DE202023102932U1 - Portable cleaning device - Google Patents

Abstract

Portable cleaning device for surfaces, with a carrier (3) for a cleaning element (4) that is to be moved along a surface to be cleaned in a cleaning direction and a carrier (3) for the cleaning element (4) that is attached directly or indirectly and pivotably or rotatably Handle (1) for holding and guiding the cleaning device, the carrier (3) and the handle (1) being plugged into one another via a section on the carrier and a section on the handle, which are rotatable relative to one another to form a joint (5) in the assembled state that the carrier (3) is rotatably mounted on the handle (1) via the joint (5) about an axis of rotation (S) arranged at an angle to the cleaning direction and to the surface to be cleaned, and the joint (5) via a manually operable fixing means (2) can be fixed in at least two angular positions, characterized in that the fixing means (2) is integrated into the joint (5), the fixing means (2) having a pivotable or rotatable about an axis of rotation (T) in the joint ( 5) mounted actuating button and a locking connection that can be locked and unlocked by the movement of the actuating button and the fixing means has at least one locking means (10) in the form of a locking pin which, in a fixing position of the actuating button, can be locked in one of at least two locking means receptacles (11) by pivoting or Turning the operating knob against overcoming a detent force engages releasably.

Description

The invention relates to a portable cleaning device according to the preamble of claim 1. Within the meaning of the present invention, a cleaning device is to be understood as a device that is used for cleaning, washing in by applying cleaning liquid or for wiping or wiping drying of surfaces and in particular, but is not necessarily a manual device held in a user's hand and guided along the surface by the user.

The generic, portable cleaning devices for surfaces have a carrier for a cleaning element that can be moved along a surface to be cleaned in a cleaning direction and a handle for holding and guiding the cleaning device that is attached directly or indirectly and pivotably or rotatably to the carrier for the cleaning element. The carrier and the handle are plugged into one another via a section on the carrier and a section on the handle of the respective components or component housings, with the two sections being rotatable relative to one another in the assembled state to form a joint in such a way that the carrier can be rotated at an angle to the cleaning direction and to the cleaning surface arranged axis of rotation is rotatably mounted on the handle on the joint. The joint can be fixed in at least two angular positions of the carrier relative to the handle by means of a fixing means that can be actuated manually.

A portable cleaning device is known as a manually operated liquid squeegee with a rotatable squeegee lip from US Pat EP 1 208 785 A1 known. In this device, a handle is rotatably mounted on a front support, to which the pull-off lip is in turn attached, with a clamp connection between the support and the handle preventing the support from rotating unintentionally relative to the handle.

Another cleaning device, also designed as a squeegee for liquids with a rotatable lip, is known from DE 8 703 924 U1 known. Here, too, the support with the pull-off lip is rotatably mounted on a style receptacle, with the joint being able to be fixed via a slide that can be displaced along the longitudinal direction of the style receptacle. A similar solution is shown in U.S. 5,946,762 A

The U.S. 1,579,941 A discloses a swivel joint which can be pulled back by the user from the carrier with the pull-off lip via a slide which can be pulled back against a spring force to release the swivel joint which is locked in the position of use. Here, the front end of the slide is the latching element, which latches into latching receptacles in the swivel joint in the operating and locking position and is disengaged when it is pulled back. The spring force ensures that when the slider is released, the front end automatically snaps back into one of the snap-in receptacles in the joint.

From the U.S. 2,681,464 A Again, a device is known with a pull-off lip that is rotatably mounted on a handle, with the twisting taking place against a spring force and on the support for the pull-off lip, an actuating lever that extends along the handle is arranged, which the user can use like pliers to adjust the angle of rotation of the wearer can be pressed against the spring force on the handle.

The known cleaning devices have the disadvantage that, particularly after prolonged use, the locking mechanism can release itself because, particularly in connection with sliding elements as latching means, the manufacturing tolerances cannot rule out moving the slider too easily. In the case of snaps for locking the joint, the operating forces are often high and, moreover, the buttons are difficult to access.

Furthermore, it is not possible with most known devices to use the device with a rotatable joint, ie to operate it either fixed or rotatable. After adjusting the angle of rotation, the snap-in connection automatically snaps back into place with these devices. In some applications, however, it is absolutely desirable that the free rotatability of the joint is retained even when the device is in use and that the user can either use a rotatable carrier or a carrier that is adjustable but non-rotatable during operation.

It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a portable cleaning device which is easy to operate at low production costs and has a secure possibility of locking the joint in an operating position.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a portable cleaning device according to claim 1 which is held in the hand of the user when used as intended.

The new cleaning devices are characterized in particular by the fact that the fixing means is now integrated into the joint and is particularly easy to use. The fixing means, which is designed as a latching device and blocks the rotational mobility, has a toggle switch that is mounted in the joint so that it can pivot or rotate about an axis of rotation trained operating button and a locked by the movement of the operating button and unlocked latching connection. Furthermore, at least one locking means in the form of a locking pin is provided on the fixing means, which releasably engages in a fixing position of the actuating button by pivoting or rotating the actuating button in one of at least two locking means receptacles against overcoming a latching force.

Due to the configuration of the cleaning device according to the invention, the locking device for the joint can now be operated in a particularly simple and ergonomic manner. In particular, if the user can enclose the handle with his hand and can use his thumb to move the actuating button back and forth from an operating position to a release position and back, he can, on the one hand, carry out the actuation without having to let go of the device, and on the other hand but others also solve the fixation of the carrier relative to the handle and use the device with a fixed carrier and optionally with a loosened, rotatable carrier.

A pull-off lip can preferably be used as the cleaning element. Additionally or alternatively, sponge strips, scratching brush strips or similar elements can also be used. Ultimately, the invention is intended for devices that are held in the hand when used as intended and are guided by hand over the surface and are either used to dry the surface or to wet the surface with water or to loosen dirt from the surface. The invention is particularly preferably implemented in connection with non-electrical, purely manual devices, although it is not limited to this either. Likewise, the invention can be used in connection with an electric suction device, for example for drawing and sucking liquids from a vertical or horizontal hard surface.

The handle is preferably cylindrical in shape and may have a handle receptacle at its rear end so that the cleaning implement can be fitted onto an elongate handle. Furthermore, the handle can also assume additional functions, for example it would be possible to integrate a reservoir for cleaning fluid and a spray device that is able to spray cleaning fluid onto the area in front of the moving carrier via a nozzle. This can be done using a separate pump or the handle itself is designed at least in sections as an elastic tank for cleaning fluid, so that the user can trigger a spray by pressing on the handle.

The carrier may include a housing having a front edge or face on which the cleaning element is located and which is engageable against the face. The cleaning element can be exchangeable. An easy-to-operate click connection is then preferably provided for this purpose, so that the user can attach a different cleaning device to the carrier for maintenance purposes or to change the type of cleaning device. The carrier can also fulfill other functions, e.g. a pump for spraying cleaning liquid can also be provided here, which is then preferably operated either manually or electrically by pressing the carrier onto the surface, with a switch on the handle and, for example, in the carrier or in the Handle a battery can be provided. In the latter case, the current can be transmitted to the carrier to the pump via sliding contacts or a flexible cable.

Further, the carrier may also include a tank as a passive collection facility for drained liquid. Such a solution is for example in the WO 2021/119933 A1 described. Here, the liquid drawn off by a lip runs through the surface tension along a flow channel into a tank. This is particularly useful when the device is used at a greater height via a handle extension, for example when cleaning conservatories, and in this way it can be avoided that the liquid drawn off drips down.

In a simpler configuration, the carrier can also simply consist of a plate, preferably provided with reinforcing ribs or a bent edge area, on the front edge of which the cleaning element is arranged.

The carrier can preferably be fixed in different angular positions relative to a basic position. In many applications, the cleaning element will be an elongate cleaning element, for example a squeegee or an elongate sponge element, with the handle being arranged at right angles to this elongate cleaning element in the basic position and the joint also being or can be fixed in this basic position. The elongated cleaning element and handle are then arranged in a T-shaped configuration. In addition, the carrier can be fixed both clockwise and counterclockwise, ie in the opposite directions relative to the basic position, in one angular position or in several angular positions. Finally, for storage purposes, it is practical if the handle is completely attached to the carrier can be put on so that the device takes up less space when stowed away.

A particular advantage can consist in the fact that the fixing can take place selectively, ie the user can also operate the device with a rotatable carrier. Due to the fact that the actuating element is always in the same spatial position relative to the handle, the user can reach it easily and simply and operate it independently of the angular position of the carrier relative to the handle. This is particularly preferred if the actuation takes place via the thumb when the user is holding the handle in his hand.

The dependent claims relate to advantageous developments of the invention.

Further features and advantages of the invention result from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings.

• 1 ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungsvorrichtung in einer dreidimensionalen Darstellung,
• 2 die Reinigungsvorrichtung aus 1 in einer Explosionsdarstellung,
• 3 die Einzelheit Y aus 2,
• 4 die Reinigungsvorrichtung aus den 1 und 2 in einer Ansicht mit Anordnung des Handgriffs in rechtwinklige Grundstellung,
• 5 die in den 1 bis 4 dargestellte Reinigungsvorrichtung mit nach rechts abgewinkeltem, eingerastetem Handgriff,
• 6 die in den 1 bis 5 dargestellte Reinigungsvorrichtung mit vollständig nach rechts an den Träger angelegten Handgriff,
• 7 die in den 1-6 dargestellte Reinigungsvorrichtung in einer Seitenansicht im Schnitt (Schnitt C-C in 5),
• 8 die Einzelheit Z aus 7,
• 9 den Handgriff der in den 1 bis 7 dargestellten Reinigungsvorrichtung, im Gelenkbereich im Schnitt dargestellt (Schnitt B-B in 7),
• 10 den in 9 dargestellten Handgriff in einer dreidimensionalen Darstellung mit Ansicht des griffseitigen Abschnitts zur Bildung des Gelenks,
• 11 den Träger der in den 1-7 dargestellten Reinigungsvorrichtung im Schnitt
• 12 den Schnitt D-D aus 11,
• 13 den Bereich des griffseitigen Abschnitts des Handgriffs zur Bildung des Gelenks in einer dreidimensionalen Darstellung,
• 14 den in 11 dargestellten Träger in Lösestellung des Betätigungsknopfes und
• 15 den Schnitt E-E aus 14.

In the drawings shows:

• 1 an embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention in a three-dimensional representation,
• 2 the cleaning device off 1 in an exploded view,
• 3 the detail Y 2 ,
• 4 the cleaning device from the 1 and 2 in a view with the arrangement of the handle in the perpendicular basic position,
• 5 the in the 1 until 4 illustrated cleaning device with a latched handle angled to the right,
• 6 the in the 1 until 5 illustrated cleaning device with the handle placed completely to the right on the wearer,
• 7 the in the 1-6 illustrated cleaning device in a side view in section (section CC in 5 ),
• 8th the detail Z out 7 ,
• 9 the handle of in the 1 until 7 shown cleaning device, shown in section in the joint area (section BB in 7 ),
• 10 the in 9 illustrated handle in a three-dimensional representation with a view of the handle-side section for forming the joint,
• 11 the carrier of in the 1-7 illustrated cleaning device in section
• 12 the section DD 11 ,
• 13 the area of the handle-side section of the handle to form the joint in a three-dimensional representation,
• 14 the in 11 carrier shown in the release position of the operating button and
• 15 the section EE 14 .

In 1 a cleaning device according to the invention is shown. The cleaning device has a handle 1 and a carrier 3 for a cleaning element 4 as essential components. The exemplary embodiment of the cleaning device according to the invention shown here is intended as a pull-off device for manual use and is held in the user's hand and guided along a surface to be pulled off. The cleaning element 4 is an elongated pull-off lip here. 2 shows the device 1 in an exploded view.

The support 3 for the cleaning element 4 is flat here and, in the end region facing away from the pull-off lip, opens into a support-side section which forms part of the joint 5 for the articulated connection to the handle 1 . The joint 5 itself is Y in detail 3 shown in an enlarged view.

It can be seen that a section is provided on the handle side of the handle 1 which can be plugged together with the section on the carrier 3 on the carrier side, this resulting in a rotatable connection of the two components. The carrier-side section on the carrier 3 is designed to be open at the top, so that the in 2 shown toggle switch used as a fixing means 2 can be pressed from above into this open area.

The toggle switch thus forms an actuating button which, after being inserted in its receptacle, moves around the in 3 axis of rotation T shown is rotatably mounted in the carrier-side section. For this purpose, the actuating button has a cylindrical axis on its underside, which is mounted in corresponding bearings in the area on the carrier side. The axis of rotation T runs through this bearing. The bearing is preferably designed in such a way that frictional forces hold the toggle switch in position, meaning that it can only be displaced by the user and not by a dynamic movement of the device. In contrast to spring-loaded slides, for example, this prevents the fixing means 2 from springing back into the locking position, so that the user can also use the device with the freely rotatable carrier 3 without a latching connection unintentionally engaging.

The 4 , 5 and 6 show the basic angular positions of those shown here Embodiment of the cleaning device, wherein the handle 1 can be fixed in the positions shown relative to the carrier 3 in a latching manner when the user moves the actuating button, ie the fixing means 2, into the position required for this purpose. Centering means in the latching device can facilitate latching via self-centering. The handle has a gripping area 9 which can be gripped by the user's hand. This gripping area 9 has a length of at least 15 cm, for example, but is preferably longer. Friction-inhibiting surface structures or a non-round cross-sectional area of the handle 1 can make it easier to grip and hold the handle 1 .

The area of the joint 5 is angled relative to the longitudinal direction of the handle 1 . Furthermore, the upper part of the joint preferably has an essentially flat surface in which the actuating head of the fixing means 2 is mounted. A flat upper side of the actuating button particularly preferably forms the essential part of the upper side of the joint 5. The user can now, like with a lighter, grip the handle 1 and use his thumb to move the fixing means 2 operate in the form of the operating button. This enables particularly easy and simple one-handed operation.

In the 7-14 are the respective components in the 1-6 shown cleaning device reproduced in detail. 8th shows the area of the joint 5 and the fixing means 2 in an enlarged view. The mounting of the lower cylindrical axis of the toggle switch in the carrier-side section of the carrier 3 can be seen here. The fixing means 2, i.e. the toggle switch, can now be rotated about the axis of rotation T running at right angles to the plane of the paper, with the locking means 10 in The form of a latching pin formed on the toggle switch disengages from a locking means receptacle 11, so that the joint 5 becomes rotatable.

In principle, the designs of the locking means 10 and the shape of the corresponding locking means receptacle 11 are not restricted. It is also irrelevant whether the locking means receptacle 11 is provided on the wearer-side area, on the handle-side area of the joint 5 or on the actuator of the fixing means 2, here the actuating button itself. It is obviously only important that the locking means 10 and the locking means receptacle 11 interact with one another, that they are provided on different components that are rotated relative to one another when the joint 5 is rotated.

In 13 , which represents the area of the handle-side section in three dimensions, the three locking means receptacles 11 can be seen. These are each in the 90° position (cf 4 ) and the angled position according to 5 or the angled in the opposite direction position analogous to 5 . in the in 6 shown position, it is not absolutely necessary to engage, so that no locking means receptacle 11 is provided for this position.

Reference List

1

handle

2

fixer

3

Carrier for a cleaning element

4

cleaning element

5

joint

6

style shot

7

cleaning pad

8th

side cleaning element

9

gripping range

10

locking means

11

locking means recording

S

Axis of rotation of the beam

T

Axis of rotation of the fixative

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• EP 1208785 A1 [0003]
• DE 8703924 U1 [0004]
• US5946762 [0004]
• US 1579941 A [0005]
• US 2681464 A [0006]
• WO 2021119933 A1 [0016]

Claims (20)

Portable cleaning device for surfaces, with a carrier (3) for a cleaning element (4) that is to be moved along a surface to be cleaned in a cleaning direction and a carrier (3) for the cleaning element (4) that is attached directly or indirectly and pivotably or rotatably Handle (1) for holding and guiding the cleaning device, the carrier (3) and the handle (1) being plugged into one another via a section on the carrier and a section on the handle, which are rotatable relative to one another to form a joint (5) in the assembled state that the carrier (3) is rotatably mounted on the handle (1) via the joint (5) about an axis of rotation (S) arranged at an angle to the cleaning direction and to the surface to be cleaned, and the joint (5) via a manually operable fixing means (2) can be fixed in at least two angular positions, characterized in that the fixing means (2) is integrated into the joint (5), the fixing means (2) having a pivotable or rotatable about an axis of rotation (T) in the joint ( 5) mounted actuating button and a locking connection that can be locked and unlocked by the movement of the actuating button and the fixing means has at least one locking means (10) in the form of a locking pin which, in a fixing position of the actuating button, can be locked in one of at least two locking means receptacles (11) by pivoting or Turning the operating knob against overcoming a detent force engages releasably. Portable cleaning device claim 1 , characterized in that the actuating knob is mounted in the carrier-side section of the carrier (3). Portable cleaning device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the latching pin on the actuating button and the locking means receptacles (11) are provided for receiving the locking means (10) in the fixing position on the handle (1). Portable cleaning device claim 1 , characterized in that the actuating button is mounted in the handle-side section of the handle (1). Portable cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating button is designed as a toggle switch which can be rotated about an axis of rotation (T), the axis of rotation (T) being arranged at right angles to a longitudinal axis of a cylindrical gripping region (9) of the handle (1). Portable cleaning device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking pin on the actuating button and the locking means receptacles (11) are provided for receiving the locking means (10) in the fixing position on the carrier (3). Portable cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing means (2) is designed in such a way that after pivoting or turning the actuating knob up to a stop in a release position, the locking means (10) is moved out of the locking means receptacle (11). Portable cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle has a gripping area (9) which the user can enclose with his hand, the actuating button being arranged in such a way that the user, when holding the gripping area (9), uses his thumb to actuate the fixing means (2) can press the operating button. Portable cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating button is fixed in a latching manner via a latching device in the unlocked position in which the locking means (10) lies outside the holding means receptacle (11). Portable cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating button between the first latching position in the locked, working position and the second latching position in the unlocked, rotatable release position, in which the locking means (10) lies outside the holding means receptacle (11). is reciprocally movable by the operating force of the user and no return spring is provided. Portable cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating button is mounted such that it can rotate or pivot about an axis at right angles to the handle (1). Portable cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivot or rotary bearing of the actuating knob is designed in such a way that the actuating knob can only be moved by overcoming a frictional force which is so great that when the actuating knob is released, the cleaning device is also moved operating button is held in position. Portable cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning device is designed as a squeegee for liquids with a cleaning element (4) arranged on the support (3) and designed as a squeegee lip. Portable cleaning device according to any one of Claims 1 until 12 , the cleaning device as a cleaning element (4) or part of the cleaning element (4) has at least one sponge strip adjustable against a surface. Portable cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle (1) has a handle receptacle (6) for receiving a handle. Portable cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier (3) has at least one further side cleaning element (8) on at least one side surface arranged at an angle, in particular at right angles to the transverse extent of the carrier (3). Portable cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier (3) has at least one additional cleaning pad (7) for applying cleaning liquid or as a scratching dirt-dissolving layer on at least one surface facing away from the cleaning element (4). Portable cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joint (5) and the fixing means (2) are designed in such a way that in one of the angular positions in which the joint (5) can be fixed, the handle is perpendicular to a front edge of the Carrier (3) is arranged. Portable cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joint (5) and the fixing means (2) are designed in such a way that at least one of the angular positions in which the joint (5) can be fixed is the handle clockwise and/or counterclockwise at an angle between 20° and 70°, preferably at an angle between 30° and 60° and more preferably at an angle of 30° or 45° to a front edge of the carrier (3). Portable cleaning device Claim 18 or 19 , characterized in that the joint can be fixed at least one in an anti-clockwise angular position and a second clockwise angular position compared to the perpendicular position of the handle (1) relative to the front edge of the carrier (3) and for this purpose locking means receptacles (11) at suitable points are provided.

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