Drying device for drying a wiper cover of a cleaning device, cleaning station, and cleaning system comprising such a drying device

Abstract

The invention relates to a drying device for drying a wiper cover (6.3) on a support panel (6.2) of a cleaning device, comprising a wringing gap (2.2) into which the support panel (6.2) together with the wiper cover (6.3) can be introduced and comprising at least one pivotally mounted scraper (10) in the wringing gap (2.2) for scraping moisture from the wiper cover (6.3), wherein the at least one scraper (10) can be pivoted back and forth between a wringing position which constricts the wringing gap (2.2) and a position which expands the wringing gap (2.2), and means are provided which automatically guide the at least one scraper (10) back to the wringing position after being deflected into a position which expands the wringing gap. The invention is characterized in that the means comprise at least one lever arm (11) which engages on the at least one scraper (10) and exerts a restoring torque onto the at least one scraper (10) in a weight-driven manner. The drying device (2.2) according to the invention is characterized by a simple and robust design. The invention additionally relates to a cleaning station (1.1) and to a cleaning system (1) comprising such a drying device (2.1).

Description

[0001] Dehumidification device for dehumidifying a mop cover of a cleaning device as well as a cleaning station and a cleaning system with such a dehumidification device

[0002] Description

[0003] Technical area

[0004] The invention relates to a dehumidification device for dehumidifying a mop cover on a carrier plate of a cleaning device, comprising a wringing gap into which the carrier plate with the mop cover can be inserted, and at least one pivotally mounted wiper in the wringing gap for removing moisture from the mop cover. The at least one wiper can be pivoted back and forth between a wringing position narrowing the wringing gap and a position widening the wringing gap, and means are provided which automatically return the at least one wiper to the wringing position after being deflected into a position widening the wringing gap. The invention also relates to a cleaning station and a cleaning system with such a dehumidification device. State of the art

[0005] A generic dehumidification device is known from EP 3620 096 A1. EP 3 620 096 A1 relates to a cleaning system comprising a cleaning device and a bucket with a cleaning and dehumidification device for the cleaning device. The cleaning device is a flat mop with a carrier plate, a mop cover mounted thereon, and a handle connected to the carrier plate via a cardan joint. The cleaning and dehumidification devices are designed as separate units. The dehumidification device is mounted on the bucket and has a wringing gap in which a wiper is pivotally mounted. For wringing, the flat mop with the cleaning cover is rotated into a vertical position parallel to the handle and inserted into the wringing gap with the narrow side first. The pivotally mounted wiper is pressed downwards by the mop cover into the horizontal wringing position, narrowing the wringing gap.The mop head is guided along the wiper in the gap and dehumidified by wiping off the moisture. When the mop head is pulled out of the gap, the wiper is carried upwards by the mop head and pivots into a position above the wringing position, widening the wringing gap. This facilitates the removal of the flat mop and prevents the bucket from being pulled upwards and lifting off. The next time the flat mop is inserted, the wiper is pushed back down toward the wringing position. Alternatively, according to the publication, an elastic element is provided that rotates the wiper into the wringing position.

[0006] The disadvantage of the conventional dehumidification device is that it requires an additional element, which results in logistical effort and additional costs. Furthermore, such an element is subject to manufacturing fluctuations, requiring costly monitoring of its properties.

[0007] The object of the invention is to further develop a dehumidification device of the generic type in such a way that it can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively, while ensuring that the wiper reliably returns to the wringing position narrowing the wringing gap after the carrier plate has been pulled out with the mop cover, without the need for an elastic element. A further object of the invention is to provide a cleaning station and a cleaning system with such a dehumidification device.

[0008] Description of the invention

[0009] This object is achieved with a dehumidification device having all the features of patent claim 1, as well as with a cleaning station according to claim 9 and a cleaning system according to claim 11. Preferred embodiments are described in the subclaims.

[0010] According to the invention, in a dehumidifying device for dehumidifying a mop cover on a carrier plate of a cleaning device, which comprises a wringing gap into which the carrier plate with the mop cover can be inserted, and at least one pivotally mounted wiper in the wringing gap for wiper the moisture from the mop cover, wherein the at least one wiper is pivotable between a wringing position narrowing the wringing gap and a position widening the wringing gap and means are provided which automatically return the at least one wiper to the wringing position after deflection into a position widening the wringing gap, it is provided that the means comprise at least one lever arm which acts on the at least one wiper and exerts a restoring torque on the wiper driven by weight.

[0011] Surprisingly, it has been shown that a lever arm acting on the wiper can exert a torque on the wiper with its own weight alone that is large enough to reliably return the wiper to the wringing position with a narrowed gap after the cleaning device has been pulled out of the wringing gap.

[0012] This is particularly the case when the carrier plate with the mop cover is moved downwards again after an upward movement without leaving the wringing gap. In this case too, the wiper should rotate from the upper position, which widens the wringing gap, back into the narrowing wringing position. At the moment of reversal of direction, however, the upwardly pivoted wiper is in a position where the light contact of the mop cover has an opening effect on the wiper. Since it is desirable for the friction between the mop cover and the wiper to be low during the upward movement in order to prevent the dehumidification device from lifting off when the carrier plate with the mop cover is pulled out, the frictional force acting on the wiper during the downward movement is also too low due to the mop cover alone to take it into the wringing position, which narrows the wringing gap, i.e. to rotate it back.Surprisingly, it has been shown that even in this case the torque exerted on the wiper by the lever arm is large enough to reliably rotate the wiper into the desired position despite the slightly opening contact with the mop cover.

[0013] The design according to the invention is simple, reliable, and robust. The use of additional, fault-prone components, such as a spring, is unnecessary. The lever arm can be assigned to the wringing gap or a dedicated holder. However, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is arranged on the wiper itself and protrudes from it.

[0014] The magnitude of the torque can be easily adjusted via the dead weight and the distance of the lever arm from the swivel axis.

[0015] A skilled person can easily determine a suitable dead weight and the design of the lever arm by calculation or trial and error. This does not require inventive activity.

[0016] Thus, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lever arm can be equipped with additional weights in addition to its own weight, advantageously at the end opposite the scraper, to increase the torque.

[0017] A particularly high torque is achieved when the lever arm is as long as possible or when any additional weights are as far away as possible from the axis of rotation of the wiper and also from the contact line between the wiper and the wiping cloth.

[0018] This can be achieved most easily in the given installation space of a bucket with a dehumidifying device with a wringing gap by, according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the lever arm encompasses the wringing gap and projects into the area of ​​the bucket on the other side of the wringing gap opposite the wiper.

[0019] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the scraper has lever arms on both sides, which also encompass the wringing gap on both sides. This allows the weight to be distributed across two lever arms, and the symmetry of the arrangement ensures that a torque is applied evenly across the entire length of the scraper. Tilting of the scraper, which could potentially occur if a lever arm were to engage only on one side, is thus reliably prevented.

[0020] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the scraper, the at least one lever arm, and / or any weights present are constructed from a single, one-piece material. This results in a particularly simple, robust, and cost-effective design. The weights can advantageously be formed by thickened portions and / or protrusions on the at least one lever arm.

[0021] The wiper is preferably made of a thermoplastic, particularly preferably ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer). Thermoplastics can be produced cost-effectively in a suitable shape. ABS remains dimensionally stable even under continuous stress, such as that encountered in this application.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, exactly one wiper can be provided in the wringing gap. The counterpressure on the mop cover on the carrier plate is exerted via the carrier plate by the wall of the wringing gap opposite the wiper.

[0023] The wiper can be constructed in one or more parts. It can have ribs, knobs, brush elements, or similar elements to enhance the wiping effect.

[0024] The scraper is preferably pivotably mounted near the wringing gap to minimize installation space requirements. The pivoting mounting can be achieved using short lateral axes located in designated bearings in the wringing gap. The bearings are particularly preferably designed as simple eyelets, as these are particularly cost-effective.

[0025] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the wiper can be stopped during downward pivoting by a suitable stop element. A rail extending along its entire length, which can effectively absorb the force and relieve the load on the wiper, has proven particularly advantageous as a stop element. On the side facing away from the mop cover, the wiper can be guided, for example, in supports that can absorb the force generated by the mop cover's contact pressure.

[0026] Even when pivoting upwards, the deflection of the wiper can be limited according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention so that its center of gravity remains on the side of the pivot axis facing the mop cover and thus always generates a moment that has a closing effect.

[0027] A cleaning station according to the invention comprises a bucket with a cleaning area for rinsing the mop cover and a wringing area for dehumidifying the mop cover. Both the cleaning area and the wringing area can be equipped with a dehumidifying device as described above. The strength of the wiping action can be configured differently in both areas.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a holder can be provided by means of which the dehumidification device or devices can be secured to the bucket. The attachment to the holder should be strong enough so that the dehumidification device is not removed from the holder when an inserted cleaning device with carrier plate and mop cover is moved back up. At the same time, it may be helpful for cleaning the interior of the bucket if the dehumidification device can be easily removed. It is therefore advisable, for example, to design the attachment of the dehumidification device to the holder via a simple mechanism that can be closed or easily opened. This can be achieved, for example, via openable snap locks.

[0029] The holder or bucket can be equipped with covering elements that partially cover the top of the bucket and thereby limit the insertion openings for the carrier plate with the mop cover into the cleaning and / or wringing area. This facilitates the insertion of a cleaning device.

[0030] The cleaning area can comprise any known arrangement for washing out a mop cover. Preferably, the cleaning area comprises an insertion opening into which the mop device with the mop cover can be inserted, as well as a tank containing cleaning fluid that is fluidly connected to outlet nozzles, and means that spray the mop cover in the cleaning area with cleaning fluid from the tank through the nozzles. The means can, for example, comprise a pump that is actuated by an actuating element that can be triggered by the inserted carrier plate with the mop cover.

[0031] A cleaning system according to the invention comprises a cleaning station as described above and a cleaning device with a support plate and a mop cover. The cleaning system is preferably designed as a vertical cleaning system in which the support plate with the mop cover can be inserted in a vertical position from above into the cleaning and wringing area. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cleaning device is designed such that the support plate and the handle are connected to one another via a joint, particularly preferably a cardan joint, wherein the support plate with the mop cover can be pivoted via the joint into a vertical position with its longitudinal axis parallel to the handle. It can then be inserted with the mop cover, narrow side first, from top to bottom into the corresponding insertion openings of the cleaning or wringing area, in particular into the wringing gap of the dehumidification device.It is obvious that the dimensions of the cleaning system, especially the wringing gap with scraper, and the dimensions of the cleaning device must be coordinated.

[0032] The width of the wringing gap with the wiper is advantageously dimensioned so that the wiper, in the wringing position, wipes off excess liquid from the mop cover when the mop cover is inserted onto the carrier plate. However, when pulled out, it only clings to the previously wiped surface without a wiping effect or no longer touches it. This ensures that the bucket is not pulled up or tipped over when the carrier plate with the mop cover is pulled out. For dehumidification, it can be advantageous if the carrier plate with the mop cover is repeatedly moved up and down through the wringing gap.

[0033] Good lateral guidance of the carrier plate with the mop cover in the wringing gap is ensured if the length of the wringing gap corresponds approximately to the width of the carrier plate.

[0034] Advantageously, the length of the wiper corresponds to the width of the wiper cloth, so that when inserted into the wringing gap, the liquid is wiped off across the entire width of the wiper cloth. A particularly simple design for a wiper is achieved if the wiper is designed as a substantially rectangular element whose length corresponds to the length of the wringing gap and which is pivotally attached on one of its long sides to the wringing gap or the holder in the area of ​​the wringing gap, and which has a wiping edge on the opposite long side. The wiping edge can comprise a wiping lip.

[0035] The wringing gap can also be provided with a wiper on both sides, with the second wiper being designed to exert additional pressure on the back of the carrier plate.

[0036] When inserting the carrier plate with the mop cover into the cleaning gap with the wiper in a horizontal position, i.e., in the wringing position, it may be advantageous to provide means that guide the carrier plate with the mop cover into the narrowed gap. For example, guide elements on the wiper itself, which move out of the cleaning gap with the wiper when the wiper is moved to open, may be particularly suitable.

[0037] Short description of the drawing

[0038] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0039] It shows

[0040] Fig. 1: An example of a suitable cleaning system with a dehumidification device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2a: a perspective view of the wringing gap with a scraper according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in its wringing position;

[0041] Fig. 2b: in a perspective view in plan view the wringing gap with a scraper according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in an upper position expanding the wringing gap;

[0042] Fig. 3a: the scraper from Figs. 2a and 2b in plan view;

[0043] Fig. 3b: the scraper from Figs. 2a and 2b in a lateral

[0044] sectional view;

[0045] Fig. 4 shows the scraper from Figures 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b with a representation of the dimensions according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0046] Implementation of the invention

[0047] Fig. 1 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 bucket 3. In the bucket 3, a wringing area 2 and a cleaning area 4 are arranged, for example. The cleaning area 4 comprises a tank 4.1 for cleaning fluid, a pump 4.2 and an actuating device 4.3 for the pump 4.2 as well as nozzles (hidden in the figure) which, when the pump 4.2 is actuated, spray cleaning fluid from the tank 4.1 onto the mop cover 6.3 of a cleaning device 6. The wringing area 2 comprises a dehumidification device 2.1 with a wringing gap 2.2 in which a wiper 10 is arranged. (The wringing gap 2.2 is concealed in Fig. 1 by an inserted carrier plate 6.2 with the mop cover 6.3).

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the dehumidification device 2.1 and the insertion opening 5.2 into the cleaning area 4 are fixed to the bucket 3 by means of a bracket 5. Covering elements 5.1 are arranged on the bracket 5, which partially cover the top of the bucket 3 and thus delimit the insertion openings 5.2 into the cleaning area 4 and the wringing area 2 with the dehumidification device 2.1.

[0049] The cleaning system 1 according to the invention also comprises a cleaning device 6 with a handle 6.1 and a support plate 6.2 with a mop cover 6.3 arranged thereon. The handle 6.1 and the support plate 6.2 are connected to each other via a universal joint 6.4 without restriction of generality. In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning device 6, with a support plate 6.2 rotating parallel to the handle 6.1 and the mop cover 6.3 in a vertical position, is partially inserted through the insertion opening 5.1 into the dehumidification device 2.1. The universal joint 6.4 is only partially visible.

[0050] Figures 2a and 2b show a detail of a plan view obliquely from above of a cleaning station 1.1 according to the invention in the area of ​​the insertion openings 5.2 (for better clarity without cladding elements 5.1) for the dehumidification device 2 or the cleaning area 4. The wringing gap 2.1 with the wiper 10 can be seen. In Fig. 2a the wiper is in the wringing position narrowing the gap 2.1, in Fig. 2b in a second position widening the wringing gap 2.1.

[0051] The scraper 10 has lever arms 11 projecting from its two opposite ends, which encompass the wringing gap 2.1 on both sides. Flat weights 12 can be seen at the ends of the lever arms, which serve to increase the restoring torque. In Fig. 2b, the lever arms with the weights are clearly folded upward. In the illustrated embodiment, the scraper 10, the lever arms 11, and the weights 12 are formed in one piece and from the same material, according to a preferred embodiment.

[0052] In the embodiment shown, the scraper 10 has, for example, limiting elements 13 on the side facing away from the wringing gap 2.1, which, together with stop elements (not shown) on the wringing gap, which form an abutment, limit the pivoting movement of the scraper 10 upwards.

[0053] Furthermore, guide elements 14 can be seen, which facilitate the threading of the carrier plate 6.2 with the mop cover 6.3 when the wiper 10 is aligned horizontally.

[0054] Figures 3a and 3b show the scraper 10 from Figures 2a and 2b in a top view and a side view. In addition to the lever arms 11 and weights 12, short lateral axes 13 for mounting in corresponding eyelets (not shown here) in the wringing gap, as well as the pivot axis 16, can be seen. The scraper edge is designated 17. Example embodiment

[0055] A scraper was manufactured as shown in Fig. 3 with the dimensions shown in Fig. 4. The length L was 106.19 mm and the width b 10.65 mm (without lever arms). The scraper was pivotally mounted in a wringing gap. The scraper was made of ABS. The lever arms projected beyond the scraper in its longitudinal direction at both ends by a length a of 13.32 mm. At their ends, the lever arms were provided with flat additional weights. The distance A of the outer contour of the additional weights from the pivot axis of the scraper was 40.43 mm. The lever arms The scraper, the lever arms and the additional weights were made of one piece and the same material. The dead weight of the scraper without the lever arms and the weights was 3.4 g, the weight of the additional weights was 1.35 g each. The distance of the additional weights from the pivot axis was 30 mm.This results in an additional torque of 0.00008 Nm being exerted on the scraper by the additional weights. This torque is sufficient to return the scraper to the wringing position.

Claims

Dehumidifying device (2.1) for dehumidifying a mop cover (6.3) on a carrier plate (6.2) of a cleaning device (6), comprising a wringing gap (2.2) into which the carrier plate (6.2) with the mop cover (6.3) can be inserted, and at least one pivotably mounted wiper (10) in the wringing gap (2.2) for wiping the moisture from the mop cover (6.3), wherein the at least one wiper (10) can be moved between a wringing position narrowing the wringing gap (2.2) and a wringing position narrowing the wringing gap (2.2) expanding position and means are provided which automatically return the at least one wiper (10) to the wringing position after deflection into a position expanding the wringing gap, characterized in that the means comprise at least one lever arm (11) which engages the at least one wiper (10) and, driven by weight, exerts a restoring torque on the at least one wiper (10). Dehumidification device (2.1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one lever arm (11) is arranged on the wiper (10) and projects therefrom. Dehumidification device (2.1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one lever arm (11) has additional weights (12) to increase the torque. Dehumidification device (2.1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the weights (12) are arranged at the end of the lever arm (11) opposite the scraper (10). Dehumidification device (2.1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one lever arm (11) projecting from the wiper (10) encompasses the wringing gap (2.2). Dehumidification device (2.1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that two lever arms (11) projecting from the wringing gap (2.2) are provided, which encompass the wringing gap (2.2) on both sides. Dehumidification device (2.1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the wiper (10), the lever arms (11), and the weights (12) are formed from the same material and in one piece. Dehumidification device (2.1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the weights (12) are formed by thickened portions, flat additional elements and / or protuberances on the at least one lever arm (11). Cleaning station (1.1) comprising a bucket (3) with a cleaning area (4) and a wringing area (2), wherein the cleaning area (4) and / or the wringing area (2) are provided with a dehumidification device (2.1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8. Cleaning station (1.1) according to claim 9, characterized in that a holder (5) is provided, by means of which the dehumidification device (2.2) or devices (2.2) can be fixed on the bucket (3).

11. Cleaning system (1) comprising a cleaning device (6) with a carrier plate (6.2) and a mop cover (6.3) as well as a handle (6.1) and a cleaning station (1.1) according to claim 9 or 10.

12. Cleaning system (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the carrier plate (6.2) with the mop cover (6.3) and the handle (6.1) are connected to one another via a cardan joint (6.4) in such a way that the carrier plate (6.2) with the mop cover (6.3) can be pivoted into a vertical position parallel to the handle and in the vertical position can be inserted into the wringing gap (2.2) of the dehumidifying device (2.1) or devices for wringing out.

13. Cleaning system according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that guide elements for guiding the carrier plate (6.2) with the mop cover (6.3) into the wringing gap (2.2) are provided on the wiper (10).

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