WO2024110010A1

WO2024110010A1 - Mechanical pump in a cleaning device

Info

Publication number: WO2024110010A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/082694
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andreas Duetsch; Silvan BRUHIN; Corsin STOCKER; Ramon ITEN
Original assignee: Cre-A-Solve Ag
Priority date: 2022-11-22
Filing date: 2022-11-22
Publication date: 2024-05-30

Abstract

A cleaning bucket (1, 1a, 1b) for cleaning a cleaning device (2, 2a, 2b) comprises at least one opening (3) for receiving the cleaning device (2), at least one reservoir (4) for receiving a cleaning fluid, at least one spraying device (5) for spraying the cleaning fluid onto the cleaning device (2), and at least one pumping device for pumping the cleaning fluid from the reservoir (4) to the spraying device (5). In particular, the cleaning bucket (1) comprises at least a first pumping device (6) and a second pumping device (7) being configured to be activated at least partially in succession. The cleaning bucket (1a) comprises a pumping device (15) comprising at least one pulley system (16). The cleaning bucket (1b) comprises a pumping device (23) comprising at least one peristaltic pump (24).

Description

TITLE

MECHANICAL PUMP IN A CLEANING DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to cleaning buckets for cleaning a cleaning device such as a mop, to cleaning assemblies comprising a cleaning device and such cleaning buckets, and to methods of producing such cleaning buckets.

PRIOR ART

Cleaning devices such as mops must be cleaned regularly from dirt and other impurities for a clean cleaning of floors or the like. For this purpose, it is known to provide a cleaning bucket for the cleaning device, which has a corresponding cleaning arrangement by means of which a cleaning device accommodated in the cleaning bucket can be cleaned.

For instance, from DE 2020 21 100 668 U1 a cleaning bucket for cleaning a flat mop is known, wherein the cleaning bucket comprises a spray head with nozzles that clean the flat mop by spraying cleaning fluid onto the flat mop. The cleaning fluid is pumped by a cleaning pump from a clean water chamber to the spray head. The cleaning pump is an electrical pump. The presence of electrical components in a cleaning bucket comprising cleaning fluid such as water requires appropriate precautions against electrical short circuits and the like. Consequently, such cleaning buckets are of an elaborate design and typically require insulated chambers to accommodate a power supply for supplying power to the pump or insulated conduits, whereby the risk of short circuits cannot be completely excluded. Further, electric pumps also require an electric power supply such as a battery, which is less ecological compared to a mechanical pump.

Mechanical solutions are also known from the prior art which allow cleaning of a cleaning device by means of a mechanical pump. For example, US 2021/0076895 A1 discloses a cleaning tool with a spin-drying bucket that comprises a hand-operated rotary mob and a bucket. Further, a driving mechanism is provided which transmits a rotation of the mop to a spray mechanism for spraying cleaning fluid. A major disadvantage of such cleaning devices is the transmission of the rotary motion to drive the spray mechanism, which involves many components and complicated mechanics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cleaning bucket for cleaning a cleaning device that has a simple design and at the same time ensures safe handling and thorough cleaning of a cleaning device.

This object is achieved with the cleaning buckets according to claims 1 , 16 and 21.

In particular, in a first aspect a cleaning bucket for cleaning a cleaning device such as a mop is provided, wherein the cleaning bucket comprises at least one opening for receiving the cleaning device along an insertion direction, at least one reservoir for receiving a cleaning fluid, and at least one spraying device for spraying the cleaning fluid onto the cleaning device being at least partially received in the cleaning bucket. The cleaning bucket further comprises at least a first pumping device and a second pumping device. The first pumping device and the second pumping device are configured to pump the cleaning fluid from the reservoir to the spraying device when being activated. The first pumping device and the second pumping device are configured to be activated at least partially in succession.

Hence, the first and second pumping devices being configured to be activated at least partially in succession enable a spraying of the cleaning fluid over a long period of time. In particular, the spraying of the cleaning fluid can take place during a period of time that allows a large area of the cleaning device to be cleaned while the cleaning device is inserted into the cleaning bucket.

The cleaning bucket preferably extends along a longitudinal direction and comprises a bottom wall and an opposed top wall, wherein the opening is formed in the top wall.

The insertion direction along which the cleaning device is insertable into the cleaning bucket thus preferably runs parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cleaning bucket. It should be noted that the cleaning bucket can comprise more than two pumping devices such as three or four pumping devices. Any statements made herein regarding the first and second pumping device, i.e. two pumping devices, likewise apply in the event that three or more pumping devices are present.

The first pumping device is preferably configured to pump a first partial quantity of a full quantity of the cleaning fluid and the second pumping device is preferably configured to pump a second partial quantity of the full quantity of the cleaning fluid. The first pumping device and the second pumping device are preferably configured such that the second pumping device pumps the second partial quantity partly simultaneously and/or immediately after the first pumping device pumps the first partial quantity.

As mentioned above, the first and second pumping devices being configured to be activated at least partially in succession enable a spraying of the cleaning fluid over a long period of time. To this end it is not only preferred that the first and second pumping devices are actuated at least partially in succession, but that the first and second pumping devices are furthermore configured to pump only a partial quantity of the cleaning fluid in each case. Particularly preferably, the first and second pumping devices are configured such that in a first time interval the spraying device can spray a first partial quantity of the cleaning fluid which is pumped from the first pumping device to the spraying device, and in a second time interval following the first time interval the spraying device can spray a second partial quantity of the cleaning fluid which is pumped from the second pumping device to the spraying device. Said second time interval preferably at least partially overlaps or immediately follows the first time interval. The second time interval at least partially overlapping the first time interval means that the second pumping device is configured to pump the second partial quantity while the first pumping device still pumps the first partial quantity. Said overlapping or simultaneously pumping of the two pumping devices preferably takes place during an end phase of the first time interval that corresponds to an initial phase of the second time interval. That is, the first and second pumping devices are preferably configured to pump the cleaning fluid in an intermediate interval in parallel or in a complementary manner. As a consequence, the first and second pumping devices are configured such that the partial quantities of the cleaning fluid are sprayed continuously from the spraying device.

The first pumping device and/or the second pumping device is preferably activatable by the cleaning device upon the insertion of the cleaning device into the cleaning bucket.

That is, an activation and thus pumping of the first and/or second pumping device preferably occurs by the cleaning device when it is inserted into the cleaning bucket. Consequently, it is preferred that the first and/or second pumping device is inactivated in the absence of the cleaning device.

The first pumping device and/or the second pumping device preferably comprises a mechanical pump, in particular a displacement pump such as a piston pump or a bellows pump.

That is, the first pumping device and/or the second pumping device preferably are not electrical pumps. In other words, the pumping devices according to the invention preferably are preferably not electrically driven. Advantages of the mechanical pump are safe handling since a water damage of electronic parts is prevented as well as a more cost-efficient production since, for example, safety precautions in this context such as an isolation of the electronic parts can be dispensed with.

The first pumping device preferably comprises an activation element, wherein said activation element is pivotably mounted in the cleaning bucket and is configured to be pivoted by the cleaning device upon the insertion of the cleaning device into the cleaning bucket, whereby the first pumping device is activated.

The activation element of the first pumping device preferably has an elongated shape and particularly preferably corresponds to a lever or the like that has a proximal end and a distal end.

The activation element is preferably arranged in the cleaning bucket such that it extends along the longitudinal direction of the cleaning bucket.

The activation element of the first pumping device preferably defines a curvature with respect to a longitudinal direction of the cleaning bucket. The curvature preferably defines a flow rate of the cleaning fluid being pumped by the first pumping device and/or a start of a first time interval during which the first pumping device is configured to pump the cleaning fluid. That is, the activation element is preferably curved. For instance, the activation element can be provided in the form of a curved lever. A curvature of the activation element preferably defines a flow rate of the cleaning fluid being pumped by the first pumping device and/or defines a start of the first time interval during which the first pumping device is configured to pump the cleaning fluid. That is, the curvature preferably determines a point in time from which a pumping of the cleaning fluid by the first pumping device begins.

A radius of curvature preferably is calculated from a distance the first pumping device needs to build up a regular pressure for pumping the cleaning fluid between a start of pumping by the first pumping device until a start of pumping by the second pumping device. The start of pumping of the first pumping device preferably corresponds to a beginning of the first time interval during which the first pumping device pumps the first quantity of the cleaning fluid and the start of pumping of the second pumping device preferably corresponds to a beginning of the second time interval during which the second pumping device pumps the second quantity of the cleaning fluid mentioned above.

The activation element and a part of the cleaning device being configured to activate the first pumping device, in particular a cleaning head of the cleaning device such as a mop plate are preferably associated in each case with a length. To this end it is preferred that the length of the activation element is at least half the length of said part of the cleaning device or more such as the length of said part of the cleaning device or slightly longer than the length of said part of the cleaning device. In particular, and as will be explained in greater detail below, the cleaning device is a mop comprising a mop plate, wherein it is preferred that a length of the activation element such as the length of the lever preferably is between at least half the length of the mop plate to the length of the mop plate or slightly longer than the length of the mop plate.

It is furthermore preferred that the activation element is pivotally mounted for instance via a pin or the like in the region of its distal end or proximal end. The curvature is preferably non- uniform. That is, the curvature of a proximal region of the activation element is preferably different, in particular larger, than the curvature of a distal region of the activation element.

During the insertion of the cleaning device into the cleaning bucket the cleaning device preferably contacts the activation element and pivots the activation element. That is and as will be explained in greater detail below, the cleaning device is preferably configured to actuate the activation element, whereby the first pumping device is activated.

The activation element of the first pumping device when being pivoted is preferably configured to press against the first pumping device, in particular against a piston of a piston pump or against a bellow of a bellows pump, whereby the first pumping device is activated.

The first pumping device is preferably spring-loaded and configured to return into an initial state in the absence of an activation by the activation element, whereby cleaning fluid is drawn from the reservoir into the first pumping device.

That is and as already mentioned earlier, the first pumping device preferably comprises a mechanical pump such as a piston pump or a bellows pump.

In the event that the first pumping device comprises a piston pump it is preferred that the piston pump has a piston, and wherein the activation element is configured to press against the piston during its pivot, whereby the piston is moved and the piston pump is activated. It is furthermore preferred that the piston is spring-loaded and is configured to return into an initial state in the absence of a pressing of the activation element, whereby cleaning fluid is drawn from the reservoir into the piston pump. The piston pump particularly preferably comprises a spring being mounted within the piston pump or outside of the piston pump.

In a preferred embodiment, the first pumping device comprises a piston pump having a cylinder and a piston that extend along a transverse direction running perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the cleaning bucket. Upon actuation of the activation element of the first pumping device by the cleaning device, said activation element starts pivoting and pressing against the piston of the piston pump. The piston is then moved along the transverse direction and ejects cleaning fluid located in the cylinder of the piston pump and pumps said fluid to the spraying device.

In the event that the first pumping device comprises a bellows pump it is preferred that the bellows pump has a bellows, and wherein the activation element of the first pumping device is configured to press the bellows during its pivot, whereby the bellows pump is activated. It is furthermore preferred that the bellows is spring-loaded and is configured to return into an initial state in the absence of a pressing of the activation element, whereby cleaning fluid is drawn from the reservoir into the bellows. The bellows pump particularly preferably comprises a spring being mounted inside or outside of the bellows. In a preferred embodiment, the first pumping device comprises a bellows pump that extends along the transverse direction of the cleaning bucket. Upon actuation of the activation element of the first pumping device by the cleaning device, said activation element starts pivoting and pressing against the bellows of the piston pump such that the bellows is compressed with respect to the transverse direction, wherein the bellows ejects cleaning fluid located inside the bellows and pumps said cleaning fluid to the spraying device.

Hence, in both cases, the pivoting movement of the activation element of the first pumping device is converted into a linear movement of the piston or bellows, respectively.

A pressing of the activation element of the first pumping device is absent in case the cleaning device has not been inserted or has been inserted only a little into the cleaning bucket and thus has not yet been inserted up to the activation element with respect to the longitudinal direction, as well as in case the cleaning device has been inserted far into the cleaning bucket and thus past the activation element with respect to the longitudinal direction.

The second pumping device preferably comprises an activation element, and wherein said activation element is movably mounted in the cleaning bucket and is configured to move upon the insertion of the cleaning device into the cleaning bucket, whereby the second pumping device is activated.

As mentioned earlier, the second pumping device preferably comprises a mechanical pump such as a piston pump having a piston. It is furthermore preferred that the piston is spring- loaded and is configured to return into an initial state in the absence of a pressing of the activation element, whereby cleaning fluid is drawn from the reservoir into the piston pump. The piston pump particularly preferably comprises a spring being mounted within the piston pump or outside of the piston pump.

To this end, it is particularly preferred that the activation element of the second pumping device is linearly movable.

It is furthermore preferred that the activation element of the second pumping device and the piston of the piston pump constituting the second pumping device are in connection with one another and particularly preferably are a single-piece element. Hence, the activation element of the second pumping device preferably has an elongated shape that extends along the longitudinal direction of the cleaning bucket. For instance, the activation element can be provided as a rod or the like that has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is preferably in connection with the piston of the piston pump. The proximal end is preferably actuated by the cleaning device upon its insertion into the cleaning bucket, see also further below.

In a preferred embodiment, the second pumping device comprises a piston pump having a cylinder and a piston that extend along the longitudinal direction of the cleaning bucket. Upon actuation of the activation element of the second pumping device by the cleaning device, said activation element starts moving along the longitudinal direction and moves the piston of the piston pump along the longitudinal direction, whereby cleaning fluid located in the cylinder of the piston pump is ejected and pumped to the spraying device.

It is furthermore preferred that the second pumping device defines a cross-section, and wherein a spray quantity of the second pumping device is defined by the cross-section of the second pumping device. To this end it is particularly preferred that the second pumping device corresponds to a piston pump comprising a piston, and wherein a diameter of the piston defines the spray quantity and in particular the second partial quantity of the second pumping device mentioned earlier.

The activation element of the second pumping device preferably comprises an abutment element against which the cleaning device is configured to abut during its insertion into the cleaning bucket, and wherein an insertion movement of the cleaning device during its insertion is transferable to the activation element via the abutment element.

The abutment element is preferably arranged in the region of the proximal end of the activation element. The abutment element is particularly preferably configured to abut against an actuation element of the cleaning device, whereby the actuation element actuates the activation element and thereby activates the second pumping device. For instance, and as will be explained in greater detail below, the actuation element of the cleaning device can be a component of the cleaning device. Furthermore, a conceivable abutment element of the activation element forms a receptacle for at least partially receiving said component of the cleaning device. When the cleaning device is now inserted into the cleaning bucket, the component of the cleaning device, when sufficiently inserted into the cleaning bucket, is received in and abuts against the receptacle, in particular against a surface delimiting the receptacle. The insertion movement of the cleaning device it exhibits during its insertion into the cleaning bucket is then transferred to the activation element of the second pumping device via said abutment.

Said component of the cleaning device can be a joint of the cleaning device that connects a rod to a cleaning head, see also further below. A conceivable receptacle is a fork-shaped receptacle attached to the proximal end of the activation element, for instance.

Of course, many other designs are conceivable which allow the formation of such an abutment. It should also be understood that a transmission of the movement from the cleaning device to the activation element of the second pumping device is also possible without a separately designed abutment element, and that instead the cleaning device can abut directly against the activation element of the second pumping device and thereby actuate it.

The first pumping device and/or the second pumping device are preferably in connection with the spraying device via at least one fluid channel, see also further below.

The spraying device preferably comprises at least one nozzle for spraying the cleaning fluid. In particular, it is preferred that the spraying device comprises a plurality of nozzles.

Furthermore, a cleaning assembly comprising at least one cleaning device and at least one cleaning bucket as described above is provided, wherein the cleaning device preferably is a flat mop.

The cleaning device preferably comprises at least one first actuation element being configured to actuate the first pumping device, in particular the activation element of the first pumping device.

The cleaning device preferably comprises at least one second actuation element being configured to actuate the second pumping device, in particular the activation element of the second pumping device.

That is, upon insertion of the cleaning device into the cleaning bucket the first actuation element of the cleaning device actuates the first pumping device, in particular its activation element, whereby the activated first pumping device ejects the cleaning fluid and pumps the cleaning fluid to the spraying device.

Likewise, upon the insertion of the cleaning device the second actuation element of the cleaning device actuates the second pumping device, however preferably at least partially in succession, i.e. at least partially after the actuation of the first pumping device. The activated second pumping device ejects the cleaning fluid and pumps the cleaning fluid to the spraying device.

The first actuation element is preferably configured to be moved along the first pumping device, in particular along the activation element of the first pumping device, upon insertion of the cleaning device into the cleaning bucket.

The second actuation element is preferably configured to move the second pumping device, in particular the activation element of the second pumping device.

That is, the first actuation element can be moved in relation to the first pumping device, in particular in relation to the activation element of the first pumping device, wherein said activation element preferably remains immovable, i.e. is not shifted alone one or more directions, but is only swivelled.

This is in contrast to the second pumping device, wherein the second actuation element of the cleaning device preferably moves, i.e. shifts, the second pumping device, in particular its activation element.

The first actuation element is preferably immovably arranged on the cleaning device and particularly preferably is an integral component of the cleaning device. Additionally or alternatively, the second actuation element is preferably movably arranged on the cleaning device.

The cleaning device preferably comprises a rod and a cleaning head being pivotally connected to the rod via a joint. The first actuation element is preferably provided by a surface of the cleaning head or by at least one rib protruding from a surface of the cleaning head. The second actuation element is preferably provided by the joint.

The first actuation element being immovably arranged on the cleaning device is preferably fixedly arranged on the cleaning device and particularly preferably is an integral component of the cleaning device. Being an integral component means that the first actuation element is formed from the cleaning device and not, for instance, a separate component being attached to the cleaning device.

The second actuation element being movably arranged on the cleaning device is preferably pivotally arranged on the cleaning device. Moreover, the second actuation element is preferably a separate component that is attached to other components of the cleaning device.

The cleaning device particularly preferably comprises a rod and a cleaning head pivotally connected to the rod via a joint. The first actuation element is preferably provided by a surface of the cleaning head. Said surface of the cleaning head is particularly preferably a flat or even surface. However, it is likewise conceivable that the first actuation element is a rib or the like that protrudes from the surface of the cleaning head. In any case, the first actuation element is preferably configured to make surface contact with a surface of the activation element of the first pumping device such as the lever while it moves along the surface of said activation element. During said surface contact the actuation element exerts a pressure onto the activation element, whereupon the activation element is pivoted.

The second actuation element of the cleaning device is preferably provided by the joint of the cleaning device that connects the rod to the cleaning head, see also above. However, it should be noted that other parts of the cleaning device such as a rim of the cleaning head could likewise provide the second actuation element as long as said part is configured to actuate, in particular abut, against the activation element of the second pumping device.

Furthermore, a method of producing a cleaning bucket for cleaning a cleaning device, preferably a cleaning bucket as described above, is provided. The method comprises the steps of i) providing at least one opening for receiving the cleaning device along an insertion direction, ii) providing at least one reservoir for receiving a cleaning fluid, iii) providing at least one spraying device for spraying the cleaning fluid onto the cleaning device being at least partially received in the cleaning bucket, and iv) providing at least a first pumping device and a second pumping device. The first pumping device and the second pumping device are configured to pump the cleaning fluid from the reservoir to the spraying device when being activated. The first pumping device and the second pumping device are configured to be activated at least partially in succession. Any statements made herein regarding the cleaning bucket perse preferably likewise apply to the cleaning assembly comprising the cleaning bucket and to the method of producing the cleaning bucket and vice versa.

In a second aspect, a cleaning bucket for cleaning a cleaning device such as a mop is provided. The cleaning bucket comprises at least one opening for receiving the cleaning device along an insertion direction, at least one reservoir for receiving a cleaning fluid, at least one spraying device for spraying the cleaning fluid onto the cleaning device being at least partially received in the cleaning bucket, and at least one pumping device for pumping the cleaning fluid from the reservoir to the spraying device when being activated. The pumping device comprises at least one pulley system, wherein the pulley system is configured to be actuated by the cleaning device upon the insertion of the cleaning device into the cleaning bucket, whereby the pumping device is activated.

Apart from the pumping devices, the cleaning bucket according to this second aspect preferably corresponds to the cleaning bucket according to the first aspect and to the third aspect, see below. For this reason, aspects of the pumping device of the cleaning bucket according to the second aspect are explained in particular below.

The pulley system is preferably configured to be actuated when the cleaning device is inserted into the cleaning bucket. The actuated pulley system activates the pumping device. Hence, an activation and thus pumping of the pumping device preferably occurs by the cleaning device when it is inserted into the cleaning bucket. Consequently, it is preferred that the pumping device is inactivated in the absence of the cleaning device in the cleaning bucket.

The pumping device preferably comprises a mechanical pump and/or a piston pump comprising a cylinder and a piston being movably arranged in the cylinder.

The pumping device preferably is spring-loaded and configured to return into an initial state in the absence of an actuation by the cleaning device, whereby cleaning fluid is drawn from the reservoir into the pumping device.

That is, the pumping device preferably is not an electrical pump and/or not electrically driven. The pumping device being spring-loaded preferably is a piston pump comprising a spring being mounted within the piston pump or outside of the piston pump.

The pumping device preferably comprises an activation element, and wherein said activation element is movably mounted in the cleaning bucket and is configured to move upon the insertion of the cleaning device into the cleaning bucket, whereby the pulley system is actuated.

The activation element of the pumping device preferably provides an abutment for the cleaning device during its insertion into the cleaning bucket. The activation element preferably forms a receptacle for at least partially receiving the cleaning device, in particular the cleaning head of the cleaning device such as the mop plate of a mop. When the cleaning device is inserted into the cleaning bucket said part of the cleaning device, when sufficiently inserted into the cleaning bucket, is received in and furthermore abuts against the receptacle, in particular against a surface delimiting the receptacle. The insertion movement of the cleaning device it exhibits during its insertion into the cleaning bucket is then transferred to the activation element of the pumping device via said abutment.

The pulley system preferably comprises at least a first pulley, a second pulley and a drive element being guided over the first and second pulleys. The first pulley is preferably fixedly arranged in the cleaning bucket. Additionally or alternatively, the second pulley is preferably movably arranged in the cleaning bucket. Additionally or alternatively, the drive element preferably comprises a first end and a second end. The first end is preferably movably arranged in the cleaning bucket. The second end is preferably fixedly arranged in the cleaning bucket.

The first and second pulleys are preferably pulleys known in the art and/or commercially available. Moreover, the first and second pulleys are preferably in each case rotatably mounted on an axle or shaft and are rotatable about an axis of rotation.

The first pulley being fixedly arranged in the cleaning bucket preferably is a so-called fixed pulley. The second pulley being movably arranged in the cleaning bucket preferably is a so- called movable pulley.

The drive element being guided over the first and second pulleys is preferably configured to transmit a pulling force or tension around the first and second pulleys to activate the pumping device, in particular to move the piston of the piston pump. Said pulling force or tension is preferably generated when the cleaning device is inserted into the cleaning bucket and moves the activation element along the insertion direction while it abuts against the activation element of the pumping device during its insertion movement.

The drive element preferably is a rope, cable, belt, chain or the like. It is furthermore preferred that said drive element is a commercially available component and/or known in the art.

The pumping device preferably defines a pumping path. For instance, in the event of the pumping device comprising a piston pump the pumping path is defined by the length of the cylinder of the piston pump.

A length of the drive element preferably is at least one time, more preferably at least two times a length of the pumping path of the pumping device.

The second pulley is preferably in connection with and particularly preferably attached to the pumping device, in particular to the piston of the piston pump. The first end of the drive element is preferably connected to the activation element.

The first pulley is preferably arranged in a region of the top wall of the cleaning bucket.

The second pulley is preferably rotatable attached to the pumping device, in particular to the piston of the piston pump. For instance, the second pulley could be rotatably attached via its axle or shaft in the region of a free end of the piston that protrudes from the cylinder of the pumping device in the form of the piston pump.

Moreover, the second end of the drive element is preferably arranged in the region of the top wall of the cleaning bucket.

The pumping device, in particular the piston pump, preferably extends along the longitudinal direction of the cleaning bucket.

Moreover, the pumping device, in particular the piston pump, is preferably surrounded by the drive element at least in regions. In fact and as mentioned earlier, it is preferred that the drive element is arranged with its second end in the region of the top wall of the cleaning bucket and is guided along the second pulley being in connection with the pumping device, in particular with the piston of a piston pump, as well as along the first pulley being arranged in the region of the top wall. Thereby, the drive element surrounds the pumping device, in particular the piston pump. Seen in a longitudinal section of the cleaning bucket, the course of such a drive element is "V" shaped, whereby the pumping device, in particular the piston pump, is arranged inside the "V" being formed by the drive element.

During actuation of the pulley system and when the cleaning device performs its insertion movement, the "V" being formed by the drive element is compressed as seen along the longitudinal direction of the cleaning bucket, since the second pulley and consequently the piston of the piston pump is moved in the direction of the top region of the cleaning bucket or, in other words, the piston is advanced along the cylinder of the piston pump. During this movement the cleaning fluid is pumped out of the pumping device and to the spraying device. When the cleaning device is moved out of the cleaning bucket, the piston and consequently the second pulley is moved out of the cylinder of the piston pump, whereby the "V" formed by the drive element stretches as seen along the longitudinal direction of the cleaning bucket. In other words, when the pumping device returns into its initial state, the "V" formed by the drive element stretches. Said movement into the initial state and thus the stretching of the drive element is preferably caused by the spring of the piston pump. During this movement the cleaning fluid is draw from the reservoir into the pumping device.

Furthermore, a cleaning assembly comprising at least one cleaning device and at least one cleaning bucket according to the second aspect is provided, wherein the cleaning device preferably comprises an actuation element that is configured to actuate the pulley system.

Said actuation element preferably corresponds to an abutting surface of the cleaning device that abuts against the activation element of the pumping device upon insertion of the cleaning device into the cleaning bucket. The abutting surface of the cleaning device preferably corresponds to an external surface of the cleaning device, in particular of the cleaning head such as the mop plate.

That is, the cleaning device preferably comprises a rod and a cleaning head and/or is a mop such as a flat mop as described above in the context of the cleaning bucket according to the first aspect. Reference is therefore made to the above explanations. Furthermore, a method of producing a cleaning bucket according to the second aspect for cleaning a cleaning device as describe above is provided. The method comprises the steps of i) providing at least one opening for receiving the cleaning device along an insertion direction, ii) providing at least one reservoir for receiving a cleaning fluid, iii) providing at least one spraying device for spraying the cleaning fluid onto the cleaning device being at least partially received in the cleaning bucket, and iv) providing at least one pumping device for pumping the cleaning fluid from the reservoir to the spraying device when being activated. The pumping device comprises at least one pulley system. The pulley system is configured to be actuated by the cleaning device upon the insertion of the cleaning device into the cleaning bucket, whereby the pumping device is activated.

For the sake of completeness it is noted that any statements made herein regarding the cleaning bucket according to the second aspect preferably likewise apply to the method of producing such a cleaning bucket and vice versa.

In a third aspect, a cleaning bucket for cleaning a cleaning device such as a mop is provided, wherein the cleaning bucket comprises at least one opening for receiving the cleaning device along an insertion direction, at least one reservoir for receiving a cleaning fluid, at least one spraying device for spraying the cleaning fluid onto the cleaning device being at least partially received in the cleaning bucket, and at least one pumping device for pumping the cleaning fluid from the reservoir to the spraying device when being activated. The pumping device comprises at least one peristaltic pump. The peristaltic pump is configured to be actuated upon the insertion of the cleaning device into the cleaning bucket, whereby the pumping device is activated.

Apart from the pumping devices, the cleaning bucket according to this third aspect preferably corresponds to the cleaning bucket according to the first aspect and to the second aspect. For this reason, aspects of the pumping device of the cleaning bucket according to the third aspect are explained in particular below.

The peristaltic pump is used here for pumping the cleaning fluid from the reservoir to the spraying device. The peristaltic pump preferably is a commercially available peristaltic pump and/or comprises components as they are known in the art. That is, the peristaltic pump preferably comprises a flexible tube, wherein the cleaning fluid is receivable in the flexible tube. Hence, the flexible tube preferably is in fluid connection with the reservoir as well as with the spraying device. An intermediate region of the flexible tube is preferably fitted inside a pump casing of the peristaltic pump. Moreover, the peristaltic pump preferably comprises compressing elements being arranged in the pump casing and being configured to compress the flexible tube upon an actuation of the peristaltic pump, whereby cleaning fluid being received in the flexible tube is moved through the flexible tube. Various designs of said compressing elements are conceivable, for instance so-called wipers or rollers or other protruding elements that are arranged and configured so as to compress the flexible tube within the pump casing. As the flexible tube opens to an initial state uncompressed state after the compressing elements pass, more cleaning fluid is drawn into the flexible tube. This process is commonly referred to as peristalsis. Different kinds of peristaltic pumps are conceivable. For instance, the peristatic pump can be a so-called roller pump or rotary piston pump comprising a rotor being rotatably arranged within the pump casing, and wherein the compressing elements are arranged on an external circumference of the rotor. Upon an actuation of the peristaltic pump, the rotor rotates and the compressing elements such as the wipers or rollers compress the flexible tube. However, it is likewise conceivable that the peristaltic pump is a so-called linear peristaltic pump. In this case, the compressing elements such as the wipers or rollers are not provided on a rotor but on a camshaft or the like. In any case, the part of the flexible tube under compression by the compressing elements is closed upon the actuation of the peristaltic pump, forcing the cleaning fluid to move through the flexible tube.

Thus, the peristaltic pump being actuated thus means that the cleaning fluid is forced to move through the flexible tube, in particular because of the compressing elements such as the rollers or wipers compressing the flexible tube.

The pumping device preferably comprises an actuation device that is configured to actuate the peristaltic pump. The actuation device preferably comprises at least a first actuation element and a second actuation element. The first actuation element is preferably actuatable by an actuation element of the cleaning device upon insertion of the cleaning device into the cleaning bucket. The second actuation element is preferably operatively connected to the first actuation element and is configured to transmit an actuation of the first actuation element by the actuation element of the cleaning device to the peristaltic pump, whereby the peristaltic pump is actuated.

That is, the peristaltic pump is preferably configured to be actuated by an actuation device when the cleaning device is inserted into the cleaning bucket. When the peristaltic pump is actuated, the pumping device is activated. Hence, an activation and thus pumping of the pumping device preferably occurs by the cleaning device when it is inserted into the cleaning bucket. Consequently, it is preferred that the pumping device is inactivated in the absence of the cleaning device in the cleaning bucket.

The first actuation element is preferably configured to enter into engagement with the actuation element of the cleaning device and preferably corresponds to a gear. Additionally or alternatively, the first actuation element is preferably rotatably mounted in the cleaning bucket and is rotatable by the actuation element of the cleaning device upon insertion of the cleaning device into the cleaning bucket. Additionally or alternatively, the second actuation element is preferably configured to transmit a rotation of the first actuation element to the peristaltic pump, in particular to compressing elements of the peristaltic pump that are configured to compress a flexible tube of the peristaltic pump, and preferably corresponds to a belt.

Hence, the first actuation element and the second actuation element of the pumping device are preferably configured as a belt drive, also known as belt transmission or belt gear.

Said belt drive preferably serves the purpose of transmitting motion between the first actuation element and the peristaltic pump.

Said motion is preferably caused by an engagement of the first actuation element with the actuation element of the cleaning device during the insertion of the cleaning device into the cleaning bucket.

To this end the first actuation element particularly preferably corresponds to a gear engaging a toothing or the like being provided on the cleaning device. Furthermore, the first actuation element is preferably rotatably mounted in the cleaning bucket and is rotatable about a shaft or axle.

The second actuation element preferably is a belt or the like that links the shaft or axle of the first actuation element and a shaft about which the rotor rotates in the event of the peristaltic pump being a roller pump or rotary piston pump or the camshaft in the event of the peristaltic pump being a linear peristaltic pump as mentioned earlier. When said shaft, axle or camshaft is rotated, the compressing elements such as the rollers or wipers compress the flexible tube and the cleaning fluid being arranged therein is forced to move through the flexible tube and towards the spraying device. Hence, the insertion of the cleaning device into the cleaning bucket results in a rotation of the first actuation element, wherein said rotation is transmitted via the second actuation element to the peristaltic pump, whereby the peristaltic pump is actuated and thus the pumping device is activated.

The first actuation element and the peristaltic pump are preferably arranged horizontally offset with respect to one another. Additionally or alternatively, the first actuation element and the peristaltic pump are arranged vertically offset with respect to one another.

The first actuation element and the peristaltic pump are preferably arranged horizontally offset with respect to one another and with respect to a horizontal direction of the cleaning bucket. The horizontal direction of the cleaning bucket runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cleaning bucket. By arranging the first actuation element and the peristaltic pump horizontally offset, interactions between the second actuation element and the cleaning device upon the insertion of the cleaning device can be minimized.

Additionally or alternatively, the first actuation element and the peristaltic pump can be arranged vertically offset with respect to one another and with respect to a vertical direction of the cleaning device. The vertical direction of the cleaning device runs perpendicular to the horizontal direction and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cleaning bucket.

The first actuation element is preferably arranged in a region of the top wall of the cleaning bucket.

Moreover, a cleaning assembly comprising at least one cleaning device and at least one cleaning bucket according to the third aspect is provided, wherein the cleaning device comprises an actuation element that is configured to actuate the peristaltic pump.

The cleaning device preferably comprises a rod and a cleaning head and/or is a mop such as a flat mop as described above in the context of the cleaning buckets according to the first and second aspects. Reference is therefore made to the above explanations. However, it is noted that the cleaning device of the cleaning assembly comprising the cleaning bucket according to the third aspect preferably comprises an actuation element that is configured to actuate the peristaltic pump, in particular the first actuation element of the actuation device. Said actuation element of the cleaning device is preferably arranged on a surface of the cleaning head of the cleaning device such as on a surface of the mop head. Said actuation element particularly preferably is a toothing that is configured to engage with the first actuation element in the form of the gear.

Furthermore, a method of producing a cleaning bucket according to the third aspect as described above is provided, wherein the method comprises the steps of i) providing at least one opening for receiving the cleaning device along an insertion direction, ii) providing at least one reservoir for receiving a cleaning fluid, iii) providing at least one spraying device for spraying the cleaning fluid onto the cleaning device being at least partially received in the cleaning bucket, and iv) providing at least one pumping device for pumping the cleaning fluid from the reservoir to the spraying device when being activated. The pumping device comprises at least one peristaltic pump. The peristaltic pump is configured to be actuated upon the insertion of the cleaning device into the cleaning bucket, whereby the pumping device is activated.

For the sake of completeness it is noted that any statements made herein regarding the cleaning bucket according to the third aspect preferably likewise apply to the method of producing such a cleaning bucket and vice versa.

The pumping devices of all cleaning buckets as described herein are configured to pump the cleaning fluid from the reservoir comprising the cleaning fluid to the spraying device. As such, it is preferred that the pumping devices are in fluid communication with the reservoir as well as with the spraying device. Said fluid communication can be provided by means of fluid channels such as hoses, tubes or conduits or the like as they are known in the art.

Further, the pumping devices preferably each have an inlet for the intake of cleaning fluid into the pumping device and an outlet for the discharge of cleaning fluid out of the pumping device. The inlet and outlet may be provided by one and the same element, so that the inlet also corresponds to the outlet. However, it is equally conceivable that the inlet and outlet are separate elements.

The inlet and outlet are preferably connected to one of the hoses, tubes or conduits, which in turn are connected to the reservoir and/or the spraying device. Further, one or more valves or the like may be provided which allow or prevent selective flow of the cleaning fluid depending on the particular operation - in particular, allowing or preventing a receiving of cleaning fluid from the reservoir into the pumping device, allowing or preventing a pumping cleaning fluid from the pumping device to the spraying device, or allowing or preventing a spraying of cleaning fluid from the spraying device. For example, a valve may be provided to allow cleaning fluid to be drawn from the reservoir into the pumping device while preventing the flow of cleaning fluid to the spraying device. The valve may further be configured to allow pumping of cleaning fluid from the pumping device to the spraying device while preventing flow of cleaning fluid back to the reservoir. One or more such valves or the like may be provided for this purpose. The valves or the like and/or the hoses or tubes or conduits or the like preferably correspond to commercially available components and/or are well-known in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the following with reference to the drawings, which are for the purpose of illustrating the present preferred embodiments of the invention and not for the purpose of limiting the same. In the drawings,

Fig. 1 shows a partial perspective view of a cleaning bucket and a cleaning device according to a first aspect;

Fig. 2 shows a partial perspective view of the cleaning device according to figure 1 ;

Fig. 3a shows a perspective view of first and second pumping devices of the cleaning bucket according to figure 1a in a first state;

Fig. 3b shows a perspective view of the first and second pumping devices of figure 3a in a second state;

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of fluid channels and a valve of the first and second pumping devices of the cleaning bucket according to figure 1a;

Fig. 5 shows a partial sectional view of the fluid channels and the valve of figure 4;

Fig. 6a shows a partial perspective view of the first and second pumping devices of the cleaning bucket and the cleaning device according to figure 1a in a first state;

Fig. 6b shows a partial perspective view of the first and second pumping devices and the cleaning device of figure 6a in a second state;

Fig. 6c shows a partial perspective view of the first and second pumping devices and the cleaning device of figure 6a in a third state;

Fig. 7a shows a partial sectional view of the first and second pumping devices of the cleaning bucket and the cleaning device according to figure 1a in a first state;

Fig. 7b shows a partial sectional view of the first and second pumping devices and the cleaning device of figure 7a in second first state;

Fig. 7c shows a partial sectional view of the first and second pumping devices and the cleaning device of figure 7a in third first state;

Fig. 8 shows a partial sectional view of the cleaning bucket according to figure 1a;

Fig. 9 shows another partial sectional view of the cleaning bucket and the cleaning device according to figure 1a;

Fig. 10a shows a partial sectional view of the cleaning bucket and the cleaning device according to figure 1a in a first state;

Fig. 10b shows another partial sectional view of the cleaning bucket and the cleaning device according to figure 1a in a first state;

Fig. 10c shows another partial sectional view of the cleaning bucket and the cleaning device according to figure 10b in a second state;

Fig. 10d shows another partial sectional view of the cleaning bucket and the cleaning device according to figure 10b in a third state;

Fig. 11a shows a partial sectional view of a cleaning bucket and a cleaning device according to a second aspect in a first state;

Fig. 11 b shows a partial sectional view of the cleaning bucket and the cleaning device of figure 11a in second state;

Fig. 11c shows a partial sectional view of the cleaning bucket and the cleaning device of figure 11a in a third state;

Fig. 12 shows a partial perspective view of a cleaning device for a cleaning bucket according to a third aspect;

Fig. 13a shows a partial sectional view of the cleaning bucket and the cleaning device according to the third aspect in a first state;

Fig. 13b shows a partial sectional view of the cleaning bucket and the cleaning device of figure 13a in a second state;

Fig. 13c shows a partial sectional view of the cleaning bucket and the cleaning device of figure 13a in a third state.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The figures depict different cleaning assemblies 100, 100a, 100b comprising cleaning buckets 1 , 1a, 1b and cleaning devices 2, 2a, 2b according to the invention. At this point it is noted that certain components of the cleaning assemblies 100, 100a, 100b are not always depicted in all of the figures. This is to better explain the structure and function of the depicted components. In particular, figures 1 to 10d depict components of a cleaning assembly 100 according to a first aspect, figures 11 a to 11 c depict components of a cleaning assembly 100a, according to a second aspect, and figures 12 to 13c depict components of a cleaning assembly 100b according to a third aspect, respectively.

These various cleaning assemblies 100, 100a, 100b differ from one another particularly in the cleaning buckets 1 , 1a, 1b, and especially in their pumping devices 5, 6, 15, 23. The other components are largely the same.

That is, and as best seen in figures 1 , 8-11c and 13-13c, the cleaning assemblies 100, 100a, 100b comprise in each case a cleaning bucket 1 , 1 a, 1 b for cleaning a cleaning device 2, 2a, 2b, wherein the cleaning bucket 1 , 1a, 1b comprises at least one opening 3 for receiving the cleaning device 2, 2a, 2b along an insertion direction I, at least one reservoir 4 for receiving a cleaning fluid, and at least one spraying device 5 for spraying the cleaning fluid onto the cleaning device 2, 2a, 2b being at least partially received in the cleaning bucket

1 , 1a, 1 b. The cleaning bucket 1 , 1a, 1b extends along a longitudinal direction L and comprises a bottom wall 32 and an opposed top wall 33, wherein the opening 3 is formed in the top wall 33. The insertion direction I along which the cleaning device 2, 2a, 2b is insertable into the cleaning bucket 1 , 1a, 1b runs parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the cleaning bucket 1 , 1a, 1b. The spraying device 5 is arranged in a region of the opening 3 and comprises a plurality of nozzles that can spray cleaning fluid onto the cleaning device

2, 2a, 2b.

As furthermore follows from these figures as well as from figure 2, the cleaning device 2, 2a, 2b comprises a rod 34 and a cleaning head 35 pivotally connected to the rod 34 via a joint 36. The cleaning device 2 can adapt at least a least a position wherein the cleaning head 35 runs perpendicular to the rod 34 (not depicted) and a position wherein it runs parallel to the rod 34, see figure 1 for example. The former position can be referred to as cleaning position that allows a cleaning with the cleaning device 2, 2a, 2b and the latter position can be referred to as stowed position that allows the cleaning device 2, 2a, 2b to be stowed in a space-saving manner. In the depicted examples, the cleaning device 2, 2a, 2b corresponds to a flat mop that has a cleaning head 35 of a flat shape, i.e. a plate-like shape. As follows from the figures, the flat mop 2, 2a, 2b is insertable into the cleaning bucket 1 , 1a, 1b via the opening 3 in its stowed position. As will be outlined in greater detail below, each cleaning bucket 1 , 1a, 1 b comprises one or more pumping devices 6, 7, 15, 23 that are configured to pump the cleaning fluid from the reservoir 4 to the spraying device 5 when being activated. To this end the pumping devices 6, 7, 15, 23 are in fluid communication with the reservoir 4 as well as with the spraying device 5. As follows from figures 3a to 5, said fluid communication can be provided by means of fluid channels 31 such as hoses tubes or conduits or the like as they are known in the art. Further, the pumping devices 6, 7, 15, 23 each have an inlet 37 for the intake of cleaning fluid into the particular pumping device 6, 7, 15, 23 and an outlet 38 for the discharge of cleaning fluid out of the particular pumping device 6, 7, 15, 23. The inlet 37 and outlet 38 are connected to the fluid channels 31 which in turn are connected to the reservoir 4 and the spraying device 5. Further, at least one valve 39, 39a is provided which allows and/or prevents selective flow of the cleaning fluid depending on the particular operation. Figures 3a to 5 depict an exemplary arrangement of the fluid channels 31 and valve 39 for the cleaning assembly 100 according to the first embodiment. Figures 3a-5 each show a valve 39 in the form of a double valve block located in the reservoir 4 at the bottom. Each half of the valve block (left and right) is built for one of the first and second pumping devices 6, 7 and opens into an upper fluid channel 31 which leads the cleaning fluid to the spraying device 5. The double valve head at the top of the valve 39 allows cleaning fluid to be pumped to the spraying device 5 from both pumping devices 6, 7 simultaneously and overlapping but also separately. An inlet for the cleaning fluid from the reservoir 4 into the valve 39 is from below through six small inlet nozzles 62, which are made so small that no coarse particles can get into the pumping devices 6, 7, which could clog the valves or make them leaky. Two side outlets 63 each lead to one of the first and second pumping devices 6, 7 that are in these depicted figures piston pumps, see also further below. When a piston of the piston pump 6, 7 is pushed apart by a spring of the piston pump 6, 7, lower valves 64 in a housing 65 of the valve 39 are opened and the cleaning fluid is pushed sideways to the respective pump 6, 7. Upper valves 66 are simultaneously pulled down and closed by an underpressure, preventing air from being drawn in by the spraying device 5. As soon as the piston pump 6, 7 is full and pressure is created by the compression of the piston when the cleaning device 2 is inserted into the cleaning bucket 1 , the respective lower valves 64 are closed by the pressure and the respective upper valve chambers open, causing the cleaning fluid to flow into an upper central discharge chamber 67 and thus into the fluid channel 31 leading to the spraying device 5. In the depicted first and second pumping devices 6, 7 in the form of piston pumps, there is thus only one connection through which the cleaning fluid flows in either when the piston of the piston pump 6, 7 is extended or when the piston collides. However, separate inlets and outlets can of course also be provided. Moreover, other valves as they are well- known in the art could be provided instead. It goes without saying that such components can also be provided in an analogous manner in the other cleaning assemblies 100a, 100b.

With reference to figures 3a to 10d the cleaning assembly 100 according to the first aspect shall now be explained in greater detail.

That is, said cleaning assembly 100 comprises a cleaning bucket 1 that has a first pumping device 6 and a second pumping device 7 that are configured to pump the cleaning fluid from the reservoir 4 to the spraying device 5 when being activated. Moreover, the first and second pumping devices 6, 7 are configured such, that they are activated partially in succession while pumping cleaning fluid simultaneously during a certain time interval.

As best seen in figures 3a-3b, 7a-7c, 9 and 10a-10d, the first pumping device 6 and the second pumping device 7 in each case comprises a mechanical pump, here a displacement pump in the form of a piston pump.

Furthermore, the first pumping device 6 comprises an activation element 8 being pivotably mounted in the cleaning bucket 1 and that is configured to be pivoted by the cleaning device 2 upon the insertion of the cleaning device 2 into the cleaning bucket 1 , whereby the first pumping device 6 is activated.

The activation element 8 of the first pumping device 6 has an elongated shape and corresponds to a curved lever having a proximal end 40 and a distal end 41 . The activation element 8 is arranged in the cleaning bucket 1 such that it extends along the longitudinal direction L of the cleaning bucket 1 . A curvature of the activation element 8 in the form of the curved lever with respect to the longitudinal direction L of the cleaning bucket 1 defines a flow rate of the cleaning fluid being pumped by the first pumping device 6 as well as a start of a time interval during which the first pumping device 6 pumps the cleaning fluid. To this end a length LI of the lever 8 is chosen so as to be slightly longer than a length Lp of the mop plate when seen along the longitudinal direction L, see figure 7c for example. The lever 8 is pivotally mounted via a pin 42 or the like in the region of its distal end 41 , and wherein the curvature of a proximal region of the lever 8 is larger than the curvature of a distal region of the lever 8.

During the insertion of the cleaning device 2 into the cleaning bucket 1 , the cleaning device 2 contacts the activation element 8 and pivots the activation element 8. In particular, and as illustrated in figured 3a-3b and 7a-7c, the activation element 8 of the first pumping device 6 when being pivoted presses against the first pumping device 6, in particular against the piston 43 of the piston pump 6, whereby the piston 43 is moved and the piston pump 6 is activated. As best seen in figures 7a to 7c, the piston pump 6 furthermore has a cylinder 44, wherein the cylinder 44 and the piston 43 extend along a transverse direction T running perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction L of the cleaning bucket 1. Upon actuation of the activation element 8 of the first pumping device 6 by the cleaning device 2, said activation element 8 starts pivoting and pressing against the piston 43 of the piston pump 6, whereby the piston 43 is moved along the transverse direction T and ejects cleaning fluid located in the cylinder 44 of the piston pump 6 and pumps said fluid to the spraying device 5. As furthermore follows from these figures, the first pumping device 6 is spring-loaded and returns into an initial state in the absence of an activation by the activation element 8, whereby cleaning fluid is drawn from the reservoir 4 into the first pumping device 6. In the depicted example, the piston pump 6 comprises a spring 9 being mounted within the piston pump 6.

In the depicted example, the second pumping device 7 comprises a piston pump having a cylinder 45 and a piston 46. Said piston 46 is likewise spring-loaded by means of a spring 11 being mounted outside of the piston pump 7 and being configured to return into an initial state in the absence of a pressing of an activation element 10, whereby cleaning fluid is drawn from the reservoir 4 into the piston pump 7. The cylinder 45 and the piston 46 that are arranged in the cleaning bucket 1 so as to extend along the longitudinal direction L of the cleaning bucket 1. As just mentioned, the second pumping device comprises an activation element 10 as well, and wherein said activation element 10 is movably mounted in the cleaning bucket 1 and is configured to move upon the insertion of the cleaning device 2 into the cleaning bucket 1 , whereby the second pumping device 7 is activated. In fact, upon actuation of the activation element 10 of the second pumping device 7 by the cleaning device 2, said activation element 10 starts moving along the longitudinal direction L and moves the piston 46 of the piston pump 7 along the longitudinal direction L, whereby cleaning fluid located in the cylinder 45 of the piston pump 7 is ejected and pumped to the spraying device 5.

As follows from figures 3a-3b, 6a-6c and 7a-7c, the activation element 10 and the piston 46 of the piston pump of the second pumping device 7 are a single-piece element. In particular, the activation element 10 of the second pumping 7 has an elongated shape that extends along the longitudinal direction L of the cleaning bucket 1 and that provides the piston 46. Here, the activation element 10 has the shape of a rod having a proximal end 47 and a distal end 48. The distal end 48 is in connection with the piston 46 of the piston pump and the proximal end 47 is actuated by the cleaning device 2 upon its insertion into the cleaning bucket 1 , see figures 6a to 6c.

Namely, and as follows from figures 3a-3b and 6a-6c, the activation element 10 of the second pumping device 7 comprises an abutment element 12 against which the cleaning device 2 is configured to abut during its insertion into the cleaning bucket 1 , and wherein the insertion movement of the cleaning device 2 during its insertion is transferable to the activation element 10 via the abutment element 12. The abutment element 12 is arranged in the region of the proximal end 47 of the activation element 10 and is configured to abut against an actuation element 14 of the cleaning device 2. In the depicted example, the abutment element 12 of the activation element 10 forms a fork-shaped receptacle being attached to the proximal end 47 of the activation element 10 and being configured to receive the actuation element 14 of the cleaning device 2. In fact, the cleaning device 2 comprises corresponding actuation elements 13, 13a, 14 that are configured to actuate the first and second pumping devices 6, 7. For instance, and as follows from figure 2, the cleaning device 2 comprises first actuation elements 13, 13a being configured to actuate the activation element of the first pumping device 6 and a second actuation element 14 being configured to actuate the activation element 10 of the second pumping device 7.

A first actuation element 13 of the cleaning device 2 is provided by a flat and even surface 49 of the cleaning head 35 and another first actuation element 13a is a rib 50 that protrudes from the surface 49 of the cleaning head 35. The first actuation elements 13, 13a are configured to make surface contact with a surface 51 of the activation element 8 of the first pumping device 6 such as the lever 8 while it moves along the surface 51 of said activation element 8. During said surface contact, the actuation elements 13, 13a exert a pressure onto the activation element 8, whereupon the activation element 8 is pivoted.

The second actuation element 14 of the cleaning device 2 is provided by the joint 36 of the cleaning device 2 that connects the rod 34 to the cleaning head 35. When the cleaning device 2 is inserted into the cleaning bucket 2, the joint 36 of the cleaning device 2, when sufficiently inserted into the cleaning bucket 1 , is received in and abuts against the forkshaped receptacle 12, in particular against a surface delimiting said receptacle 12. The insertion movement of the cleaning device 2 it exhibits during its insertion into the cleaning bucket 1 is then transferred to the activation element 10 of the second pumping device 7 via said abutment.

With reference to figures 11a to 11c the cleaning assembly 100a according to the second aspect shall be explained in greater detail.

In particular, said cleaning assembly 100a comprises a cleaning bucket 1a that differs from the cleaning bucket 1 according to the first aspect discussed above in that it comprises a pumping device 15 for pumping the cleaning fluid from the reservoir 4 to the spraying device 5 that comprises at least one pulley system 16. Said pulley system 16 is configured to be actuated by the cleaning device 2a upon the insertion of the cleaning device 2a into the cleaning bucket 1a, whereby the pumping device 15 is activated. The cleaning device 2a of the cleaning assembly 100a according to the second aspect preferably corresponds the cleaning device 2 of the cleaning assembly 100 according to the first aspect, however without the actuation elements 13, 13a, 14.

As mentioned earlier with respect to figures 3a to 5, the cleaning bucket 1a comprises a pumping device 15 being in fluid communication with the reservoir 4 as well as with the spraying device 5. Said fluid communication is schematically indicated in figures 11a to 11c, wherein the fluid communication again comprises fluid channels 31 such as hoses and valves 39, 39a. Here, two valves 39, 39a are provided. A first valve 39 allows pumping of cleaning fluid from the reservoir 4 into the pumping device 15 but prevents cleaning fluid that is pumped from the pumping device 15 to the spraying device 5 to be pumped back into the reservoir 4. A second valve 39a allows pumping of the cleaning fluid from the pumping device 15 to the spraying device 5 while it prevents the cleaning fluid from flowing back into the reservoir 4 or the pumping device 15.

As follows from figures 11 a-11c, the pumping device 15 comprises a mechanical pump in the form of a piston pump having a cylinder 52 and a piston 53 being movably arranged in the cylinder 52. The pumping device 15 is spring-loaded and configured to return into an initial state in the absence of an actuation by the cleaning device 2a, whereby cleaning fluid is drawn from the reservoir 4 into the pumping device 5. In the depicted example, the pumping device 15 comprises a spring 54 being mounted within the piston pump.

Moreover, the pumping device 15 comprises an activation element 17 being movably mounted in the cleaning bucket 1a and being configured to move upon the insertion of the cleaning device 2a into the cleaning bucket 1a, whereby the pulley system 16 is actuated.

As follows from the figures, the activation element 17 of the pumping device 15 provides an abutment for the cleaning device 2a during its insertion into the cleaning bucket 1a. In fact, the activation element 17 forms a receptacle that receives part of the cleaning head 35. When the cleaning device 2a is inserted into the cleaning bucket 1 a said part of the cleaning device 2, when sufficiently inserted into the cleaning bucket 1a, is received in and furthermore abuts against the receptacle 17. Hence, the cleaning head 35 again comprises an actuation element 55 that is configured to actuate the pulley system 16, wherein said actuation element 55 corresponds to an external surface of the cleaning head 35. The insertion movement of the cleaning device 2 it exhibits during its insertion into the cleaning bucket 1a is then transferred to the activation element 17 of the pumping device 15 via said abutment.

The pulley system 16 comprises a first pulley 18, a second pulley 19 and a drive element

20 being guided over the first and second pulleys 18, 19. The first pulley 18 is fixedly arranged in the cleaning bucket. The second pulley 19 is movably arranged in the cleaning bucket. The first and second pulleys 18, 19 are preferably in each case rotatably mounted on an axle or shaft 56, 57 and are rotatable about an axis of rotation. The drive element 20 has the form of a rope, cable, belt, chain or the like and comprises a first end 21 and a second end 22, and wherein the first end 21 is movably arranged in the cleaning bucket 1a and the second end 22 is fixedly arranged in the cleaning bucket 1a. The drive element 20 is configured to transmit a pulling force or tension around the first and second pulleys 18, 19 to activate the pumping device 15, in particular to move the piston 53 of the piston pump. Said pulling force or tension is generated when the external surface 55 of the cleaning head 35 abuts against the activation element 17 of the pumping device 15.

The first pulley 18 is arranged in a region of the top wall 33 of the cleaning bucket 1a and the second pulley 19 is rotatably attached to the piston 53 of the piston pump. The first end

21 of the drive element 20 is connected to the activation element 17 and the second end 22 of the drive element 20 is arranged in the region of the top wall 33 of the cleaning bucket 1a.

The piston pump extends along the longitudinal direction L of the cleaning bucket 1a. Moreover, the piston pump, in particular the cylinder 52 and the piston53, is surrounded by the drive element 20. Seen in a longitudinal section of the cleaning bucket 1a, the course of the drive element 20 is "V" shaped, whereby the cylinder 52 and the piston 53 are arranged inside the "V" being formed by the drive element 20.

During actuation of the pulley system 16 and when the cleaning device 2a performs its insertion movement, the "V" being formed by the drive element 20 is compressed as seen along the longitudinal direction L of the cleaning bucket 1a, since the second pulley 19 and consequently the piston 53 of the piston pump is moved in the direction of the top wall 33 of the cleaning bucket 1a or, in other words, the piston 53 is advanced along the cylinder 52 of the piston pump, compare figures 11 a to 11 c. During this movement, the cleaning fluid is pumped out of the pumping device 15 and to the spraying device 5. When the cleaning device 2a is moved out of the cleaning bucket 1a, the piston 53 and consequently the second pulley 19 are moved away from the cylinder 52 of the piston pump, whereby the "V" formed by the drive element 20 stretches as seen along the longitudinal direction L of the cleaning bucket 1a. Said movement into the initial state and thus the stretching of the drive element 20 is caused by the spring 54 of the piston pump. During this movement, the cleaning fluid is draw from the reservoir 4 into the pumping device 15.

With respect to figures 12 to 13c, the cleaning assembly 100b according to the third aspect shall be explained in greater detail.

As follows from these figures, the cleaning assembly 100b compress a cleaning bucket 1b that differs from the cleaning buckets 1 , 1a according to the first and second aspects in that it comprises a pumping device 23 comprising a peristaltic pump 24. Furthermore the cleaning device 2b differs from the cleaning devices 2, 2a of the first and second aspects in that it comprises an actuation element 28 in the form of a toothing that is configured to actuate the peristaltic pump 24. As follows from figure 12, said toothing 28 is provided on a top surface 58 of the cleaning head 35. As will be explained in greater detail below, said toothing 28 is configured to engage a first actuation element 26 of the peristaltic pump 24 in the form of the gear.

Hence, the cleaning bucket 1b according to the third aspect comprises a peristaltic pump 24 being configured to be actuated upon the insertion of the cleaning device 2b into the cleaning bucket 1b, whereby the pumping device 23 is activated.

The peristaltic pump 24 comprises a flexible tube 30 that is in fluid connection with the reservoir 4 as well as with the spraying device 5. An intermediate region of the flexible tube 30 is fitted inside a pump casing 59 of the peristaltic pump 24. Moreover, the peristaltic pump 24 comprises compressing elements 29 being arranged in the pump casing 59 and being configured to compress the flexible tube 30 upon an actuation of the peristaltic pump 24, whereby cleaning fluid being received in the flexible tube 30 is moved through the flexible tube 30. In the depicted example, the peristatic pump 24 is a so-called roller pump or rotary piston pump comprising a rotor (not shown) being rotatably arranged within the pump casing 59, and wherein the compressing elements 29 are arranged on an external circumference of the rotor. Upon an actuation of the peristaltic pump 24, the rotor rotates and the compressing elements 29 compress the flexible tube 30.

The pumping device 23 furthermore comprises an actuation device 25 that is configured to actuate the peristaltic pump 24. Said actuation device 25 comprises a first actuation element 26 and a second actuation element 27. The first actuation element 26 is actuatable by the actuation element 28 of the cleaning device 2b upon insertion of the cleaning device 2b into the cleaning bucket 1b. The second actuation element 27 is operatively connected to the first actuation element 26 and is configured to transmit an actuation of the first actuation element 26 by the actuation element 28 of the cleaning device 2b to the peristaltic pump 24, whereby the peristaltic pump 24 is actuated.

In fact, and as mentioned earlier, the first actuation element 26 is configured to enter into engagement with the actuation element 28 of the cleaning device 2b in the form of the toothing and corresponds to a gear. The gear 26 is rotatably mounted in the cleaning bucket 1 b and is rotatable by the actuation element 28 of the cleaning device 2b upon insertion of the cleaning device 2b into the cleaning bucket 1 b. The second actuation element 27 is configured to transmit a rotation of the first actuation element 26 to the peristaltic pump 24, in particular to the compressing elements 29 of the peristaltic pump 24, and corresponds to a belt.

In particular, the first actuation element 26 is rotatably mounted in the cleaning bucket 1b and is rotatable about a shaft or axle 60, and wherein the second actuation element 27 is a belt or the like that links the shaft or axle 60 of the first actuation element 26 and a shaft or axle 61 about which the rotor of the peristaltic pump 24 rotates. When said shaft or axle 61 is rotated, the compressing elements 29 compress the flexible tube 30 and the cleaning fluid being arranged therein is forced to move through the flexible tube 30 and towards the spraying device 5. In the depicted example the first actuation element 26 and the peristaltic pump 24 are arranged horizontally offset with respect to one another and with respect to a horizontal direction H of the cleaning bucket 1b. Moreover, the first actuation element 26 and the peristaltic pump 24 are arranged vertically offset with respect to one another and with respect to a vertical direction V of the cleaning device 1b.

Whereas the first actuation element 26 is preferably arranged in a region of the top wall 33 of the cleaning bucket 1 b, various locations of the second actuation element 27 within the cleaning bucket 1b are conceivable.

Moreover, and as indicated schematically in figures 13a to 13c, the pumping device 23 and in particular its flexible tube 30 is in fluid communication with the reservoir 4 as well as with the spraying device 5. In addition to the flexible tube 30, said fluid communication again comprises fluid channels 31 such as hoses and valves 39, 39a. Here, two valves 39, 39a are provided. A first valve 39 allows pumping of cleaning fluid from the reservoir 4 into the pumping device 23 but prevents cleaning fluid that is pumped from the pumping device 23 to the spraying device 5 to be pumped back into the reservoir 4. A second valve 39a allows pumping of the cleaning fluid from the pumping device 23 to the spraying device 5 while it prevents the cleaning fluid from flowing back into the reservoir 4 or the pumping device 23.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS , 1a, 1b cleaning bucket 35 cleaning head, 2a, 2b cleaning device 36 joint opening 37 inlet reservoir 38 outlet spraying device 39, 39a valve fist pumping device 40 proximal end second pumping device 41 distal end activation element 42 pin spring 43 piston 0 activation element 44 cylinder 1 spring 45 cylinder 2 abutment element 46 piston 3, 13a first actuation element 47 proximal end4 second actuation element 48 distal end 5 pumping device 49 surface 6 pulley system 50 rib 7 activation element 51 surface 8 first pulley 52 cylinder 9 second pulley 53 piston 0 drive element 54 spring 1 first end 55 actuation element2 second end 56 axle 3 pumping device 57 axle 4 peristaltic pump 58 top surface5 actuation device 59 pump casing6 first actuation element 60 axle 7 second actuation element 61 axle 8 actuation element 62 nozzle 9 compressing element 63 outlet 0 flexible tube 64 valve 1 fluid channel 65 housing 2 bottom wall 66 valve 3 top wall 67 discharge chamber4 rod 100, 100a, T transverse direction 100b cleaning assembly H horizontal direction

V vertical direction

I insertion direction LI length

L longitudinal direction Lp length

Claims

1 . A cleaning bucket (1) for cleaning a cleaning device (2) such as a mop, wherein the cleaning bucket (1) comprises: at least one opening (3) for receiving the cleaning device (2) along an insertion direction

(1); at least one reservoir (4) for receiving a cleaning fluid; at least one spraying device (5) for spraying the cleaning fluid onto the cleaning device

(2) being at least partially received in the cleaning bucket (1); characterized in that the cleaning bucket (1) further comprises at least a first pumping device (6) and a second pumping device (7), wherein the first pumping device (6) and the second pumping device (7) are configured to pump the cleaning fluid from the reservoir (4) to the spraying device (5) when being activated, and wherein the first pumping device (6) and the second pumping device (7) are configured to be activated at least partially in succession.

2. The cleaning bucket (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the first pumping device (6) is configured to pump a first partial quantity of a full quantity of the cleaning fluid and the second pumping device (7) is configured to pump a second partial quantity of the full quantity of the cleaning fluid, and wherein the first pumping device (6) and the second pumping device (7) are preferably configured such that the second pumping device (7) pumps the second partial quantity partly simultaneously and/or immediately after the first pumping device (6) pumps the first partial quantity.

3. The cleaning bucket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first pumping device (6) and/or the second pumping device (7) is activatable by the cleaning device (2) upon the insertion of the cleaning device (2) into the cleaning bucket (1).

4. The cleaning bucket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first pumping device (6) and/or the second pumping device (7) comprises a mechanical pump, in particular a displacement pump such as a piston pump or a bellows pump.

5. The cleaning bucket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first pumping device (6) comprises an activation element (8), wherein said activation element (8) is pivotably mounted in the cleaning bucket (1) and is configured to be pivoted by the cleaning device (2) upon the insertion of the cleaning device (2) into the cleaning bucket (1), whereby the first pumping device (6) is activated.

6. The cleaning bucket (1) according to claim 5, wherein the activation element (8) of the first pumping device (6) defines a curvature with respect to a longitudinal direction (L) of the cleaning bucket (1), and wherein the curvature defines a flow rate of the cleaning fluid being pumped by the first pumping device (6) and/or a start of a first time interval during which the first pumping device (6) is configured to pump the cleaning fluid.

7. The cleaning bucket (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein the activation element (8) of the first pumping device (6) when being pivoted is configured to press against the first pumping device (6), in particular against a piston of a piston pump or against a bellow of a bellows pump, whereby the first pumping device (6) is activated, and/or wherein the first pumping device (6) is spring-loaded and configured to return into an initial state in the absence of an activation by the activation element (8), whereby cleaning fluid is drawn from the reservoir (4) into the first pumping device (6).

8. The cleaning bucket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second pumping device (7) comprises an activation element (10), and wherein said activation element (10) is movably mounted in the cleaning bucket (1) and is configured to move upon the insertion of the cleaning device (2) into the cleaning bucket (1), whereby the second pumping device (7) is activated.

9. The cleaning bucket (1) according to claim 8, wherein the activation element (10) of the second pumping device (7) comprises an abutment element (12) against which the cleaning device (2) is configured to abut during its insertion into the cleaning bucket (1), and wherein an insertion movement of the cleaning device (2) during its insertion is transferable to the activation element (10) via the abutment element (12).

10. The cleaning bucket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first pumping device (6) and/or the second pumping device (7) are in connection with the spraying device (5) via at least one fluid channel (31), and/or wherein the spraying device (5) comprises at least one nozzle for spraying the cleaning fluid.

11. A cleaning assembly (100) comprising at least one cleaning device (2) and at least one cleaning bucket (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (2) preferably is a flat mop.

12. The cleaning assembly (100) according to claim 11 , wherein the cleaning device (2) comprises at least one first actuation element (13, 13a) being configured to actuate the first pumping device (6), in particular the activation element (8) of the first pumping device (6), and/or wherein the cleaning device (2) comprises at least one second actuation element (14) being configured to actuate the second pumping device (7), in particular the activation element (10) of the second pumping device (7).

13. The cleaning assembly (100) according to claim 12, wherein the first actuation element (13, 13a) is configured to be moved along the first pumping device (6), in particular along the activation element (8) of the first pumping device (6), upon insertion of the cleaning device (2) into the cleaning bucket (1), and/or wherein the second actuation element (14) is configured to move the second pumping device (7), in particular the activation element (10) of the second pumping device (7).

14. The cleaning assembly (100) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein at least one of i) the first actuation element (13, 13a) is immovably arranged on the cleaning device (2) and preferably is an integral component of the cleaning device (2) or ii) the second actuation element (14) is movably arranged on the cleaning device (2), and/or wherein the cleaning device (2) comprises a rod and a cleaning head being pivotally connected to the rod via a joint, and wherein the first actuation element is provided by a surface (13) of the cleaning head or by at least one rib (13a) protruding from a surface of the cleaning head and/or the second actuation element is provided by the joint (36).

15. A method of producing a cleaning bucket (1) for cleaning a cleaning device (2), preferably a cleaning bucket (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising:

- Providing at least one opening (3) for receiving the cleaning device (2) along an insertion direction (I); - Providing at least one reservoir (4) for receiving a cleaning fluid;

- Providing at least one spraying device (5) for spraying the cleaning fluid onto the cleaning device (2) being at least partially received in the cleaning bucket (1); characterized in that the method further comprises:

- Providing at least a first pumping device (6) and a second pumping device (7), wherein the first pumping device (6) and the second pumping device (7) are configured to pump the cleaning fluid from the reservoir (4) to the spraying device (5) when being activated, and wherein the first pumping device (6) and the second pumping device (7) are configured to be activated at least partially in succession.

16. A cleaning bucket (1a) for cleaning a cleaning device (2a) such as a mop, wherein the cleaning bucket (1a) comprises: at least one opening (3) for receiving the cleaning device (2a) along an insertion direction (I); at least one reservoir (4) for receiving a cleaning fluid; at least one spraying device (5) for spraying the cleaning fluid onto the cleaning device (2a) being at least partially received in the cleaning bucket (1a); and at least one pumping device (15) for pumping the cleaning fluid from the reservoir (4) to the spraying device (5) when being activated, characterized in that the pumping device (15) comprises at least one pulley system (16), wherein the pulley system (16) is configured to be actuated by the cleaning device (2a) upon the insertion of the cleaning device (2a) into the cleaning bucket (1a), whereby the pumping device (15) is activated.

17. The cleaning bucket (1a) according to claim 16, wherein the pumping device (15) comprises a mechanical pump and/or a piston pump comprising a cylinder and a piston being movably arranged in the cylinder, and/or wherein the pumping device (15) is spring-loaded and configured to return into an initial state in the absence of an actuation by the cleaning device (2a), whereby cleaning fluid is drawn from the reservoir (4) into the pumping device (15).

18. The cleaning bucket (1a) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the pumping device (15) comprises an activation element (17), and wherein said activation element (17) is movably mounted in the cleaning bucket (1) and is configured to move upon the insertion of the cleaning device (2a) into the cleaning bucket (1a), whereby the pulley system (16) is actuated.

19. The cleaning bucket (1a) according to any one of claims claim 16 to 18, wherein the pulley system (16) comprises at least a first pulley (18), a second pulley (19) and a drive element (20) being guided over the first and second pulleys (18, 19), and wherein at least one of:

- the first pulley (18) is fixedly arranged in the cleaning bucket (1a),

- the second pulley (19) is movably arranged in the cleaning bucket (1a), or

- the drive element (20) comprises a first end (21) and a second end (22), the first end (21) being movably arranged in the cleaning bucket (1a) and/or the second end (22) being fixedly arranged in the cleaning bucket (1a).

20. The cleaning bucket (1a) according to claim 19, wherein the second pulley (19) is in connection with and preferably attached to the pumping device (15), in particular to the piston of the piston pump, and/or wherein the first end (21) of the drive element (20) is connected to the activation element (17).

21. A cleaning bucket (1 b) for cleaning a cleaning device (2b) such as a mop, wherein the cleaning bucket (1b) comprises: at least one opening (3) for receiving the cleaning device (2b) along an insertion direction (I); at least one reservoir (4) for receiving a cleaning fluid; at least one spraying device (5) for spraying the cleaning fluid onto the cleaning device (2b) being at least partially received in the cleaning bucket (1 b); and at least one pumping device (23) for pumping the cleaning fluid from the reservoir (4) to the spraying device (5) when being activated, characterized in that the pumping device (23) comprises at least one peristaltic pump (24), and wherein the peristaltic pump (24) is configured to be actuated upon the insertion of the cleaning device (2b) into the cleaning bucket (1 b), whereby the pumping device (23) is activated.

22. The cleaning bucket (1b) according to claim 21 , wherein the pumping device (23) comprises an actuation device (25) that is configured to actuate the peristaltic pump (24), wherein the actuation device (25) comprises at least a first actuation element (26) and a second actuation element (27), wherein the first actuation element (26) is actuatable by an actuation element (28) of the cleaning device (2b) upon insertion of the cleaning device (2b) into the cleaning bucket (1 b), and wherein the second actuation element (27) is operatively connected to the first actuation element (26) and is configured to transmit an actuation of the first actuation element (26) by the actuation element (28) of the cleaning device (2b) to the peristaltic pump (24), whereby the peristaltic pump (24) is actuated.

23. The cleaning bucket (1b) according to claim 22, wherein at least one of:

- the first actuation element (26) is configured to enter into engagement with the actuation element (28) of the cleaning device (2b) and preferably corresponds to a gear,

- the first actuation element (26) is rotatably mounted in the cleaning bucket (1b) and is rotatable by the actuation element (28) of the cleaning device (2b) upon insertion of the cleaning device (2b) into the cleaning bucket (1 b), or

- the second actuation element (27) is configured to transmit a rotation of the first actuation element (26) to the peristaltic pump (24), in particular to compressing elements (29) of the peristaltic pump (24) that are configured to compress a flexible tube (30) of the peristaltic pump (24), and preferably corresponds to a belt.

24. The cleaning bucket (1b) according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the first actuation element (26) and the peristaltic pump (24) are arranged horizontally offset with respect to one another, and/or wherein the first actuation element (26) and the peristaltic pump (24) are arranged vertically offset with respect to one another.

25. A cleaning assembly (100b) comprising at least one cleaning device (2b) and at least one cleaning bucket (1b) as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the cleaning device (2b) comprises an actuation element (28) that is configured to actuate the peristaltic pump (24), the actuation element (28) preferably being a toothing.