Holding frame for a cleaning element, mop head comprising such a holding frame, and mop

Abstract

The invention relates to a folding frame (1) for a cleaning element (15), comprising a device for releasably securing the cleaning element (15) to the holding frame (1) and a device for contactlessly releasing the cleaning element (15) from the holding frame (1). The device for contactlessly releasing the cleaning element (15) from the holding frame (1) comprises a pressure element in a recess (4) in the holding frame (1), said pressure element being pushed out of the holding frame (1) when the cleaning element (15) is actuated. A particularly simple and compact construction is produced in that the pressure element comprises at least one one-sided lever which is hinged to the holding frame (1) in the at least one recess (4).

Description

[0001] Holding frame for a cleaning element and mop head with such a holding frame and mop

[0002] Description

[0003] Technical area

[0004] The invention relates to a holding frame for a cleaning element, comprising a device for releasably securing the cleaning element to the holding frame and a device for contactless release of the cleaning element from the holding frame. The device for contactless release of the cleaning element from the holding frame comprises a pressure element in a recess in the holding frame, which, when actuated, pushes the cleaning element out of the holding frame. The invention also relates to a mop head with a cleaning element and such a holding frame, and to a mop.

[0005] A holding frame of the generic type is known from US Pat. No. 2,764,774. This document relates to a mop with a holding frame for a disposable wiping element. The disposable wiping element is detachably attached to the underside of the holding frame. The holding frame further comprises a device for contactless release of the disposable wiping element from the holding frame. This device consists of a recess in the holding frame near a joint connected to the handle, and a plunger arranged in the recess on the upper side of the holding frame. The plunger has a circular, widened head at each of its upper and lower ends and is held by a surrounding spring in a position in which the lower head is flush with the underside of the holding frame.To replace the disposable wiping element, the plunger is moved downwards against the spring force against the disposable wiping element by exerting pressure on the upper head and pushes it out of the holding frame.

[0006] A disadvantage of the known retaining frame is that the mechanism for releasing the cleaning element from the retaining frame comprises several components and requires a certain amount of assembly effort. Another disadvantage is that the plunger and spring assembly mounted on the retaining frame can easily become jammed when pressed down.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a holding frame for a cleaning element that has a simple and robust construction and is easy and cost-effective to manufacture. A further object of the invention is to provide a mop head and a mop with such a holding frame.

[0008] This object is achieved with a holding frame having all the features of patent claim 1 and with a mop head having all the features of patent claim 14 and a mop having all the features of patent claim 16. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the subclaims.

[0009] According to the invention, in a holding frame for a cleaning element with a device for releasably fastening the cleaning element to the holding frame and a device for contactless detachment of the cleaning element from the holding frame, wherein the device for contactless detachment of the cleaning element from the holding frame comprises a pressure element in a recess in the holding frame, which presses the cleaning element out of the holding frame when actuated, it is provided that the pressure element comprises at least one lever which is articulated in a recess in the holding frame.

[0010] It has surprisingly been shown that this simple design feature enables safe, contactless removal of the cleaning element from the support frame. The support frame according to the invention is characterized by a simple and compact design and is inexpensive to manufacture. "Contactless" in the context of the invention means that the cleaning element, which may have become dirty after use, can be removed from the support frame and replaced without contact with a hand.

[0011] The support frame preferably comprises a support plate and a downwardly extending edge that extends at least partially around the outer periphery of the support plate. The support plate and the edge form a receptacle for the cleaning element.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one lever is hinged to the support plate or to the edge in the recess. The lever can be designed as a separate component.

[0013] Preferably, the at least one lever is designed as a one-sided lever. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection to the support plate or to the edge can be made via a hinge joint. Hinge joints are known per se. They allow a rotational movement with only one degree of freedom. They can be constructed from one or more parts. Preferably, the at least one lever is spring-mounted on the support plate or the edge, so that it automatically returns to its original position after pivoting.

[0014] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one lever is designed as a push button with a pressure surface that protrudes beyond the top of the support plate and is beveled toward the support plate or the edge for an articulated connection. Such a push button is easy to operate.

[0015] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one lever is designed as a flap-like element in the support plate. Such a flap-like element can be an integral component of the support plate and, for example, can be hinged in the recess via a film hinge. The outer contour of the flap-like element can correspond to the inner contour of the recess, so that the flap-like element, on its outer periphery not connected to the support plate by the hinge, is separated from the inner contour of the recess in the support plate only by a narrow gap.

[0016] Particularly preferably, the support plate, the edge, and the at least one lever are constructed from a single material and in one piece. The articulated connection can be designed as a film hinge. Film hinges are known per se. They consist of a flexible, thin-walled hinge groove between two parts to be connected. Film hinges are a cost-effective solution. Film hinges save assembly time and individual parts. Finding a suitable wall thickness for the hinge groove for the present application is easily possible for a person skilled in the art. However, the lever can also be designed as a two-sided lever that is pivotally mounted about an axis in or above the recess. By lifting the actuating end of the lever, the other end is rotated into the recess, thus pushing the cleaning element out of the receptacle.

[0017] The cleaning element can be releasably secured in the receptacle in various ways. For example, a clamp or Velcro connection is conceivable. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device for releasably securing the cleaning element in the receptacle comprises locking elements. Locking elements for releasably securing a cleaning element in the receptacle of a holding frame are known per se. They can comprise locking lugs, webs, recesses, or the like, which interact with corresponding counter-locking elements on the cleaning element. Such counter-locking elements are also known per se.

[0018] The locking elements are preferably associated with the edge. With this arrangement, the cleaning element can be easily snapped or clipped into the receptacle formed by the underside of the carrier plate and the at least partially surrounding edge, or released again.

[0019] The support frame is preferably an injection-molded part. Polypropylene is particularly suitable as a material due to its softness and elasticity. Polypropylene exhibits high fatigue strength, which is required for durable film hinges.

[0020] The support plate can have any desired outer contour, for example, round, square, oval, etc. Advantageously, the support plate has a triangular contour with rounded corners, which is particularly suitable for cleaning even hard-to-reach, narrow areas.

[0021] Means for articulated connection to a handle may be provided on the upper side of the support plate.

[0022] A mop head according to the invention comprises a holding frame according to the invention, as described above, and a cleaning element.

[0023] The cleaning element can comprise any conceivable cleaning agent, such as cleaning strips, fringes, sponges, textiles, etc., which can be attached to the support frame in any way. They must be detachably attachable. A support body to which the cleaning agents are attached is particularly suitable for this purpose.

[0024] In such an embodiment, it is advantageous that the support body can be easily snapped or clipped into the support frame. This facilitates handling.

[0025] Preferably, the support body is annular, as known from the prior art, for example, with circumferentially arranged openings for attaching the cleaning strips or fringes. The cleaning strips or fringes can be knotted into the openings of the support body in a conventional manner. The annular support body can be clipped into the locking element on the edge of the holding frame in a conventional manner. The contour of the annular support body corresponds to the outer contour of the carrier plate.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, in the case of using a cleaning element with an annular support body, the at least one lever is arranged on the outer circumference of the holding frame in order to exert the pressure directly on the holding body when actuated.

[0027] A particularly preferred embodiment of a mop head according to the invention comprises a holding frame with a triangular outer contour with rounded corner areas with locking elements and a cleaning element with an annular support body which can be locked into the holding frame.

[0028] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the mop head has two pressure elements on its support frame, to the right and left of the means for articulated connection to a handle. Upon actuation of two such pressure elements, the cleaning element is generally completely ejected from the support frame.

[0029] A mop according to the invention comprises a handle and a mop head of the type described above which is articulated to this handle.

[0030] Short description of the drawing

[0031] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0032] It shows

[0033] Fig. 1 : in a perspective view from above a

[0034] Holding frame for a cleaning element, in which, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one lever is designed as a push button; Fig. 2: a perspective view from above of a holding frame according to the invention for a cleaning element, in which, according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, two flap-like elements are arranged opposite one another as levers, each spaced apart from the rounded corners;

[0035] Fig. 3: in a perspective view from above, a holding frame according to the invention for a cleaning element, in which, according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, two flap-like elements are arranged as levers opposite one another, each in the rounded corners;

[0036] Fig. 4 shows an example of a support body with fringes according to the prior art, which can be arranged in a holding frame according to the invention;

[0037] Fig. 5 shows, by way of example, the installation situation of the support body from Fig. 4 in a holding frame according to the prior art.

[0038] Implementation of the invention

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a holding frame 1 for a cleaning element (not shown here) with a carrier plate 2 and an edge 3 which runs at least partially around the outer circumference of the carrier plate 2 and extends downwards. The carrier plate 2 is essentially triangular in shape, with the legs, for example, slightly curved outwards and the corners rounded. The underside of the carrier plate 2 and the surrounding edge 3 form a receptacle for a cleaning element. The cleaning element is clipped into the receptacle, usually by means of locking elements not shown here, e.g. into the edge 3. A one-sided lever designed as a push button 5 is arranged in a recess 4 in the carrier plate 2. The upper side 6 of the push button 5 projects beyond the upper side of the carrier plate 2 and slopes down towards the edge 3 of the carrier plate 2. The push button 5 is resiliently connected to the edge 3 via a hinge joint 7.

[0040] By applying pressure to the top side 6 of the push button 5, the button moves downward into the recess 4. A cleaning element secured in the frame is thereby released from its locking mechanism and pushed downward out of the frame without the user having to touch the cleaning element itself.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier plate 2, the push button 5 and the hinge joint 7 are formed from the same material and in one piece according to a preferred embodiment of the invention without limiting the generality.

[0042] Reference numeral 8 denotes an articulated connection to a connecting element 9 for a handle (not shown here). In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot axis 10 of the articulated connection 8 runs perpendicular to one of the rounded corners without restriction of generality. This allows the support plate 2 to be easily maneuvered into corners with the tip first.

[0043] Figures 3 and 4 show two further embodiments of a holding ohm 1 according to the invention. In both embodiments, two flap-like elements 12a, 12b, respectively, are provided in the carrier plate 2.

[0044] 14a, 14b are designed as levers. In the illustrated embodiments, the flap-like elements 12a, 12b and 14a, 14b are arranged, for example, on the leg of the triangular support plate 2 that runs parallel to the pivot axis 10 of the articulated connection 9, on the right and left, respectively, spaced from the center of the leg. In the illustrated embodiment, the free end points towards the edge. By exerting pressure on the spaced-apart flap-like elements 12a, 12b and 14a, 14b, these are moved downwards from the support plate 2 and press a cleaning element located in the receptacle downwards out of the receptacle.

[0045] Fig. 4 shows an example of a cleaning element 15 according to the prior art with a triangularly shaped annular support body 16 and fringes 17 attached thereto, which can be clipped into a holding frame 1 according to the invention.

[0046] Fig. 5 illustrates the installation situation of the support body from Fig. 4 in a holding frame according to the prior art. The fringes have been omitted for clarity. The installation situation corresponds to that of the holding frame according to the invention. The perspective view from below shows the holder of the holding frame formed by the underside of the carrier plate 2 and the edge 3. The annular support body (16) is clipped into the holder. The underside of the articulated connection 9 for the connecting element 8 for a handle is designated by 9.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Holding frame (1 ) for a cleaning element (15) with a device for releasably fastening the cleaning element (15) to the holding frame (1 ) and a device for contactless detachment of the cleaning element (15) from the holding frame (1 ), wherein the device for contactless detachment of the cleaning element (15) from the holding frame (1 ) comprises a pressure element in a recess in the holding frame (1 ), which when actuated presses the cleaning element (15) out of the holding frame (1 ), characterized in that the pressure element comprises at least one lever which is articulated in a recess in the holding frame (1 ).

2. Holding frame (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a carrier plate (2) and an edge (3) which runs at least partially around the outer circumference of the carrier plate (2) and extends downwards.

3. Holding frame (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one lever in the recess is articulated to the support plate (2) or to the edge (3).

4. Holding frame (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one lever is designed as a one-sided lever which is articulated to the support plate (2) or to the edge (3) via a hinge joint in the recess.

5. Holding frame (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one lever is resiliently articulated.

6. Holding frame (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one lever is designed as a push button (5) with a pressure surface projecting beyond the upper side of the carrier plate (2) and beveled towards the articulated connection to the carrier plate (2) or the edge (3).

7. Holding frame (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one lever is designed as a flap-like element (12a, 12b, 14a, 14b) in the carrier plate (2).

8. Holding frame (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the carrier plate (2), the at least one lever and the hinge joint (7) are formed from a single material and in one piece.

9. Holding frame (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the at least one lever is arranged on the outer circumference of the carrier plate (2).

10. Holding frame (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the device for releasably fastening the cleaning element (15) comprises locking elements.

11. Holding frame (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the locking elements (15) are assigned to the edge (3).

12. Holding frame (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that means for articulated connection to a handle are provided on the upper side of the support plate (2).

13. Holding frame (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the carrier plate (2) has a triangular outer contour with rounded corners.

14. Mop head with a holding frame (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13 and a cleaning element (15), characterized in that the cleaning element (15) comprises a supporting body (16) and cleaning fringes and / or strips (17) fixed to the supporting body (16).

15. A mop head according to claim 14, characterized in that the support body (16) is annular and can be snapped into the locking elements on the edge (3) of the holding frame (1).

16. A mop comprising a handle and a mop head according to claim 14 or 15, as well as a joint for articulately connecting the handle to the mop head.

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