EP2227129B1 - Cleaning tool - Google Patents
Cleaning tool Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2227129B1 EP2227129B1 EP08845398.0A EP08845398A EP2227129B1 EP 2227129 B1 EP2227129 B1 EP 2227129B1 EP 08845398 A EP08845398 A EP 08845398A EP 2227129 B1 EP2227129 B1 EP 2227129B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- coupling element
- cleaning
- flanges
- projection
- cleaning instrument
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
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- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 title claims description 107
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 108
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 108
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 108
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000007790 scraping Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000003670 easy-to-clean Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001413 cellular effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000014509 gene expression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011343 solid material Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L13/00—Implements for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L13/10—Scrubbing; Scouring; Cleaning; Polishing
- A47L13/42—Details
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L13/00—Implements for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L13/10—Scrubbing; Scouring; Cleaning; Polishing
- A47L13/11—Squeegees
Definitions
- the present invention is based on a coupling for the releasable interconnection of a cleaning tool and a cleaning instrument, the cleaning tool having a rectangular head, said head having an upper coupling element and the cleaning instrument having a lower coupling element, said coupling elements having a locating arrangement via which the coupling elements, when interconnected, are shape-dependently locked in several first directions in relation to each other.
- the use of a rectangular-headed cleaning tool with a cleaning instrument attached to one of the long sides of the head has long been known in the internal and external cleaning of, for example, buildings and vehicles.
- the head is attached, at a fixed or at an adjustable angle, to a shaft on one of the long sides of the head.
- the cleaning instrument can, for example, be a brush, a mop, a sponge or a scraper (squeegee).
- a cleaning tool as described above large surfaces can be cleaned in a relatively efficient way.
- Various types of brushes or mops are most often used when removing dry dirt particles from the surface that is to be cleaned. Where the surface to be cleaned is damp, it is often appropriate to use a scraper as the cleaning instrument.
- the scraper can include a rubber or rubber-like blade made of a porous or solid material.
- the imposed requirement is, clearly enough, cleaning that is as effective as possible with as little work effort as possible. If the surface to be cleaned is entirely flat and the blade is completely straight, perfect cleaning of said surface is, in principle, achievable. In reality, it is of course the case that the surface to be cleaned has unevennesses and that the blade deviates from the desired shape. The result is that the scraper leaves behind liquid and dirt particles, this necessitating further scraping of the same surface. A scraper used in this way is in constant contact with dirt and thus needs frequent cleaning.
- DK9200097U3 presents a solution that involves the cleaning instrument including a lower coupling element with longitudinal shoulders that can be pushed into corresponding grooves in an upper coupling element on the head. These shoulders and grooves together constitute a locating arrangement via which the coupling elements, when interconnected, are shape-dependently locked upwards-downwards and forwards-backwards, i.e. in several first directions relative to each other.
- a coupling according to the preamble of claim 1 is disclosed in WO 2006/122 607 A1 .
- the main purpose of the present invention is that it should result in a device as set out in the ingress, said device giving easily releasable yet, at the same time, safe interconnection between a cleaning tool and a cleaning instrument.
- Another purpose of the invention is that it should result in a device that enables interconnection without the actuation of an operating member.
- a further purpose of the invention is that it should result in a device that, using the same grip that separates the cleaning instrument from the cleaning tool, enables release through an actuation of an operating member.
- Yet another purpose of the invention is that it should result in a cleaning instrument in the form of a scraping tool that enables the very efficient cleaning of a surface that is to be cleaned.
- Still another purpose of the invention is that it should result in a scraper that is easy to keep clean.
- one of the coupling elements has one locking surface and the other of the coupling elements has a second locking surface
- the normals (perpendiculars) of said locking surfaces being aligned in a second direction that deviates essentially from the previously mentioned first directions, these locking surfaces, in the interconnected state, being engaged with each other, the locking surfaces being moved, on the application of pressure to a operating member, to a position relative to each other and in which they are released from each other, it then being possible to pull the upper coupling element apart from the lower coupling element
- the cleaning instrument is a scraper that has, at a distance from each other, two or more blades of a rubber-like material, said blades being moulded as an integral element of a part that has a lower coupling element.
- Figures 1 - 4 show a preferred design of a cleaning tool (1) that has a rectangular head (2) and a sleeve (12).
- a shaft can be inserted in the sleeve.
- the sleeve (12) can be set at various angles towards the head (2), or be rotatably fixed in the head (2).
- the head (2) includes an upper coupling element (7) in the form of a U-profile including a web (13) and two flanges (14), said web and flanges forming an essentially U-shaped groove that runs along coupling element 7 from end to end and is open at the bottom.
- the insides of the flanges (14) have longitudinal recesses in the form of channels (6) that run along coupling element 7 from end to end.
- the cleaning tool (1) can be suitably manufactured by injection moulding of a polymer.
- the material should preferably be of such a thickness that the whole is rigid and keeps its shape on being subjected to the stresses it will normally encounter in use.
- FIGS 5 - 7 show a preferred design of a lower coupling element (4) that is essentially in the shape of an H-profile with a web (16) and flanges (17).
- a through groove (20) has been cut in the web (16).
- the outsides of the flanges (17) engage projection 18.
- the outsides of the projection (18) form operating device 41, these together forming operating member 11, the side edges of the projection (18) forming locking surfaces (10), said locking surfaces being directed towards both ends of coupling element 4.
- the outsides of these flanges (17) also engage longitudinal shoulders (5) that run from end to end of coupling element 4.
- the lower coupling element is so oriented that the lower part of the projection (18) is facing upwards.
- Figure 7 shows that the shoulders (5) have bevels (19) that, at interconnection, face upwards in the direction of the upper coupling element (7).
- the lower coupling element (4) is preferably made of an injection moulded thermoplastic of a type that is relatively rigid and keeps its shape, yet is flexible enough for the ends of the flanges (17) on both sides of the groove (20) to be elastically bent towards each other when acted upon by the compressive forces in the A direction of the arrows as per figure 5 .
- FIG 8 shows a scraper (21), preferably made of a solid, thermoplastic, flexible, rubber-like material, essentially shaped as a U-profile with two flanges that form two blades (22).
- the U-profile's web (23) is opened by a through groove (24) that extends along the U-profile so that two relatively small bridges (25) are formed at both ends of the scraper (21).
- One of these bridges (25) includes a tongue (26), said tongue facing the other bridge.
- the scraper (21) should be injection moulded onto the lower coupling element (4), thereby being moulded as an integral element of the lower coupling element as per figures 9 - 12 , the whole forming a cleaning instrument (3).
- the advantage is thereby secured of a cleaning instrument that has no dirt pockets and is thus easy to clean and which can even be autoclaved.
- the upper part of the blades (22) of the scraper (21) are moulded onto the inside of the flanges (17) of coupling element 4, the tongue (26) being moulded with the edges of the groove (20) in the lower coupling element (4), thereby filling out the groove (20).
- the scraper (21) projects from both ends of the lower coupling element (4) the projection corresponding to the width of the bridges (25).
- the reason for the scraper (21) being wider than coupling element 4 is that this makes it possible to get into floor corners, etc. during cleaning work.
- the scraper should have two or more blades (22).
- Figure 13 shows how the cleaning instrument (3) is partially interconnected with the cleaning tool (1).
- the lower coupling element (4) is, in this state, pushed into the U-shaped groove in upper coupling 7 so that the shoulders (5) are inserted in the channels (6).
- the dimensions are appropriately selected so that there is a certain play between coupling elements 4 and 7, as also between the shoulders (5) and their respective channels (6). This allows interconnection to be effected without significant effort.
- the locking effect arises through the resilience of the ends of the flanges (17) and through the tongue (26) pressing the projection (18) into the recesses (15) and thus causing locking surfaces 9 and 10 (of the upper and the lower coupling elements respectively) to engage with each other. Because the normals of the locking surfaces (9 and 10) are aligned in a second direction (the same as or opposite to arrow B) that deviates essentially from the previously mentioned first directions, the coupling elements are shape-dependently locked to each other in all directions, i.e. even in the longitudinal direction of the head (2). Because the upper and the lower locking elements (7 and 4 respectively) include locking surfaces (9 and 10) that are opposed to each other in pairs, this longitudinal locking is in both directions.
- Figures 14 - 16 show the cleaning tool (1) and the cleaning instrument (3) in the interconnected and locked position.
- the cleaning instrument can be pushed in from either end.
- the shoulders (5) on the lower coupling element (4) should have upward facing bevels (19) as in figure 12 .
- the lower coupling element (4) can be a snap-fit in the corresponding channels (6) in the upper coupling element (7) in the C direction of the arrow as per figure 14 .
- This is an advantage when manufacturing a complete set that includes cleaning tool 1 and cleaning instrument 3 - these do not then have to be so exactly oriented in relation to each other.
- the shoulders (5) of coupling element (4) should be pushed into the grooves (6) from the short side of the upper coupling element.
- the resilience of the ends of the flanges (17) can, of course, be brought about in many other ways, for example, by using a separate resilient element. However, owing to manufacturing economies and hygiene requirements, it is an advantage for the entire cleaning instrument (3) to be a single part.
- the cleaning tool (1) includes an upper coupling element (7) with a locking surface that can engage with and be disconnected from a corresponding locking surface on the cleaning instrument (3).
- various types of cleaning instrument (3) with the same appropriate design of lower coupling element (4) can be easily interconnected with the same cleaning tool (1).
- a scraper with a solid rubber-like blade may be appropriate for one task and a scraper with a cellular rubber blade for another.
- a cleaning instrument in the form of a brush or a mop may be appropriate.
- Figures 17 - 19 show alternative designs of the upper coupling element (7) and the lower coupling element (4), said alternative designs being expressions of the same and already explained idea embodied in the invention.
- Figure 17 shows a cleaning tool (1) that has a head (2) and a sleeve (12), said sleeve being designed for interconnection with a shaft.
- the head (2) includes an upper coupling element (7) with a rectangular box-shaped element (43) that is open at the bottom and which has two long sides (30) and two short sides (31). Of these long sides (30), the front one has a through rectangular recess (15).
- the bottom face of the recess (15) forms a locking surface (9).
- the cleaning tool (1) is preferably manufactured as a single part.
- FIG 19 shows a cleaning instrument (3) that includes a scraper (21) with two blades (22).
- the scraper (21) is made of a solid, thermoplastic, flexible, rubber-like material that is injection moulded onto a lower coupling element (4) that is injection moulded in a relatively rigid and durable thermoplastic material.
- the scraper (21) is moulded to form a single part with coupling element 4.
- This coupling element (4) includes a rectangular box-shaped element (44) that is so dimensioned that, with a certain play, it can be inserted, from below, up into the box-shaped upper element (43). Because the upper box-shaped element (43) forms a box that is closed at the top and which has long sides (30) and short sides (31), coupling element 4 becomes locked to coupling element 7.
- one of the long sides (17) of the lower coupling element (4) includes an upward facing bar (34) that has a rectangular cross section.
- This bar (34) forms a leaf spring that can be bent in the arrows' E and F directions.
- the upper part of the projection (18) has an "insertion bevel" (27), the lower part a locking surface (10) and the outer part an operating member (11).
- the box-shaped element (44) of the cleaning instrument (3) is inserted, from below, up into the box-shaped upper element (43) of the cleaning tool (1) in the arrow's C direction.
- This causes the bar (34), acted on by the insertion bevel (27), to move elastically away in the arrow's E direction until the projection (18) snap-fits into the recess (15) - see figure 20 .
- Coupling elements 4 and 7 are thereby also locked to each other in the vertical direction.
- the locking effect arises through the resilience of the bar (34) pressing the projection (18), in the arrow's F direction, into the recess (15) and thus causing locking surfaces 9 and 10 (of the upper and the lower coupling elements respectively) to engage with each other.
- the coupling elements are shape-dependently locked to each other in all directions, i.e. even vertically downwards.
- Figures 21 - 23 show yet another design of the invention.
- a lower coupling element (4) including a lower box-shaped element (43) that, in the interconnected position, surrounds a box-shaped element (44) included in coupling element 7 this design is an inverted variant of that exemplified in figures 17 - 20 .
- These box-shaped elements (43 and 44) on each coupling element together constitute a locating arrangement (42) via which the coupling elements are shape-dependently locked in several first directions in relation to each other, but not vertically downwards.
- one of the long sides (17) of element 44 includes two through grooves (35) that form a bar (34) that has a rectangular cross section (as in figure 21 ).
- the lower part of the projection (18) On the lower part of the bar (34), there is an outward directed projection (18) that is so positioned and dimensioned that it fits into a groove (15) in the lower coupling element (4), there being a certain play when the upper box-shaped element (44) bottoms in the lower box-shaped element (43) of coupling element 4.
- the lower part of the projection (18) has an "insertion bevel" (27), the upper part a locking surface (10) and the outer part an operating member (11).
- the lower box-shaped element (43) is open at the top and has two long sides (30) and two short sides (31). Of these long sides (30), the front one has a through rectangular groove. As per figure 22 , the upper face of the groove forms a locking surface (9).
- the box-shaped element (43) of the cleaning instrument (3) is inserted, from below, upwards into the cleaning tool (1) in the arrow's B direction so that the box-shaped upper element (44) enters the corresponding space in the box-shaped lower element (43).
- coupling elements 4 and 7 are shape-dependently locked to each other in all directions and can be disconnected from each other in the same way as previously described.
- the invention can, of course, be further varied in a number of different ways.
- one possibility is to design a lower coupling element (4) with a projection that has a locking surface which engages elastically with a groove in the upper side of an upper coupling element (7).
- a design that involves a locating arrangement in the form of pins in one of the coupling elements and holes in the other coupling element could also be considered.
- An operating member in the form of a slide control is a further possibility.
Landscapes
- Cleaning Implements For Floors, Carpets, Furniture, Walls, And The Like (AREA)
Description
- The present invention is based on a coupling for the releasable interconnection of a cleaning tool and a cleaning instrument, the cleaning tool having a rectangular head, said head having an upper coupling element and the cleaning instrument having a lower coupling element, said coupling elements having a locating arrangement via which the coupling elements, when interconnected, are shape-dependently locked in several first directions in relation to each other.
- The use of a rectangular-headed cleaning tool with a cleaning instrument attached to one of the long sides of the head has long been known in the internal and external cleaning of, for example, buildings and vehicles. Usually, the head is attached, at a fixed or at an adjustable angle, to a shaft on one of the long sides of the head. The cleaning instrument can, for example, be a brush, a mop, a sponge or a scraper (squeegee). With a cleaning tool as described above, large surfaces can be cleaned in a relatively efficient way. Various types of brushes or mops are most often used when removing dry dirt particles from the surface that is to be cleaned. Where the surface to be cleaned is damp, it is often appropriate to use a scraper as the cleaning instrument. In this connection, it is possible to displace a mixture of liquid and solid particles so that said mixture can be further transported to, for example, a drain. The scraper can include a rubber or rubber-like blade made of a porous or solid material. The imposed requirement is, clearly enough, cleaning that is as effective as possible with as little work effort as possible. If the surface to be cleaned is entirely flat and the blade is completely straight, perfect cleaning of said surface is, in principle, achievable. In reality, it is of course the case that the surface to be cleaned has unevennesses and that the blade deviates from the desired shape. The result is that the scraper leaves behind liquid and dirt particles, this necessitating further scraping of the same surface. A scraper used in this way is in constant contact with dirt and thus needs frequent cleaning. Consequently, there is a requirement that the scraper should be so designed that it is easy to clean. Used in, for example, the foodstuffs industry, the hygiene requirements are particularly high. The tools used there must not have spaces that can act as dirt pockets in which colonies of bacteria can develop. There is also a requirement that it should be possible to autoclave the cleaning tools. A solution to this problem is indicated in
DK175909 B1 DK9200097U3 US477694 . There, the coupling elements are made of metal and the locking force can be adjusted via a screw. This device has the disadvantage that it requires an operating member to be actuated at both interconnection and disconnection. The same disadvantage is also exhibited byUS4941228 . There, a pin in the upper coupling element is pressed down into a relatively soft rubber blade. No known technology indicates a solution for interconnecting the coupling elements in an easily releasable, yet also safe, way. It is desirable that interconnection should be possible without any actuation of an operating member and that the cleaning instrument should be securely attached, in all directions, to the cleaning tool. It is also desirable that releasing should be possible in such a way that the actuation of the operating member is effected using the same grip that separates the cleaning instrument from the cleaning tool. Such a safe but easily releasable coupling makes it possible for a single cleaning tool to be used for various types of cleaning instruments. This is an advantage. - A coupling according to the preamble of claim 1 is disclosed in
WO 2006/122 607 A1 . - The main purpose of the present invention is that it should result in a device as set out in the ingress, said device giving easily releasable yet, at the same time, safe interconnection between a cleaning tool and a cleaning instrument.
- Another purpose of the invention is that it should result in a device that enables interconnection without the actuation of an operating member.
- A further purpose of the invention is that it should result in a device that, using the same grip that separates the cleaning instrument from the cleaning tool, enables release through an actuation of an operating member.
- Yet another purpose of the invention is that it should result in a cleaning instrument in the form of a scraping tool that enables the very efficient cleaning of a surface that is to be cleaned.
- Still another purpose of the invention is that it should result in a scraper that is easy to keep clean.
- These objects are achieved by a coupling as defined in claim 1.
- These purposes are achieved in a device as set out in the ingress where one of the coupling elements has one locking surface and the other of the coupling elements has a second locking surface, the normals (perpendiculars) of said locking surfaces being aligned in a second direction that deviates essentially from the previously mentioned first directions, these locking surfaces, in the interconnected state, being engaged with each other, the locking surfaces being moved, on the application of pressure to a operating member, to a position relative to each other and in which they are released from each other, it then being possible to pull the upper coupling element apart from the lower coupling element, it being further the case that the cleaning instrument is a scraper that has, at a distance from each other, two or more blades of a rubber-like material, said blades being moulded as an integral element of a part that has a lower coupling element.
- The invention will now be described with reference being made to the figures set out below. These figures are intended to explain the invention and not to limit it.
-
Fig.1 is an end view of a cleaning tool. -
Fig. 2 shows the cleaning tool infig. 1 in perspective, obliquely from below. -
Fig. 3 is a partial enlargement of the ringed detail infig. 2 . -
Fig. 4 shows the cleaning tool infigures 1 - 3 in perspective, obliquely from above. -
Fig. 5 shows a coupling element for a cleaning instrument in perspective, obliquely from above. -
Fig. 6 shows the coupling element infig. 5 obliquely from the side. -
Fig. 7 is a partial enlargement of the ringed detail infig. 6 . -
Fig. 8 shows a two-bladed scraper in perspective, obliquely from above. -
Fig. 9 shows a cleaning instrument with a two-bladed scraper, moulded as an integral part with a coupling element, in perspective, obliquely from below. -
Fig. 10 is an end view of the cleaning instrument infig. 9 . -
Fig. 11 shows the cleaning instrument infigures 9 and 10 in perspective, obliquely from above. -
Fig. 12 is a partial enlargement of the ringed detail infig. 11 . -
Fig. 13 shows, in perspective obliquely from below, the cleaning instrument infigures 9 - 12 partially inserted into the cleaning tool infigures 1 - 4 . -
Fig. 14 shows, in perspective obliquely from below, the arrangement infigure 13 with the cleaning instrument interconnected with the cleaning tool. -
Fig. 15 is a partial enlargement of the ringed detail at the top right offig. 14 . -
Fig. 16 is a partial enlargement of the ringed detail at the top left offig. 14 . -
Fig. 17 shows an alternative design of a cleaning tool in perspective, obliquely from below. -
Fig. 18 shows the cleaning tool infig. 17 in perspective, obliquely from above. -
Fig. 19 shows an alternative design of a cleaning instrument in perspective, obliquely from above. -
Fig. 20 shows, in perspective obliquely from above, the cleaning tool infigures 17 and18 interconnected with the cleaning instrument infigure 19 . -
Fig. 21 shows yet another design of a cleaning tool in perspective, obliquely from above. -
Fig. 22 shows yet another design of a cleaning instrument in perspective, obliquely from above. -
Fig. 23 shows, in perspective obliquely from above, the cleaning tool infigure 21 interconnected with the cleaning instrument infigure 22 . - It should be noted that the alternative designs shown in
figures 17 to 23 are no embodiments of the invention. -
Figures 1 - 4 show a preferred design of a cleaning tool (1) that has a rectangular head (2) and a sleeve (12). A shaft can be inserted in the sleeve. The sleeve (12) can be set at various angles towards the head (2), or be rotatably fixed in the head (2). The head (2) includes an upper coupling element (7) in the form of a U-profile including a web (13) and two flanges (14), said web and flanges forming an essentially U-shaped groove that runs alongcoupling element 7 from end to end and is open at the bottom. The insides of the flanges (14) have longitudinal recesses in the form of channels (6) that run alongcoupling element 7 from end to end. On the bottom of both flanges (14) there are recesses (15) arranged at a distance from each end ofcoupling element 7. These recesses (15) thus form edges (9), said edges (9) being devoted to functioning as locking surfaces for movement in the longitudinal direction of a cleaning instrument inserted into the channels (6). The cleaning tool (1) can be suitably manufactured by injection moulding of a polymer. The material should preferably be of such a thickness that the whole is rigid and keeps its shape on being subjected to the stresses it will normally encounter in use. -
Figures 5 - 7 show a preferred design of a lower coupling element (4) that is essentially in the shape of an H-profile with a web (16) and flanges (17). At one end ofcoupling element 4, a through groove (20) has been cut in the web (16). On both sides of the groove (20), the outsides of the flanges (17) engageprojection 18. The outsides of the projection (18)form operating device 41, these together forming operatingmember 11, the side edges of the projection (18) forming locking surfaces (10), said locking surfaces being directed towards both ends ofcoupling element 4. The outsides of these flanges (17) also engage longitudinal shoulders (5) that run from end to end ofcoupling element 4. Infigures 6 and 7 , the lower coupling element is so oriented that the lower part of the projection (18) is facing upwards.Figure 7 shows that the shoulders (5) have bevels (19) that, at interconnection, face upwards in the direction of the upper coupling element (7). The lower coupling element (4) is preferably made of an injection moulded thermoplastic of a type that is relatively rigid and keeps its shape, yet is flexible enough for the ends of the flanges (17) on both sides of the groove (20) to be elastically bent towards each other when acted upon by the compressive forces in the A direction of the arrows as perfigure 5 . -
Figure 8 shows a scraper (21), preferably made of a solid, thermoplastic, flexible, rubber-like material, essentially shaped as a U-profile with two flanges that form two blades (22). The U-profile's web (23) is opened by a through groove (24) that extends along the U-profile so that two relatively small bridges (25) are formed at both ends of the scraper (21). One of these bridges (25) includes a tongue (26), said tongue facing the other bridge. It is preferred that the scraper (21) should be injection moulded onto the lower coupling element (4), thereby being moulded as an integral element of the lower coupling element as perfigures 9 - 12 , the whole forming a cleaning instrument (3). The advantage is thereby secured of a cleaning instrument that has no dirt pockets and is thus easy to clean and which can even be autoclaved. At the moulding together, the upper part of the blades (22) of the scraper (21) are moulded onto the inside of the flanges (17) ofcoupling element 4, the tongue (26) being moulded with the edges of the groove (20) in the lower coupling element (4), thereby filling out the groove (20). Furthermore, the scraper (21) projects from both ends of the lower coupling element (4) the projection corresponding to the width of the bridges (25). The reason for the scraper (21) being wider thancoupling element 4 is that this makes it possible to get into floor corners, etc. during cleaning work. The scraper should have two or more blades (22). This makes it possible to achieve considerably more efficient cleaning with a single scraping of the surface that is to be cleaned. A large part of the liquid and the dirt particles left behind by the first scraper blade (22) are picked up by the following scraper blade (22). In principle, the efficiency is double that of a single-bladed scraper. A design such as described above is preferred, each blade being separately moulded together withcoupling element 4. In this way, the "first" blade (22) is not affected when the "second" blade (22) is bent. If both blades (22) were joined to a single web of the same flexible material as the blades, "simultaneous bending" could occur. If this were the case, an unevenness in the surface to be cleaned could lift both the leading and the following blade, thereby impairing the cleaning effect. Because the groove (20) incoupling element 4 is filled by the tongue (26) made of a flexible rubber-like material, it is easy to bend the ends of the flanges (17) towards each other by exerting pressure on operating member (11) in the A direction of the arrows as perfigures 9 and 11 . -
Figure 13 shows how the cleaning instrument (3) is partially interconnected with the cleaning tool (1). The lower coupling element (4) is, in this state, pushed into the U-shaped groove inupper coupling 7 so that the shoulders (5) are inserted in the channels (6). The dimensions are appropriately selected so that there is a certain play betweencoupling elements - Because the shoulders (5) go into the channels (6), they together form a locating arrangement (42) via which
coupling elements coupling element 7 and the projection (18) can slide into the U-shaped groove in the upper coupling element and then snap-fit into the recesses (15). This interconnection is effected in a single operation without any actuation of an operating member. Handling is thereby facilitated for the operator. - The locking effect arises through the resilience of the ends of the flanges (17) and through the tongue (26) pressing the projection (18) into the recesses (15) and thus causing locking surfaces 9 and 10 (of the upper and the lower coupling elements respectively) to engage with each other. Because the normals of the locking surfaces (9 and 10) are aligned in a second direction (the same as or opposite to arrow B) that deviates essentially from the previously mentioned first directions, the coupling elements are shape-dependently locked to each other in all directions, i.e. even in the longitudinal direction of the head (2). Because the upper and the lower locking elements (7 and 4 respectively) include locking surfaces (9 and 10) that are opposed to each other in pairs, this longitudinal locking is in both directions.
-
Figures 14 - 16 show the cleaning tool (1) and the cleaning instrument (3) in the interconnected and locked position. As both ends of the upper coupling element (7) engage recesses (15), the cleaning instrument can be pushed in from either end. It is preferred that the shoulders (5) on the lower coupling element (4) should have upward facing bevels (19) as infigure 12 . In this way, the lower coupling element (4) can be a snap-fit in the corresponding channels (6) in the upper coupling element (7) in the C direction of the arrow as perfigure 14 . This is an advantage when manufacturing a complete set that includes cleaning tool 1 and cleaning instrument 3 - these do not then have to be so exactly oriented in relation to each other. Nevertheless, when interconnecting after cleaning and replacing of a cleaning instrument (3), it is preferred that, as earlier described, the shoulders (5) of coupling element (4) should be pushed into the grooves (6) from the short side of the upper coupling element. - When cleaning and replacing a cleaning instrument (3), the latter is released from the cleaning tool (1) by pressure being exerted on the operating member (11) in such a way that the operator presses the operating devices (41) towards each other in the A direction of the arrows (as in
figure 14 ). This releases the locking surfaces (9 and 10) from each other, and the upper coupling element (7) can then be disconnected from the lower coupling element (4). In this way, the cleaning instrument (3) can be pulled out from the cleaning tool (1) in the arrow's D direction, essentially parallel with the direction of the normals of the locking surfaces (9, 10). Actuation of the operating member (11) is effected by an essentially rectilinear exertion of pressure by the operator's fingers, the operator using the same grip that separates the cleaning instrument (3) from the cleaning tool (1). This considerably facilitates handling by the operator. - The resilience of the ends of the flanges (17) can, of course, be brought about in many other ways, for example, by using a separate resilient element. However, owing to manufacturing economies and hygiene requirements, it is an advantage for the entire cleaning instrument (3) to be a single part.
- The cleaning tool (1) includes an upper coupling element (7) with a locking surface that can engage with and be disconnected from a corresponding locking surface on the cleaning instrument (3). In this way, to carry out different cleaning tasks, various types of cleaning instrument (3) with the same appropriate design of lower coupling element (4) can be easily interconnected with the
same cleaning tool (1). For example, a scraper with a solid rubber-like blade may be appropriate for one task and a scraper with a cellular rubber blade for another. For yet another task, a cleaning instrument in the form of a brush or a mop may be appropriate. -
Figures 17 - 19 show alternative designs of the upper coupling element (7) and the lower coupling element (4), said alternative designs being expressions of the same and already explained idea embodied in the invention.Figure 17 shows a cleaning tool (1) that has a head (2) and a sleeve (12), said sleeve being designed for interconnection with a shaft. The head (2) includes an upper coupling element (7) with a rectangular box-shaped element (43) that is open at the bottom and which has two long sides (30) and two short sides (31). Of these long sides (30), the front one has a through rectangular recess (15). As perfigure 18 , the bottom face of the recess (15) forms a locking surface (9). Using the injection moulding of a suitable thermoplastic material that is sufficiently durable and dimensionally stable, the cleaning tool (1) is preferably manufactured as a single part. -
Figure 19 shows a cleaning instrument (3) that includes a scraper (21) with two blades (22). The scraper (21) is made of a solid, thermoplastic, flexible, rubber-like material that is injection moulded onto a lower coupling element (4) that is injection moulded in a relatively rigid and durable thermoplastic material. In this way, the scraper (21) is moulded to form a single part withcoupling element 4. This coupling element (4) includes a rectangular box-shaped element (44) that is so dimensioned that, with a certain play, it can be inserted, from below, up into the box-shaped upper element (43). Because the upper box-shaped element (43) forms a box that is closed at the top and which has long sides (30) and short sides (31),coupling element 4 becomes locked tocoupling element 7. These box-shaped elements (43 and 44) on each coupling element together constitute a locating arrangement (42) via which the coupling elements are shape-dependently locked in several first directions in relation to each other, but not vertically downwards. To completely lockcoupling elements - At interconnection, the box-shaped element (44) of the cleaning instrument (3) is inserted, from below, up into the box-shaped upper element (43) of the cleaning tool (1) in the arrow's C direction. This causes the bar (34), acted on by the insertion bevel (27), to move elastically away in the arrow's E direction until the projection (18) snap-fits into the recess (15) - see
figure 20 . Couplingelements - This interconnection is effected in a single operation without any actuation of an operating member. Handling is thereby facilitated for the operator.
- When cleaning and replacing a cleaning instrument (3), the latter is released from the cleaning tool (1) by the operator pressing the operating member (11) in the arrow's E direction (as in
figure 20 ). This releases the locking surfaces (9 and 10) from each other, and the upper coupling element (7) can then be disconnected from the lower coupling element (4). In this way, the cleaning instrument (3) can be pulled out of the cleaning tool (1) in the arrow's G direction. Actuation of the operating member (11) is effected by an essentially rectilinear exertion of pressure by the operator's fingers. The operator can thus actuate the operating member (11) with the same hand that grips the cleaning tool (1) and pull out the cleaning instrument (3) with the other hand, i.e. using the same grip that actuates the operating member (11), the operator can separate the cleaning instrument (3) from the cleaning tool (1). This considerably facilitates handling. -
Figures 21 - 23 show yet another design of the invention. With a lower coupling element (4) including a lower box-shaped element (43) that, in the interconnected position, surrounds a box-shaped element (44) included incoupling element 7, this design is an inverted variant of that exemplified infigures 17 - 20 . These box-shaped elements (43 and 44) on each coupling element together constitute a locating arrangement (42) via which the coupling elements are shape-dependently locked in several first directions in relation to each other, but not vertically downwards. To completely lockcoupling elements element 44 includes two through grooves (35) that form a bar (34) that has a rectangular cross section (as infigure 21 ). On the lower part of the bar (34), there is an outward directed projection (18) that is so positioned and dimensioned that it fits into a groove (15) in the lower coupling element (4), there being a certain play when the upper box-shaped element (44) bottoms in the lower box-shaped element (43) ofcoupling element 4. The lower part of the projection (18) has an "insertion bevel" (27), the upper part a locking surface (10) and the outer part an operating member (11). The lower box-shaped element (43) is open at the top and has two long sides (30) and two short sides (31). Of these long sides (30), the front one has a through rectangular groove. As perfigure 22 , the upper face of the groove forms a locking surface (9). - At interconnection, the box-shaped element (43) of the cleaning instrument (3) is inserted, from below, upwards into the cleaning tool (1) in the arrow's B direction so that the box-shaped upper element (44) enters the corresponding space in the box-shaped lower element (43). This causes the bar (34), acted on by the insertion bevel (27), to move elastically away in the arrow's E direction until the projection (18) snap-fits into the groove (15) - see
figure 23 . Because the normals of the locking surfaces (9 and 10) are aligned in a second direction (the same as or opposite to arrow B infigure 22 ) that deviates essentially from the previously mentioned first directions,coupling elements - The invention can, of course, be further varied in a number of different ways. For example, one possibility is to design a lower coupling element (4) with a projection that has a locking surface which engages elastically with a groove in the upper side of an upper coupling element (7). Alternatively, a design that involves a locating arrangement in the form of pins in one of the coupling elements and holes in the other coupling element could also be considered. An operating member in the form of a slide control is a further possibility. This and other design variants that are obvious to professionals in this area are all within the idea embodied in the invention as it is formulated in the following patent claims.
Claims (1)
- Coupling for the releasable interconnection of a cleaning tool (1) and a cleaning instrument (3) the cleaning tool having a rectangular head (2), said head (2) having an upper coupling element (7), and the cleaning instrument (3) having a lower coupling element (4); said coupling elements (4 and 7) having a locating arrangement (42) via which the coupling elements (4 and 7), when interconnected, are shape-dependently locked in relation to each other, the whole being characterised in that
one of the coupling elements (4; 7) having at least one operating member (11, 41) with an outward directed projection (18), the projection having a first locking surface (10), and the other of the coupling elements (7; 4) having a second locking surface (9), these locking surfaces (9 and 10), in the interconnected state, being engaged with each other under the influence of a resilient element (17; 34), the locking surfaces (9 and 10) being moved, on the application of inward directed pressure to the operating member(s) (11, 41), to a position relative to each other and in which they are released from each other, it then being possible to pull the upper coupling element (7) apart from the lower coupling element (4), wherein
the locating arrangement (42) has a shoulder (5) that goes into a channel (6), the shoulder (5) and the channel (6) being directed in the head's (2) longitudinal direction and run along the coupling elements (4, 7), the normals of the locking surfaces (9 and 10) being aligned in the longitudinal direction of the head (2), and wherein
the head (2) includes an upper coupling element (7) in the shape of a U-profile including a web (13) and two flanges (14), said web and flanges forming an essentially U-shaped groove that runs along coupling element (7) from end to end and is open at the bottom, on the bottom of both flanges (14) there are recesses (15) arranged at a distance from each end of coupling element (7), these recesses (15) thus form edges (9), said edges (9) being devoted to functioning as locking surfaces for movement in the longitudinal direction of a cleaning instrument inserted into the channels (6); and
the lower coupling element (4) being essentially in the shape of an H-profile with a web (16) and flanges (17), the outsides of the flanges (17) engage projection (18), the outsides of the projection (18) forming operating member (11), the side edges
of the projection (18) forming locking surfaces (10),
the cleaning instrument (3) is a scraper having, at a distance from each other, two or more blades (22), manufactured from a rubber-like material,
said blades (22) being moulded as an integral element of the lower coupling element (4).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
SE0800072A SE0800072L (en) | 2007-10-31 | 2007-10-31 | cleaning Tools |
SE0702427A SE0702427L (en) | 2007-10-31 | 2007-10-31 | cleaning Tools |
PCT/IB2008/003499 WO2009056982A1 (en) | 2007-10-31 | 2008-10-30 | Cleaning tool |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2227129A1 EP2227129A1 (en) | 2010-09-15 |
EP2227129A4 EP2227129A4 (en) | 2011-01-05 |
EP2227129B1 true EP2227129B1 (en) | 2017-01-11 |
Family
ID=40590587
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP08845398.0A Active EP2227129B1 (en) | 2007-10-31 | 2008-10-30 | Cleaning tool |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2227129B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2009056982A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DK177048B1 (en) * | 2010-05-07 | 2011-03-14 | Vikan As | A device for collecting and removal of condensation liquids |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US477694A (en) | 1892-06-28 | Rail-joint | ||
US4237573A (en) * | 1976-02-18 | 1980-12-09 | Coronet-Werke Heinrich Schlerf Gmbh | Device for releasably securing a cleaning implement to a handle |
US4941228A (en) | 1988-12-09 | 1990-07-17 | Belanger Daniel J | Fastening mechanism for squeegee holder |
DK9200097U3 (en) | 1992-05-25 | 1992-09-25 | Vikan Boerste Produktion A S | Head for a cleaning tool |
JP3817019B2 (en) * | 1997-05-22 | 2006-08-30 | 株式会社ダスキン | Mop holder |
JP3769108B2 (en) * | 1997-09-05 | 2006-04-19 | 株式会社ダスキン | Mop holder |
DK175909B1 (en) | 1998-08-20 | 2005-06-13 | Vikan As | Process for producing a scraper for cleaning floors, windows, etc. and scrapers, made according to the method |
JP4717997B2 (en) * | 2000-10-12 | 2011-07-06 | 株式会社テラモト | Wiper |
DE102005022948B3 (en) * | 2005-05-19 | 2007-03-22 | Carl Freudenberg Kg | broom body |
JP2007190328A (en) * | 2006-01-16 | 2007-08-02 | Suezo Iwata | Mop head mounting base |
-
2008
- 2008-10-30 WO PCT/IB2008/003499 patent/WO2009056982A1/en active Application Filing
- 2008-10-30 EP EP08845398.0A patent/EP2227129B1/en active Active
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
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None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2227129A1 (en) | 2010-09-15 |
EP2227129A4 (en) | 2011-01-05 |
WO2009056982A1 (en) | 2009-05-07 |
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