Device and method for squeezing out a wet cloth

Abstract

Device for squeezing out a wet cloth which device comprises: - a receiving space for receiving the wet cloth; - a squeezing member which has a shape and is movable in the receiving space such that the wet cloth received in the receiving space is squeezed out by means of the squeezing member; - at least one outlet opening for letting out squeezed-out liquid; and - a mechanism driven by an electric motor for the purpose of making the squeezing member move in the receiving space, characterized in that: - the device also comprises a first part and a second part, these together at least largely forming the receiving space; - the first part is provided with a first passage opening for inserting the wet cloth and for removing the squeezed-out cloth; and - the first part and the second part have a shape and are movable relative to each other such that the second part leaves the first passage opening clear in a first relative position and the second part closes the first passage opening in a second relative position. Also method for squeezing out a wet cloth by means of such a device. Preferably the motor and thereby the movement of the squeezing member, and the relative movements of the first part and the second part are controlled at least largely automatically by means of control means provided for this purpose.

Description

[0001] Device and method for squeezing out a wet cloth

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1, and also to a method according to the preamble of claim 15.

[0004] In the context of the invention the term ‘squeezing out’ refers to squeezing out in a linear motion and / or wringing out in a twisting motion. In the context of the invention the term ‘cloth’ refers to an all-purpose cloth, cleaning cloth or microfibre cloth, but also to a swab, mop, floor wiper, sponge or similar object, or an item for laundering.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006] Wringing out a wet cloth in a twisting motion during domestic activities such as cleaning, wiping, washing dishes, mopping and washing is known. The wringing out takes place manually, which may result in physical problems due to straining of hands and wrists in particular, particularly for older and weaker people, for people with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or muscle disease, and for cleaners and carers who have to perform such acts frequently in a professional capacity.

[0007] Also known are devices for squeezing out a wet cloth in a linear motion, wherein use is made of a ‘lever mechanism’, for instance DE567109C, US2007277341 A1, CN212939621U, or a ‘spindle mechanism’, for instance DE249275C, CN205711438U. The device can here be stand-alone, for instance CN205711438U, CN203049301U, CN205711438U, or be held in one’s hands during use, for instance W02005118943 A1 , US2007277341A1 , or be arranged on a bucket / vessel, for instance DE567109C, CN212939621U, or be suspended fiom / in a bucket / vessel, for instance CN212939621U. The use of Such a device can however also result in said problems for said people since an amount of manual force is still needed therefor.

[0008] Also known are devices for squeezing out a wet cloth in a linear motion, comprising a mechanism winch is driven by an electric motor, EP0614644A1 thus describes an ‘automatic mop wringer’ comprising a bucket (32) placed on a platform (23) with wheels (24), and a ‘squeezing head’ (25) comprising ‘squeezing arms or vanes’ (27) electrically driven by one or mote motors powered by a battery. By pressing a button the ‘squeezing arms or vanes’ (27) begin to move so that the ‘mop or scrubber’ is compressed in a tapering perforated basket / filter (30) and is thus squeezed out, wherein the squeezed-out liquid tuns off therethrough and into the bucket (32). CN106757956A describes a washing machine comprising a drum (1), a plate (3) which can be moved up and downward therein, and a mechanism comprising a gear rack (4) and gears (5 ,6) driven by means of an electric motor. The plate (3) moving up and downward provides for the washing and rinsing of clothing which is submerged in water in the drum (1). After the washing and rinsing, the plate (3) is moved downward so that the laundry is compressed and squeezed out, wherein the squeeze- out liquid runs off through an opening (18) in the bottom of the drum (1) and a discharge pipe (19).

[0009] Also known are electrically driven devices for spin-drying a wet cloth in a rotating motion. CH687030A5 thus describes a combination of a spin-dryer and a dryer. Wet laundry is dried therein by spinning and by means of a warm airflow.

[0010] Known electrically driven devices are however voluminous, fragile, heavy, difficult to handle, impractical, complex, expensive and require a lot of maintenance. The present invention now provides an improved solution for squeezing a wet cloth which does not have said problems, or at least does so to lesser extent, and in addition also has a number of advantages of its own. Summary of the invention

[0011] The invention provides a device according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 15.

[0012] The squeezing out of a wet Cloth can thus take place easily, effectively and with minimal physical strain. The device is here compact, robust, low-maintenance, light-weight, easy to handle and user-friendly, and has a simple construction and a favourable cost price.

[0013] Brief description of the drawings

[0014] The invention is further elucidated hereinbelow on the basis of non-limitative exemplary embodiments.

[0015] In the drawings: figure 1 is a perspective view of a part of a first and a second exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention, and figure 2 is a perspective view thereof in a view with exploded parts; figure 3 is a perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention; figure 4 is a perspective view of the second exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention; figure 5 is a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of a device according to the in vention; figure 6 is a perspective view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a device according to file invention, figure 7 is a perspecti ve view thereof in a view with exploded parts, figure 8 is an isometric longitudinal section thereof, and figure 9 is a perspective view thereof, suspended from the upper edge of a bucket. Further elucidation and exemplary embodiments

[0016] The devices (100,200,300,400) shown in figures 1-9 each comprise a receiving space (2) for receiving a wet cloth (3), here a wet microfibre cloth, and also a squeezing member (4) which has a shape and is movable in the receiving space (2) such that the wet cloth (3) received in the receiving space (2) is squeezed out by means of the squeezing member (4), wherein the receiving space (2) is provided with a number of outlet openings (6,19,22) for letting out squeezed-out liquid. The devices (100,200,300,400) also each comprise a mechanism driven by an electric motor (7) for the purpose of making the squeezing member (4) move in the receiving space (2).

[0017] According to the invention, each device (100,200,300,400) now also comprises a first part (12; 16) and a second part (15 ;20), these together at least largely forming the receiving space (2). The first part (12; 16) is provided here with a first passage opening (14; 17) for inserting the wet cloth (3) and for removing the squeezed-out cloth, and the first part (12;16) and the second part ( 15;20) have a shape and are movable relative to each other such that the second part (15;20) leaves the first passage opening ( 14;17) clear in a first relative position and the second part (15;20) closes the first passage opening (14; 17) in a second relative position.

[0018] In the devices (100,200,300) shown in figures 1-5 the first part (12) and the second part (15) are cylindrical and coaxial, and rotatable relative to each other between the first relative position and second relative position. The first part (12) is here situated wholly or partially inside the second part (15). The second part (15) is provided with a second passage opening for inserting the wet cloth (3) and for removing the squeezed-out cloth, which second passage opening overlaps the first passage opening (14) in the first relative position.

[0019] In the device (400) shown in figures 6-9 the first part (16) and the second part (20) are translatable relative to each other between the first relative position and the second relative position. The first part (16) takes the form of a receptacle provided with first outlet openings (19) for letting out squeezed-out liquid, wherein the first part (16) is situated outside the second part (20) in the first relative position and is slid into the second part (20) in the second relative position. The second part (20) is provided with second outlet openings (22) for letting out squeezed-out liquid, these overlapping the first outlet openings (19) in the second relative position.

[0020] In the devices (100,200,300,400) shown in figures 1-9 the squeezing member (4) comprises a plunger which is translatable in the receiving space (2), The wet cloth (3) can thus be squeezed out in a linear motion. In other embodiments of a device according to the invention the squeezing member (4) or the plunger can be rotatable, or both translatable and rotatable. The wet cloth can thus be squeezed out in a twisting motion.

[0021] The devices (160,200,300,400) shown in figures 1-9 also each comprise a housing (1) and an electric battery (25), which housing (1) encloses the motor (7) and the battery (25) and is watertight In the context of the invention the term ‘watertight’ is understood to mean ‘from wholly watertight to splash-proof. The device (100) shown in figure 3 also comprises an electrically driven handheld caulking gun (8) which forms the housing (1) here, wherein the mechanism comprises a gear rack (9). The device (200) shown in figure 4 also comprises an electrically driven handheld drill (10) which forms the housing (1) here, wherein the mechanism comprises a spindle (11). The device (300) shown in figure 5 and the device (400) shown in figures 6-9 each comprise their ‘own’ housing (1) for their ‘own’ motor (7) and their ‘own’ battery (25), wherein the motor (7) is here connected by means of a gear mechanism (26) and a spindle (11) to the squeezing member (4),

[0022] The device (300) shown in figure 5 and the device (400) shown in figures 6-9 also each comprise control means for automatically controlling the motor (7) and thereby the movement of the squeezing member (4), and the relative movements of the first part (12;16) and the second part (15;20).

[0023] The device (300) shown in figure 5 and the device (400) shown in figures 6-9 are provided hem with suspending means (23) for being suspended from the upper edge of a bucket (24), which entails an even greater convenience of use and results in even less strain for the user. In the context of the invention the term ‘bucket’ is used in its broadest sense and, in addition to a common bucket, may also refer to a vessel of any other random form. A method for squeezing out a wet cloth (3) according to the invention by means of a device (100,200,300,400) according to the invention comprises of moving the squeezing member (4) in the receiving space (2) by means of the mechanism driven by the electric motor (7), such that the wet cloth (3 ) situated in the receiving space (2) is squeezed out by means of the squeezing member (4), Wherein squeezed-out liquid is let out of the recei ving space (2) through the outlet openings (6,19,22).

[0024] According to the invention: the first part (12; 16) and the second part (15 ;20) are moved relative to each other to the first relative position before the wet cloth (3) is inserted;

[0025] - the wet cloth (3) is inserted via the first passage opening (14;17) while the first part ( 12; 16) and the second part (15;20) are in the first relative position;

[0026] - the first part (12; 16) and the second part (15 ;20) are moved relative to each other to the second relative position after the wet cloth (3) has been inserted and before the wet cloth (3) is squeezed out;

[0027] - the wet cloth (3) is squeezed out in the receiving space (2) by means of the squeezing member (4) while the first part (12;16) and the second part (15;20) are in the second relative position;

[0028] - the first part (12;16) and the second part; (15;20) are moved relative to each other to the first relative position after the wet cloth (3) has been squeezed out; and

[0029] - the squeezed-out cloth is removed via the first passage opening (14; 17) while the first part (12; 16) and the second part (15;20) are in the first relative position.

[0030] The squeezing out of the wet cloth (3) can thus take place easily, effectively and with minimal physical strain.

[0031] The motor (7), and thereby the movement of the squeezing member (4), arid the relative movements of the first part (12;16) and the second part (15;20) are here preferably controlled at least largely automatically by means of control means provided for this purpose. Squeezing out of the wet cloth (3) can thus take place at least largely automatically, which results in even less strain for the user. The controlling preferably takes place here such that the squeezing member (4) is moved in the receiving space (2) only if the first part (12; 16) and the second part (15;20) are in the second relative position, this increasing the safety of the device (300,400) and the use thereof.

[0032] Reference symbols used

[0033] 100. first exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention

[0034] 200. second exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention 300. third exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention 400. fourth exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention

[0035] 1. housing

[0036] 2. receiving space

[0037] 3. wet cloth

[0038] 4. squeezing member (plunger)

[0039] 5. wall of 2

[0040] 6. outlet opening in 5 (for squeezed-out liquid)

[0041] 7. electric motor

[0042] 8. handheld caulking gun

[0043] 9. gear rack

[0044] 10. handheld drill

[0045] 11. spindle

[0046] 12. first part of 100,200,300

[0047] 13. wall of 12

[0048] 14. first passage opening in 13 (for insertion and removal cloth)

[0049] 15. second part of 100,200,300

[0050] 16. first part of 400

[0051] 17. first passage opening in 16 (for insertion and removal cloth)

[0052] 18. wall of 16

[0053] 19. first outlet opening in 18 (for squeezed-out liquid)

[0054] 20. second part of 400

[0055] 21. wall of 20

[0056] 22. second outlet opening in 20 (for squeezed-out liquid)

[0057] 23. suspending means

[0058] 24. bucket

[0059] 25. electric battery

[0060] 26. gear mechanism

Claims

Claims1, Device (100,200,300,400) for squeezing out a wet cloth (3), which device (100,200,300,400) comprises:- a receiving space (2) for receiving the wet cloth (3);- a squeezing member (4) which has a shape arid is movable in the receiving space (2) such that the wet cloth (3) received in the receiving space (2) is squeezed out by means of the squeezing member (4);- at least one outlet opening (6,19,22) tor letting out squeezed-out liquid; and- a mechanism driven by an electric motor (7) for the purpose of making the squeezing member (4) move in the receiving space (2), characterized in that:- the device (100,200,300,400) also comprises a first part (12;16) and a second part (15;20), these together at least largely forming the receiving space (2); - the first part (12; 16) is provided with a first passage opening (14; 17) for inserting the wet cloth (3) and for removing the squeezed-out cloth; and- the first part (12; 16) and the second part (15;20) have a shape and are movable relative to each other such that the second part (15;20) leaves the first passage opening (14; 17) clear in a first relative position and the second part (15;20) closes the first passage opening (14; 17) in a second relative position.

2. Device (100,200,300) according to claim 1, characterized in that:- the first part (12) and the second part (15) are substantially cylindrical and coaxial, wherein the first part (12) lies at least partially inside the second part (15) in the second relative position; and- the second part (15) is provided with a second passage opening for inserting the wet cloth (3) and for removing the squeezed-out cloth, which second passage opening overlaps the first passage opening (14) at least partially in the first relative position.

3. Device (400) according to claim 1, characterized in that: the first part ( 16) takes the form of a receptacle and is provided with at least one first outlet opening (19) for letting out squeezed-out liquid and is situated at least partially inside the second part (20) in the second relative position; and- the second part (20) is provided with at least one second outlet opening (22) for letting out squeezed-out liquid, which at least one second outlet opening (22) overlaps the at least one first outlet opening (19) at least partially in the first relative position.

4. Device (100,200,300) according to any one of the claims 1-3, characterized in that the first part (12) and the second part (15) are rotatable relative to each other.

5. Device (400) according to any one of the claims 1-4, characterized in that the first part (16) and the second part (20) are rotatable relative to each other.

6. Device (100,200,300,400) according to any one of the claims 1 -5, characterized in that the squeezing member (4) comprises a plunger.

7. Device (100,200,300,400) according to any one of the claims 1-6, characterized in that the squeezing member (4) is translatable in the receiving space (2).

8. Device according to any one of the claims 1-7, characterized in that the squeezing member is rotatable in the receiving space.

9. Device (100,200,300,400) according to any one of the claims 1-8, characterized in that the device (100,200,300,400) also comprises a housing (1) and an electric battery (25), which housing (1) encloses the motor (7) and the battery (25) and is watertight.

10. Device (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that the device (100) also comprises an electrically driven handheld caulking gun (8), which handheld caulking gun (8) forms the housing (1), wherein the mechanism comprises a gear rack (9).

11. Device (200) according to claim 9, characterized in that the device (200) also comprises an electrically driven handheld drill (10), which handheld drill (10) forms the housing (1), wherein the mechanism comprises a spindle (11 ).

12. Device (300,400) according to any one of the claims 1-11, characterized in that the device (300,400) also comprises control means for at least largely automatically controlling the motor (7) and thereby the movement of the squeezing member (4).

13. Device (300,400) according to claim 12, characterized in that the control means are also configured and suitable to at least largely automatically control the relative movements of the first part (12; 16) and the second part (15;20).

14. Device (300,400) according to any one of the claims 1-13, characterized in that the device (300,400) is provided with suspending means (23) for suspending the device (300,400) from the upper edge of a bucket (24).

15. Method for squeezing out a wet cloth (3) by means of a device (100,200,300,400) according to claim 1, the method comprising of moving the squeezing member (4) in the receiving space (2) by means of the mechanism driven by the electric motor (7), such that the wet cloth (3) situated in the receiving space (2) is squeezed out by means of the squeezing member (4), wherein squeezed-out liquid is let out of the receiving space (2) through the at least one outlet opening (6,19,22), characterized in that:- the first part ( 12; 16) and the second part (15;20) are moved relative to each other to the first relative position before the wet cloth (3) is inserted;- the wet cloth (3) is inserted via the first passage opening (14; 17) while the first part (12;16) and the second part (15;20) are in the first relative position;- the first part (12; 16) and the second part (15;20) are moved relative to each other to the second relative position after the wet cloth (3) has been inserted and before the wet cloth (3) is squeezed out;- the wet cloth (3) is squeezed out in the receiving space (2) by means of the squeezing member (4) while the first part (12;16) and the second part. (15;20) are in the second relative position;- the first part (12; 16) and the second part (15;20) are moved relative to each other to the first relative position after the wet cloth (3) has been squeezed out; and- the squeezed-out cloth is removed via the first passage opening (14; 17) while the first part ( 12; 16) and the second part (15;20) are in the first relative position.

16. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the motor (7), and thereby the movement of the squeezing member (4), are controlled at least largely automatically by means of control means provided for this purpose.

17. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that the controlling takes place such that the squeezing member (4) is moved in the receiving space (2) only if the first part (12; 16) and the second part (15;20) are in the second relative position.

18. Method according to claim 16 or 17, charaeterized in that the relative movements of the first part (12; 16) and the second part (15;20) are also controlled at least largely automatically by means of the control means.

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