Mop head and mop, and cleaning system comprising a mop head

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning element (3) for a mop head (1), comprising cleaning strips, cleaning strings and / or flat structures (4) of textile material, which, for the simple, easy and efficient cleaning of the cleaning strips, cleaning strings and / or flat structures (4) themselves, is equipped with at least one cleaning agent (8) that slowly dissolves upon contact with water.

Description

[0001] Mop head and mop and cleaning system with mop head

[0002] Description

[0003] Technical area

[0004] The invention relates to a cleaning element for a mop head, comprising cleaning strips, fringes and / or fabrics made of textile material, as well as a mop and a cleaning system with such a cleaning element.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] GB 211,184 describes a mop with a handle and a mop head with a cleaning element made of textile strips or strands for cleaning dishes, among other things, in which a cleaning liquid, e.g. soap solution, is continuously dispensed via the mop head onto the surface to be cleaned during the cleaning process. For this purpose, the known mop has a reservoir containing a cleaning liquid in the handle. The reservoir has openings in its upper wall for filling the reservoir with water. The base of the reservoir is provided with outlet openings through which the cleaning liquid continuously flows downwards into the mop head due to gravity. GB 191,501 discloses a cleaning brush in which soap solution is also dispensed onto the surface to be cleaned during the cleaning process. For this purpose, the brush is provided with a container containing soap on its upper side.The container can be filled with water by immersing the brush, which forms a soap solution inside the container. The outlet openings for the soap solution are spaced from the container bottom and arranged in an upper area of ​​the container wall, so that the liquid does not flow downwards indiscriminately, but can be applied precisely by the user simply by shaking or tilting the brush.

[0007] Another brush with an integrated soap solution tank is known from US Pat. No. 6,439,790 B1. In this brush, the supply of soap solution during the cleaning process is controlled mechanically via a valve and a mechanism.

[0008] What all of the aforementioned cleaning devices have in common is that the cleaning fluid is intended to clean the surface being cleaned. Cleaning the cleaning element or brush head itself is not described, so dirt residues remain in the cleaning element or brush head and can lead to permanent contamination and unpleasant odors.

[0009] A cleaning element of the type mentioned above is known from DE 10 2014 017 559 B3. This document describes a cleaning system that, among other things, also includes a device for rinsing the cleaning element with fresh water during centrifugation.

[0010] The well-known cleaning system involves a so-called spin mop, in which the cleaning element is spun dry after rinsing. Excess cleaning fluid is removed from the cleaning element through centrifugal forces.

[0011] Specifically, the known wiping system is characterized by a mop with a mop head, a cleaning element, and a handle. The cleaning element has a support body to which cleaning strips made of a textile material are attached. It also includes a bucket with a washing device for immersing and washing the mop head with the cleaning strips, and a spinning device with a drainage basket for spinning the cleaning strips dry. In the known system, a fresh water reservoir is provided in the bucket, which is in fluid communication with a fresh water dome that extends into the drainage basket and fills it. For spinning, the mop head with the cleaning strips is placed on the fresh water dome in the drainage basket.When the drainage basket is then set in rotation, the fresh water is projected radially outward through perforations in the casing of the fresh water dome and hits the cleaning strips of the mop head. Additives can also be added to the fresh water.

[0012] The disadvantage of this system is the high construction effort, which is particularly required to supply the fresh water to the cleaning element in the drainage basket as centrally as possible.

[0013] The object of the invention is to further develop a cleaning element of the known type so that it can be cleaned after each cleaning process in a simple and efficient manner, without requiring significant constructional effort. A further object of the invention is to provide a mop and a cleaning system with such a cleaning element. Description of the invention

[0014] This object is achieved according to the invention with a cleaning element having the features of patent claim 1, a mop having the features of patent claim 13, and a cleaning system having the features of patent claim 15. The subclaims refer to advantageous embodiments.

[0015] According to the invention, a cleaning element for a mop head, which comprises cleaning strips, fringes and / or fabrics made of textile material, is provided with at least one cleaning agent which dissolves slowly in contact with water.

[0016] Surprisingly, it has been shown that this principle, familiar from the field of scented stones, can be applied to the cleaning of a mop head cleaning element. When the cleaning element is rinsed, for example, in a washout device or under running water, part of the cleaning agent is dissolved by the liquid and enters the textile cleaning element. The liquid, containing the dissolved cleaning agent, penetrates the textile material and, when spun or squeezed out, removes the dirt previously picked up during wiping.

[0017] This not only ensures that the cleaning element is cleaned before each subsequent wiping process, but also effectively cleans the cleaning element during the final wringing before possible storage, largely preventing the development of unpleasant odors. Furthermore, substances can be introduced that self-clean the cleaning element between uses. The cleaning element does not need to be frequently washed in the washing machine for hygiene reasons. Thus, you always clean with a clean cleaning element. The inventive solution is simple, efficient, and cost-effective.

[0018] Depending on the type of wiper (fringe mop, flat mop, or the like), the cleaning element can comprise strips, fringes, and / or textile fabrics. The strips, fringes, and / or textile fabrics can comprise microfibers. Abrasive areas can also be provided, particularly using non-microfibers. The abrasive areas can be present as separate strips, fringes, and / or textile fabrics, or integrated into the strips, fringes, and / or textile fabrics. The textile fabrics can, in particular, be woven or knitted fabrics or pile materials.

[0019] In a mop with cleaning strips or fringes, the strips or fringes can be attached in a conventional manner to a support body that can be connected to the mop head. With this configuration, the at least one cleaning agent can be arranged in the space formed between the support body and the cleaning element, preferably on the support body. Special receptacles can be provided for this purpose. Preferably, it is simply glued in place.

[0020] When the mop head with the cleaning element is immersed in the wash water or cleaning liquid, not only does the textile cleaning element, for example the textile strips, fringes or the textile surface, absorb the liquid, the cleaning liquid also penetrates into the space between the support body and the cleaning element and fills it up. The cleaning agent is partially dissolved and goes directly into the textile cleaning element. Since the flow through the fully absorbed cleaning element when it is removed from the cleaning liquid is generally very slow, some of the liquid with the dissolved cleaning agent remains in the space and is only forced through the cleaning element, for example the cleaning strips and / or fringes or the textile surface element, when it is squeezed out or spun out.

[0021] In the case of a spin-out mop head, the cleaning agent should be applied rotationally symmetrically with respect to the axis of rotation of the mop to avoid imbalance during wringing.

[0022] The amount of liquid added to partially dissolve the cleaning agent can be regulated via the available volume between the support body and the cleaning element.

[0023] Particularly preferably, the support body is detachably connected to the mop head. This has the advantage that at least one cleaning agent can be easily checked and / or replaced.

[0024] In the case of a textile surface structure as a cleaning element, this can be attached to a wiper plate by means of tabs or a Velcro connection.

[0025] The at least one cleaning agent can be in solid form, for example, as a cleaning stone, a gel-like form, and / or a viscous liquid enclosed in a membrane. This allows for better control of the slow dissolution than in the case of a liquid.

[0026] The at least one cleaning agent can be arranged in several zones within the support body, whereby the different zones can be equipped with different cleaning agents. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one cleaning agent can contain substances for the enzymatic or oxidative decomposition of organic contaminants and discolorations. This has the advantage that dirt and stains are broken down into smaller molecules, which are therefore easier to wash out with water.

[0027] The substances that cause enzymatic decomposition preferably include enzymes and / or probiotics that produce enzymes. These are environmentally friendly and natural active ingredients, unlike the chemicals commonly used in detergents or cleaning agents.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the substances causing oxidative decomposition can comprise oxygen-based and / or chlorine-based bleaching agents. This can dissolve microscopic deposits in the fibers of the cleaning element that form a gray haze.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one cleaning agent comprises optical brighteners, antibacterial, antiviral and / or deodorizing substances.

[0030] Optical brighteners are fluorescent substances that settle on the cleaning strips of the mop head, making it appear whiter. Antibacterial substances counteract the growth of bacteria and thus prevent the formation of odors caused by bacteria such as Moraxella or their metabolic products. Antiviral substances prevent or remove viruses in the mop material, thereby preventing or at least greatly minimizing the spread of viruses on floors in the home. The invention also relates to a mop with a mop head having a cleaning element according to the invention and a handle. For washing, the mop head with the cleaning element can be held under running water using the handle or inserted into a bucket of water to which a cleaning agent may have been added, for example into a bucket of a cleaning system with a washing device.In this process, the at least one cleaning agent is partially dissolved and, as described above, enters the textile cleaning element, for example, the textile cleaning strips and / or fringes or the textile fabric. The excess liquid can be removed in a conventional manner by wringing out the cleaning element by hand or in a stationary wringing basket of a cleaning system.

[0031] The excess liquid is preferably removed by centrifuging. Centrifuging the mop head with the cleaning element has the advantage that the liquid, containing the dissolved cleaning agent, flows through the cleaning element—for example, the textile cleaning strips and fringes or the textile surface element—at higher pressure and at a higher speed than would be the case under gravity alone. This makes the cleaning process fast and efficient.

[0032] In order to set the mop head with the cleaning element according to the invention in rotation, the handle of the mop can have a drive in the manner of a humming top in a manner known per se. The spinning can take place using appropriate spinning aids known per se, such as a spinning basket or means for positioning the material in a bucket, or completely freely without any aids. Preferably, the mop with the mop head with the cleaning element according to the invention is part of a cleaning system which further comprises a bucket with a washing device and a spinning device with a spinning basket for the mop head with the cleaning element, wherein the mop head with the cleaning element can be set in rotation via the spinning basket for spinning. The mop is inserted into the spinning basket and rotates with it.

[0033] It is particularly preferred if the ejection basket can be set in rotation by means of a pedal drive.

[0034] An electric drive is also conceivable.

[0035] Short description of the drawing

[0036] An embodiment of the cleaning system according to the invention is explained below with reference to Figures 1 to 6.

[0037] Figures 1 to 6 each show in schematic representation,

[0038] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a spin-out mop according to the invention,

[0039] Fig. 2 shows a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a cleaning element for such a mop with an arrangement of cleaning stones made of a cleaning agent, Fig. 3 shows a plan view of another preferred embodiment of a cleaning element with a ring-shaped cleaning agent,

[0040] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a mop head of a squeeze-out mop according to the invention with a device for supplying the cleaning agent from the outside,

[0041] Fig. 5 in a side sectional view of the mop head from Fig. 4,

[0042] Figs. 6 a to c

[0043] In a side sectional view, possible arrangements of a cleaning agent, for example on a cleaning textile of a mop head.

[0044] Implementation of the invention

[0045] Fig. 1 shows a mop head 1 for a spin-on mop, comprising a cleaning element 3 with cleaning strips and / or fringes 4 made of a textile material, which is attached to a support body 2 (not visible in Fig. 1). The mop head 1 is connected to a handle 21 via a joint 20.

[0046] Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the cleaning element 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning element 3 comprises, without limitation of its generality, a triangular-shaped retaining ring 5 with circumferentially arranged clamping openings 5a for clamping the cleaning strips and / or fringes 4 at one end. The other ends hang loosely downward from the retaining ring 5 for cleaning the surface to be cleaned. A cleaning textile 6 is arranged in the central region of the retaining ring 5 and is secured to the retaining ring 5 by its edge region.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a cleaning agent 8 is arranged in each corner region, rotationally symmetrical with respect to the rotation axis 7 of the mop 1, to avoid imbalance during wringing. In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning agent 8 is provided as a cleaning stone that slowly dissolves upon contact with water or cleaning fluid.

[0048] Since the cleaning agent 8 is applied directly to the cleaning element 3, it is in direct fluid-conducting connection to the cleaning strips and / or fringes 4.

[0049] The cleaning element 3 can be clipped into the mop head 1 with the support body 5. For this purpose, the support body 5 and the mop head 1 can have locking lugs and locking receptacles (not shown here) associated with one another on the peripheral edges.

[0050] Fig. 3 shows another possible arrangement of the cleaning agent in a cleaning element according to Fig. 2. Here, it is applied as an annular gel strip 8 at a distance from the rotation axis 7.

[0051] Figures 4 and 5 show a cleaning element 3 according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention. The cleaning element 3 shown is suitable for being squeezed out by hand or in a wringer or squeeze basket. The cleaning element 3 here consists of cleaning strips 4, which are fastened to the support body 2 at their end facing the support body 2 by means of a rivet-like connection 10, without restriction of generality. An opening 9 is provided in the support body 2, for example, through which the cleaning agent can be introduced from the outside into the space between the cleaning element 3 and the support body 2.

[0052] The support body has a cylindrical connecting element 12 on its upper side with locking means 12a for clipping into a mop head (not shown here). It is also conceivable to introduce the cleaning agent into the space between the cleaning element 3 and the support body 2 from above through the connecting element 12.

[0053] Figures 6a and 6b show examples of possible holders 15 for arranging a cleaning agent 8 on a base, here, without limitation, on a cleaning textile 6. The holders 15 comprise a housing 16, inside which the cleaning agent 8 is located. To establish the liquid-conducting connection to the cleaning agent 8, the housing is provided with differently designed openings. Fig. 6a shows circular recesses, while Fig. 6b shows slot- or strip-shaped recesses. Any other shape of the openings is also possible.

[0054] In the variant shown in Fig. 6 c, the cleaning agent 8 is glued directly onto a base, here also the cleaning textile 6 as an example.

Claims

Patent claims Cleaning element (3) for a mop head (1), comprising cleaning strips, fringes and / or flat structures (4) made of textile material, characterized in that it is equipped with at least one cleaning agent (8) that dissolves slowly in contact with water. Cleaning element (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a supporting body (2) to which the cleaning strips, fringes and / or textile flat structures (4) are attached. Cleaning element (3) according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one cleaning agent (8) is attached to the supporting body (2). Cleaning element (3) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the supporting body (2) can be detachably connected to the mop head (1). Cleaning element (3) according to claim 1, designed as a textile flat structure, characterized in that it can be attached to a wiper plate.Cleaning element (3) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one cleaning agent (8) is present in a solid, gel-like and / or viscous liquid enclosed in a membrane. Cleaning element (3) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least one cleaning agent (8) is present in a. several zones within the support body (2) or the cleaning element (3).

8. Cleaning element (3) according to claim 7, characterized in that the different zones are equipped with different cleaning agents (8).

9. Cleaning element (3) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the at least one cleaning agent comprises substances for the enzymatic or oxidative decomposition of organic contaminants and discolorations.

10. Cleaning element (3) according to claim 9, characterized in that the substances causing enzymatic decomposition comprise enzymes and / or probiotics which form enzymes.

11. Cleaning element (3) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the substances causing oxidative decomposition comprise oxygen-based and / or chlorine-based bleaching agents.

12. Cleaning element (3) according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the at least one cleaning agent (8) comprises optical brighteners, antibacterial, antiviral and / or deodorizing substances.

13. A mop comprising a handle (21), a mop head (1) and a cleaning element (3) according to one of claims 1 to 12.

14. Mop according to claim 13, characterized in that the handle (21) has a humming top-like drive to set the mop head (1) in rotation for spinning out. A cleaning system with a mop according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising a bucket with a washing device and a spinning device with a spinning basket for the mop head (1), wherein the mop head (1) can be set in rotation via the spinning basket for spinning. A cleaning system according to claim 15, characterized in that the spinning basket can be set in rotation by means of a pedal.

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