudinal axis L of the adapter 2 and transverse to the longitudinal axis L, an adapter channel 7 is formed both in the inner part 5 and in the outer part 4, through which adapter channel a rinsing medium can be guided into an instrument channel 8 of the hollow body instrument 3 connected to the adapter channel 7. To prevent such a rinsing medium from inadvertently escaping from the adapter channel 7 or the instrument channel 8, a silicone molded part 9 is arranged between the adapter 2 and the hollow body instrument 3 and is held in position by a holding sleeve 10. The silicone molded part 9 ensures a sealed connection between the adapter channel 7 and the instrument channel 8. In addition, two O-rings 11 are arranged between the outer part 4 and an inner side of the hollow body instrument 3, which O-rings also ensure a seal between the hollow body instrument 3 and the adapter 2.

[0066] The outer part 4 has an outer part wall 12 in which six openings 13 are formed, two of which openings 13 are shown in the longitudinal section of the Figure 1 B can be seen. The openings 13 each extend from an inner side 14 of the outer part wall 12 to an outer side 15 of the outer part wall 12. In the inner side 14, a first opening 16 is realized at each opening 13, while in the outer side 15, a second opening 17 is realized at each opening 13. In the right opening 13, a ball 18 is movably mounted. The first opening 16 is dimensioned such that the ball 18 can pass through the first opening 16 to the inner part 5 of the adapter 2. In the release position, the inner part 5 has a recess at the level of the opening 13, into which the ball 18 can protrude. This is shown in the embodiment shown as an insert in the Figure 1B The enlarged representation of the locking device is visible.

[0067] The second opening 17 of the right opening 13 is, in contrast, slightly smaller in size, so that the ball 18 cannot completely pass out through the second opening 17 (compare also the insert in the Figure 1B However, the ball 18 can partially protrude through the second opening 17 beyond the outer side 15 of the outer part wall 12. This is shown in the Figure 1B However, this is not the case in the release position shown. Here, the ball 18 is instead received in the recess provided on the inner part 5. For manufacturing reasons, the second opening 17 of the left opening 13 is the same size as the first opening 16 of the left opening 13 or the right opening 13 (in this embodiment, the openings 13 were created by drilling from the left side).

[0068] The opening 13 with its first opening 16 and a second opening 17 forms together with the ball 18 a locking device. In the operating state of the adapter 2, which in the Figure 1B As shown, this locking device is in its release position. In this release position, it is possible to easily place the hollow-body instrument 3 onto the adapter 2 and remove it from the adapter 2. The locking device does not prevent such movement.

[0069] The adapter 2 also has a locking clip 19 which is movably mounted between a locking position and an unlocking position and is pre-tensioned into the locking position by a second spring 20. In the Figure 1B In the illustrated operating state of the adapter 2, the locking clip 19 is already moved into its unlocking position by exerting a force that is opposite to the preload force applied by the second spring 20.

[0070] A retaining ring 22 limits an upward relative movement between the outer part 4 and the inner part 5 of the adapter 2. This means that the spring force applied by the compression spring 6 does not cause the adapter 2 to fall apart.

[0071] The locking clip 19 is in the Figure 1C in a line along line C of the Figure 1B executed cross-sectional view is shown separately.

[0072] The locking clip 19 has a shape which allows movement of the inner part 5 relative to the outer part 4 of the adapter 2 when it is in the position shown in the Figure 1C shown unlocking position.

[0073] The Figure 1D shows the adapter arrangement 1 of the Figure 1A in its second operating state, namely in its locking position, in which the hollow body instrument 3 is firmly connected to the adapter 2. This is shown in the enlarged detail view of the Figure 1Eto be recognized even more clearly.

[0074] In order to move the adapter 2 from the release position to the locking position, the hollow body instrument 3 is pressed onto the outer part 4 against the spring force applied by the compression spring 6. This causes the outer part 4 to move downward, while the position of the inner part 5 does not change. This results in a relative movement between the outer part 4 and the inner part 5. As a result, the recess on the inner part 5 and the opening 13 (and thus the ball 18 located in the opening 13) are no longer aligned with one another. Instead, the outer contour of the inner part 5 presses the ball 18 radially outwards. However, since the second opening 17 prevents the ball 18 from passing completely through, it can only protrude a small area beyond the outer envelope of the outer part wall 12 of the outer part 4 of the adapter 2. This, however, exerts a locking force against the hollow body instrument 3.In addition, a groove 21 is formed in the hollow body instrument 3, into which the ball 18 projects. This creates a positive connection between the adapter 2 and the hollow body instrument 3. At the same time, the locking clip 19 is pressed into its locking position by the second spring 20.

[0075] This locking position is shown in the cross-section of the locking clip 19 along the line F in the Figure 1F shown in detail. Due to the contouring of the locking clip 19, a relative movement between the outer part 4 and the inner part 5 of the adapter 2 is prevented in the locking position of the locking clip 19. Rather, such a relative movement between the outer part 4 and the inner part 5 is only possible again when the locking clip 19 is transferred to the unlocking position, which is shown in the Figure 1C is shown.

[0076] The exact arrangement and design of the openings 13 can be seen from the line GG in the Figure 1B reproduced cross-sectional view of the Figure 1Gvisible. Two openings 13 are located opposite each other and are produced in a single manufacturing step. For this purpose, a bore is drilled which extends completely through a first of the opposing openings 13, but which does not extend completely to the outside (towards the radially inner groove 21 of the hollow body instrument 3) in the second of the opposing openings. Rather, the incomplete bore in the second of the opposing openings 13 forms the second opening 17, which has an opening diameter which is slightly smaller than the diameter of the ball 18. As a result, the ball 18 can be partially pressed radially outwards through the second opening 17 in its detent position and engage in the groove 21 of the hollow body instrument 3. However, it cannot fall out of the opening 13 through the second opening 17 if no hollow body instrument 3 is connected to the adapter 2.

[0077] The Figure 2A shows a longitudinal sectional view through a second embodiment of an adapter arrangement 1 with an adapter 2 and a hollow body instrument 3. The hollow body instrument 3 has a different outer and inner geometry than the hollow body instrument 3 of the embodiment shown in the Figures 1A to 1F is shown. However, by means of a correspondingly adapted outer geometry of the outer part 4 of the adapter 2, a hollow body instrument 3 designed in this way can also be easily connected to the adapter 2. The functional principle of the connection is identical to the functional principle that applies to the adapter arrangement 1 of the Figures 1A to 1F In this respect, reference is made to the relevant explanations above.

[0078] The Figure 2B shows an enlarged detailed view of the longitudinal section of the Figure 2A . It is noticeable that the Figures 2A and 2BThe adapter 2 shown does not have a silicone mold or a retaining sleeve. Rather, the connection between the adapter channel 7 of the adapter 2 and the instrument channel 8 of the hollow-body instrument 3 is made without a corresponding silicone mold, but still in a fluid-tight manner.

[0079] As in the Figure 2B As can be seen, the adapter 2 is in its release position, in which the ball 18 projects into a recess on the outside of the inner part 5 of the adapter 2. Thus, the ball 18 does not exert any locking force on the hollow body instrument 3, so that it can be easily removed from the adapter 2. The locking clip 19 is - as in the Figure 1B illustrated operating state of the adapter 2 there - in its unlocked position, so that the outer part 4 and the inner part 5 of the adapter 2 can move against each other.

[0080] A corresponding cross-sectional view along line C of the Figure 2B is in the Figure 2C shown. The Figure 2C is almost identical to the Figure 1C , since the cross-sections of the adapters 2 differ only slightly from each other in this area.

[0081] As can be seen from a summary of the Figure 2B and 2CAs is clearly visible, the locking clip 19 must be moved in a direction that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the adapter 2 in order to be transferred from its unlocking position to its locking position. The force that must be applied to release the hollow body instrument 3 therefore depends significantly on the spring force of the second spring 20. However, it is not proportional to the holding force applied by the adapter 2 via the locking device against the hollow body instrument 3. As a result, the release force is decoupled from the holding force, which on the one hand enables a particularly strong connection between the adapter 2 and the hollow body instrument 3, but on the other hand also allows particularly simple operation of the adapter 2.

[0082] In the Figure 2D is the adapter arrangement 1 of the Figure 2Ain its second operating state, namely in the locking position of the adapter 2, in which the hollow body instrument 3 is firmly connected to the adapter 2. This is shown in the enlarged detail view of the Figure 2E to see in more detail.

[0083] In the locking position, the contour of the inner part 5 presses the ball 18 radially outwards so that it protrudes partially through the second opening 17 into the groove 21 of the hollow body instrument 3 and thus ensures a positive connection between the hollow body instrument 3 and the adapter 2.

[0084] At the same time, the locking clip 19 is again in its locking position, which is shown in the cross-sectional view of the Figure 2F along line F of the Figure 2D is shown. In this locking position, the locking clip 19 prevents further relative movement between the inner part 5 and the outer part 4 of the adapter 2.

[0085] The Figure 3Ashows a detailed representation of a further embodiment of an adapter arrangement 1 with an adapter 2 and a hollow body instrument 3 coupled thereto. As in the previous embodiments, the adapter 2 has an outer part 4 and an inner part 5. In addition, a locking device is provided which has a ball 18 movable in an opening 13, which in its locking position fixes the hollow body instrument 3 to the adapter 2 and in its release position allows the hollow body instrument 3 to be plugged onto the adapter 2 or released from the adapter 2. In the Figure 3AThe locking device is shown in its release position. The ball 18 projects beyond the inner opening 16 of the aperture 13 into a recess between the inner side 14 of the outer part wall 12 and an outer side of the inner part 5. The ball could also project into the radially inner groove 21 in the hollow-body instrument 3, but would not perform a locking function there, since it could move freely within the aperture 13 toward the inner part 5 at any time.

[0086] In order to transfer the locking device of the adapter 2 from its release position to the locking position, in this embodiment there is no lateral movement between the outer part 4 and the inner part 5 of the adapter 2 along the longitudinal axis L, but rather a relative radial movement between the outer part 4 and the inner part 5 around the longitudinal axis L. This is shown in the Figures 3B to 3D shown in more detail.

[0087] The Figure 3Ba cross-sectional view along line B in the Figure 3A , while Figures 3C and 3D a cross-sectional view along line C of the Figure 3A in two different positions of the adapter arrangement 1.

[0088] The Figure 3B shows a wire bracket 23 that serves as an actuating element. This wire bracket 23 is operatively connected to the inner part 5 of the adapter 2. A radial movement of the wire bracket 23 around the longitudinal axis L causes a concurrent movement of the inner part 5 around the longitudinal axis L, while the outer part 4 remains stationary. This results in a relative radial movement between the outer part 4 and the inner part 5 of the adapter 2.

[0089] In the Figure 3C is a sectional view along the line C in the Figure 3Amarked line. The ball 18 projects into a recess on the outside of the inner part 5 of the adapter, so that it can move freely in the opening 13. If the wire bracket 23 is moved 90° clockwise, the recess moves from the 9 o'clock position to the 12 o'clock position. In the area of ​​the opening 13 there is then a recess-free section of the outside of the inner part 5. This presses the ball 18 in the opening 13 towards the second opening 17 and against an inside of the hollow body instrument 3. This fixes the hollow body instrument 3 to the adapter 2; the locking device of the adapter 2 is in the locking position.

[0090] The locking mechanism of the adapter 2 can be returned to the release position by rotating the wire bracket 23 90° counterclockwise. The recess on the outside of the inner part 5 of the adapter 2 is then aligned with the opening 13 again, so that the ball 18 is no longer pushed out of the second opening 17, but can protrude into the recess. Consequently, the ball 18 no longer exerts a locking force on the hollow-body instrument 3.

[0091] Since the hollow body instrument 3 has the groove 21 (radially inward with respect to the hollow body instrument) in the area of ​​the ball 18, the ball 18 also engages in this groove 21 in the locking position and ensures a positive connection between the hollow body instrument 3 and the adapter 2. This makes it possible for the hollow body instrument 3 to fit even more securely on the adapter 2 than if only a locking force imparted by the ball 18 is used to secure the hollow body instrument 3.

[0092] The Figures 4A and 4B show a further embodiment of an adapter 2, wherein the adapter 2 in the Figure 4A shown in its decoupled position (release position), while in the Figure 4B in its coupled position (locking position), in which a hollow body instrument 3 is fixed to the adapter 2.

[0093] As well as those in the Figures 1A to 1F and 2A to 2FIn the illustrated embodiments, the adapter 2 comprises an outer part 4 and an inner part 5, which are laterally movable relative to each other. Furthermore, a locking clip 19 is provided, which in its Figure 4A illustrated unlocking position allows a relative movement between the outer part 4 and the inner part 5 of the adapter 2, while such a movement in the locking position of the locking clip 19, which is shown in the Figure 4B shown, is no longer possible. This is ensured by the specific contouring of the locking clip 19.

[0094] By a first spring 6, the adapter 2 is pre-tensioned into its uncoupled position, in which a locking device of the adapter 2 is in its release position. This is shown in the Figure 4Acan be seen. If the outer part 4 is pressed down relative to the inner part 5 against the spring force applied by the first spring 6, the adapter 2 is transferred into its coupled position, in which the locking device of the adapter 2 is in its locking position.

[0095] The Figure 4C shows the adapter 2 of the Figure 4A in its decoupled position in a side view. It can be seen that the second spring 20, which biases the locking clip 19 into its locking position, is compressed in the decoupled position of the adapter 2. This means that a force opposite to the spring force exerted by the second spring 20 has been applied to compress the spring 20 and transfer the locking clip 19 from its locking position to its unlocking position, in which a lateral movement between the outer part 4 and the inner part 5 of the adapter 2 along the longitudinal axis L is possible. In the illustration of the Figure 4CA hollow body instrument 3 placed on the adapter 2 can also be seen in detail.

[0096] The Figure 4D shows a longitudinal section through the adapter 2 of the Figure 4C In this longitudinal section, the locking device of the adapter 2 is visible, which - similar to the locking device of the Figures 1A to 1F and 2A to 2F has an opening 13. However, not only a ball 18 is arranged in the opening 13. Rather, the ball 18 is surrounded by a snap ring 24, which serves as a movement-limiting device. Thus, in this embodiment, it is not necessary for the second opening 17, which is formed on the radially outer side of the opening 13, to have a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the ball 18. Rather, the snap ring 24 ensures that the ball 18 cannot leave the opening 13 to the outside through the second opening 17.

[0097] In contrast, it is still possible for the ball 18 to at least partially exit the opening 13 through the first opening 16 to a recess formed on the outside of the inner part 5. Overall, however, the space available to the ball 18 and the snap ring 24 is larger than the space required by these two elements. Thus, free movement of the ball 18 between the outside of the inner part 5 and the snap ring 24 in the opening 13 is possible. Consequently, no locking force is exerted on the hollow-body instrument 3, which is why the hollow-body instrument 3 can be easily removed from the adapter 2 or attached to the adapter 2.

[0098] The Figure 4E shows a cross-sectional view through the adapter 2 of the Figure 4C along the line marked E. Thus, the Figure 4E the adapter 2 at the level of the locking device. As can be seen from the Figure 4EAs can be seen, the locking device has four openings 13 arranged evenly along the circumference of the outer part 4, in each of which a ball 18 is arranged. While the balls 18 can each protrude through the inner opening 16 from the outer part wall 12 into a recess in the outside of the inner part 5, their movement radially outward is limited by the snap ring 24. This prevents the balls 18 from falling out of the adapter 2.

[0099] The Figure 4F shows a cross-sectional view through the adapter 2 along the line marked F in the Figure 4C . This cross-sectional view shows the adapter 2 at the level of the locking clip 19. As can be seen from the Figure 4FAs can be seen, the locking clip 19 is in its unlocking position, in which a relative movement between the outer part 4 and the inner part 5 of the adapter 2 is possible, since the locking clip 19 has a corresponding circular recess in its center.

[0100] The Figure 4G shows a side view of the adapter 2 of the Figure 4B , i.e. the adapter 2 in its coupled position. In this coupled position, the hollow body instrument 3 is fixed to the adapter 2. Thus, the locking device of the adapter 2 is in its locking position. The locking device has been moved from the release position, which is in the Figures 4A, 4B and 4C shown, into the locking position of the Figure 4G by moving the outer part 4 and the inner part 5 of the adapter 2 relative to each other along the longitudinal axis L. This movement compresses the first spring 6.

[0101] The effects of the relative lateral movement of the outer part 4 to the inner part 5 on the locking device of the adapter 2 are shown in the longitudinal section of the Figure 4H can be seen. Thus, the relative movement of the outer part 4 to the inner part 5 reduces the hollow space between the inner side 14 of the outer part wall 12 and the outer side of the inner part 5. This pushes the ball 18 radially outwards. The snap ring 24, as a movement-limiting device, prevents the ball 18 from moving any further. However, it is also pushed outwards by the ball 18 and the pressure applied by it, specifically into a groove 21 in the hollow body instrument 3. This creates a positive connection between the hollow body instrument 3 and the adapter 2, so that the hollow body instrument 3 is securely fastened to the adapter 2.

[0102] The Figure 4I shows a cross-sectional view along the line marked I in the Figure 4G, i.e. at the level of the locking device of adapter 2. The locking device is in its locking position. Especially in direct comparison with the Figure 4E , which shows the locking device in its release position, it can be seen that the balls 18 are pressed radially further outwards by the inner part 5 of the adapter 2 and thus expand the snap ring 24. The snap ring 24 thus exerts a locking force on the hollow body instrument 3 and engages in a groove 21 formed in the hollow body instrument 3, thus resulting in a positive connection between the adapter 2 and the hollow body instrument 3.

[0103] The Figure 4J shows a cross-sectional view along the line marked J in the Figure 4 G, i.e. at the level of the locking clip 19. In this illustration it can be seen that the locking clip 19 is in its locked position in the coupled position between the hollow body instrument 3 and the adapter 2, in which a relative movement between the inner part 5 and the outer part 4 of the adapter 2 is no longer possible because the contour of the connecting clip 19 prevents such a relative movement. The second spring 20 is in its relaxed state. It therefore pre-tensions the connecting clip 19 into this locked position. If the adapter 2 is to release the hollow body instrument 3 again, a force opposite to the spring force applied by the second spring 20 must first be exerted in order to return the locking clip 19 to its unlocked position, in which it allows a relative lateral movement of the inner part 5 relative to the outer part 4 of the adapter 2.Then, the locking device of the adapter 2 is moved from its locking position to its release position so that the hollow body instrument 3 can be removed from the adapter 2.

[0104] The Figure 5 shows a longitudinal section through another embodiment of an adapter 2, which is very similar to that shown in the Figure 4H illustrated embodiment. In this respect, reference is made to the above explanations. The adapter 2 is shown in its coupled position, i.e., in a position in which the locking device of the adapter 2 is in its locking position.

[0105] In contrast to the Figure 4H In the illustrated embodiment, the adapter 2 of the Figure 5 not a snap ring with a circular cross-section, but a snap ring 24 with a specially designed contour. This is shown in the insert in the Figure 5The snap ring 24 has a flat inner side oriented towards the ball 18, while on its outer side it has a nose 25 which is shaped such that it can engage in the groove 21 of the hollow body instrument 3. In principle, the snap ring 24 can take on any shape suitable for achieving a secure connection between the adapter 2 and the hollow body instrument 3. The Figure 5 The design of the snap ring 24 shown is therefore only to be understood as an example.

[0106] Likewise, the contouring of the outer side of the inner part 5 of the adapter 2 can be designed as desired in order to influence the movement of the ball 18 from the release position to the locking position of the locking device according to the respective requirements. Thus, the ball 18 in the adapter 2 of the Figure 5in the locking position is pressed radially outwards more than in the Figure 4H shown adapter 2. At the same time, the snap ring 24 of the adapter 2 of the Figure 5 a slightly smaller radial diameter than the snap ring 24 of the adapter 2 of the Figure 4H This allows the adapter 2 to be individually adapted to the hollow body instruments 3 to be contacted, which opens up numerous application possibilities for the adapter 2.

Claims

1. An adapter (2) for connecting a hollow-body object (3) to a device for washing through the inside of hollow-body objects, wherein the adapter (2) comprises an inner part (5) and an outer part (4) at least sectionally surrounding the inner part (5), wherein the inner part (5) and the outer part (4) are movable relative to each other and extend along a longitudinally extending axis (L), wherein the outer part (4) comprises an outer part wall (12) with at least one latching device, characterized in that the latching device comprises a break-through (13) in the outer part wall (12), a body (18) movably mounted in the break-through (13) and a movement limiting device (17, 24), wherein the break-through comprises a first opening (16) in an inside (14) of the outer part wall (12) oriented towards the inner part (5) and a second opening (17) in an outside (15) of the outer part wall (12), wherein a radial direction extends from the first opening (16) to the second opening (17), wherein the movement limiting device (17, 24) limits a movement of the body (18) extending in the radial direction to the second opening (17) and prevents that the body (18) can completely pass through the second opening (17) to the outside, wherein the first opening (16) has a diameter which is greater than a cross-sectional diameter of the body (18), wherein the latching device can be adjusted between a release position and a latching position by a movement effected by means of a relative movement between the outer part (4) and the inner part (5), wherein in the latching position the body (18) is arranged in the breakthrough (13) radially further to the outside than in the release position, wherein in the release position an outside of the latching device does not protrude beyond an outer circumference of the outer part wall (12), but in the latching position extends beyond the outer envelope of the outer part wall (12).

2. The adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that the movement limiting device is formed by a snap ring (24) which is arranged in the break-through (13) in the radial direction around the outside of the body (18).

3. The adapter according to claim 2, characterized in that in the region of the latching device the outer part wall (12) has a wall thickness which is smaller than an extension of the body (18) and of the snap ring (24) in the radial direction.

4. The adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that the movement limiting device is formed by a diameter of the second opening (17) which is smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of the body (18).

5. The adapter according to claim 4, characterized in that in the region of the latching device the outer part wall (12) has a wall thickness which is smaller than an extension of the body (18) in the radial direction.

6. The adapter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter (2) comprises a locking element (19) which is movable relative to the outer part (4) and to the inner part (5) between an unlocking position and a locking position, wherein in the unlocking position the locking element (19) permits the relative movement between the outer part (4) and the inner part (5) and in the locking position prevents this relative movement.

7. The adapter according to claim 6, characterized in that the locking element (19) is movable transversely to the longitudinally extending axis (L) between the unlocking position and the locking position.

8. The adapter according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the locking element (19) is pretensioned into the locking position by means of a first pretensioning element (20).

9. The adapter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner part (5) has a cross-sectional taper oriented towards the outer part (4), which in the release position is aligned with the break-through (13) so that the body (18) can protrude into the cross-sectional taper.

10. The adapter according to claim 9, characterized in that in the latching position the cross-sectional taper is not aligned with the break-through (13).

11. The adapter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the release position the body (18) is mounted in the break-through (13) free from pretension.

12. The adapter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that exactly one body (18) is mounted in the break-through (13).

13. The adapter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter (2) comprises at least two latching devices which in particular are uniformly arranged in the outer part (4) along a circumferential direction of the outer part (4).

14. An adapter assembly (1), comprising an adapter (2) according to any of the preceding claims and a hollow-body object (3) arranged on an outside (15) of the outer part (4), which in the release position of the latching device is releasably connected to the adapter (2) and in the latching position of the latching device is i) positively or ii) positively and non-positively or iii) non-positively connected to the adapter (2).

15. A method for connecting a hollow-body object (3) to a device for washing through the inside of hollow-body objects and releasing the hollow-body object from the device, characterized by the following steps: a) pushing a hollow-body object (3) onto an outside (15) of an adapter (2) according to any of claims 1 to 13; b) moving the outer part (4) and the inner part (5) of the adapter (2) relative to each other, in order to transfer the latching device from the release position into the latching position; c) moving the outer part (4) and the inner part (5) of the adapter (2) relative to each other, in order to transfer the latching device from the latching position into the release position; and d) removing the hollow-body object (3) from the outside (15) of the adapter (2).