Container for cleaning system and cleaning system

Abstract

The invention relates to a container for a cleaning system for cleaning a wiping mop by means of a cleaning liquid, comprising a tank (10) for storing a cleaning agent and a cleaning basin (20) for cleaning the wiping mop, and a liquid-conducting connection between the tank and the cleaning basin, wherein the liquid-conducting connection is provided with a closing device. According to the invention, the closing device is designed in such a way that the closing device automatically causes closing of the liquid-conducting connection when a predetermined filling level (21) of the cleaning agent is reached in the cleaning basin (20). The invention also relates to a cleaning system having a wiping mop and such a container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a container for a cleaning system used to clean a mop with a cleaning liquid. The container includes a tank for storing cleaning agent and a cleaning basin for washing the mop, and a liquid-conducting connection between the tank and the basin, the liquid-conducting connection being equipped with a sealing device. The invention also relates to a cleaning system having such a container. Background Technology

[0002] The type of container first proposed is known from WO2022 / 148596 A1. Known cleaning containers include tanks for storing cleaning agents and basins for washing mops. The tank and basin are connected in a liquid-conducting manner through a first opening in the lower region of the basin. The first opening can be closed by means of a slide plate. A second opening exists in the upper region of the tank for filling the tank with cleaning liquid. During filling, the first opening between the tank and the basin is closed, thereby preventing uncontrolled leakage of cleaning liquid during filling. After filling, the second opening is closed, and the first opening between the tank and the basin is opened by manipulating the slide plate. Cleaning liquid now enters the basin through the first opening. Correspondingly, air enters the tank through the first opening. Once the cleaning liquid level reaches the upper edge of the first opening, air can no longer enter the tank, and because the tank is now airtight, cleaning liquid no longer leaks out. Thus, the upper edge of the opening determines the height of the liquid level in the basin. The height is determined such that it is sufficient to wash the mop in the cleaning basin in one go. Here, the mop absorbs the cleaning liquid, and thus, especially after the mop is removed from the cleaning basin, the liquid level drops again to a level below the upper edge of the opening. This allows air to re-enter the tank through the opening and fresh cleaning liquid to flow out into the cleaning basin. The automatic filling, based on the so-called "inverted bottle principle," ensures that a preset amount of fresh cleaning liquid is always provided before each mop wash, without the need to operate valves or other operating devices. This continues until the tank is emptied. Then, the first opening is closed again by means of a slide plate, and the second opening is opened to fill the tank. The premise of automatic filling by means of the so-called "inverted bottle principle" is that the tank is essentially airtight when the filling opening is closed and the first opening is submerged.

[0003] In the container described at the beginning, the storage tank is constructed in two parts. The two parts are welded together. It is essential to ensure that the weld is sealed, thereby making the storage tank airtight. This is technically costly in manufacturing, and the removal of unsealed tanks results in a higher scrap rate.

[0004] Furthermore, the need for airtightness presents a disadvantage for the user during use. If the user does not close the filling opening, they must interrupt the water flow by manipulating the slide, reopen it after each rinse cycle, and close it again when the desired water level in the cleaning basin is reached. This results in increased operational costs. Additionally, if the user closes the slide too late, the number of possible rinse cycles is reduced due to the unpredictable metering of water in the cleaning container.

[0005] Due to the required airtightness, alternative joining techniques to welding require costly sealing systems, and are subject to wear and error during use. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of this invention is to improve the type of container mentioned earlier, so that the container can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively while maintaining its advantageous usability. Furthermore, a cleaning system having a wiping mop and such a container should be provided.

[0007] The objective is achieved by means of a container having all the features of claim 1. Claim 10 describes a cleaning system having such a container. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] A container for a cleaning system that uses a cleaning liquid to clean a mop includes: a tank for storing cleaning agent, a cleaning basin for washing the mop, and a liquid-conducting connection between the tank and the cleaning basin, wherein the liquid-conducting connection is provided with a sealing device. According to the invention, the sealing device is configured such that when a preset level of cleaning agent is reached in the cleaning basin, the sealing device automatically causes the liquid-conducting connection to close.

[0009] The cleaning container according to the invention, in contrast to this type of cleaning container, provides a sealing device for automatically closing the liquid-conducting connection when a preset liquid level is reached in the cleaning basin during filling. This eliminates the requirement for airtightness of the storage tank, and the tank can be manufactured not only simply but also cost-effectively. Possible operational errors, such as improper sealing of the cap covering the filling opening, or excessive mechanical loads that could cause leaks in the welds, do not impair the operation of the cleaning container according to the invention. Because airtight welding is not required, the containers, in their detachable connections, can be easily disassembled for cleaning or drying of the internal space.

[0010] According to the present invention, the sealing device is configured such that when a preset liquid level of detergent is reached in the cleaning basin, the sealing device automatically causes the liquid-conducting connection to close. There is no need to operate a lever or pedal as is also known in the prior art. This maintains the ease of operation of this cleaning container.

[0011] Enclosure devices can be, for example, sensor-controlled electromechanical enclosure devices.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sealing device is configured as a float valve. Here, the float valve can include a float and a flow-closing element in a known manner. The invention utilizes Archimedes' principle, according to which an object in a liquid experiences buoyancy, the buoyancy corresponding to the weight of the liquid expelled by the object. Therefore, according to the invention, the float and flow-closing element are designed and arranged in the cleaning container such that when the liquid level in the cleaning basin reaches a preset level, the float and flow-closing element, utilizing Archimedes' principle, automatically closing the connection between the tank and the cleaning basin for conducting liquid. When the cleaning basin is filled, the float experiences buoyancy and rises. The flow-closing element is coupled to the float such that the flow-closing element is automatically positioned by this upward movement to close the connection for conducting liquid. If the liquid level in the cleaning basin drops, the buoyancy also decreases, the float similarly drops, and this causes the flow-closing element to automatically release the connection for conducting liquid again. It can be suggested that the choke element will only be removed from the liquid-conducting connection when the float is below the preset lower liquid level of the cleaning liquid.

[0013] The closed and open positions can be determined in a simple way through the design of the float and its placement within the cleaning container. This requires only simple calculations based on Archimedes' principle, taking into account the weight of the float and the buoyancy acting on it in relation to the (changing) liquid level in the cleaning basin.

[0014] Different implementation schemes can be considered for the float. The float, for example, can be a simple structure comprising an air-filled hollow plastic body. Here, the hollow plastic body can be manufactured from two parts welded together, thereby surrounding the cavity.

[0015] The float can also be manufactured by blow molding or gas pressure molding. Alternatively, the float can be made of a foamed polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the polymer is a closed-cell foam. Alternatively, naturally occurring foams with a density >1 g / cm³ are also acceptable. 3 Materials such as cork are also suitable.

[0016] The flow-closing element can form the valve body of the float valve. The valve seat can be installed at the connection point for conducting the liquid. This connection point can also be configured in various ways, such as as a liquid pipeline, flexibly or rigidly, having openings in the storage tank or cleaning basin, or simply as a direct through opening between the storage tank and the cleaning basin without intermediate pipeline components. The opening configured as the valve seat can be equipped with a sealing element.

[0017] A structurally simple solution is proposed whereby the flow-blocking element is provided with a sealing element or constitutes itself as a sealing element. Here, the sealing material can include, in a known manner, a rubber-elastic material.

[0018] The float can float on the liquid surface, preferably in the cleaning basin, and moves with the rise and fall of the liquid level to move the choke element to a closed or open position. However, there is a risk that the float may be damaged or at least functionally impaired by the immersion of the mop. Therefore, the float is preferably located outside the direct immersion area of ​​the mop and protected by a housing from mechanical damage caused by the mop.

[0019] The float and the throttling element are effectively connected to each other. As is known in conventional float valves, this effective connection can be established via a lever mechanism. Here, a lever is clamped at the float, and the throttling element is coupled at the lever. When the float rises, the throttling element is pressed into the opening to be closed via the lever, and is removed from the opening again when the float sinks.

[0020] Preferably, the float and the throttling element are directly coupled to each other, i.e., without an intermediate connecting lever. The float and the throttling element can be constructed as a single piece. Such a valve can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively, and is robust in operation.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tank and cleaning basin are designed such that the liquid volume in the tank is several times the volume of the cleaning basin to be filled. This ensures that the contents of the tank are sufficient to clean the mop multiple times with fresh cleaning liquid before the tank must be refilled for a new cleaning cycle.

[0022] Preferably, the storage tank and the cleaning basin are connected to each other in the lower region via a connecting pipe. As long as the liquid level in the storage tank is higher than that in the cleaning basin, gravity ensures that the cleaning liquid flows from the storage tank to the cleaning basin through the liquid-conducting connection when the closure device is opened. Here, the closure device according to the invention enables automatic metering filling of the cleaning basin after filling the storage tank or after each washing process.

[0023] When the storage tank and cleaning basin are placed directly adjacent to each other, a particularly simple structure is achieved. Preferably, the storage tank and cleaning basin have a common sidewall with a through opening serving as a connection for conducting liquid.

[0024] Advantageously, the float and the flow-closing element are arranged on this sidewall, either on one side of the tank or on one side of the cleaning basin, in such a way that the flow-closing element closes the through opening when the float rises. Here, a guiding element may be provided, which either positions the flow-closing element in the closed position or guides the float in a substantially vertical direction as it rises. The guiding element can be formed by a housing.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the float pulls the choke element into the through opening in the direction of buoyancy. If the closing element and / or the through opening are at least partially tapered, the choke element automatically centers in the opening due to the pull of the float. This avoids wedging and ensures a reliable closure.

[0026] The cleaning basin may extend into the storage tank and form a housing for the float valve there, with a through opening provided in the upper wall of the housing.

[0027] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the storage tank extends to below the cleaning basin, wherein a common through opening is provided in the bottom of the cleaning basin. Here, the through opening extends in a horizontal plane.

[0028] A particularly advantageous feature of the described embodiment is a sealing device comprising: a valve assembly having a valve body and a valve seat in the bottom region of the cleaning basin; and a float for opening and closing a through opening between the tank and the cleaning basin. The float may be connected to the valve such that it can at least actuate the valve body in a (generally vertical) upward direction to pull the valve body into the valve seat. In the described embodiment, the float may also be configured according to the type of buoyancy body. The float may also be part of or connected to the valve assembly. However, the described sealing device may also be applied in other embodiments according to the invention.

[0029] The through opening in the sidewall between the storage tank and the cleaning basin can be closed from one side of the cleaning basin or from one side of the storage tank using a flow-blocking element. In an advantageous embodiment, if closed from one side of the storage tank, the water pressure in the storage tank acts on the sealing element to assist in sealing when the opening is closed. This reduces the buoyancy required by the float. Consequently, the float can be implemented in a smaller size and with a greater weight. The weight of the float is then designed so that it overcomes the water pressure in the storage tank to open the sealing element even at low liquid levels in the cleaning container. With this embodiment, the opening of the connection and the re-inflow of water can be delayed as the liquid level drops. This results in less fresh water re-inflow during the rinsing process.

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment, the float pulls the closure element into the through opening in the direction of buoyancy. If the closure element and / or through opening are at least partially tapered, the closure element automatically centers in the opening due to the pull of the float. This avoids wedging and ensures a reliable closure.

[0031] The cleaning system according to the invention includes a wiping mop and a cleaning container according to the invention. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a dehydration device, such as a wringer basket, may also be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The following is based on Figures 1 to 10 The invention is further illustrated in the side sectional view.

[0033] Figure 1 This illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention in a filled state, wherein the sealing element is disposed on the tank side;

[0034] Figure 2 Showing the closed state Figure 1 Implementation methods;

[0035] Figure 3 This illustrates another preferred embodiment of the invention in a filled state, wherein a sealing element is disposed in a through opening in the bottom of the cleaning basin;

[0036] Figure 4 Showing the closed state Figure 3 Implementation methods;

[0037] Figure 5 Another preferred embodiment of the invention in a filled state is shown, wherein a float valve with a lever is shown in a through opening in the bottom of the cleaning basin;

[0038] Figure 6 Showing the closed state Figure 5 Implementation methods;

[0039] Figure 7 This illustrates another preferred embodiment of the invention in a filled state, wherein a sealing element is disposed on the cleaning basin side;

[0040] Figure 8 Showing the closed state Figure 7 Implementation methods;

[0041] Figure 9 A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in a perspective view, in which a float valve

[0042] Figure 10Shown in a side sectional view Figure 9 The implementation method in the text. Detailed Implementation

[0043] exist Figure 1 As can be seen in the cleaning container 1 according to the invention, the cleaning container has a storage tank 10 for cleaning liquid and a cleaning basin 20 adjacent to the storage tank for immersing (not shown) a mop. A float valve consisting of a float 3 and a flow-blocking element 4 is provided in the housing 6 of the cleaning basin 20. In this embodiment, the float 3 and the flow-blocking element 4 are constructed as a single piece without limitation. According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the flow-blocking element 4 is provided with a sealing element. A through opening 5 is provided at the upper end of the housing 6 toward the storage tank 10. The illustrated embodiment shows the cleaning container 1 according to the invention when the cleaning basin 20 is filled. The liquid level 21 in the cleaning basin 20 is low enough that the float 3, together with the sealing element 4, sinks and releases the through opening 5. The cleaning liquid flows into the cleaning basin 20 through the through opening 5. As a result, the liquid level 21 in the cleaning basin 20 rises, and the resulting buoyancy causes the float 3, together with the flow-blocking element 4, to float up until the flow-blocking element 4 subsequently closes the through opening 5. This interrupts the flow of cleaning liquid.

[0044] Figure 2 Shown in the closed state after filling Figure 1 The cleaning container is shown. It can be seen that the liquid level 11 in the storage tank 10 decreases, and the liquid level 21 in the cleaning basin 20 increases accordingly.

[0045] exist Figure 3Another preferred embodiment of the cleaning container 1 according to the invention is shown. In this embodiment, the storage tank 10 continues below the cleaning basin 20, with a through opening 5 facing the storage tank located at the bottom of the cleaning basin 20. Here, without limiting the generality, the closing element consisting of a float 3 and a flow-blocking element 4 passes through the through opening 5 such that the flow-blocking element 4 is below the through opening 5 in the storage tank 10, and the float 3 is above the through opening 5 in the cleaning basin 20. The two are coupled to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the float 3 is above the liquid level 21 in the cleaning basin 20, and the flow-blocking element 4 coupled to the float is below the through opening 5. Now, the cleaning liquid can enter from the storage tank 10 through the through opening 5 into the cleaning basin 20 and fill the cleaning basin. When filling the cleaning basin 20, the liquid level 21 reaches the float 3, which floats on the liquid surface and moves upward together with the liquid level 21. The flow-closing element 4, coupled to the float 3, follows the upward movement of the float 3 and is automatically positioned by the upward movement in a position where, upon reaching a preset liquid level 21 in the cleaning basin 20, the flow-closing element closes the through opening 5. If the liquid level 21 in the cleaning basin 20 drops, the float 3 also sinks downward, thereby causing the sealing element 4 to automatically release the through opening 5 again.

[0046] Figure 4 This shows the situation after filling and closing the through opening 5. Figure 3 The implementation method is shown in the figure.

[0047] exist Figure 5 In another preferred embodiment, a float valve is used, in which a flow-blocking element configured as a sealing element 4 is coupled to a float 3 via a lever 7. In this embodiment, the storage tank 10 also extends below the cleaning basin 20, with a through opening 5 located at the bottom of the cleaning basin 20. The flow-blocking element 4 and the float 3 are disposed in the cleaning basin 20. When the liquid level in the cleaning basin 20 rises, the float 3 rises and the flow-blocking element 4 moves toward the through opening 5 by means of the lever 7 until it reaches a preset liquid level in the cleaning basin 20, at which point the flow-blocking element closes the through opening 5.

[0048] Figure 6 This shows the case where the through opening 5 is closed after filling. Figure 5 The preferred embodiment of the cleaning basin. As can also be seen in the embodiment, when the float 3 sinks as the liquid level 21 drops, the flow-blocking element 4, which is coupled to the float 3 via the lever 7, is lifted again from the through opening 5, and the through opening is released for refilling.

[0049] Figure 7 Another preferred embodiment of the cleaning container 1 according to the invention is shown, in which the float 3 and the flow-blocking element are as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 The modified version is constructed as a single piece. The flow-blocking element 4 is disposed on the float 3 on the through-opening side and is fixedly connected to the float. The sealing element thus formed is disposed in the housing 6 at the edge of the cleaning basin 20 according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention. Therefore, the sealing element is outside the direct immersion area of ​​the wiping mop (not shown) and is protected from mechanical damage caused by the wiping mop by the housing 6.

[0050] In this embodiment, the storage tank 10 and the cleaning basin 20 are also arranged close to each other and have a common sidewall, in which the through opening 5 is located. It can be seen that in this embodiment, the through opening 5 is closed from one side of the storage tank by a float 3 together with a flow-blocking element 4. This has the advantage that, with the through opening closed, the water pressure in the storage tank 10 applies pressure to the flow-blocking element 4 together with the float 3, thereby aiding in the seal. Therefore, the required buoyancy of the float 3 is reduced. Consequently, the float can be implemented in a smaller size and with a greater weight. Thus, the weight of the float 3 can be designed such that when the liquid level 21 in the cleaning container 10 is low, the float opens the flow-blocking element 4 against the pressure of the water in the storage tank 10. With this embodiment, the opening of the through opening 5 and the re-inflow of water can be delayed when the liquid level 21 drops. Therefore, less fresh water re-inflow occurs during the rinsing process.

[0051] Figure 8 Shown in the closed state after filling Figure 7 The implementation method of the cleaning container.

[0052] exist Figure 9 (3D diagram) and Figure 10 A particularly preferred embodiment of the cleaning container according to the invention is shown in the side sectional view. In this embodiment, the tank 10 is formed by a double-walled hollow body that at least partially surrounds the cleaning basin 20 and extends horizontally below the cleaning basin 20, at least in a limited area. The inner wall 20a of the cleaning basin 20 has a groove-shaped, elongated recess 20b extending from top to bottom, at least in the area described above, which terminates in a raised area at the bottom 20c of the cleaning basin. A through opening 5 leading to the tank 10 disposed below is located in the raised area at the bottom 20c. The float 3 of the float valve is disposed in the groove-shaped recess 20b and guided within the recess. Towards the interior of the cleaning basin 20, a cover 61 (in Figure 9 (The text is omitted for better overview) is responsible for protecting against mechanical damage caused by the mop.

[0053] In the embodiment described, without limiting the generality, the flow-blocking element 4, which is constructed in a disc shape, is located below the through opening 5 and is fixedly connected to the float via a connecting element 3a passing through the through opening.

[0054] In the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 8 indicates a dehydration device, such as the housing of a wringer basket, which is not shown here.

[0055] The opening and closing of the valve is similar to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The operation of the embodiments described herein is carried out with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments.

Claims

1. A container for a cleaning system used to clean a mop with a cleaning liquid, the container comprising: Storage tank (10) for storing cleaning agents. and a cleaning basin (20) for washing the mop; and a liquid-conducting connection between the tank and the cleaning basin, wherein the liquid-conducting connection is provided with a sealing device, characterized in that the sealing device is configured such that when a preset liquid level (21) of the cleaning agent is reached in the cleaning basin (20), the sealing device automatically causes the liquid-conducting connection to close.

2. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The closure device includes a float valve having at least one float (3), the float being equipped with at least one cutoff fluid (4).

3. The container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The float (3) and the cut-off fluid (4) are composed of one piece.

4. The container according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The intercepting fluid (4) has a sealing element or is formed by a sealing element.

5. The container according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The storage tank 10 and the cleaning basin 20 are configured as a connecting pipe, wherein the liquid-conducting connection connects the storage tank 10 and the cleaning basin 20 in the lower region.

6. The container according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The connection for conducting liquid is formed through a through opening 5 between the storage tank 10 and the cleaning basin 20.

7. The container according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The through opening 5 extends substantially horizontally between the storage tank 10 and the cleaning basin 20.

8. The container according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The storage tank 10 extends at least partially horizontally below the bottom of the cleaning basin 20, and the through opening 5 is located in the area.

9. The container according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The storage tank 10 is at least partially configured as a double-walled hollow body, which at least partially surrounds the cleaning basin 20.

10. The container according to at least one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that, The float valve passes through the through opening 5, wherein the float 3 is disposed in the cleaning basin 20, and the flow-blocking element 4 is disposed in the storage tank 10.

11. The container according to claim 10, characterized in that, The float 3 is disposed in the elongated groove-shaped recess 20b in the wall 20a of the cleaning basin 20.

12. The container according to claim 11, characterized in that, The float 3 is shielded relative to the cleaning basin 20 by a cover 61.

13. A cleaning system comprising a mop and a container according to at least one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The cleaning system according to claim 11, characterized in that, It is equipped with dehydration equipment.

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