WO2015180757A1

WO2015180757A1 - Portable hard-surface cleaning appliance

Info

Publication number: WO2015180757A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/060915
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andreas MÜLLER; Christian Stewen; Matthias GÜERS; Sandra Bartel
Original assignee: Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2014-05-27
Filing date: 2014-05-27
Publication date: 2015-12-03
Also published as: EP3148391B8; EP3148391A1; CN106413502A; EP3148391B1

Abstract

A portable hard-surface cleaning appliance (10; 150; 250) comprising a spray nozzle (84; 204; 262) for spraying cleaning fluid onto a hard surface to be cleaned, a reservoir (92; 190; 290) for the cleaning fluid, a manually drivable pump (64; 182; 261) comprising a first pump part (70; 184; 259) which is movable back and forth in a pumping direction relative to a second pump part (65; 186; 260) for conveying cleaning fluid from the reservoir to the spray nozzle, and a mop pad support (12; 152; 252) which is coupled to the first pump part (70; 184; 259) and manually moveable relative to the second pump part (65; 186; 260) and on which a mop pad can be detachably fastened for distributing the cleaning fluid on the hard surface. To reduce the risk of jamming of the first pump part, it is proposed for the mop pad support (12; 152; 252) to be moveably mounted on a guide part (34; 166; 256) via a support part (24; 154; 254) and to be moveable relative to the first pump part (70; 184; 259).

Description

PORTABLE HARDWARE CLEANER

The invention relates to a portable hard surface cleaning device comprising a spray nozzle for spraying a hard surface to be cleaned, in particular a window pane, with cleaning liquid, a reservoir for the cleaning liquid, a manually driven pump having a first pumping part, which relative to a second pumping part in a pumping direction back and forth is movable for conveying cleaning liquid from the reservoir to the spray nozzle, and a relative to the second pumping part manually movable and coupled to the first pump part wiper lining carrier to which a mop pad is releasably fastened for distributing the cleaning liquid on the hard surface.

Such a hard surface cleaning device is primarily intended for cleaning window panes, but it is also suitable for cleaning other hard surfaces, for example for cleaning shower walls, mirrors and tiles.

With the aid of the spray nozzle, the hard surface, in particular the window pane, can be sprayed with a cleaning liquid, and subsequently the liquid can be distributed on the hard surface with the aid of the wiper covering, for example a wiper pad or a wiping cloth, and thus the hard surface can be cleaned. As a wiper textile, for example, a fabric, a knitted fabric, a knit fabric or a nonwoven fabric can be used. The mop pad can be attached to the mop pad carrier of the hard surface cleaning device and can be removed by the user from the mop pad carrier, for example, to replace or wash the mop pad.

For storing cleaning fluid, the hard surface cleaning device on the reservoir, which is connected via the manually driven pump with the spray nozzle. The pump can be in the form of a Be configured diaphragm pump or in the form of a piston pump. It has a first pump part and a second pump part, wherein the first pump part can be moved relative to the second pump part in a pumping direction back and forth. The result of the movement of the first pumping part is that cleaning fluid can be removed from the reservoir and fed under pressure to the spray nozzle. The drive of the first pump part takes place with the aid of the wiper covering carrier, which is coupled to the first pump part, so that a movement of the wiper lining carrier relative to the second pumping part results in a corresponding relative movement of the first pumping part.

The user has the option of guiding the hard surface cleaning device along the hard surface to be cleaned and thereby pressing the wiper covering carrier together with the wiper covering fastened thereto against the hard surface so that the wiper covering carrier performs a movement relative to the second pumping part and thereby also the first pumping part relative to the second Pump part is moved to promote cleaning fluid that can be sprayed on the spray nozzle on the surface to be cleaned.

By repeatedly pressing the mop pad carrier against the hard surface, the user can spray a desired amount of cleaning liquid on the hard surface.

A hard surface cleaning device for cleaning smooth floors is known in the form of a mop from the publication EP 1 468 639 A2. The mop has a mop pad carrier in the form of a cleaning head, which is designed in the manner of a base plate and on which a mop pad is held interchangeable. The cleaning head is rigidly connected to a reservoir for cleaning liquid, on which a spray nozzle is held. In the reservoir, a manually driven pump is arranged, can be promoted with the cleaning liquid from the reservoir to the spray nozzle. On the reservoir, a stem is slidably mounted in the longitudinal direction of the stem. The handle forms a handle that can be grasped by the user to move the mop along a floor. The stem dives with its end facing the cleaning head in the reservoir and is rigidly connected at this end with a first pumping part, which cooperates to promote cleaning fluid with a stationary arranged in the reservoir second pump part. To spray cleaning fluid onto the floor, the user may repeatedly push the handle together with the first pumping member against the floor so that the handle is displaced relative to the reservoir and the first pumping member makes a movement relative to the second pumping unit.

In the known mop, care must be taken to ensure that the stem, the first pumping part and the second pumping part are aligned exactly aligned with each other, since otherwise there is a risk that the first pumping part canted in cooperation with the second pumping part.

The object of the present invention is to develop a portable hard surface cleaning device of the generic type such that the risk of tilting of the first pump part is reduced.

This object is achieved in a portable hard surface cleaning device of the type mentioned in the present invention that the mop pad carrier is movably held on a support member on a guide member and movable relative to the first pump part.

The hard surface cleaning device according to the invention has a guide part which serves to guide the wiper lining carrier. The mop pad carrier is movably held on the guide part via a support member. With the first pump part, which can be set in motion by the wiper lining carrier, the wiper lining carrier is not rigidly connected, but rather the wiper lining carrier is movable relative to the first pumping part. This has the advantage that the direction of movement of the wiper covering carrier does not have to coincide exactly with the direction of movement of the first pumping part in order to drive the first pumping part to move relative to the second pumping part without the risk of tilting. The leadership of the wiper cover carrier can be independent of the leadership of the first Pump part done. The wiper lining carrier can be moved relative to the second pumping part and the coupling of the wiper lining carrier to the first pumping part has the consequence that the first pumping part is also driven to move relative to the second pumping part, although the wiper lining carrier can be displaced relative to the first pumping part. The wiper lining carrier can, for example, perform a linear movement or a pivoting movement relative to the second pumping part, and the first pumping part can be displaceably mounted on the second pumping part in the pumping direction. Since the wiper lining carrier is movable relative to the first pumping part, there is practically no risk that the first pumping part driven by the wiper lining carrier canted during its movement relative to the second pumping part.

The mobility of the wiper lining carrier relative to the first pump part makes it possible to use a per se known pump for the portable hard surface cleaning device according to the invention, which can also be used in large quantities in other areas of application. For example, in the case of the portable hard surface cleaning device according to the invention, a manually drivable pump can be used, which is also used in soap dispensers or other dispensers of highly viscous media. Such pumps can be produced inexpensively due to their large number and this in turn reduces the manufacturing cost of the portable hard surface cleaning device according to the invention.

In an advantageous embodiment of the portable hard surface cleaning device according to the invention, the guide part is arranged on a container support part, on which the storage container is held.

The container transfer member is conveniently detachably connectable to the guide member. In such an embodiment, the user has the opportunity to separate the reservoir together with the container support part of the guide part. The container support part can preferably be locked releasably with the guide part. However, it can also be provided that the guide part and the container support part are integrally connected to each other. In particular, that can Guide part and the container support part together form a one-piece plastic molded part.

It is particularly advantageous if the storage container can be detachably connected to the container transfer part. For example, it can be provided that the storage container can be latched to the container support part. This gives the user the ability to release the reservoir from the container support part if necessary, for example, to fill the reservoir with cleaning fluid.

It is advantageous if the storage container can be closed by means of a container lid. For filling, the user can remove the container lid from the reservoir and after filling, he can close the reservoir by means of the container lid. The filled and closed by means of the container lid reservoir can then be connected to the container support part.

On the container lid a suction line is conveniently kept, which dips into the reservoir and when attaching the reservoir on

Behältertragteil with the pump is detachably connectable. The suction line may be configured, for example, as a flexible hose line.

It may also be provided that the container support part has a cover for the reservoir, wherein the lid closes the reservoir when the user attaches the reservoir to the container transfer part.

The guide member serves to guide the mop pad carrier. For this purpose, the wiper lining carrier is movably held on the supporting part on the guide part. The mop pad carrier may be integrally connected to the support member. In particular, it can be provided that the mop pad carrier together with the support part forms a one-piece plastic molded part. However, it can also be provided that the wiper lining carrier and the supporting part form separate components, which are preferably rigidly connected to one another. It is advantageous if the mop pad carrier is releasably connectable to the support member. The mop pad carrier can, for example, be detachably latched to the carrier part. It can also be provided that the mop pad carrier is screwed to the support member.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the guide part forms a housing surrounding the pump. The guide member thus surrounds the pump and protects it from mechanical damage.

In an advantageous embodiment, the guide part has two in

Distance from each other arranged guideways and the support member is movable along the guideways. The guideways can form curves along which the support member can be moved.

It is favorable if the pump is arranged between the two guideways. In particular, a central arrangement between the two guide parts has proved to be advantageous.

The guideways may be rectilinear or, for example, also arched. In particular, it can be provided that the guideways are aligned parallel to the pumping direction of the first pump part.

In order to minimize friction losses between the wiper lining carrier connected to the guide part via the supporting part, in an advantageous embodiment of the invention the carrying part is movably mounted on the guide part. The support member may form, for example, a frame movable relative to the guide part, on which the wiper lining carrier is held.

It is advantageous if guide rollers are freely rotatably mounted on the support part and / or on the guide part.

Instead of providing guide tracks on the guide part, on which the carrying part can be moved along, an embodiment can also be used. men, in which the support member has guideways, which cooperate with guide members, which are arranged on the guide member.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support member forms a support frame, which is mounted linearly movable on the guide part. In particular, it can be provided that the support frame is movably mounted in the pumping direction.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the support member is pivotally mounted on the guide member about a pivot axis. In such an embodiment of the invention, the support member may be pivoted together with the mop pad carrier about the pivot axis to drive the first pump member to a pumping movement relative to the second pump part.

The pivot axis is favorably aligned perpendicular to the pumping direction.

The coupling of the wiper lining carrier with the first pump part is advantageously carried out via at least one relatively movable to the first pumping member coupling member. The coupling member may be mounted on the mop pad carrier or on the support member. Alternatively, for example, be provided that the coupling member is mounted on a coupling carrier which is held on the guide part or on the second pump part.

The coupling member may be formed as an attachment part rigidly connected to the wiper lining carrier, which slidably rests on the first pump part or on a component rigidly connected to the first pump part, for example a spray line. The pump can be in fluid communication with the spray nozzle via the spray line.

Alternatively, it may be provided, for example, that the coupling member is designed as a freely rotatable coupling roller mounted on a pivot, via which a movement of the wiper covering carrier and / or a movement of the Support member to the first pumping part or a rigidly connected to the first pumping device, in particular a spray line, is transferable. The pivot may be rigidly connected to the mop pad carrier, the support member, with the spray line or, for example, with the first pump part.

It is particularly advantageous if the coupling member is designed as a force transducer. To drive the pump, the user, as has already been explained above, press the mop pad carrier against the hard surface to be cleaned. The force exerted by the user can be transmitted via the force transducer to the first pump part. In this case, a force amplification can be used, so that even when the user presses the mop pad carrier with a relatively small force against the hard surface, a relatively large force can be exerted on the first pump part.

In particular, the configuration of the coupling member as a mechanical force transducer is advantageous, since this can be realized with low production costs.

It may be provided, for example, that the coupling member is designed as a rotatably mounted lever, via which a movement of the wiper lining carrier or of the supporting part can be transferred to the first pumping part.

It is advantageous if the coupling member is designed as a one-sided lever. In this case, the region in which the wiper lining carrier or the supporting part bears against the lever can have a greater distance from the articulation point of the lever than the region in which the first pumping part or a component rigidly connected to the first pumping part bears against the lever.

In order to keep friction losses low, it is advantageous if freely rotatably mounted contact rollers are held on the lever, wherein a first contact roller bears against the wiper lining carrier or on the carrier part and wherein a second contact roller role rests on the first pumping part or on a rigidly connected to the first pumping member.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first pump part forms an outlet line of the pump, on which a spray line is held, which carries the spray nozzle at its free end. In such an embodiment, the first pump part not only serves to periodically reduce and enlarge a pumping volume by moving relative to the second pumping part to thereby convey cleaning fluid from the reservoir to the spray nozzle, but at the same time the first pumping part also forms an outlet the cleaning liquid can be passed to the spray nozzle.

As already mentioned, for spraying the hard surface, the user can repeatedly press the wiper lining carrier against the hard surface to be cleaned. With vertically aligned hard surfaces, in particular with vertically aligned window panes, the repeated pressing of the wiper covering carrier is relatively simple. Difficulties may arise, however, when the mop pad carrier is to be pressed against a hard inclined to the vertical surface, for example, against an obliquely oriented roof windows or against obliquely oriented to the vertical glass surfaces of conservatories. In order to simplify the cleaning obliquely to the vertical aligned hard surfaces, the guide member is connected in an advantageous embodiment of the invention via a hinge part with a stem which is pivotable relative to the guide member about a preferably aligned perpendicular to the pumping direction pivot axis. In such an embodiment, the hard surface cleaning device according to the invention has a handle on which the user can take the hard surface cleaning device. The stem can be pivoted relative to the guide part about a pivot axis. The wiper lining carrier coupled to the first pumping part is held movably on the guide part via the supporting part. For conveying cleaning liquid, the wiper lining carrier can be moved back and forth relative to the guide part, and by this movement the first pumping part is driven to move in the pumping direction. The pivoting of the handle gives the user the Possibility to adjust the handle relative to the guide part in an optimally aligned for the hard surface to be cleaned position to clean a sloping to the vertical hard surface. He can then press the mop pad carrier together with the mop pad attached thereto against the inclined to the vertical hard surface to promote liquid from the reservoir to the spray nozzle. The leadership of the mop pad carrier on the support member on the guide part allows this a very smooth and low-noise handling of the hard surface cleaning device.

It is particularly advantageous if the handle has a receptacle into which an extension rod can be inserted. Using the extension bar increases the reach of the hard surface cleaner. This facilitates, for example, the cleaning of high windows. The extension bar may have a plurality of telescoping rod sections.

It can be provided that the handle of the hard surface cleaning device comprises a plurality of telescopic handle sections, so that the use of an additional extension bar is not necessarily required to increase the reach of the hard surface cleaning device.

The hinge part, via which the guide part is connected to the handle, conveniently comprises a first hinge member and a second hinge member which are pivotable relative to each other about the pivot axis and in a plurality of pivot positions relative to each other, wherein the guide member with the first hinge member and the stem with are rigidly connected to the second hinge member. In particular, it can be provided that the guide part and the first joint member together form a one-piece plastic molded part. In a corresponding manner, the stem and the second joint member can jointly form a second plastic molded part.

To lock the two joint members, the joint part advantageously has a locking member, which is movable between a locking position and a release position back and forth. Conveniently, the locking member in the direction of the pivot axis between a locking position and a release position is displaced back and forth.

The locking member may have a locking tooth, which cooperates with a complementary designed locking teeth of the first hinge member or the second hinge member.

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

1 shows a perspective view of a first advantageous embodiment of a hard surface cleaning device according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional view of the hard surface cleaning device along the line

2- 2 in Figure 1;

Figure 3: a sectional view of the hard surface cleaning device along the line

3-3 in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a sectional view of a hinge part of the hard surface cleaning device along the line 4-4 in Figure 2;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a second advantageous embodiment of a hard surface cleaning device according to the invention;

FIG. 6: a sectional view of the hard surface cleaning device along the line

6-6 in Figure 5;

FIG. 7: a sectional view of the hard surface cleaning device along the line

7-7 in Figure 6; FIG. 8 shows a perspective partial view of the hard surface cleaning device from FIG. 5, with a wiper lining carrier having been removed;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third advantageous embodiment of a hard surface cleaning device according to the invention;

FIG. 10: a sectional view of the hard surface cleaning device along the

Line 10-10 in Figure 9, and

FIG. 11: a sectional view of the hard surface cleaning device along the line

11-11 in FIG. 10.

FIGS. 1 to 4 schematically show a first advantageous embodiment of a hard surface cleaning device according to the invention, which is generally designated by the reference numeral 10. It comprises a mop pad carrier 12, which is designed in the manner of a carrier strip and on which a mop pad 16 shown in Figure 2 is releasably held. The wiper pad 16 may be formed, for example, in the form of a wiping cloth or a wiper pad. At the side facing away from the mop pad 16 back of the mop pad support 12 a coupling member in the form of a system part 18 is arranged centrally, which is screwed by means of connecting screws 20 with the mop pad carrier and on the side facing away from the mop pad 16 a convex contact surface 22 is formed.

The mop pad carrier 12 is releasably connected to the support member 24. This becomes clear in particular from FIG. For this purpose, two connecting sleeves 26, 28 are integrally formed on the wiper lining carrier 12 on the side facing away from the mop pad 16, which are screwed by means of connecting screws 30 to the support member 24.

In a pumping direction 32 shown in FIG. 3, the carrying part 24 is displaceable back and forth in a guide part 34, which supports the carrying part 24 in FIG Circumferentially surrounds circumferential direction and on two opposite outer sides two slit-like guideways 36, 38, in which the support member 24 is immersed with transverse to the pumping direction 32 guide members 40, 42. The guide tracks 36, 38 and the guide elements 40, 42 guide the support member 24 in the guide member 34. In Figure 3, the support member 24 is shown in a front end position in which the guide elements 40, 42 at a front edge 44, 46 of the guideways 36, 38 abut. The support member 24 can be moved starting from the front end position in the pumping direction 32 in a rear end position in which the guide elements 40, 42 abut against a rear edge 48, 50 of the guideways 36, 38.

The guide member 34 has on its upper side a latching recess 52 and between the guide tracks 36, 38, the guide member 34 forms a perpendicular to the pumping direction 32 aligned support wall 54. On the support wall 54 at a distance from each other, a first spring holder 56 and a second spring holder 58 are fixed. A first return spring 60 is held on the first spring holder 56, and a second return spring 62 is held on the second spring holder 58. The two return springs 60, 62 are clamped between the respective spring holder 56, 58 and the support member 24 and exert on the support member 24 in a movement in the pumping direction 32 is a resilient restoring force.

Between the two spring holders 56, 58, a pump is held on the support wall 54, which is configured in the illustrated first embodiment as a diaphragm pump 64. The diaphragm pump 64 comprises a pump housing 65 with a front housing part 66 and a rear housing part 68. The front housing part 66 is integrally connected to the spring holders 56, 58 and forms together with the spring holders 56, 58 a one-piece plastic molding.

The front housing part 66 is penetrated by a rigid outlet line 70, which is displaceably mounted in the pumping direction 32 on the front housing part 66 and at its end facing the rear housing part 68 a Exhaust valve 72 carries. Between the front housing part 66 and the rear housing part 68, a pumping diaphragm 74 is fixed with a first end and with a second end the pumping diaphragm 74 is fixed to the end of the outlet line 70 facing the outlet valve 72. By moving the outlet conduit 70, the pumping membrane 74 can be moved back and forth in the pumping direction 32, so that within the pump housing 65, a pumping volume is periodically reduced and enlarged. The outlet line forms a first pump part, which is movable relative to a second pump part in the form of the pump housing 65 in the pumping direction 32 back and forth.

Between the rear housing part 68 and the outlet valve 72, a third return spring 76 is clamped, which acts on the outlet line 70 via the outlet valve 72 with a resilient return force.

At the end of the outlet line 70 facing away from the rear housing part 68, an angled, rigid spray line 78 adjoins, which has a first line section 80 facing the wiper covering carrier 12 and a second line section 82 protruding upward from the first line section 80. At the second line section 82 is aligned obliquely to the vertical, a spray nozzle 84 is held. The third return spring 76 exerts a spring force on the spray line 78 via the outlet valve 72 and the outlet line 70, under the action of which the spray line 78 slidably rests on the convex contact surface 22 of the system part 18.

On the rear housing part 68 of the diaphragm pump 64, an inlet line 86 is held, which is aligned in alignment with the outlet line 70 and in which an inlet valve 88 is integrated. The inlet conduit 86 is integrally connected to a container support member 90 to which a reservoir 92 is releasably held. The container support member 90 is detachably connectable to the guide member 34. For this purpose, the container support member 90 has a latching projection 94, which dips into the latching recess 52 of the guide member 34. By pressing on the latching projection 94, the user can detach the container support part 90 together with the storage container 92 held thereon from the guide part 34, so that he can then fill the reservoir 92 with cleaning fluid.

On the container support member 90, a vent valve 96 is held, via which the reservoir 92 can be vented.

Within the reservoir 92 is a flexible suction line 98 which is connected to the inlet conduit 86 and carries at its free end a weight piece 100 having a passage 102. In FIGS. 2 and 3, for ease of understanding, the suction conduit 98 is shown collinear with the inlet conduit 86 and the outlet conduit 70. In fact, under the action of the weight 100, the flexible suction conduit 98 tilts downwardly with its free end within the reservoir 92.

The guide member 34 is integrally connected below the diaphragm pump 64 with a first joint member in the form of a first joint sleeve 104, which cooperates with a second joint member in the form of a second joint sleeve 106 for forming a joint part 108. The second joint sleeve 106 is integrally connected to a stem 110 of the hard surface cleaning device 10. The handle 110 has, on its underside facing away from the hinge part 108, a cylindrical receptacle 112 for an extension rod 114 shown in detail in FIG. As an extension rod 114, a telescoping tube can be used with several telescoping pipe sections.

The guide member 34 may be pivoted together with the first hinge sleeve 104 about a pivot axis 116 relative to the second hinge sleeve 106 and the handle 110 integrally connected to the second hinge sleeve 106. In addition to the two joint sleeves 104, 106, the joint part 108 on a pin-shaped locking member 118 which passes through the two hinge sleeves 104, 106, on the second joint sleeve 106 is held non-rotatably but axially displaceable in the direction of the pivot axis 116 and the first Joint sleeve 104 facing a toothed disc 120 carries. The toothed disc 120 forms a latching toothing 122, which cooperates with a complementarily designed latching toothing of the first joint sleeve 104.

On its end facing away from the toothed disc 120, the locking member 118 is rigidly connected to a push button 124. Between the push button 124 and the second joint sleeve 106, a locking spring 126 is clamped.

The user has the opportunity to push the push button 124 against the action of the locking spring 126 in the joint part 108. This has the consequence that the locking member 118 is moved so far that the locking teeth 122 of the toothed disc 120 releases the complementarily configured locking teeth of the first joint sleeve 104, so that subsequently the first joint sleeve 104 can be pivoted relative to the second joint sleeve 106 in a desired pivot position , Subsequently, the user can release the push button 124 again, so that then the locking teeth 122 of the toothed disc 120 is again immersed in the complementarily configured locking teeth of the first joint sleeve 104 and thereby the two joint sleeves 104, 106 are held non-rotatably on the locking member 118.

The hard surface cleaning device 10 is used for cleaning a hard surface, in particular a window pane. The user can grasp the hard surface cleaning device 10 on the handle 110 or also on the free end of the extension rod 114 connected to the handle 110 and press the hard surface cleaning device 10 against the hard surface to be cleaned. Here, the wiper lining carrier 12 is moved over the support member 24 along the guideways 36, 38. The movement of the wiper lining carrier 12 is transmitted via the contact part 18 and the spray line 78 to the first pump part in the form of the outlet line 70. The system part 18 thus forms a movable coupling member. The plant part 18 is not rigidly connected to the first pump part but can perform a relative movement. A relative movement can result, for example, if the movement of the first pumping partly (output line 70) does not run exactly parallel to the common movement of the wiper covering carrier 12 and the contact part 18. The latter can result, for example, from a misalignment of the guideways 36, 38.

The pressing of the wiper covering carrier 12 against the hard surface has the result that the spraying line 78, together with the outlet line 70 and the pumping membrane 74 fixed thereto, are moved in the pumping direction 32. If the user then lifts the hard surface cleaning device 10 again slightly away from the hard surface to be cleaned, the wiper lining carrier 12 is moved forward against the pumping direction 32 under the effect of the two return springs 60, 62. The spray line 78 follows this movement since it is also acted upon by the third return spring 76 via the rigid outlet line 70 with a restoring force. The reciprocation of the wiper pad carrier 12 thus has a corresponding reciprocating motion of the pumping membrane 74 result, under the effect of cleaning liquid from the reservoir 92 via the suction line 98, the inlet conduit 86 and the inlet valve 88 is sucked into the housing of the diaphragm pump 64 and can then be supplied via the outlet valve 72, the outlet 70 and the spray line 78 under pressure to the spray nozzle 84, from which the liquid can be sprayed onto the hard surface to be cleaned.

For cleaning obliquely oriented to the vertical hard surfaces, especially for cleaning skylights and conservatories, the user has the ability to change the orientation of the guide member 34 relative to the handle 110 by the handle 110 by means of the hinge part 108 relative to the guide member 34 in a desired pivot position pivoted.

FIGS. 5 to 8 schematically show a second advantageous embodiment of a hard surface cleaning device according to the invention, which is generally designated by the reference numeral 150. In a similar manner to the hard surface cleaning device 10 explained above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the hard surface cleaning device 150 is primarily intended for cleaning window panes, but it is suitable also for cleaning other hard surfaces. The hard surface cleaning device 150 is configured similarly to the above-described hard surface cleaning device 10. For identical components, therefore, the same reference numerals are used in Figures 5 to 8 as in Figures 1 to 4 and with respect to these components reference is made to the above explanations to avoid repetition.

The hard surface cleaning device 150 comprises a wiper lining support 152, to which a wiper covering 153 in the form of a wiper cushion is fastened. The wiper covering carrier 152 is held on a supporting part 154, which forms a substantially U-shaped supporting frame 156 in the sectional view according to FIG. 7 with a first leg 158 and a second leg 160, which are aligned parallel to one another and are connected in one piece with one another via a web 162 , The mop pad carrier 152 lies with its rear surface flat on the web 162 and is locked with this.

The support member 154 is reciprocally mounted in a pumping direction 164 shown in Figure 7 in a guide member 166. For this purpose, two guide rollers 168, 170 and 172, 174 are freely rotatably mounted on the mutually remote outer sides of the two legs 158, 160. The guide rollers 168, 170 can roll along a groove-like first guide track 176 of the guide part 166, and the guide rollers 172, 174 can roll along a groove-like second guide track 178 of the guide part 166. The guide rollers 168, 170, 172, 174 and the guide tracks 176, 178 thus form a roller guide, by means of which the support member 154 is mounted together with the wiper lining support 152 on the guide member 166 friction.

Between the two guideways 176, 178, the guide member 166 forms a support wall 180, at which a known per se and therefore in the drawing to achieve a better overview only schematically illustrated piston pump 182 is held. The piston pump 182 comprises a first pumping part in the form of an outlet line 184, which at the same time also has a pumping unit. Tappet forms, and a second pumping part in the form of a pump housing 186. The outlet line 184 is slidably held on the pump housing 186. The pump housing 186 forms in a known manner a pumping chamber into which the outlet conduit 184 is immersed. The pumping chamber is in fluid communication with a flexible suction line 188, which dips into a reservoir 190 of the hard surface cleaning device 150 and at its free end facing away from the piston pump 182 carries a weight piece 192 having a through-passage 194. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the flexible suction conduit 188 is shown aligned collinear with the outlet conduit 184 for ease of understanding. In fact, under the action of the weight 192, the suction conduit 188 tilts downwardly with its free end within the reservoir 190.

The flexible suction line 188 is held on a container lid 191, with which the reservoir 190 can be closed. The reservoir 190 is releasably held on a container support member 196 and can be removed together with the container lid 191 from the container support member 196. For filling the container lid 191 can then be separated from the reservoir 190 and after filling with cleaning liquid, preferably water, the reservoir 190 can be closed by means of the container lid 191, wherein the held on the container lid 191 suction line 188 is immersed in the reservoir 190. The filled reservoir 190 can then be reconnected to the container support member 196, wherein at the same time a connection between the suction line 188 and the piston pump 182 is made. The piston pump 182 can thus be supplied via the suction line 188 liquid. For venting the reservoir 190, a ventilation valve 197 is arranged on the container lid 191 so that a pressure equalization can take place when fluid is withdrawn.

The container support member 196 is releasably held on the guide member 166. Below the guide part 166, the hard surface cleaning device 150 in the same manner as the hard surface cleaning device 10 explained above with reference to Figures 1 to 4 with a hinge part 108 with a first joint member in the form of a first joint sleeve 104, which is integrally connected to the guide member 166, and with a second joint member in the form of a second joint sleeve 106, which is integrally connected to a stem 198 of the hard surface cleaning device 150. The handle 198 has, on its underside facing away from the hinge part 108, a cylindrical receptacle 200, into which an extension rod 114 can be inserted, as has already been explained above with reference to FIG. 4 in the hard surface cleaning device 10.

The use of the hinge portion 108 allows the user to pivot the guide member 166 together with the first hinge sleeve 104 about a pivot axis 202 relative to the second hinge sleeve 106, thereby aligning the guide member 166 and the support member 154 and the squeegee support 152 with one another adapted to the vertical hard surface, in particular to adapt to an obliquely oriented to the vertical window.

The hard surface cleaning device 150 has a spray nozzle 204 for spraying cleaning fluid onto the hard surface to be cleaned, wherein the cleaning fluid is stored in the reservoir 190 and is conveyed from the reservoir 190 to the spray nozzle 204 by means of the piston pump 182. The spray nozzle 204 is in fluid communication with the outlet conduit 184 via a spray conduit 206.

The drive of the piston pump 182 is effected by a movement of the wiper covering carrier 152 and of the supporting part 154 relative to the guide part 166. If the wiper lining carrier 152 is pressed by the user against the hard surface to be cleaned, the wiper lining carrier 152 is moved along the guide paths 176, 178 via the supporting part 154 , The movement of the wiper pad carrier 152 is transmitted via a movable coupling member in the form of a rotatably mounted lever 208 to the spray line 206 and from there to the first pump part in the form of the outlet line 184. The lever 208 is attached to a coupling support 210 about a direction perpendicular to the pumping direction 164 aligned Lever axis 212 rotatably mounted. The lever 208 is configured as a one-sided lever and has a first contact roller 214 and a second contact roller 216 at a distance from the lever axis 212. The first contact roller 214 has a smaller distance to the lever axis 212 than the second contact roller 216. The first contact roller 214 abuts the spray line 206 and the second contact roller 216 contacts the support member 154 in the region of the web 162. This becomes clear in particular from FIG ,

If the mop pad carrier 152 is pressed against the hard surface to be cleaned and thereby moved along with the support member 154 along the guideways 176, 178, the movement of the mop pad support 152 is transmitted via the lever 208 and the spray line 206 to the first pump part in the form of the outlet line 184 , This has the consequence that the outlet line 184 is pressed against the action of a return spring, not shown in the drawing in the pump housing 186. If the user subsequently lifts the hard surface cleaning device 150 again somewhat away from the surface to be cleaned, the force exerted by the wiper lining carrier 152 on the outlet line 184 via the lever 208 is eliminated and the outlet line 184 is pushed out of the pump housing 186 again by the return spring. The movement of the outlet conduit 184 is transmitted via the lever 208 to the mop pad carrier 152, so that it is also moved counter to the pumping direction 164. The provision of the wiper lining carrier 152 thus takes place under the action of the return spring of the piston pump 182.

The lever 208 forms a mechanical force transducer. This has the advantage that the user only has to press the wiper lining support 152 against the hard surface to be cleaned with a relatively small contact pressure in order to drive the piston pump 182. Here, the contact force is transmitted via the lever 208 to the spray line 206 and the outlet line 184, wherein the lever 208 exerts a relatively large force on the outlet line 184. The force relationships arise in a known manner from the distances that the contact rollers 214 and 216 to the lever axis Take 212. By choosing the distances, the force ratios can be optimized.

In the case of the hard surface cleaning device 150, a movement of the wiper lining carrier 152 is thus transferred to a first pumping part in a manner similar to the hard surface cleaning device 10, wherein the first pumping part does not have to be aligned exactly parallel to the movement of the wiper lining carrier. The direction of movement of the wiper lining carrier 152 is predetermined by the guide tracks 176, 178 of the guide part 166. Even if the direction of movement of the wiper pad carrier 152 does not coincide exactly with the direction of movement of the first pumping part, this will not disturb the piston pump 182. The hard surface cleaning device 150 is therefore characterized in a corresponding manner as the hard surface cleaning device 10 by a low susceptibility to failure.

A third advantageous embodiment of a hard surface cleaning device according to the invention is shown schematically in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, which is referenced overall by the reference numeral 250. The hard surface cleaning device 250 is primarily intended for cleaning window panes, but it is also suitable for cleaning other hard surfaces. The hard surface cleaning device 250 is formed substantially identical to that described above with reference to Figures 5 to 8 hard surface cleaning device 150. For identical components, therefore, the same reference numerals are used in Figures 9 to 11 as in Figures 5 to 8 and with respect to these components to avoid from repetitions to the above explanations.

The hard surface cleaning device 250 has a wiper lining support 252, to which a wiper covering, in particular a wiper textile or a wiper pad, which is known per se and therefore not shown in the drawing to achieve a better overview, can be fastened. The mop pad carrier 252 is fixed to a support member 254, which on a guide member 256 around a

Swivel axis 258 is pivotally mounted. When pressing the wiper Belagträgers 252 against a hard surface to be cleaned performs the wiper lining carrier 252 together with the support member 254 relative to the guide member 256 a pivoting movement. The pivoting movement is transmitted to a first pumping part in the form of an outlet line 256 of a piston pump 258, whose pump housing 260 forms a second pumping part, as has already been explained in detail above with reference to the hard surface cleaning device 150.

On the pivotable support member 154, a spray nozzle 262 is held, which communicates via a spray line 264 with the outlet conduit 256 in fluid communication. The spray line 264 has a rigid first line section 266 connected to the outlet line 256 and a flexible second line section 268 via which the first line section 266 is connected to the spray nozzle 262. The second line section 268 may be formed, for example in the form of a piece of hose.

From the first line section 266, a first pivot 270 and a second pivot 272 are aligned parallel to the pivot axis 258. On the first pivot 270, a first coupling roller 274 is freely rotatably mounted and on the second pivot 272, a second coupling roller 276 is freely rotatably mounted. The two coupling rollers 274, 276 form coupling members, via which the common movement of the wiper pad carrier 252 and of the carrier part 254 is transmitted to the rigid first line section 266 and the outlet line 256. As a result of the pivoting movement of the wiper lining carrier 252, the piston pump 258 is thus driven manually. The movement of the outlet line 256 is in this case counter to the action of a known per se and therefore not shown in the drawing to achieve a better overview restoring spring of the piston pump 258. If the user raises the hard surface cleaning device from the hard surface to be cleaned off, so the return spring presses the outlet 256 against the support member 254, so that the support member 254 is pivoted together with the mop pad carrier 252 in the direction away from the piston pump 258 direction. To guide the mop pad carrier 252 and the support member 254, the guide member 256 has two circular arcuate guideways 278, 280, on which the support member 254 slides by means of associated guide elements 282, 284 during a pivoting movement. The guide elements 282, 284 are configured in the form of latching noses, which dive into the slot-shaped guide tracks 278, 280 and limit the pivotal movement of the support member 254.

The guideways 278, 280 are spaced apart and between the two guideways 278, 280, the piston pump 258 is positioned.

On the guide part 256, a container transfer part 286 is detachably held on the side facing away from the wiper lining carrier 258, on which a storage container 290 is detachably held, which can be filled with cleaning liquid. The container support member 286 forms a lid 288, which has a ventilation valve 291 and by means of which the storage container 290 connected to the container transfer part 286 can be closed. Into the reservoir 290, a flexible suction line 292 emerges, which engages through the lid 288 and is connected to an inlet of the piston pump 258 and at its free end remote from the piston pump 258 carries a weight piece 294 with a through-channel 296. In FIGS. 10 and 11, the flexible suction conduit 292 is shown aligned collinear with the outlet conduit 256 for ease of understanding. In fact, under the action of the weight 294, the suction conduit 292 tilts downwardly with its free end within the reservoir 290.

In a corresponding manner as in the above-described hard surface cleaning devices 10 and 150, a hinge part 108 is also arranged on the hard surface cleaning device 250 below the guide part 256. To explain the joint part 108 reference is made to the above explanations to avoid repetition. The hinge part 108 has a first hinge sleeve 104, which is integrally connected to the guide member 256, and a second hinge sleeve 106, which is integral with a stem 298 of the hard surface cleaning device 250 is connected. The handle 298 has on its side facing away from the hinge part 108 a cylindrical receptacle 300 into which an extension rod can be inserted.

With the aid of the joint part 108, the user also has the possibility of pivoting the guide part 256 together with the first joint sleeve 104 about a pivot axis aligned parallel to the pivot axis 258 of the support part 254, thereby aligning the guide part 256 and the wiper cover carrier 252 and the support member 254 adapted to an obliquely oriented to the vertical hard surface, in particular to an obliquely oriented to the vertical window.

To convey cleaning fluid from the reservoir 290 to the spray nozzle 262, the user may press the mop pad support 252 against the hard surface to be cleaned. The mop pad carrier 252 then pivots together with the support member 254 about the pivot axis 258 and due to this pivotal movement, the piston pump 258 is driven. The pivotal movement of the mop pad support 252 is transmitted by means of the support member 254 and the coupling rollers 274, 276 on the rigid conduit portion 266 of the spray line 264 and from there to the outlet conduit 256. Also, the hard surface cleaning device 250 is characterized by a low susceptibility to failure, as well as in the above-described hard surface cleaning device 150, a per se known piston pump can be used, which is for example also in dispensers highly fluid media use and therefore can be produced inexpensively in large quantities.

Claims

P A T E N T A N S P R E C H E

A portable hard surface cleaning device (10; 150; 250) comprising a spray nozzle (84; 204; 262) for spraying a hard surface to be cleaned with cleaning fluid, a cleaning fluid reservoir (92; 190; 290), a manually drivable pump (64; 182; 261) having a first pumping member (70; 184; 259) reciprocable in a pumping direction relative to a second pumping member (65; 186; 260) for conveying cleaning fluid from the reservoir (92; 190; 290) to the spray nozzle (84; 204; 262) and a wiper covering carrier (12; 152; 252) which is manually movable relative to the second pumping part (65; 186; 260) and to which a wiper covering can be detached can be fastened to distribute the cleaning liquid on the hard surface, characterized in that the mop pad carrier (12; 152; 252) via a support member (24; 154; 254) movably on a guide member (34; 166; 256) held and relative to the first pumping part(70; 184; 259) is movable.

A portable hard surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide member (34; 166; 256) is disposed on a container support member (90; 196; 286) on which the reservoir (92; 190; 290) is held.

Portable hard surface cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mop pad carrier (152) with the support member (154) is integrally connected.

Portable hard surface cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mop pad carrier (12; 252) is releasably connectable to the support part (24; 254).

5. Portable hard surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide part (34; 166; 256) forms a housing surrounding the pump (64; 182; 261).

6. Portable hard surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide part (34; 166; 256) has two guide tracks (36, 38; 176, 178; 278, 280) arranged at a distance from one another and the support part (24; 254) is movable along the guideways (36, 38; 176, 178; 278, 280).

A portable hard surface cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that the pump (64; 182; 261) is disposed between the two guideways (36, 38; 176, 178; 278, 280).

8. A portable hard surface cleaning device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the guide tracks (36, 38; 176, 178; 278, 280) are configured in a straight line or arcuate.

9. Portable hard surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supporting part (154) on the guide part (166) is movably mounted.

10. Portable hard surface cleaning device according to claim 9, characterized in that on the support part (154) and / or on the guide part (166) guide rollers (168, 170, 172, 174) are freely rotatably mounted.

11. Portable hard surface cleaning device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the supporting part (154) forms a support frame (156) which is mounted linearly movable on the guide part (166).

12. Portable hard surface cleaning device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the supporting part (254) on the guide part (256) about a pivot axis (258) is pivotally mounted.

13. Portable hard surface cleaning device according to claim 12, characterized

characterized in that the pivot axis (258) is aligned perpendicular to the pumping direction.

14. A portable hard surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wiper lining support (12; 152; 252) has at least one coupling element (18; 208; 274, 276) movable relative to the first pumping part (70; first pumping part (72; 184; 259) is coupled.

15. Portable hard surface cleaning device according to claim 14, characterized

characterized in that the coupling member (208) is designed as a force transducer.

16. Portable hard surface cleaning device according to claim 14 or 15,

characterized in that the coupling member (208) is designed as a rotatably mounted lever.

17. Portable hard surface cleaning device according to claim 14, 15 or 16, characterized in that the coupling member (208) is designed as a one-sided lever.

A portable hard surface cleaning apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first pumping member (70; 184; 259) forms an outlet conduit of the pump (64; 182; 261), a spray conduit (78; 206; 264) being provided on the outlet conduit. is held, which carries at its free end the spray nozzle (84, 204, 262).

19. A portable hard surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide part (34; 166; 256) is connected via a hinge part (108) to a handle (110; 198; 298) which is movable relative to the guide part (34; 166) 256) about a pivot axis (116) is pivotable.

20. Portable hard surface cleaning device according to claim 19, characterized

characterized in that the handle (110; 198; 298) has a receptacle into which an extension rod can be inserted.

21. Portable hard surface cleaning device according to claim 19 or 20,

characterized in that the hinge part (108) comprises a first hinge member (104) and a second hinge member (106) pivotable relative to each other about the pivot axis (116) and lockable in a plurality of pivot positions, the guide member (34; 166; ) are rigidly connected to the first hinge member (104) and the handle (110; 198; 298) to the second hinge member (106).