EP3051994A1

EP3051994A1 - Surface-cleaning appliance and use thereof

Info

Publication number: EP3051994A1
Application number: EP13773720.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michael SCHÖNEWALD; Tobias ENTERLEIN; Frederic SÖHNER
Original assignee: Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Current assignee: Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Priority date: 2013-10-04
Filing date: 2013-10-04
Publication date: 2016-08-10
Anticipated expiration: 2033-10-04
Also published as: CN105658128A; RU2637740C2; CN105658128B; EP3051994B1; WO2015049009A1; RU2016117103A

Abstract

The invention proposes a surface-cleaning appliance which has - a cloth-accommodating body (12), having a centre piece (32), on which are mounted, in opposite positions, a first side piece (34), such that it can be pivoted about a first pivot axis (46), and a second side piece (36), such that it can be pivoted about a second pivot axis (48), and having a fixing device (122), via which it is possible to fix a fixing pivoting position (88) of the first side piece (34) and of the second side piece (36) on the centre piece (32), wherein, in the fixing pivoting position (88), an underside (66) of the first side piece (34), an underside (50) of the centre piece (32) and an underside (66) of the second side piece (36) are located at least more or less in a single plane, and which comprises - a holder (18), which retains the cloth-accommodating body (12) and is mounted on the centre piece (32) such that it can be pivoted about a third pivot axis (100), wherein, in a first pivoting-position region of the holder (18) in relation to the centre piece (32), the holder (18) is uncoupled from the fixing device (122) and, in a second pivoting-position region, the holder (18) acts on the fixing device (122) and, by virtue of the holder (18) being pivoted into, and/or in, the second pivoting-position region, it is possible to release fixing of the first side piece (34) and of the second side piece (36) on the centre piece (32).

Description

Surface cleaning device and use

The invention relates to a surface cleaning device comprising a cloth receiving body.

Such a surface cleaning device is used to clean surfaces such as floor surfaces by means of a textile cloth. From DE 10 2007 008 173 B3 a free-standing floor wiper device with a handle and a base plane defining base plate for fixing a wiper means is known, wherein the handle handle gimbal articulated about two axes pivotally relative to the base plate and in a substantially perpendicular to the base plate oriented vertical Position of the floor mop unit is free-standing, wherein the base plate has a pivotable from the base plane of the base plate plate portion, so that the wiping means in the swung-out state of the plate portion attached to the base plate and can be removed again, and wherein the pivotable plate portion in the base plane of the base plate via a locking device is determinable. On the base plate, a slider is provided, and the handle handle is coupled with one end to the slider. The slider causes by tilting the stem from the vertical and vertical position to the base plane of the base plate in a subsequent adjustment of the slider level unlocking the locking device.

The invention has for its object to provide a corresponding surface cleaning device which is easy to operate in a compact design. This object is achieved according to the invention in the surface cleaning device mentioned above in that a cloth receiving body is provided, which has a center piece on which a first side piece is pivotable about a first pivot axis and a second side piece opposite. piece are pivotally mounted about a second pivot axis, and having a fixing device, via which a fixing pivot position of the first side piece and the second side piece are fixable to the center piece, wherein in the fixing pivot position, a bottom of the first side piece, a bottom of the center piece and an underside of the second side piece is at least approximately in a plane, and a holder is provided which holds the cloth receiving body and which is pivotally mounted about a third pivot axis at the center, wherein in a first pivot position range of the holder to the center of the holder of the fixing device is decoupled and acts in a second pivoting range of the holder on the fixing device and by pivoting the holder in and / or in the second pivoting range fixing the first side piece and the second side piece on the Mi is detachable.

In the fixing pivot position, the first side piece, the center piece and the second side piece are at least approximately in one plane. A cloth, which is held on the first side piece and the second side piece, can thereby be kept taut on the cloth receiving body. For a cleaning operation, the holder is in the first pivoting range.

A cloth can be easily detached from the cloth receiving body when, for example, in a towel-receiving body placed on a floor, the holder is brought into the second pivoting range. The holder then acts in particular mechanically on the fixing device and thereby releases the fixation of the first side piece and the second side piece on the center piece. It can then be the first side piece and the second side piece on

Swing the center piece and an effective length of the cloth receiving body decreases. This allows the cloth receiving body of the cloth, Wel- If it rests on the floor, it must be removed. A user does not have to touch the cloth.

Due to the pivoting of the first side piece and the second side piece with interposed middle piece results in a symmetrical structure of the cloth receiving body. This results in a simplified fixability of a cloth on the cloth receiving body and the cloth can be solved easily. Furthermore, a mechanism for locking the fixing pivoting position and for solving the fixing pivoting position can be formed in a simple manner and with a high degree of symmetry. In particular, only a single pivot axis for the pivoting of the holder must be provided on the cloth receiving body.

In the solution according to the invention, the holder, which is pivotally mounted on the center piece to allow for an operator different angles relative to the surface to be cleaned, coupled to the fixing device. In an off-normal angle range of the holder relative to the center piece, namely in the second pivot position range, the holder can then be used to release a fixation.

In the same way, a cloth can be fixed to the cloth receiving body. The cloth is placed on a pad. When dissolved fixing device in which the first side piece and the second side piece are folded down on the center piece, the cloth receiving body is placed and then the center piece is pressed onto the cloth. Then, when the holder is brought into the first pivoting range, then the fixing pivot position is reached and there is a fixation of the first side piece and the second side piece to the center piece. It is advantageous if the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are parallel to each other. The cloth receiving body can thereby be realized with a high degree of symmetry, which facilitates operability. It is advantageous if the third pivot axis is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicular to the first pivot axis and / or the second pivot axis. This makes it possible in a simple manner to use the holder with its pivoting on the middle piece also for solving the fixing pivoting position.

It is advantageous if a holding handle device is arranged on the holder. It can then adjust a pivoting position of the holder on the center piece, an operator, the angle of the holding-handle device to a surface to be cleaned. This results in a simple operability with high adaptability. An operator can then easily by transferring the holder via the holding-handle device in the second

Pivoting range release the fixing swivel position.

It is advantageous if the second pivoting range has a critical angle to the first pivoting range of at least 75 ° between the holding handle means and the underside of the central piece. For example, the critical angle is at least 80 ° and for example at least 90 °. The critical angle is an angle at which, usually for a cleaning operation, the holder is not positioned to the center because the angle is too steep.

In particular, the first pivoting range is a cleaning work area in which the surface to be cleaned is cleaned with the surface cleaning device and in particular wiped.

In one embodiment, a receptacle for a corresponding engaging element of the fixing device is arranged on the first side piece and on the second side piece, wherein in each case in the respective would be engaged engaging element, the fixing pivot position is locked. It can be achieved in a simple manner, a locking of the first side piece and the second side piece to the center piece in the fixing pivot position.

In particular, in the fixing pivot position, the respective engagement element is engaged in the associated receptacle in order to achieve a secure locking, which enables a cleaning process. It is particularly advantageous if a lever mechanism is provided, which is arranged on the center piece, with a first pivot lever, which is pivotable about a fourth pivot axis, and a second pivot lever, which is pivotable about a fifth pivot axis, wherein in the second pivot position range (The holder on the center piece) is caused by the holder, a pivoting operation of the first pivot lever and the second pivot lever. By the first pivot lever and the second pivot lever movable elements are provided which provide for locking of the first side piece and the second side piece to the center piece in the fixing pivoting position. By a corresponding movement, which is initiated by the holder, this lock can be solved. This results in a simple compact design.

It is favorable if the lever mechanism is supported on a spring device, wherein a spring force of the spring device pushes the first pivoting lever and the second pivoting lever into a fixing position for the fixing pivoting position and for solving this fixing position by means of the holder a spring force can be overcome. About the spring force of the spring device can be easily achieved locking the fixation pivot position. This latching in turn can be easily eliminated via the holder by pivoting into or in the second pivoting range. In one embodiment, a force direction of the spring device is at least approximately parallel to the first pivot axis and / or the second pivot axis and / or transversely and in particular at least approximately perpendicular to the third pivot axis. This results in a simple compact design of the surface cleaning device. At least approximately means exactly parallel or at a small acute angle, for example, less than 20 °.

The result is a simple structural design, when the fourth pivot axis and the fifth pivot axis are at least approximately parallel to each other.

It is then also advantageous if the fourth pivot axis and the fifth pivot axis transverse to the first pivot axis and / or the second

Swivel axis and in particular transverse to the third pivot axis are oriented. This results in a simple compact structural design.

In one embodiment, the first pivot lever and the second pivot lever are connected by a web, wherein in particular the web on a pivot lever of the first pivot lever and the second

Pivot lever is fixed and is pivotally mounted on the other pivot lever of the first pivot lever and the second pivot lever. Through the bridge are the first pivot lever and the second

Swivel lever mechanically coupled together. This makes it possible to secure a locking position only by acting on the web, in particular in a spring device or to release the locking position by acting on the web. It can then be secured, for example via a spring device by acting on the web from one side by appropriate movement or exercise together on the first pivot lever and the second pivot lever, the locking position and by acting on the holder on an opposite side of the bridge overcoming the spring force the Arretierungsstellung be solved. In particular, the holder acts in the second pivoting range on the web by mechanical contact. On the holder can be arranged to a corresponding active element.

It is advantageous if a housing is arranged on the center piece, which covers the fixing device and a pivot bearing for the pivoting of the holder on the center piece. This results in a simple structural design and components of the surface cleaning device are effectively protected from contamination and mechanical impact.

In one embodiment, the first side piece and / or the second side piece are formed trapezoidal in the region of their respective end.

This results in a simple insertability, in particular in a pocket of a cloth.

For the same reason, it is advantageous if the first side piece and / or the second side piece in the region of their ends on their respective underside spaced sliding ribs, wherein an underside of a sliding rib is provided for sliding on a cloth area. The sliding ribs reduce the effective sliding area, making it easier to immerse in a cloth bag.

In one embodiment, the holder has a first portion which is supported on the center piece, and has a second portion, which is arranged on the first region and which is pivotable to the first region, wherein a corresponding pivot axis transverse to the third Swivel axis is oriented. The first region and the second region are each formed, for example, as pipe sections. This results in an extended operating options for an operator on the additional pivot axis. It is possible that the surface cleaning device is designed as a nozzle surface cleaning device and, for example, floor nozzle cleaning device, wherein on the cloth receiving body of a cleaning surface and / or a held cloth fluid such as steam can be supplied. This makes it possible to realize an effective surface cleaning.

In particular, a nozzle device is provided, through which a cloth held on the cloth receiving body fluid can be fed. The supplied fluid is a cleaning fluid such as steam. It can thereby moisten the cloth. As a result, an improved cleaning result with high ease of use for a user is achieved.

In particular, the nozzle device is arranged on the cloth receiving body and, for example, on the center piece of the cloth receiving body.

This results in an easy Fluidzuführbarkeit effective fluid loading of a held cloth.

It is advantageous if the holder is or comprises a tube which has an interior for supplying fluid. It can then be fed through the holder through the cloth receiving body fluid such as steam.

In a compact designed embodiment, a shaft of a pivot bearing for pivoting the holder is formed on the center piece as a hollow shaft, wherein an interior of the hollow shaft can be flowed through with fluid. It is then provided via the pivot bearing itself a flow path for the fluid.

It is advantageous if the holder is arranged at least approximately centrally on the hollow shaft. As a result, fluid can be coupled into the hollow shaft with opposite main flow directions, and this in turn results in uniform fluid admission to a lower side of the cloth receiving body. This in turn causes an effective cleaning result. It is favorable if the holder has a fluid distributor for coupling fluid into the hollow shaft in a first main flow direction and in a second main flow direction different from the first main flow direction, wherein in particular the first main flow direction and the second main flow direction are opposite to each other. The fluid distributor can be formed in a simple manner by a partition which separates a first chamber and a second chamber from one another, wherein fluid can be coupled into a first region of the hollow shaft via the first chamber and into a second region of the hollow shaft via the second chamber can be coupled.

It is also advantageous if a first shaft receptacle and a spaced second shaft receptacle for the hollow shaft are arranged at the middle piece, through which fluid can be flowed through to the underside of the middle piece. This results in a compact structure. Furthermore, this can be the

Evenly apply fluid to underside of cloth-receiving body.

In particular, through openings are arranged on the center piece, which are aligned with the first shaft receiving and the second shaft receiving. As a result, fluid can be guided through the shaft receptacles to the underside of the middle piece.

It is favorable when the first shaft receiver and the second shaft receiver are connected to the middle piece, wherein a seal is arranged between the respective shaft receiver at the middle piece. This results in a defined, fluid-tight sealed flow path for guiding fluid and in particular steam through the holder to the underside of the cloth receiving body.

In one embodiment, a first tongue associated with the first side piece and a second tongue associated with the second side piece are seated on the middle piece. The first tongue and the second tongue have widths, which are smaller than the corresponding width of the center piece outside the tongues. Via the tongues, a fluid seal between the middle piece and the side pieces can be achieved in a simple manner in order to largely avoid fluid from passing from the underside to the upper side of the cloth receiving body. It is possible to realize a partial overlap between the middle piece and the side pieces via the corresponding tongues.

It is favorable when the first pivot axis is located on the first tongue and the second pivot axis is located on the second tongue, wherein in particular parts of a pivot bearing and in particular stub shafts for the pivoting of the first side piece or the second side piece are to the center on the corresponding tongue. This results in a compact structure, with a high sealing effect can be realized.

It is also advantageous if the first side piece has a first recess adapted to the first tongue and the second side piece has a second recess adapted to the second tongue, wherein in the fixing pivot position the corresponding tongue is positioned on the corresponding recess. This can be a simple way

Pivotability of the first side piece and the second side piece outside the fixation pivot position reach the center piece and in the fixing pivot position can be easily achieved a fluid-tight connection between the center piece and the side pieces.

In particular, a seal is arranged on the respective tongue and / or on the corresponding side piece on the corresponding recess, against which the respective tongue and / or the corresponding side piece abuts in the fixing pivot position. The corresponding seal is designed, for example, as a labyrinth seal. It can be achieved in a simple manner, an automatic fluid sealing effect when the fixing pivot position is reached. It is advantageous if the middle piece and / or the first side piece and / or the second side piece have channels for fluid guidance on their underside. This allows a uniform Fluidflächenbeaufschlagung achieve. In an operation of the surface cleaning device, a cloth is disposed on the cloth receiving body. It is favorable if a cloth has a first pocket for the first side piece and a spaced second pocket for the second side piece. As a result, the cloth, which is produced in particular from a textile material and, for example, is a microfiber cloth, can be held in a tensioned manner on the cloth receiving body in the fixing swivel position in a simple manner.

The cloth can be easily fixed to the cloth receiving body; outside the fixing pivot position, the first side piece and the second side piece are hinged relative to the center piece, and thereby the length of the cloth receiving body is reduced. It can then bring the first side piece and the second side piece in the associated pocket and by pressing the center piece on the cloth towards the fixation pivot position is achieved. By bringing the holder in the first pivoting position range this fixation pivot position is locked.

An area cleaning device according to the invention can be advantageously used with a steam cleaning device. But it is also possible in principle that a surface cleaning device according to the invention is used without fluid.

The following description of preferred embodiments is used in conjunction with the drawings for further explanation of the invention. Show it :

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a surface cleaning device according to the invention with cloth held thereon; Figure 2 is a partial view of the cleaning device according to Figure 1 without a cloth with a cloth receiving body and a holder; Figure 3 is a bottom view of the cloth receiving body according to Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a plan view of the cloth receiving body according to Figure 2 without

Casing; Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of Figure 4; Figure 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of Figure 4; Figure 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is an exploded view of the holder and the cloth receiving body according to Figure 4;

Figure 10 is a perspective view similar to Figure 4, wherein the holder is in a first pivoting range to the cloth receiving body; Figure 11 is a plan view of the cloth receiving body with a partial section;

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 11 with the holder in a second pivoting range;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the cloth receiving body with

Holder, wherein the holder is in a second Schwenkstellungs- is located area and side pieces are folded down on a center piece; and

FIG. 14 shows a view similar to FIG. 13 with housing during introduction of the side pieces into pockets of a cloth.

An embodiment of a surface cleaning device, which is shown in Figures 1 to 14 and designated therein by 10, comprises a

Cloth receiving body 12, on which a (cleaning) cloth 14 can be fixed. The cloth receiving body 12 is held on a handle means 16 via a holder 18. The holder 18 is pivotally mounted on the cloth receiving body 12th

The handle device 16 is formed for example by a tube. The holder 18 is detachably fixed to the handle device 16. For this purpose, a connection device 20 is provided which comprises, for example, a bayonet connection.

The handle device 16 in turn is in particular releasably held on a handle 22. About a handle an operator holds the surface cleaning device 10th

The handle device 16 is in particular releasably fixed to the handle 22, wherein a connecting device 24 is provided. The connecting device 24 is designed for example as a bayonet closure.

In one embodiment, the handle 22 has one or more controls 26 as one or more switches. In particular, if fluid and in particular steam can be discharged via the surface cleaning device 10, the fluid output can be switched by one or more operating elements 26.

In one embodiment, the surface cleaning device has a port 28 for fluid injection. About this port 28 is the Surface cleaning device 10, for example, connected to a steam cleaning device.

In one embodiment, the port 28 is attached to a flexible one

Hose 30 is formed. This hose 30 is connected to the handle 22. Via the tube 30 fluid and in particular steam can be coupled, which can flow through the interior of the handle 22 through this, can flow through the tube of the handle device and can flow through the holder 18 to the cloth receiving body.

The cloth receiving body 12 comprises a center piece 32, on which left a first side piece 34 and right side a second side piece 36 are pivotally mounted. The holder 18 is seated on the middle piece 32. The middle piece 32 has a first tongue 38, which is associated with the first side piece 34 and opposite a second tongue 40, which is associated with the second side piece 40. The first tongue 38 and the second tongue 40 each have a width which is smaller than the width of the middle piece 32 outside the first tongue 38 and the second tongue 40. From above, the middle piece 32 with its tongues 38, 40 has a cruciform shape ,

Opposing stub shafts 42a, 42b are arranged on the first tongue 38 (cf., for example, FIG. Correspondingly, opposite stub axles 44a, 44b are arranged on the second tongue 40.

The stub shafts 42a, 42b define a first pivot axis 46 and the stub shafts 44a, 44b define a second pivot axis 48. The first pivot axis 46 and the second pivot axis 48 are disposed parallel to one another. They are also aligned parallel to an underside 50 (or to an envelope plane on the underside 50) of the middle piece 32. The first side piece 34 has receptacles 52a, 52b for the stub axles 42a, 42b. Accordingly, the second side piece 36 has receptacles 54a, 54b for the stub axles 44a, 44b. As a result, the first side piece 34 is pivotally mounted about the first pivot axis 46 on the central piece 32. Further, the second side piece 36 is pivotally mounted about the second pivot axis 48 on the central piece 32.

The first side piece 34 includes a first leg 56a, a second leg 56b parallel spaced from the first leg 56a, and a connecting web 58 connecting the first leg 56a and the second leg 56b. Between the first leg 56a, the second leg 56b and the connecting web 58, a recess 60 (a free space) is formed, which is adapted to the first tongue 38. The first side piece 34 thereby has a U-shaped configuration.

At an end 62 facing away from the center piece 32, the first side piece 34 has a trapezoidal shape; at the end 62, the first side piece 34 is chamfered (indicated in Figure 9 by the reference numeral 64). This facilitates insertion into the pocket of a cloth 14.

On an underside 66 of the first side piece 34, this has sliding ribs 68 in the region of the end 62. The sliding ribs are spaced from each other and aligned perpendicular to the pivot axes 46, 48. They have a lower sliding surface 70. This lower sliding surface, when inserted into a pocket of a cloth 14, can slide against the cloth and, like the bevels 64, facilitates insertion into the cloth.

The first leg 56a has a chamber 74 at an end 72 opposite the end 62. This chamber 74 has a cavity 76 which is open through an opening 78 to the center piece 32.

At the axial height below the cavity 76, the receptacle 52a is positioned. An elevation 80 lies on the first leg 56a in the region of an end opposite the end 62, wherein the receptacle 52b is arranged in an axially lower area. The elevation 80 is adapted in shape to the chamber 74. The elevation 80 is spaced from the chamber 74 with the recess 60 therebetween.

The chamber 74 and the elevation 80 have a greater axial height than the remaining portion of the first side piece 34 outside the elevation 80 and the chamber 74. From a region 82 of the first side piece 34 outside the elevation 80 and the chamber 74 is a smooth transition to the chamber 74 and the elevation 80, so that edges and the like are avoided. The axial height of the chamber 74 and the elevation 80 are adapted to a housing 84, which sits on the center piece 32. Illustrations are shown in FIG. 4 and in FIGS. 10 to 13, in which this housing 84 is removed. The second side piece 36 is the same as the first side piece 34, wherein it is mounted mirror-symmetrically to the first side piece 34 on the middle piece 32 about the second pivot axis 48 pivotally.

A (fluid) seal 86 (cf., for example, FIG. 7) is provided, which serves for sealing between the corresponding side piece 34 (or 36) and the associated tongue 38 (or 40).

In a fixing pivot position 88, which is shown for example in Figures 5 to 8, as will be explained below, the first side piece 34 and the second side piece 36 are respectively fixed to the central piece 32; a locking position is achieved, in which the first side piece 34 and the second side piece 36 are fixed in a fixed position on the middle piece 32. In this fixation pivot position 88 are the bottom 66th each of the first side piece 34 and the second side piece 36 and the underside 50 of the middle piece 32 in a plane (at least with respect to an envelope plane on the undersides 50, 66); As a result, a uniform plane is provided on the underside of the towel-receiving body 12 for a cleaning insert.

The seal 86 provides a fluid seal on the tongues 38, 40 from "below", that is, from the underside of the tissue receiving body 12 (with the bases 50, 66) upwardly.

In one embodiment, the seal 86 is formed as a labyrinth seal.

For example, a groove 90 is arranged on the respective side piece 34 or 36 around the recess 60 (cf., FIGS. 7 and 9). The corresponding tongue 38, 40 has an adapted insertion strip 92, which is immersed in the fixing pivot position 88 in the groove 90.

The first side piece 34 and the second side piece 36 are in relation to the middle piece 32 with the tongues 38, 40 formed so that they are always below the first tongue 38 and second tongue 40. In a pivoting position outside the fixing pivoting position 88, these are spaced apart from the first tongue 38 or the second tongue 40 (cf., for example, FIG. 13) and, when transferred to the fixing pivot position 88, the groove 90 is attached to the first side piece 34 or the second Piece 36 is guided in the direction of the insertion strip 92 of the first tongue 38 and the second tongue 40 and in the fixing pivot position 88, a dipping is achieved, which causes the fluid seal.

It may be provided that the insertion strip 92 is formed by an elastic material such as rubber material. It is alternatively or additionally also possible that a corresponding insertion strip is arranged on the first side piece 34 and the second side piece 36 and the first tongue 38 and the second tongue 40 facing the corresponding side piece 34 or 36 has a groove for the insertion strip.

As already mentioned above, the first side piece 34 and the second side piece 36 have the same design and are arranged mirror-symmetrically on the middle piece 32.

The holder 18 includes a first portion 94 and a second portion 96. The first portion 94 is pivotally connected via a pivot bearing 98 at an upper side of the central piece 32. The first region 94 and thus the holder 18 is pivotable relative to the middle piece 32 about a third pivot axis 100 (cf., for example, FIG. The third pivot axis 100 is transverse and in particular perpendicular to the first pivot axis 46 and the second pivot axis 48. The third pivot axis 100 is parallel to a bottom of the cloth receiving body 12 in the fixing pivot position 88 (or to an envelope plane of the lower side).

In particular, the middle piece 32 to the holder 18 only to the third

Pivot axis 100 pivoted articulated, that is, the only possibility of movement between the middle piece 32 and the holder 18 is the relative pivoting about the third pivot axis 100. The third pivot axis 100 in turn is in particular stationary with respect to the centerpiece 32nd

The first region 94 comprises or is a tubular piece 102 on which a shaft 104 is seated. The shaft 104 is formed as a hollow shaft 106 and has an inner space 108, which is traversed by fluid.

The second region 96 is formed by a cranked pipe section 110, which the handle device 16 is located. The pipe section 110 is fluid-tightly connected to the pipe section 102. Fluid can be passed through the pipe section 110 and a connection coupling 112 is provided in order to be able to transfer fluid from the pipe section 110 to the pipe section 102. The coupling 112 is associated with a seal 114.

The pipe section 110 and thus the handle device 16 is pivotable relative to the pipe section 102 about a pivot axis 116 in order to obtain improved access possibilities during a cleaning process. The pivot axis 116 is transverse and in particular perpendicular to the third pivot axis 100th

The tube piece 102 is connected to the shaft 104 in a central region 118. As will be described in more detail below, an active element 120 is arranged on the middle region 118 of the shaft 104, by means of which a fixing device 122 by means of which the fixing swivel position 88 of the side pieces 34, 36 can be locked to the middle piece 32, can be acted upon.

At a top side of the middle piece 32, a first shaft receiver 124a and a spaced second shaft receiver 124b are arranged. These

Shaft receptacles 124a, 124b each have recesses 126 in which the shaft 104 is immersed. The shaft 104 is rotatable (pivotable) in the shaft receptacles 124a, 124b, and by this rotation of the shaft 104, the third pivot axis 100 is defined.

The first shaft receptacle 124a and the second shaft receptacle 124b are also formed as flow-through elements, via which fluid, which is provided by the shaft 104 (with the formation of hollow shaft 106), can flow through the middle piece 32 on its underside 50.

For this purpose, a through opening 128a is assigned to the middle piece 32 of the first shaft receptacle 124a, and a through opening 128b is assigned to the second shaft receptacle 124b. The corresponding Through openings 128a, 128b are continuous between the bottom 50 and the top.

The shaft receivers 124a, 124b each have a flow space 130, which is in fluid-effective connection with the associated opening 128a or 128b and with the interior 108 of the hollow shaft 106th

The tube piece 102 is, for example, integrally connected to the hollow shaft 106. In the tube piece 102, in one embodiment, a fluid distributor 131 is arranged, which ensures that fluid flowing through the tube piece 102 is divided on both sides 132a, 132b left and right of the central region 118 of the interior 108 of the hollow shaft 106 and in particular is divided evenly. The fluid distributor 131 is arranged, for example, by a partition wall 134 in the flow path of the pipe section 102. This partition wall 134 also ensures a flow deflection.

The hollow shaft 106 is rotatably supported by (fluid) seals 136 a, 136 b in the respective openings 126. It is thereby achieved a fluid-tight seal for the coupling of fluid through the hollow shaft 106 into the respective flow space.

Between the respective shaft receptacle 124a, 124b and the associated opening 128a or 128b, a seal 138 is arranged, so that a fluid-tight closure is achieved and fluid can then be discharged through the respective flow space 130 on the underside of the central piece 32.

On its lower side (FIG. 3), the cloth receiving body 12 is provided with channels 140 which serve to distribute the fluid. In particular, at least one channel 142 extends from the openings 128a, 128b. The surface cleaning device 10 is a nozzle surface cleaning device. A nozzle device 139 is formed, through which a held cloth 14 can be acted upon by fluid such as steam. In the exemplary embodiment described, this nozzle device 139 comprises the openings 128a, 128b, the shaft receptacles 124a, 124b and the hollow shaft 106. Fluid is coupled into this nozzle device 139 via the fluid distributor 131. The fixing device 122 is arranged on the upper side of the middle piece 32. The fixing device 122 comprises a lever mechanism 144. This lever mechanism 144 comprises a first pivot lever 146, which is pivotally mounted on the middle piece 32 on a first pivot bearing 148 pivotable about a fourth pivot axis 150. The fourth

Pivot axis is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicular to the second pivot axis 48.

The first pivot lever 146 has a leg 152a and a second leg 152b. The first pivot lever 146 is pivotally mounted on the central piece 32 in the transition region between the first leg 152a and the second leg 152b.

On the second leg 152b, an engaging element 154 is arranged, which is formed hook-shaped. A receptacle 155 (see FIG. 11) for this engagement element 154 is arranged on the corresponding chamber 74 of the second side piece 36. At this receptacle 155, the engagement element 154 can be latched to the second side piece 36 in order to lock the fixing pivot position 88. By pivoting the first pivot lever 146 out of the chamber 74, this lock can be solved. Furthermore, a second pivot lever 156 is mounted on a second pivot bearing 158 on the upper side of the center piece 32. This second pivot lever 156 is associated with the first side piece 34. A fifth pivot axis 160 is parallel to the fourth pivot axis 150.

The second pivoting lever 156 in turn has an engagement element, which is basically the same design as the engagement element 154 of the first pivot lever 146. It is provided for locking the first side piece 34 to the middle piece 32 by attacking a corresponding receiving the chamber 74 on the first side piece 34.

At the first pivot lever 146, a web 162 is disposed on the first leg 152a. This web is, for example, integrally connected to the first leg 152a or fixedly connected to it by other connecting means.

The web 162 is via a pivot joint 164, which on the first

Pivot lever 146 is disposed pivotally connected to the second pivot lever 156. By the web 162 and the pivot joint 164, the first pivot lever 146 and the second pivot lever 156 are coupled together.

The lever mechanism 154 is supported by a spring device 166. For example, the spring device 166 comprises a compression spring, which is supported on one side 168 on the middle piece 32 and on an opposite side 170 on the web 162 of the lever mechanism 144 is supported. The spring means 166 presses on the web 162 and thereby pushes the first pivot lever 146 and the second pivot lever 156 in such a position that the corresponding engaging element 154 is located in its associated receptacle 155 and a lock is achieved.

To solve this lock, the spring force of the spring device 166 must be overcome. When the corresponding compression spring of the spring device tion 166 is pressed in the direction of the side 168 by applying force to the side 170, then a pivotal movement of the first pivot lever 146 and the second pivot lever 156 is possible, in which the two engagement elements 154 are moved out of the respective receptacles 155 and thereby out of the chamber 74 ,

A direction 172 of a spring force of the spring device 166 is at least approximately parallel to the first pivot axis 46 and the second pivot axis 48, respectively.

By applying force to the web 162 against the direction of the spring force 172, that is in the direction from the side 168 to the side 170, a solution of the fixing pivot position 88 is possible. The active element 120, which is arranged on the holder 18 and is arranged in particular on the shaft 104, can act on the web 162 by mechanical contact at a corresponding pivotal position of the holder 18 to the center piece 32 and compress the spring of the spring means 166 and thus a pivoting on the lever mechanism 104 while swinging out the first pivot lever 146 and the second

Swing lever 156 effect from a corresponding locking position.

The holder 18 is in this case dimensioned in relation to the lever mechanism 144 such that in a first pivoting range (see also FIG. 5), which is a working area for cleaning operations, in which the

Handle means 16 and thus the holder is in a certain range to the underside of the cloth receiving body 12, no effect on the lever mechanism 144 by the holder 18 is present. In a second pivoting range of the holder 18 to the middle piece 32 is an action and by a corresponding pivoting in the second pivoting range or in the second pivoting Positioning the lever mechanism 144 can be moved and a lock can be solved.

A critical angle between the first pivoting range and the second pivoting range is at least 75 ° and in particular at least 80 °. This critical angle is outside of a normal work area for a cleaning process.

In Figure 5, an angle 174 between the holder 18 and the bottom 50 of the middle piece 32 is indicated. In the embodiment shown, the angle 174 is in the first pivoting range. If the angle is increased, then the active element 120 can act on the web 162 and move the pivot levers 146, 156 accordingly. The towel receiving body 12 has a front 176 and a back 178. A width of the center 32 is between the front 176 and the back 178. The width at the tongues 38, 40 is smaller.

The swivel bearing 98 for the pivoting of the holder 18 on the middle piece 32 is located centrally between the front side 176 and the rear side 178.

The lever mechanism 174 with the first pivot lever 146 and the second pivot lever 156 is between the pivot bearing 98 and the

Front 176 disposed on the center piece 32.

The housing 84 is seated on the middle piece 32. The housing 84 covers both the pivot bearing 98 and the lever mechanism 144 in order, in particular, to protect against damage, soiling, etc. The housing in this case has a recess 180 (cf., for example, Figure 14), which allows a corresponding pivoting of the holder 18 on the central piece 32 in the approved area. The housing 84 is designed so that in the fixing pivot position 88 a flush transition to the side pieces 34, 36 is achieved.

The surface cleaning device according to the invention functions as follows:

In one embodiment, the surface cleaning device is as

Nozzle cleaning device designed in particular for floor cleaning. It can then be applied fluid and, for example, steam. In principle, the surface cleaning device according to the invention is operable without fluid application and the corresponding components for providing fluid to an underside of the cloth receiving body 12 then do not have to be provided. In a normal cleaning operation, the cloth 14 is held on the cloth accommodating body 12. Cloth 14 has (FIG. 14) a first pocket 182a and a spaced second pocket 182b. In a cleaning operation, the first side piece 34 is positioned in the first pocket 182a and the second side piece 36 in the second pocket 182b. The cloth 14 is dimensioned in particular in relation to the cloth receiving body 12 so that in the fixing pivot position 88, the first side piece 34 and the second side piece 36 act as clamping elements which clamp the cloth. In normal cleaning operation, the handle 16 is in the first pivoting range at an angle 174, which is below the critical angle of, for example, 75 °. The fixing pivot position 88 is locked by the fixing device 122 with the lever mechanism 144. The engagement elements 144 rest in the respective chambers 74 on the receptacles 155 there and a latching is achieved.

The spring means 166 causes a retention in this detent position by the first pivot lever 146 and the second pivot lever 156 through the Spring means 166 are pressed into their corresponding detent position and to release a force is necessary.

The fixation pivot position 88 is shown in FIG. 10, for example. In this then the first side piece 34, the middle piece 32 and the second side piece 36 are aligned with respect to their respective lower sides.

At the side pieces 34 and 36, the fluid seal between the side pieces 34, 36 with their corresponding tongues 38, 40 is made by dipping the respective insert 92 into the groove 90.

Fluid such as steam may then be introduced through the holder through the holder and split on both sides of the hollow shaft 106 via the fluid distributor 131. Fluid then flows through the hollow shaft 106 into the respective flow spaces 130 of the shaft receptacle 124a, 124b and then through the middle 32 therethrough at the bottom 50th

Between the respective shaft receptacle 124a or 124b and an upper side of the middle piece 32, a respective seal 184, in particular in the form of an O-ring, is arranged on the corresponding opening 128a, 128b.

On the underside of the cloth receiving body 12, fluid is then distributed over the corresponding channels 140, 142 over a wide area onto the held cloth 14.

To solve the cloth, the angle 174 is then increased by bringing the holder 18 into the second pivoting range. This is indicated in FIG. By this movement of the holder 18 about the third pivot axis 100, the active element 120 acts on the web 162 and thereby causes a pivoting of the first pivot lever 146 and the second

Pivoting lever 156, wherein the respective engagement element 154 from its own ordered chamber 74 is led out. The lock is thereby canceled (Figure 12).

This allows the first side piece 34 and the second side piece 36 to fold down. This is indicated in FIG. The held cloth 14 (in FIG. 13, for illustrative purposes, the blanket is not shown) aids in folding down the first side piece 34 and the second side piece 36 due to the additional weight force of the cloth 14. In particular, when the cloth 14 is wet, so too the weight of the cloth 14 relevant.

At this time, when the cloth 14 is near a bottom surface, the cloth 14 itself detaches from the cloth accommodating body 12 without requiring a user to touch the cloth 14.

Another cloth can then be re-used in a simple manner, as indicated in Figure 14.

The new cloth 14 is placed on a pad. In the folded-down position of the first side piece 34 and the second side piece 36, the cloth receiving body 12 is placed on the new cloth 14 with the first side piece 34 and the second side piece 36 positioned between the cloth pockets 182a, 182b. It is then pressed the middle piece 32 on the cloth. The first side piece 34 and the second side piece 36 then dip into their respective pockets 182a, 182b.

This is assisted by the trapezoidal formation of the side pieces 34, 36 at their ends and by the sliding ribs 68. The fixing pivot position 88 is then locked by returning the holder 18 from the second pivoting range by reducing the angle to the bottom 50 of the center piece 32 is pivoted in the first pivoting range. The surface cleaning device 10 according to the invention is designed in a simple and compact manner. An operator can easily change a cloth without having to touch a cloth.

By means of a housing 84, both the pivot bearing 98 and the lever mechanism 122 can be arranged protected in an interior space.

By providing a hollow shaft 106 results in a structurally simple design an optimized fluid supply.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

embodiment

Cloth receiving body

cloth

stem facility

holder

connecting device

grip

connecting device

controls

connection

tube

centerpiece

First page piece

Second side piece

First tongue

Second tongue

a stub shaft

b stub shaft

a stub shaft

b stub shaft

First pivot axis

Second pivot axis

bottom

a recording

b recording

a recording

b recording

a first thigh

b Second leg

connecting web

recess The End

bevel

bottom

sliding ribs

Lower sliding surface

The End

chamber

cavity

opening

increase

Area

casing

poetry

Fixing pivot position

groove

Immersion bar

First area

Second area

pivot bearing

Third pivot axis

pipe section

wave

hollow shaft

inner space

pipe section

connection coupling

poetry

swivel axis

Middle area

active element

Fixierungseinrichtunga First Wellenaufnahmeb Second wave recording 126 recess

128a opening

128b opening

130 flow space

131 fluid distributor

132a pages

132b pages

134 partition wall

136a seal

136b seal

138 seal

139 nozzle device

140 channels

142 channels

144 lever mechanism

146 First pivot lever

148 First pivot bearing

150 Fourth pivot axis

152a First thigh

152b Second leg

154 engaging element

155 recording

156 Second pivoting lever

158 Second pivot bearing

160 Fifth pivot axis

162 footbridge

164 swivel joint

166 spring device

168 page

170 page

172 direction spring force

174 angles

176 front side 178 Rear 180 Recess 182a First pocket

182b Second bag

184 seal

Claims

Patent claims

1. Surface cleaning device, comprising

- a cloth receiving body (12), which has a middle piece (32), on which a first side piece (34) is mounted oppositely so that it can pivot about a first pivot axis (46) and a second side piece (36) can pivot about a second pivot axis (48), and has a fixing device (122), via which a fixing pivot position (88) of the first side piece (34) and the second side piece (36) can be fixed to the middle piece (32), with an underside in the fixing pivot position (88). (66) of the first side piece (34), a bottom (50) of the middle piece (32) and a bottom (66) of the second side piece (36) lie at least approximately in one plane, and

- a holder (18), which holds the cloth receiving body (12) and which is pivotally mounted on the center piece (32) about a third pivot axis (100), wherein in a first pivot position range of the holder (18) to the center piece (32). The holder (18) is decoupled from the fixing device (122) and the holder (18) acts on the fixing device (122) in a second pivot position region and the first is fixed by pivoting the holder (18) into and/or in the second pivot position region Side piece (34) and the second side piece (36) can be detached from the middle piece (32).

2. Surface cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first pivot axis (46) and the second pivot axis (48) are parallel to one another.

3. Surface cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the third pivot axis (100) is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicular to the first pivot axis (46) and / or the second pivot axis (48).

4. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the holder (18).

Holding handle device (16) is arranged.

5. Surface cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized in that the second pivoting position range has a limiting angle to the first pivoting position range of at least 75 ° between the holding handle device (16) and the underside (50) of the middle piece (32).

6. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first pivot position area is a cleaning work area.

7. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a receptacle (155) for a corresponding engagement element (154) of the fixing device (122) is arranged on the first side piece (34) and on the second side piece (36), whereby When the engagement element (154) engages in the respective receptacle (155), the fixing pivot position (88) is locked.

8. Surface cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized in that in the fixing pivot position (88) the respective engagement element (154) is snapped into the associated receptacle (155). Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a lever mechanism (144), which is arranged on the middle piece (32), with a first pivot lever (146), which can be pivoted about a fourth pivot axis (150), and a second pivot lever (156 ), which can be pivoted about a fifth pivot axis (160), wherein in the second pivot position range the holder (18) causes a pivot actuation of the first pivot lever (146) and the second pivot lever (156).

Surface cleaning device according to claim 9, characterized in that the lever mechanism (144) is supported on a spring device (166), a spring force of the spring device (166) moving the first pivoting lever (146) and the second pivoting lever (156) into a fixing position for the fixation -Swivel position (88) presses and a spring force can be overcome to release this fixing position by means of the holder (18).

Surface cleaning device according to claim 10, characterized in that a force direction (172) of the spring device (166) is at least approximately parallel to the first pivot axis (46) and/or the second pivot axis (48) and/or transverse and in particular at least approximately perpendicular to the third

Pivot axis (100).

Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the fourth pivot axis (150) and the fifth pivot axis (160) are at least approximately parallel to one another.

13. Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the fourth pivot axis (150) and the fifth pivot axis (160) are transverse to the first pivot axis (46) and / or the second pivot axis (48) and in particular transverse to the third pivot axis (100) are oriented.

14. Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 9 to 13,

characterized in that the first pivot lever (146) and the second pivot lever (156) are connected by a web (162), in particular the web (162) being connected to a pivot lever (156) of the first pivot lever (146) and the second pivot lever (156) is fixedly arranged and is pivotally mounted on the other pivot lever (146) by the first pivot lever (146) and the second pivot lever (156).

15. Surface cleaning device according to claim 14, characterized in that the holder (18) acts on the web (162) by mechanical contact in the second pivot position region.

16. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a housing (84) is arranged on the middle piece (32), which has the fixing device (122) and a pivot bearing (98) for the pivotability of the holder (18) on the middle piece ( 32) covers.

17. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first side piece (34) and / or the second side piece (36) are trapezoidal in the area of their respective ends (62).

18. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first side piece (34) and / or the second side piece (36) have spaced-apart sliding ribs (68) on their respective undersides in the area of their ends (62), one underside being one Sliding rib (68) is provided for sliding on a cloth area.

19. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder (18) has a first region (94), which is mounted on the middle piece (32), and has a second region (96), which is on the first region (94) is arranged and can be pivoted to the first region (94), a corresponding pivot axis (116) being oriented transversely to the third pivot axis (100).

20. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a design as a nozzle surface cleaning device, wherein fluid can be supplied to a cleaning surface and / or a held cloth (14) via the cloth receiving body (12).

21. Surface cleaning device according to claim 20, characterized by a nozzle device (139) through which fluid can be supplied to a cloth (14) held on the cloth receiving body (12).

22. Surface cleaning device according to claim 21, characterized in that the nozzle device (139) is arranged on the cloth receiving body (12).

23. Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the holder (18) is or comprises a tube (102; 110) which has an interior for supplying fluid.

24. Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that a shaft (104) of a pivot bearing (98) for pivoting the holder (18) on the middle piece (32) is designed as a hollow shaft (106), with an interior ( 108) of the hollow shaft (106) can be flowed through with fluid.

25. Surface cleaning device according to claim 24, characterized in that the holder (18) is arranged at least approximately centrally on the hollow shaft (106).

26. Surface cleaning device according to claim 25, characterized in that the holder (18) has a fluid distributor (131; 134) for coupling fluid into the hollow shaft (106) in a first main flow direction and in a second main flow direction different from the first main flow direction , in particular the first main flow direction and the second main flow direction being opposite to one another.

27. Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that a first shaft receptacle (124a) and a spaced-apart second shaft receptacle (124b) for the hollow shaft (106) are arranged on the middle piece (32), through which fluid is passed to the Underside (50) of the middle piece (32) can be flowed.

28. Surface cleaning device according to claim 27, characterized in that continuous openings (128a; 128b) are arranged on the middle piece (32), which are aligned with the first shaft receptacle (124a) and the second shaft receptacle (124b).

29. Surface cleaning device according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the first shaft receptacle (124a) and the second shaft receptacle (124b) are connected to the center piece (32), with between the respective shaft receptacle (124a; 124b) on the center piece (32 ) a seal (184) is arranged.

30. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the middle piece (32) there is a first tongue (38) assigned to the first side piece (34) and a second tongue (40) assigned to the second side piece (36).

31. Surface cleaning device according to claim 30, characterized in that the first pivot axis (46) lies on the first tongue (38) and the second pivot axis (48) lies on the second tongue (40).

32. Surface cleaning device according to claim 30 or 31, characterized in that the first side piece (34) has a first recess (60) adapted to the first tongue (38) and the second side piece (36) has one adapted to the second tongue (40). has a second recess (60), the corresponding tongue (38; 40) being positioned at the corresponding recess (60) in the fixing pivot position (88).

33. Surface cleaning device according to claim 32, characterized in that a seal (86) is arranged on the respective tongue (38; 40) and / or on the corresponding side piece (34; 36) on the corresponding recess (60), on which in the respective tongue (38; 40) and/or the corresponding side piece (34; 36) rests in the fixing pivot position (88).

34. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the middle piece (32) and / or the first side piece (34) and / or the second side piece (36) have channels (140; 142) on their underside for fluid guidance.

35. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cloth (14) has a first pocket (182a) for the first side piece (34) and a spaced-apart second pocket (182b) for the second side piece (36).

36. Use of a surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims on a steam cleaning device.