Apparatus for guiding a flexible conduit - Patent application

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device suitable for guiding a flexible conduit, in particular a hose 12. To further develop this device 10 so as to allow an adjustable change in the guiding direction of the flexible conduit, the device 10 comprises a joint mechanism 22 having a first joint portion 24 and a second joint portion 26, which are pivotable relative to one another about a joint axis 28 and form a guide channel for the flexible conduit, the guide channel comprising an inlet portion 34, an outlet portion 44 and a connecting portion 120 of variable length connecting the inlet portion 34 to the outlet portion 44, the connecting portion 120 being covered with a deformable cover portion 122 movably mounted on at least one of the two joint portions 24 on its outer side facing away from the joint axis 28.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device suitable for guiding flexible conduits, in particular hoses. [Background technology]

[0002] Devices of that kind are suitable for guiding flexible conduits, for example power lines in the form of electric cables, or hoses, in particular suction or high-pressure hoses suitable for receiving pressurized cleaning liquid, by guiding such flexible conduits through a guiding channel of the device. Known therein are devices comprising a guide tube through which a hose can be guided, the guide tube comprising a number of tube sections which are slidable into one another and extendable out of one another in a telescopic manner. Such devices are often referred to as telescopic spray lances. Spray lances of that kind are known, for example, from EP 2 569 096 B1. Although the device forms a linear guide for the flexible conduit and allows the conduit to be displaced relative to the device, these conduits do not allow an adjustable change of the guiding direction of the flexible conduit.

[0003] GB 2 549 812 B discloses a device in which a joining mechanism is used. The joining mechanism has a first joining part and a second joining part which is pivotable about a pivot axis relative to the first joining part. The first joining part includes an inlet to which an inlet hose can be connected in a fluid-tight manner, and the second joining part includes an outlet to which an outlet hose can be connected in a fluid-tight manner. The joining mechanism forms a flow channel between the inlet and the outlet, such that liquid conveyed via the inlet hose can flow through the joining mechanism to the outlet hose. However, it is not possible to guide a flexible conduit through the joining mechanism. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] EP 2 569 096 B1 [Patent Document 2] GB 2 549 812 B Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is therefore an object of the invention to further develop a device of the type mentioned at the outset so that it allows an adjustable deflection of the guiding direction of a flexible conduit, in particular a hose. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by a device comprising a joining mechanism suitable for guiding a flexible conduit, in particular a hose, comprising a first joining part and a second joining part, the two joining parts being pivotable relative to one another about a joining axis and forming a guiding channel for the flexible conduit, the guiding channel comprising an inlet part, an outlet part and a connecting part of variable length connecting the inlet part to the outlet part, the connecting part being covered on its outer side facing away from the joining axis by a deformable covering part, the covering part being movably mounted on at least one of the two joining parts.

[0007] The device according to the invention comprises a joining arrangement with a guide channel through which a flexible conduit, in particular a hose, for example a suction hose or a high-pressure hose suitable for receiving a pressurized cleaning liquid, can be guided, although the guide channel itself may also form a conduit for a liquid or gaseous medium guided therethrough.

[0008] The joint mechanism includes a first joint part and a second joint part, which are pivotable relative to each other about a joint axis, and the two joint parts form the guide channel, and the flexible conduit can be guided through the joint mechanism with little effort since the flexible conduit is freely displaceable in the guide channel.

[0009] The guiding channel comprises an inlet section, an outlet section and a connecting section whose length is variable. The inlet section is connected to the outlet section through the connecting section. The guiding direction of the flexible conduit can be adjusted by pivoting the joint section. The connecting section is covered on its outer side facing away from the joint axis by a deformable cover part which is movably mounted on at least one of the two joint sections, so that the guiding channel is always closed on its outer side, regardless of the pivoting position of the two joint sections. Thus, the flexible conduit does not slip off the connecting section when its guiding direction is changed, but is instead reliably guided at all pivoting angles and protected from damage due to external influences.

[0010] The cover part may, for example, be elastically deformable. The cover part may comprise a number of cover elements which are connected to one another in an articulated manner.

[0011] The connection part extends from the inlet part to the outlet part, the length of the connection part depending on at what angle the outlet part is oriented with respect to the inlet part. When the outlet part is at an acute angle with respect to the inlet part, the connection part has a greater length than when the outlet part is at an obtuse angle with respect to the inlet part. Taking into account this change in the length of the connection part, the cover part, arranged externally with respect to the joint axis of the connection part, is movably mounted on at least one of the two joint parts. Such a movably mounting allows the cover part to move into the corresponding joint when the length of the connection part decreases and to move out of the corresponding joint when the length of the connection part increases.

[0012] The cover part may be movably mounted on both joints, or alternatively, the cover part may be movably mounted only on one of the two joints and fixedly mounted on the other of the two joints.

[0013] The device according to the invention is particularly suitable for cases where the length of the conduit portion of the flexible conduit protruding from the outlet portion of the joining mechanism varies. When the length of this conduit portion is to be increased, the desired length of the flexible conduit can be withdrawn from the joining mechanism. When the length of this conduit portion is to be decreased, the flexible conduit can then be slid into the joining mechanism. Such a change in the length of the conduit portion protruding from the outlet portion can occur, for example, when a variable-length guide tube, through which the flexible conduit is guided, is connected to the outlet portion. The variable-length guide tube may comprise a number of tube sections which are slidable into and extendable from each other in a telescopic manner in order to vary the length of the guide tube. Thus, when the tube sections are extended from each other, the length of the conduit portion protruding from the outlet portion of the joining mechanism is increased by withdrawing the flexible conduit through the joining mechanism. Thus, when the tube sections are slid into one another, the conduit section slides into the mating feature thereby reducing the length of the conduit section protruding from the outlet section of the mating feature.

[0014] The connection portion is preferably configured in an arcuate shape with respect to the joint axis, which allows the flexible conduit to be guided in an arcuate shape around the joint axis, which is arranged outside the guiding channel. The flexible conduit can be guided through the joint mechanism, which ensures that a minimum bending radius of the flexible conduit is maintained, regardless of the pivot angle that the two joints adopt relative to each other. This prevents damage to the flexible conduit when the two joints are pivoted relative to each other.

[0015] As already mentioned, the flexible conduit can be displaced relative to the device. In order to keep friction losses particularly low when displacing the flexible conduit, it is advantageous if the inlet section and / or the outlet section are arranged tangentially to the connecting section with respect to the joint axis. Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous when the connecting section has an arcuate configuration.

[0016] In a preferred configuration of the invention, the two joints are lockable in multiple pivot positions, which allows the two joints to be fixed in a desired pivot position. Advantageously, the two joints are lockable in all possible pivot positions relative to each other.

[0017] The deformable cover part is preferably of strip-like construction, for example such a cover part may be made from an elastically deformable sheet metal strip or from an elastically deformable strip-like plastic part.

[0018] The cover part comprises a first end portion and a second end portion facing away from the first end portion. Advantageously, the first end portion is fixed to one of the two joints, e.g. the first joint, and the second end portion is displaceably mounted in a cover receiver of the other of the two joints, e.g. the second joint. Thus, when the two joints are pivoted relative to one another such that the outlet portion is arranged at an obtuse angle starting from an acute angle with respect to the inlet portion, the second end portion of the cover part can be gradually accommodated in the cover receiver in which it is displaceably mounted.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first joint portion includes an inlet body forming the inlet portion and a connecting body forming the connecting portion.

[0020] The inlet body is advantageously integrally connected to the connecting body. In an embodiment of that type, the inlet body and the connecting body together form an integral component, which may for example consist of a plastic material.

[0021] Advantageously, the connection body is of annular configuration and arranged concentrically about the joint axis. The connection body may in particular extend circularly about the joint axis.

[0022] The connecting body preferably comprises an annular channel arranged on an outer side of the connecting body facing away from the joining axis, an arcuate channel region of the annular channel forming the connecting channel, the arcuate channel region connecting the inlet portion to the outlet portion, the inlet portion opening into the channel region - preferably in the tangential direction - and the outlet portion adjoining the channel region - preferably in the tangential direction.

[0023] The annular channel is preferably open on the side facing away from the joint axis.

[0024] The annular channel may, for example, be U-shaped in cross-section.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second joint comprises an outlet body and a housing body, the outlet body forming the outlet portion and the housing body forming a housing in which the connecting body is mounted so as to be pivotable about the joint axis.

[0026] Advantageously, the housing body comprises a first housing part and a second housing part, said first housing part and said second housing part receiving said connection body therebetween.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the two housing parts each form a half-shell of the housing, whereby a cost-effective production and assembly of the housing body is achieved.

[0028] The two housing parts are preferably of annular configuration, in particular each of the two housing parts may extend annularly about the joint axis.

[0029] Advantageously, the two housing parts are arranged concentrically about the joint axis.

[0030] The two housing parts are conveniently releasably connectable to one another, for example screwable to one another.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover part is arranged between the two housing parts.

[0032] In particular, the two housing parts may, in combination with the connection body, form a guide for the cover part.

[0033] The cover portion may be displaceably mounted within the guide portion formed by the two housing portions and the connecting body.

[0034] As mentioned at the beginning, the two joints can be releasably locked relative to one another in a number of pivot positions. Here, it is advantageous if the connecting body of the first joint comprises a first locking element and the housing body of the second joint comprises a second locking element, the connecting body being movable back and forth relative to the housing body between a locked position and a released position, the first locking element being engaged with the second locking element in the locked position of the connecting body, in particular forming a positive engagement with the second locking element, and the first locking element being spaced apart from the second locking element in the released position of the connecting body. In order to lock the two joints in a desired pivot position, in the locked position of the connecting body, the first locking element is engaged with the second locking element and preferably cooperates with the second locking element in a positive locking manner. When the lock is released, the first locking element can be disengaged from the second locking element. For this purpose, the connecting body can be moved to the released position in which the first locking element is spaced apart from the second locking element.

[0035] The connection body is preferably biased towards its locked position by a spring element. In an embodiment of that type, movement of the connection body from the locked position to the released position occurs against a spring force exerted by the spring element.

[0036] The spring element may, for example, be fixed with a first spring end on the housing body and a second spring end on the connecting body.

[0037] The spring element may, for example, be configured in the form of a coil spring.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting body is axially movable back and forth relative to the joint axis between the locked position and the released position.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a particularly simple handling of the device is achieved, in that the device comprises a control, by activating the control, the connecting body is movable in the axial direction.

[0040] For example, actuating the control in a first actuating direction may cause the connecting body to move from its locked position to its released position, and actuating the control in a second actuating direction may cause the connecting body to move from its released position to its locked position.

[0041] In order to facilitate handling of the device, in an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control section is rotatable about the joint axis and axially movable with respect to the joint axis relative to the housing body.

[0042] The control preferably comprises two annular control members arranged coaxially with the joint axis, which control members accommodate the connecting body between them and comprise a control element on the side facing away from the connecting body, which control element cooperates with a control curve arranged on the housing body to achieve a common axial movement of the control and the connecting body. When the control is rotated about the joint axis relative to the housing body, the control element slides along the control curve of the housing body. The control curve preferably comprises a control flank, which comprises a directional component arranged axially with respect to the joint axis, so that when the control moves rotationally relative to the housing body, it also moves in the axial direction. The direction of this axial movement depends on the direction of rotation of the control. The axial movement of the control is transmitted to the connecting body accommodated between the two control members of the control.

[0043] The two control members are conveniently connected to each other through a control lever that can be gripped by a user to rotate the control unit about the articulation axis.

[0044] Preferably, a guide tube is connected to the inlet part of the joining mechanism, through which the flexible conduit can be guided, which guide tube comprises at least two tube sections that are slidable into one another and extendable from one another in a telescopic manner. This allows the flexible conduit, in particular a hose, for example a high-pressure hose suitable for receiving a pressurized cleaning liquid, to be guided in a simple manner outside the joining mechanism. For this purpose, the flexible conduit can be guided through a guide tube of variable length, which guide tube comprises two tube sections that are connected to the inlet part of the joining mechanism and that are slidable into one another and extendable from one another in a telescopic manner.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a gun holder for holding a spray gun is arranged on the guide tube connected to the inlet part, to which the end of the flexible conduit can be connected. Spray guns of that kind are known per se to the person skilled in the art. The spray gun comprises a gun inlet to which a spray conduit can be connected and a gun outlet. Between the gun inlet and the gun outlet a valve is arranged. This valve can be activated by a user and selectively establish and block a flow connection between the gun inlet and the gun outlet. The end of the flexible conduit, preferably configured as a hose, can be connected to the gun outlet and the spray gun can be fixed to the gun holder, which is arranged on the guide tube connected to the inlet part of the connecting mechanism. This makes it possible to guide the hose connected to the gun outlet of the spray gun through the device according to the invention, for example to a cleaning head, which can clean a surface, in particular a facade surface.

[0046] Preferably, a guide tube is connected to the outlet part of the joining mechanism. The flexible conduit can be guided through this guide tube, which guide tube comprises at least two tube sections that can slide into each other and extend from each other in a telescopic manner. This makes it possible to guide the flexible conduit, in particular a hose, for example a high-pressure hose suitable for receiving a pressurized cleaning liquid, in the area adjacent to the outlet part in a simple manner. For this purpose, the flexible conduit can be guided through a guide tube of variable length, which guide tube is connected to the outlet part of the joining mechanism and comprises two tube sections that can slide into each other and extend from each other in a telescopic manner.

[0047] For example, a cleaning head for cleaning a surface, in particular a building facade, can be connected to the guide tube connected to the outlet part. A pressurized cleaning liquid can be supplied through a hose guided through the guide channel of the joint mechanism and the guide tube.

[0048] For further explanation, advantageous embodiments of the invention are described below in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0049] [Figure 1] A perspective view of a device for guiding a flexible conduit having two junctions to each of which is connected a guide tube of variable length, the junctions being in a first pivot position and the guide tubes being slid into each other. [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1 with the joint in a second pivoted position; [Diagram 3] 2 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 with the joint in a third pivot position and with the two guide tubes extending from each other; [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view of the joining mechanism of the device shown in FIG. 1 in an exploded view, taken in the direction of the arrow X shown in FIG. 1; [Diagram 5] 2 is an exploded perspective view of the joining mechanism of the device shown in FIG. 1 in the direction of arrow Y shown in FIG. 1 . [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first joint portion shown in FIG. 1 . [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a control unit of the device shown in FIG. [Figure 8] 6 is a side view of the joining mechanism shown in FIG. 5, with the second housing part of the joining mechanism hidden; [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the joining mechanism with the cover of the first joining part and the second housing part of the second joining part hidden and the connecting body in the locked position; [Figure 10] 8 is a partial perspective view corresponding to FIG. 7, with the connecting body in the released position; FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is a cutaway view along line 11-11 of the joining mechanism shown in FIG. 8, with the connecting body in the locked position. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cutaway view of the joining mechanism corresponding to FIG. 11, with the connecting body in the released position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0050] A preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention for guiding a flexible conduit is illustrated diagrammatically. The device is generally designated by the reference number 10. As a flexible conduit, for example, a suction hose, as is used in particular in suction cleaning devices, may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, a hose 12 is used, by means of which pressurized cleaning liquid can be supplied to a cleaning head 14 connected to the device 10. The hose 12 runs from a gun outlet 16 of a spray gun 20 held on a gun holder 18 of the device 10, through the device 10 to the cleaning head 14. The cleaning head 14 and the spray gun 20 are not part of the device 10.

[0051] However, the intended use of the device 10 is not limited to guiding hoses. Rather, the device 10 may also be used to guide different flexible conduits, such as electrical power lines.

[0052] The device 10 comprises an articulation mechanism 22 having a first articulation part 24 and a second articulation part 26. The two articulation parts 24, 26 can be pivoted relative to one another about an articulation axis 28 and locked in a desired pivoted position. To lock the two articulation parts 24, 26, the articulation mechanism 22 comprises a control 30, which can be seen particularly in Figure 7 with a control lever 32 that can be grasped by hand by a user.

[0053] The first interface 24 includes an inlet section 34 to which is connected a first guide tube 36 of variable length. The previously described gun holder 18 is disposed at the free end of the first guide tube 36 facing away from the interface mechanism 22.

[0054] The first guide tube 36 includes two tube sections 38, 40 that are slidable into and extendable from one another in a telescopic manner and can be secured to one another by a manually releasable locking device 42.

[0055] The second interface 26 includes an outlet section 44 to which is connected a second guide tube 46 of variable length. The cleaning head 14 described above is connected to the free end of the second guide tube 46 facing away from the interface mechanism 22.

[0056] The second guide tube 46 includes two tube sections 48, 50 that are slidable into and extendable from one another in a telescopic manner and can be secured to one another by a locking device 52.

[0057] Figures 1 and 2 show the two guide tubes 36, 46 with the tube sections 38, 40 and 48, 50 slid as far as possible into each other. Figure 3 shows the two guide tubes 36, 46 with the tube sections 38, 40 and 48, 50 maximally extended from each other.

[0058] The first interface 24 includes an inlet body 54, which forms the inlet portion 34. Additionally, the first interface 24 includes a connecting body 56, which in the illustrated embodiment is integrally connected to the inlet body 54 such that the inlet body 54 and the connecting body 56 together form an integral component of the interface mechanism 22.

[0059] As can be seen in particular in Figures 4 and 5, the connecting body 56 is of annular configuration and is arranged coaxially with the joining axis 28. On its outer side 58 facing away from the joining axis 28, the connecting body 56 comprises an annular channel 60 which is U-shaped in cross section, into which the inlet portion 43 opens tangentially with respect to the joining axis 28. This is particularly evident in Figure 6.

[0060] In addition to the control lever 32, the control section 30 includes two annular control members 62, 64, which are also arranged coaxially with the joint axis 28, receive the annular connecting body 56 of the first joint part 24 between them in a positive-locking manner and can rotate about the joint axis 28 relative to the connecting body 56. However, the control members 62, 64 are not axially movable about the joint axis 28 relative to the connecting body 56. Instead, when the control members 62, 64 move axially, the connecting body 56 is entrained by the control members 62, 64, so that the control members 62, 64 and the connecting body 56 perform a common axial movement.

[0061] The two control members 62 , 64 are integrally connected to the control lever 32 and therefore form an integral component therewith.

[0062] The control members 62, 64 include on their outer sides 66 and 68, respectively, control elements 70, 72 in the form of axially disposed projections, the purpose of which will be explained in more detail below.

[0063] The second interface 26 includes an outlet body 74, which defines the outlet portion 44. The second interface 26 also includes a housing body 76, which defines a housing 78. The housing 78 encloses the connecting body 56 and the two control members 62, 64.

[0064] The outlet body 74 is formed by a first outlet body half-shell 80 and a second outlet body half-shell 82, and the housing body 76 is formed by a first housing body half-shell 84 and a second housing body half-shell 86. The first outlet body half-shell 80 is integrally connected to the first housing body half-shell 84, so that it forms an integral component therewith.

[0065] The second outlet body half-shell 82 is integrally connected to the second housing body half-shell 86 so as to form an integral component therewith.

[0066] The first housing body half-shell 84 forms a first annular housing portion 88, and the second housing body half-shell 86 forms a second annular housing portion 90. The two housing portions 88, 90 are arranged coaxially with the joining axis 28 and can be screwed together. The first outlet body half-shell 80 can be screwed into the second outlet body half-shell 82.

[0067] As can be seen particularly in Figures 5 and 11, the first housing part 88 includes on its inside, facing the second housing part 90, a first control curve 94 with a number of first control flanks 96, each of which includes an axially oriented directional element.

[0068] As can be seen particularly in Figures 4 and 12, the second housing part 90 includes on its inside, facing the first housing part 88, a second control curve 100 with a number of second control flanks 102, each of which includes an axially oriented directional element.

[0069] The connecting body 56 comprises, on its face side 104 facing towards the second housing part 90, a first locking element 106. This first locking element forms a first sawtooth ring 108.

[0070] The second housing part 90 includes, on its inside side facing the connecting body 56, a second locking element 110. This second locking element forms a second sawtooth ring 112.

[0071] The first locking element 106 can engage with the second locking element 110 and form a positive engagement. This allows the two joints 24, 26 to be fixed in a desired pivoted position. For this purpose, when the lock is released, the user can grip the control lever 32 and rotate the control part 30 in a first direction about the joint axis 28 relative to the housing body 76. This rotational movement causes the second control element 72 of the second control member 64 to slide along the second control flank 102 of the second control curve 100. As a result, the first joint 26 together with the control part 30 moves axially with respect to the joint axis 28, so that the first locking element 106 arranged on the face side 104 of the connecting body 56 takes a distance from the second locking element 110 arranged on the inside of the second housing part 90. This releases the lock of the two joints 24, 26, which can be pivoted by the user about the joint axis 28.

[0072] When the user releases the control lever 32, the control part 30 rotates back to its original position relative to the housing body 76 under the action of the spring element 114. This rotational movement causes the first control element 70 of the first control member 62 to slide along the first control flank 96 of the first control curve 94. As a result, the first joint part 26 together with the control part 30 moves back again axially about the joint axis 28, so that the first locking element 106 arranged on the face side 104 of the connecting body 56 returns into engagement with the second locking element 110 arranged on the inside of the second housing part 90, forming a positive engagement. This again functions as the locking of the two joint parts 24, 26.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the spring element 114 is configured as a coil spring 116 that is secured at a first spring end on the first housing portion 88 and at a second spring end on the first control member 62 of the control portion 30.

[0074] Thus, by rotating the control lever 32 relative to the housing body 76, the connecting body 56 can be moved axially about the articulation axis 28 back and forth between a latched position and a released position. In the latched position of the connecting body 56, the first locking element 106 forms a positive engagement with the second locking element 110. This is particularly evident in FIG. 11. In the released position, the first locking element 106 is spaced apart from the second locking element 110. This is particularly evident in FIG. 12.

[0075] To guide the hose 12, it can be guided through the two guide tubes 36, 46 and the joining mechanism 22. In the region between the inlet portion 34 and the outlet portion 44, the hose is received by a connecting portion 120. This connecting portion 120 is formed by a channel region of the annular channel 60 of the connecting body 56. This channel region extends in an arc from the inlet portion 34 to the outlet portion 44. The inlet portion 34 and the outlet portion 44 are arranged in the tangential direction of the arcuate connecting portion, i.e. the inlet portion 34 opens into the connecting portion 120 in the tangential direction and the outlet portion adjoins the connecting portion 120 in the tangential direction. The length of the arcuate channel region, i.e. the length of the connecting portion 120, depends on which pivot position the outlet portion has relative to the inlet portion. The smaller the pivot angle, the longer the connecting portion 120. The inlet portion 34, the outlet portion 44 and the connection portion 120 in combination with the two guide tubes 36, 46 form a guide channel of the device 10 in which the hose 12 can be guided, and in which the hose 12 can be displaced.

[0076] The connecting part 120 is covered on its outer side facing away from the joint axis 28 by an elastically deformable cover part 122. This is particularly evident in Figures 4, 5 and 8. The cover part 122 is of strip-like configuration and comprises a first end part 124, which faces towards the inlet part 34 of the first joint 24. The cover part 122 also comprises a second end part 126, which faces away from the first end part 124, which faces towards the outlet part 44 of the second joint 26.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the first end portion 124 is fixed to the first joint 24. To this end, the first end portion 124 is in a T-shaped configuration with a narrowed longitudinal piece 128 and a cross piece 130 adjacent to the longitudinal piece 128 in the direction relative to the first joint 24. The longitudinal piece 128 and the cross piece 130 are received by a recess 132 of the first joint 24, the cross piece 130 engaging behind an edge 134 of the recess 132. The recess 132 is covered by a cover 136 of the first joint 24. This cover 136 can be removed in order to insert the first end portion 124 into the recess 132.

[0078] The second end portion 126 of the cover portion 122 sinks into the cover receiver 138 of the second joint portion 26 and is freely movable in the longitudinal direction of the cover portion 122 .

[0079] Depending on the pivot position that the two joints 24, 26 take relative to each other, the cover part 122 can sink more or less into the cover receiver 138, so that in each pivot position the connection part 120 is reliably covered by the cover part 122 on its outer side facing away from the joint axis 28.

[0080] The cover part 122 may be configured, for example, in the form of a sheet metal strip or in the form of a plastic strip, for example made of an elastically deformable plastic material.

[0081] The hose 12 can be guided through the first guide tube 36, the inlet section 34, the connection section 120, the outlet section 44 and the second guide tube 46. As both the inlet section 34 and the outlet section 44 are arranged tangentially to the connection section 120, which runs in an arc around the joint axis 28, the hose 12 experiences very low frictional forces when the two joints 24, 26 are pivoted and when the length of the first guide tube 36 and the second guide tube 46 changes. The displaceable mounting of the hose 12 thus allows the user to guide the hose 12 in an arc in a simple manner by the device 10, and the user can change the length of the guide tubes 36 and 46 and the arrangement of the first joint 24 with respect to the second joint 26 as required. The hose 12 is protected in the guide tubes 36 and 46 as well as in the joint mechanism 22 from external influences that may lead to damage to the hose 12. By providing a cover part 122 covering the connection part 12 on its outside, the hose 12 is reliably protected from external influences not only in the area of ​​the guide tubes 36, 46 and in the inlet part 34 and the outlet part 44, but also in the area of ​​the connection part 120.

[0082] The arcuate path of the connection portion 120 about the joint axis 28 allows the minimum bend radius of the hose 12 to be maintained regardless of the pivotal positions that the two joints 24, 26 assume relative to one another.

[0083] The cleaning head 14 can be supplied with pressurized cleaning liquid by means of the hose 12. For this purpose, the end of the hose 12 pointing away from the cleaning head 14 can be connected to a gun outlet 16 of a spray gun 20. The pressurized cleaning liquid can be supplied to the spray gun 20 through a supply hose, which is known per se and is therefore not shown in order to achieve a better overview. The spray gun 20 allows the user to control the dispensing of the cleaning liquid in the usual way.

[0084] The spray gun 20 is held on a gun holder 18. To this end, the gun holder 18 forms a gun container 140 which is a generally tray-shaped configuration to which the spray gun 20 can be secured by fastening straps 142, 144. This allows the apparatus 10 to be used with commercially available spray guns 20.

Claims

1. A device comprising a joining mechanism (22) suitable for guiding a flexible conduit, in particular a hose (12), comprising a first joining portion (24) and a second joining portion (26), the two joints (24, 26) are pivotable relative to one another about a joint axis (28) and form a guide channel for the flexible conduit; the guide channel includes an inlet portion (34), an outlet portion (44), and a connecting portion (120) of variable length connecting the inlet portion (34) to the outlet portion (44); the connecting portion (120) is covered by a deformable cover portion (122) on an outer side facing away from the joint axis (28); the cover portion (122) is movably mounted on at least one of the two joint portions (24, 26); the first joint (24) includes an inlet body (54) and a connecting body (56), the inlet body (54) forming the inlet portion (34) and the connecting body (56) forming the connecting portion (120); the second joint (26) includes an outlet body (74) and a housing body (76), the outlet body (74) forming the outlet portion (44), the housing body (76) forming a housing (78) in which the connecting body (56) is mounted so as to be pivotable about the joint axis (28); Device.

2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connecting portion (120) is of an arcuate configuration with respect to the joint axis (28).

3. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the inlet portion (34) and / or the outlet portion (44) are arranged tangentially to the connecting portion (120) with respect to the joint axis (28).

4. 4. Apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the two joints (24, 26) are releasably lockable in a plurality of pivot positions.

5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover part (122) is of a strip-like configuration.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The cover portion (122) includes a first end portion (124) and a second end portion (126) facing away from the first end portion (124); the first end portion (124) is fixedly attached to one of the two joints (24, 26) and the second end portion (126) is displaceably attached within a cover receiver (138) of the other of the two joints (24, 26); An apparatus comprising:

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting body (56) is of an annular configuration and is arranged concentrically with the joining axis (28).

8. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The connecting body (56) includes an annular channel (60), the annular channel (60) being disposed on an outer side of the connecting body (56) facing away from the joint axis (28); a channel region of said annular channel (60) forming said connecting portion (120); An apparatus comprising:

9. 9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that the annular channel (60) is open on the side facing away from the joining axis (28).

10. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the annular channel (60) is of U-shaped configuration in cross section.

11. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the housing body (76) includes a first housing portion (88) and a second housing portion (90), the first housing portion (88) and the second housing portion (90) housing the connecting body (56) therebetween; An apparatus comprising:

12. 12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that the two housing parts (88, 90) each form a half shell of the housing (78).

13. 13. The device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the two housing parts (88, 90) are of annular configuration.

14. 14. The device according to claim 11, 12 or 13, characterized in that the two housing parts (88, 90) are releasably connectable to each other.

15. The device according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the cover part (122) is arranged between the two housing parts (88, 90).

16. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the connecting body (56) includes a first locking element (106); and The housing body (76) includes a second locking element (110); The connecting body (56) is movable back and forth between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the housing body (76); in the locked position, the first locking element (106) engages with the second locking element (110), and in the released position, the first locking element (106) is disengaged from the second locking element (110); An apparatus comprising:

17. 17. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that the connection body (56) is biased into a locked position by a spring element (114).

18. 18. The device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the connecting body (56) is movable axially back and forth with respect to the joint axis (28) between the locked position and the released position.

19. 19. Apparatus according to claim 16, 17 or 18, comprising: the device includes a control (30), and by actuating the control (30), the connector (56) is movable back and forth between the locked position and the released position; An apparatus comprising:

20. 20. Apparatus according to claims 18 and 19, comprising: The control unit (30) is rotatable about the joint axis (28) and movable in the axial direction relative to the housing body (76), the control section (30) includes two annular control members (62, 64) arranged coaxially with the joint axis (28), the control members (62, 64) receiving the connecting body (56) therebetween and including control elements (70, 72) on the sides (66, 68) facing away from the connecting body (56); said control elements (70, 72) cooperating with control curves (94, 100) arranged on said housing body to achieve a common axial movement of said control portion (30) and said connecting body (56); An apparatus comprising:

21. 21. Device according to claim 20, characterized in that the two control members (62, 64) are connected to each other through a control lever (32) that can be gripped by a user.

22. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 21, a guide tube (36) connected to the inlet portion (34) of the joining mechanism (22) and through which the flexible conduit is guideable, the guide tube (36) including at least two tube portions (38, 40) slidable into and extendable from one another in a telescopic manner; An apparatus comprising:

23. 23. The apparatus of claim 22, a gun holder (18) for holding a spray gun (20) is disposed on the guide pipe (36) connected to the inlet portion (34), and an end of the flexible conduit is connectable to the spray gun (20); An apparatus comprising:

24. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 23, comprising: a guide tube (46) connected to the outlet portion (44) of the joining mechanism (22) and through which the flexible conduit is guideable, the guide tube (46) including at least two tube portions (48, 50) slidable into and extendable from one another in a telescopic manner; An apparatus comprising:

25. 25. The apparatus of claim 24, a cleaning head (14) for cleaning a surface can be connected to the guide tube (46) connected to the outlet portion (44), and pressurized cleaning liquid can be supplied to the cleaning head (14) through the flexible conduit; An apparatus comprising:

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