| 摘要 |
<p>The present invention relates to the field of latching mechanisms, and is particularly useful in the latching of male and female tubular members so that they may be maintained in engagement or, when unlatched, axially disengaged. The invention has particular application in the field of floor treatment machines, such as vacuum cleaners and carpet cleaners, in which a detachable connection between fluid conduits may be required. A latching mechanism for retaining an inner male member in engagement within an outer female tubular member (25), the male member (40) having an outer cylindrical surface provided with least one elongate groove (43) or slot and the female member having at least one elongate slot (27) provided in a cylindrical wall portion thereof, the arrangement being such that when the male and female members are engaged, the slot (27) in the female member overlays and is aligned with the groove (43) or slot in the male member, and wherein a pivoted latching member (29) is provided with at least one block (38) at a region distal to the pivot so that the latching member may rock between an unlatched position in which the male and female members may be axially engaged or disengaged and a latched position in which the block occupies the slot in the female member and bridges the slot or groove in the male member, thereby to prevent axial disengagement of the male and female members. The invention is characterised in that said elongate slot (27) in the female member and said elongate slot or groove (43) in the male member each have an arcuate form with a common radius of curvature and orientation corresponding to a radial distance between the latching member pivot (31) and the block (38). Said at least one block (38) is preferably elongate in a circumferential direction with respect to the pivot radius so that in approaching the latched position the block travels along the overlaid arcuate slots, or slot (27) and groove (43), from an entry end to a distal end of each slot or groove.</p> |
