EP3731712B1 - Device for cleaning hard surfaces - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a hard surface cleaning device, in particular in the form of a window or window cleaning device, with a cleaning surface and a liquid application device for applying liquid to a surface to be cleaned, which cleaning surface is designed to rest on and move over the surface to be cleaned and which liquid application device comprises at least one liquid outlet for dispensing cleaning liquid onto the surface to be cleaned, wherein the liquid application device comprises a liquid container for receiving cleaning liquid and a liquid pump for conveying the cleaning liquid from the liquid container to the at least one liquid outlet, and wherein the liquid container has a liquid container inlet and a liquid container outlet.

A hard surface cleaning device, in particular in the form of a window or window cleaning device, with a cleaning surface and a liquid application device for applying liquid to a surface to be cleaned, which cleaning surface is designed to rest on and move over the surface to be cleaned and which liquid application device comprises at least one liquid outlet for dispensing cleaning fluid onto the surface to be cleaned is for example in the form of a window cleaning device from the DE 35 06 337 A1 known. With the known device, cleaning liquid can be applied to the cleaning surface through a nozzle. A disadvantage of the known device, however, is that the cleaning liquid is applied to the cleaning surface in the form of a spray, as is the case, for example, with cleaning liquids for windows that are available in bottles and that are applied to the window to be cleaned with a manual pump. As a result of the spray mist, areas next to the surface to be cleaned are always exposed to cleaning fluid.

From the US 2009/0032074 A1 a cleaning device is known. In the EP 2 774 522 A2 describes a wet cleaning device, in particular in the form of a window cleaning device. A steam cleaner with a pump is in the US 2010/0037495 A1 disclosed. A hand-held suction device is from the AU 2017 101 395 A4 known. A hard surface suction device is in the DE 10 2008 004 964 B3 described. In the US 2016/0015234 A1 an efficient surface finishing machine is disclosed. Another cleaning device is from the JP S50 106261 U known.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to further improve the handling of a hard surface cleaning device of the type described at the beginning.

This object is achieved according to the invention in a hard surface cleaning device of the type described at the outset in that the liquid container outlet is arranged or designed to be movable in the liquid container at a free end of a liquid line protruding into the liquid container and that a diving weight is arranged or designed at the liquid container outlet

The liquid pump can in particular be designed in the form of an electrically operated pump or also in the form of a manual liquid pump. If the at least one liquid outlet is designed in the form of a nozzle, the cleaning liquid can in particular also be applied under a certain pressure to the surface to be cleaned or to a rear side of the mop cover. The liquid container inlet can in particular form a filling opening in order to fill the liquid container in a simple manner, for example with water from a tap. The liquid container outlet can in particular be connected in a fluid-effective manner to a liquid pump or to the at least one liquid outlet in order to convey or convey cleaning liquid from the liquid container to the at least one liquid outlet. The liquid container outlet is arranged or designed to be movable in the liquid container. To this Thus, regardless of an orientation of the hard surface cleaning device relative to the direction of gravity, a safe removal of cleaning liquid from the liquid container can be achieved. For example, the liquid line can be designed in the form of a hose. This can in particular be designed to be movable and deformable. Safe removal of cleaning liquid from the liquid container is possible in particular if a diving weight is arranged or formed at the liquid container outlet. In particular, the immersion weight can be arranged in the form of a hose at the end of a liquid line protruding into the liquid container. The floating weight can in particular ensure that, regardless of an orientation of the hard surface cleaning device in relation to the direction of gravity, the liquid container outlet is always arranged in the deepest region of the liquid container in relation to the direction of gravity. In this way, the cleaning liquid can be removed from the liquid container regardless of an orientation of the hard surface cleaning device in relation to the direction of gravity.

It is favorable if the at least one liquid outlet is arranged or formed in an area delimited by the cleaning surface. The proposed further development makes it possible in particular to apply the cleaning liquid exclusively to the surface to be cleaned in such a way that no free spray mist is produced. In particular, the cleaning liquid can only be applied when the cleaning surface is in contact with the surface to be cleaned. Thus, when the cleaning liquid is applied through the at least one liquid outlet, the hard surface cleaning device protects surrounding areas of the surface to be cleaned from undesired exposure to cleaning liquid. In this way, clean and simple handling of the hard surface cleaning device is possible. As suggested, the surface to be cleaned is wetted with cleaning liquid only within the area delimited by the cleaning surface. Cumbersome reworking and removal of excess cleaning fluid from surface areas that are not to be cleaned is therefore not necessary. Overall it will the handling of the hard surface cleaning device simplified and improved.

It is favorable if the at least one liquid outlet is arranged or formed behind or in a plane defined by the cleaning surface. This configuration makes it possible, in particular, to apply the cleaning liquid exclusively in the area delimited by the cleaning surface. The cleaning surface of the hard surface cleaning device does not have to be completely closed for this. For example, it can be permeable to liquids or can have one or more openings through which cleaning liquid, which emerges from the at least one liquid outlet, can be applied to the surface to be cleaned.

It is advantageous, especially in the case of a hard surface cleaning device of the type described at the outset, if the at least one liquid outlet is arranged or formed closer to a front end of the cleaning surface than to a rear end of the cleaning surface. Front means here in particular a front end of the cleaning surface in the direction of movement when the hard surface cleaning device is being held by a user as intended. If the hard surface cleaning device is placed against a vertical surface to be cleaned, such as a window pane, cleaning fluid can exit from the at least one fluid outlet and flow along the pane by gravity, the cleaning fluid then still and above all safely within the area of the cleaning surface delimited area is applied.

Depending on the size and shape of the cleaning surface, it can be advantageous, in particular also in the case of a hard surface cleaning device of the type described at the outset, if the hard surface cleaning device has two or more liquid outlets. In particular, three, four or even more liquid outlets can be provided. In particular, these are preferably arranged in such a way that an application of liquid as uniformly as possible within the from the area to be cleaned is possible on the area to be cleaned.

It is advantageous if the two or more liquid outlets have identical or different sized liquid outlet cross-sections. In this way, an amount of cleaning fluid to be applied to the surface to be cleaned can be optimally adapted, in particular as a function of a shape of the cleaning surface.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, in particular also in the case of a hard surface cleaning device of the type described at the outset, it can be provided that the hard surface cleaning device comprises a wiper cover carrier which defines the cleaning surface. In particular, a side surface of the mop cover carrier can form the cleaning surface. The mop cover carrier can in particular serve to be covered with a mop cover which is replaceable and cleanable. In this way, depending on the surface to be cleaned, the optimal mop cover can be connected to the mop cover carrier.

It is advantageous if the cleaning surface is planar or essentially planar or has a convex curve pointing away from the mop cover carrier or is designed with a concave curve pointing away from the mop cover carrier. In particular, the convexly curved surface or the concavely curved surface can be designed in the form of a section of a cylinder surface. The design of the cleaning surface enables, in particular, an optimal adaptation to the surfaces to be cleaned. A concave curvature enables in particular an optimal adaptation to surfaces to be cleaned which are convexly curved. In particular, the mop cover carrier can be designed to be deformable, so that a curvature of the cleaning surface can adapt to a curvature of the surface to be cleaned when a user presses the cleaning surface against the surface to be cleaned.

The hard surface cleaning device can be designed in a particularly simple and compact manner if the at least one liquid outlet is designed in one piece with the mop cover carrier. For example, the at least one liquid outlet in the form of a nozzle can be molded onto the mop cover carrier or connected to it if the nozzle is designed as a separate component. In particular, the mop cover carrier can be manufactured from a plastic by injection molding.

For optimal cleaning of the surface to be cleaned, it is advantageous if the mop cover carrier carries a mop cover. Ideally, the mop cover completely covers the cleaning surface defined by the mop cover carrier. In particular, when the cleaning surface defined by the mop cover carrier is made of a hard material, for example a thermoplastic, damage to the surface to be cleaned by the mop cover carrier can be avoided in this way. The mop cover can also be optimally adjusted depending on the cleaning to be carried out. In particular, it can have a high absorbency and dirt dissolving capacity in order to dissolve dirt on surfaces to be cleaned in the best possible way, in particular with the assistance of cleaning fluid.

It is favorable if the mop cover rests or essentially rests against the cleaning surface of the mop cover carrier with a mop cover rear side and if a mop cover front side defines a mopping surface. In this way, the hard surface cleaning device can be placed with the wiping surface of the mop cover against the surface to be cleaned. The mop cover carrier, which can in particular be designed to be dimensionally stable, then supports the mop cover so that it can be made from a highly flexible and optionally also elastic material. A flat contact of the mop cover on the mop cover carrier enables optimal and even power transmission from the hard surface cleaning device via the mop cover carrier and the mop cover to the surface to be cleaned.

Optimal handling and simple cleaning with the hard surface cleaning device is possible in particular when the wiping surface and the cleaning surface are designed to be identical or essentially identical. In particular, as described, in the case of a dimensionally stable mop cover carrier, the entire wiping surface can be supported by the cleaning surface in order to evenly transfer a wiping force with the hard surface cleaning device to the surface to be cleaned.

The mop cover preferably defines a closed mop surface. In this way, the surface to be cleaned can be processed flat with the hard surface cleaning device.

It is advantageous if the mop cover carrier has at least one liquid opening and if the at least one liquid outlet is arranged or formed in the region of the at least one liquid opening or in or on the at least one liquid opening or if the at least one liquid outlet forms the at least one liquid opening. The at least one liquid opening makes it possible in a simple manner to apply cleaning liquid through the mop cover carrier onto the surface to be cleaned. If the mop cover carrier is covered with a mop cover or if the mop cover carrier carries a mop cover, the surface to be cleaned can be exposed to cleaning fluid through the mop cover. An undefined and uncontrolled spray of cleaning fluid can thus be effectively avoided. In addition, the mop cover carrier can be designed to be closed except for the at least one liquid opening in order to be able to optimally support the mop cover.

It is advantageous if the mop cover has at least one mop cover liquid opening. This can in particular be a cutout or a sufficiently large opening in the mop cover so that the cleaning liquid emerges directly from the at least one liquid outlet without first coming into contact with the mop cover the surface to be cleaned can be applied. For example, the cleaning fluid can be applied to the surface to be cleaned under pressure, which means that dirt can be easily loosened.

It is favorable if the at least one liquid opening and the at least one mopping cover liquid opening are arranged or formed so as to overlap at least partially, in particular completely. As already explained, the cleaning liquid can be applied from the at least one liquid opening through the mop cover, namely through the at least one mop cover liquid opening, directly onto the surface to be cleaned without first coming into contact with the mop cover.

The at least one liquid opening can be designed in a simple manner if it is designed in the form of an opening in the mop cover carrier. For example, it can be designed in the form of a bore.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the mop cover is designed in the form of a textile cover, a brush, a sponge or in the form of polishing wadding. In principle, the mop cover can be made from any material that is suitable not to damage the surface to be cleaned during cleaning, in particular not to scratch it. If the hard surface cleaning device is used, for example, to free iced panes from ice, that is to say to clean them from ice, the mop cover can be designed accordingly in order to easily remove the ice. For example, it can be harder than ice, but softer than glass, so that the glass to be cleaned, for example a car window, is not scratched. In the application described, a thawing or deicing agent can be used as the cleaning fluid in order to melt the ice. In particular, the mop cover can optionally also be dispensed with for the de-icing application described, so that the mop cover carrier can be brought into direct contact with the cleaning surface with the surface to be de-iced. In particular, the cleaning surface can be designed in the form of an ice scraper with one or more scraping edges being. If the mop cover in particular comprises polishing cotton or is suitable for polishing surfaces, the hard surface cleaning device can in particular also be used for polishing surfaces.

The mop cover carrier is preferably designed in the form of a plate. This can basically have any shape. The plate can in particular be designed to be flat. Furthermore, the plate can also be curved, for example to define a curved cleaning surface.

The mop cover carrier is expediently liquid-permeable. This makes it possible in particular to apply cleaning liquid through the mop cover carrier onto the surface to be cleaned. In particular, a mop cover held on the mop cover carrier can also be moistened from behind, so to speak, so that the cleaning surface with the moistened mop cover can be applied to the surface to be cleaned. The mop cover carrier can have a plurality of perforations for this purpose. In particular, the perforations can be arranged in a regular pattern. In this way, in particular, stability of the mop cover carrier on the one hand and liquid permeability on the other hand can be optimized.

The mop cover is expediently designed to be liquid-permeable. This makes it possible to apply cleaning liquid to the mop cover from behind so that the surface to be cleaned can be wetted with cleaning liquid with the mop cover which is then damp or soaked through.

It is advantageous if the mop cover and the mop cover carrier are non-positively and / or positively connected to one another. A secure hold of the mop cover on the mop cover carrier can thus be achieved.

It is favorable if the hard surface cleaning device comprises a connection device for non-positive and / or positive connection of the mop cover and the mop cover carrier in a connection position. The mop cover and the mop cover carriers can be easily and safely connected to each other and optionally also detached from each other.

The hard surface cleaning device can be designed in a simple manner if the connection device is in the form of a tension connection device, a clamp connection device or a Velcro connection device. For example, the mop cover can be stretched or clamped to the mop cover carrier or simply attached with Velcro.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the connecting device comprises first connecting elements and second connecting elements which are arranged or formed on the one hand on the mop cover carrier and on the other hand on the mop cover, and when the first and second connection elements are non-positively and / or positively locked in the connection position are engaged and disengaged in a disconnected position. Such a connecting device makes it possible in a simple manner to fix the mop cover on the mop cover carrier and, if necessary, to detach it again, for example to clean the mop cover or to exchange it for another mop cover. In particular, a plurality of first and second connecting elements can be provided. For example, the connecting device can comprise snap fasteners, the components of which are arranged or formed on the one hand on the mop cover and on the other hand on the mop cover carrier and form the first and second connection elements.

The mop cover can be attached to the mop cover carrier in a particularly simple manner if the first connection elements are in the form of flexible barbs and if the second connection elements are in the form of textile loops. For example, the flexible barbs can be arranged or formed directly on the mop cover carrier and the mop cover, if it is made from a suitable textile material which comprises textile loops, can be hooked onto the mop cover carrier directly.

The hard surface cleaning device can be produced in a simple manner if the first connecting elements and the mop cover carrier are designed in one piece. For example, flexible barbs of a Velcro connection device can be injected directly onto a mop cover carrier or this can be produced entirely from a thermoplastic material by injection molding. In this way, it is possible, in particular, to minimize assembly costs for the hard surface cleaning device.

The mop cover preferably comprises the second connecting elements. In particular, it is designed in one piece with these. In this way, the mop cover can be connected directly to the mop cover carrier without further processing.

It is favorable if the mop cover and the mop cover carrier are held immovably or essentially immovably against one another in the connected position. In this way, in particular, a movement of the mop cover carrier can be transmitted directly to the mop cover and thus to the surface to be cleaned.

It is advantageous if a cleaning agent and / or a thawing agent and / or a deicing agent and / or a wax agent and / or a polishing agent is accommodated in the liquid container. For example, water can be used as a cleaning agent. This can also be mixed with special chemical substances to create an optimal cleaning agent for the respective application. Thawing or de-icing agents are particularly suitable for use of the hard surface cleaning device for de-icing windows in winter, in particular car windows. For waxing in surfaces, for example car paints, a wax agent can also be received in the liquid container and applied to the surface to be treated with the liquid application device. Furthermore, for polishing surfaces, for example car paintwork, a polishing agent can also be received in the liquid container and applied to the surface to be processed with the liquid application device. This can take place in particular in combination with a mop cover, which is suitable for polishing surfaces. For example, it can be polishing cotton.

Furthermore, it can be advantageous, in particular also in the case of a hard surface cleaning device of the type described at the outset, if the hard surface cleaning device comprises a housing. In particular, components of the hard surface cleaning device that have to be protected from dirt and liquids, for example, can be arranged in the housing. This can in particular be electrical or electronic components such as a motor or a control device. Furthermore, the housing can also be ergonomically shaped, on the one hand, to fulfill a protective function and, on the other hand, to define areas that allow easy handling, for example by forming a handle integrated into the housing for holding the hard surface cleaning device.

The housing expediently comprises a standing surface that deviates from the cleaning surface for setting down the hard surface cleaning device. Such a configuration makes it possible in particular to put the hard surface cleaning device down without putting it down on the cleaning surface or the wiping surface. In particular, it can thus be avoided that the place on which the hard surface cleaning device is placed is moistened by the hard surface cleaning device.

The standing surface is preferably formed at the rear end of the hard surface cleaning device, in particular at the rear end of the housing. In this way, the hard surface cleaning device can be parked easily and securely.

The hard surface cleaning device can be set down in a simple manner if the standing surface runs transversely, in particular perpendicularly or essentially perpendicularly, to the cleaning surface. In particular, contact between the cleaning surface or the wiping surface with the location at which the hard surface cleaning device is to be parked can be avoided.

The standing area is advantageously significantly smaller than the cleaning area. In particular, the standing area can amount to a maximum of 30% of the cleaning area. This means that only a small space is required to set down the hard surface cleaning device.

It is favorable, especially in the case of a hard surface cleaning device of the type described at the outset, if the hard surface cleaning device has a handle for holding the hard surface cleaning device. The handle can in particular be designed to hold the hard surface cleaning device with one hand and to guide it safely to clean surfaces to be cleaned. The handle can in particular be designed ergonomically to enable a user to hold the hard surface cleaning device securely. In particular, the handle can be designed in the form of a knob handle. This can in particular have a shape and size that it can be enclosed by a user's hand. The hard surface cleaning device can be safely held and operated by a user with a knob.

For ergonomic handling of the hard surface cleaning device, it is particularly advantageous if the handle is arranged or formed in the area of a rear half of the hard surface cleaning device. In this way, a user can optimally see a front area or a front half of the hard surface cleaning device without this being covered by his hand when he is holding the hard surface cleaning device.

The hard surface cleaning device can be designed to be particularly compact if the housing includes the handle. In particular, the handle can adjoin an opening provided on the housing. The handle can in particular be designed in the form of a shaft-shaped section of the housing.

It is favorable if the liquid container is connected to the housing in an operating position. In particular, a corresponding recess or receptacle for the liquid container can be provided on the housing, so that it forms part of an outer surface of the hard surface cleaning device.

For cleaning the device and optionally also for filling the liquid container, it can be advantageous if the liquid container is designed to be removable from the housing. For example, to clean the liquid container, it can be separated from the housing.

The liquid container is preferably arranged in a front half of the hard surface cleaning device. When using the hard surface cleaning device, a user can see the fill level in the liquid container at any time. For this it is advantageous if the liquid container is made from a transparent or at least translucent material.

In order to prevent cleaning liquid from escaping from the liquid container in an undesired manner, it is advantageous if the liquid container inlet is closed with a closure element.

Handling of the hard surface cleaning device can in particular be improved in a simple manner in that the closure element is movably held on the hard surface cleaning device. In particular, it can be held captive on the hard surface cleaning device. For example, the closure element can be arranged pivotably on the housing.

In order to be able to move the closure element in a simple manner, in particular to open the liquid container, it is advantageous if the closure element has at least one grip area protruding from the housing or the liquid container.

In particular when a liquid pump is provided, it is advantageous if a ventilation device is arranged or formed on the liquid container. In particular, the ventilation device can be designed in the form of a ventilation valve. The ventilation device enables pressure equalization in particular if the liquid container is made from a non-deformable material, that is to say dimensionally stable or essentially dimensionally stable.

In a simple manner, cleaning liquid can be conveyed or conveyed from the liquid container to the at least one liquid outlet if the at least one liquid container outlet is connected to the liquid pump in a fluidically effective manner.

It is also advantageous if the at least one liquid outlet is connected to the liquid pump in a fluid-effective manner. Cleaning liquid can thus be conveyed from the liquid pump to the at least one liquid outlet.

The hard surface cleaning device can be designed in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner if the liquid pump is designed in the form of a diaphragm pump or in the form of a piston pump. In principle, other types of pumps can also be used with which liquids, in particular highly viscous fluids such as polishing and waxing agents, can be conveyed.

In order to avoid unintentional escape of cleaning liquid from the at least one liquid outlet, it is advantageous if a check valve is arranged or formed between the liquid pump and the at least one liquid outlet. This configuration is particularly advantageous when the liquid pump is designed in the form of a diaphragm pump.

Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the hard surface cleaning device has a movement device for moving the mop cover carrier and the handle includes relative to each other. In particular, the movement device can also be designed to move the mop cover carrier relative to the housing. Such a movement device in particular enables a user to hold the hard surface cleaning device by the handle or on the housing and the mop cover carrier can in particular be moved automatically, for example back and forth, i.e. in the form of a translational movement, or also in the form of a rotating movement in one of the mop cover carrier or the level defined by the cleaning surface.

The movement device preferably comprises a drive device. With such a drive device, the mop cover carrier can in particular be moved automatically relative to the handle or to the housing.

The drive device is advantageously designed to generate a translational and / or rotational movement of the mop cover carrier relative to the handle or to the housing. In this way, the movement device makes it possible in particular to automatically move the mop cover carrier relative to the surface to be cleaned in order not only to loosen dirt firmly adhering to the surface to be cleaned with the cleaning liquid, but also to remove it mechanically from the surface to be cleaned.

In order to achieve efficient removal of dirt on a surface to be cleaned, it is advantageous if the drive device is designed to generate a movement stroke in at least one direction in a range from approximately 0.05 mm to approximately 10 mm. In particular, the movement stroke can be generated in a range from approximately 0.05 mm to approximately 2 mm. In this way, the surface to be cleaned can be processed mechanically with the hard surface cleaning device very efficiently and in a way that saves effort for a user.

The hard surface cleaning device can be designed in a simple and inexpensive manner if the drive device is in the form of a mechanical, electromechanical, electromagnetic and / or piezoelectric drive is trained. In particular, electrical drive devices make it possible to operate the hard surface cleaning device independently of the mains.

The mop cover carrier can be made to vibrate in a simple manner if the drive is designed in the form of an unbalance motor, in the form of an eccentric drive or an electrical oscillating circuit.

The mop cover carrier can be made to vibrate particularly efficiently if the drive device is arranged or formed on the mop cover carrier. If the drive vibrates, the mop cover carrier also vibrates.

In order to allow the hard surface cleaning device to be used in a way that is gentle on the user, it is advantageous if the mop cover carrier and the handle are arranged or designed so as to be decoupled from vibrations relative to one another. This makes it possible, in particular, that a mop cover carrier, which is moved back and forth relative to the handle or is set to vibrate, cannot transmit any vibrations to the handle or can only transmit it to a limited extent. This allows a user in particular to hold the hard surface cleaning device securely without his hand also being set in vibrations.

The mop cover carrier and the handle are advantageously coupled to one another by at least one damping element. The at least one damping element serves to decouple the mop cover carrier and the handle from one another, so that no vibrations, or if possible no vibrations, can be transmitted from the mop cover carrier to the handle.

In particular, a rubber stopper can be used as the damping element which has sufficient elasticity to be held securely at one end and to enable a relative movement to its other end at the other end. Alternatively, the at least one damping element can also be designed in the form of a resilient element be, for example in the form of a tension or compression spring. The shape of the damping element can in principle be designed as desired.

In order to be able to decouple the mop cover carrier and the handle from one another as efficiently as possible, it is advantageous if the hard surface cleaning device comprises four damping elements. However, two, three, five or more damping elements can also be provided.

For simple assembly of the adhesive surface cleaning device, it is particularly advantageous if the at least one damping element is non-positively and / or positively coupled to the mop cover carrier and / or the handle or the housing. For example, the at least one damping element can be coupled to the mop cover carrier and / or the handle or the housing in a latching manner.

An assembly of the hard surface cleaning device can be simplified further if the mop cover carrier comprises a holder for holding the drive device. In particular, a holder can be formed in one piece on the mop cover carrier, which mounts an electric motor, for example an unbalance motor.

In order to be able to efficiently transmit vibrations to the mop cover carrier, it is advantageous if the drive device comprises a drive shaft and if the drive shaft is oriented transversely, in particular perpendicular, to the cleaning surface. In particular, an imbalance weight can be held on the drive shaft so that vibrations can be generated with the drive device in a simple manner, which vibrations lead to a vibratory movement of the mop cover carrier in a plane defined by the cleaning surface.

Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the hard surface cleaning device comprises a control device for controlling the liquid pump and / or the movement device. For example, a control device enables to activate the liquid pump and / or the movement device and also to deactivate it again.

Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the control device is designed to control a speed of the drive device. For example, a speed of the drive device can thus be adapted or set depending on the object to be cleaned. In particular, speeds can be set in a range from 0 to 10,000 revolutions per minute, in particular in a range from 0 to 7,000 revolutions per minute.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the hard surface cleaning device comprises a speed setting device, which is operatively connected to the control device, for setting the speed of the drive device. For example, it can be a rotary potentiometer or an input device in the form of a keyboard.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the hard surface cleaning device comprises a moisture sensor that interacts with the control device for determining the moisture level of the mop cover. For example, the moisture of the mop cover, which is determined with the moisture meter, can be used to control the liquid pump. If the mop cover is sufficiently moist, the control device can automatically deactivate the liquid pump, for example. In this way, excessive wetting of the surface to be cleaned can be avoided. This also saves cleaning fluid.

It is particularly advantageous if the moisture sensor is arranged in the mop cover or on the mop cover carrier. In particular, it can come into direct contact with the mop cover and reliably determine the humidity of the mop cover.

It is favorable if the control device for controlling the liquid pump as a function of the humidity of the mop cover. If, for example, insufficient moisture is found in the mop cover, for example determined automatically with a moisture sensor, the control device activates the liquid pump. If sufficient moisture is detected in the mop cover, for example with the moisture sensor, the control device can automatically deactivate the liquid pump in order to avoid excessive moistening of the mop cover. In this way, in particular, excessive application of cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned can be reliably avoided.

The hard surface cleaning device advantageously comprises at least one first actuating element for activating the liquid pump. The at least one first actuating element can in particular also be designed to deactivate the liquid pump.

It is advantageous if the hard surface cleaning device comprises at least one second actuating element for activating the movement device. The at least one second actuating element can optionally also be designed to deactivate the movement device.

The at least one first actuation element and / or the at least one second actuation element are preferably connected to the control device in a control-effective manner in order to send actuation signals for activating and deactivating the liquid pump and / or the movement device to the control device.

It is favorable if the control device comprises a timing element and if the control device controls the liquid pump after actuation of the at least one first actuating element for a period of time predetermined by the timing element. In this way, it can be ensured in particular that the application of cleaning liquid to the surface to be cleaned is automatically stopped if a user does so after activation the liquid pump with the at least one first actuator should be forgotten. Optionally, the period of time can be fixed or set by a user with a corresponding input device. In particular, a rotary potentiometer or a keyboard input device can be provided for this purpose.

The predefined period of time is expediently in a range from about 10 s to about 90 s.Depending on the size of the surface to be cleaned, the predefined period of time can be set longer or shorter or optionally set by the user.

For ergonomic handling of the hard surface cleaning device, it is advantageous if the at least one first actuating element and the at least one second actuating element are arranged next to one another. In particular, the actuating elements can be arranged on a surface of the handle or of the housing facing away from the cleaning surface. This enables a user, for example, with the thumb of his hand that is holding the hard surface cleaning device to selectively actuate the actuating elements in order to activate the liquid pump and the movement device and optionally also to deactivate them again.

In order to enable optimal cleaning of different surfaces to be cleaned, it is advantageous if the mop cover carrier is rectangular, triangular, circular or semicircular. The shape of the mop cover can in particular be adapted to the mop cover carrier.

Furthermore, it is advantageous, in particular also in the case of a hard surface cleaning device of the type described at the outset, if the hard surface cleaning device is designed in the form of a hand-held hard surface device. In particular, it can have a weight of less than 1000 g, so that it can be comfortably held by a user with one hand and moved on or along a surface to be cleaned.

In addition, it is favorable, in particular also in the case of a hard surface cleaning device of the type described at the outset, if the hard surface cleaning device is designed in the form of a hard surface cleaning device that can be operated independently of the mains. In this way, the hard surface cleaning device can be handled particularly easily, since there is no mains connection cable in the way when the hard surface cleaning device is used.

In order to be able to operate the hard surface cleaning device in particular independently of the mains, it is advantageous, in particular also in the case of a hard surface cleaning device of the type described at the outset, if it comprises an electrical energy store.

The electrical energy store is expediently designed in the form of a battery. This can in particular be a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery can in particular be permanently installed on the hard surface cleaning device. Optionally, the rechargeable battery can also be designed to be removable from the hard surface cleaning device in order to be charged separately from the hard surface cleaning device. Thus, if at least two rechargeable batteries are available, the hard surface cleaning device can be used practically permanently, namely when an empty battery is exchanged for a charged battery in order to continue using the hard surface cleaning device.

According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the hard surface cleaning device comprises a charging connection device which is in electrical operative connection with the electrical energy store for connecting the hard surface cleaning device, in particular via a charging cable, to a charger. The charging connection device enables, in particular, simple charging of the electrical energy store.

Furthermore, it can be favorable, in particular also in the case of a hard surface cleaning device of the type described at the outset, if the hard surface cleaning device has a mains connection device for connecting the hard surface cleaning device Includes a power cord to a power grid. For example, the hard surface cleaning device can also be used when the electrical energy storage device is empty. For example, the charging connection device can also form the network connection device.

Furthermore, it is advantageous, in particular also in the case of a hard surface cleaning device of the type described at the outset, if the hard surface cleaning device comprises a mains connection cable for connecting the hard surface cleaning device to a power supply system. Such a configuration in particular enables permanent use of the hard surface cleaning device.

According to a further preferred embodiment, in particular also in the case of a hard surface cleaning device of the type described at the beginning, it can be provided that the hard surface cleaning device comprises an optical and / or acoustic display device for displaying an operating mode of the hard surface cleaning device and / or a state of charge of the electrical energy storage device of the hard surface cleaning device. For example, the display device can visually and / or acoustically indicate to the user whether the liquid pump is activated and / or whether the movement device is activated. Furthermore, the user can optionally also optically and / or acoustically display a charge status of the electrical energy store.

The hard surface cleaning device can be designed in a particularly simple and compact manner if the at least one first actuating element and / or the at least one second actuating element encompass the display device. For example, one or more LED elements can be integrated into the at least one first actuating element and / or into the at least one second actuating element in order to indicate to a user whether the liquid pump is activated or whether the movement device is activated. A charge status indicator can in particular be arranged or formed separately from the actuating elements.

The hard surface cleaning device can be designed in a particularly cost-effective and compact manner if the display device is designed in the form of an LED display. In particular, the LED display can comprise at least one color-changing LED. For example, different operating modes can be displayed with different colors. In particular, a state of charge of the electrical energy store can also be displayed to the user via color coding. For example, the LED can light up green when the energy storage device is fully charged, yellow when the energy storage device is partially discharged, and red when the energy storage device is practically completely discharged.

Furthermore, it can be advantageous, in particular also in the case of a hard surface cleaning device of the type described at the outset, if the hard surface cleaning device has a pressure sensor for measuring a pressing force exerted on the cleaning surface. Such a pressure sensor enables, in particular, the determination of the pressing force exerted on the cleaning surface. This is particularly advantageous if the hard surface cleaning device comprises a movement device and if the pressing force would be so great that the movement device would be blocked by the user pressing the hard surface cleaning device onto the surface to be cleaned. The exceeding of a limit force can be signaled to the user optically and / or acoustically, for example. The moving device does not require any other high pressure force of the hard surface cleaning device against the surface to be cleaned, because the moving device moves the mop cover carrier in a defined manner relative to the surface to be cleaned in order to mechanically loosen dirt adhering to it.

It is favorable if the pressure sensor is in electrical operative connection with the control device in such a way that a warning device outputs an optical and / or acoustic signal when an effective limit force is exceeded. In particular, the display device can comprise the warning device. For example, the warning device can flash in a certain color, for example red, and emit a signal tone when the specified pressing force is exceeded.

The hard surface cleaning device can be particularly compact and inexpensive if the display device comprises the warning device.

Figur 1:

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Hartflächenreinigungsgeräts;

Figur 2:

eine Seitenansicht des Hartflächenreinigungsgeräts aus Figur 1;

Figur 3:

eine Ansicht des Hartflächenreinigungsgeräts aus Figur 2 in Rich-tung des Pfeils A;

Figur 4:

eine perspektivische Explosionsdarstellung des Hartflächenreinigungsgeräts aus Figur 1;

Figur 5:

eine weitere perspektivische Explosionsdarstellung des Hartflächenreinigungsgeräts aus Figur 1;

Figur 6:

eine teilweise geschnittene perspektivische Explosionsdarstellung des Hartflächenreinigungsgeräts aus Figur 1;

Figur 7:

eine perspektivische, teilweise geschnittene Darstellung eines Flüssigkeitsbehälters des Hartflächenreinigungsgeräts;

Figur 8:

eine Schnittansicht längs Linie 8-8 in Figur 3;

Figur 9:

eine Schnittansicht längs Linie 9-9 in Figur 3;

Figur 10:

eine Draufsicht auf den Wischbezugträger des Hartflächenreinigungsgeräts aus Figur 1 in Richtung des Pfeils A;

Figur 11:

eine Schnittansicht längs Linie 11-11 in Figur 10;

Figur 12:

eine Schnittansicht längs Linie 12-12 in Figur 10;

Figur 13:

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schaltungsanordnung des Hartflächenreinigungsgeräts aus Figur 1; und

Figur 14:

eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Teils einer Verbindungseinrichtung zum Verbinden des Wischbezugträgers und des Wischbezugs.

The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention is used in conjunction with the drawings to provide a more detailed explanation. Show it:

Figure 1:

a perspective view of an embodiment of a hard surface cleaning device;

Figure 2:

a side view of the hard surface cleaning device Figure 1 ;

Figure 3:

a view of the hard surface cleaning device Figure 2 in the direction of arrow A;

Figure 4:

an exploded perspective view of the hard surface cleaning device Figure 1 ;

Figure 5:

a further perspective exploded view of the hard surface cleaning device Figure 1 ;

Figure 6:

a partially cut perspective exploded view of the hard surface cleaning device Figure 1 ;

Figure 7:

a perspective, partially sectioned view of a liquid container of the hard surface cleaning device;

Figure 8:

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG Figure 3 ;

Figure 9:

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG Figure 3 ;

Figure 10:

a top view of the mop cover carrier of the hard surface cleaning device Figure 1 in the direction of arrow A;

Figure 11:

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 in FIG Figure 10 ;

Figure 12:

Figure 12 is a sectional view taken along line 12-12 in Figure 10 ;

Figure 13:

a schematic representation of a circuit arrangement of the hard surface cleaning device Figure 1 ; and

Figure 14:

a schematic sectional view of part of a connecting device for connecting the mop cover carrier and the mop cover.

In Figure 1 a hard surface cleaning device in the form of a window or pane cleaning device 12 is shown by way of example.

The hard surface cleaning device 10 comprises a mop cover carrier 14 on which a mop cover 16 is held. Furthermore, the hard surface cleaning device 10 comprises a liquid application device 18 for applying liquid, in particular a cleaning liquid, a thawing liquid or a deicing liquid, to a surface 20 to be cleaned.

Furthermore, the hard surface cleaning device 10 comprises a housing 22 which comprises an integrated handle 24 which is formed on an opening 26 which is enclosed on all sides on a side of the housing 22 facing away from the wiper cover carrier 14.

The handle 24 is formed in a rear half 28 of the hard surface cleaning device 10.

In a front half 30 of the hard surface cleaning device 10, a container receptacle 32 is formed on the housing 22, into which a liquid container 34 is inserted.

The hard surface cleaning device 10 further comprises a movement device 36 for moving the mop cover carrier 14 and the handle 24 or the housing 22 relative to one another.

The individual components of the hard surface cleaning device 10 are explained in detail below.

The mop cover carrier 14 is designed essentially in the form of a flat trough with a rectangular base 38 which defines a cleaning surface 40 on which the mop cover 16 is held.

A sleeve-shaped holder 44 is formed on a rear side 42 of the base 38 or on an inside of the tub. It serves to accommodate a drive device 46 comprised by the movement device 36.

The drive device 46 is designed to generate a movement of the mop cover carrier 14 relative to the handle 24 or relative to the housing 22.

The drive device 46 comprises an electromagnetic drive 48 in the form of an electric motor 50, which is designed as an unbalance motor 52.

A drive shaft 54 defines a longitudinal axis 56, which is oriented transversely, namely perpendicular, to the cleaning surface 40.

An unbalanced mass 58 is arranged on the drive shaft 54, so that when it rotates about the longitudinal axis 56, the electric motor 50 and the holder 44, on which the electric motor 50 is held, are caused to vibrate. Since the holder 44 is formed in one piece with the mop cover carrier 14, the oscillating drive device 46 also causes the mop cover carrier 14 to vibrate.

A movement stroke of the vibrations generated by the drive device 46 lies approximately in a range from approximately 0.05 mm to approximately 2 mm. Depending on the type of drive device selected, a movement stroke can also be in a range from approximately 0.05 mm to approximately 10 mm.

The mop cover 16 is held with a mop cover back 60 resting against the cleaning surface 40 of the mop cover carrier 14. A mop cover front 62 defines a wiping surface 64 which, as exemplified in FIG Figure 2 shown, for cleaning the surface to be cleaned 20 rests against this.

The wiping surface 64 and the cleaning surface 40 are designed essentially identically. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the wiping surface 64 is somewhat larger than the cleaning surface 40 and protrudes somewhat over it on all sides.

In the exemplary embodiment of the hard surface cleaning device 10 shown in the figures, the mop cover 16 defines a closed mop surface 64.

The mop cover 16 is formed from a liquid-permeable material. It can be a textile material.

Furthermore, the mop cover 16 can also be designed in the form of a brush or a sponge. Optionally, the mop cover 16 can also be formed from polishing floss or comprise a polishing support carrying polishing floss.

In the exemplary embodiment of the hard surface cleaning device 10 shown by way of example in the figures, the mop cover 16 and the mop cover carrier 14 are connected to one another in a non-positive and / or form-fitting manner. For this purpose, a connection device 66 is provided for non-positive and / or positive connection of the mop cover 16 and the mop cover carrier 14 in a connection position, as exemplified in FIGS Figures 1 and 8th is shown.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the connection device 66 is designed in the form of a Velcro connection device 68. Alternatively, it can also be designed in the form of a clamping connection device or clamping connection device.

The connecting device 66 comprises first connecting elements 70 and second connecting elements 72, which are arranged or formed on the one hand on the mop cover carrier 14 and on the other hand on the mop cover 16.

The first and second connecting elements 70 and 72 are in the connecting position in a force-locking and / or form-locking engagement and in a disconnected position, as shown in FIG Figure 14 shown by way of example on the left is disengaged.

In the Velcro connection device 68, the first connection elements 70 are designed in the form of flexible barbs 74, the second connection elements 72 in the form of textile loops 76.

The first connection elements 70 are formed in one piece with the mop cover carrier 14, for example by injection molding the mop cover carrier with the first connection elements 70 from a thermoplastic material. The first connecting elements 70 can also be injection-molded onto the mop cover carrier 14.

The first connecting elements 70 can be provided on the entire cleaning surface 40 or only in partial areas thereof.

The mop cover 16 comprises the second connecting elements 72. They are formed in one piece with the mop cover 16, in particular when it is formed from a textile material.

The mop cover 16 and the mop cover carrier 14 are held immovably or essentially immovably against one another in the connected position.

The mop cover carrier 14 comprises the base 38 designed in the form of a plate 78.

In the exemplary embodiment of the hard surface cleaning device 10 shown in the figures, the liquid application device 18 comprises two liquid outlets 80.

The configuration of the liquid outlets 80 is shown in the enlarged detail view in FIG Figure 11 b clearly visible. The actual liquid outlet 80 is set back somewhat with respect to the cleaning surface 40 by a flat hollow cylindrical recess 82.

A blind hole 84 is formed transversely to the cleaning surface 40, starting from the recess 82, which is fluidically connected via a through hole 86 with a significantly smaller diameter to a connection channel 90 angled towards a rear end 88 of the mop cover 16. The connection channel 90 passes through a connection piece 92, onto which a connection line 94 in the form of a hose is plugged.

The liquid outlets 80 are thus formed a little behind the plane 96 defined by the cleaning surface 40. The entire liquid outlet 80 with the connection piece 92 is formed in one piece with the mop cover carrier 14.

One of the liquid outlets 80 is arranged closer to a front end 98 of the mop cover 16 on the mop cover carrier 14 than to the rear end 88. The liquid outlet 80 is also arranged closer to the front end 98 than to the longitudinal axis 56. The other liquid outlet 80 is also formed closer to the holder 44 than to the rear end 88.

Liquid outlet cross-sections of the two liquid outlets 80 defined by the through bores 86 are identical. Optionally, these can also be designed to be of different sizes in order to apply different amounts of liquid to the two different positions on the mop cover carrier 14 for moistening the mop cover 16 with cleaning liquid.

The liquid application device 18 comprises not only the liquid container 34 for receiving cleaning liquid, but also a liquid pump 100 for conveying the cleaning liquid from the liquid container 34 to the liquid outlets 80.

The liquid pump 100 is designed in the form of a diaphragm pump 102. Alternatively, it can be designed in the form of a piston pump. In principle, other types of pumps can also be used with which liquids, in particular highly viscous fluids such as polishing and waxing agents, can be conveyed.

The liquid container 34 is in an operating position, as exemplified in FIG Figures 2 and 8th is shown connected to the housing 22. However, the liquid container 34 is designed in such a way that it can be removed from the housing 22. This is for example in the Figures 4 and 6th shown schematically.

As in particular in Figure 8 It is easy to see that the liquid container 34 is arranged in the front half 30 of the hard surface cleaning device 10.

The liquid container 34 has a liquid container inlet 104 in the form of a circular filling opening 106 and a liquid container outlet 108.

The liquid container outlet 108 is formed at a free end of a hose 110. The free end of the hose 110 is surrounded by a diving weight 112 which pulls the free end 110 and thus the liquid container outlet 108 downward in the direction of gravity.

The liquid container outlet 108 is movably arranged in the described manner in the liquid container 34, to be precise at a free end of the hose 110 forming a liquid line.

The liquid container 34 is made of a transparent or at least translucent material so that a user can see the filling level of the cleaning liquid in the liquid container 34 at any time.

The hose 110 is coupled to a pump inlet 114 of the liquid pump 100. A pump outlet 116 or a pressure side of the liquid pump 100 is connected to a distributor piece 118, which has two connecting pieces 120 directed in opposite directions, each of which is connected to a hose 94. The other ends of the tubes 94 are connected to the connecting pieces 92 as already described above.

A check valve 122 is integrated into the distributor piece 118 and is thus arranged between the liquid pump 100 and the liquid outlets 80.

The liquid container 34 is designed as a whole to be essentially dimensionally stable.

In order to avoid that a negative pressure can develop in the liquid container 34 when cleaning liquid is conveyed to the liquid outlets 80 by the liquid pump 100, a ventilation device 124 in the form of a ventilation valve 126 is arranged on the liquid container 34.

The liquid container inlet 104 is closed with a closure element 128. This comprises a flap 130 pivotably mounted on the housing 22 and a plug 132 which engages in a sealing manner in the filling opening 106 and is formed in one piece on the flap 130.

A forwardly facing free end 134 of the flap 130 is curved somewhat away from the liquid container 34 and thus forms a grip area 136 which enables a user to easily open and close the filling opening 106 again.

The closure element 128 is held on the hard surface cleaning device 10 in the manner described and is also captive.

On the housing 22, a standing surface 138 that differs from the cleaning surface 40 is also formed on a rear end of the handle 24 for placing the hard surface cleaning device 10.

The standing surface 138, in conjunction with the rear end 88 of the mop cover 16, enables the hard surface cleaning device 10 to be set down safely. Such a footprint is in Figure 8 symbolized by the drawn level 140, which runs essentially at right angles to the plane 96. The standing surface 138 is thus formed at the rear end of the hard surface cleaning device 10 and is significantly smaller than the cleaning surface 40.

In the exemplary embodiment of the hard surface cleaning device 10 shown in the figures, the cleaning surface 40 is designed to be planar or essentially planar. Alternatively, it can also be designed with a convex curvature pointing away from the mop cover carrier 14, for example in the form of a section of a cylinder surface.

The recess 82 forms a liquid opening 142 on the mop cover carrier 14. The liquid outlet 80 is arranged or formed in the area of this liquid opening 142 or on this. However, it can also be said that in the exemplary embodiment of the hard surface cleaning device 10 shown in the figures, the liquid outlets 80 each form a liquid opening 142.

In Figure 11a the optional configuration of a mop cover 16 is shown schematically, namely by a mop cover liquid opening 144 drawn in knit. This and the liquid opening 142 can, as by way of example shown, in particular be formed partially or completely overlapping. In this way, cleaning liquid can be applied directly from the liquid outlet 80 to the surface 20 to be cleaned, without first moistening the mop cover 16.

As described above, the recess 82 forms a liquid opening 142 which practically forms an opening 146 in the plate 78 and thus in the mop cover carrier 14. However, the opening is closed by the liquid outlet 80, which forms an outlet nozzle 148, except for the through-hole 86.

Furthermore, in the hard surface cleaning device 10, the wiper cover carrier 14 and the handle 24 or the housing 22 are arranged so as to be decoupled from vibrations relative to one another. To achieve this, a plurality of damping elements 150 are arranged between the mop cover carrier 14 and the handle 24 encompassed by the housing 22, namely a total of four, namely one damping element 150 in each corner of the mop cover carrier 14.

The damping elements 150 are both non-positively and / or positively connected to the mop cover carrier 14 and also to the handle 24 or to the housing 22. For this purpose, an annular groove 152 is formed on the mop cover carrier 14, which is open in the direction of the mop cover and into which an annular projection 154 of the damping element 150 in the form of a plug 156 engages.

A sleeve-shaped projection 160 protrudes from the housing 22 and engages in an opening 158 of the stopper 116, on which projections pointing away from the mop cover 14 in the manner of barbs protrude, the free ends of which bear against an annular disk 164 which engages in a corresponding annular groove 166, which is open in the direction of the mop cover 16 pointing.

The housing 22 is mechanically coupled to the mop cover carrier 14 exclusively via this connection described by means of the damping elements 150.

The damping elements 150 are sufficiently elastic that a vibration transmitted from the drive device 46 to the mop cover carrier 14 cannot be transmitted, or only to a very small extent, to the housing 22 and thus the handle 24. By means of the vibration decoupling described, a user can keep the hard surface cleaning device 10 steady even when the drive device 46 sets the wiper cover carrier 14 in vibration.

The hard surface cleaning device 10 further comprises a control device 168 for controlling the liquid pump 100 and the movement device 36.

As in Figure 6 It is easy to see that the control device 168 is arranged in a receiving space 170 enclosed by the handle 24, specifically on a circuit board 172 held therein.

The control device 168 is connected to the liquid pump 100 in a control-effective manner via a connecting line 174. Furthermore, it is connected to the drive 48 via a connecting line 176 in a control-effective manner.

An electrical energy store 178 in the form of a battery 180 is also arranged below the circuit board 172 in the receiving space 170. The battery 180 is designed in the form of a rechargeable battery 180.

This electrical energy store 178 makes it possible to design the hard surface cleaning device 10 in the form of a hard surface cleaning device 10 that can be operated independently of the mains.

The hard surface cleaning device 10 is also designed in the form of a hand-held hard surface cleaning device 10. The total weight of the hard surface cleaning device 10 is preferably less than 1000 g.

In the area of the standing surface 138, a charging connection device 182 is arranged, which is in electrical operative connection with the control device 168 via a connecting line 184. This in turn is in an electrically operative connection with the battery 180 via a connecting line 168.

If a plug 188 of a charging cable 190 is plugged into the charging connection device 182 in the form of a charging socket and the charging cable 190 is connected to a charger 192, the battery 180 can be recharged if necessary. The charger 192 can be connected to a power supply system 198, in particular to a power socket, via a connection cable 194, which has a plug 196.

Alternatively, the charging connection device 182 can also be connected directly to the power supply network 198 with a mains connection cable 200 with a plug 202 corresponding to the plug 188 and a mains connection plug 204. In this way, the hard surface cleaning device 10 can optionally also be operated in a network-dependent manner. In this way, the charging connection device 182 also optionally forms a network connection device 206.

In a further variant of the hard surface cleaning device 10, not shown, the mains connection cable 200 can also be permanently connected to the hard surface cleaning device 10 for connection to the power supply system 198.

The hard surface cleaning device 10 further comprises a first actuation element 208 and a second actuation element 210. Both are connected to the control device 168 in a control-effective manner. The first actuation element 208 is used to activate and deactivate the liquid pump 100. The second actuating member 210 can in particular also be designed to deactivate the liquid pump 100.

The second actuating element 210 serves to activate the drive 48. To deactivate the drive 48, the second actuating element 210 must be actuated again.

The control device 168 can optionally include a timer 212, which specifies an actuation time or activation duration of the liquid pump 100. In this case, the control device 168 can be designed in such a way that the liquid pump 100 is activated as a result of an actuation of the first actuation element 208 and is automatically deactivated again after the time period specified by the timer 212 has elapsed.

Optionally, the hard surface cleaning device 10 can include a speed setting device 214. This enables a user to set a speed of the drive 48 discretely or continuously. For example, the speed setting device 214 can be designed in the form of a rotary potentiometer or a keyboard. In this case, the control device 168 can also include, in particular, a speed control unit 216, which is operatively connected to the speed setting device 214 in a control-effective manner.

The timing element 212 can, in particular, specify a period of time in a range from approximately 10 s to approximately 90 s. Optionally, a time setting device can also be provided in order to be able to set the duration by the user himself.

The actuating elements 208 and 210 are arranged next to one another on the housing 22 as an extension of the handle 24 directly above the holder 44. Buttons 218 and 220 comprised by the actuating elements 208 and 210 are arranged on the circuit board 172.

Optionally, the hard surface cleaning device 210 can furthermore comprise a moisture sensor 222 interacting with the control device 168 for determining a moisture level of the mop cover 16.

The moisture sensor 222 can optionally be arranged on the mop cover 16 or on the mop cover carrier 14.

If a moisture sensor 222 is provided, the control device 168 can in particular be designed in such a way that it controls the liquid pump 100 as a function of the moisture of the mop cover 16 determined with the moisture sensor 222. In particular, the control device 168 can automatically deactivate the liquid pump 100 if the moisture value measured with the moisture sensor 222 exceeds a predetermined limit value for the moisture.

The hard surface cleaning device 10 can furthermore optionally comprise an optical and / or acoustic display device 224 for displaying an operating mode of the hard surface cleaning device 10 and / or a state of charge of the electrical energy store 178.

For example, the display device 224 can be comprised by the actuating elements 208 and 210, for example in the form of LEDs 226. The LEDs 226 can light up in particular when the movement device 36 is activated or when the liquid pump 100 is activated.

The display device 224 can in particular comprise a color-changing LED in order to display the charge status of the electrical energy store 178.

Furthermore, the hard surface cleaning device can optionally have a pressure measuring sensor 228 for measuring a pressing force exerted on the cleaning surface 40. The pressure measuring sensor 228 is in electrical operative connection with the control device 168 via a connecting line 230 such that when an effective and stored in the control device 168 is exceeded Limit force a warning device outputs an optical and / or acoustic signal.

For a compact construction of the hard surface cleaning device 10, the display device 224 can comprise the warning device.

The provision of the pressure measuring sensor enables a user in particular to press the hard surface cleaning device 10 with the cleaning surface 40 or the wiping surface 64 against the surface 20 to be cleaned so that the movement device 36 can still move the mop cover carrier 14. If the pressing force is too high, there is in principle the risk of the drive 48 being blocked so that the effect to be brought about by the movement device 36 is no longer achieved.

The hard surface cleaning device 10 described above enables a user to easily clean a surface 20 to be cleaned, in particular a flat hard surface such as a window pane, in a highly effective manner by moistening it with cleaning liquid, which is either applied directly to the surface 20 to be cleaned or indirectly through Moistening the mop cover 16. The loosening of soiling from the surface to be cleaned is facilitated in particular by the possibility of moving the mop cover carrier 14 relative to the housing 22 and the handle 24 at a high frequency.

The special arrangement of the liquid outlets 80 avoids an undefined spray of cleaning liquid. The surface to be cleaned is only wetted with liquid where the hard surface cleaning device 10 with the mop cover 16 is in contact. Overall, this enables a defined and elegant cleaning of hard surfaces.

The surface cleaned in the manner described and wetted with cleaning fluid cannot in a second step with one in the figures illustrated suction device, for example a window vacuum, sucked off and dried so streak-free.

List of reference symbols

10

Hard surface cleaning device

12th

Window cleaning device

14th

Wiper cover carrier

16

Wiping cover

18th

Liquid application device

20th

surface

22nd

casing

24

Grab handle

26th

Breakthrough

28

rear half

30th

front half

32

Container holder

34

Liquid container

36

Movement device

38

floor

40

Cleaning area

42

back

44

attitude

46

Drive device

48

drive

50

Electric motor

52

Unbalance motor

54

drive shaft

56

Longitudinal axis

58

Unbalance mass

60

Back of mop cover

64

Wiping surface

66

Connecting device

68

Velcro connection device

70

first connecting element

72

second connecting element

74

Barb

76

loop

78

plate

80

Liquid outlet

82

Recess

84

Blind hole

86

Through hole

88

end

90

Connection duct

92

Connection piece

94

Connecting line

96

level

98

level

100

Liquid pump

102

Diaphragm pump

104

Fluid reservoir inlet

106

Filling opening

108

Liquid container outlet

110

Liquid line

112

Diving weight

114

Pump inlet

116

Pump outlet

118

Distributor piece

120

Connection piece

122

check valve

124

Ventilation device

126

Ventilation valve

128

Closure element

130

flap

132

Plug

134

end

136

Grip area

138

Stand space

140

Stand level

142

Liquid opening

144

Mopping cover liquid opening

146

Breakthrough

148

Outlet nozzle

150

Damping element

152

Ring groove

154

head Start

156

Plug

158

Breakthrough

160

head Start

162

Barb

164

Washer

166

Ring groove

168

Control device

170

Recording room

172

circuit board

174

Connecting line

176

Connecting line

178

Energy storage

180

battery

182

Charging connector device

184

Connecting line

186

Connecting line

188

plug

190

Charging cable

192

charger

194

Connection cable

196

plug

198

power grid

200

Power cord

202

plug

204

Mains connector

206

Network connection device

208

first actuator

210

second actuation element

212

Timer

214

Speed setting device

216

Speed control element

218

Button

220

Button

222

Humidity sensor

224

Display device

226

LED

228

Pressure sensor

230

Connecting line

Claims (15)

1. Cleaning appliance for hard surfaces (10), in particular in the form of a window cleaning appliance (12), having a cleaning surface (40) and a liquid application device (18) for applying liquid to a surface (20) to be cleaned, which cleaning surface (40) is configured to abut against and to move over the surface (20) to be cleaned and which liquid application device (18) comprises at least one liquid outlet (80) for dispensing cleaning liquid onto the surface to be cleaned (20), wherein the liquid application device (18) comprises a liquid container (34) for accommodating cleaning liquid and a liquid pump (100) for conveying the cleaning liquid from the liquid container (34) to the at least one liquid outlet (80), wherein the liquid container (34) has a liquid container inlet (104) and a liquid container outlet (108), characterized in that the liquid container outlet (108) is arranged or formed on a free end of a liquid conduit (100) that projects into the liquid container (34) and so as to be movable in the liquid container (34), and in that a diving weight (112) is arranged or formed at the liquid container outlet (108).
2. Cleaning appliance for hard surfaces in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in that the at least one liquid outlet (80)

   a) is arranged or formed in a region bounded by the cleaning surface (40)
   and/or

   a) is arranged or formed behind or in a plane (96) defined by the cleaning surface (40)
   and/or

   c) is arranged or formed nearer to a front end (98) of the cleaning surface (40) than to a rear end (88) of the cleaning surface (40).
3. Cleaning appliance for hard surfaces in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized by two or more liquid outlets (80), wherein, in particular, the two or more liquid outlets (80) have identical or differently sized liquid outlet cross sections.
4. Cleaning appliance for hard surfaces in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized by a wiping cover support (14), which defines the cleaning surface (40),
   wherein, in particular,

   a) the cleaning surface (40) is of planar or substantially planar or convexly curved configuration facing away from the wiping cover support (14) or is concavely curved facing away from the wiping cover support, in particular in the form of a section of a cylinder surface
   and/or

   b) the at least one liquid outlet (80) is formed in one piece with the wiping cover support (14)
   and/or

   c) the wiping cover support (14) has at least one liquid opening (142) and in that the at least one liquid outlet (80) is arranged or formed in the region of the at least one liquid opening (142) or in or on the at least one liquid opening (142), or in that the at least one liquid outlet (80) forms the at least one liquid opening (142)
   and/or

   d) the wiping cover support (14) is configured in the form of a plate (78)
   and/or

   e) the wiping cover support (14) is configured to be permeable to liquid
   and/or

   f) the wiping cover support (14) is of rectangular, triangular, circular, or semicircular configuration.
5. Cleaning appliance for hard surfaces in accordance with Claim 4, characterized in that the wiping cover support (14) bears a wiping cover (16).
6. Cleaning appliance for hard surfaces in accordance with Claim 5, characterized in that the wiping cover (16)

   a) abuts or substantially abuts with a wiping cover rear side (60) against the cleaning surface (40) of the wiping cover support (14) and in that a wiping cover front side (62) defines a wiping surface (64)
   wherein, in particular, the wiping surface (64) and the cleaning surface (40) are identical or substantially identical,
   and/or

   b) defines a closed wiping surface (64)
   and/or

   c) has at least one wiping cover liquid opening (144),

   wherein, in particular, the at least one liquid opening (142) and the at least one wiping cover liquid opening (144) are arranged or formed at least partially, in particular completely, overlapping and/or

   the at least one liquid opening (142) is configured in the form of a perforation (146) of the wiping cover support (14),

   and/or

   d) is configured in the form of a textile cover, a brush, a sponge, or in the form of polishing wadding
   and/or

   e) is configured to be permeable to liquid
   and/or

   f) and the wiping cover support (14) are connected to one another in a force-locking and/or positive-locking manner.
7. Cleaning appliance for hard surfaces in accordance with Claim 5 or 6, characterized by a connecting device (66) for connecting the wiping cover (16) and the wiping cover support (14) in a force-locking and/or positive-locking manner in a connecting position,
   wherein, in particular,

   a) the connecting device (66) is configured in the form of a tensioning connecting device, a clamping connecting device, or a velcro connecting device (68)
   and/or

   b) the connecting device (66) comprises first connecting elements (70) and second connecting elements (72), which are arranged or formed on the wiping cover support (14) on the one hand, and on the wiping cover (16) on the other hand, and in that the first and second connecting elements (70, 72) in the connecting position are in force-locking and/or positive-locking engagement and in a separating position are out of engagement,

   wherein, in particular,

   the first connecting elements (70) are configured in the form of flexible barbs (74) and in that the second connecting elements (72) are configured in the form of textile loops (76)
   and/or

   the first connecting elements (70) and the wiping cover support (14) are formed in one piece
   and/or

   the wiping cover (16) comprises the second connecting elements (72), in particular formed in one piece therewith,

   and/or

   c) the wiping cover (16) and the wiping cover support (14) in the connecting position are held against one another so as to be immovable or substantially immovable.
8. Cleaning appliance for hard surfaces in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that a cleaning agent and/or a defrosting agent and/or a deicing agent and/or a wax agent and/or a polishing agent is accommodated in the liquid container (34).
9. Cleaning appliance for hard surfaces in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized by a housing (22),

   wherein, in particular, the housing (22) comprises a standing surface (138) that is different from the cleaning surface (40) for setting down the cleaning appliance for hard surfaces (10),

   wherein, further in particular, the standing surface (138)

   a) is formed on the rear end of the cleaning appliance for hard surfaces (10)
   and/or

   b) extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly, to the cleaning surface (40)
   and/or

   c) is significantly smaller than the cleaning surface (40)
   and/or

   d) the liquid container (34) in an operating position is connected to the housing (22)
   and/or

   e) the liquid container (34) is configured to be removable from the housing (22).
10. Cleaning appliance for hard surfaces in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized by a holding grip (24) for holding the cleaning appliance for hard surfaces (10),
    wherein, in particular,

    a) the holding grip (24) is arranged or formed in the region of a rear half (28) of the cleaning appliance for hard surfaces (10)
    and/or

    b) the housing (22) comprises the holding grip (24).
11. Cleaning appliance for hard surfaces in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that

    a) the liquid container (34) is arranged in a front half (30) of the cleaning appliance for hard surfaces (10)
    and/or

    b) the liquid container inlet (104) is closed with a closure element (128),
    wherein, in particular, the closure element (128) is held on the cleaning appliance for hard surfaces (10) so as to be movable, in particular captive,
    and/or

    c) a venting device (124), in particular a venting valve (126), is arranged or formed on the liquid container (34)
    and/or

    d) the liquid container outlet (108) is fluidically connected to the liquid pump (100)
    and/or

    e) the at least one liquid outlet (80) is fluidically connected to the liquid pump (100)
    and/or

    f) the liquid pump (100) is configured in the form of a membrane pump (102) or in the form of a piston pump
    and/or

    g) a check valve (122) is arranged or formed between the liquid pump (100) and the at least one liquid outlet (80)
    and/or

    h) the liquid container (34) is made of a translucent material.
12. Cleaning appliance for hard surfaces in accordance with Claim 10 or 11, characterized by a moving device (36) for moving the wiping cover support (14) and the holding grip (24) relative to one another, wherein, in particular, the moving device (36) comprises a drive device (46),
    wherein, further in particular, the drive device (46)

    a) is configured to produce a translational and/or rotational movement of the wiping cover support (14) relative to the holding grip (24)
    and/or

    b) is configured to produce a movement stroke in at least one direction in a range of about 0.05 mm to about 10 mm, in particular in a range of about 0.05 mm to about 2 mm,
    and/or

    c) is configured in the form of a mechanical, electromechanical, electromagnetic, and/or piezoelectric drive (48),
    wherein, in particular, the drive (48) is configured in the form of an unbalance motor (52), in the form of an eccentric drive or an electrical oscillating circuit,
    and/or

    d) is arranged or formed on the wiping cover support (14)
    and/or

    e) comprises a drive shaft (54) and in that the drive shaft (54) is aligned transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the cleaning surface (40).
13. Cleaning appliance for hard surfaces in accordance with any one of Claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the wiping cover support (14) and the holding grip (24)

    a) are arranged or formed so as to be vibrationally decoupled from one another
    and/or

    b) are coupled to one another by at least one damping element (150), in particular by four damping elements (150),
    wherein, in particular, the at least one damping element (150) is coupled to the wiping cover support (14) and/or the holding grip (24) or the housing (22) by force-locking and/or positive-locking connection.
14. Cleaning appliance for hard surfaces in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the cleaning appliance for hard surfaces comprises a wiping cover support (14), which defines the cleaning surface (40), and a moving device (36) for moving the wiping cover support (14) and the holding grip (24) relative to one another, in that the moving device (36) comprises a drive device (46), and in that the wiping cover support (14) comprises a mount (44) for holding the drive device (46).
15. Cleaning appliance for hard surfaces in accordance with any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that

    a) it comprises a control device (168) for controlling the liquid pump (100),

    wherein the cleaning appliance for hard surfaces comprises a moisture sensor (222) that cooperates with the control device (168) for determining a wetness of the wiping cover (16), and/or

    the control device (168) is configured to control the liquid pump (100) in dependence on the wetness of the wiping cover (16),

    and/or

    b) it comprises at least one first actuating element (208) for activating the liquid pump (100), in particular also for deactivating the liquid pump (100)
    and/or

    c) it is configured in the form of a hand-held cleaning appliance for hard surfaces (10)
    and/or

    d) it is configured in the form of a mains-independently operable cleaning appliance for hard surfaces (10)
    and/or

    e) it comprises an electrical energy store (178)
    and/or

    f) it comprises a mains connecting device (206) for connecting the cleaning appliance for hard surfaces (10) to a mains power supply (198) by way of a mains connection cable (200)
    and/or

    g) it comprises a mains connection cable (200) for connecting the cleaning appliance for hard surfaces (10) to a mains power supply (198)
    and/or

    h) it comprises a pressure sensor (228) for measuring a pressing force exerted on the cleaning surface (40).

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