Holding device

Abstract

Known cleaning devices have long used cleaning pads that are attached to drive plates by means of holding devices and can be rotated by these. Common holding devices often have screw or clamp connections, which are disadvantageous in that they easily wear out under operating conditions and are difficult and complex to install. The invention can remedy these disadvantages by providing fastening elements that interact magnetically with the holding device. Thus, a holding device for the releasable attachment of a cleaning pad to a drive plate of a cleaning device can be provided, which enables quick and easy changing of the cleaning pads while simultaneously exhibiting a high holding force.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a holding device for an annular cleaning pad, comprising a drive plate and a securing element, wherein the drive plate has first fastening elements which can be detachably connected to second fastening elements of the securing element.

[0002] A drive plate is a component often used in cleaning devices such as scrubber-driers or polishers. The drive plate is a round disc that can be connected to a ring-shaped cleaning pad. Where reference is made here to a cleaning pad, it could also be a polishing pad, a scouring pad, or a diamond grinding pad, which can also be attached to the drive plate of a cleaning device. When the cleaning device is switched on, the drive plate rotates, taking the cleaning pad carried by the drive plate with it. When the rotating cleaning pad comes into contact with the floor, cleaning or polishing work can now be carried out.

[0003] The cleaning pads can be attached to the drive plate in a variety of ways. Many drive plates have a hook-and-loop surface, to which the cleaning pads can be easily attached using a corresponding hook-and-loop backing. This type of attachment allows for quick and easy changing of the cleaning pads while still providing a secure hold. However, if the hook-and-loop fastener becomes dirty or worn, the adhesion between the drive plate and the cleaning pads can be compromised, which can lead to them coming loose during operation. Furthermore, the hook-and-loop fastener can lose effectiveness with frequent use and may need to be replaced. The arrangement of hedgehog points and / or hooks on the drive plate is also known to hold a cleaning pad made of a soft material in place.In any case, a centered holder for the cleaning pad must be provided inside the ring with a locking element that clamps and centers the cleaning pad between itself and the drive plate to ensure that the cleaning disc is mounted correctly.

[0004] Some drive plates are equipped with a screw thread that allows the locking element to be screwed onto the drive plate. This method provides a secure attachment, but requires a bit more time when changing cleaning pads. Furthermore, overtightening the screws can damage the drive plate or the locking element, while overtightening can cause the locking element to dislodge.

[0005] In some cases, the driver plate is connected to the retaining element by a spring-loaded mechanism or a clamping structure. However, the retaining device may then contain mechanical parts that, due to the spring-loaded design, may be susceptible to wear or damage, leading to malfunctions. If the retaining device is not properly adjusted, there is also a risk that the cleaning pads could become loose during operation.

[0006] The present invention therefore aims to remedy the disadvantages known from the prior art by providing a novel holding device for attaching cleaning pads to drive plates. To this end, the holding device should enable quick and easy changing of the cleaning pads while simultaneously facilitating the adjustment of the holding force.

[0007] A holding device for an annular cleaning pad is provided, comprising a drive plate and a securing element, wherein the drive plate has first fastening elements that can be releasably connected to second fastening elements of the securing element. The invention is characterized in that the second fastening elements interact magnetically with the first fastening elements, wherein the securing element is assigned at least one gripping device, which can have at least two pressure surfaces perpendicular to the drive plate and spaced from a rotational axis of the drive plate.

[0008] The invention thus provides a holding device for the secure yet easily detachable attachment of a cleaning pad to a drive plate of a cleaning device. A cleaning pad is an annular disc which, depending on the material and surface condition, can be used for cleaning, wiping, polishing, scouring or grinding. The securing element has fastening elements that can interact with corresponding fastening elements of the drive plate. This allows the cleaning pad to be securely fixed between the drive plate and the securing element. The special feature of this device is that the fastening elements interact magnetically, allowing a fastening that enables the first fastening element to easily snap together with the second fastening elements. The holding force is always the same and magnets do not wear out.The holding device also features a handle for releasing the securing element. Because the fastening elements are magnetic, the holding force can be overcome simply by pulling, regardless of whether magnets are present on both sides or, for example, a ferromagnetic material is present on one side. Handling is made even easier by the handle allowing the securing element to be rotated first, so that the first fastening elements are pushed sideways out of the area of ​​the second fastening elements. The handle can then be used even more easily to remove the securing element from the drive plate.

[0009] In a specific design, the locking element can be centered on the drive plate. This makes it possible to attach the cleaning pad to the drive plate using an internal hole mount. This type of attachment has proven effective because it securely attaches the cleaning pad while simultaneously providing a large effective surface. Furthermore, it ensures that the cleaning pad rotates centrally around its rotational axis, ensuring even wear.

[0010] At least one first fastening element and / or one second fastening element can be formed from a magnetic alloy, preferably a neodymium-iron-boron alloy. Neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) is a type of permanent magnet material that is versatile in many applications due to its unique properties. Overall, neodymium-iron-boron magnets offer a powerful solution for a wide range of applications, especially those requiring high magnetic performance in a compact and cost-effective package.

[0011] Preferably, the drive plate and / or the securing element can have locking elements to prevent rotation of the drive plate and cleaning pad. Locking elements serve to additionally secure the cleaning pad, which must be securely fastened during the cleaning process. The locking elements can be designed as clamp or plug connections. The locking elements can also be provided as mechanical thresholds, which can be overcome but require increased force. This helps center the securing element and ensures that the first and second fastening elements align during the connection.

[0012] The drive plate can comprise at least three first fastening elements, and the securing element can comprise at least three complementary second fastening elements, wherein the first fastening elements form an equilateral figure. If at least three first fastening elements interact with three complementary second fastening elements to fasten the cleaning pad to the drive plate, secure fastening of the cleaning pad by the securing element is ensured because the cleaning pad is held at several evenly distributed points. It is particularly advantageous if at least the first fastening elements are arranged in an equilateral figure. This arrangement enables the securing element to be fastened to the drive plate from different positions.Rotating the locking element thus returns it to the correct holding position: by 120° when using three first and second fastening elements, by 60° when using six, and so on. Fastening with one or two corresponding first and second fastening elements is also possible.

[0013] In the specific design, the driver plate and / or the locking element can be made of plastic, metal, or a composite material. The use of different materials and composites offers the advantage of being able to implement product- and device-specific solutions.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, the handle device can have a retaining bar and / or a handle. A retaining bar and / or a handle on the handle device allows the securing element to be easily released from the drive plate by pulling. The securing element is held to the drive plate by the magnetic connection between the first and second fastening elements, but can be released as often as desired.

[0015] The securing element can have an undercut to accommodate the cleaning pad. The undercut provides a flat surface for attaching the cleaning pad, which can serve to secure the cleaning pad. Because the cleaning pad is held on the driver plate on one side and in the undercut of the securing element on the other, it can be secured using a hook-and-loop fastener, a connection with hedgehog points, or hooks, or, if necessary, a clamp connection. A clamping edge on the inside of the ring hole of the cleaning pad can additionally protect it from twisting relative to the driver plate.

[0016] Preferably, the locking element can be manufactured additively. 3D printing offers many advantages, including the ability to produce complex geometries without the limitations of traditional manufacturing methods, rapid prototyping, product customization to individual needs, and the ability to produce spare parts or prototypes on-site without relying on external suppliers. Especially in this case, it is possible to manufacture undercut structures, such as the handle assembly.

[0017] The invention described above is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] It shows Figure 1 shows a holding device with a drive plate, a cleaning pad and a securing element fixing these on the drive plate in a plan view, Figure 2 shows the holding device according to Figure 1with removed safety element, Figure 3the removed safety element from Figure 2 in a perspective view from below, Figure 4 the securing element according to Figure 3 in a perspective view from above, as well as Figure 5 a cleaning device with a drive plate and a cleaning pad according to Figure 1 .

[0019] Figure 1 shows a holding device for a cleaning pad 2, as used in cleaning devices 11 according to Figure 5 These are self-operating or manually operated machines in which a cleaning pad 2 is attached to a drive plate 3 of a holding device 1 and the drive plate 3 is then pushed in rotational movements in front of the cleaning device 11. This creates a cleaning movement which, depending on the operating mode and cleaning pad 2, can be used for wiping, polishing, scrubbing or grinding. As shown in the Figure 5As shown, the cleaning pads 2 have a central ring hole with which they can be kept centered on the drive plate 3.

[0020] Figure 1 shows the holding device 1 from an underside, i.e. the side facing the floor to be cleaned during operation of the cleaning device 1. A cleaning pad 2 is assigned to the cleaning plate 3, which is placed thereon or temporarily fastened using a surface of the drive plate 3 provided with hedgehog points or hooks or a Velcro surface attached to it. A securing element 4 is then fastened centrally to the drive plate 3, which element, on the one hand, holds the cleaning pad 2 to the drive plate 3 and, on the other hand, centers it. In order to detach the securing element 4 from the drive plate 3, it has a handle device 7 formed from a holding web 8 and a handle 9.

[0021] Figure 2shows the holding device 1, from which the securing element 4 has now been removed. It can be seen that first fastening elements 5 are assigned centrally to the drive plate 3, and corresponding second fastening elements 6 are assigned to the securing element 4, each of which forms the corners of an equilateral triangle. Figure 3 shows the securing element 4 again in an enlarged view.

[0022] To attach the securing element 4 to the drive plate 3, it is only necessary to position it roughly correctly on the drive plate 3. Due to the magnetic effect of the first fastening elements 5 on the second fastening elements 6, the securing element 4 will align itself correctly if necessary and rotate sufficiently so that the fastening elements 5 and 6 connect with each other. The cleaning pad 2 is thereby clamped in an undercut 10 of the securing element 4.

[0023] To release the securing element 4, it can be slightly rotated using the handle 7, causing the fastening elements 5 and 6 to move sideways out of engagement. To do this, pressure can be applied to the retaining bar 8, in opposite directions on both sides of an imaginary rotational axis of the securing element 4. This can easily be achieved using the thumb and index finger, for example.

[0024] Once disengaged, the securing element 4 can then be grasped with the handle 9 and lifted by pulling. The disengaged fastening elements 5 and 6 will therefore offer little resistance.

[0025] The above describes a novel holding device for attaching cleaning pads to drive plates. The holding device enables quick and easy changing of cleaning pads while always maintaining the appropriate holding force. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0026] 1Holding device 2Cleaning pad 3Drive plate 4Securing element 5First fastening elements 6Second fastening elements 7Handle device 8Holding bar 9Handle 10Undercut 11Cleaning device

Claims

1. Holding device (1) for an annular cleaning pad (2), comprising a drive plate (3) and a securing element (4), wherein the drive plate (3) has first fastening elements (5) which can be detachably connected to second fastening elements (6) of the securing element (4), characterized in that the second fastening elements (6) interact magnetically with the first fastening elements (5), wherein at least one handle device (7) is assigned to the securing element (4).

2. Holding device according to claim 1, characterized in that the gripping device (7) has at least two pressure surfaces perpendicular to the drive plate (3) which are spaced from a rotation axis of the drive plate (3).

3. Holding device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the securing element (4) is arranged centrally on the drive plate (3).

4. Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatat least one first fastening element (5) and / or one second fastening element (6) is made of a magnetic alloy, preferably of a neodymium-iron-boron alloy.

5. Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive plate (3) and / or the securing element (4) has locking elements to prevent rotation of the drive plate (3) and cleaning pad (2).

6. Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive plate (3) comprises at least three first fastening elements (5) and the securing element (4) comprises at least three complementary second fastening elements (6), wherein at least the first fastening elements (5) form an equilateral figure which is preferably arranged rotationally symmetrically about the axis of rotation of the drive plate (3).

7. Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe drive plate (3) and / or the securing element (4) is made of plastic, metal or a composite material.

8. Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle device (7) has a holding web (8) and / or a holding handle (9).

9. Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the securing element (4) has an undercut (10) which, together with the drive plate (3), defines a receiving space for receiving the cleaning pad (2).

10. Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the securing element (4) is manufactured additively.

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