Device for activating a liquid reservoir integrated into a cleaning element and encapsulated in a membrane

Abstract

Device (1) for activating a liquid reservoir (4) integrated into a cleaning element (2) and encapsulated in a membrane (3), comprising a planar main element (5) and an activation element (6), wherein the activation element (6) is movable relative to the main element (5) and is movable selectively between a retracted position (7) and an activation position (8), wherein the activation element (6) in the activation position (8) comes into contact with the membrane (3) of the liquid reservoir (4) and perforates the membrane (3).

Description

[0001] October 23, 2025

[0002] Ripper / MB

[0003] Applicant: Carl Freudenberg KG, 69469 Weinheim

[0004] Device for activating a liquid reservoir integrated in a cleaning element and encapsulated in a membrane

[0005] Description

[0006] The invention relates to a device for activating a liquid reservoir integrated in a cleaning element and encapsulated in a membrane.

[0007] Technical field

[0008] For quick cleanups or dusting of smooth floors, cleaning devices with a mop head are frequently used, to which a cleaning element can be attached. The cleaning cloths used for this purpose are usually disposable.

[0009] State of the art

[0010] It is known that cleaning wipes of the type mentioned above are provided as pre-moistened wipes. These wipes typically consist of a sheet-like matrix of porous material, such as non-woven fabric. Often, several pre-moistened wipes are provided in liquid-proof packaging.

[0011] From DE 20 2020 106 548 U1, a cleaning wipe is known which has a flat, non-woven fabric-based layer to which a liquid reservoir is assigned, the liquid being enclosed in a liquid-impermeable membrane. The cleaning liquid is contained within the reservoir by the membrane, allowing the cleaning wipes to be stored dry and preventing the cleaning liquid from evaporating before intended use. In the known cleaning wipe, the cleaning liquid stored in the reservoir is released by rupturing the membrane. When the membrane ruptures, the cleaning liquid is released and moistens the cleaning wipe. However, the release occurs in such a way that the cleaning liquid gushes into the porous layer of the cleaning wipe.The problem is that the entire cleaning fluid can escape from the fluid reservoir suddenly and not in a targeted manner.

[0012] Description of the invention

[0013] The invention is based on the objective of providing a device that improves the cleaning effect of a cleaning element with an integrated, encapsulated liquid reservoir.

[0014] This problem is solved by the features of claims 1 and 12. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0015] The device according to the invention for activating a liquid reservoir integrated in a cleaning element and encapsulated in a membrane comprises a plate-shaped base body and an activation element, wherein the activation element is movable relative to the base body and can be selectively moved between a retracted position and an activation position, wherein in the activation position the activation element comes into contact with the membrane of the cleaning element and perforates the membrane. The device according to the invention makes it possible to activate the cleaning fluid enclosed in the membrane of the cleaning element by simple means, wherein the perforation is carried out in such a way that the membrane is opened in such a manner that the cleaning fluid does not gush out of the liquid reservoir.The membrane is perforated in a controlled manner, with the fluid escaping in the desired quantity and at the desired location, unlike a ruptured membrane. Because the activation element is movable relative to the base body, the membrane is only perforated when the activation element is moved into the activation position. This prevents the membrane from being activated accidentally or prematurely. Accordingly, the cleaning fluid only exits the reservoir when intended. Furthermore, the device allows the membrane to be opened without direct contact by the cleaner, for example, by the cleaner indirectly pressing the cleaning element into the device using the handle of a cleaning tool.

[0016] The activation element can have several needle-shaped protrusions. These protrusions create point-like perforations in the liquid element, minimizing liquid leakage through each perforation and thus extending the cleaning element's service life. The presence of multiple needle-shaped protrusions also ensures a sufficiently high liquid discharge from the reservoir. A particularly advantageous feature is that the liquid discharge from the reservoir is distributed across the entire surface of the cleaning element.

[0017] Preferably, the needle-shaped protrusions are evenly distributed over the surface of the activation element, resulting in an even distribution of liquid over the surface.

[0018] The device can be designed as a container into which the cleaning element can be pressed for activation. In particular, the container can be designed as a bowl with a base and raised rim, with the activation elements located at the base of the container. Especially when used with a cleaning device to which the cleaning element is attached, this allows for simple and ergonomic activation of the liquid reservoir. In particular, manual activation of the liquid reservoir is not required.

[0019] Preferably, the base body is designed as a cleaning plate for a cleaning device. The cleaning plate preferably comprises a first main surface, which can be covered by a cleaning element. Accordingly, the first main surface is designed to be brought into contact with the floor to be cleaned via the cleaning element during cleaning. The base body can have a second main surface facing away from the first. Fastening elements for the cleaning element can be located on the second main surface. These can, for example, be designed as soft clips that hold the cleaning element securely in place.

[0020] Due to the design of the base body as a cleaning plate, the liquid reservoir is only activated immediately before the cleaning process. Before cleaning, the cleaning element can be mounted dry on the base body, which is designed as a cleaning plate. The cleaning fluid encapsulated in the reservoir is only activated when the cleaning element is placed on the floor with the cleaning device, with the cleaning element positioned between the floor to be cleaned and the base body. For this purpose, the activation element is moved from its retracted position to its activated position, perforating the liquid reservoir. The cleaning fluid then flows out, and the cleaning process can begin immediately. It is also possible to mount a pre-moistened cleaning element, which also contains a liquid reservoir, onto the base body.In this design, the cleaning fluid encapsulated in the fluid reservoir is only activated when the cleaning effect of the cleaning element diminishes. This significantly increases the cleaning element's area coverage.

[0021] The main body can have a hinged connection for a handle on the second main side. This improves the handling of the cleaning device.

[0022] The base body may have at least one recess, wherein the activation element is arranged in the recess in such a way that the activation element is movable between the retracted position and the activation position.

[0023] Particularly in connection with the cleaning device, it is advantageous that the elements of the activation unit, which directly open the liquid reservoir, only come into contact with the cleaning element in the activated position. In the retracted position, this allows for particularly gentle cleaning of sensitive floors.

[0024] The activation element can be functionally connected to the handle. For this purpose, the handle's articulated connection can be directly attached to the activation element, which is movably arranged within the base body. This allows for particularly easy activation of the liquid reservoir. Preferably, the activation element can be moved from its retracted position to its activated position by pressing on the handle. Thus, it is only necessary to press on the handle for the activation element to move from its retracted position to its activated position. This also allows for particularly ergonomic opening of the liquid reservoir.

[0025] A spring element can be provided between the base body and the activation element, which automatically holds the activation element in the retracted position. This ensures that the activation element does not move into the activated position on its own. This design is particularly advantageous in conjunction with the handle connection provided on the activation element. The spring element requires a certain force to move the activation element from the retracted position to the activated position. This force can be greater than the force typically applied to the cleaning plate via the handle during cleaning.

[0026] The basic body can have several recesses distributed across the first main side, with the projections of the activation element being assigned to the recesses.

[0027] This results in a particularly wide distribution of the activation elements, which can be evenly distributed over almost the entire surface of the cleaning plate.

[0028] This allows for a particularly even release of the cleaning fluid stored in the fluid reservoir.

[0029] The activation element can be operatively connected to a signaling device. The signaling device is preferably designed to emit an acoustic signal when the activation element is in the activation position. This provides the operator with feedback as to whether the liquid reservoir has been activated. In addition to acoustic signaling, visual signaling is also conceivable.

[0030] The problem is also solved by a device for activating a liquid reservoir integrated into a cleaning element and encapsulated in a membrane, comprising a plate-shaped base body and an activation element, wherein the activation element comes into contact with the membrane of the liquid reservoir by pressing the cleaning element onto the device and perforates the membrane. In this embodiment, the device is separate from the cleaning device, and the cleaning element is attached to the cleaning device and pressed onto the device. Pressure can be applied to the stem so that the membrane of the cleaning element comes into contact with the activation element and is perforated.

[0031] The activation element can have several needle-shaped projections. These needle-shaped projections create a point-like perforation of the liquid element. Preferably, the projections are evenly distributed over the base body.

[0032] The base body can be limited by a surrounding rim, so that any liquid that prematurely escapes from the liquid reservoir can be collected.

[0033] Brief description of the drawing

[0034] Some embodiments of the device according to the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. The figures show, schematically:

[0035] Fig. 1 shows a device in the form of a cleaning device according to a first embodiment;

[0036] Fig. 2 shows another view of the cleaning device shown in Fig. 1;

[0037] Fig. 3 shows the cleaning device according to Fig. 1 in section;

[0038] Fig. 4 shows a device in the form of a cleaning device according to the second embodiment;

[0039] Fig. 5 shows a bowl-shaped device in cross-section.

[0040] Implementation of the Invention: The figures show a device 1 for activating a liquid reservoir 4 integrated into a cleaning element 2 and encapsulated in a membrane 3. The cleaning element 2 comprises a flat layer of porous material, in this case nonwoven fabric. The liquid reservoir 4 is inserted into the flat layer, and in this case, embedded within it. The liquid reservoir 4 is cushion-shaped and has a membrane 3 made of plastic. The liquid reservoir 4 stores a cleaning fluid. The cleaning element 2 is designed as a cleaning cloth. The layers of the cleaning element 2 can be dry or pre-moistened.

[0041] The device 1 comprises a plate-shaped base body 5 and an activation element 6, wherein the activation element 6 is movable relative to the base body 5 in the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

[0042] The activation element 6 can be moved either between a retracted position 7 and an activation position 8, whereby the activation element 6 in the activation position 8 comes into contact with the membrane 3 of the cleaning element 2.

[0043] For the purposes of this invention, "contact" also includes the activation element 6 indirectly coming into contact with the liquid reservoir 4 via the planar surface of the cleaning element 2 in order to open it. It is also conceivable that the activation element 6 penetrates the planar surface of the cleaning element 2.

[0044] The base body 5 is designed as a cleaning plate for a cleaning device 10. The base body 5 has a first main surface 11, which can be covered by the cleaning element 2. The base body 5 also has a second main surface 12, to which a handle 13 is articulated. The second main surface 12 is further equipped with fastening elements 17 in the form of soft clips for securing the cleaning element 2. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-3, a recess 14 is provided in the base body 5, wherein the activation element 6 is arranged in the recess 14 such that it is movable between the retracted position 7 and the activated position 8. The activation element 6 is operatively connected to the handle 13. In the present embodiment, the activation element is arranged centrally in the base body 5 and forms the handle connection on the second main surface 12.A spring element 15 is provided between the base body 5 and the activation element, which automatically holds the activation element 6 in the retracted position 7.

[0045] The activation element 6 is moved from the retracted position 7 to the activation position 8 by pressing on the stem 13. When the stem 13 is released or the pressure on the stem 13 is at least reduced, the activation element 6 moves automatically from the activation position 8 to the retracted position 7.

[0046] The activation element 6 is provided with a signaling device 16. In the present embodiment, the signaling device 16 is designed such that an acoustic signal is given when the activation element 6 is in the activation position 8.

[0047] The embodiment shown in Fig. 4, unlike the device 1 described above, has several recesses 14 distributed across the first main surface 11 in the base body 5, with the projections 9 of the activation element 6 being associated with the recesses 14. In this embodiment, the projections 9 are evenly distributed across the surface of the first main surface 11 of the base body 5. In this embodiment as well, the activation element 6 is moved from the retracted position 7 to the activation position 8 by pressing on the stem 13. When the stem 13 is released or the pressure on the stem 13 is at least reduced, the 2023P00028WG

[0048] 10

[0049] Activation element 6 automatically moves from activation position 8 to retracted position 7.

[0050] Fig. 5 shows a device 1 for activating a liquid reservoir 4 integrated in a cleaning element 2 and encapsulated in a membrane 3 according to a further embodiment. The device 1 comprises a plate-shaped base body 5 and an activation element 6, wherein the activation element 6 comes into contact with the membrane 3 of the liquid reservoir 4 by pressing the cleaning element 2 onto the device 1 and perforates the membrane 3.

[0051] The activation element 6 comprises several needle-shaped projections evenly distributed over the base body 5. The base body 5 is bounded by a continuous rim 18.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (1) for activating a liquid reservoir (4) integrated in a cleaning element (2) and encapsulated in a membrane (3), comprising a plate-shaped base body (5) and an activation element (6), wherein the activation element (6) is movable relative to the base body (5) and is selectively movable between a retracted position (7) and an activation position (8), wherein the activation element (6) in the activation position (8) comes into contact with the membrane (3) of the liquid reservoir (4) and perforates the membrane (3).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the activation element (6) has several needle-shaped projections (9).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the base body (5) is designed as a cleaning plate of a cleaning device (10).

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the base body (5) has a first main surface (11) which can be covered by a cleaning element (2).

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the base body (5) has a second main surface (12) to which a stem (13) is pivotally attached.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one recess (14) is provided in the base body (5), wherein the activation element (6) is arranged in the recess (14) such that it is movable between the retracted position (7) and the activation position (8).

7. Device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the activation element (6) is operatively connected to the stem (13).

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a spring element (15) is provided between the base body (5) and the activation element (6), which automatically holds the activation element (6) in the retracted position (7).

9. Device according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the base body (5) has several recesses (14) arranged distributed over the first main surface (11), wherein the projections (9) of the activation element (6) are assigned to the recesses (14).

10. Device according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the activation element (6) can be moved from the retracted position (7) to the activation position (8) by pressing on the stem (13).

11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the activation element (6) is provided with a signaling device (16).

12. Device (1 ) for activating a liquid reservoir (4) integrated in a cleaning element (2) and encapsulated in a membrane (3), comprising a plate-shaped base body (5) and an activation element (6), wherein the activation element (6) comes into contact with the membrane (3) of the liquid reservoir (4) by pressing the cleaning element (2) onto the device (1 ) and perforates the membrane (3).

13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the activation element (6) has several needle-shaped projections (9). 2023P00028WG 13 14. Device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the base body (5) is limited by a circumferential rim (18).

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