Dewatering device for dewatering wiping sleeve of cleaning tool, and cleaning station and cleaning system having such dewatering device

Abstract

Described is a dewatering device for dewatering a wiping sleeve (6.3) on a carrier plate (6.2) of a cleaning tool, comprising: a wringing gap (2.2), into which the carrier plate (6.2) together with the wiping sleeve (6.3) can be introduced; and at least one pivotally mounted scraper (10) in the wringing gap (2.2) for scraping moisture from the wiping sleeve (6.3), the at least one scraper (10) being pivotable back and forth between a wringing position, in which the wringing gap (2.2) is narrowed, and a position, in which the wringing gap (2.2) is widened. The mechanism automatically returns the at least one scraper (10) back into the wringing position after the at least one scraper (10) is deflected into the position widening the wringing gap, characterized in that the mechanism comprises at least one lever arm (11), the lever arm acts on the at least one scraper (10) and applies a reset torque to the at least one scraper (10) in a gravity-driven manner. The dewatering device (2.2) according to the invention is characterized by a simple and robust construction. The invention further relates to a cleaning station (1.1) and to a cleaning system (1) having such a dewatering device (2.1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dewatering device for dewatering a wiper sleeve on a carrier plate of a cleaning tool, the dewatering device comprising: a squeezing gap into which the carrier plate together with the wiper sleeve can be introduced; and at least one scraper supported pivotably in the squeezing gap for scraping moisture off the wiper sleeve, wherein at least one scraper can be pivoted back and forth between a squeezing position in which the squeezing gap is narrowed and a position in which the squeezing gap is widened, and a mechanism is provided for automatically returning at least one scraper to the squeezing position again after being deflected to the position in which the squeezing gap is widened. The present invention also relates to a cleaning station and a cleaning system having such a dewatering device. Background Art

[0002] This type of dewatering device is known from EP 3 620 096 A1. EP 3 620 096 A1 relates to a cleaning system, which comprises a cleaning tool and a bucket with a cleaning and dewatering device for the cleaning tool. The cleaning tool is a flat mop with a carrier plate, a wiping sleeve tensioned thereon and a handle, which is connected to the carrier plate via a universal joint. The cleaning and dewatering device is configured as a separate unit. The dewatering device is mounted on the bucket and has a water squeezing gap, in which a scraper is pivotably supported. In order to squeeze water, the flat mop is rotated parallel to the handle with the cleaning sleeve into a vertical position and is first introduced into the water squeezing gap with a narrow side. Here, the scraper supported pivotably is pressed downward into a horizontal water squeezing position by the wiping sleeve and the water squeezing gap is narrowed. The wiping sleeve is guided along the scraper in the gap and dewatered by scraping off water. When the flat mop is pulled out of the gap again, the scraper is guided upwards by the wiping sleeve and pivoted into a position above the squeezing position that widens the squeezing gap. This makes it easier to pull out the flat mop and prevents the bucket from being pulled upwards and lifted. When the flat mop is introduced again, the scraper is pressed downwards again in the direction of the squeezing position. Alternatively, according to the publication, an elastic element is provided that pivots the scraper into the squeezing position.

[0003] A disadvantage of known dewatering devices is that additional elements are required for this purpose, which results in logistical complexity and additional costs. In addition, such elements are subject to manufacturing fluctuations during production, so that the properties must be monitored in a cost-intensive manner.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to improve a dewatering device of this type so that it can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively and still ensure that after the carrier plate is pulled out together with the wiper sleeve, the scraper reliably returns to the squeezing position in which the squeezing gap is narrowed, without requiring elastic elements for this purpose. Another object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning station and a cleaning system having such a dewatering device. Summary of the invention

[0005] This object is achieved by a dewatering device having all the features of claim 1 and by a cleaning station according to claim 9 and a cleaning system according to claim 11. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0006] According to the present invention, a dewatering device for dewatering a wiping sleeve on a carrying plate of a cleaning tool comprises: a water squeezing gap, into which the carrying plate together with the wiping sleeve can be introduced; and at least one scraper pivotally supported in the water squeezing gap for scraping moisture off the wiping sleeve, wherein at least one scraper can pivot between a water squeezing position that narrows the water squeezing gap and a position that widens the water squeezing gap and is provided with a mechanism that automatically returns at least one scraper to the water squeezing position again after being deflected to the position that widens the water squeezing gap. In the dewatering device, it is proposed that the mechanism comprises at least one lever arm that acts on at least one scraper and applies a reset torque to the scraper in a gravity-driven manner.

[0007] Surprisingly, it has been found that the lever arm acting on the scraper can exert a sufficiently large torque on the scraper simply by its own weight in order to reliably return the scraper to the squeezing position with the narrowed gap after the cleaning tool has been pulled out of the squeezing gap.

[0008] This is especially the case when the carrier plate together with the wiping sleeve moves downward again after the upward movement without leaving the squeezing gap. In this case, the scraper should also be rotated to the narrowed squeezing position from the position of the top that widens the squeezing gap. However, at the moment of direction reversal, the upwardly pivoted scraper is in the following position, in which the slight contact of the wiping sleeve opens the scraper. Because it is expected that the friction between the wiping sleeve and the scraper is small when moving upward, so as to prevent the dewatering device from being lifted when the carrier plate together with the wiping sleeve is pulled out, the friction force acting on the scraper by the wiping sleeve when moving downward is not enough to drive the scraper to, i.e., turn back to, the squeezing position that narrows the squeezing gap. Surprisingly, it has been confirmed that the torque applied to the scraper by the lever arm in this case is also large enough, so that despite the slight opening effect of the contact with the wiping sleeve, the scraper is still reliably rotated to the desired position.

[0009] The construction according to the invention is simple, reliable and robust. No additional error-prone components such as springs need to be used.

[0010] The lever arm can be associated with the squeezing slot or a bracket designed for this purpose. However, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lever arm is arranged at the scraper itself and extends from the scraper.

[0011] The magnitude of the torque can be set in a simple manner via the own weight of the lever arm and the distance from the pivot axis. A person skilled in the art can determine the appropriate own weight and design of the lever arm in a simple manner by calculation or trial. For this purpose, a person skilled in the art does not have to perform creative work.

[0012] Therefore, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, in order to increase the torque, the lever arm can be provided with a further weight in addition to its own weight, advantageously at the end opposite to the scraper.

[0013] Particularly high torques are achieved if the lever arm is as long as possible or if any additional weights are located as far as possible from the axis of rotation of the scraper and also from the contact line between scraper and wiping cloth.

[0014] This is achieved most simply if the structural space of the drum with the dewatering device having the flushing slot is provided by itself in that, according to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the lever arm surrounds the flushing slot and projects into the drum region on the other side of the flushing slot opposite the scraper.

[0015] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the scraper has lever arms on both sides, which also surround the squeezing gap on both sides. In this way, the weight can be distributed to the two lever arms and the torque can be applied evenly over the entire length of the scraper due to the symmetry of the device. This reliably prevents the scraper from tilting, which could occur when the lever arms act on one side.

[0016] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the scraper, at least one lever arm and / or any weight that may be present are formed in one piece with a consistent material. This results in a particularly simple, robust and cost-effective construction. The weight can advantageously be formed by a thickening and / or an outward protrusion at at least one lever arm.

[0017] The scraper is preferably made of thermoplastic, particularly preferably of ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer). Thermoplastic can be produced cost-effectively in a suitable shape. ABS remains dimensionally stable even under permanent loads such as occur in the described application.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, exactly one scraper can be provided in the squeezing slot. The counterpressure on the wiping sleeve on the carrier plate is exerted via the carrier plate by the wall of the squeezing slot opposite the scraper.

[0019] The scraper can be formed in one piece or in multiple pieces. The scraper can have pressure plates, projections, brush-like elements or the like to intensify the scraping action.

[0020] The scraper is preferably pivotably mounted close to the flushing slot in order to keep the installation space requirement small. The pivotable mounting can be carried out by means of a short lateral axis which is located in a bearing provided for this purpose in the flushing slot. The bearing is particularly preferably designed as a simple eyelet, since the eyelet is particularly cost-effective.

[0021] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the scraper can be stopped by a suitable stop element when pivoting downward. A track formed over the entire length, which can absorb forces well and relieve the scraper, has proven to be particularly advantageous as a stop element. On the side facing away from the wiper sleeve, the scraper can be guided, for example, in a support that can absorb forces, which are generated by pressing the wiper sleeve.

[0022] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the deflection of the scraper can also be limited during the upward pivoting, so that its center of gravity remains on the side of the pivot axis facing the wiper sleeve so that a closing torque is always generated.

[0023] The cleaning station according to the invention comprises a tub having a cleaning area for washing the wipe cover and a squeezing area for dewatering the wipe cover, wherein the cleaning area and the squeezing area can be provided with the dewatering device described above. The intensity of the scraping action can be designed differently in the two areas.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a bracket can be provided, by means of which one or more dehydrating devices can be fixed to the barrel. Here, the fixing at the bracket should be strong enough so that when the introduced cleaning tool with the carrier plate and the wiping sleeve moves upward again, the dehydrating device is not removed from the bracket. At the same time, it may be helpful for cleaning the inner area of ​​the barrel that the dehydrating device can be easily removed. Therefore, it is suitable, for example, to design the fixing of the dehydrating device at the bracket in a way that it can be locked or easily opened via a simple mechanical device. This can be achieved, for example, via an openable locking device.

[0025] The support or the bucket can be associated with a baffle element, which partially covers the bucket upwards and delimits an introduction opening for the carrier plate with the wiper sleeve into the cleaning area and / or the squeezing area. This facilitates the introduction of the cleaning tool.

[0026] The cleaning area can include any known means for cleaning the mop cover. Preferably, the cleaning area includes an introduction opening into which a cleaning tool with a wiping cover can be introduced, a tank with a cleaning liquid, which is connected to the discharge nozzle in a liquid-conducting manner, and a mechanism that causes the wiping cover to be sprayed in the cleaning area by the cleaning liquid from the tank through the nozzle. The mechanism can include, for example, a pump that is operated via an operating element that can be triggered by the introduced carrier plate together with the wiping cover.

[0027] The cleaning system according to the invention comprises the cleaning station described above and a cleaning tool having a carrier plate and a wiper sleeve. Preferably, the cleaning system is configured as a vertical cleaning system, wherein the carrier plate together with the wiper sleeve can be introduced into the cleaning area and the squeezing area from above in a vertical position.

[0028] Here, the cleaning tool according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is designed so that the carrier plate and the handle are connected to each other via a joint, particularly preferably a universal joint, wherein the carrier plate together with the wiping sleeve can be pivoted into a vertical position via the joint with its longitudinal axis parallel to the handle. The carrier plate together with the wiping sleeve can then be introduced first from top to bottom with the narrow side into a corresponding introduction opening of the cleaning area or the squeezing area, in particular into the squeezing slit of the dewatering device. Obviously, the size of the squeezing slit of the cleaning system, in particular with the scraper, and the size of the cleaning tool must be coordinated with each other.

[0029] Advantageously, the width of the squeezing gap with the scraper is dimensioned so that in the squeezing position, when the wiping sleeve is introduced onto the carrier plate, the scraper scrapes excess liquid from the wiping sleeve, but when it is pulled out, the scraper at most rests on the previously scraped surface without having a scraping effect or no longer touching the surface. This ensures that when the carrier plate with the wiping sleeve is pulled out, the barrel is not pulled up or tipped over. For dewatering, it may be advantageous to guide the carrier plate with the wiping sleeve repeatedly upwards and downwards in the squeezing gap.

[0030] Good lateral guidance of the carrier plate with the wiping sleeve in the squeezing gap is ensured if the length of the squeezing gap corresponds approximately to the width of the carrier plate.

[0031] Advantageously, the length of the scraper corresponds to the width of the wiping cloth, so that when introduced into the squeezing gap, liquid is scraped off over the entire width of the wiping cloth. A particularly simple design for the scraper results if the scraper is designed as a substantially rectangular element, the length of which corresponds to the length of the squeezing gap and which is pivotably fastened at one of its long sides to the squeezing gap or to a support in the region of the squeezing gap and has a scraping edge at the opposite long side. The scraping edge can here comprise a scraping lip.

[0032] However, the squeezing slot can also be provided with scrapers on both sides, wherein the second scraper is provided for exerting additional pressure on the rear side of the carrier plate.

[0033] When the carrier plate with the wiper sleeve is introduced into the cleaning gap, it may be advantageous to provide a mechanism that guides the carrier plate with the wiper sleeve into the narrowed gap when the scraper is in a horizontal position, i.e. in a squeezing position. In this case, for example, a guide element on the scraper itself may be particularly suitable, which moves with the scraper out of the cleaning gap when the scraper is moved in an opening manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] The accompanying drawings show:

[0036] Figure 1 A suitable cleaning system with a dehydration device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown by way of example;

[0037] Figure 2a A perspective view showing a top view of a flushing slot with a scraper in its flushing position according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2b A perspective view showing a top view of a water flushing gap with a scraper according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an upper position widening the water flushing gap;

[0039] Figure 3a Show Figure 2a and Figure 2b A top view of a scraper in FIG.

[0040] Figure 3b Show Figure 2a and Figure 2b A side cross-sectional view of a scraper in FIG.

[0041] Figure 4 A diagram showing dimensions according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 3a , Figure 3b Scraper in. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] exist Figure 11 shows a cleaning system 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The cleaning system 1 shown has a cleaning station 1.1 with a barrel 3. In the barrel 3, a squeezing area 2 and a cleaning area 4 are arranged by way of example. The cleaning area 4 comprises a tank 4.1 for cleaning liquid, a pump 4.2 and an operating device 4.3 for the pump 4.2 and a nozzle (hidden in the figure) which sprays the cleaning liquid in the tank 4.1 onto a wiper sleeve 6.3 of a cleaning tool 6 when the pump 4.2 is operated.

[0043] The squeezing area 2 comprises a dewatering device 2.1 having a squeezing gap 2.2 in which a scraper 10 is arranged. Figure 1 The carrier plate 6.2 is introduced and covered with the wiper sleeve 6.3).

[0044] In the embodiment shown, the dewatering device 2.1 and the introduction opening 5.2 into the cleaning area 4 are fixed to the tub 3 by means of a support 5. A baffle element 5.1 is provided on the support 5, which partially covers the tub 3 upwards and thus delimits the introduction opening 5.2 in the cleaning area 4 or the squeezing area 2 with the dewatering device 2.1.

[0045] The cleaning system 1 according to the invention also comprises a cleaning tool 6, which has a handle 6.1 and a carrier plate 6.2 together with a wiper sleeve 6.3 arranged thereon. The handle 6.1 and the carrier plate 6.2 are connected to each other via a universal joint 6.4 without limiting the generality. In the embodiment shown, the cleaning tool 6 is introduced into the dewatering device 2.1 partially through the introduction opening 5.1 by means of the carrier plate 6.2 rotating parallel to the handle 6.1 together with the wiper sleeve 6.3 in a vertical position. The universal joint 6.4 is only partially visible.

[0046] Figure 2a and Figure 2b A cleaning station 1.1 according to the invention is shown in detail in a plan view obliquely from above in the area of ​​an inlet opening 5.2 (without the baffle element 5.1 for better clarity) for the dewatering device 2 or the cleaning area 4. The squeezing gap 2.1 with the scraper 10 can be seen. Figure 2a In the embodiment, the scraper is in the squeezing position which narrows the gap 2.1. Figure 2b In the second position, the water squeezing gap 2.1 is widened.

[0047] The scraper 10 has at its two opposite ends lever arms 11 extending therefrom and encircling the squeezing gap 2.1 on both sides. At the ends of the lever arms, a flat weight 12 can be seen, which serves to increase the restoring torque. Figure 2bIn the embodiment shown, the lever arm with the weight is clearly tilted upward. In the embodiment shown, according to an advantageous embodiment, the scraper 10, the lever arm 11 and the weight 12 are formed in one piece and of the same material.

[0048] In the embodiment shown, the scraper 10 has, by way of example, a limiting element 13 on the side facing away from the flushing slot 2 . 1 , which, together with a stop element (not shown) at the flushing slot, limits the pivoting movement of the scraper 10 upwards, which forms a counterbearing.

[0049] Furthermore, guide elements 14 can be seen, which facilitate the insertion of the carrier plate 6 . 2 together with the wiper sleeve 6 . 3 when the scraper 10 is oriented horizontally.

[0050] Figure 3a and Figure 3b Show Figure 2a and Figure 2b 1 and 12. In addition to the lever arm 11 and the weight 12, the short lateral axis 13 for supporting in the corresponding hole (not shown here) in the squeezing gap and the pivot axis 16 can be seen. The scraping edge is denoted by 17.

[0051] The scraper is as shown in FIG. 3. Figure 4 The dimensions visible in FIG. Length L is 106.19 mm and width b is 10.65 mm (excluding lever arm). The scraper is pivotally supported in the water squeezing gap. The scraper is made of ABS. The lever arm extends out of the scraper at a length a of 13.32 mm at both ends along its longitudinal direction. The lever arm is provided with an additional weight formed in a planar manner at its end. The distance A of the outer contour of the additional weight from the pivot axis of the scraper is 40.43 mm. The lever arm, the scraper, the lever arm and the additional weight are formed in one piece and with the same material. The weight of the scraper itself is 3.4 g without the lever arm and the weight, and the weight of the additional weight is 1.35 g each. The distance between the additional weight and the pivot axis is 30 mm. Thereby, an additional torque of 0.00008 Nm is applied to the scraper by the additional weight. The torque is sufficient to reset the scraper to the water squeezing position.

Claims

1. A dehydrating device (2.1) for dehydrating a wiping sleeve (6.3) on a carrying plate (6.2) of a cleaning tool (6), the dehydrating device comprising: A water squeezing gap (2.2), into which the carrier plate (6.2) together with the wiping sleeve (6.3) can be introduced; and at least one scraper (10) pivotably supported in the squeezing gap (2.2), the scraper being used to scrape moisture off the wiping sleeve (6.3), wherein the at least one scraper (10) is pivotable back and forth between a squeezing position that narrows the squeezing gap (2.2) and a position that widens the squeezing gap (2.2), and a mechanism is provided that automatically returns the at least one scraper (10) to the squeezing position again after being deflected to the position that widens the squeezing gap, It is characterized in that The mechanism comprises at least one lever arm (11) which acts on the at least one scraper (10) and applies a resetting torque to the at least one scraper (10) in a gravity-driven manner.

2. The dehydration device (2.1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The at least one lever arm (11) is arranged on the scraper (10) and projects from the scraper.

3. The dewatering device (2.1) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The at least one lever arm (11) has an additional weight (12) to increase the torque.

4. The dewatering device (2.1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that The weight (12) is arranged at the end of the lever arm (11) opposite to the scraper (10).

5. Dewatering device (2.1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that The at least one lever arm (11) extending from the scraper (10) surrounds the squeezing gap (2.2).

6. Dewatering device (2.1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, It is characterized in that Two lever arms (11) extending from the water-squeezing gap (2.2) are provided, and the lever arms surround the water-squeezing gap (2.2) on both sides.

7. The dewatering device (2.1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, It is characterized in that The scraper (10), the lever arm (11) and the weight (12) are made of a uniform material and are integrally formed.

8. The dewatering device (2.1) according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The weight (12) is formed by a thickening, a flat additional element and / or an outward protrusion on the at least one lever arm (11).

9. A cleaning station (1.1) comprising a tub (3) having a cleaning area (4) and a squeezing area (2), wherein the cleaning area (4) and / or the squeezing area (2) is provided with a dewatering device (2.1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The cleaning station (1.1) according to claim 9, It is characterized in that A support (5) is provided, by means of which a dewatering device (2.2) or a plurality of dewatering devices (2.2) can be fixed to the barrel (3).

11. A cleaning system (1) comprising a cleaning tool (6) having a carrier plate (6.2) and a wiper sleeve (6.3) and a handle (6.1) and a cleaning station (1.1) according to claim 9 or 10.

12. The cleaning system (1) according to claim 11, It is characterized in that The carrier plate (6.2), the wiper sleeve (6.3) and the handle (6.1) are connected to each other via a universal joint (6.4), so that the carrier plate (6.2) together with the wiper sleeve (6.3) can be pivoted parallel to the handle into a vertical position and can be introduced into the squeezing gap (2.2) of a dewatering device (2.1) or multiple dewatering devices in the vertical position for squeezing water.

13. A cleaning system according to claim 11 or 12, It is characterized in that A guide element is provided on the scraper (10) for guiding the carrier plate (6.2) together with the wiping sleeve (6.3) into the squeezing gap (2.2).

Images