HAND-OPERATED CLEANING DEVICE AND MOP COVER

DOMAIN OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a hand-operated cleaning device comprising a handle with a grip handle and a cleaning head and to a mop cover comprising a textile element that can be detachably connected to a handle.

PRIOR ART

Numerous hand-operated cleaning devices are known in the prior art. The latter comprise a grip handle to be grasped by the operator and have a cleaning head generally flexibly connected to the grip handle which itself is in the form of a cleaning device, e.g. constitutes a sweeping device or a wiping device, or onto which a cleaning device, such as e.g. a mop cover, can be secured.

In particular, mops in the prior art are made up of three basic elements. These are on the one hand the grip handle, on the other hand a mop holder that can be connected flexibly to the grip handle and, as the third element, a mop cover which can be connected to the mop holder. Various ideas are known for connecting a mop cover to a mop holder. The mop cover can be attached by means of a “velcro”-type connection or some other detachable connection to a rigidly formed, plate-shaped mop holder. Alternatively, solutions are also known in the prior art according to which the mop holder can be inserted into receiving pockets of a mop cover. For this purpose the plate-shaped mop holders are provided with folding wings which, for cleaning or for changing the mop cover, can be moved from an extended position with folding wings engaged with one another into a second position in which the folding wings are folded in on one another. In this position the mop cover can either be washed off while hanging from the mop holder or be squeezed out in a press or be removed entirely from the mop holder. The mop holders, which are generally elongate in form, can thereby be folded against each other about a swivel axis in the longitudinal direction, as known from EP 0 757 903 B1, or can also be swivelled about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the mop holder, as described for example in EP 0 663 178 B1.

These types of cleaning device in the form of mops make it possible to change the mop cover easily and conveniently, but the mop holder itself is securely connected to the mop holder by a universal joint. In order to carry out other cleaning tasks a separate, hand-operated cleaning device with its own grip handle and its own cleaning head, e.g. in the form of a brush, has to be brought along separately by the cleaner.

Operation of the mop described above in the prior art is indeed easy, but it will be observed over and over again that untrained cleaning staff still encounter problems even with mop holders that have just one foot-operated locking button. There is therefore a need for a hand-operated cleaning device that on the one hand is modular in design and is always operated in the same and the easiest possible way no matter what cleaning head is used.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The object underlying the invention is to propose a hand-operated cleaning device that can be secured in the easiest and most convenient way to a cleaning head. The invention further relates to a mop cover that constitutes this type of cleaning head.

This object is achieved by a hand-operated cleaning device that has the features of Claim 1 or 2 and by a mop cover that has the features of Claim 17 or 18. Preferred embodiments follow from the other claims.

The hand-operated cleaning device according to the invention comprises a handle with a grip handle and a securing device which comprises two securing elements, and a cleaning head which comprises two attachment elements that are arranged and designed such that they can be coupled to the securing elements of the handle. At least one securing element and the associated attachment element comprise permanent magnets that are preferably embedded in plastic or at least one securing element comprises an electromagnet. In other words, the connection between the handle and the cleaning head is effective at at least two attachment points. Each attachment point consists of a securing element on the handle and an associated attachment element on the cleaning head. At least one such securing pair consisting of a securing element and an attachment element has permanent magnets or an electromagnet. In order to reduce or totally avoid the emergence of corrosion on the magnets when being used for cleaning, the permanent magnets or electromagnets are preferably totally embedded in plastic or in non-magnetic metal, i.e. a metal with low magnetic susceptibility.

Alternatively, the hand-operated cleaning device according to the invention comprises a handle with a grip handle and a securing device which comprises at least one securing element, and a cleaning head which comprises two attachment elements that are arranged and designed such that they can be coupled to the at least one securing element of the handle. The at least one securing element comprises a permanent magnet or an electromagnet that can be coupled to one or two elements made of ferromagnetic material of the two attachment elements. As also in the first alternative configuration specified above, the connection between the handle and the cleaning head is effective at at least two attachment points. Therefore, each attachment point produces a magnetic connection between the handle and the cleaning head.

The advantage of the solution according to the invention is that on the one hand different cleaning heads can easily be connected to the handle. Since at least one pair of permanent magnets or an electromagnet is provided, the connection between the handle and the cleaning head is formed such that two attachment points are provided between the handle and the cleaning head and one or both attachment points have a magnetic connection. In this way the cleaning head can very easily be attached to the handle, be removed from the latter again and be replaced by a different cleaning head. A further advantage of the use of permanent magnets or electromagnets is that these magnets can define a pre-set release force depending on the arrangement and strength. A pre-set release force ensures that during use the cleaning head is not detached undesirably from the handle. At the same time, however, it can be ensured by the use of a magnetic connection that a specific tensile force is not exceeded. In other words, the connection between the handle and the cleaning head can be set such that the cleaning head remains coupled to the handle during correct usage, but can be detached from the handle without any problem as soon as an increased force is applied. This situation will not only occur if the operator specifically pulls on the handle and e.g. holds the cleaning head with a foot, but can also occur in situations where, for example, with a dry or a wet mop head the latter gets caught on a table leg. If in such a case the handle is then detached from the mop head, damage may be avoided because otherwise the cleaning device could be jerked against the table leg and cause objects standing on the table to fall.

Furthermore, the connection by means of magnets also serves, however, to make the connection simple. Since strong permanent magnets need only be brought relatively close to one another in order to centre one another and to establish a connection to one another, the connection between the handle and the cleaning head can be clearly simplified. The other attachment point can also be made by a pair of permanent magnets. In this case it is particularly easy for cleaning staff to couple the handle to the cleaning head. However, in the same way it is conceivable for just one attachment point to be made by permanent magnets and for there to be a simple form-closed connection on the other side. In this case too attachment is easy because the two securing elements and attachment elements can be made such that in order to couple the cleaning head to the handle the first securing element of the handle is first of all connected to the associated attachment element of the cleaning head, for example by one of the two elements engaging in the other with form closure. Next, the handle need only be swivelled until the permanent magnets have been brought sufficiently close together such that they automatically couple to one another. Thus, the cleaning staff only need to position the handle precisely at a point corresponding to the cleaning head while the second connection point no longer needs to be positioned so accurately because the permanent magnets automatically implement the required reciprocal centring.

If according to the alternative solution the two attachment elements have an element made of ferromagnetic material, this has the advantage that the changeable cleaning head can be produced with inexpensive materials, whereas the long-lasting handle that can be used many times with different cleaning heads has the permanent magnets or electromagnets which can respectively be coupled to an element of the two attachment elements made of ferromagnetic material.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention the cleaning head is a sweeping device, a wet mopping device, a wiping device or a window cleaning device. In professional use, these different cleaning heads are often required by the cleaning staff so that cleaning devices which are currently generally separate are combined in order to carry out the different tasks. Due to the modular structure the solution according to the invention makes it possible to couple different cleaning heads to one and the same handle.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention the cleaning head is a mop. This configuration is of particular interest when the mop is made without a holder, i.e. the handle can be secured directly to a mop cover. Unlike the dry and wet mops known from the prior art, the cleaning device according to the invention therefore now only consists of two separately provided elements, namely the handle and the cleaning head which is already the mop. The handle can therefore be secured directly to the handle. A mop holder connected flexibly to the handle, as used in the prior art, can be dispensed with in this case.

Preferably, at least one securing element comprises a form closure element that forms a form closed connection with a complementarily formed form closure geometry of the associated attachment element. Different options are conceivable here. By providing two securing elements the two securing elements can comprise magnets, a form closure element being additionally provided at one securing point or both. Furthermore, at one of the two securing points a magnet connection can be provided and on the other securing point a form closure element. It is also possible to provide form closure elements at both securing points, one securing point being formed by correspondingly shaped magnets or magnets encased with appropriate shaping. Finally, it is also conceivable for a magnetic connection on just one of the two securing points to be provided with an additional form closure element, while the second securing point is formed from a securing element and an associated attachment element which, in the coupled state, have two surfaces lying against one another with high frictional resistance.

In the case of providing a form closure element, the latter is preferably configured such that the form closure geometry of the at least one securing element of the handle comprises a projecting element that is preferably spring-loaded into the projecting position. This is a specific possibility of how a form closure geometry can be realised. The spring loading of the projecting element facilitates the engagement of the projecting element in a corresponding depression of the associated attachment element.

Preferably this form closure geometry is further developed to the effect that the form closure element of the at least one attachment element is a depression which accommodates the projecting element, the depression comprising a first region, which is formed to correspond to the geometry of the projecting element, and a second region which comprises a ramp-like slant. In this way a spring-loaded detent is formed which can be released without any unlocking mechanism on the handle. For locking the spring-loaded projecting element engages in the depression in the associated attachment element when the spring is unloaded. For release the handle can be brought into a specific position relative to the cleaning head, e.g. precisely into a perpendicular position relative to the cleaning head lying on a level base. In this position there is a ramp-like slope between the depression for the spring-loaded, projecting element and the face-side surface of the attachment element on the cleaning head. If the handle is brought into this defined position, it can be removed from the cleaning head when subjected to a specified tensile force, while in other angular positions between the handle and the cleaning head the form closed connection between the handle-side securing elements and the cleaning head-side attachments elements does not allow this.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention the securing device of the handle has two pivot levers that are connected to one another flexibly by means of an axis, each pivot lever carrying a securing element and the securing elements being pre-tensioned in the direction of the attachment elements by an elastic element, preferably a torsion spring, which is disposed on both pivot levers in the region of the axis. This configuration of the handle is particularly preferred in connection with the use of at least one attachment point, i.e. of a securing element of the handle and of the associated attachment element of the cleaning head as a form closure mating. By using pivot levers the two securing elements respectively secured to a pivot lever can be pre-tensioned to the outside. In other words, by means of the spring-loaded pivot levers the two securing elements of the handle are moved away from one another and thereby move away from one another substantially in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the handle. If the associated attachment elements are disposed on the cleaning head such that their contact regions coming into contact with the securing elements of the handle are facing one another, the securing elements of the handle are then pressed by the elastic element towards the contact elements and thus establish a secure connection between each securing element and the associated attachment element.

Preferably the hand-operated cleaning device further comprises an operating device in the region of the handle, operation of which changes the position of at least one securing element and/or of the form closure element. In order to operate the at least one grip-side securing element and/or form closure element of the handle any versions known from the prior art are conceivable. It is thus possible to provide the securing elements on pivot levers, each pivot lever being provided, however, with a tensile element, such as e.g. a Bowden cable, which enables operation of at least one of the securing elements by an appropriate operating element in the region of the handle. A further alternative is the provision of a displacement sleeve in the region of the handle which can be displaced in the axial direction of the handle and in the displaced state acts on one or both spring-loaded pivot levers as carriers of a securing element. By displacing the displacement sleeve in the axial direction the position of one securing element or also of both can therefore be changed, preferably in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the handle and preferably towards the longitudinal axis of the handle. As well as changing the position of at least one operating element it is also possible in the same way to change a form closure element as part of the operating element in relation to its position. A change in relation to the position can include an axial displacement of a projecting form closure element, but also a rotation of a form closure element so that the latter can engage in a correspondingly shaped depression in the associated attachment element and after releasing the operating device in the region of the handle moves back into the original position where locking between the securing element and the attachment element takes place. In the configuration of this type of form closure connection and in particular of the locking described above care should be taken to ensure, however, that the described advantage of a settable release force between the handle and the cleaning head is not hampered.

According to a further preferred embodiment the attachment elements of the cleaning head respectively have a first contact surface and the first contact surfaces of the two attachment elements facing one another are arranged at an angle to one another. The securing element of the handle has associated second contact surfaces the angular arrangement of which is complementary to the first contact surfaces. An angular arrangement is understood here to mean that the contact surfaces are at an angle to any plane in which the longitudinal axis of the handle lies. In this way it can be achieved that by means of the angular configuration of the surfaces in relation to one another and the corresponding orientation of the angular surfaces in relation to one another the force required to detach the handle from the cleaning head can be configured. Thus, the first contact surfaces are arranged at an angle to one another such that in a working position in which the longitudinal axis of the handle is for example at an angle of 45° to 60° relative to the cleaning head disposed on a level base, the withdrawal force is high, while in a position in which the longitudinal axis of the handle is perpendicular to the cleaning head positioned on a level base the handle can be detached from the cleaning head by applying a small amount of force.

According to a further preferred configuration of the invention the securing device comprises two securing elements, the securing elements on the handle being mounted rotatably on the securing device. By providing securing elements in the form of a permanent magnet or electromagnet coated in plastic an additional rotational axis can thereby very easily be cast integrally with the coating of the magnet so that a magnet with a substantially cylindrical basic geometry can easily be attached rotatably to the handle. The general provision of securing elements mounted rotatably on the securing device serves to improve handling of the hand-operated cleaning device, by swivelling the handle relative to the cleaning head the position between the securing elements and the attachments elements not being changed, but the latter retaining a rigid connection to one another and the securing elements being able to be swivelled relative to the handle. This causes the rotational axes of the securing elements to be aligned with one another and to be disposed substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the handle.

Preferably the operating device comprises an element that can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the grip handle, preferably a displacement sleeve, the displacement of which changes the position of at least one securing element. In particular, this embodiment can be used with outwardly spring-loaded side pieces. By providing a sleeve which can be moved downwards these outwardly spreading pivot levers can be pressed inwards against the spring force of a torsion spring so that in this way a rigid pin connection can additionally be released for at least one magnetic connection.

Preferably, the tensile force in the longitudinal direction of the grip handle for releasing the connection between the handle and the cleaning head is more than 10 N. By specifying a minimum tensile force of 10 N it is guaranteed that no work delays occur due to unintentional automatic detachment of the cleaning head from the handle.

According to one preferred embodiment of the hand-operated cleaning device providing two attachment elements with elements made of ferromagnetic material, each magnet is arranged such that both magnetic poles face towards one of the elements made of ferromagnetic material and are operatively connected to the latter. In this way bundling of the magnetic flux lines, which passes from a magnetic pole into the ferromagnetic element of the attachment element and passes out of this again towards the opposite magnetic pole is produced. By means of this arrangement between the dipole magnets and the attachment element made of a material with high magnetic susceptibility a high magnetic holding force can be produced.

Alternatively, the permanent magnets can be arranged such that only one of the magnetic poles is facing one of the elements made of ferromagnetic material, and the permanent magnet is additionally surrounded by a metal body which is operatively connected to the element made of ferromagnetic material. This metal body should also be made of a material with high magnetic susceptibility, such as e.g. iron. In this case the metal body, which should also be made of a material with high magnetic susceptibility in order to maintain a high magnetic force, has the function of guiding the magnetic flux lines from the one magnetic pole to the other magnetic pole, the extension of the flux line passing through the element made of ferromagnetic material of the attachment element and the metal sleeve surrounding the magnet.

The mop cover according to the invention comprises a textile element to which the attachment elements are secured, at least one of the attachment elements comprising a permanent magnet protected from contact with liquid. In addition, the flat mop cover is designed to be dimensionally stable and can be coupled directly to a bar-shaped handle. Finally, the attachment elements of the mop cover are arranged and designed to produce a releaseable connection with securing elements of the handle. The essential aspect of the mop cover according to the invention is that the latter can be coupled directly to a bar-shaped handle. Therefore, no separate mop holder is interposed between the flat mop cover and a grip handle. At the same time the flat mop cover is however dimensionally stable in form. The term “dimensionally stable” does not mean here, however, that the mop cover is totally rigid, but is intended to express that the textile element is flexible, but has dimensional stability such that the mop cover substantially maintains its shape in a wet state and by the dead weight of the mop cover. This means that, for example, when the whole cleaning device is raised from a level base when using the mop cover according to the invention, the flat mop cover substantially maintains its shape. The advantage of the dimensional stability is that by using the mop cover according to the invention a hand-operated cleaning device can be used, for example, to mop stairs. Here the cleaning device must be lifted from step to step and placed on the next higher or next lower tread. Only a mop cover designed with sufficient dimensional stability can be used advantageously here because after being placed on the next tread it rests flat on the latter again. For cleaning the risers it is also essential that the mop cover has sufficient dimensional stability because otherwise the latter can not impart any pressure exerted upon the mop cover by the handle.

Alternatively, both attachment elements comprise an element made of ferromagnetic material and the attachment elements of the mop cover are arranged and designed in order to establish for at least one securing element of the handle, that has a permanent magnet or electromagnet, a releaseable connection. With this alternative configuration too the flat mop cover is designed to be dimensionally stable, as explained in the preceding paragraph, and to be able to be coupled directly to a bar-shaped handle.

According to one preferred embodiment the attachment elements are connected to one another by a rigid intermediate element. This measure serves to keep the attachment elements of the mop cover a pre-specified distance apart from one another. This is necessary because when cleaning mop covers at high washing temperatures a certain degree of shrinkage of the textile material can not be ruled out. Since however the precise positioning of the attachment elements provided directly on the mop cover relative to the securing elements of the handle is essential, by connecting the two attachment elements by means, for example, of a rigid clamp, the correct distance between the attachment elements can be guaranteed.

According to a further alternative embodiment of the invention the textile element is designed like a pocket and is provided with a substantially central opening on one of the sides of the textile element for coupling of the handle, the attachment elements being located in the region of the central opening. The provision of a textile element which is designed like a pocket makes it possible to provide different mopping surfaces with different characteristics on the two main surfaces of the textile element designed like a pocket. Thus, for example, a relatively rough surface can be provided on one of the two main surfaces in order to loosen adherent dirt, while on the other side a surface with a particularly high absorption capability is provided. The term “like a pocket” in this connection also includes a textile element that is closed on all sides with the exception of the central opening.

The textile element preferably comprises fibres the diameter of which is at least 0.5 dtex and the tear strength of which is at least 35 cN/tex. These fibres are particularly suitable for providing the mop cover with sufficient dimensional stability.

Preferably, the attachment elements are stitched and/or adhesively bonded and/or welded to the textile element. All three of the aforementioned securing versions are possible so long as when permanent magnets are provided in the region of the attachment elements the latter are protected from contact with liquid. In order to achieve this, the permanent magnets are preferably totally surrounded by a plastic material so that stitching of the attachment elements to the textile element is also possible. In addition to the aforementioned individual application alternatives, however, in order to guarantee reliable securing of the attachment elements to the textile element any combinations of the aforementioned securing alternatives are also possible however. In the alternative configuration of the application elements with an element made of ferromagnetic material, the same securing alternatives are possible and advantageous.

In the case of the pocket-like configuration of the textile element the mop cover preferably further comprises a dart in the region of the central opening which constitutes a closed seam around the central opening and joins together the two main surfaces of the pocket-like textile element. This type of dart closes the central opening so that in the case of using the mop cover for wet mopping, cleaning liquid can not flow to any noteworthy extent into the pocket of the textile element.

In order to provide the mop cover with sufficient dimensional stability irrespective of the use of appropriate fibres, the mop cover preferably comprises one or more reinforcing elements which are provided in addition to the attachment elements and are stitched or adhesively bonded to the textile element and/or are inserted into the inner pockets of the textile element. These reinforcing elements can, for example, be plastic strips which are inserted into inner pockets of the textile element of the mop cover and by means of their arrangement and shape dimensional stability can be produced in a certain, pre-specified direction. The same also applies to stitched or adhesively bonded reinforcing elements the properties, shape and dimensions of which can be chosen such that the dimensional stability can be influenced separately in both main directions of the inner pockets.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention the mop cover further comprises a flexible insert which is formed integrally with the attachment elements and is disposed in the pocket of the textile element. Therefore, as an alternative to the embodiment according to which the attachment elements are stitched and/or adhesively bonded and/or welded to the textile element, the embodiment according to which the attachment elements are connected to a flexible insert can also be provided. This flexible insert is preferably made of silicone or some other elastic plastic. The shape and chosen material of the flexible insert can be selected according to the desired dimensional stability of the mop cover. Furthermore, the flexible insert is resistant to temperatures of up to at least 60° so that the mop cover can be washed with the flexible insert disposed within it.

According to one preferred embodiment the flexible insert is sewn into the textile material made in a pocket shape. In this way the flexible insert can not slip out of the textile element made in a pocket shape by mistake and the mop cover still constitutes a one-piece element that can be connected directly to the bar-shaped handle. The flexible insert can not be compared to a mop holder from the prior art because the textile element of the mop cover is not provided separately from the flexible insert, but constitutes a single structural unit.

It is also possible to form the mop cover so that the flexible insert can be inserted into the textile element made in a pocket shape via an opening in the latter. In the case of a textile element with a substantially rectangular shape the opening can be located both on a long side and on a short side. It the flexible insert does not extend over the entire width of the pocket, it is possible for example to position the opening so that the flexible insert is initially inserted into the pocket in one direction through the opening, but must then be moved within the pocket in a second direction at right angles to this in order to bring the attachment elements connected to the flexible insert into the region of the central opening.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention the textile element has two main surfaces which are in the form of mopping surfaces and have different surface characteristics, in particular different absorption capabilities. In addition to different absorption capabilities, there can however also be other differences in relation to the surface characteristics of the two main surfaces.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention the mop cover also has a passive electronic component, preferably an RFID tag. The provision of an RFID tag serves to facilitate the logistics within large objects to be cleaned, such as hospitals or airports. It can be determined when a specific mop cover was produced and put into operation, or else a specific mop cover can be identified. In the event of complaints it can also be demonstrated at which times a specific mop cover was cleaned. RFID tags are appropriate passive electronic components here because they also work reliably in the presence of attachment elements in the form of permanent magnets. Moreover, RFID tags are inexpensive to produce. Besides, if the mop cover is provided with receiving pockets for reinforcing elements, an inner pocket can also be used in the same way for receiving the RFID tag, the latter being closed, however, by a dart in order to prevent the loss of the RFID tag.

Preferably, the textile element is made substantially in the form of a pocket and has a substantially rectangular shape with two substantially parallel long edges and two substantially parallel short edges, the attachment elements being disposed close to one of the long edges and the structural unit consisting of the two attachment elements being disposed substantially centrally relative to the proximate long edge. The attachment elements preferably have a substantially cylindrical geometry and are disposed in relation to one another such that the face surfaces of the two cylinders are facing one another and are located a defined distance away from one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the following the invention is described purely as an example by means of a few embodiments which are shown in the figures. These show as follows:

FIG. 1 a hand-operated cleaning device according to the invention;

FIGS. 2 and 3 possible securing between the handle and the cleaning head by means of magnets;

FIG. 4 a connection between a handle and a cleaning head with the aid of permanent magnets in combination with a form closure element and a version for operation of a lever mechanism;

FIG. 5 a securing element of the handle and an attachment element of the cleaning head in the coupled state, there being both a magnetic connection and a form closure connection as well as the attachment of an axis of rotation for the rotatable securing of the securing element to the handle;

FIGS. 6
a, 6b different views of an attachment element for receiving a form closure element on the securing element;

FIG. 7 a securing element for use with an attachment element according to FIGS. 6a and 6b;

FIG. 8 the provision of inclined contact surfaces between a securing element and an attachment element;

FIG. 9 a hand-operated cleaning device with a mop cover according to the invention according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 10 a hand-operated cleaning device with a mop cover according to the invention according to a second embodiment; and

FIG. 11 a side view of the cleaning device according to FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 an exploded view of a hand-operated cleaning device according to the invention according to a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 schematically, a possible orientation of a dipole permanent magnet relative to the attachment element of the cleaning head;

FIG. 14 schematically, an alternative orientation of a dipole permanent magnet relative to the attachment element of the cleaning head;

FIG. 15 a possible structural configuration of the attachment elements of the cleaning head when using a dipole magnet according to FIG. 13 or 14;

FIG. 16 a further embodiment of an insert of a cleaning head;

FIG. 17 corresponding to FIG. 15, a front view and with an inserted handle;

FIG. 18 an exploded view of the elements of the hand-operated cleaning element using the attachment geometry shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 the configuration of the cleaning head as a wet mop; and

FIG. 20 the cleaning head according to FIG. 18 from below.

WAYS OF IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

In the following the invention is described, purely as an example, by means of the embodiments shown in the figures, in all of the illustrations the same components and assemblies respectively being identified by the same reference numbers.

FIG. 1 shows a hand-operated cleaning device which is identified in general by reference number 10. The term “hand-operated” is intended to express the fact that the cleaning device is not driven by a motor or is not moved automatically, but is moved manually by an operator. The hand-operated cleaning device 10 has a handle identified in general by reference number 12 which essentially consists of an elongate grip handle 14 which can be configured in a way conventional in this art. In the present example the grip handle 14 is provided with a spherical handle 16 which is only to be understood as an example however. The handle 12 has a securing device, not detailed in FIG. 1, by means of which the handle 12 can be coupled detachably to a cleaning head 18. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1 the cleaning head 18 is a mop of which essentially only a mop cover 20 made in the form of a pocket can be seen.

The hand-operated cleaning device 10 is modular in structure and can be coupled to different cleaning heads 18 such as a sweeping device, a wiping device or a window cleaning device, which only follow the invention described here in relation to their attachment geometry and otherwise can be constructed and configured in a conventional manner. Therefore, alternatively to the mop 20 no sweeping device in the form of a broom, but also no wiping device or window cleaning device is shown.

The grip handle can be made with length adjustment. The measures required for this purpose are known to the person skilled in the art. Moreover, the handle 12 can be made such that it can pivot relative to the cleaning head 18. When using electromagnets on the handle, an operating switch, which applies electric current to the electromagnets by means of a power supply preferably connected to the grip handle, can additionally be provided on the grip handle. The power supply is provided here, for example, in the form of rechargeable accumulators. The accumulators should have sufficient capacity to supply the electromagnets with voltage over a total period of 8-12 hours. The wiring between the energy supply, the actuating switch and the electromagnet is implemented in the conventional manner.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a possibility for the connection between a lever mechanism 22 on the handle and a cleaning head 18 (not specified any further). One has dispensed with an illustration of the handle and of the grip handle in order to better be able to illustrate the core elements of the connection between the handle and the cleaning head. The lever mechanism 22 is part of a securing device 24 as shown later by means of FIGS. 9 to 11 as part of the handle. The lever mechanism 22 is provided with two securing elements 26 which are attached securely to the securing device 24 of the handle. These securing elements 26 co-operate with attachment elements 28 which are attached securely to the cleaning head 18. In the present example both the securing elements 26 and the attachment elements 28 are permanent magnets which are totally embedded in plastic in order to prevent any corrosive effect of cleaning lye or cleaning liquids containing acid. Both the magnetic securing elements 26 and the attachment elements 28 are arranged so that the attachment elements 28 have contact surfaces facing one another and are spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance. Corresponding to this, the securing elements 26 also have contact surfaces for coupling to the attachment elements which face away from one another.

In order to engage the securing elements 26 with the attachment elements 28 the lever mechanism can be brought into an arrangement, as shown in FIG. 2, in which the individual side pieces 32a and 32b are swivelled toward one another so that the entire width, and so the distance between the contact surfaces on the securing elements 26 is reduced. For this purpose the lever mechanism 22 can be provided with a torsion spring or some other elastic element which pre-tensions the two side pieces 32a, 32b into a spread position shown in FIG. 3. However, the position shown in FIG. 3 does not have to correspond here to the configuration in which the elastic element is totally relieved of tension. In order to improve the connection between the securing elements 26 and the attachment elements 28 it is possible in the same way to generate an additional pressing force in the region of the contact surfaces 30 between the securing elements 26 and the attachment elements 28 by means of the elastic element between the side pieces 32a and 32b.

In the present exemplary embodiment the contact surfaces 30 are orientated such that they run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the grip handle 14. The advantage of this is that in order to release the connection between the handle and the cleaning head an operator only needs to pull the grip handle in the longitudinal direction. However, so that the connection between the handle and the cleaning head is not released automatically during correct use of the cleaning device, a minimum tensile force in the longitudinal direction of the grip handle of 10 N is set in order to release the connection between the handle and the cleaning head. This can on the one hand be produced by the strength of the permanent magnets, and on the other hand by the embedding depth of the permanent magnets in the surrounding plastic material, but also by a pre-specified pressing force in the region of the contact surface 30. Further measures are described in the following figures and relate to form closure connections between the securing elements and the attachment elements.

The exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 2 and 3 has on both sides a permanent magnetic connection between the securing elements and the attachment elements. However, according to the invention it is sufficient if a connection is made to permanent magnets at one point while the other side is for example exclusively configured as a form closure connection.

FIG. 4 schematically shows once again a lever mechanism 22, the side pieces 32a and 32b of which are pushed apart from one another in the direction of arrow A by an elastic element (not shown). For this purpose the side pieces 32a and 32b can be moved about a common swivel axis 34. Two different things are supposedly shown schematically by means of FIG. 4. On the one hand a displacement sleeve 36 is shown schematically which can be moved over the grip handle 14 and the associated securing device in the direction of arrow B, i.e. in the longitudinal direction of the grip handle. By displacing the displacement sleeve 36 the face-side end 38 of the displacement sleeve 36 comes into contact with the side pieces 32a and 32b and presses the latter toward one another in the direction opposite the direction of arrow A. The displacement sleeve 36 can be operated by means of an appropriate mechanism on the grip handle of the handle. For example, it is possible that the upper side end of the displacement sleeve not shown in FIG. 4 has an inclined surface and the axial movement in the direction of arrow B is caused by rotation of the displacement sleeve about its longitudinal axis. In addition to providing a displacement sleeve all other kinetics known in the art are also possible, however, in order to move the side pieces of the lever mechanism toward one another.

A second aspect shown in FIG. 4 relates to the combination of a connection between the securing elements 26 and the attachment elements 28 as a magnetic connection and at the same time a form closure connection. For this purpose on the one hand both first permanent magnets 40 are provided on the securing elements 26 and second permanent magnets 42 are embedded in the attachment elements 28. In the illustration of FIG. 4 only one attachment element 28 is shown. The second permanent magnet 42 is annular in form. The advantage of this is that despite a form closure depression additionally provided in the attachment element 28 it can be disposed close to the contact surface 46 of the attachment element 28 because the form closure depression 44 is located in the middle of the annular second permanent magnet 42.

The securing elements 26 are also provided with a form closure element in the form of a form closure elevation 48 the position and shape of which are chosen to correspond to the form closure depression 44 in the attachment element 28 such that in addition to the magnetic coupling, a form closed connection between the securing elements 26 and the associated attachment elements 28 can also be produced.

FIG. 5 shows a securing element 26 and an attachment element 28 in a state coupled to one another. The form closure elevation 48 of the securing element 26 extends into the form closure depression 44 of the attachment element 28. A first permanent magnet 40 and a second permanent magnet 42 are additionally shown schematically. Both permanent magnets are totally embedded in plastic 49. Moreover, FIG. 5 shows an axis of rotation 50 which serves to rotatably attach the securing element 26 to the securing device 24 of the handle. In the simplest case the axis of rotation 50 is only a metal pin the fixing of which in the plastic material 49 can additionally be guaranteed by one or more annular thickenings 52 and which on the side facing away from the attachment element 28 can be mounted rotatably in the securing device of the handle in an appropriate manner.

In FIGS. 6a, 6b and 7 views of an attachment element 28 (FIGS. 6a, 6b) and of an associated securing element 26 (FIG. 7) are shown. The attachment element 28 has a form closure depression 44 which is subdivided into a first region 44a and a second region 44b. In FIG. 6b the regions are defined schematically by an interrupted line. The first region 44a of the form closure depression is substantially matched to the geometry and position of a form closure elevation 48, as shown in FIG. 7. The second region 44b constitutes a ramp-like recess in the attachment element which only extends in a specific angular direction relative to the first region, as can be seen from FIG. 6a. It is evident from FIG. 7 that the form closure elevation 48 of the securing element 26 can be pre-tensioned by an elastic element 47, but by applying a force to the form closure elevation 48 can also move into the securing element 26 against the pretension of the spring in the direction of arrow C. If the handle is now detached from the cleaning head the connection between the securing element 26 and the attachment element 28 must be released. This is possible by bringing the handle into a predetermined angle relative to the cleaning head, e.g. it is positioned perpendicularly to the latter and a tensile force is then applied to the grip handle of the handle. The result of this is that with increasing movement in the direction of arrow C and increasing compression of the elastic element 46 the form closure elevation 48 is moved up the ramp-like slope in the second region 44b until the form closure elevation 48 is totally or almost totally pushed into the securing element 26 and the securing element 26 and the attachment element 28 can slide past one another along the contact surface 46 in order to release the connection.

A further alternative configuration between a securing element 26 and an attachment element 28 is shown in FIG. 8. Here the contact surface 30 is not arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the grip handle (not shown), but inclined. The provision of an inclined contact surface with an appropriate orientation can serve to increase the release force between the handle and the cleaning head with the angular position between the handle and the cleaning head prevailing within the framework of normal activity, while the connection between the handle and the cleaning head can very easily be released as soon as the handle is brought into a specific angular position relative to the cleaning head. This could be e.g. a position perpendicular to the cleaning head lying on a flat base or even inclined over the normal working position.

In addition to providing an inclined contact surface 30 between the securing element and the attachment element it is also possible in the same way to configure the two contact surfaces meeting one another with a surface with a high friction coefficient, by means of which the force required to release the connection is additionally increased.

FIG. 9 shows schematically a section through a hand-operated cleaning device the grip handle 14 of which is not fully shown however. The hand-operated cleaning device is used with a mop cover according to the invention. This mop cover comprises a textile element 52 that is substantially made in the form of a pocket, as can best be seen in FIG. 11. The textile element 52 has a substantially rectangular shape with two parallel long edges 54 and two substantially parallel short edges 56. The shaping as a substantially rectangular, pocket-like mop cover shown in the embodiment according to FIGS. 9 to 11 is however not a binding feature of the invention and for specific cleaning purposes other geometries can be provided in the same way, especially as the system according to the invention is a modular system in which different cleaning heads can easily be interchanged.

In the sectional illustration according to FIG. 9 the connection mechanism described in detail above is shown. The securing device 24 of the handle has a lever mechanism 22 here with two side pieces 32a, 32b that can be swivelled towards one another. Both securing elements 26 are provided with an axis of rotation 50 and in this way can be attached rotatably to the side pieces 32a, 32b. Both the securing elements and the attachment elements have permanent magnets. The second permanent magnets 42 of the attachment element are cast integrally in an attachment element 28 that in turn is securely connected to the textile element 52. This connection can alternatively or cumulatively be implemented by stitching, welding or adhesively bonding.

In order that the securing device 24 of the handle can easily establish a connection to the mop 20, on one of the two long edges 54 a central recess 58 is provided which can best be seen in the illustration in FIG. 11. In order to prevent any unnecessary penetration of cleaning liquids into the pocket-like textile element 52, the pocket of the textile element is preferably closed around the central recess by means of a dart 60.

A mop 20 as described above with attachment elements 28 secured securely to the textile element 52 does not require a conventional mop holder, but can be secured directly to the handle as a holderless mop. So that the mop has sufficiently stability, the fibres used to produce the textile element 52 can be configured accordingly. It has proven to be advantageous here if the textile element comprises fibres the diameter of which is at least 0.5 dtex and if the tear strength of the fibres is at least 35 cN/tex.

In particular when exclusively using permanent magnets as the connection mechanism between the securing elements and the attachments elements the precise positioning of the attachment elements is important. At the same time it must be taken into account that textile elements may be subject to a certain degree of shrinkage when washed. This problem can be resolved, as shown by FIG. 9, by a lever mechanisms 22 being used on the handle and slight changes to the distance between the attachment elements 28 being able to be evened out by the pretensioning of the side pieces 32a, 32b of the lever mechanism. A second possibility is to provide a rigid connection element 62, e.g. in the form of a clamp between the attachment elements.

FIG. 9 includes yet another embodiment of the invention which serves to increase the dimensional stability of the textile element 52. For this purpose there are provided on one of the two inner sides of the main surfaces of the pocket-like textile element on the textile element 52 reinforcing elements 64 which can be made, for example, of elastic plastic. The reinforcing elements 64 can be connected to the textile element in any way, for example they can be stitched or adhesively bonded to the latter. It is also possible, however, to provide receiving pockets 66 on the inside, i.e. the side of the textile element 52 facing the inside of the pocket, into which the reinforcing elements can be inserted. Depending on the desired increase of the dimensional stability of the textile element, all of the directional arrangements shown in FIG. 9, such as in the longitudinal direction, in the transverse direction or also diagonally, can be provided, as illustrated by means of the reinforcing elements 64a, 64b and 64c. The shape of the individual reinforcing elements is also only chosen as an example in FIG. 9.

The same applies to the number of reinforcing elements. A receiving pocket can also serve to receive an RFID tag 72 for the electronic identification of the mop 20. However, an RFID tag can also be secured in any other way to the mop.

In FIG. 10 an alternative embodiment of the mop 20 is shown. As regards the handle, there is no difference in comparison to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9. The attachment elements 28 on the mop are, however, part of a flat insert 68 which can be made, for example, of a silicone material and is located in the pocket formed in the textile element 52. The configuration of the insert element 68 with attachment elements 28 secured to the latter can have the geometry shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, even if this geometry was described as a general form, not specified in any greater detail, of a cleaning head in the description of FIGS. 2 and 3. It is essential, however, that the provision of an insert 68 does nothing to change the fact that this is a holderless mop, i.e. the mop cover in the form of the pocket-like textile element can be connected directly to the bar-shaped handle. The interposition of a mop holder with mop covers provided separately becomes unnecessary. If the mop cover is changed, the handle is detached from the mop 20 and the insert 68 is not removed from the textile element 52.

The secure integration of the insert 68 into the textile element 52 can be manifested by the textile element 52 being securely stitched around the insert 68 so that after the original production the user can no longer remove the insert 68 from the pocket-like textile element 52. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide at the side an insertion pocket 70 which is indicated in FIG. 10 and is additionally shown in FIG. 11. The insertion pocket 70 should however be arranged such that after detaching the handle from the attachment elements the insertion can not be removed from the textile element automatically, but only after precise displacement and positioning within the pocket of the textile element 52.

FIG. 12 shows a further embodiment of the hand-operated cleaning device according to the invention that only differs from the embodiments discussed above in relation to the coupling between at least one securing element and two attachment elements on the cleaning head. Therefore, in relation to the further configuration of the handle, the cleaning head, and also of the mop cover, reference should be made to the full content of the preceding embodiments. Thus, for example, an insert 68 is shown in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 12, whereas it is also possible in the same way, however, in the embodiment described in the following figures to provide the two attachment elements of the cleaning head separately on the mop cover and to stitch and/or adhesively bond and/or weld them to the textile mop cover.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 there is provided on the handle 12 a block-like securing device 24 into which securing elements 26 in the form of permanent magnets or electromagnets are inserted. Within the mop cover 20 is the insert 68 to which attachment elements 28 are attached and arranged so that they can be coupled to the securing elements 26 of the handle. The attachment elements 28 respectively have elements 80 made of ferromagnetic material, i.e. of a metal with high magnetic susceptibility which can be operatively connected to the dipole magnets 26 provided in the securing device 24 in order to establish the secure but releaseable connection between the handle and the cleaning head described above.

As is evident from FIG. 13, the dipole magnet 26, as part of the securing device 24, can be orientated here such that the north pole identified by reference symbol N and the south pole of the dipole magnet 26 identified by reference symbol S point towards the attachment element 28 of the cleaning head 18. In this case the attachment element 28 comprises a metal body 80 made of ferromagnetic material, for example a steel inlay, that is operatively connected to the magnet 26 by the magnet 26, in the coupled state, being brought into the direct vicinity or into direct contact with the metal body 80. In this case a magnetic flow takes place between the poles of the magnet, as shown by the magnetic flux lines identified by reference number 84. In order to protect the magnet from corrosive influences a metal cover 86 can additionally be provided on the surface of the magnet 26 facing towards the metal body 80, as shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 14 shows an alternative arrangement according to which the dipole magnet 26 is orientated such that only one of the magnetic poles points in the direction of the metal body 80. In the orientation of the magnet shown in FIG. 14 the desired force can be applied by a metal sleeve 82 in the form of an iron housing surrounding the magnet 26 being provided which performs the function of guiding the magnetic flux lines 84 between the magnetic poles by integrating the element made of ferromagnetic material 80. In this way, by using a metal sleeve 82 made of ferromagnetic material with a very small degree of loss, a high magnetic retaining force can also be guaranteed between the magnet 26 and the attachment region 28 on the cleaning head 18.

FIG. 15 shows a possible configuration of the attachment elements 28 on the cleaning head 18, in addition to providing elements 80 made of ferromagnetic material (the element shown on the left side in FIG. 15 is not visible), a form closure element 88 being provided that in addition to the securing with the aid of the magnetic retaining force brings about continuing securing and protection against unintentional detachment of the handle from the cleaning head. Moreover, by means of a trough-shaped base body 90 between the individual attachment elements 28, the exact positioning of the latter and in particular the spacing of the latter is determined and in addition, after inserting the securing device 25 of the handle appropriate guidance of the latter is provided. This is also evident from the illustration in FIG. 17 in which a handle is inserted. Due to the provision of the form closed element 88 the securing device of the handle must be configured here such that the latter has pivot levers 32a, 32b that can be swivelled towards one another, as already described in more detail within the framework of previously described embodiments.

FIG. 16 shows a flat insert 68 which, similarly to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 17, has a trough-shaped base body 90 and attachment elements 28 surrounded by form closed elements 88. Moreover, FIG. 16 shows a metal element made of ferromagnetic material, preferably a metal leaf 100, that is located between the two attachment elements. The element 100 made of ferromagnetic material is only shown in the embodiment according to FIG. 16, but can be used independently of this embodiment and independently of the trough-shaped base body in all embodiments in which at least one of the securing elements on the handle is a magnet. The element 100 facilitates the handling of the cleaning head. Since different cleaning heads can be attached to a handle, the latter must be received by the handle after detaching the cleaning head and be stored e.g. in a cleaning cart. So that a user does not have to stoop down in order to do this, the contact with the element 100 can be established with the aid of the handle and a magnetic securing element and in this way, without securing the cleaning head once again on the handle, be raised from the floor and be comfortably gripped and stored. The element 100 can then also provide valuable services if during a cleaning activity the cleaning head has become detached from the handle because the cleaning head has e.g. become caught in a place that is difficult to access and is now located e.g. under a piece of furniture. If one fishes for the cleaning head with the handle, the element 100 constitutes an additional and easily accessible docking point for establishing a connection between the handle and the cleaning head, and in this way for removing the cleaning head easily again from the hard to access position.

Furthermore, FIG. 16 shows the structure of the flat insert 68 comprising numerous ribs 102 which are linked to one another. The rib structure serves to achieve optimal reinforcement of the flat insert 68 using minimal material. At the same time, however, by the geometry of the rib structure a defined flexibility either in desired positions of the flat insert or overall can only be specifically set in the longitudinal or lateral direction of the flat insert. The configuration of the flat insert in the form of a rib structure shown in FIG. 16 is independent of the further features shown in FIG. 16, such as for example the trough-shaped base body 90, the element 100 or also the form-closed elements 88 around the attachment elements 28. A flat insert 68 with the rib structure shown in FIG. 16 could for example be realised in the same way in the embodiment according to FIG. 10 or 12, to name just two examples here.

Finally, FIG. 18 shows a hand-operated cleaning device with the individual components shown according to FIGS. 15 and 17 in an exploded illustration. The region with attachment elements 28 shown in FIG. 15 is part of a flexible insert 68 which is located in the mop cover 20, as already described above by means of preceding embodiments, can be inserted for example through an opening in the mop cover 20 provided on one long side or short side, whereupon the mop cover can be closed in an appropriate manner, e.g. by stitching or by providing a “velcro”-type fastener.

FIG. 19 shows an alternative cleaning head 18 that can be used like a module with the holder. Instead of a flat insert 68 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the cleaning head 18 has a head plate 92 which has a depression on the top side in which a trough-shaped base body 90 and attachment elements 28 surrounded by form closed elements 88 are located. The cleaning head shown in FIG. 19 can be used, for example, with a grip part, as already described with reference to FIG. 4. A lever mechanism with side pieces 32a, 32b is provided here so that the side pieces and the securing elements 26 attached to the latter can be moved about a swivel axis 34 in order to position the securing elements in the region of the trough-shaped base body 90 and then to swivel them away from one another about the swivel axis 34 in order to be brought into the form closed elements 88 and in contact with the attachment elements 28.

The cleaning head shown in FIG. 19 has a mopping surface 94 and fringes 96 which are shown once again in FIG. 20. The mopping surface 94 has alternating regions 98a and 98b here which differ by a different surface roughness and so different abrasive characteristics. Thus, the mopping surface 94 can be used to loosen dirt adhering to the surface to be cleaned chemically and/or mechanically, while the fringes 96 are suitable in the conventional way for receiving loose dirt or dirt detached from the mopping surface 94. The wet mop shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 can be cleaned in a conventional manner in a mop bucket and then be wrung out to the desired residual moisture in a mop press set to the geometry of the cleaning head.

With the present invention a hand-operated cleaning device and a mop particularly suitable for the latter has been proposed which can be used within the framework of a modular system. The mop cover can be changed for other cleaning heads and in all cases only a bar-shaped handle is to be connected to the cleaning head. Moreover, the provision of a connection to at least one pair of permanent magnets makes it particularly easy to attach the handle to the cleaning head. Even untrained and unpractised cleaning staff can immediately establish the correct connection because the magnets have a self-centring effect and positioning inaccuracies can in this way be evened out.

The mop cover according to the invention can be directly attached to the handle. This is therefore a holderless mop. So that the mop cover is sufficiently dimensionally stable depending on the intended use, this can either be implemented by means of the textile fibres used when producing the mop cover, or also by providing appropriate reinforcing elements which are located within the pocket-like mop cover. The provision of appropriate fibres and the additional provision of reinforcing elements can also be used in combination. The reinforcing elements can either be provided independently of the attachment elements of the mop cover, or also integrally with the latter in order to reduce the final assembly to fewer individual parts. As a result, the provision of reinforcing elements does nothing to change the fact, however, that when changing the mop cover the mop cover is no longer detached from a mop holder and a new mop cover no longer has to be stretched over the mop holder, but only the mop cover as a whole need be detached from the handle and replaced with a new one.

Number	Date	Country	Kind
PCT/EP2011/051053	Jan 2011	EP	regional
20 2011 101 141.4	May 2011	DE	national

HAND-OPERATED CLEANING DEVICE AND MOP COVER

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