Coupling system for a suction device, and component of a suction device comprising a coupling element

Abstract

A coupling system (140) for connecting different suction air-conducting components (110, 120, 130) of a suction device (100) is described. The coupling system (140) comprises a first coupling element (141) with a tubular connecting piece (214) and a second coupling element (142) with a tubular receiving area (224) for the connecting piece (214). The first coupling element (141) further comprises a first plug-in unit (211, 212), and the second coupling element (142) comprises a second plug-in unit (221, 222) which is designed to form an electrically conductive plug-in connection with the first plug-in unit (211, 212) of the first coupling element (141), and which has a protective wall (410) which projects relative to the contact surface (400) of the second coupling element (142).The connecting piece (214) has a guide contour (331), and the second coupling element (142) has a complementary guide contour (431) which extends starting at the protective wall (410) of the second plug-in unit (221, 222) along the longitudinal axis into the receiving area (224).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a suction device, in particular a cordless and / or hand-held vacuum cleaner, with a coupling system for connecting an accessory.

[0002] A suction device, particularly a handheld vacuum cleaner, typically comprises a suction unit that can be carried and guided by a user. The suction unit has a fan powered by electrical energy from an electrical energy storage device of the suction unit. The fan is designed to generate a suction air flow to suck contaminants through the suction inlet of the suction unit into a collecting container of the suction unit. The suction inlet of the suction unit is typically designed as a coupling element, via which one of a number of different accessories can be connected to the suction unit. Examples of accessories include a suction tube, a floor suction nozzle, a brush suction nozzle, a crevice suction nozzle, a mop suction nozzle, etc.

[0003] US 2020 / 0 069 131 A1 describes a vacuum cleaner with a suction tube. DE 20 2023 104 457 U1 describes an adapter for a vacuum cleaner. WO 2011 / 132 366 A1 describes a vacuum cleaner with a suction tube and an electrical connector.

[0004] This document addresses the technical task of providing a particularly stable, robust and comfortable coupling system for a suction device.

[0005] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the individual independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined in particular in the dependent patent claims, described in the following description, or illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0006] According to one aspect, a coupling system for connecting different suction air-conducting components of a suction device (in particular a handheld and / or cordless vacuum cleaner) is described. The coupling system comprises a first coupling element and a second coupling element, which can be connected to one another in order to connect two components of the suction device. The first coupling element can be arranged, in particular fastened, on a first component and the second coupling element can be arranged, in particular fastened, on a second component. By connecting, in particular by plugging together, the first and second coupling elements, the first and second components can be connected to one another. Example components are a suction unit (with a fan and a separation unit, a suction pipe, a floor nozzle, a wiping nozzle, etc.).

[0007] The first coupling element comprises a tubular nozzle which protrudes from the contact surface of the first coupling element along a longitudinal axis of the coupling system (e.g. by 5 cm or more, or by 7 cm or more).

[0008] The second coupling element comprises a (complementarily designed) tubular receiving area for the nozzle of the first coupling element, which extends from the contact surface of the second coupling element along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the second coupling element. The nozzle can be inserted into the receiving area along the longitudinal axis in order to connect the first and second coupling elements to one another. The contact surfaces of the two coupling elements rest against one another when the two coupling elements are connected to one another. Suction air can then be conveyed through the receiving area and through the nozzle. The nozzle of the first coupling element and the receiving area of ​​the second coupling element can thus be used to extend the tubular channel for the suction air flow of the suction device.

[0009] The suction unit of the suction device can have an electrical energy storage device for providing electrical energy for operating the fan of the suction device. Furthermore, a component coupled to the suction unit can comprise an electrically operated actuator (e.g., an electric motor) that is powered by electrical energy from the energy storage device. Alternatively or additionally, the coupled component can comprise a sensor for acquiring sensor data. The coupling system can be configured to transmit electrical energy for operating the actuator and / or the sensor and / or data for controlling the actuator and / or sensor data from the sensor.

[0010] The first coupling element comprises at least one first plug-in unit arranged along the transverse axis next to the connecting piece. The first plug-in unit can be designed as a socket.

[0011] The transverse axis of the coupling system is preferably arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The coupling system may further have a vertical axis arranged perpendicular to the transverse axis and the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis, the transverse axis, and the vertical axis may correspond to the axes of a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. The origin of the coordinate system may be located at a center point of the coupling system.

[0012] The second coupling element comprises at least one second plug-in unit, which is arranged along the transverse axis next to the receiving area and is designed to form an electrically conductive plug connection with the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element. When the first and second coupling elements are guided toward each other along the longitudinal axis to insert the connecting piece into the receiving area, the plug connection between the first and second plug-in units can be established by the same movement. The second plug-in unit can be designed as a plug.

[0013] The second plug-in unit has a protective wall that protrudes along the longitudinal axis relative to the contact surface of the second coupling element (e.g., by 5 mm or more, in particular by 7 mm or, in particular, by 10 mm or more). The protective wall can thus extend from the contact surface of the second coupling element to the contact surface of the first coupling element. The electrically conductive plug connection can be designed for the transmission of electrical energy or for the transmission of data.

[0014] The connecting piece of the first coupling element has a guide contour. The guide contour can extend along the longitudinal axis on the outer wall of the connecting piece (and can thus be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis). Furthermore, the guide contour on the connecting piece of the first coupling element preferably faces the first plug-in unit. The connecting piece can be divided into two halves, in particular into an upper half and a lower half, for example, by a bisecting plane that corresponds to the plane spanned by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis. The guide contour of the connecting piece can be arranged (entirely) within the bisecting plane.

[0015] The second coupling element comprises a guide contour complementary to the guide contour of the nozzle, which extends starting at the protective wall of the second plug-in unit along the longitudinal axis into the receiving area. The guide contour of the second coupling element can be arranged (completely) within the bisecting plane of the receiving area. The guide contour of the second coupling element can extend, in particular, starting from the end face of the protective wall of the second plug-in unit facing away from the contact surface of the second coupling element, along the longitudinal axis into the receiving area. The guide contour can extend, for example, by 2 cm or more, in particular by 5 cm or more, into the receiving area.

[0016] The guide contour of the second coupling element can thus already begin at the protruding protective wall, in particular at the end face of the protruding protective wall, of the second plug-in unit. Furthermore, the guide contour can extend along (and parallel to) the longitudinal axis into the receiving area of ​​the second coupling element. Thus, a relatively long guide contour can be provided.

[0017] The guide contours can be designed to interact in such a way that the guide contours block rotation of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis (as the axis of rotation). Alternatively or additionally, the interaction of the guide contours can provide guidance for the extension of the two coupling elements along the longitudinal axis.

[0018] Thus, a coupling system is described that has guide contours that are particularly long along the longitudinal axis. This reliably prevents relative movement between the coupled coupling elements of the coupling system. Furthermore, it enables particularly reliable transmission of forces and / or (bending) moments via the coupling system.

[0019] The guide contours can each have an edge region that faces the edge region of the other guide contour during a plugging process along the longitudinal axis (for plugging together the two coupling elements). The edge regions can each correspond to a start of the respective guide contour. The edge region of at least one guide contour can have a reduced width (e.g. in the case of a rib) or an increased width (e.g. in the case of a groove) transverse to the longitudinal axis and / or transverse to the transverse axis and / or along the vertical axis, which supports threading of the guide contours during the plugging process along the longitudinal axis. The width can be changed, for example, by 10% or more, in particular by 20% or more, compared to the width outside the edge region. The change in width can be effected smoothly along the longitudinal axis.This allows the two coupling elements to be plugged together particularly conveniently and reliably.

[0020] The guide contours of the first coupling element and the second coupling element can form a tongue and groove connection that extends along the longitudinal axis of the protective wall, in particular from the end face of the protective wall, of the second plug-in unit along (and parallel to) the longitudinal axis into the receiving area. In particular, the guide contour of the first coupling element can comprise a guide rib that is arranged on the outer wall of the socket and that extends along (and parallel to) the longitudinal axis. On the other hand, the guide contour of the second coupling element can comprise a guide groove that runs in the protective wall of the second plug-in unit and in the inner wall of the receiving area and that extends along (and parallel to) the longitudinal axis. In an alternative example, the guide contour of the first coupling element is designed as a guide groove and the guide contour of the second coupling element is designed as a guide rib.

[0021] By providing a tongue and groove connection, a particularly reliable and robust connection between the two coupling elements can be achieved.

[0022] The first plug-in unit of the first coupling element can extend from the contact surface of the first coupling element into the housing of the first coupling element (e.g., by 5 mm or more, or by 7 mm or more). Alternatively or additionally, the first plug-in unit can have a recess with a wall that extends from the contact surface of the first coupling element along the longitudinal axis and that contacts the protective wall of the second plug-in unit when the electrically conductive plug connection between the first and second plug-in units is present.

[0023] The first plug-in unit can, in particular, be designed as a recessed basin that is recessed into the housing of the first coupling element, starting from the contact surface of the first coupling element. The protective wall of the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element can, when the electrically conductive plug connection is present, rest against the wall of the first plug-in unit surrounding the basin.

[0024] The guide contour of the first coupling element preferably extends along the longitudinal axis into the recess, in particular by at least 2 mm into the recess. This allows the length of the guide contour along the longitudinal axis to be further increased, thereby further increasing the robustness and stability of the connection between the coupling units.

[0025] The first plug-in unit of the first coupling unit can have two contact pins arranged one behind the other or one above the other along the vertical axis. Similarly, the second plug-in unit of the second coupling unit can have two contact pins for contacting the two contact pins of the first plug-in unit, which are arranged one behind the other or one above the other along the vertical axis. This allows for a particularly reliable transmission of electrical energy and / or data.

[0026] The second plug-in unit can have a partition arranged between the two contact pins. The partition can protrude (corresponding to the protective wall) relative to the contact surface of the second coupling element. The end face of the partition can be flush with the end width of the protective wall. In other words, the partition and the protective wall can have the same length along the longitudinal axis.

[0027] The partition wall and the protective wall can thus provide individual sheathing for each of the two contact pins.

[0028] The guide contour of the second coupling element and the partition wall can be arranged at the same height with respect to the vertical axis. The partition wall can act as a mechanical support for a portion of the guide contour. This allows for a particularly stable guide contour of the second coupling element.

[0029] The first plug-in unit of the first coupling element can have one or more clamping elements at the bottom of the recess (in particular of the basin), which are designed to clamp the partition (e.g., between two clamping elements) when the electrically conductive plug connection is established between the first plug-in unit and the second plug-in unit. Clamping the partition can further improve the stability of the connection between the two coupling elements.

[0030] The nozzle has an end face facing the receiving area of ​​the second coupling element. The end face of the nozzle is preferably formed obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis, so that the end face of the nozzle is spaced from the contact surface of the first coupling element by different distances at different points. The end face of the nozzle can, for example, be arranged in a plane that runs parallel to the transverse axis but is inclined about the transverse axis, resulting in an oblique suction mouth, which is typically advantageous for the operation of the suction device.

[0031] The guide contour of the first coupling element preferably does not extend to the end face of the nozzle, but rather ends at a certain distance along the longitudinal axis in front of the end face of the nozzle. This allows for a particularly convenient and reliable mating of the two coupling elements.

[0032] The guide contour of the first coupling element can in particular be spaced from the end face of the nozzle in such a way that during a plugging process (for plugging together the two coupling elements) the end face of the nozzle begins to dip into the receiving area of ​​the second coupling element; and the guide contours of the first coupling element and the second coupling element begin to interact mechanically, in particular to block rotation of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, the protective wall of the second plug-in unit can have a specific length starting from the contact surface of the second coupling element. The specific distance of the guide contour of the first coupling element from the end face of the connecting piece, in particular from the point on the end face of the connecting piece that is furthest from the contact surface of the first coupling element, and the specific length of the protective wall of the second plug-in unit (starting from the contact surface of the second coupling element) preferably differ from each other by a maximum of 20%, in particular by a maximum of 10%.

[0034] A guide contour designed in this way and a nozzle designed in this way enable the two coupling elements to be plugged together particularly reliably and conveniently.

[0035] As already explained, the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element can comprise at least one electrically conductive contact pin. The protective wall of the second plug-in unit preferably extends along the longitudinal axis beyond the contact pin, in particular by 2 mm or more. The contact pin can, for example, protrude by a first length relative to the contact surface of the second coupling element, and the protective wall of the second plug-in unit can protrude by a second length relative to the contact surface of the second coupling element. The second length can be greater than the first length. The second length can, in particular, be greater than the first length by 2 mm or more. In this way, a particularly robust coupling system can be provided.

[0036] The first coupling unit can have a first plug-in unit on each side of the nozzle along the transverse axis. Correspondingly, the second coupling unit can have a second plug-in unit on each side of the receiving area along the transverse axis. The two first plug-in units and the two second plug-in units can each form an electrically conductive plug-in connection in pairs. One of the two electrically conductive plug-in connections can be designed for the transmission of electrical energy for operating an actuator (e.g. an electric motor) and / or a sensor. The other electrically conductive plug-in connection can be designed for the transmission of data, in particular for the transmission of control data for controlling the actuator and / or for the transmission of sensor data. In this way, a coupling system for a suction device with an expanded range of functions can be provided.Furthermore, the spatial separation of data transmission and energy transmission (on opposite sides of the nozzle or the receiving area) can ensure trouble-free operation of the suction device.

[0037] The two electrically conductive plug connections can be mechanically designed and / or coded differently in such a way that incorrect mating of the first coupling element and the second coupling element, in particular one rotated by 180°, is prevented. For example, a web can be arranged on the protective wall of (exactly) one of the two second plug units, which is inserted into a corresponding groove in the wall of the recess of the corresponding first plug unit when the electrically conductive plug connection is formed. The other second plug unit does not have this web, and the other first plug unit does not have this groove. In this way, a particularly convenient and reliable coupling system can be provided.

[0038] The nozzle of the first coupling element can have a guide contour on each side of the nozzle along the transverse axis. The two guide contours can each be arranged in the bisecting plane of the nozzle.

[0039] Correspondingly, the second coupling element can have a complementary guide contour along the transverse axis on both sides of the receiving area, each of which extends along the longitudinal axis into the receiving area, starting at the protective wall (in particular starting at the end face of the protective wall) of the respective second plug-in unit. The two guide contours can each be arranged in the bisecting plane of the receiving area.

[0040] The guide contours can each be designed in pairs to interact in such a way that the guide contours block rotation of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis.

[0041] By providing pairs of guide contours on both (opposite) sides of the nozzle or the receiving area, a particularly robust and stable connection between the coupling elements can be achieved.

[0042] According to a further aspect, a first coupling element for the coupling system described in this document is described. In particular, a first coupling element is described that comprises a tubular connecting piece that protrudes along the longitudinal axis relative to the contact surface of the first coupling element and is designed to be inserted into a tubular receiving area of ​​the second coupling element of the coupling system. The receiving area extends from the contact surface of the second coupling element along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the second coupling element.

[0043] The first coupling element can comprise at least a first plug-in unit which is arranged along the transverse axis next to the nozzle and which is designed to form an electrically conductive plug-in connection with the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element, wherein the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element is arranged along the transverse axis next to the receiving area, and wherein the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element has a protective wall which projects along the longitudinal axis opposite the contact surface of the second coupling element.

[0044] The nozzle of the first coupling element has a guide contour which is arranged on the outer wall of the nozzle and which faces the first plug-in unit.

[0045] The guide contour of the first coupling element can be designed to interact with the complementary guide contour of the second coupling element in such a way that the guide contours prevent rotation of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis. The guide contour of the second coupling element extends, starting at the protective wall of the second plug-in unit, along the longitudinal axis into the receiving area.

[0046] According to a further aspect, a second coupling element for the coupling system described in this document is described. In particular, a second coupling element is described that comprises a tubular receiving area for the connecting piece of the first coupling element of the coupling system. The receiving area extends from the contact surface of the second coupling element along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the second coupling element. The tubular connecting piece of the first coupling element protrudes from the contact surface of the first coupling element along the longitudinal axis.

[0047] The second coupling element can comprise a second plug-in unit arranged along the transverse axis next to the receiving area, which is designed to form an electrically conductive plug connection with the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element, and which has a protective wall that protrudes along the longitudinal axis opposite the contact surface of the second coupling element. The first plug-in unit of the first coupling element can be arranged along the transverse axis next to the connecting piece.

[0048] The second coupling element has a guide contour that is complementary to the guide contour on the socket of the first coupling element and that extends from the protective wall of the second plug-in unit along the longitudinal axis into the receiving area. The guide contour of the second coupling element can be designed to interact with the guide contour of the first coupling element in such a way that the guide contours prevent rotation of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis.

[0049] According to a further aspect, a further coupling system for connecting different suction air-conducting components of a suction device is described. It should be noted that the features of a coupling system described in this document (in particular the features described above) are also applicable to this coupling system individually or in combination.

[0050] As already explained, the coupling system comprises a first coupling element with a tubular connecting piece that protrudes along the longitudinal axis relative to the contact surface of the first coupling element. Furthermore, the coupling system comprises a second coupling element with a tubular receiving area for the connecting piece of the first coupling element, which extends from the contact surface of the second coupling element along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the second coupling element.

[0051] The first coupling element comprises at least one first plug-in unit arranged along the transverse axis next to the connecting piece, and the second coupling element comprises at least one second plug-in unit arranged along the transverse axis next to the receiving area and configured to form an electrically conductive plug connection with the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element. Preferably, the first coupling unit comprises a first plug-in unit on each side of the connecting piece along the transverse axis, and the second coupling unit preferably comprises a second plug-in unit on each side of the receiving area along the transverse axis.

[0052] The connecting piece of the first coupling element has a guide contour that faces the first plug-in unit (along the transverse axis). The second coupling element has a complementary guide contour that faces the second plug-in unit (along the transverse axis). Preferably, the connecting piece of the first coupling element has a guide contour on each side of the connecting piece along the transverse axis. Furthermore, the second coupling element preferably has a complementary guide contour on each side of the receiving area along the transverse axis.

[0053] As already explained, the guide contours are preferably designed to interact in such a way that the guide contours block rotation of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis.

[0054] Thus, a coupling system is described in which the complementary plug-in units and the complementary guide contours face each other along the transverse axis and are preferably arranged within a common plane. Such an arrangement can provide a particularly compact and stable coupling system for a suction device.

[0055] The first plug-in unit of the first coupling element and the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element preferably intersect the horizontal plane defined by the transverse axis and the longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the guide contours of the first coupling element and the second coupling element preferably intersect this horizontal plane. The guide contours of the first coupling element and the second coupling element can, in particular, each extend along the longitudinal axis and be arranged substantially within the horizontal plane.

[0056] The plug-in units and the guide contours can thus be aligned (especially symmetrically) with respect to a common horizontal plane. This further improves the compactness and stability of the coupling system.

[0057] The first plug-in unit of the first coupling element and the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element are preferably each mirror-symmetrical with respect to the horizontal plane. Furthermore, the guide contours of the first coupling element and the second coupling element are preferably each mirror-symmetrical with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0058] In particular, the first plug-in units of the first coupling element and the second plug-in units of the second coupling element can each intersect the horizontal plane and each be mirror-symmetrical with respect to the horizontal plane. Furthermore, the guide contours of the first coupling element on both sides of the connecting piece and of the second coupling element on both sides of the receiving area can intersect the horizontal plane and each be mirror-symmetrical with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0059] Such a mirror-symmetrical design makes it possible to provide a particularly compact and stable coupling system for a suction device.

[0060] As already explained, a first plug-in unit can have two contact pins arranged one behind the other along the vertical axis, with the vertical axis preferably being perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Similarly, a second plug-in unit can have two contact pins arranged one behind the other along the vertical axis for contacting the two contact pins of the first plug-in unit.

[0061] A contact pin of the first plug-in unit and a corresponding contact pin of the second plug-in unit can be arranged on a first side, in particular on the top side, of the horizontal plane, and the other contact pin of the first plug-in unit and the corresponding contact pin of the second plug-in unit can be arranged on the opposite second side, in particular on the bottom side, of the horizontal plane. The horizontal plane can thus run between the contact pins or contact pins of the plug-in units in order to provide a particularly compact and stable coupling system for a suction device.

[0062] The first plug-in unit of the first coupling element and the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element can each have a specific overall height along the vertical axis. The guide contours of the first coupling element and the second coupling element are preferably arranged centrally along the transverse axis with respect to the vertical axis, next to the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element and next to the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element, respectively, in particular such that the same proportion of the overall height of the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element and the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element, respectively, is arranged above and below the guide contours of the first coupling element and the second coupling element with respect to the vertical axis. As already explained, such a symmetrical design can further increase the compactness and stability of the coupling system.

[0063] As already explained, the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element can have a protective wall that protrudes along the longitudinal axis relative to the contact surface of the second coupling element. The guide contour of the second coupling element can comprise a guide groove that runs in the protective wall of the second plug-in unit and extends along the longitudinal axis. The guide groove is preferably arranged centrally on the protective wall along the vertical axis.

[0064] The second plug-in unit of the second coupling element can further comprise a partition wall arranged within the horizontal plane defined by the transverse axis and the longitudinal axis. The partition wall can divide the area bordered by the protective wall (in which the one or more contact pins are arranged) into two parts, in particular into two equal halves. Furthermore, the partition wall can be connected to the protective wall in the region of the guide groove, in particular such that the guide groove formed by the protective wall is supported along the transverse axis by the partition wall. This can further increase the stability of the coupling system.

[0065] According to a further aspect, a further first coupling element for a coupling system is described. The features of a first coupling element described in this document are also applicable to this first coupling element, either individually or in combination.

[0066] The first coupling element comprises a tubular nozzle which projects along the longitudinal axis relative to the contact surface of the first coupling element and which is designed to be inserted into the tubular receiving region of the second coupling element of the coupling system, which extends from the contact surface of the second coupling element along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the second coupling element.

[0067] The first coupling element comprises at least one first plug-in unit which is arranged along the transverse axis next to the nozzle and which is designed to form an electrically conductive plug connection with the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element, wherein the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element is arranged along the transverse axis next to the receiving area.

[0068] The connecting piece of the first coupling element has a guide contour arranged on the outer wall of the connecting piece and facing the first plug-in unit. The guide contour of the first coupling element is designed to interact with the complementary guide contour of the second coupling element in such a way that the guide contours prevent rotation of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis.

[0069] According to a further aspect, a second coupling element for a coupling system is described. The features of a second coupling element described in this document are also applicable to this second coupling element, either individually or in combination.

[0070] The second coupling element comprises a tubular receiving area for a nozzle of the first coupling element of the coupling system, which extends from the contact surface of the second coupling element along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the second coupling element, wherein the tubular nozzle of the first coupling element protrudes opposite a contact surface of the first coupling element along the longitudinal axis.

[0071] The second coupling element further comprises a second plug-in unit which is arranged along the transverse axis next to the receiving area and which is designed to form an electrically conductive plug connection with the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element, wherein the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element is arranged along the transverse axis next to the nozzle.

[0072] Furthermore, the second coupling element has a guide contour that is complementary to the guide contour on the socket of the first coupling element and that faces the second plug-in unit. The guide contour of the second coupling element is designed to interact with the guide contour of the first coupling element in such a way that the guide contours prevent rotation of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis.

[0073] According to a further aspect, a further coupling system for connecting different suction air-conducting components of a suction device is described. It should be noted that the features of a coupling system described in this document (in particular the features described above) are also applicable to this coupling system, either individually or in combination.

[0074] As already explained, the coupling system comprises a first coupling element with a tubular connecting piece which projects along the longitudinal axis relative to the contact surface of the first coupling element, and a second coupling element with a tubular receiving area for the connecting piece of the first coupling element, which extends from the contact surface of the second coupling element along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the second coupling element.

[0075] The first coupling element comprises at least one first plug-in unit arranged along the transverse axis next to the nozzle, wherein the first plug-in unit has a recess with a wall which extends from the contact surface of the first coupling element along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the first coupling element.

[0076] The second coupling element comprises at least one second plug-in unit which is arranged along the transverse axis next to the receiving area and which is designed to form an electrically conductive plug connection with the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element.

[0077] Preferably, the first coupling unit has a first plug-in unit along the transverse axis on each side of the nozzle, and the second coupling unit has a second plug-in unit along the transverse axis, preferably on each side of the receiving area.

[0078] The connecting piece of the first coupling element has a guide contour, wherein the guide contour on the connecting piece of the first coupling element extends along the longitudinal axis into the recess. The guide contour on the connecting piece of the first coupling element can extend along the longitudinal axis, starting from the contact surface of the first coupling element, by 1 mm or more, in particular by 2 mm or more, into the recess of the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element. The guide contour on the connecting piece of the first coupling element can have a total length (e.g., of 6 cm or more) along the longitudinal axis. The guide contour on the connecting piece of the first coupling element can extend along the longitudinal axis, starting from the contact surface of the first coupling element, by 1% or more, in particular by 2% or more, of the total length into the recess of the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element.

[0079] The second coupling element has a guide contour complementary to the guide contour on the nozzle of the first coupling element.

[0080] Preferably, the connecting piece of the first coupling element has a guide contour along the transverse axis on both sides of the connecting piece, wherein the guide contours on the connecting piece of the first coupling element each extend along the longitudinal axis into the recess of the respective first plug-in unit of the first coupling element. The second coupling element can have a complementary guide contour along the transverse axis on both sides of the receiving area.

[0081] The guide contours are preferably designed to interact in such a way that the guide contours block rotation of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element about the longitudinal axis.

[0082] Thus, a coupling system is described that comprises a first coupling element with a first plug-in unit having a recess, wherein the recess can be used to provide a plug-in connection with the corresponding second plug-in unit of the second coupling element, and wherein the recess is further used to provide a particularly long guide contour, in particular a particularly long guide rib. This allows for a particularly stable and compact coupling system to be provided.

[0083] As already explained, the guide contour of the first coupling element can comprise a guide rib arranged on the outer wall of the socket and extending along the longitudinal axis into the recess of the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element. The guide contour of the second coupling element can comprise a complementary guide groove extending along the longitudinal axis.

[0084] The second plug-in unit of the second coupling element can have a protective wall that protrudes along the longitudinal axis opposite the contact surface of the second coupling element (and which can preferably be inserted into the recess of the first plug-in unit). The guide contour, in particular the guide groove, of the second coupling element can extend, starting at the protective wall of the second plug-in unit, along the longitudinal axis into the receiving area. Thus, the area in which the guide contours interact along the longitudinal axis can be further extended to further increase the stability and compactness of the coupling system.

[0085] The first plug-in unit of the first coupling element and the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element can each intersect the horizontal plane spanned by the transverse axis and the longitudinal axis (and be mirror-symmetrical to the horizontal plane). Furthermore, the guide contours of the first coupling element and the second coupling element can each intersect the horizontal plane (and be mirror-symmetrical to it). This can further improve the stability and compactness of the coupling system.

[0086] According to a further aspect, a first coupling element for a coupling system is described. The features of a first coupling element described in this document are also applicable to this first coupling element, either individually or in combination.

[0087] The first coupling element comprises a tubular connecting piece which projects along the longitudinal axis relative to the contact surface of the first coupling element and which is designed to be inserted into a tubular receiving region of the second coupling element of the coupling system, which tubular receiving region extends from the contact surface of the second coupling element along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the second coupling element.

[0088] The first coupling element comprises at least one first plug-in unit, which is arranged along the transverse axis next to the connecting piece and is designed to form an electrically conductive plug connection with the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element, wherein the second plug-in unit of the second coupling element is arranged along the transverse axis next to the receiving area. The first plug-in unit has a recess with a wall that extends from the contact surface of the first coupling element along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the first coupling element.

[0089] The connecting piece of the first coupling element has a guide contour arranged on the outer wall of the connecting piece and facing the first plug-in unit. The guide contour on the connecting piece of the first coupling element extends along the longitudinal axis into the recess of the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element.

[0090] According to a further aspect, a second coupling element for a coupling system is described. The features of a second coupling element described in this document are also applicable to this second coupling element, either individually or in combination.

[0091] The second coupling element comprises a tubular receiving area for the connecting piece of the first coupling element of the coupling system, which extends from the contact surface of the second coupling element along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the second coupling element, wherein the tubular connecting piece of the first coupling element protrudes along the longitudinal axis relative to the contact surface of the first coupling element.

[0092] The second coupling element comprises a second plug-in unit which is arranged along the transverse axis next to the receiving area and which is designed to form an electrically conductive plug-in connection with the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element, wherein the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element is arranged along the transverse axis next to the connecting piece, and wherein the first plug-in unit has a recess with a wall which extends from the contact surface of the first coupling element along the longitudinal axis into the housing of the first coupling element.

[0093] The second coupling element has a guide contour which is complementary to the guide contour on the socket of the first coupling element, wherein the guide contour on the socket of the first coupling element extends along the longitudinal axis into the recess of the first plug-in unit of the first coupling element.

[0094] According to a further aspect, a suction air-conducting component (e.g. a suction unit, a suction pipe and / or a nozzle) for a suction device is described, wherein the component comprises a first coupling element and / or a second coupling element.

[0095] According to a further aspect, a suction device, in particular a hand-held vacuum cleaner, is described which comprises the coupling system described in this document.

[0096] It should be noted that any aspects of the coupling system and the suction device described in this document can be combined in a variety of ways. In particular, the features of the patent claims can be combined in a variety of ways.

[0097] The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0098] Showing: Figure 1a shows an exemplary suction device with a suction unit, a suction pipe, and a nozzle; Figure 1b shows further details of a coupling system for a suction device; Figures 2a to 2b show different views of a coupling system for a suction device; Figures 3a to 3e show different views of a first coupling unit of a coupling system; Figures 4a to 4d show different views of a second coupling unit of a coupling system; and Figures 5a to 5d show different states of a coupling system.

[0099] As stated at the beginning, this document is concerned with achieving a stable, reliable, and convenient mechanical and electrical connection between different components of a suction device. In this context, Fig. 1 an exemplary (handheld) vacuum cleaner 110 (as an example of a suction device) comprising a suction unit 110 with an electrical energy storage device 111. The suction unit 110 comprises a (hand) handle 112, which can be grasped by a user with one hand to hold the suction unit 110. The fan of the suction unit 110 creates a suction air flow through the suction mouth 114 of the suction unit 110, via a separation unit 113 of the suction unit 110, and up to the fan. The suction unit 110 can be designed to be used independently as a suction device.

[0100] An accessory 120, 130 can be connected to the suction unit 110 via a coupling system 140. In the example shown, the suction unit 110 is connected to a suction pipe 120 via a coupling system 140, which in turn is connected to a floor nozzle 130 via a coupling system 140.

[0101] As from Fig. 1b As can be seen, the coupling system 140 comprises a first coupling element 141, which is arranged on a first component of the suction device 100, and a second coupling element 142, which is arranged on a second component of the suction device 100. With respect to the flow direction of the suction air flow, the first coupling element 141 follows the second coupling element 142. The suction air flow thus first passes the second coupling element 142 and then the first coupling element 141. The first coupling element 141 and the second coupling element 142 are preferably designed to be complementary in such a way that the two coupling elements 141, 142 form a plug-in system and can thus be plugged together.

[0102] The Figuren 2a and 2b show different views of the coupling system 140. Furthermore, Fig. 2a a Cartesian coordinate system that defines different axes of the coupling system 140. The coupling system 140 has a longitudinal axis (ie the Fig. 2a x-axis shown) which is parallel to the flow direction of the suction air flow. Furthermore, the coupling system 140 has a transverse axis (ie the Fig. 2a shown y-axis) that runs between the left side and the right side of the coupling system 140. In addition, the coupling system 140 includes a vertical axis (ie the Fig. 2a z-axis (shown) that extends between the bottom and top of the coupling system 140. It should be noted that the terms "left," "right," "bottom," and "top" refer to the respective axis, and that the use of these terms assumes that the coupling system 140 is oriented such that the transverse axis is horizontal, the vertical axis is vertical, and / or that the flow direction is away from the viewer.

[0103] The first coupling element 141 comprises a socket 214, which is designed as a male plug-in part of a pipe connection. The second coupling element 142 comprises a complementarily designed receiving area 224 as a female plug-in part of the pipe connection. On the upper side of the outer wall of the socket 214, a notch 213 can be arranged, into which the hook of a fixing element 223 of the second coupling element 142 can engage in order to form a locking connection between the two plug-in parts, i.e., the socket 214 of the first coupling element 141 and the receiving area 224 of the second coupling element 142. In this way, a relative movement of the first coupling element 141 and the second coupling element 142 along the longitudinal axis can be prevented.

[0104] The first coupling element 141 further comprises a socket 211, which is designed to form an electrically conductive plug connection with a plug 221 of the second coupling element 142. Furthermore, in the example shown, the first coupling element 141 has a further socket 212, which is designed to form an electrically conductive plug connection with a further plug 222 of the second coupling element 142. The coupling system 140 can thus be designed to provide two electrically conductive plug connections. One plug connection can be designed and / or used for the transmission of electrical energy for the operation of one or more electrical actuators, in particular motors. The other plug connection can be designed and / or used for the transmission of data for the control of the one or more actuators.The first electrically conductive plug connection (with socket 211 and plug 221) is located to the right of the pipe connection (with nozzle 214 and recess area 224). The second electrically conductive plug connection (with socket 212 and plug 222) is located to the left of the pipe connection (with nozzle 214 and recess area 224).

[0105] It should be noted that the socket 211 is an example of a first plug-in unit of the first coupling element 141, and that the plug 211 is an example of a second plug-in unit of the second coupling element 142.

[0106] The Figuren 3a bis 3e show further details of the first coupling element 141, and the Figuren 4a bis 4d show further details of the second coupling element 142. The first coupling element 141 has a flat contact surface 300, which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and preferably extends within the plane spanned by the transverse axis and the vertical axis. In the coupled state of the coupling system 140, the contact surface 300 rests against a corresponding contact surface 400 of the second coupling element 142, thereby preventing any wobbling movement (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and / or around the transverse axis).

[0107] The one or more sockets 211, 212 (i.e., the one or more first plug-in units) of the first coupling element 141 each have a recess 310 extending from the contact surface 300, which is bordered by a wall 313. The recess 310 forms a basin defined by the wall 313. Extending from the bottom 314 of the recess 310 are one or more, in particular two, hollow-cylindrical contact pins 311, into each of which a complementarily designed contact pin 422 of a plug 221, 222 (i.e., a second plug-in unit) of the second contact element 142 can be inserted in order to provide an electrically conductive connection. For this purpose, the individual contact pins 311 each have an electrically conductive (hollow-cylindrical) contact surface 312.

[0108] In the example shown, a socket 211, 212 (ie a first plug-in unit) each has a first contact pin 311 and a second contact pin 311, which are arranged one behind the other or one above the other along the vertical axis (e.g. for a positive and for a negative electrical potential).

[0109] The recess 310 of a socket 211, 212 (ie a first plug-in unit) preferably has a depth along the longitudinal axis of 0.5 cm or more, in particular of 1 cm or more.

[0110] The one or more plugs 221, 222 (i.e., the one or more second plug-in units) are configured in a complementary manner to the corresponding one or more sockets 211, 212 (i.e., the one or more first plug-in units). A plug 221, 222 (i.e., a second plug-in unit) has a protective wall 410 that extends along the longitudinal axis away from the contact surface 400 of the second coupling element 142. The protective wall 410 preferably has a length along the longitudinal axis that is configured such that the end face of the protective wall 410 facing the first coupling element 141 (at least nearly) touches the bottom 314 of the corresponding socket 211, 212 (i.e., the corresponding first plug-in unit) when the contact surfaces 300, 400 of the two coupling elements 141, 142 touch.

[0111] A plug 211, 212 (i.e., a second plug-in unit) further comprises one or more electrically conductive contact pins 422, each extending away from the contact surface 400 of the second coupling element 142 along the longitudinal axis within the free space surrounded by the protective wall 410. In the example shown, a plug 211, 212 (i.e., a second plug-in unit) each comprises two contact pins 422, which are arranged one behind the other or one above the other along the vertical axis. The individual contact pins 422 preferably have a length along the longitudinal axis that is shorter than the length of the protective wall 410. In this way, the individual contact pins 422 can be reliably protected from mechanical influences.

[0112] A partition wall 412 extends between the two contact pins 422, which is preferably arranged perpendicular to the vertical axis and / or within the plane spanned by the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis. The partition wall 412 can mechanically support and thus stabilize the protective wall 410 surrounding the contact pins 422.

[0113] A socket 211, 212 (i.e., a first plug-in unit) preferably has two clamping elements 321 on the bottom 314 of the recess 310, each extending parallel to the transverse axis and arranged between the two contact pins 311 of the socket 211, 212. A receptacle 322 for receiving the end face of the partition 412 is formed between the two clamping elements 321. The partition 412 is thus clamped between the two clamping elements 321 when the two coupling elements 141, 142 are plugged together. In this way, a particularly stable mechanical connection can be formed between the two coupling elements 141, 142.

[0114] Out of Fig. 3a the hook 423 of the fixing element 223 of the second coupling element 142 is visible, wherein the hook 423 is designed to engage in the notch 213 on the socket 214 of the first coupling element 141 in order to fix the plug connection between the two coupling elements 141, 142 along the longitudinal axis.

[0115] The recess region 224 of the second coupling element 142 preferably has, starting from the contact surface 400 of the second coupling element 142, a depth along the longitudinal axis that corresponds to the length of the connecting piece 214 (starting from the contact surface 300 of the first coupling element 141). Furthermore, the recess region 224 preferably has a contact ring 421, against which the end face of the connecting piece 214 facing the second coupling element 142 rests when the two coupling elements 141, 142 are connected to one another (i.e., plugged together). In this way, turbulence in the suction air flow within the coupling system 140 can be reliably avoided.

[0116] As is particularly evident from Fig. 4a As can be seen, the second coupling element 142 has a guide groove 431 (generally a guide contour) which extends along the longitudinal axis on the inner wall of the recess region 224 into the recess region 224. The guide groove 431 begins at the end face of the protective wall 410 of a plug 221, 222 (i.e., a second plug-in unit) of the second coupling element 142.

[0117] This makes it possible to align the two coupling elements 141, 142 correctly with each other right at the start of a plugging process.

[0118] The guide groove 431 is preferably arranged in a plane with the partition 412 between the two contact pins 411 of a connector 221, 222 (i.e., a second plug-in unit). The partition 412 can thus be used to stabilize the guide groove 431 in the area of ​​the connector 221, 222 (i.e., the second plug-in unit). This reliably prevents deformation of the guide groove 431 at the beginning of a plug-in process.

[0119] The guide groove 431 can have a threading area 432 on the input side (i.e., on the protective wall 410 of the plug 221, 222), in which the guide groove 431 is widened (along the vertical axis). Thus, the corresponding guide rib 331 (generally the corresponding guide contour) on the outer wall of the socket 214 of the first coupling element 141 can be inserted into the guide groove 431 in a particularly reliable and convenient manner at the beginning of a plugging process.

[0120] The second coupling element 142 preferably has a first guide groove 221 on the first plug 221 and a second guide groove 222 on the second plug 222. A guide groove 431 can thus be arranged on the left and right sides of the recess region 224. Correspondingly, the first coupling element 141 can have a first (left) guide rib 331 and a second (right) guide rib 331, which are each arranged on the outer wall of the socket 214 and which each extend along the longitudinal axis away from the contact surface 300. During a plugging process, the two guide ribs 331 can be pushed along the longitudinal axis into the corresponding guide groove 431. Thus, the two coupling elements 141, 142 can be connected to one another in a defined manner directly from the start of the plugging process.

[0121] Because the one or more guide grooves 431 already begin at the end face of the protective wall 410 of the one or more plugs 221, 222 (i.e., the one or more second plug-in units) (and preferably extend to the contact ring 421 in the recess region 224 of the second coupling element 142), the length of the individual guide grooves 431 can be increased, which has a positive effect on the stability and, in particular, on the rigidity of the mechanical connection between the two coupling elements 141, 142. In particular, wobbling movements about the transverse axis can thus be reliably hindered and, in particular, prevented.

[0122] It should be noted that a guide groove 431 and a guide rib 331 are examples of mechanically interacting guide contours.

[0123] Fig. 5a shows by way of example how, at the beginning of a plugging process, a guide rib 331 of the first coupling element 141 is threaded into the guide groove 431 on the protective wall 410 of a plug 221, 222 of the second coupling element 142.

[0124] In the Figuren 5b bis 5d Different states of a plug-in process are shown. In particular, the Figuren 5b bis 5d It can be seen how the contact pins 422 are gradually moved along the longitudinal axis towards the corresponding contact bolts 311 and finally form an electrically conductive connection.

[0125] The protective wall 410 of the one or more plugs 221, 222 is preferably formed in one piece with the contact surface 400 and / or the housing of the second coupling element 142, wherein the housing of the second coupling element 142 forms the recess region 224 for the connecting piece 214 of the first coupling element 141.

[0126] The two guide grooves 431 and / or the two guide ribs 331 can be geometrically different to provide a mechanical coding that reliably prevents rotation of the plug connection, e.g., rotation by 180° around the longitudinal axis. A guide rib 331 can thus be designed as a coding rib.

[0127] Alternatively or additionally, the two plugs 221, 222 or sockets 211, 212 can be geometrically designed differently (in particular with respect to the protective wall 410 or the wall 313) in order to avoid twisting of the plug connection.

[0128] The one or more guide ribs 331 can be set back along the longitudinal axis relative to the end face of the support 214. The one or more guide ribs 331 can be set back along the longitudinal axis relative to the end face of the support 214 by a distance that corresponds (approximately) to the length of the protective wall 410 of the one or more plugs 221, 222. This can ensure that the end face of the support 214 is arranged on the contact surface 400 of the second coupling element 142 when the beginning of the guide rib 331 is arranged on the threading area 432 of the corresponding guide groove 431. This allows for a particularly convenient and reliable mating of the coupling elements 141, 142.

[0129] A guide rib 331 and a corresponding guide groove 431 are preferably designed to form a tongue and groove connection. The tongue and groove connection does not end at the stop surface 300, 400 of the coupling elements 141, 142, but is extended (along the longitudinal axis) over the depth of the one or more plugs 221, 222. This allows for a particularly stable mechanical connection between the coupling elements 141, 142. In particular, forces and torques introduced into the connection between the socket 214 and the receiving area 224 can be better absorbed by the extended tongue and groove connection.

[0130] By providing several sockets 211, 212 or plugs 221, 222, power and data lines can be spatially separated from each other, thereby increasing interference immunity.

[0131] By providing a mechanical coding, incorrect assembly of the coupling system 140 can be excluded.

[0132] Thus, a pipe connection (i.e., a coupling system 140 for different suction air-conducting components 110, 120, 130 of a suction device 100) is described. The second (possibly female) plug-in part 142 (i.e., the second coupling element) comprises a tubular receiving area 224 for a first (possibly male) plug-in part 141 (i.e., for the connecting piece 214 of the first coupling element 141). The front side of the receiving area 224 can have a stop and / or contact surface 400 for the first plug-in part 141 (i.e., for the first coupling element 141).

[0133] The second plug-in part 142 (ie the second coupling element 142) comprises at least one electrical contact (in particular at least one contact pin 422), wherein the electrical contact is surrounded by a spaced-apart protective wall 410 which is at least partially annularly closed.

[0134] The second plug-in part 142 has a positive-locking guide contour 431 (for a tongue and groove connection) in the tubular receiving area 224 for receiving a corresponding guide contour 331 on the first plug-in part 141, wherein the guide contour 431 is designed to absorb forces and / or moments.

[0135] The protective wall 410 of the at least one electrical contact can have at least one section that protrudes beyond the stop and / or contact surface 400 of the second plug-in part 142. This section can represent an extension of the tubular receiving area 224. Furthermore, the contour 431 can extend to the section that protrudes beyond the stop and / or contact surface 400 of the second plug-in part 142.

[0136] The at least one electrical contact (ie the contact pin 422) is preferably set back from the front surface (ie the end face) of the protective wall 410 in order to provide particularly reliable mechanical protection.

[0137] A (mechanical) coding can be arranged on the protective wall 410, which prevents incorrect connection of the two plug-in parts 141, 142 (i.e., the two coupling elements), in particular, a connection of the two plug-in parts 141, 142 rotated by 180° around the longitudinal axis. This further increases the reliability of the coupling system 140.

[0138] As already explained, the contour 431 can have an insertion bevel 432 in order to enable the most reliable and comfortable mating possible.

[0139] The protective wall 410 preferably has a separating wall 412, particularly in the case of a plurality of electrical contacts (i.e. contact pins 422), by means of which the mechanical stability of the protective wall 410 and / or the contour 431 can be further increased.

[0140] The second plug-in part 142 (i.e., the second coupling element) preferably has two opposing, protruding protective walls 410 on both sides. This further increases the mechanical stability of the coupling system 140.

[0141] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. In particular, it should be noted that the description and figures are intended only to illustrate the principle of the coupling system 140 and / or the suction device 100. List of reference symbols

[0142] 100Suction device (vacuum wiper) 110Suction unit 111Electrical energy storage device 112Handle 113Separation unit 114Suction mouth 120Accessory part (suction pipe) 130Accessory part (nozzle) 140Contact system 141First contact element 142Second contact element 211, 212Socket (first plug-in unit) 213Notch 214(Pipe) socket 221, 222Plug (second plug-in unit) 223Fixing element 224(Tubular) receiving area 300Contact surface 310Recess (basin) 311Contact bolt 312Contact surface 313Wall (recess) 314Floor (recess) 321Clamping element 322Receptacle (partition) 331(Guide) rib (guide contour) 400Contact surface 410Protective wall 412Partition wall 421Contact ring (connector) 422Contact pin 423Hook 431(Guide) groove (guide contour) 432Threading area

Claims

1. Coupling system (140) for connecting different suction air-conducting components (110, 120, 130) of a suction device (100); wherein - the coupling system (140) comprises a first coupling element (141) with a tubular connecting piece (214) which protrudes along a longitudinal axis relative to a contact surface (300) of the first coupling element (141); - the coupling system (140) comprises a second coupling element (142) with a tubular receiving area (224) for the connecting piece (214) of the first coupling element (141), which extends from a contact surface (400) of the second coupling element (142) along the longitudinal axis into a housing of the second coupling element (142); - the first coupling element (141) comprises at least one first plug-in unit (211, 212) arranged along a transverse axis next to the nozzle (214);- the second coupling element (142) comprises at least one second plug-in unit (221, 222) which is arranged along the transverse axis next to the receiving area (224) and which is designed to form an electrically conductive plug-in connection with the first plug-in unit (211, 212) of the first coupling element (141), and which has a protective wall (410) which projects along the longitudinal axis opposite the contact surface (400) of the second coupling element (142); - the connecting piece (214) of the first coupling element (141) has a guide contour (331); - the second coupling element (142) has a guide contour (431) complementary thereto, which extends starting at the protective wall (410) of the second plug-in unit (221, 222) along the longitudinal axis into the receiving area (224);and - the guide contours (331, 341) are designed to interact in such a way that the guide contours (331, 341) block rotation of the first coupling element (141) relative to the second coupling element (142) about the longitudinal axis; 2. Coupling system (140) according to claim 1, wherein the guide contour (431) of the second coupling element (142) extends from the end face of the protective wall (410) of the second plug-in unit (221, 222) facing away from the contact surface (400) of the second coupling element (142) along the longitudinal axis into the receiving area (224).

3. Coupling system (140) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the guide contours (331, 431) each have an edge region (342) which faces the edge region of the respective other guide contour (331, 341) during a plugging process along the longitudinal axis; and - the edge region (342) of at least one guide contour (331, 431) has a reduced or an increased width transverse to the longitudinal axis and / or transverse to the transverse axis and / or along a vertical axis, by means of which threading of the guide contours (331, 431) during the plugging process along the longitudinal axis is supported.

4. Coupling system (140) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide contours (331, 431) of the first coupling element (141) and of the second coupling element (142) form a tongue and groove connection which extends along the longitudinal axis from the protective wall (410), in particular from the end face of the protective wall (410), of the second plug-in unit (221, 222) along the longitudinal axis into the receiving area (224).

5. Coupling system (140) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the guide contour (331) of the first coupling element (141) comprises a guide rib which is arranged on an outer wall of the socket (214) and which extends along the longitudinal axis; and - the guide contour (431) of the second coupling element (142) comprises a guide groove which runs in the protective wall (410) of the second plug-in unit (221, 222) and in an inner wall of the receiving area (224), and which extends along the longitudinal axis.

6. Coupling system (140) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the first plug-in unit (211, 212) extends from the contact surface (300) of the first coupling element (141) into a housing of the first coupling element (141); - the first plug-in unit (211, 212) has a recess (310) with a wall (313) which extends from the contact surface (300) of the first coupling element (141) along the longitudinal axis and which contacts the protective wall (410) of the second plug-in unit (221, 222) when the electrically conductive plug connection between the first and second plug-in units is present; and - the guide contour (331) of the first coupling element (141) extends along the longitudinal axis into the recess (310), in particular by at least 2 mm into the recess (310).

7. Coupling system (140) according to claim 6, wherein - the first plug-in unit (211, 212) has two contact pins (312) arranged one behind the other along a vertical axis; - the second plug-in unit (221, 222) has two contact pins (422) for contacting the two contact pins (312) of the first plug-in unit (211, 212), which are arranged one behind the other along the vertical axis; - the second plug-in unit (221, 222) has a partition wall (412) arranged between the two contact pins (422); and - the guide contour (431) of the second coupling element (142) and the partition wall (412) are arranged at the same height with respect to the vertical axis.

8. Coupling system (140) according to claim 7, wherein the first plug-in unit (211, 212) has one or more clamping elements (321) on a bottom (314) of the recess (310) which are designed to clamp the partition wall (412) when the electrically conductive plug-in connection exists between the first plug-in unit (211, 212) and the second plug-in unit (221, 222).

9. Coupling system (140) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the connecting piece (214) has an end face facing the receiving area (224) of the second coupling element (142); - the end face of the connecting piece (214) is designed in particular obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis, so that the end face of the connecting piece (214) is spaced from the contact surface (300) of the first coupling element (141) by different distances at different points; and - the guide contour (331) of the first coupling element (141) does not extend to the end face of the connecting piece (214), but ends at a specific distance along the longitudinal axis in front of the end face of the connecting piece (214).

10. Coupling system (140) according to claim 9, wherein the guide contour (331) of the first coupling element (141) is spaced from the end face of the socket (214) such that during a plugging process, substantially simultaneously - the end face of the socket (214) begins to dip into the receiving area (224) of the second coupling element (142); and - the guide contours (331, 431) of the first coupling element (141) and of the second coupling element (142) begin to mechanically interact in order to block rotation of the first coupling element (141) relative to the second coupling element (142) about the longitudinal axis.

11. Coupling system (140) according to one of claims 9 to 10, wherein - the protective wall (410) of the second plug-in unit (221, 222) has a specific length starting from the contact surface (400) of the second coupling element (142); and - the specific distance of the guide contour (331) of the first coupling element (141) from the end face of the nozzle (214), in particular from the point on the end face of the nozzle (214) that is furthest away from the contact surface (300) of the first coupling element (141), and the specific length of the protective wall (410) of the second plug-in unit (221, 222) differ from one another by at most 20%, in particular by at most 10%.

12. Coupling system (140) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the second plug-in unit (221, 222) of the second coupling element (142) comprises at least one electrically conductive contact pin (422); and - the protective wall (410) extends along the longitudinal axis beyond the contact pin (422), in particular by 2 mm or more.

13. Coupling system (140) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the first coupling unit (141) has a first plug-in unit (211, 212) along the transverse axis on both sides of the socket (214); - the second coupling unit (142) has a second plug-in unit (221, 222) along the transverse axis on both sides of the receiving area (224); - the two first plug-in units (211, 212) and the two second plug-in units (221, 222) each form an electrically conductive plug-in connection in pairs; - the socket (214) of the first coupling element (141) has a guide contour (331) along the transverse axis on both sides of the socket (214);- the second coupling element (142) has, along the transverse axis, on both sides of the receiving area (224), a complementary guide contour (431) which extends, starting at the protective wall (410) of the respective second plug-in unit (221, 222), along the longitudinal axis into the receiving area (224); and - the guide contours (331, 341) are each designed in pairs to interact in such a way that the guide contours (331, 341) block rotation of the first coupling element (141) relative to the second coupling element (142) about the longitudinal axis.

14. First coupling element (141) for a coupling system (140) according to one of the preceding claims; wherein - the first coupling element (141) comprises a tubular connecting piece (214) which projects along a longitudinal axis relative to a contact surface (300) of the first coupling element (141) and which is designed to be inserted into a tubular receiving area (224) of a second coupling element (142) of the coupling system (140), which extends from a contact surface (400) of the second coupling element (142) along the longitudinal axis into a housing of the second coupling element (142); - the first coupling element (141) comprises at least one first plug-in unit (211, 212) which is arranged along a transverse axis next to the connecting piece (214) and which is designed to form an electrically conductive plug-in connection with a second plug-in unit (221, 222) of the second coupling element (142);wherein the second plug-in unit (221, 222) of the second coupling element (142) is arranged along the transverse axis next to the receiving area (224); wherein the second plug-in unit (221, 222) of the second coupling element (142) has a protective wall (410) which projects along the longitudinal axis opposite the contact surface (400) of the second coupling element (142); - the connecting piece (214) of the first coupling element (141) has a guide contour (331) which is arranged on an outer wall of the connecting piece (214) and which faces the first plug-in unit (211, 212); - the guide contour (331) of the first coupling element (141) is designed to cooperate with a complementary guide contour (431) of the second coupling element (142) in such a way that the guide contours (331, 341) block rotation of the first coupling element (141) relative to the second coupling element (142) about the longitudinal axis;wherein the guide contour (431) of the second coupling element (142) extends, starting at the protective wall (410) of the second plug-in unit (221, 222), along the longitudinal axis into the receiving area (224); - the first plug-in unit (211, 212) extends, starting from the contact surface (300) of the first coupling element (141), into a housing of the first coupling element (141); - the first plug-in unit (211, 212) has a recess (310) with a wall (313) which extends, starting from the contact surface (300) of the first coupling element (141), along the longitudinal axis and which touches the protective wall (410) of the second plug-in unit (221, 222) when the electrically conductive plug-in connection between the first and second plug-in units is present; and - the guide contour (331) of the first coupling element (141) extends along the longitudinal axis into the recess (310), in particular by at least 2 mm into the recess (310); 15. Second coupling element (142) for a coupling system (140) according to one of claims 1 to 15; wherein - the second coupling element (142) comprises a tubular receiving area (224) for a nozzle (214) of a first coupling element (141) of the coupling system (140), which extends from a contact surface (400) of the second coupling element (142) along the longitudinal axis into a housing of the second coupling element (142); wherein the tubular nozzle (214) of the first coupling element (141) protrudes along a longitudinal axis relative to a contact surface (300) of the first coupling element (141);- the second coupling element (142) comprises a second plug-in unit (221, 222) which is arranged along a transverse axis next to the receiving area (224) and which is designed to form an electrically conductive plug-in connection with a first plug-in unit (211, 212) of the first coupling element (141), and which has a protective wall (410) which projects along the longitudinal axis opposite the contact surface (400) of the second coupling element (142); wherein the first plug-in unit (211, 212) of the first coupling element (141) is arranged along the transverse axis next to the connecting piece (214); - the second coupling element (142) has a guide contour (431) which is complementary to a guide contour (331) on the socket (214) of the first coupling element (141) and which extends, starting at the protective wall (410) of the second plug-in unit (221, 222), along the longitudinal axis into the receiving area (224);and - the guide contour (341) of the second coupling element (142) is designed to interact with the guide contour (331) of the first coupling element (141) in such a way that the guide contours (331, 341) block rotation of the first coupling element (141) relative to the second coupling element (142) about the longitudinal axis.

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