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(11) | EP 1 273 259 A2 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Cleaning device, as well as a part for forming such cleaning device |
| (57) Cleaning device, of the type which is provided with a stick (3), characterized in
that it comprises at least one reservoir (7) for liquid, formed in the stick (3),
and that this cleaning device (1) is provided with means (8) for releasing liquid
from said reservoir (7) outward, more particularly during the application thereof. |
[0001] The invention relates to a cleaning device, as well as to a part, more particularly a stick-shaped part, for forming such cleaning device.
[0002] More particularly, it relates to a cleaning device of the type which is destined for cleaning a floor, in particularly cleaning by adding a liquid, such as water and/or another liquid cleaning product.
[0003] In general, cleaning devices of this type comprise a relatively long stick which, during use, is held substantially upright and on which, at the lower extremity, a cleaning element, such as a brush, a scraper, a floor-cloth, a holder with an absorbing floor-cloth, a sweeper, a cleaning cloth or a mop or such is provided.
[0004] It is known that such cleaning devices also can be applied in combination with a liquid, more particularly water and/or a cleaning liquid, whereby the liquid may have the purpose to render the surface to be cleaned really completely wet, as well as it may have the purpose to provide exclusively for a light moisturizing of the surface to be cleaned and, more particularly, for keeping the cleaning element moist; all this in order to ensure that the dirt better comes off the surface to be cleaned and/or is taken up better at the cleaning element.
[0005] As known, said liquid can be applied during cleaning by either pouring it and spreading it, immediately before sweeping, onto the surface to be cleaned, more particularly, the floor, or by soaking the cleaning element during cleaning regularly in a bucket with the liquid concerned.
[0006] This manner of operating shows various disadvantages, amongst others, that often too large a quantity of liquid is poured out, as a result of which excessive liquid must be swept up additionally and cleaning thus can not take place without wet hands; that the liquid may be spilled easily, as a result of which furniture, skirting boards and such can become soiled and even damaged, as stains will remain; and that the user of the cleaning device regularly has to move to and fro in order to moisturize the cleaning element again or to collect excessive taken-up liquid in a bucket or in another reservoir.
[0007] The present invention relates to a cleaning device which, by the use thereof, allows to remedy the aforementioned disadvantages, or at least to minimize them, which cleaning device morever is realized such that it is particularly efficient in its use.
[0008] To this aim, the invention relates to a cleaning device of the type which is provided with a stick, with as a characteristic that it comprises at least one reservoir for liquid, more particularly, a supply reservoir, formed in the stick and that this cleaning device is provided with means for releasing liquid outward from said reservoir, more particularly, during the application thereof.
[0009] In consideration of the fact that such cleaning device has its own liquid reservoir, it is possible to have an amount of liquid available at any moment during cleaning, and it is clear that all aforementioned disadvantages, and more particularly the disadvantages connected to the use of buckets and such, are excluded. In particular in that the reservoir is formed internally in the stick, the cleaning device according to the invention moreover has the advantage that such reservoir is present at the cleaning device in an efficient manner, whereby it is hindering very little during the use of this device.
[0010] In a preferred form of embodiment, the reservoir and the means for releasing the liquid from the reservoir outward are situated exclusively in and/or at the aforementioned stick, with as an advantage that such stick, provided with such reservoir and said means for releasing the liquid from the reservoir outward, can be applied in combination with various kinds of cleaning elements, more particularly, sweepers. Moreover, existing cleaning elements can be used.
[0011] In said preferred form of embodiment, it is moreover preferred that at the lower end of the stick, a coupling part is provided which allows a coupling to different cleaning elements.
[0012] Preferably, said reservoir will extend in longitudinal direction of the stick and in particular will be formed by a tubular element, as a result of which the cleaning device, at the location of the stick, can keep a slim contour, and the presence of the reservoir, as a consequence, will cause no or little hindrance during cleaning, which is particularly important when cleaning the floor under a cupboard, bed or the like.
[0013] In a preferred form of embodiment, the stick is realized as a traditional single tubular element, in which the reservoir then, as aforementioned, is formed. Hereby, a slim stick construction is maintained, which is easy to handle. More complex stick constructions, whereby the reservoir still is formed internally in the stick, however, are not excluded. So, for example, at one traditional stick element, one or more reservoirs can be provided which extend along this stick element, which together form a whole to be held as a stick, whereby this whole then, of course, must be seen as being "the stick" of the invention. In said latter case, a very efficient form of embodiment consists in that the actual stick element is realized with a semicircular cross-section, whereas the reservoir attached thereto is realized as a complementary semicircular part.
[0014] More particularly, it is preferred that the aforementioned reservoir is realized as a fixed refillable reservoir. The use of replaceable reservoirs, whether for single use or not, however, is not excluded within the scope of the present invention. A fixed refillable reservoir, however, offers a smaller risk of leaking and can be integrated into the stick in a more simple manner.
[0015] In order to be able to use the cleaning device in a controlled manner, said means for releasing the liquid from the reservoir preferably consist of an outlet for the liquid, sealing means for this outlet, as well as operating means for activating the sealing means, more particularly, for bringing the outlet into open position, such that a user can dose the amount of liquid more or less by opening the outlet during a limited period of time.
[0016] Preferably, said outlet comprises an outlet opening and/or mouthpiece, whereby this opening and/or mouthpiece is situated at the stick itself, more particularly next to the lower end of the stick and, still better, at the side wall of the lower end of this stick. This offers the advantages that, amongst others, on one hand, the liquid exits the cleaning device close to the ground, for example, simply flows out of it, and the risk of splashing on furniture and the like thus is extremely small, and, on the other hand, the liquid ends up close to the sweeper or such and, consequently, can be taken up almost immediately by an absorbing element present, for example, at the sweeper, such as a cloth or the like, such that, during sweeping, an immediate moisturizing is obtained.
[0017] In a practical form of embodiment, the sealing means consist of a valve which is forced into closed position by means of elastic means, more particularly, a valve comprising a valve body which is mounted axially movable in the stick, whereby said elastic means then, for example, consist of a pressure spring cooperating with the underside of the valve body. Such valve has a very simple construction and, as a result, is inexpensive and easy to mount, for example, in the stick itself.
[0018] In a form of embodiment which is particularly easy to handle, the operating means comprise an operating element situated next to the upper end of the stick, more particularly an operating element in the form of a push-button situated on the upper axial end of the stick, such that a user, by a simple movement of, for example, his thumb, can push this push-button in order to release liquid from the reservoir, without having to interrupt the cleaning.
[0019] It is clear that the invention also relates to parts for realizing such cleaning device, more particularly to a stick realized with the above-described characteristics. Such part, in other words, such stick, however, can be commercialized separately, whereby the user then, for example, attaches the desired cleaning element to the lower end of the stick, whether or not by means of special coupling means allowing a simple connection.
[0020] With the intention of better showing the characteristics of the invention, hereafter, as an example without any limitative character, a preferred form of embodiment is described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
figure 1 represents a cleaning device according to the invention, in this case for cleaning a floor;
figure 2, at a larger scale and in cross-section, represents the stick of the cleaning device from figure 1;
figure 3 represents one and the same cross-section as figure 2, however, for another position;
figure 4 represents a view according to figure 2, however, for an embodiment variant;
figure 5 represents a view similar to that of figure 4, however, for a second position.
[0021] The cleaning device 1 represented in figure 1 substantially consists of a stick 3, in this case formed by a tube 2, at which, at the lower end, a cleaning element 4, in the example a holder with an absorbing floor-cloth, is fixed by means of coupling means, formed by coupling parts 5-6, at the lower side of the stick, the upper side of the cleaning element 4, respectively.
[0022] According to the invention and as represented in figures 2 and 3, the cleaning device 1 comprises, on one hand, a reservoir 7 for liquid formed in the stick 3, and, on the other hand, means 8 for releasing liquid from the aforementioned reservoir 7 outward, more particularly during cleaning.
[0023] The reservoir 7 comprises a filling opening 9 situated at the upper end of the stick 3, as well as an outlet 10 for the liquid, next to the lower end of the stick 3, with an outlet opening 11 through which the liquid, as represented in dashed line in figure 1, can flow out of the reservoir 7 onto the ground. The filling opening 9 may be sealable or not, for example, by means of a not-represented sealing element, such as a stop, closing slide, or the like.
[0024] As represented, the reservoir 7 is formed of the aforementioned tube 2 and is bordered at its lower extremity by means of an end wall 12, formed by a stopper-shaped element provided in the tube 2, whereas, at its upper end, it is provided with an end piece 13 attached on the tube 2, in which end piece 13 said filling opening 9 is provided.
[0025] Said tube 2 is slid with its lower end into a sleeve-shaped end piece 14, which, on one hand, carries said coupling part 5 at its lower end and in which, on the other hand, said outlet opening 11 is provided.
[0026] Next to to the aforementioned outlet 10, said means 8 for releasing the liquid from the reservoir 7 outward also comprise sealing means 15 for this outlet 10, as well as operating means 16 for activating the sealing means 15, more particulary, for bringing the outlet 10 into open position.
[0027] In the represented form of embodiment, the sealing means 15 consist of a valve 17, formed by a passage 18 provided in said end wall 12, and a cylindrical valve body 19 cooperating therewith, which latter can not only provide for sealing the passage 18, but also, at its circumference 20, provides for a sealing against the inner wall 21 of the sleeve-shaped end piece 14.
[0028] The valve body 19 is axially movable and, by the intermediary of a pressure spring 22, is forced into the direction of the end wall 12 up into a position in which said passage 18 is sealed and the valve body 19 moreover is situated above said outlet opening 11.
[0029] The operating means 16 for activating the sealing means 15, more particularly, for opening the valve body 19 against the force of the pressure spring 22, in this case, for pushing it downward, consist of a rod 23 which extends through said tube 2 and which, at its lower end, cooperates with said valve body 19 and which connects with its upper end to an operating element 24, more particularly to an operating button which is axially movable in the upper end piece 13 of the stick and which protrudes therefrom with a free end 25.
[0030] In order to avoid leaks around the operating element 24, a sealing element can be provided in the upper end of reservoir 7, which sealing element in the example consists of an elastic sealing collar 26 formed at said operating button.
[0032] Preceding the use, the reservoir 7 is filled, through filling opening 9, with the necessary liquid, for example, water and/or a cleaning product.
[0033] When said operating means 16, as represented in figure 2, are not activated, the valve body 19 is pushed upward by pressure spring 22 up to against the end wall 12, as a result of which the reservoir 7 is closed off at the bottom and, thus, no liquid can escape therefrom.
[0034] By pressing said push-button 24 at the upper end of the stick, the rod 23 and the valve body 19 connected thereto are pushed down, against the action of the pressure spring 22, up to past outlet opening 11. Hereby, the liquid can flow from reservoir 7 through passage 18 and chamber 27, which latter is formed between the valve body 19 and the end wall 12, along outlet opening 11 towards the outside. Thereby, the obtained flow rate of the liquid depends on, amongst others, the diameter chosen for outlet opening 11.
[0035] As the valve body 19 sealingly connects against the inner wall 21 of the sleeve-shaped end piece 14, it is impossible that liquid accumulates under the valve body 19.
[0036] In figures 4 and 5, an embodiment variant is represented, more particularly relating to the sealing means 15, which, in this case, are formed by a conical seat 28 with which a conical valve 29 can cooperate. This valve 29 either may or may not be combined with a valve body 19, as described in the first embodiment.
[0037] It is obvious that different variants are possible. So, the tube 2 forming the reservoir 7, for example, locally may show a larger diameter at a certain height, such that a larger content of the reservoir 7 is obtained.
[0038] Possibly, the outlet opening 11 may be provided with an outlet mouthpiece, for example, in the form of an outlet tube or pipe which either is or is not provided with a mouthpiece or a nozzle at its free end, such in order to release the liquid even closer to the cleaning element 4.
[0039] The coupling means 5-6 which connect the stick 3 to the cleaning element 4, may have different forms. Thus, the stick 3 may be provided with any kind of coupling system usually found on cleaning elements 4 sold on the market, and consequently, such stick 3 also may be commercialized as a separate part, whereby the user himself then chooses which cleaning element he attaches under the stick 3.
[0040] In a simple form of embodiment, the stick 3 also may be provided with a usual, straight lower end.
[0041] In an embodiment variant, on one and the same cleaning device 1, apart from the reservoir 7 in the actual stick 3, one or more additional separate reservoirs can be provided, each, for example, filled with a different cleaning product.
[0042] It is not excluded that the cleaning device 1 is equipped with means for pressurizing the liquid reservoir 7, for example, by means of an air cartridge with compressed air, or by the intermediary of a manual air pump.
[0043] The present invention is in no way limited to the form of embodiment described as an example and represented in the figures, however, such cleaning devcie and such part for forming such cleaning device, in the form of a stick, can be realized according to various variants, without leaving the scope of the invention.
1. Cleaning device, of the type which is provided with a stick (3), characterized in that it comprises at least one reservoir (7) for liquid, formed in the stick (3), and
that this cleaning device (1) is provided with means (8) for releasing liquid from
said reservoir (7) outward, more particularly during the application thereof.
2. Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a cleaning device (1) for cleaning a floor.
3. Cleaning device according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the reservoir (7) and the means (8) for releasing the liquid from the reservoir (7)
outward, are situated exclusively in and/or on the stick (3).
4. Cleaning device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reservoir (7) extends in the longitudinal direction of the stick (3).
5. Cleaning device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reservoir (7) substantially is tube-shaped.
6. Cleaning device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stick (3) is realized as a single tubular element (2).
7. Cleaning device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reservoir (7) is a fixed refillable reservoir (7).
8. Cleaning device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said means (8) for releasing the liquid from the reservoir (7) at least consist of
an outlet (10) for the liquid, sealing means (15) for this outlet (10), as well as
operating means (16) for activating the sealing means (15), more particularly, for
bringing the outlet (10) into open position.
9. Cleaning device according to claim 8, characterized in that said outlet (10) comprises an outlet opening (11) and/or mouthpiece which is situated
at the stick (3) itself, more particularly next to the lower end of the stick (3),
and, still better, at the side wall of the lower end of this stick (3).
10. Cleaning device according to any of the claims 8 to 9, characterized in that the sealing means (15) consist of a valve (17) which is forced into its closed position
by elastic means.
11. Cleaning device according to claim 10, characterized in that the valve (17) comprises a valve body (19) which is mounted axially movable in the
stick (3), and that the elastic means consist of a pressure spring (22) cooperating
with the underside of valve body (19).
12. Cleaning device according to claim 10, characterized in that the valve (17) comprises a conical valve (29) which is mounted axially movable in
the stick (3), and in that the elastic means consist of a pressure spring cooperating with the underside of
the valve (29), whereby this valve (29) can cooperate with a conical seat (28).
13. Cleaning device according to claim 11 and 12, characterized in that the valve (17) at the same time comprises a valve body (19) and a conical valve (29).
14. Cleaning device according to any of the claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the operating means (16) comprise an operating element (24) which is situated next
to the upper end of the stick (3).
15. Cleaning device according to claim 12, characterized in that the operating element (24) is a push-button which is situated on the upper axial
end of the stick (3).
16. Cleaning device according to any of the claims 10 to 11 and according to any of the
claims 12 or 13, characterized in that the operating means (16) and the sealing means (15) are connected to each other by
means of a rod (23) extending through the stick (3).
17. Part for a cleaning device, more particularly in the form of a stick (3), which allows
to realize a cleaning device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that to this aim, this part shows characteristics as defined in any of the claims 1 to
14.